scholarly journals Effects of the COVID-19 Health Crisis on Sports Practice, Life Quality, and Emotional Status in Spanish High-Performance Athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Conde ◽  
Luis Manuel Martínez-Aranda ◽  
Gema Sanz ◽  
Cristina López de Subijana ◽  
Antonio Sánchez-Pato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Sport Practice ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health

Spain is one of the many countries highly affected by the COVID-19 crisis, establishing very restrictive measures with a complete lockdown for more than 3 months. This situation forced the complete closure of sport practice and national or international competitions, leading to a negative impact on physical and psychological health of high-performance athletes. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (a) to determine the effects of the COVID-19 health crisis on Spanish high-performance athletes in terms of sports practice, life quality, and emotional state and (b) to identify the profile with the greatest difficulties during and after the lockdown. A sample of 130 high-performance athletes aged between 18 and 34 years (67 women and 63 men) participated in this study (83.1% achieved a medal in National–International elite competitions; 86.9% were considered student-athletes). Measures included socio-demographic data through a 5-dimension ad hoc survey: physical activity and exercise using an adapted version from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); health status and limitations using an adapted version of SF-12 Health Questionnaire; Perceived stress (Short-PSS); and Mood States (29-item POMS). All participants have shown a significant decrease pre–post-lockdown in both health and performance perception, especially in women, individual athletes, medalists, and student-athletes. Strong limitations of training, attention, and motivation as well as a moderate negative emotional state during lockdown were reported, in women, individual athletes, medalists, and student-athletes. Even with an improved emotional state and energy level in the post-lockdown period, moderate-to-high stress scores were reported by women and medalists. Our findings highlight the importance of paying attention to the physical and psychological health of elite athletes on three profiles: team athletes (due to social distance), student-athletes (dual-career issues), and women athletes (prevalence of implicit gender inequalities in sport).

scholarly journals Physical Activity As a Fundamental Component of a Healthy Lifestyle in the Context of Social Change. Application of the “Melodance” Method

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-79
Author(s):  
Victoria А. Dmitrieva ◽  
◽  
Kristina S. Kharlova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Change ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Fundamental Component ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
Wide Potential

Substantiates the effectiveness of using the «Melodance» technique as a means of physical activity that increases well-being, activity and mood, improves physical condition and the desire for a healthy lifestyle. The results of our own research have shown that the Melodance technique has a wide potential as a means of physical activity and strengthening the physical and psychological health of a person, as well as forming an attitude towards a healthy lifestyle. The prospects for the application of this technique are shown.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions on Pregnancy-Related Outcomes among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen W. H. Chan ◽  
Elce Au Yeung ◽  
Bernard M. H. Law
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Gestational Weight Gain ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Gestational Weight ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health

Regular physical activity has been demonstrated to contribute to physical and psychological health. Nevertheless, pregnant women generally exhibit low levels of physical activity. Implementation of interventions that enhance the self-efficacy of pregnant women on increasing physical activity is required. This paper provides an in-depth review of studies reporting the effect of various physical activity interventions dedicated for pregnant women on pregnancy-related issues, including gestational weight gain, pain and depression, physical activity level, and quality of life among these individuals. Five databases were used in searching the literature. Findings of the included studies were presented narratively, and appraisal of their methodological quality was conducted using the quality assessment tool developed by Effective Public Health Practice Project. Review findings demonstrated that physical activity interventions are effective in enhancing physical activity levels of pregnant women. Further, they are potentially useful in alleviating pregnancy-related pain and psychological symptoms, reducing gestational weight gain, and increasing self-efficacy in enhancing physical activity levels among these individuals. Nevertheless, inconsistencies in findings between studies hamper the drawing of firm conclusions on these latter outcomes. Overall, studies demonstrated a positive effect of physical activity interventions on the well-being and physical and psychological health of pregnant women.

Effect of mindfulness meditation on short-term weight loss and eating behaviors in overweight and obese adults: A randomized controlled trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen C. Spadaro ◽  
Kelliann K. Davis ◽  
Susan M. Sereika ◽  
Bethany B. Gibbs ◽  
John M. Jakicic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Dietary Restraint ◽  
Obese Adults ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Health Crisis

AbstractBackgroundThere is a significant health crisis with rates of obesity continuing to increase despite research and clinical standard behavioral weight loss programs (SBWP). Mindfulness meditation (MM), with demonstrated benefits on physical, psychological health, and self-regulation behaviors was explored with SBWP.MethodsForty-six adults (BMI=32.5±3.7 kg/m2; age=45.2±8.2 years, 87 % female, 21.7 % African American) were randomly assigned to a 6-month SBWP only (n=24) or SBWP+MM (n=22) at a university-based physical activity and weight management research center in a northeastern US city. Participants were instructed to decrease intake (1200–1500 kcal/day), increase physical activity (300 min/wk), and attend weekly SBWP or SBWP+MM sessions. SBWP+MM had the same SBWP lessons with addition of focused MM training. Outcome measures collected at 0, 3, and 6 months included: weight, Block Food Frequency Questionnaire, Eating Behavior Inventory, Eating Inventory and Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using linear mixed modeling for efficacy analysis of weight (primary) and eating, exercise and mindfulness (secondary outcomes).ResultsRetention rate was 76.1 % (n=35). A significant group by time interaction (p=0.03) was found for weight, with weight loss favoring SBWP+MM (−6.9 kg+2.9) over SBWP (−4.1 kg+2.8). Eating behaviors (p=0.02) and dietary restraint (p=0.02) improved significantly in SBWP+MM, compared to SBWP. MM enhanced weight loss by 2.8 kg potentially through greater improvements in eating behaviors and dietary restraint.ConclusionsThese findings support further study into the use of MM strategies with overweight and obese adults. The use of this low-cost, portable strategy with standard behavioral interventions could improve weight management outcomes.

