Assessment of postural stability using the Zebris Platform in women above the age of 60

Introduction. Balance control and body posture stability disorders progressing with age are caused by the involutionary changes in the function of the motor and nervous systems. However, it is indicated that regular physical activity, also in older adulthood, may have a positive effect on maintaining the functions of individual systems at an optimal level. Study aim: The aim of the study was to assess the postural stability of women above the age of 60 who declare active lifestyles. Material and Methods. The research involved 24 women, who were arbitrarily divided into 3 groups according to their calendar age. The younger group consisted of 14 women below the age of 70 years ( x _ = 65.08; SD = 2.82), whereas the older group comprised 10 older adults, above the age of 70 ( x _ = 73.62; SD = 2.74). The scope of the study included evaluation of selected postural stability parameters: 95% of the ellipse area covered by the moving COP, statokinesiogram path length, mean speed regarding displacement of the centre of foot pressure, total left and total right foot pressure. The examinations were performed in June 2018 using the Zerbis FDM-S dynamographic platform. The research material collected in this way was subjected to statistical analysis. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated and normality of the distribution of variables was verified using the Shapiro- Wilk test. The Student’s t-test for independent variables or Mann-Whitney’s U-test (depending on the distribution) were used to determine the significance of differences concerning the analysed parameters of postural stability between the groups studied. Furthermore, for 95% of the ellipse area covered by the moving COP, statokinesiogram path and mean speed of the displacement of the centre of foot pressure and standardised profiles were calculated for both chronological age groups. Standardisation of the results was performed using means and standard deviations of the entire material (T scale). Results. The results of the study indicate a higher level of postural stability among women from the younger group. However, comparative analysis did not reveal any statistically significant intergroup differences. Mean point scores on the T scale in the group of younger women for the 3 variables ranged from 50.98 to 51.60 points, whereas for older women, this was from 48.90 to 48.98 points. The differences between characteristics in the group of younger women totalled ca. 0.62 points, while in the older group, this value was 0.08 points. Conclusions. comparative analysis allowed to show that postural stability indices in women above 70 decreased compared to the results obtained for the younger group. Regular physical activity may be one of the significant factors in the prevention of postural stability regression.

Consuming Selected Groups of Products Among Polish and Spanish Physical Education Students Within the Context of the Assumptions Proposed by the Mediterranean Diet

Introduction: Nutritional behaviour is determined by individual and environmental factors. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyse the frequency of consuming selected groups of food products within the context of the recommendations proposed by the Mediterranean diet model, depending on the country of residence: Polish vs. Spanish physical education students. Material and methods: Research was carried out among 219 Polish and 280 Spanish students, using the standardised Kom-PAN questionnaire. In the statistical analysis, the chi-square test was used, at the α=0.05 level of statistical significance. Results: Nutritional mistakes of the general population were related to the low frequency of consuming: fruit, vegetables, wholemeal bread and other whole grains, fermented dairy products and vegetable oils, and the relatively frequent consumption of red meat, processed meat products and confectionery. Among the Polish students, significantly more frequent consumption of some products recommended in the Mediterranean diet (fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereal products) as well as poultry meat was noted, but also more frequent consumption of sweets and confectionery products (p<0.001). The Spanish students significantly more often consumed the recommended dishes with legume seeds and sea fish (p<0.001), but also non-recommended products - red meat and fast food (p<0.01). Conclusions: Among Polish and Spanish physical education students, the assumptions of the Mediterranean diet were implemented to a limit extent, while depending on the country of residence, their differentiation was demonstrated.

Kinesthetic differentiation, kinematic and dynamic parameters in sports climbing competitors of varying ability levels

