Physical activity is vital for a child’s development and is influenced by their living environment and parental role models. This study examined the relationship between selected socioeconomic factors, children’s physical activity levels, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Data were collected from 9,333 children aged 6.5 to 9.5 years participating in the “Physical Education (PE) with University of Physical Education (abbreviation in Polish - AWF)” Programme (2021–2024). Information included anthropometric data of children and parents, physical activity levels, children’s leisure activities, and parents’ employment status. The data was collected using a questionnaire designed for the programme. Children with normal BMI were more active and more often engaged in organized (χ2 = 33.92; p < 0.001) and unorganized (χ2 = 4.08; p = 0.04) physical activities than obese peers. They spent less time on passive activities like watching TV (χ2 = 51.57; p < 0.001) or using a computer (χ2 = 88.18; p < 0.001). Overweight children preferred sedentary and low-intensity activities. Normal BMI correlated with parents’ higher education and employment (mothers: χ2 = 115.80; fathers: χ2 = 45.30; both p < 0.001) and living in larger cities (χ2 = 40.14; p < 0.001). Parental education and employment positively influence children’s BMI and activity levels. Normal BMI is associated with greater engagement in both structured and unstructured physical activity.

Introduction:Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are essential for fostering physical literacy, supporting talent development, and promoting public health in school-aged populations. This study aimed to evaluate FMS proficiency among students in school-based sports physical education (PE) programs, which offer sport-specific training, and compare it to students in traditional PE programs. A secondary aim was to examine whether these programs promote early specialization or early diversification in youth sport development. Methods:A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 1,332 students (ages 10-14; 58% boys) from 12 schools across Poland, including 547 students in school-based sports PE programs and 785 in traditional PE. The Fundamental Motor Skills in Sport (FUS) test, a qualitative and process-oriented assessment tool, was used to evaluate FMS across six motor tasks: hurdles, jumping rope, forward roll, ball bouncing, ball throwing and catching, and kicking and stopping a ball. Participants were further categorized by sport: boys into basketball, track and field, soccer, and volleyball; girls into basketball, track and field, and volleyball. Results:Overall, FMS proficiency was at an "insufficient" level in both groups, with 72% of boys and 77% of girls in school-based sports PE programs, and 90% of boys and 92% of girls in traditional PE programs. Additionally, the analysis revealed a predominant emphasis on early specialization within school-based sports PE programs. Conclusions:Both school-based sports and traditional PE programs fail to ensure adequate FMS proficiency in students. The sport PE programs' curricular focus on early specialization over diversification may further restrict opportunities for motor competence development, with potential consequences for lifelong physical activity and the early stages of talent development.

Background and Study Aim: Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. Comprehensive corrective exercises (CCE) are the most commonly used conservative intervention for UCS, while Chinese health-preserving exercises (CHE) also demonstrate positive outcomes. This meta-analysis aims is knowledge about the effectiveness between CCE and CHE in addressing UCS-related postural symptoms, including forward head, round shoulders, and kyphosis. Material and Methods: This meta-analysis included 24 studies comprising 995 participants, selected from six databases: EMBASE, EBSCO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and CNKI up to September 2024. In the qualified researches, the exercise interventions were primarily restricted and classified into CHE or CCE, and the primary outcome indicators included forward head angle (FHA), forward shoulder angle (FSA) or kyphosis angle (KPA). Results: Both Chinese health-preserving exercises: standardized mean difference (SMD) =-2.32; 95% CI =-3.26 to-1.38; p<0.00001) and comprehensive corrective exercises (SMD =-1.54; 95% CI =-1.95 to-1.12; p<0.00001) significantly improve forward head angle, with no significant difference between them. Chinese health-preserving exercises significantly reduced forward shoulder angle (SMD =-0.88; 95% CI =-1.28 to-0.49; p = 0.002), while Comprehensive corrective exercises demonstrated significant reductions in both forward shoulder angle (SMD =-1.39; 95% CI =-1.84 to-0.94; p<0.00001) and kyphosis angle (SMD =-2.25; 95% CI-3.15 to-1.35; p<0.0001). Conclusions: Chinese health-preserving exercises and comprehensive corrective exercises present effective strategies for enhancing postural alignment in upper crossed syndrome, including forward head and rounded shoulders. Comprehensive corrective exercises also show significant potential in improving thoracic kyphosis.

