Introduction. Physical activity is an important element of physical culture and a healthy lifestyle, and its level can affect health-related quality of life. The literature emphasises the importance of physical activity for physical and mental functioning, but these relationships may be modified by sociodemographic factors, especially in the female population. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the level of physical activity and health-related quality of life in women and to analyse differences in quality of life and level of physical activity depending on selected sociodemographic factors. Material and methods. The study included 200 women. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life, while the level of physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric methods. The Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc analysis, Spearman's rank correlations and multiple regression were used. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. Significant positive correlations were found between the level of physical activity and selected SF-36 quality of life scales, in particular General health, Emotional well-being, Energy/Fatigue and Pain. The quality of life of women was differentiated by sociodemographic factors, with the level of education and marital status being the most important. Women with a high quality of life were characterised by a significantly higher level of physical activity compared to women with a low and medium quality of life. Conclusions. Physical activity is significantly associated with health-related quality of life in women and is an important element of physical culture that contributes to improving subjective health assessment. The results obtained indicate the need to promote an active lifestyle among women, taking into account their socio-demographic diversity.
Introduction: The first Nazi concentration camps were established in 1933 within the territory of the Third Reich, and after the outbreak of World War II, also in the occupied countries. Initially, they served as detention sites for the anti-Hitler opposition and individuals opposed to the emerging regime. After the war began, the nature and function of the camps changed dramatically, turning them into places of extermination for several million people. Regardless of time, location, or the tragic circumstances, prisoners engaged in various forms of physical activity. The aim of the study was to identify the forms, roles, and significance of boxing matches in which prisoners of Nazi concentration camps participated during World War II. Material and Methods: A source query was conducted in the Archives of Modern Records, the National Digital Archives, the Central Military Archives of the Military Historical Bureau (Warsaw), the National Library (Warsaw), as well as in central and regional libraries. Historical research methods were applied, primarily source analysis and source criticism. Results: The source query confirmed the presence of various forms of physical activity among prisoners in most Nazi concentration camps. The most common activities included boxing, football, athletics exercises, volleyball, handball, and even wrestling and swimming. Boxing fights were organized in several camps, most frequently in Auschwitz-Birkenau, MauthausenGusen, Gross-Rosen, Neuengamme, Mittelbau-Dora, Majdanek, Dachau, and Flossenb & uuml;rg. They demanded immense determination from the prisoners. The fights were extremely dangerous due to the constant threat to life, the physical exhaustion caused by forced labour, and the lack of sports facilities and equipment. Conclusions: The boxing fights undertaken by prisoners in concentration camps had little in common with the fundamental idea of sport - fair play. It quickly became evident that extremely exhausting labour, severe physical deterioration, and limited food rations did not favour engagement in such a demanding discipline as boxing. Nevertheless, boxing found its place in the concentration camps. For the Nazi perpetrators, the fights served as a form of entertainment, while for the prisoners they often represented a chance for survival and an opportunity to secure a better position within the camp hierarchy.
Background: Vocational college students represent an underserved demographic in physical education (PE) research, often characterized by lower baseline self-efficacy and elevated psychological distress compared to university peers. While gamification is a promising motivational strategy, existing studies have largely neglected vocational settings and rely heavily on pretest-posttest designs, which fail to control for measurement reactivity. Methods: To address these gaps, a Solomon four-group randomized controlled trial was conducted with 200 vocational students (mean age = 19.5 years). Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: gamified PE with pretest, gamified PE without pretest, traditional PE with pretest, or traditional PE without pretest. The 16-week intervention incorporated Self-Determination Theory (SDT) principles (points, leaderboards, leveling) via a custom mobile application. Results: Validation of the Solomon design confirmed no pretest sensitization effects (p > 0.05). The gamified intervention produced large, robust effects on Learning Motivation (d = 0.98) and significantly improved locomotor-based physical fitness, specifically cardiovascular endurance (p = 0.002) and sprint speed (p = 0.002). However, muscular strength (pull-ups/sit-ups) and BMI showed no significant changes (p > 0.05), indicating training specificity. Regarding mental health, perceived stress was significantly reduced (d = 0.59), whereas anxiety and depression scores remained unchanged. Mediation analysis identified competence satisfaction (β = 0.853) as the singular dominant driver of motivation, explaining 43% of the variance, while autonomy played a negligible role. Conclusions: Structured gamification is a highly effective pedagogical strategy for enhancing engagement and cardiorespiratory health in vocational PE. However, the lack of improvement in upper-body strength suggests that future interventions must adopt a "hybrid" design that explicitly gamifies resistance-based mechanics to ensure holistic physical development.
