Vol. 12 No. 1 (2024)

Published 

Articles

Articles

  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Comparison of two warm-up protocols for physical and technical-decisional performance in young football players

    Rodrigo Villaseca-Vicuña, Andrew Gayan-Candia, Federico Gazzo, Julian Giraldez, Santiago Zabaloy, Jose Antonio Gonzalez‐Jurado
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):1-12.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.01
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    Abstract

    Introduction:

    Warm-up is a primordial element to optimise sport performance in both training and competitions. The main objective of this study was to compare the acute effect of two warm-up protocols for physical and technical-decisional performance in U16 football players.

    Material and Methods:

    We applied an integrated warm-up protocol (IWP) of 5 vs 5 in a small space of 20x28 m and an analytical warm-up protocol (AWP) of 12 dynamic exercises that are commonly used in football. Each warm-up was carried out 7 days apart and alternated. After each warm-up, the intensity of the load was recorded through the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), physical performance was recorded using the T30 speed test (time to sprint 30 m) and the kicking speed test, and the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) was applied, which evaluates the football skills of passing and decision making.

    Results:

    The results show greater technical-decisional performance in LSPT (p = 0.020, ES = 0.55 small) after executing the IWP. However, in T30 (p = 0.129, ES = 0.417 small) and kicking (p = 0.374, ES = -0.29 small), no significant differences were observed.

    Conclusion:

    IWP presents greater performance in the technical-decisional test of LSPT, and both warm-up protocols have a similar component of intensity and performance in T30 and kicking.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Comparison of energy system contributions in lower body Wingate tests between sexes

    Erkan Tortu, Gökhan Deliceoglu
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):13-21.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.02
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    Abstract

    The aim of this study was to compare energy system contributions and examine the relationship between mechanical variables and energy system variables in lower body Wingate tests, with a focus on gender differences. A total of thirty martial artists participated in the study. Participants performed 30-second lower body Wingate tests. Mathematical methods were used to estimate the contributions of the oxidative, glycolytic and ATP-PCr pathways based on lactate levels and oxygen consumption kinetics during rest, exercise and recovery. The main results showed that in men the relative contributions of the oxidative, glycolytic and ATP-PCr pathways were 16%, 37% and 47% respectively. In women the relative contributions for the same pathways were 16%, 38% and 46% respectively. In men the total energy expenditure and the absolute contributions of the oxidative, glycolytic and ATP-PCr pathways were 132 kJ, 22 kJ, 49 kJ and 61 kJ, respectively. In women these values were 106 kJ, 17 kJ, 41 kJ and 49 kJ. Although the relative energy contributions were similar, men had higher total energy expenditure and absolute energy contributions than women. In addition, men had higher absolute and relative power outputs than women, while showing similarities in fatigue index, lactate levels, heart rate and perceived exertion ratings. The ATP-PCr pathway was able to explain the variation in mechanical variables in both male and female participants. The results suggest that the contribution of energy systems, physiological responses and performance variables varies according to gender.
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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Effect of Circuit Training on Calcium Level and Physical Fitness in Pregnant Women with Hypocalcemia: A randomized controlled trial

    Shorouk Wahb, Abeer ElDeeb, Hossam Kamel, Manal El-Shafei
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):22-31.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.03
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    Abstract

    Background:

    Hypocalcemia is a common problem during pregnancy that affects maternal and fetal outcomes. So, preventive and treatment measures are warranted to prevent complications and promote health and well-being in pregnant women with calcium deficiency.

    Purpose:

    This study aimed to investigate the effect of circuit training (CT) on calcium levels and physical fitness in pregnant women with hypocalcemia.

    Methods:

    Forty-four pregnant women in their 2nd trimester having hypocalcemia participated in the study; their ages ranged from 20 to 35 years old, and their body mass index (BMI) was 35.00 to 39.99kg/m2. They were randomly divided into two equal groups. The control group received daily calcium supplements (1.5 – 2 g), while the CT group received the same tablets and performed the CT program for 60 minutes, three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Serum-free and ionized calcium levels were measured, and sit and reach flexibility test, wall squat test, chair stand test, and modified push-up test assessed the physical fitness before and after treatment.

    Results:

    The control and CT groups showed statistically significant increases (p<0.0001) in free and ionized calcium levels and a non-significant difference (p>0.05) between groups after treatment. Compared to the control group, the CT group showed statistically significant increases (p<0.0001) in the scores of sit and reach flexibility test, wall squat test, chair stand test, and modified push-up test after treatment. However, the control group showed a non-significant difference (p>0.05) in all test scores.