Introduction:Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are foundational for lifelong physical activity and talent development. However, their development is often overlooked in favor of sport-specific outcomes in physical education (PE). This study aimed to evaluate FMS proficiency among students enrolled in traditional and school-based sport PE programs and explore implications for early specialization and motor competence. Methods:We assessed FMS proficiency in a large sample of Polish students aged 10-14 (N = 2,238) using the validated Fundamental Motor Skills in Sport (FUS) test. Participants were grouped based on enrollment in traditional PE or school-based sport PE programs. Proficiency was classified into four levels based on mastery across six motor tasks. Results:The majority of students in both groups failed to meet the basic FMS proficiency threshold. Specifically, 72% of boys and 77% of girls in sport PE programs were below elementary proficiency, compared to 90% of boys and 92% of girls in traditional PE. While sport PE students outperformed their peers, significant deficits remained. Gender differences showed boys had advantages in object control skills, while girls performed better in coordination-oriented tasks. Discussion:Both traditional and sport PE programs fall short of supporting adequate FMS development, potentially due to overemphasis on early specialization and lack of instructional support for motor competence. These findings underscore the need for curricular reforms and targeted teacher training to prioritize broad motor skill development and promote long-term participation in physical activity.

Football requires skills to perform passes, reception, shots and dribbling. Amputation of lower limb decrease balance, but is crucial for movement control in amputee football. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess balance of amputee football players according to sports level, training experience, position on the pitch, type and moment of acquiring disability (from birth, during life). The study involved 66 participants of the European Amputee Football Championships. Balance was measured using stabilographic platform. Participants performed one-leg stance test (eyes open and closed). There were no differences in balance level between players of teams ranked between 1 and 7 and 8 to 14 places in the championships. Players who trained for more than 8 years had significantly better balance compared to players who trained shorter in trials with eyes closed. No differences in balance levels identified between groups according to position on the pitch. Although balance plays a significant role in open-skills sports, it seems to be an area underutilized in amputee football. Therefore, the training of this motor skills should be systematic and include balance exercises performed on stable and unstable backgrounds, with eyes open and closed, and individualized according to the players roles on the pitch.

Purpose: The main aim of this study was to identify future steps and research priorities for developing evidence-based classifications by experts’ consensus in sitting volleyball. Methods: Forty-nine experts were invited to take part in a three-round Delphi study in eleven topic areas specific for development of classification in sitting volleyball. Two researchers independently analyzed the opinions of experts from each phase. To ensure external validation of the study, the third researcher reviewed the result of the analysis of the other two researchers and proposed corrections. Results: Fundamental sitting volleyball skills as sport performance determinants specific for the discipline were established. Experts identified that upper limb function is crucial for all volleyball activities and agreed with nearly all current minimum impairment and sport class VS1/VS2 criteria; however, they addressed that players with upper limb impairment are in the same class with lower limb impairment players, and suggested consideration for a separate class for those players. Conclusions: In the end, with conclusions pertaining to several eligible impairment groups of lower and/or upper limbs, the separation for upper limb impairment athletes or new impairments criteria for class VS1 needs to be discussed and developed. Importantly, respondents’ opinion should not be the only evidence for developing and changing the current classification system. Any change in the system should come based on research results considering sport specific and participants needs.