Aim of the study: To determine the differences in dynamic and kinematic parameters and kinesthetic differentiation of movement between competitors practicing sports climbing at different levels of advancement. Material and methods: The research group consisted of 30 men ( x _ = 25.6 years). The respondents were divided according to their level of experience (amateur, intermediate, advanced) into three groups of ten people. Measurements were taken of: relative strength, relative power and climbing speed for the upper and lower limbs using the Myotest accelerometer (Switzerland). To assess kinesthetic differentiation of movement, a two-plate stabilographic scale test (double-plate posturograph) was used. Results and conclusions: In climbers of greater ability we observed higher values for kinematic and dynamic parameters of the upper limbs. In the evaluation of the same parameters for the lower limbs we observed inverse relationships with climbing ability. Advanced climbers were characterized by lower relative power and relative strength of the lower limbs and also by a lower climbing speed. Compared with the amateurs, the advanced climbers who practice bouldering are characterized by a higher level of kinesthetic differentiation in posturographic tests for the shoulder girdle. The research results did not display any statistically significant differences in the level of abilities for kinesthetic differentiation of movement in measurements involving lower limbs. The research confirmed that dynamic and kinematic parameters of the upper limbs, including relative strength, relative power and climb speed, are significant determinants of the ability level of a boulderer. In the assessment of the lower limbs, these parameters do not influence ability level in bouldering. Thanks to the use of an innovative method of examining kinesthetic sensation, we noted that climbers of greater ability are more susceptible to the short-term effect of learning kinesthetic sensation when differentiating active strength (action) in the upper limbs. The double-plate posturograph is a tool which may be used for training and observing changes in terms of these coordination abilities. In response to the inclusion of climbing in the program for the Olympics as a three event competition, the introduction of training measures influencing relative power and strength parameters of the lower limbs should be considered. Optimizing training based on the development of relative power and speed of the lower limbs in competitors who practice bouldering may improve performance in speed climbing which, in the context of the multi-event competition, is of great importance.

Evaluation of football players' actions in individual risky situations of offensive play as a model determinant of a sports game

The essence of effective training in a sports game is the use of means and forms of teaching in the organisation of a game, which most faithfully reflect the environment of the player's actual activity in natural conditions. Thus, there is a need to accurately identify the conditions of competition in a sports game. One of the types of such activities is observation, which being an elementary method of cognition, based on deliberate, targeted and intended as well as systematic perception of the studied subject, process or phenomenon. Research objective and questions The aim of the work is to assess the level of absolutely dependent cooperation (synergy) during a team sports game in changing game situations, in achieving the highest offensive objective, i.e. scoring a goal. - Is the effectiveness of achieving the highest objective of the game in offensive actions (i.e. scoring a goal) dependent on the level of player synergy? - Is the size of the conflict in the sports objective of the game dependent on creative player involvement? Material and test method - In the work, detailed observation was carried out with regard to players' actions in achieving the highest objective of the game, i.e. scoring a goal. The observation concerned analysis of 134 goals scored in 61 UEFA Champions League and European League football matches in 2009-2020. - In this study, the method of observation was used, with the possibility of repeatedly observing events being the subject of research. - In the research analysis, the use of film material of recorded games on a DVD was taken into account, where the observed effects were applied to an observation sheet. - The situations in which goals were scored and the research material comprised teams that competed in a given match. - The observation of scoring goals took the type of situation and level of interaction between players into account. Results Analysis of the obtained results can be inferred: 1. In achieving the highest objective of offensive actions, a high level of synergy prevails, requiring anticipation of events. 2. The high level of synergistic activities increases with the difficulty of situational tasks. 3. Due to the multi-faceted nature of team games, the player's training process should also affect his/her mental sphere.

The Contemporary Model of The Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in The Concepts of Behavioral Epidemiology as The Basis for Obesity Research and The Choice of Methods and Tools for Measuring Behavior and Human Movement of Children and Youth. Discussion Paper

Aim. Presentation of the assumptions of the new definition of physical activity and their consequences for the interpretation of the essence and the measurement of its category and components. Material and methods. Unobtrusive research, content analysis, narrative review Results. Based on the review of the positions of American methodologists of behavioral epidemiology on the definition of physical activity attention was drawn to its new approach, alternative to that created in the 1980s.The detailed analysis of the model of the structure of physical activity, built on the assumptions of the new definition, allowed to indicate its innovativeness and consequences for: interpretation of its essence (as behaviour) and for the quantitative or qualitative measurement of the components of the structures of the new model: behaviour, human movement, exercise, physical fitness, fitness in terms of health (health related fitness, H-RF). Conclusions. 1. The new concept of the definition of physical activity deserves wider popularization outside the American continent because it is the result of the experience and broad scientific discussion of outstanding representatives of behavioral epidemiology, the leading American scientific trend, creating methodological foundations for research on obesity and other civilization diseases, health training and physical education. 2. Regardless of the existing barriers (most often mental) in the adoption of new concepts by supporters of the concept of physical activity, in the sense of movement or physical fitness, and despite the well-established positions of traditionalists regarding changes in the methods of promoting physical activity and participation in the broadly understood physical culture, the logical nature of the theoretical foundations and pedagogical pragmatism, supported by research results, suggests that in the matter of adopting a new concept of human movement and methods of studying motor behavior, one should strive to challenge the regularities found by Dutch researchers (Kemper and Van Mechelen) with regard to the acceptance of American physical fitness tests in the past: In Europe, the development of fitness tests followed the Americans, with a delay of 20 years. [1].