Emerging evidence highlights the role of targeted neuromodulation and structured exercise interventions in enhancing functional recovery following stroke. This study compared the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the supplementary motor area and Pilates-based core stability training, within a physical activity-based rehabilitation framework, on balance and gait performance in individuals with subacute stroke. Sixty-six patients were randomly assigned to three groups: group (A) received anodal tDCS over the supplementary motor area combined with conventional physiotherapy; group (B) received Pilates-based core stability training with conventional physiotherapy; and control group (C) received conventional physiotherapy with sham tDCS. Assessments were conducted pre-and post-treatment and included spatiotemporal gait parameters (step length, stance time, swing time, double support time, and velocity), balance indices (Overall Stability Index and Limit of Stability), and stroke-specific quality of life. All groups showed significant post-treatment improvements in gait, balance, and quality of life (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups (A) and (B) across outcomes (p > 0.05). However, both groups demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the control group in key gait parameters, balance measures, and quality of life (p <= 0.02). Although both interventions were associated with improvements in functional outcomes, the present study did not detect statistically significant differences between groups.
Background: This study aimed to identify associations between selected socioeconomic factors, self-reported physical fitness and engagement in physical activity, and self-rated lifestyle satisfaction among professional soldiers. Methods: The study included 200 soldiers (38 women and 142 men). The variables analyzed were age, sex, marital status, education, position held, and years of service. Furthermore, the soldiers provided information on their self-reported physical fitness. The study examined whether self-reported life satisfaction was associated with the motives and barriers to engaging in this activity. An author-designed questionnaire method was used; the research tool was an original survey questionnaire. Results: Analysis of the results showed that age (chi2 = 12.50; p = 0.005) and marital status (chi2 = 9.16; p = 0.028) were factors that significantly associated with soldiers' self-reported lifestyle satisfaction. Being in a relationship and being married doubled the odds of reporting very good or good life satisfaction (OR = 2.00; p = 0.017). This likelihood was significantly lower in soldiers rating their physical fitness as average (OR = 0.03; p <= 0.001) and poor (OR = 0.01; p <= 0.001). With regard to the motives and barriers to engaging in physical activity in the soldiers studied, no significant differences were found in self-reported lifestyle satisfaction. Conclusions: The challenges faced by soldiers require responsibility, dedication, and commitment, both physically and mentally. Therefore, their level of lifestyle satisfaction is important. Although this preliminary research was conducted in a small study group, it indicated factors that may significantly affect soldiers' lifestyle satisfaction. Further research is, therefore, needed in this area with a larger number of respondents, including both men and women.
Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is commonly reported among female athletes, yet its determinants remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to examine whether daily training duration contributes to the likelihood of UI beyond previously observed associations with smoking. Methods: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from 70 Croatian female athletes was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations between UI and age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and daily training duration as a simplified proxy for external training load, including an exploratory interaction between smoking and training duration. Results: Smoking was the only variable significantly associated with UI in the main-effects model (odds ratio [OR] = 4.18, 95% CI 1.05-16.69). Age, BMI, and training duration were not independently associated with UI. In the exploratory interaction model, smoking was associated with higher odds of UI, although with limited precision (OR = 8.26, 95% CI 1.00-68.18), while the interaction between smoking and training duration showed a positive but statistically nonsignificant association (OR = 14.72, 95% CI 0.89-243.95), indicating substantial uncertainty in the estimate. Conclusions: These findings suggest that behavioral factors may play a more relevant role in UI among female athletes than training duration alone. Although the exploratory interaction pattern should be interpreted with caution, it may suggest a possible difference in the relationship between training duration and UI according to behavioral factors such as smoking. Further studies with larger samples and multidimensional measures of training exposure are needed.