Background and Study Aim: The expansion of sports for women has served as an impetus for new research in martial arts. The aim of this study is knowledge about the influence of a 12-week training program developed to meet the menstrual cycle effects on special physical fitness, technical and tactical actions and heart rate variability indicators among female muay thai athletes. Material and Methods: The study involved 28 female muay thai athletes with a regular 28- day menstrual cycle. They were divided into experimental (aged 20.79 +/- 1.93 years) and control groups (aged 21.07 +/- 1.38 years), engaging 14 persons each. The experiment was conducted during which the athletes of the experimental group were trained for 12 weeks by a training program designed to meet the menstrual cycle of women. The indicators of special physical fitness, technical and tactical actions in controlled sparring, heart rate variability indicators before and after the experiment were determined in female athletes of both groups. Results: The differences in indicators ranged from 11.45 (p < 0.05) to 29.64% (p < 0.01). The analysis of intergroup differences of technical and tactical action indicators showed that after the experiment the number of strikes delivered was significantly higher among women of the experimental group by 9.76%, the ratio of attacking and defensive actions by 11.76% and 12.47% respectively, and the ratio of combat efficiency by 12.63% (p < 0.05). In the experimental group compared to the control group athletes, 16 out of the 17 analyzed parameters of heart rate variability changed significantly after 12 weeks of the experiment, during which the women were trained under different programs. Conclusions: We determined the positive influence of a 12-week training program developed to meet the menstrual cycle on the indicators of special physical fitness, the number of strikes, the coefficients of attacking and defensive actions, the effectiveness of combat actions during sparring, as well as the heart rate variability indicators of female muay thai athletes. We are recommending this program for female muay thai athletes.

Objectives: With the premise that physical education classes should promote physical activity by teaching and learning fundamental motor skills, this study aimed to evaluate the fundamental motor skill proficiency of primary school students and determine the level of achievement of established learning outcomes for fundamental motor skills, as specified in the Polish National Physical Education Curriculum. Design and methods: A cross-sectional design was used for this study. The sample consisted of 2605 children and adolescents enrolled in grades 1-3 (ages 7-9, n = 1165), 4-6 (ages 10-12, n = 837), and 7-8 (ages 13-14, n = 603), including 1353 boys and 1252 girls. The Fundamental Motor Skills in Sport test, a qualitative and process-oriented assessment tool, was used to evaluate fundamental motor skills. The Fundamental Motor Skills in Sport test evaluates the following movement skills: hurdles, jumping rope, forward roll, ball bouncing, ball throwing and catching, and kicking and stopping a ball. Results: The desired level of overall fundamental motor skill proficiency was achieved by only 2 % of students. An elementary level of fundamental motor skill proficiency was demonstrated by an additional 3.5 % of students. Further, the results showed that only 10-30 % of students had achieved mastery or were close to achieving mastery in a given fundamental motor skill. The skill with the lowest level of proficiency was jumping rope, which only 11 % of students had mastered or were near to mastering. Conclusions: The present study of a large, nationally representative sample of primary school students in Poland indicates that the vast majority (approximately 94%) of them demonstrated insufficient fundamental motor skill proficiency. This may greatly hinder effective, safe, and healthy participation in lifelong physical activity. (c) 2023 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are essential for enjoyable, confident and skillful participation in physical activity across the lifespan. Due to the alarming low level of FMS proficiency in children and adolescents worldwide, the development of motor competency is an urgent issue for physical education. The promotion and implementation of a systematic process of teaching and learning FMS should be a physical education priority. Accordingly, effective assessment tools for evaluating FMS should be adopted or developed. Because FMS assessment for both children and adolescents need further effective solutions, the primary aim of this study was to develop the new age-related test of FMS (Fundamental Motor Skills in Sport test, in Polish : Test Fundamentalnych Umiejętności Ruchowych w Sporcie, FUS). The secondary aim of this study was to establish validity and inter-rater, intra-rater, test-retest reliabilities and internal consistency of the FUS test. The FUS test involves six sport skill-based tasks: hurdling, jumping rope, forward roll, ball bouncing, throwing and catching a ball, and kicking and stopping a ball. Two hundred sixty-four Polish students in grades 1–3 (7–9 yrs; n = 81), 4–6 (10–12 yrs; n = 89) and 7–8 (13–14 yrs; n = 94), including 139 girls and 125 boys completed the FUS test. The content validity index for all items was notably high. Both inter-rater and intra-rater reliability showed substantial to almost perfect agreement, with observed agreements for FUS skills between 78.5 and 93.1%. Ball bouncing had a moderate correlation with the forward roll and throwing and catching, while other correlations were low or insignificant. ICC values, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97, confirmed excellent test-retest reliability. The results of our study provide evidence that the FUS test is valid, reliable, and feasible to administer in school settings. Therefore, this tool test has the potential to support deliberate practice and improve motor competence by providing a standardized and structured approach to measuring FMS among school-aged children and adolescents.