Selected Parameters of Anaerobic Fitness and Somatic Components Among Super-league Team Handballers Playing Various Positions

Study aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relative mechanical work (J/kg), maximal power (W/kg) and the time to attain (s) and of maintaining (s) power in the Wingate test among super-league handballers playing different positions. Additionally, the somatic components of the body were assessed, based on measuring body composition. Material and methods: Participants: 20 players of the super-league handball team. Mean age of the subjects - 25.84 ± 3.36 years, mean body height - 191.89 ± 12.82 cm, mean body mass - 97.99 ± 7.18 kg, mean BMI - 25.85 ± 1.91. Anaerobic fitness was assessed in accordance via the Wingate-30 s test procedure, on a Monark 824E cycle ergometer, using the MCEv5.0 software program, while body composition was assessed with the Tanita SC 330, Japan body composition analyser. Results: The mean value of the maximum power among the participants was - 11.45 ± 0.86 W/kg., mean value of the work - 256.78 ± 15.93 J/kg., the mean value of the time to attain power - 4.63 ± 0.80 s., mean value of time maintaining power - 2.91 ± 1.05 s., power decrease index - 26.17 ± 3.52%. The mean value of the FAT% index - 12.92 ± 3.27% and the mean percentage of water in the body composition - TBW% - 60.94 ± 1.99. Conclusions: The selected parameters of anaerobic fitness obtained by the participants in the Wingate test were at a good and average level, which certainly did not guarantee the achievement of high sports results in the men's handball super-league competition. Higher values of the parameters regarding anaerobic fitness were obtained by the players playing in the positions: centre and winger, relative to pivots and goalkeepers. The values of body composition tissue components were within the limits of the results for referencing.

Assessment of Body Mass and Fat Percentage in Children Training Judo Compared to Their Non-training Peers

Study aim: Judo training leads to an increase in the muscle mass of athletes. The consequence of this is a high level of body mass index (BMI). At the same time, the body’s fat percentage is reduced. This phenomenon has been well-described in older age groups. However, body build and composition parameters of the youngest judokas are still unclear. The aim of the study was to answer the following questions: Do the training and recruitment of athletes influence body build and composition in the studied groups? Are BMI and body fat percentage differentiated between children and younger children? Are body build and composition in studied group related to competitive experience and level of achievement in competitions? Basic procedures: The study group consisted of 21 judokas aged 11 to 12 years (younger children) and 71 non-training peers, as well as18 judokas aged 13 to 14 years (children) and 44 of their non-training peers. Body mass and composition were determined using the Tanita TBF-551 body composition analyser. Examination of the judokas was conducted during regional championships. Results and main findings: In the younger age group, significantly higher BMI and body fat percentage were observed in the group of non-training peers (20.5 and 22.2%; in judokas: 18.2 and 17.6%, respectively). In children, significant differences were observed only in body fat percentage. Its value was lower in judokas and amounted to 16.2% (in non-athlete peers: 20.1%). Comparison of body build and composition between judo athletes in the examined age groups revealed significant differences in the case of BMI. The value of this index in children was 20.5, which was significantly higher than in the younger children (17.6). No correlations of body build and composition with competitive experience and level of achievement in competitions were found in the studied groups. Conclusions: A 4-year training experience is a significant factor in the development of judo-specific body build and composition. However, their indices are not related to the level of achievement in the youngest age groups.

The Contemporary Research on The Conditions of Child and Youth Obesity, As Well As Proposals for Solving the Epidemic. The Preliminary Report