scholarly journals Sport Intervention Programs (SIPs) to Improve Health and Social Inclusion in People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scifo ◽  
Borrego ◽  
Monteiro ◽  
Matosic ◽  
Feka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Specific Practice ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Improve Health

Inactivity is a major issue that causes physical and psychological health problems, especially in people with intellectual disability (ID). This review discusses the beneficial effects of sport intervention programs (SIPs) in people with ID, and aims to provide an overview of the scientific literature in order to identify the main factors influencing the participation of people with ID in SIPs. Twelve papers were analyzed and compared. The results show a large variety in examined SIPs, concerning participants’ age and disability, intervention characteristics and context, as well as measures and findings. The main factors essential for people with ID partaking in SIPs appeared to be suitable places for the SIP development, adequate implementation of physical activity (PA) programs in school and extra-school contexts, education, and the training of teachers and instructors. The literature review highlights the relevance of using SIPs in order to improve physical and psychological health, as well as increase social inclusion in populations with ID. SIPs should be included in multifactor intervention programs. Nevertheless, the need is recognized for stakeholders to adopt specific practice and policy in promoting social inclusion in order to organize intervention strategies which are able to provide quality experiences in sport and physical activity for people with ID.

scholarly journals Spotlight on the fetus: how physical activity during pregnancy influences fetal health: a narrative review

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000658
Author(s):  
Ilena Bauer ◽  
Julia Hartkopf ◽  
Stephanie Kullmann ◽  
Franziska Schleger ◽  
Manfred Hallschmid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Relaxation Techniques ◽  
Cognitive Effects ◽  
Neuronal Function ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Unfavourable Effect ◽  
Harmful Effects

Before and during pregnancy, women often aim to improve their lifestyle so as to provide a healthier environment for their developing child. It remains unresolved, however, as to whether physical activity (PA) during pregnancy poses a possible risk or whether it might even have beneficial effects on the developing child. There is increasing evidence that PA during pregnancy is indeed beneficial to maternal physiological and psychological health and that it is generally not detrimental to the fetal cardiovascular system and neuronal function in the developing child. This also led to international recommendations for PAs during pregnancy. In the current review, we aimed to comprehensively assess the evidence of beneficial and harmful effects of maternal PA, including high-performance sports, on fetal development. The different mental and body-based relaxation techniques presented here are frequently performed during pregnancy. We found a considerable number of studies addressing these issues. In general, neither low key, moderate maternal PA nor relaxation techniques were observed to have a harmful effect on the developing child. However, we identified some forms of PA which could have at least a transient unfavourable effect. Notably, the literature currently available does not provide enough evidence to enable us to make a general conclusive statement on this subject. This is due to the lack of longitudinal studies on the metabolic and cognitive effects of regular PA during pregnancy and the wide diversity of methods used. In particular, the kind of PA investigated in each study differed from study to study.

The Independent Influence of Physical Inactivity and Obesity on Health Complaints in 6th to 10th Grade Canadian Youth

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Janssen ◽  
Peter T. Katzmarzyk ◽  
William F. Boyce ◽  
William Pickett
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Health Complaints ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Canadian Youth ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health

Background:The purpose of this study was to examine the independent influence of physical inactivity and obesity on health complaints in school-aged youth.Methods:The findings are based on Canadian records from the 2001-2002 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Survey. The study cohort consisted of 5673 youth in grades 6 to 10. Body weight and height (used to calculate body mass index and adiposity level), physical activity, and somatic (physical) and psychological health complaints were measured by questionnaire. General linear models were used to characterize the associations between physical activity and adiposity with somatic and psychological health complaints.Results:In boys and girls, adiposity level alone was independently associated with somatic health complaints, whereas both physical activity level and adiposity level were independently associated with psychological health complaints.Conclusion:The findings suggest that the prevention and treatment of both physical inactivity and obesity are important in school-aged youth.

scholarly journals Feasibility and acceptability of a faith-based mind-body intervention among African American adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 928-937 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scherezade K Mama ◽  
Nishat Bhuiyan ◽  
Alejandro Chaoul ◽  
Lorenzo Cohen ◽  
Christopher P Fagundes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
African American ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
African American Adults ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
The Mind

Abstract Physical activity reduces cancer risk, yet African American adults remain insufficiently active, contributing to cancer health disparities. Harmony & Health (HH) was developed as a culturally adapted mind-body intervention to promote physical activity, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life among a church-based sample of overweight/obese, insufficiently active African American adults. Men and women were recruited to the study through an existing church partnership. Eligible participants (N = 50) were randomized to a movement-based mind-body intervention (n = 26) or waitlist control (n = 24). Participants in the intervention attended 16 mind-body sessions over 8 weeks and completed a physical assessment, questionnaires on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and psychosocial factors, and accelerometry at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and 6 week follow-up (T3). Eighty percent of participants (94% women, M age = 49.7 ± 9.4 years, M body mass index = 32.8 ± 5.2 kg/m2) completed the study, and 61.5% of intervention participants attended ≥10 mind-body sessions. Participants self-reported doing 78.8 ± 102.9 (median = 40.7, range: 0–470.7) min/day of MVPA and did 27.1 ± 20.7 (median = 22.0, range: 0–100.5) min/day of accelerometer-measured MVPA at baseline. Trends suggest that mind-body participants self-reported greater improvements in physical activity and psychosocial well-being from baseline to post-intervention than waitlist control participants. HH is feasible and acceptable among African American adults. Trends suggest that the mind-body intervention led to improvements in physical activity and psychosocial outcomes. This study extends the literature on the use of mind-body practices to promote physical and psychological health and reduce cancer disparities in African American adults.

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