    Conclusion:

    Adding CT to calcium supplements is a safe and effective method that maintains calcium and improves physical fitness in pregnant women with hypocalcemia, which should be a part of the antenatal exercises program for gravid women.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Assessment of physical activity, exercise capacity and fitness level of the Polish esports players

    Barbara Frączek, Monika Szot, Andrzej Sagalara, Sebastian Krzepota, Maciek Skorko, Dariusz Błachnio, Bartosz Bertrandt, Krzysztof Szymaniuk, Andrzej Klimek
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):32-46.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.04
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    Abstract

    Professional esport requires players to maintain mental skills at a high level and health-promoting physical condition. The aim of this study was to analyze the levels of physical activity (PA), exercise capacity and physical fitness. The study included 196 male Polish esports players (mean: 20.5±2.4 years), who completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) (n= 187), underwent exercise test using a cycle ergometer (n= 141) and participated in selected tests of physical fitness (n= 175). The average total energy expenditure was 1040 MET-min⋅week-1. The results show that most esports players had low (38%) and moderate (36.4%) levels of PA, and were characterized by an average level of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max= 41.92±5.41 mL∙kg-1∙min-1), and the amount of muscle power generated at the level of AeT (90.98±27.19 W), AnT (149.91± 29.91 W) and VO2max (210.29±42.63 W) was lower than published evidence on physically-active men. Physical fitness of the players was assessed as being satisfactory, but more research needed to clearly confirm this.
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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics of Young Elite Hungarian Motocross Riders in Motocross Competitions

    László Kerner, Zsolt Katona Bálint, László Suszter, István Barthalos, Ferenc Ihász, Robert Podstawski
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):47-58.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.05
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    Abstract

    Background:

    Motocross riders’ performance is highly dependent on the characteristics of the motorcycles and the skills of the riders, and the actual environmental conditions. This study aims to describe the differences in anthropometric and physiological characteristics between internationally ranked adolescent males and nationally ranked motorcross (MX) peer competitors; Methods: Data obtained from young riders (n=14) were divided into internationally ranked G1 (n=5) and - nationally ranked G2 (n=9) young MX riders. We determined body composition and cardiorespiratory variables, and measured heart rate and movement-related data with Polar Team Pro system during the race; (3) Results: Blood lactate concentrations were evaluated before and after the race session. MX riders with an international ranking performed significantly better during both races (R1 and R2), which manifested itself in significantly shorter times per lap on average (difference for R1=14.8 s and for R2=16.7 s, respectively, p=0.017), more laps completed (G1 vs G2 approx.: 11.2 : 9.9 laps for R1 and R2, p=0.019) and points scored (difference: R1=9.3 pts and R2=9.0 pts, p=0.014). There were no statistically significant differences in age between the two compared groups (p=0.559) and other anthropometric and physiological characteristics tested, with an exception of muscle mass percent (p<0.001); Conclusions: Current results showed that motocross probably places a heavy burden on riders, who need to be fit enough to maintain their position in the field.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Rudolph Brilloff, the Olympic Games, and Salto Mortale in Circus Performances in the Grand Duchy of Posen

    Mateusz Rozmiarek
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):59-71.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.06
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    Abstract

    Introduction:

    In 1839 the Gazeta Wielkiego Xięstwa Poznańskiego (Gazette of the Grand Duchy of Posen) announced the holding of the Olympic Games in the city of Posen by Rudolph Brilloff’s circus troupe. The aim of this study is to examine the role of Rudolph Brilloff in the history of nineteenth-century circus and to ascertain whether he consciously advocated for the organization of Olympic Games in circus format as part of the legacy of the Olympic tradition. Moreover, it aims to explore the distinctive characteristics of his circus performances within the realm of the Grand Duchy of Posen.