Introduction: To achieve success in international sports competition, swimming training must begin prior to the onset of puberty. Scientific studies exploring the relationship between biological traits and athletic performance in children are most often based on crosssectional designs, which may limit their ability to account for individual developmental variation. Aims: (1) To analyze the effects of a three-year swimming training programme on selected characteristics of prepubescent girls who began training without prior selection; (2) to identify which examined variables most strongly influence performance in 50m and 400m front crawl. Methods: The experimental group consisted of 14 female swimmers (mean chronological age: 10.48 +/- 0.30 years; body mass: 34.99 +/- 2.77kg; height: 146.00 +/- 3.05cm at baseline) and the control group consisted of 14 girls who participated only in compulsory physical education classes (mean chronological age: 10.52 +/- 0.29 years; body mass: 37.93 +/- 6.02kg; height: 145.55 +/- 3.88cm). Measurements were conducted over three consecutive years. In both groups, body mass and height, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and breath-hold time (BHT) were assessed. Additionally, tests of speed and coordination, lower-limb explosive strength, and abdominal muscle strength were performed. The experimental group also completed timed swimming tests of 50m and 400m front crawl. Results: The most important determinants of 400m performance were explosive strength and body mass. For the 50m distance, maximal anaerobic power was an additional significant factor. Conclusions: Swimming training during the prepubertal period can serve as an effective means of supporting the harmonious physical and functional development of girls, without posing a risk to normal biological maturation.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is recognized as a time-efficient method for enhancing physical fitness. However, its effects in military populations, who require multifaceted development of physical capabilities and psychological resilience, warrant further investigation, particularly in comparison with conventional training approaches. This study aimed to compare the effects of a structured nine-week HIIT program with conventional physical training on anaerobic performance, body composition, and subjective perceptions of stress management and physical readiness in military university students. A two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted with 61 first-year cadets (47 men, 14 women) from the University of Defence, Czech Republic. Participants were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (HIIT; n = 33) or a control group (CON; n = 28). The HIIT group performed two 90-minute weekly sessions featuring a periodized blend of interval running and high-intensity functional training, while the control group followed a standard, non-structured physical education curriculum. Within-group analyses showed a significant improvement in mean anaerobic power in the HIIT group (p < 0.001; effect size = 0.85), whereas the control group showed a non-significant change (p = 0.132; effect size = 0.33). Between-group differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.151), although the effect size indicated a small-to-moderate trend favouring HIIT. No significant differences were observed for body composition. At seven-month follow-up, mean anaerobic power in the HIIT group remained above baseline values without significant between-group differences. Participants in the HIIT group reported significantly higher perceived physical readiness (p < 0.01) and overall program evaluation (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that structured HIIT may represent a promising and time-efficient training approach in military university settings, although further research with larger samples is needed.
Background: This study aimed to assess the effects of long-term pistol use on the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle, using myotonometry (MyotonPRO) to compare State Protection Service officers with individuals who do not use pistols. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 healthy adult males aged 30-40 years, of whom 25 were professional shooters and 25 were non-pistol users. The biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the FDS muscle of the dominant hand were assessed using the MyotonPRO device at six contraction levels ranging from 0 to 100% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), based on grip strength measured with a digital dynamometer. Results: Professional shooters showed lower muscle tone, stiffness, and decrement values, suggesting greater elasticity; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Viscoelastic parameters, including relaxation time and creep, were generally higher. In unadjusted analyses, creep differed at 80% and 100% MVC (p = 0.039 and p = 0.002) with moderate effect sizes, but these differences were not significant after Benjamini-Hochberg correction. The lowest adjusted value was observed for creep at 100% MVC (q = 0.060), indicating a trend toward significance. Conclusions: Long term pistol use was not associated with increased muscle tone or stiffness of the FDS muscle. Although viscoelastic differences were observed, none remained significant after correction. Consistent patterns, particularly for creep at higher loads, may suggest subtle differences in muscle behavior; however, these findings should be interpreted with caution.
