Are swimming coaches ready to help injured young swimmers?

Study aim: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and skills of swimming coaches in providing first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Material and methods: The sample consisted of 59 swimming coaches who responded to non-standardized questionnaire. The collected data were processed by the statistical program IBM SPSS (20.0), using the Chi-square test with cross-tabulation, with a level of statistical significance p ≤ 0.05. Results: Obtained data showed a statistically significant difference in the knowledge of swimming coaches about first aid and CPR in relation to coaching experience (p = 0.025); in the knowledge of providing first aid and CPR between coaches who have a certificate of first aid and CPR and those who do not (p = 0.006) and in first aid and CPR knowledge between coaches who have renewed their first aid and CPR knowledge and those who did not (p = 0.045). Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, swimming coaches included in this research did not have enough knowledge and skills in first aid and CPR, which makes swimming programs unsafe. By obliging swimming coaches to acquire and constantly improve their knowledge and skills in first aid and CPR, the environment for all swimming programs would become safer.

Effects of observing real, animated and combined model on learning cognitive and motor levels of basketball jump shot in children

Study aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of observing the real, animated and combined model demonstrations on cognitive and motor learning of a basketball jump shot. Material and methods: Forty-five subjects with mean age of (11.03 ± 1.7) were randomly divided into three groups: real, animated and combined model demonstrations. Subjects were asked to perform basketball jump shot task during a four-step process. In total, participants shot 150 shots (10 shots in the pretest, 120 shots and 40 observations in the practice phase, and 10 shots in the posttest and the retention test). Accuracy scores and cognitive status were assessed as dependent variables. Results: Results showed that observation of real, animated and combined model demonstrations had significant effects on motor and cognitive learning of a basketball jump shot. Moreover, there was no significant difference between observing animated model and real model demonstrations at motor level, however, animated model demonstration group performed better than real model group at cognitive level. Finally, combined model demonstration group performed better than both animated and real model demonstrations groups. Conclusions: Results suggested that observing animated model demonstration is an appropriate approach for learning basketball jump shot even in children. It is also recommended to use animated model demonstration as a complement to real model.

Rhythmic ability decline in aging individuals: The role of movement task complexity

Study aim: To investigate age-related changes in rhythmic reproduction ability in relation to the complexity of the adopted movement task. Material and methods: A Stereophotogrammetric system was used to quantify individual rhythmic performances through motion analysis. Seventeen younger adult (age: 34.8 ± 4.2 yrs) and sixteen older adult (age: 69.9 ± 3.8 yrs) sedentary individuals volunteered for this study. Participants were administered a rhythmic test, which included three different rhythmic patterns to be reproduced by means of finger-tapping, foot-tapping and walking. Number of correct reproductions, time delays and rhythmic ratios were assessed and submitted to analysis of variance. Results: For all rhythmic parameters, age-related differences emerged about rhythmic patterns and motor tasks. Older adults showed reduced accuracy as compared to their younger counterparts with a marked tendency to speed up beats reproduction (p < 0.05). Increased movement complexity negatively influenced rhythmic ability, with worst performances in the walking task (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Complexity of the motor reproduction worsen rhythmic ability. Future research should focus on how specific rhythmic training with progressive movement task complexity could contrast this age-related decline.

Balance, physical conditioning, and health perception in elderly women submitted to a 32-week physical exercise program

Study aim: To assess the effects of a long-term physical exercise program on balance, physical conditioning, and health perception in elderly women. Material and methods: The sample, 143 elderly women, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 71; age: 71.62 ± 4.96 years) and control group (CG; n = 72; age: 72.89 ± 5.40 years). The EG was submitted to a 32-week physical exercise program (3×/week, 60 min/session). Balance and physical conditioning were assessed through the 10-step in a straight-line test, the unipedal balance test (UBT), the timed up and go (TUG) test, and the 30-second chair stand test (30s CST). Health perception was evaluated by a questionnaire. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA (2×3) revealed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in TUG and 30s CST in the EG from the pre- to the post-test and when compared to the CG in the post-test. There were significant increases (p < 0.05) in health perception, 10-step test, and UBT in the EG, and significant improvements (p < 0.05) in these EG variables when compared to the CG in the post-test. Conclusions: Participating in the exercise program resulted in improvements in balance, muscle strength, agility, and health perception in the elderly of the present study.