Background: This scoping review aims to identify sports performance tests for amputee football players and to critically analyze the methodological quality, validation data, reliability, and standardization of sport-specific tests to indicate the best-fitting tests. Methods: Electronic database searches were conducted between January 2019 and October 2021. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. Qualitative assessment of each study was conducted by STROBE checklist. Results: Twenty-nine sports performance tests were identified. No sports performance test fully met all three criteria associated with the qualitative assessment of tests. The critical appraisal of the articles demonstrates a gap in study design, settings, and main results description. Some inconsistencies were found in the methodological descriptions of tests assessing the same motor skill. A STROBE score of 13 points was considered a satisfactory score for the article (it was obtained by 8 of the 12 studies). The weakest point of the analyzed studies was the description of how the test group size was accessed and later obtained. Conclusions: No test was found that was simultaneously presented as valid, reliable, and standardized. The authors can recommend the use of the two-sports performance tests that are the closest to ideal: the L test and the YYIRT1.

Every parasport is currently encouraged to consider evidence-based classification to develop their respective classification system. Therefore, the aims of this study were to: (1) assess the relationship between trunk function and anaerobic power determining proficiency in wheelchair basketball, and (2) define "natural classes" in wheelchair basketball based on anaerobic power. Fifty-nine elite players (representing five national teams) were divided into four main functional classes: Group 1 (n=17), Group 2 (n=14), Group 3 (n=16), Group 4 (n=12). They performed the 6x10s Anaerobic Power Test using an arm crank ergometer. Average values of mean power, peak power, relative mean power, relative peak power, and power decrement were calculated for the 6x10s and 3x10s tests. The Spearman's correlation matrix revealed significant correlations between classes and values recorded in the 6x10s test. This confirmation between anaerobic power and players' classification endorses the division of players into different classes. Furthermore, cluster analysis (with fair quality) divided players into two "natural classes". The first resulting class was mainly formed of participants from Group 1 (71%). An important complement to this research could be to consider wheelchair acceleration and the volume of trunk action in wheelchair basketball classification.

Introduction: Shoulder girdle as highly specialized set of structures is particularly susceptible to overloading and injuries. In current literature USG and MRI results shows poor correlation with the function, which lead to some problems in correct diagnosis. The structure contributing to this issue might be fascia. One of the methods examination and treatment is very poorly known Fascial Distortion Model. The aim of our research was to assess the impact of the Fascial Distortion Model on shoulder girdle dysfunction.Materials and methods: The subject of research were 78 patients with shoulder dysfunction. Experimental group of 50 patients underwent six 30-minutes FDM treatments, performed every second day. The control group of 28 patients were subjected standard physiotherapy. Measurement of mobility and pain was done by: functional tests, DASH questionnaire, modified CONSTANT scale and VAS scale.Results: The experimental group obtained better results than control group. This was due to less pain (M = 0.56, SD = 1.03) vs (M = 6.71, SD = 1.88) and a greater limb function (M = 3.46, SD = 7.80) vs (M = 42.72, SD = 16.52). Participants treated with FDM improved in ROM, DASH score and VAS at the significance level (p = .000).Conclusions: 1. Fascial distortions may contribute to dysfunction of the shoulder complex. 2. Connective tissue problems can limit the range of movement 3. Fascia disorders may contribute pain.