Introduction: Postural balance plays a crucial role in sports performance, particularly in young athletes during periods of intensive training. However, limited evidence exists regarding the short-and mid-term effects of intensive training camps on balance control in adolescent volleyball players. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a two-week intensive volleyball training camp on postural balance parameters in young female volleyball players, assessed immediately and one month after the camp. Methods: Twenty-nine female volleyball players aged 10-15 years participated in the study. Postural balance was assessed using a Zebris posturographic platform under eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions at three time points: before the training camp (Pre), immediately after the camp (Post1), and one month after the camp (Post2). Center of pressure (COP) parameters, including sway path length and ellipse area, were analyzed. Results: Significant improvements in postural balance parameters were observed immediately after the training camp under EO conditions (p 0.05). However, under EC conditions, several parameters deteriorated after the camp. One month after the camp, most parameters returned toward baseline values, indicating a partial loss of training-induced adaptations. Conclusion: An intensive volleyball training camp leads to short-term improvements in postural balance under visual control but may temporarily impair balance performance when visual input is removed. The observed decline in balance parameters one month after the camp highlights the need for continuous proprioceptive and balance-oriented training to maintain postural control adaptations in young volleyball players.
Background: Table tennis is a highly accessible sport practiced by individuals with various physical and intellectual impairments; however, limited research has examined how functional classification influences sport-specific technical performance. The aim of this study was to compare the precision of serves and strokes among male para table tennis players representing different integrated sport classes (1-5, 6-10, and 11). Methods: A total of 92 male athletes (age: 26.63 +/- 14.31 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Performance was evaluated using standardized tests assessing serve accuracy (Target Service Test, Extreme Side Service Test, Short Service Test), stroke precision (Alternate Push Test, Manual Quickness and Ability (Q&A) tests), and speed-related skills (Skill Speed and Displacement Speed tests). Due to non-normal data distribution, nonparametric statistical methods were applied. Between-group differences were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc Dunn-Bonferroni comparisons, while ordered trends across classes were examined using the Jonckheere-Terpstra test. Results: Significant differences were found between integrated sport classes for selected variables, with players in lower classes demonstrating higher serve precision, while those in higher classes showed superior performance in coordination and speed-related tests. The Jonckheere-Terpstra test revealed significant monotonic trends across all analyzed variables (p < 0.001), indicating systematic performance changes across classes. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the influence of functional classification on technical performance in para table tennis and support the need for classification-sensitive assessment tools.
Introduction: The ability to generate high kicking force is a key determinant of performance in taekwondo. While the biomechanical aspects of kicking techniques have been extensively investigated, the potential role of psychological traits, such as aggression, in force generation remains insufficiently explored. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between aggression levels and the ability to generate kicking force in taekwondo athletes, taking into account the role of sex and age. Materials and Methods: Thirty taekwondo athletes (6 women and 24 men; mean age 27.07 +/- 6.42 years) participated in the study. Under laboratory conditions, maximal impact force of three kicking techniques (front, roundhouse, and side kick) performed with both legs was recorded using a force plate. Aggression was assessed using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, independent-samples t-tests, and multiple linear regression were applied (p < 0.05). Results: In the regression model explaining total kicking force (R-2 = 0.53; p < 0.001), sex and age were significant predictors, whereas aggression was not statistically significant. Men generated significantly greater kicking force than women (large effect size), whereas no significant differences in aggression levels were observed between sexes. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the relationship between aggression and kicking force in taekwondo athletes is limited and technique-specific. Overall force-generation capacity appears to be determined primarily by somatic and biomechanical factors rather than by dispositional aggression. Future studies should include larger samples and additional biomechanical and psychophysiological variables.