    Materials and Methods:

    The study used the historical methodology of the humanities of physical culture. Books, newspapers and other documents from archives and library collections in Poznan, Berlin and Potsdam were consulted. Findings: The research results show that although Rudolph Brilloff is considered the father of the German circus, little biographical information about him has survived. As a talented circus entrepreneur, who performed with his troupe under the name of the Olympic Games, he probably had little awareness or knowledge of the Olympic idea and therefore did not intend to promote it. However, Brilloff’s circus staged unique performances in the form of pantomimes or feats rarely seen in Poland before due to their dangerous nature, e.g. the salto mortale, also known as the leap of death. Summary: Rudolph Brilloff can be regarded as the forgotten father of German circus and should not be directly associated with the question of the Olympic legacy. However, Brilloff’s work had a real impact on nineteenth-century society and certainly contributed to other circuses expanding their repertoires with new elements based on various physical activities, ultimately leading to the development of modern circus art.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    The effect of length of sport experience on the prevalence of non-specific back pain and injury in soccer and ice hockey

    Alena Buková, Magdaléna Hagovská, Zuzana Kováčiková, Klaudia Zusková, Tomasz Paczkowski, Ladislav Kručanica
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):72-79.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.07
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    Abstract

    Background:

    Back pain is one of the most common health problems not only in the general population but also in athletes. However, there is a lack of evidence-based findings on the dose-response effect of athletic training on back pain and injuries. The aim of this study was to determine whether training experience affects the intensity of back pain and the number of injuries in moderate-to-high performance team sport athletes.

    Methods:

    A total of 147 male soccer players (age 27.8 ± 5.9 y; training experience 17.2 ± 5.6 y) and 179 male ice hockey players (age 29.2 ± 5.9 y; training experience 20.5 ± 6.1 y) were asked to complete questionnaires focusing on back pain and injuries: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ).

    Results:

    Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between length of training experience and the occurrence of thoracic pain (p=0.005), low back pain (p=0.016), thoracic injuries (p=0.006), and ODI (p=0.007) in soccer players. In hockey players, training duration was significantly correlated with low back pain (p<0.001) and injuries (=0.006), ODI (p<0.001), affective dimension (p<0.001), evaluative dimension (p=0.002), miscellaneous dimension (p=0.027), and total MPQ (p=0.029).

    Conclusions:

    The results of this study suggest that the length of training experience is another important factor influencing low back pain. Therefore, it is necessary to focus more attention on more experienced players and to include significantly more compensatory exercises and recovery time in their training process.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Relationship between body mass index, fundamental movement skills, and quality of life in primary school children

    Alaa AL-Nemr, Shimaa Reffat
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):80-87.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.08
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    Abstract

    Background:

    Obesity in children is a serious public health problem, affecting their physical health and quality of life. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) have been suggested to play an important role in reducing the risk of obesity in primary school children and improving their health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

    Objectives:

    This study aims to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), FMS, and HRQoL in primary school children.

    Methods:

    193 primary school children (81 boys, 112 girls) aged 6 to 8 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Weight and height, FMS, and HRQoL were measured using BMI percentiles, the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2) including the object control, locomotor subtests and the total gross motor quotient, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQLTM) respectively.

    Results:

    There was a negative significant correlation between BMI and gross motor quotient, and between BMI and the locomotor subscale of the TGMD. There was also a negative significant correlation between BMI and the PedsQL scale. There was a positive significant correlation between TGMD and PedsQoL scales. According to linear regression analysis, BMI significantly predicted TGMD gross motor quotient and PedsQL total score. In addition, the TGMD gross motor quotient significantly predicted the total PedsQL score.

    Conclusion:

    Mastery of FMS might be an important factor in avoiding obesity and improving HRQoL in primary school children.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Evaluation of offensive and defensive agility depending on the type of visual cue and personal decision-making styles in basketball

    Pavol Horička, Jaromír Šimonek, Ľubomír Paška, Marek Popowczak, Jaroslaw Domaradzki
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):88-99.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.09
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    Abstract

    Background:

    The specific goal was to determine the level and differences in the performance of reactive agility (RA) depending on the type of visual stimulus and to identify the role of selected psychological patterns in the decision-making process.

    Method:

    13 female basketball players (17.12 ± 1.09 years; mean BW 58.17 kg ± 7.68 kg; mean BH 1.73 ± 0.11, BMI 19.53 ± 3.86) playing top Slovak junior league. The diagnosis of specific game reactions was carried out using a Y-shaped reaction agility test. The stimulus for the action effect was a light direction indicator and a video sequence. Decision-making style was assessed using the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire (MDMQ).

    Results:

    The significance of the differences between offensive actions according to the type of stimulus was revealed by statistically significant differences between offensive reaction agility to a light stimulus and a stimulus with a contextual stimulus, and also in the case of defensive actions. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between offensive and defensive skills in the light stimulus, between the performance in offensive skills in the light stimulus, between the two types of defensive agility (light and video) and in the context stimulus, and a correlation between vigilance and both offensive activities was also found.