Purpose: to analyze the first experience of administering Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for the students (studs) enrolled in the master's degree program majoring in physical therapy at National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport. Material and methods. The survey included 21 examiners (examrs) and 46 studs involved in OSCE administering. The questionnaire consisted of the questions assessing the quality of station equipment, clarity of the exam format, other aspects. Results. All the examrs informed of total clarity of the examination format, but only 13 (61.9%) of them noted a similar level of clarity for the studs. Тhe examrs identified 3 main reasons for unsuccessful attempts to perform a skill/task: insufficient training, new format of checking knowledge/examination, slightly different focus of training. The distribution of answers concerning the clarity of the format of the examination and its tasks provided by the studs did not differ statistically from those provided by the teachers. The vast maj ority of the examrs indicated that the skills were of sufficient difficulty for the purpose of the examination. 5 examrs had significant difficulties assessing skill performance according to the provided form, while 7 of them had slight difficulties and the rest had no difficulties. The majority of the studs noted that the number of stations and equipment was sufficient (no statistical differences were determined between the answers of the studs and the examrs). Conclusions. The survey revealed the need for introducing certain changes in OSCE assessment form, in the educational program, conducting special preparatory classes for studs. The obtained results can be used to improve the development of OSCE in physical therapy in Ukraine.

In wheelchair basketball the observation of active trunk movement during a game is done by a qualified panel of classifiers. Players are allocated into one out of eight class. In the past, the map of the volume of action for each class player was created based on classifiers’ experience and knowledge (in qualitative way, without the range of trunk movement). Based on Paralympics’ classification standards there is a need to provide quantitative data for the current classes. The aim of this study was to create the map and reference values of the volume of trunk action of wheelchair basketball players and to check if there are differences in results between players representing different functional classes. The second aim was to investigate if there are significant benefits of using additional equipment with the sport wheelchair like sports straps that help players to achieve the greater volume of trunk action. Sixty-eight players divided into functional classes were asked to perform the maximum active trunk range of movement in three planes, in a sport wheelchair with straps and without straps, that was measured by the Kinect for Windows V2 sensor. The differences in movement was assessed by the t-test or the Wilcoxon test, differences between classes were done by ANOVA and the post hoc Tukey test. The discriminant analysis was calculated. Significant greater volume of trunk action in each plane was noticed in a sport wheelchair with straps (p < .05). There were observed significant differences in trunk movement in three planes between neighboring classes (p < .05). 76.9% original grouped cases were correctly classified. The accuracy of the current classification system in wheelchair basketball was confirmed. The map and reference values of the volume of trunk action will be helpful for all wheelchair basketball stakeholders. Trunk flexion and rotation discriminate the most effectively players. All class players should use appropriately fitted straps around hips during wheelchair basketball game, for safeness and wider volume of action.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) mandates Paralympic Sports to develop evidence-based classification systems that allocate athletes into 'classes' according to the impact of their impairment on sport-specific performance. In wheelchair-basketball, a panel of classifiers assesses athlete's performance through observation. One key barrier to evidence-based classification is the absence of defined eligible impairments, including clear guidelines on how to assess them and their impact on wheelchair basketball performance. This study aims to reach expert consensus on issues specific to wheelchair basketball that can benefit from evidence-based classification. It offers recommendations for refining the classification manual, thus improving adherence to the IPC classification code. A three-round Delphi study was conducted with 29 experts in wheelchair basketball. The experts agreed with the new definition for the aim of wheelchair basketball classification, which is in line with the IPC code. Cases identified as having the highest risk for disagreement between classifiers included classifying players with upper limb deficiency or with impaired coordination. The panel failed to agree on changing the classification procedures and on defining the eligible impairment list. This study identifies issues specific to wheelchair basketball classification to be addressed in future research. Additional discussions need to take place to promote further resolution.