Background: Effective lifeguard performance depends not only on physical preparedness but also on psychological functioning under stress. However, limited research has simultaneously examined anxiety levels and somatic-motor characteristics in lifeguard candidates at the initial stage of training. Methods: Fifty lifeguard candidates (19 women, 31 men) participated in the study. State and trait anxiety were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Somatic parameters included body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (FAT%). Motor performance was evaluated using the countermovement jump (CMJ), with biomechanical variables recorded via an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Between-group comparisons and Spearman's rank correlations were applied. Results: Mean anxiety levels were within normative ranges for non-clinical adult populations. No significant differences were observed between state and trait anxiety. Women demonstrated a tendency toward higher anxiety levels than men, though differences were not statistically significant. No significant associations were found between anxiety levels and somatic or motor parameters. A very strong positive correlation was identified between BMI and FAT% in both sexes (p < 0.001), with no sex differences in correlation strength. Conclusions: Anxiety levels in lifeguard candidates at the beginning of training appear independent of basic physical fitness and body composition parameters. Standard physical selection criteria may not identify individuals with elevated anxiety. Incorporating psychological screening and mental skills training into lifeguard education may enhance adaptation to training demands and improve operational effectiveness under stress.
Introduction. Monitoring and development of lower-limb explosive strength play a crucial role in youth athletic preparation and talent development. Vertical jump performance is widely used as a reliable indicator of explosive strength; however, data concerning differences between training modalities and training frequency in pre-adolescent female athletes remain limited. The aim of the study was to compare the level of lower-limb explosive strength among two groups of young female track-and-field athletes differing in strength training frequency and a non-athletic control group, using selected vertical jump tests. Methods. The research sample consisted of 92 girls (mean age: 12.1 +/- 0.7 years), all classified as pre-peak height velocity individuals. Participants were divided into three groups: athletes performing strength training once per week (G1, n = 20), athletes performing strength training twice per week supplemented with basic weightlifting exercises (G2, n = 38), and a nonathletic control group (G3, n = 34). Lower-limb explosive strength was assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJ FA), and squat jump (SJ) measured by a Chronojump system. One-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test, and ANCOVA with body height as a covariate were applied. Results. Statistically significant differences between groups were observed in all vertical jump tests (p < 0.05). The athletic groups achieved higher jump heights than the control group, with G2 demonstrating the highest performance across all tests. The largest practical differences were identified in the CMJ FA test. Group membership explained a substantially greater proportion of performance variance than body height, which showed only a limited predictive contribution. ANCOVA confirmed significant between-group effects after controlling for body height. Conclusions. The findings indicate that systematic power-oriented strength training positively influences lower-limb explosive strength in young female athletes. Increasing strength training frequency to two sessions per week, particularly when supplemented with basic weightlifting exercises, appears to provide additional performance benefits. These results support the inclusion of structured and progressive strength training programmes in youth athletics and physical education.
Introduction: Self-reported laterality-related psychological characteristics are commonly applied in sport and martial arts training, yet longitudinal evidence linking them to formal indicators of technical progression is limited. This descriptive longitudinal pilot study examined changes in laterality-related and selected emotional-cognitive attributes and explored their association with achieved technical certification in karate students enrolled in a specialized security training program. Material and Methods: Thirty-one students (22 males, 9 females; 20-26 years) completed the same standardized self-report questionnaire at program entry (September 2021) and completion (June 2024). Outcomes included laterality score (0-40), Positive Self-Awareness and Thinking (PSAT), Emotional Resilience (ER), Emotional Potential for Sport (EPS), and achieved kyu rank. Paired t-tests and chi-square tests were applied exploratorily, with effect sizes reported and questionnaire reliability interpreted descriptively. Results: Group-level laterality did not change significantly over time (t(30)=0.92, p=0.364, d=0.17). PSAT, ER, and EPS remained stable (all p>0.05; trivial effect sizes). A statistically significant association was observed between gender and achieved kyu rank (chi(2)(2)=6.99, p=0.030, Cramer's V=0.34), indicating a medium descriptive effect within this cohort. Conclusions: Across three years of structured karate training, self-reported laterality-related tendencies and emotional-cognitive characteristics remained largely stable, while technical certification outcomes differed by gender. Given the small sample size and exploratory design, findings should be interpreted descriptively. The results suggest that formal technical progression may not be systematically mirrored by changes in static self-reported psychological profiles.