    Conclusion:

    The player's sensorimotor mechanisms are different depending on the type of stimulus, not on the type of actions, which leads to the conclusion that specific contextual information can lead to faster and more accurate decisions during the game 1:1 and improve the timing of action effects.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Compensatory exercises for young cyclists in the pubescents

    Sona Jandova, Denisa Bartizalova
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):100-111.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.10
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    Abstract

    The aim of the study was to evaluate the state of the musculoskeletal system of selected cyclists and to propose appropriate compensatory exercises, the effects of which were verified in practice. Twenty-eight MTB cyclists (men) participated in the study. They were divided into experimental (EXP) and control (CONT) groups. The Janda test, including the scaling method, was used to diagnose the condition of the cyclists' musculoskeletal system. The cyclists were tested twice after six weeks, when the experimental group was doing compensatory exercises twice a week. The results of the first and second tests were compared. The results showed a reduction in muscle mass in the arcuate neck flexion and trunk flexion tests. The results of the shortened muscle group tests showed shortening of the neck muscles and the upper part of the trapezius muscle in all the cyclists. The paravertebral back muscles and the pectoralis major muscle were shortened in 93% of the cyclists. 86% of the cyclists had shortened knee flexors and hip flexors. In the EXP, there was a significant improvement in the strength of the weakened muscle groups (p<0.001) and a significant increase in the extent of the shortened muscle groups (p=0.001) after the intervention. No significant changes were found in the CONT. After the intervention programme, movement stereotypes improved significantly in the EXP group compared to the CONT group. Cyclists should regularly incorporate compensatory exercises into their current training in order to prevent overuse injuries, correct posture and eliminate back pain.
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    Assessment of motor skills in 5-6 year old Italian children using the MABC-2: a preliminary study

    Tiziana D’Isanto, Sara Aliberti, Gaetano Raiola, Francesca D’Elia
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):112-120.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.11
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    Abstract

    The Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition (MABC-2) is a standardized test used to assess movement skills in children aged between 3-16 years old and to diagnose developmental coordination disorders (DCDs). Monitoring movement skills in children’s is crucial to ensuring their proper physical development, as movement difficulties affect other areas of learning. In particular, it was interesting to investigate the role of gender and age in relation to different movement skills, as their development is influenced by genetic potential, in order which variables can help teachers to predict movement difficulties. The aim of the present study was to quantify the children's movement performance and to analyze the influence of gender, age and the gender x age interaction on movement performance. Methods: The sample consisted of 102 children aged between 5-6 years old from kindergartens. The MABC-2 was used to assess the children's movement performance, which comprised three sub-sections: manual skills, ball skills and balance skills. MANOVA was performed to assess the impact of gender, age and gender x age on performance. Chi Square was used to test differences in movement difficulties among gender. Results: The results showed a significant impact of both gender and age on performance individually, with a significant interaction effect of gender and age on performance. Conclusions: 12 children had several movement difficulties, while only 9 were at risk of DCDs, requiring ecological intervention.
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    A multi-criteria system for performance assessment and support decision-making based on the example of Premier League top football strikers

    Marek Kolbowicz, Michał Nowak, Jakub Więckowski
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):121-142.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.12
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    Abstract

    The effective management of sports teams plays a pivotal role in achieving substantial success. In this pursuit, an increasing number of teams are resorting to information systems to enhance decision-making processes. These systems ensure the implementation of well-informed decisions, thereby contributing additional insights into training management. Through their assistance, it becomes feasible to optimize both player potential and overall team performance. In this paper, we propose a decision system rooted in the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach, complemented by sensitivity analysis, to assess the performance of soccer players. The evaluation focused on football players in the forward position in the Premier League during the seasons 2015-2021. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis of the results was conducted to delineate key elements in the game that significantly influence performance quality. Based on these findings, adjustments to a player's training plan can be made, targeting specific aspects of the game to enhance the player's potential. The study's results underscore that, with appropriate enhancements to players' performance, they can achieve markedly superior ratings compared to their counterparts.
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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Changes in selected somatic indices in 10-12 year old girls under the influence of 3-year swimming training

    Mariusz Kuberski, Tomasz Góra, Jacek Wąsik
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):143-149.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.13
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    Abstract

    Introduction:

    The aim of this research is to evaluate the somatic changes of female pre-pubertal swimming athletes. The question posed was: how does three years of swimming training affect the weight, body height and BMI and biological age of pre-adolescent girls who entered swimming training without pre-selection.