Kompendium najnowszej wiedzy na temat sportu osób z niepełnosprawnościami. Sport ten jest pokazany z uwzględnieniem różnych dysfunkcji zawodników i w szerokim zakresie, zarówno od strony organizacyjnej i metodycznej, jak i psychologicznej oraz socjologicznej. Informacje o historii, przepisach i współzawodnictwie znajdują się obok kontrowersyjnych zagadnień klasyfikacji, nowoczesnych technologii wspomagających i specyfiki szkolenia sportowego zawodników niepełnosprawnych. Szczególną część podręcznika stanowią opisy dyscyplin i wskazania metodyczne do nauczania podstawowych umiejętności technicznych. Ponad 200 rycin doskonale ilustruje omawiane zagadnienia. Autorami podręcznika są doświadczeni praktycy, trenerzy kadry paraolimpijskiej i naukowcy z kraju i zagranicy. Książka dedykowana przede wszystkim studentom kierunków związanych z ochroną i profilaktyką zdrowia, w tym fizjoterapii i terapii zajęciowej. Absolwentom przygotowującym się do Państwowego Egzaminu z Fizjoterapii (PEF) dostarczy niezbędnej wiedzy z zakresu aktywności fizycznej osób z dysfunkcjami, a później będzie pomocna w praktyce zawodowej. Będzie także źródłem informacji i praktycznych wskazówek dla instruktorów i trenerów pracujących na co dzień z osobami z niepełnosprawnością, nauczycieli wychowania fizycznego i specjalnego zatrudnionych w szkołach integracyjnych i specjalnych, specjalistów adaptowanej aktywności fizycznej oraz animatorów sportu niepełnosprawnych. * Fragment (epub) * Fragment (mobi)

Purpose: The aim of this work was to determine anaerobic performance in male amputee football players considering types and levels of limb impairment, playing position, anthropometric parameters, and comparing the findings to reference values. Relationship between parameters in the laboratory anaerobic test and the handgrip test was checked. Methods: The 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test (peak power, mean power, relative peak power, relative mean power, time to achieve peak power, fatigue index) on the arm-crank ergometer (LODE ANGIO), the FUTREX 6100 (Futrex, Gaithersburg, USA) and the handgrip test were used in amputee football players (n = 23). Anthropometric measurements were collected. Results: There were no differences in anaerobic results between players considering types and levels of limb impairment. Forwards had significantly higher relative mean and peak power (p = 0.049, d = 0.82; p = 0.049, d = 0.81), and lower amputation-adjusted body mass index (p = 0.001, d = 1.50) than defenders. For peak power, 19 out 23 achieved, and for relative peak power, 22 out 23 achieved results from “average” to “elite”. Peak power strongly correlated to handgrip strength results. Conclusions: Amputee football requires a high level of power from players. Maintaining appropriate body composition is important for amputee football players to have better anaerobic performance during the game. The 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test can be used to assess anaerobic performance in AF players. Sport-specific anaerobic performance laboratory tests and field-based tests using in indirect upper limbs’ peak power monitoring would be beneficial for coaches.

ENWEndNote BIBJabRef, Mendeley RISPapers, Reference Manager, RefWorks, Zotero AMA Kosmol A, Bednarczuk G, Molik B, Buszta M. Sprint performance of male track athletes at Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2016. Advances in Rehabilitation. 2021;35(1):39-46. doi:10.5114/areh.2020.101481. APA Kosmol, A., Bednarczuk, G., Molik, B., & Buszta, M. (2021). Sprint performance of male track athletes at Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2016. Advances in Rehabilitation, 35(1), 39-46. https://doi.org/10.5114/areh.2020.101481 Chicago Kosmol, Andrzej, Grzegorz Bednarczuk, Bartosz Molik, and Mariusz Buszta. 2021. "Sprint performance of male track athletes at Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2016". Advances in Rehabilitation 35 (1): 39-46. doi:10.5114/areh.2020.101481. Harvard Kosmol, A., Bednarczuk, G., Molik, B., and Buszta, M. (2021). Sprint performance of male track athletes at Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2016. Advances in Rehabilitation, 35(1), pp.39-46. https://doi.org/10.5114/areh.2020.101481 MLA Kosmol, Andrzej et al. "Sprint performance of male track athletes at Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2016." Advances in Rehabilitation, vol. 35, no. 1, 2021, pp. 39-46. doi:10.5114/areh.2020.101481. Vancouver Kosmol A, Bednarczuk G, Molik B, Buszta M. Sprint performance of male track athletes at Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2016. Advances in Rehabilitation. 2021;35(1):39-46. doi:10.5114/areh.2020.101481.