The fast-paced nature of 3x3 basketball requires simple performance metrics that support quick decision-making. This study aimed to validate a new Team Performance Index (TPI) for predicting match outcomes, using data from all 34 men's games at the Paris 2024 Olympics. TPI was defined as points scored divided by a composite error term (missed shots + team fouls + turnovers-offensive rebounds + 1). We compared TPI against two established metrics-shooting efficiency (S-EFF) and a statistical value index (S-VAL)-to evaluate their predictive power using ROC-AUC, classification accuracy (with cross-validation), and effect sizes. Results showed that winning teams had significantly higher TPI (mean 1.11 vs 0.68, p<0.001, very large effect size). TPI achieved excellent discrimination between wins and losses (AUC similar to 0.91, accuracy similar to 81%), comparable to S-VAL (AUC similar to 0.93) and superior to S-EFF (AUC similar to 0.81). No significant difference in AUC was found between TPI and S-VAL, while both outperformed S-EFF. Preliminary "traffic-light" thresholds indicated that TPI <0.67 (red zone) corresponded to almost certain defeat (0% win rate), 0.67-1.05 (yellow) to an even chance (similar to 50%), and >1.05 (green) to near-certain victory (similar to 94% wins). Sensitivity analysis (MCDA) revealed missed shots and team fouls as the dominant drivers of TPI (similar to 74% combined importance), underscoring shooting accuracy and foul discipline as key success factors. In conclusion, TPI is a practical and interpretable index that effectively signals likely outcomes and supports real-time coaching decisions; however, it's not deterministic and should be further validated in diverse competitions.
Background: Saudi Arabia has made notable progress in integrating students with disabilities into mainstream education. This study aimed to examine whether gender, academic year, enrollment in adapted physical education (APE) courses, and internship experiences in general or adapted PE influence the self-efficacy of pre-service PE teachers in teaching students with intellectual (ID), physical (PD), and visual (VI) disabilities. Methods: A total of 170 pre-service physical education teachers (99 females, 71 males; mean age 21.6) from the University of Hafr Al Batin participated in the study. The Self-Efficacy Scale for Physical Education Teacher Education Majors Toward Children with Disabilities (SE-PETE-D) was used to assess their confidence across disability categories. Results: Key findings include: (1) Female participants reported higher self-efficacy scores than males across all subscales; (2) Significant differences in self-efficacy were observed by academic year, with fourth-year students scoring higher than second-year students; (3) Enrollment in APE courses was positively associated with self-efficacy, with those taking one or two courses scoring significantly higher than those with no APE training; (4) Participants who completed internships in either general or adapted PE demonstrated greater self-efficacy than those without such experience. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of practical experience and specialized coursework in fostering confidence among pre-service PE teachers. To better prepare future educators for inclusive classrooms, teacher education programs should strengthen their curricula by incorporating more applied learning and disability-focused training opportunities.