Aim. The aim of the report is to draw attention to the studies not included in system reviews and meta-analyzes which are important in the opinion of the authors of the paper - for: 1. estimating the size of the obesity phenomenon and its correlates on a global scale, 2. assessing the effectiveness of promoting physical activity and the approach to changing pro-health behaviors, with particular emphasis on the sedentary and inactive behavior. Material and methods. The effect of the preliminary literature search in the preparation of a systematic review of publications documenting the existence of regional differences in both the level of obesity and its growth rate in the last decades of the 21st century and assessing the effectiveness of interventions aimed at behavioral changes, mainly in the field of nutrition and physical activity in children and adolescents. Unobtrusive research, content analysis. Results. The report highlights the results of the research conducted as part of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE). They were compared to other European and global results of solving the problem of overweight and obesity in school-age children and adolescents, and to assessing the potential of the determinants of physical activity in several dozen countries around the world. In addition, the American proposals to solve the obesity problem were indicated, with particular emphasis on the theoretical assumptions and practical implications of the NCOOR organization, included in the American four-volume study. Conclusions. 1.Each country and geographic jurisdiction has its own limited variation in the prevalence of obesity and each of the potentially modifying factors at different levels of prevalence but the international research is able to minimize variability in these factors. 2. The ecological approach to solving the determinants of physical activity and the methods of its evaluation based on the SEM model should be treated with greater interest in the social policy of the individual countries on different continents. 3. The theoretical assumptions of American behavioral epidemiology and solutions to the problem of obesity and the practical implications based on them, resulting from many years of experience in the approach to eliminating the obesity epidemic, should be more widely disseminated and used in the programming of the health promotion outside the United States and in shaping health-oriented physical fitness in children and adolescents Health Related Fitness (H-RF).

Coping with Stress and Sense of Efficacy, as well as Satisfaction with Life in Young Athletes - a Pilot Study

Introduction: In research on styles of coping with stress conducted among athletes has demonstrated various variables determining these styles, e.g. age [1], gender [2], and styles of thinking [3]. Factors responsible for effective coping with difficult situations are sought, and consequently, greater satisfaction with life. In the presented report, it was recognised that one of the variables related to effective coping and thus, with life satisfaction, is self-efficacy. Aim of research: In this work, it was decided to establish relationships between styles of coping with stress by athletes, their sense of self-efficacy and overall satisfaction with life, as well as the type of difficult situations experienced by them. Group and method: The study comprised 40 participants, 14 women and 26 men practicing sports, 1st-year students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports. The mean age was 20.43±1.22 years. Of the subjects, 25 people practiced individual disciplines, while 15 team sports. The questionnaire “Perception of difficult situations by adolescents in sport”, the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Coping In Stressful Situations Questionnaire were used. Results: The results showed a relationship between life satisfaction and the task-oriented style of coping with stress (positive correlation) as well as the emotional style of coping with stress, engaging in substitute activities, and stressful situations - except those related to academic stress (negative correlation); self-efficacy and the task-oriented (positive correlation) and emotional style of coping with stress (negative correlation) and sense of self-efficacy and satisfaction with life (positive correlation). Conclusion: There is a relationship between the styles of coping with stress and the level of satisfaction with life as well as the level of self-efficacy among individuals practicing sports.

Physical fitness of rhythmic gymnasts depending on age and level of sports achievements

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the indices of physical development, frequency and time duration of training, and the results of physical fitness tests depending on age and level of sports achievements among rhythmic gymnasts. Materials and methods. The study comprised 36 rhythmic gymnasts: Gr1 (n=13, 9.0±1.0 years), Gr2 (n=11, 11.36±0.5 years), Gr3 (n=12, 14.27±0.7 years). After standardised sports interview, the groups with lower level of sports achievements (LSL) (n=20) and higher level of sports achievements (HSL) (n=16) were defined. Measurements of body height and mass were performed. The study participants performed the broad jump test, Unipedal Stance Test with Eyes Open (UPST-EO) and Eyes Closed (EC), and the rhythmic gymnastics specific coordinative test with a hoop. Results. The number of training sessions per week and their duration did not depend on age. The results of the broad jump were significantly different for groups Gr1, Gr2 and Gr3 (F=27.02, p<0.01). The average results for the 3 trials of UPST-EO in Gr2 and Gr3 were better than in Gr1 (F=5.51, p=0.008). The average result of UPST-EC for Gr3 was also significantly better than for Gr1 (W=9.53, p=0.008). The hoop test showed differences for all age groups Gr1<Gr3<Gr2 (F=11.55, p<0.001). HSL athletes were significantly different from LSL in frequency and duration of training, average results from 3 trials of UPST-EO, UPSTEC and the best result of UPST-EC (p<0.05). Conclusions. Differences between groups in physical fitness tests results depended on gymnasts’ age and showed their usefulness in the control of training at a particular stage of sports development. HSL gymnasts predominated over LSL in results of the one-leg standing position postural balance test with eyes opened and closed. The detected differences can be useful for coaches in identifying and developing gymnastic talent.