Do the body weight perception and body mass index affect the participation of exercise?

Study aim: In this study, it is aimed to find out the exercise preferences based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Weight Perception (BWP), and to determine the consistency between BMI and BWP calculated via the self-reporting method. Material and methods: The study was conducted total of 297 volunteers, included 174 females (Mage = 27.19 ± 9.94 years) and 123 males (Mage = 26.08 ± 10.15 years), who were members of the physical activity center. The height and body weight values were obtained based on the self-reports. BWP was assessed by asking “how do you describe your weight?” As a statistical analysis, the Pearson chi-square test and Kappa statistics were used. Results: It was determined that overweight/obese female prefered most the strength exercises, whereas, overweight/obese men, according to both methods, preferred the different kind of exercises (p < 0.05). When the mutual consistency of the BWP and BMI methods was compared, “average” level conformity was found in female, and “weak” level conformity was found in male (Female: κ = 0.48; p < 0.000; Male: κ = 0.21; p < 0.001). Conclusion: It could be said that the type and application protocol of the exercise has been related with the frequency and duration of the exercise for both of the methods. Besides, it could be said that there was a higher consistency among female participants at the level of participating to the exercise and they had similar exercise preference, frequency and duration.

A modified digital functional reach test device using an ultrasonic sensor for balance assessment: A test of validity and reliability

Study aim: Evaluation of dynamic balance is inferred to be compulsory for fall prevention in the elderly. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a modified digital functional reach test device using an ultrasonic sensor for balance assessment and to test validity and reliability of the newly developed tool to qualify psychometric properties. Material and methods: This study was a cross-sectional study of a convenient sample including 50 participants both males and females. Mean age of the participants was 51.20 ± 19.30 years. Reliability of the newly developed device was analysed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM). The criterion validity was also investigated using a yardstick mounted on the wall at a level of shoulder together with the MaxTraq® 2D motion analysis software. The modified digital functional reach test device using an ultrasonic sensor was correlated with the conventional FRT and the MaxTraq® 2D motion analysis. Results: The results presented that test-retest reliability of the modified digital functional reach test device was good reliability (ICC = 0.76) and low standard error of measurement (1.41) was found for test-retest reliability. The degree of agreement between the modified device, the conventional FRT, and the MaxTraq® 2D motion analysis was high (r = 0.71 and 0.77 respectively). Conclusions: The findings suggested that the modified digital functional reach test device using an ultrasonic sensor was a valid and reliable instrument for fall risk screening towards functional reach distance.

The effects of single-sex versus coeducational physical education on american junior high PE students’ physical activity levels and self-competence

Study aim: To examine single-sex classes versus coeducational classes in 7th grade PE and the effect the setting had on physical activity (PA) levels and self-competence. Material and methods: A total of 85 students aged 12–13 years old, enrolled in the 7th grade from one junior high in the Midwestern part of the U.S.A. participated. Classes were randomly assigned as coed or single-sex. The study took place during eight lessons of a basketball unit. Four of the lessons focused on skill and four focused on game play. Average heart rate (HR) levels were recorded through HR monitors. A modified version of the Confidence in Learning Mathematics scale was administered to the students. Results: A 2 × 2 Factorial ANOVA was completed to examine the effect of setting and gender on average HR during gameplay lessons, average HR during skill-based lessons, confidence, usefulness, and appropriateness. Results revealed on average, girls had fewer bpm compared to boys during gameplay. Also, girls in the single-sex setting had, on average, higher HR during gameplay compared to girls in coeducational. Conclusions: Similarly, to other research, males had higher bpm during game play than females and higher HR’s in the single-sex setting than the coed setting. This suggests that during basketball it might be more ideal for females to participate in a single-sex setting to elicit more activity.