Background: Gait stability requires rapid and coordinated neuromuscular responses to unexpected perturbations, yet the muscle-specific forces underlying reactive recovery remain poorly understood. The present study investigated changes in peak lower-limb muscle forces during the recovery step following treadmill belt decelerations applied in the pre-swing phase of the gait cycle in young, healthy females. Methods: Twenty-one participants completed treadmill walking trials with controlled unilateral belt decelerations while kinematic and kinetic data were recorded and processed using OpenSim musculoskeletal modeling to estimate individual muscle forces. Results: Across all examined muscles, peak muscle forces were higher during the recovery step compared to unperturbed walking, with the largest relative increases observed in the tensor fasciae latae (118.86%), iliacus (115.57%), and gluteus maximus (101.37%). Cluster analysis revealed a hierarchical response pattern: proximal hip stabilizers generated the greatest forces, intermediate muscles contributed to hip and ankle stabilization, and distal or postural muscles exhibited smaller adjustments. Conclusions: These results highlight the central role of hip and ankle musculature in restoring dynamic balance and support previous evidence on coordinated multi-muscle responses during reactive control. Furthermore, the findings indicate that effective recovery relies on sufficient muscle capacity across nearly all lower-limb muscles, emphasizing the potential importance of strength and power in balance interventions. Limitations of static optimization and treadmill-based perturbations are acknowledged, but relative changes in muscle forces provide robust insight into reactive control strategies. Overall, this study elucidates muscle-specific contributions to balance recovery following pre-swing deceleration, informing the design of targeted interventions for fall prevention and stability enhancement.
Background: Winter swimming (WS), defined as brief immersion in cold or icy water, is gaining popularity in Poland as a recreational activity and potential health-promoting practice. Regular exposure to cold has been hypothesized to enhance immune function and reduce susceptibility to respiratory infections, yet empirical data on its relationship with influenza are limited. This pilot study aimed to assess the association between WS and the incidence of influenza and other respiratory infections among adults in Western Poland. Methods: Ninety-four participants (46 men, 48 women; mean age 39.0 +/- 12.0 years) were surveyed using a structured questionnaire assessing winter swimming frequency, physical activity, and the occurrence of influenza, common colds, and infection-related medication use. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman's correlation tests, with significance set at p0.05). However, WS participants reported a significantly lower occurrence of common colds compared to nonswimmers (chi(2)=4.77, p=0.029), with the relationship remaining significant across swimming frequency cat egories (chi(2)=9.80, p=0.020). Physical activity levels were higher among WS participants (p=0.011) but not independently related to infection outcomes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that regular WS may confer moderate protective effects against mild upper respiratory infections, though its influence on influenza susceptibility remains unconfirmed. Larger longitudinal studies with laboratory-confirmed diagnostics are needed to verify these preliminary observations and clarify underlying mechanisms.
This study was to measure physical activity (PA) and sleep habits among junior high school students in HCMC and identify factors associated with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. We performed a cross-sectional study with 1,023 junior high school students were randomly selected. Participants wore wrist-worn accelerometers for seven consecutive days to objectively record PA and sleep using validated methods. Multivariate models were used to identify predictors of achieving WHO recommendations for PA (>= 60 min/day moderate-to-vigorous physical activity-MVPA) and sleep (8-10 hours/night). Data completed on 948 students with 47.5% males and the mean age was 12.9 years. Only 35.1% and 42.8% met WHO PA and sleep recommendations, respectively. Boys engaged in significantly more MVPA than girls, while girls spent more time in light activity. Girls also showed better sleep quality-longer sleep duration, higher efficiency, and shorter latency-whereas older adolescents had shorter and less efficient sleep than younger peers. Across all groups, average sleep duration was below WHO recommendations. After adjusting for other factors, boys were significantly more likely than girls to achieve the PA guidelines. Overall, the findings indicate that gender, age, BMI, parental modeling, family encouragement, and supportive school environments are the strongest predictors of whether adolescents meet recommended PA levels. Girls, younger age, overweight/obesity, family sleeping reminders and quiet sleep environment were significant factors of adhering sleep recommendation. Our study revealed the multifactorial interaction of individual, family, and environmental factors in meeting WHO recommended levels for PA and sleep in adolescents. Multidisciplinary interventions are required to promote adolescent behaviors.