    Material and methods:

    The study group consisted of 14 girls aged 10 years at the start of the study (body weight: 34.99 ± 2.77 kg; body height: 146.00 ± 3.05 cm) practising swimming, the control group of 14 girls aged 10 years at the start of the study (body weight: 37.93 ± 6.02 kg; body height: 145.55 ± 3.88 cm) attending physical education classes only. The study was conducted before 3 consecutive years, equally every 6 months between 8 and 12 am. Body weight and height were measured in both groups and the biological maturity shift index and body mass index were determined.

    Results:

    The analysis shows that female swimmers after systematic training have a lower body weight (F=10.78, p<0.01) and a lower BMI of 2.63 (F=12.23, p<0.01). No such differences are observed in body height and biological age (p>0.05).

    Conclusion:

    The study shows that swimming training inϐluences changes in selected somatic indices of prepubertal girls. However, the conducted training does not affect the biological age, so it does not interfere with the natural development of the subjects. This may indicate a better assessment of the overall health of young female swimmers.

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    The bench press prime mover muscles firing frequency changes according to sticking region during maximal and submaximal effort

    Dusan Blazek, Anna Pisz, Vladimir Hojka, Petr Uhlir, Dominik Kolinger, Adam Zajac, Petr Stastny
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):150-160.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.14
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    Abstract

    The bench press (BP) is a widely used exercise in strength training. Despite numerous studies on muscle activation during BP, little is known about individual muscle frequency changes during the sticking region (SR). This study aimed to evaluate muscle activation during 1 repetition maximum (RM) and 4RM BP in 24 male participants experienced with BP exercise. Electromyography was used to measure muscle activity in various muscles during pre-sticking, sticking, and post-sticking phases, with kinematic data aiding in phase differentiation. Our findings revealed a significant decrease in muscle activation frequency as participants moved from the pre-sticking to the sticking and then to the post-sticking phases (p<0.01). This decline was evident in both 1RM and 4RM conditions, indicating muscle exhaustion that persisted even after the SR. The SR of the BP is the most challenging part of the exercise, resulting in a decrease in muscle frequency during this phase in both 1RM and 4RM repetitions. It indicates exhaustion of the muscles which persisted even in the post-sticking phase, highlighting the challenging nature of the exercise. This study presents insights into muscle activity during the BP, which can help understanding the impact of each exercise phase on muscle frequency.
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    Physical activity, sedentary time and motivation to change: an Italian survey

    Roberto Pippi, Andrea Mortati, Daniela Fruttini, Leonella Pasqualini, Alessandro Gatti, Matteo Vandoni, Gabriele Mascherini, Giuseppe Musumeci, Carmine Giuseppe Fanelli
    Phys Act Rev. 2024;12(1):161-175.DOI: 10.16926/par.2024.12.15
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    Abstract

    Given the high levels of inactivity and sedentary lifestyle in the general population and the barriers (including motivational ones) to the practice of regular physical activity, our study aims to evaluate the physical activity levels (PAL), sitting time (SIT), and motivation to change (MTC) lifestyle in a group of volunteer adults participating in an online survey promoted in some Italian regions. From December 2022 to March 2023, 127 adults (65 men and 62 women, mean age=40.17±14.83 years), volunteers, were involved in this study. Participants were invited to complete one-time online survey. General information, anthropometric, and questionnaire measures were collected. According to inclusion criteria, four participants were excluded; here we present results for 123 subjects. Data were studied for active/inactive and gender subgroups. Finally, the PAL and SIT categories were linked to motivational data. 54.8% of the participants did not report particular pathologies. 52.8% of participants replied that they regularly exercised. 44.4% engaged in physical activity alone, while 27% did so with friends, and 23.8% with a kinesiologist. Differences were observed both in the energy expenditure due to vigorous PA and in total energy expenditure. Regarding SIT, there were no differences between genders during weekdays. All the sample presented a high percentage in contemplation status but had medium scores in preparation and maintenance status. A statistically significant difference was observed in the contemplation state: we found higher average values regarding self-efficacy and readiness to change in men. It is necessary to plan campaigns to raise awareness and monitor the population's lifestyles beginning in the first decades of adulthood, promoting healthy lifestyle education initiatives to control the risk of non-communicable diseases.
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