Aerobic capacity and respiratory patterns are better in recreational basketball-engaged university students than age-matched untrained males

Study aim: To asses and compare the aerobic capacity and respiratory parameters in recreational basketball-engaged university students with age-matched untrained young adults. Material and methods: A total of 30 subjects were selected to took part in the study based on recreational-basketball activity level and were assigned to a basketball (BG: n = 15, age 22.86 ± 1.35 yrs., body height 185.07 ± 5.95 cm, body weight 81.21 ± 6.15 kg) and untrained group (UG: n = 15, age 22.60 ± 1.50 yrs., body height 181.53 ± 6.11 cm, body weight 76.89 ± 7.30 kg). Inspiratory vital capacity (IVC), forced expiration volume (FEV1), FEV1/IVC ratio, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), ventilatory threshold (VO2VT) and time to exhaustion, were measured in all subjects. Student T-test for independent Sample and Cohen’s d as the measure of the effect size were calculated. Results: Recreational basketball-engaged students (EG) reached significantly greater IVC (t = 7.240, p < 0.001, d = 1.854), FEV1 (t = 10.852, p < 0.001, d = 2.834), FEV1/IVC ratio (t = 6.370, p < 0.001, d = 3.920), maximal oxygen consumption (t = 9.039, p < 0.001, d = 3.310), ventilatory threshold (t = 9.859, p < 0.001, d = 3.607) and time to exhaustion (t = 12.361, p < 0.001, d = 4.515) compared to UG. Conclusions: Long-term exposure to recreational basketball leads to adaptive changes in aerobic and respiratory parameters in male university students.

How does the ski boot affect human gait and joint loading?

Study aim: To investigate the effect of wearing ski boots on kinematic and kinetic parameters of lower limbs during gait. Furthermore, loads in lower limb joints were assessed using the musculoskeletal model. Material and methods: The study examined 10 healthy women with shoe size 40 (EUR). Kinematic and kinetic data of walking in ski boots and barefoot were collected using a Vicon system and Kistler plates. A musculoskeletal model derived from AnyBody Modeling System was used to calculate joint reaction forces. Results: Wearing ski boots caused the range of motion in the knee joint to be significantly smaller and the hip joint to be significantly larger. Muscle torques were significantly greater in walking in ski boots for the knee and hip joints. Wearing ski boots reduced the reaction forces in the lower limb joints by 18% for the ankle, 16% for the knee, and 39% for the hip. Conclusions: Ski boot causes changes in the ranges of angles in the lower limb joints and increases muscle torques in the knee and hip joints but it does not increase the load on the joints. Walking in a ski boot is not destructive in terms of forces acting in the lower limb joints.

Longevity of Polish male Olympic medallists born between 1888 and 1965

Study aim: The aim of the study was to analyse the lifespan of Polish male Olympic medallists in comparison to the general male population. Material and methods: The study included 238 Polish male Olympic medallists who participated in the Olympic games in 1924–1992. Duration of life in relation to the general Polish population was assessed. The age of acquiring their first medal, type and number of medals won and sports discipline were taken into consideration. Results: Polish male Olympic medallists born before 1940 lived over 8 years longer in comparison to the general population (p < 0.0001, d = 0.689 and d = 0.750). Over 80% of them lived up to 65 years of age and over 40% up to 80. In the general population only <70% and <30%, respectively, reached the equivalent lifespan (p = 0.010 and p = 0.040, RR = 0.480 and RR = 0.783). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that survival was shorter in Olympic medallists who won their first medal before the age of 25 (p = 0.040) and in those engaging in endurance or power sports vs. mixed or skill disciplines (p = 0.010). Conclusions: Polish male Olympic medallists lived significantly longer than the general population of Polish men. The longevity of male Olympic medallists was affected by the age of acquiring their first medal and by the category of sport practised.