Vol. 5 (2017)

The aim of the research was to find the changes of exercises in the organism of the men specialized in middle distance running. Physical working capacity and simultaneous registration of the functions of vegetative systems of organism were investigated. As well biochemical tests (determination of the content of lactate of red cells, haemoglobin, glucose in blood) were done. 10 men (two Masters of Sport, two First-Class Sportsmen and six Second-Class Sportsmen) aged 17-24 specialized in the middle distance running took part in the experiment. The sportsmen's level of health was within the physiological standard. The examination of the men's adaptive body responses to the offered burdens made by us indicates that their functional body capacity increases in the first, second, third and fifth microcycles and decreases in the fourth one. It can be connected with the decrease of haemoglobin content in the blood, especially in the Masters' of Sport blood and in the blood of First-Class Sportsmen, it leads to the decrease of their working capacity, respectively.

Introduction Tai Chi is a type of movement derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine, gaining popularity in Poland in recent years. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of 1-year practice of Tai Chi on health behavior in adults. Material and Methods The study was conducted from September 2014 to October 2015 among 62 students of the Tai Chi Chuan School in Krakow ranging from 30 to 50 years old. The study involved 37 women as well as 25 men. The main test method used in our study was the Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ). Results Results of this study indicate significant improvement of the average score of Health Behavior Index (p=0.000): from 75,1pts before Tai Chi program to 83,1pts after one year of practicing. The average value of this parameter among women increased from 75,9pts to 83,1pts (p=0.000) and among men from 73,9pts to 83,0pts (p=0.000). The beneficial effect of 1-year Tai Chi practice was observed in all examined health behavior categories (proper nutrition habits, preventive behavior, positive mental attitude as well as proper nutrition) in the entire group as well as in men and women separately. The improvement observed was statistically significant (p<0.05). Before starting the Tai Chi program the average score of Health Behavior Index was significantly lower when compared to the normative group (p=0.000) but after one year practice an improvement was observed and the level of statistically not significant difference was achieved (p=0.483). Conclusion The beneficial effect of 1-year Tai Chi training on overall improvement on health habits supports the need of further promotion of this physical activity among adults.

The influence of physical exercises on health components of the quality of life of students is discussed. It is found that physical and mental component indicators of the quality of life of students who do yoga are much lower than those of students practicing kickboxing. The level of mental health component is lower than the level of physical health component. The obtained results indicate the psycho-emotional condition and existence comfort during the investigation. Statistical correlations between the quality of life indicators are determined and discussed.

In this paper, we analyze data sets, collected from the public web sites, containing the finishers arrival times in five different half marathons. We focus on finding patterns in the arrival times distributions as well as on studying the differences between the female and male runners’ arrival times distributions. The main statistical tools used are Analysis of Variance and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for identifying underlying distributions and for comparing distributions of two samples. The obtained results indicate that the dynamics of groups of female runners is different than that of male runners. Also, a meaningful factor for the shape of the distribution is time limit set by the races organizers.

Introduction One group of the practicing Far East martial arts is older seniors karate fighters over 35 years of age. The values they present differ from those of the entrants to the art. The goal of the paper is to obtain knowledge on the values presented by older seniors karate fighters. Method The study was conduced on 10 males between 35 – 59 years of age with 23 – 30 years of karate training experience. All of them hold black belts (1-6 Dan). The study was carried out based on a diagnostic survey with and open-ended questionnaire. Results The subjects of the study accept values connected with positive traits of character (34 positive answers) and positive personal interactions (33 positive answers). Further, there are philosophical (mentioned 7 times), fitness (5 positive answers), health, and sport aspects (3 times) of karate. The less acceptable values refer to the aesthetic aspects of karate and to the cultural ones, as well as to the employment opportunities for employment. Discussion The older seniors karate fighters prefer the positive characteristics such as relaxation of mind, courage, consciousness, will power, composure and consistence in action. Almost equally, they accept positive personal interactions, especially integrity, truthfulness. Here, the participants noted negative interactions in their environment. As an art, karate contains aesthetic aspects and also provides opportunity for learning about the culture of the Far Eats. Karate may also be a way of making a living. According to the older seniors karate fighters, karate is their way of life, part of their personality and the values carried by karate are present in many aspects of their lives.

Combat sports and martial arts are in the first group of risk for sport injuries due to the direct contact of the opponents. The aim of this study was to estimate the specificity and the frequency of injuries in some combat sports: boxing, judo, jujitsu, and karate. The group of respondents was composed of 220 randomly selected sportsmen at the age of 11 to 49 (24,0 ± 7,75 years old on average), who have trained martial sports for at least 3 years. The cases of 202 respondents who admitted to be injured within last 3 years were further analysed. The study was based on the survey designed by the authors. The study shows that 92% of the participants were injured. The most frequent were foot injuries (18,8%), arm injuries (15,4 %); most of the injuries were bruises (50,6%). Injuries of the upper limbs were more frequent among boxers, whereas the lower limbs areas were more vulnerable to injuries among athletes training judo, jujitsu, and karate. Boxers reported to recover from injury faster (87,2%) then judokas (68,8%). Those practicing jujitsu were most likely to renew their injuries (43,5%), and judokas happened to renew their injuries less regularly (32,8%). Boxers tended to use preventive treatments most frequently, and jujitsu athletes admitted to do it the least often. We found that the groups prone to injuries the most were judokas and karate athletes; boxers were found to be the most resistant to injuries. There are specific injuries with the highest frequency in the area of the arm and foot experienced by boxing, judo, jujitsu and karate athletes. Respondents who did not use any medical treatment after the injury recovered fastest; injuries appeared to renew among sportsmen who underwent medical treatment earlier. Preventive treatment was reported by both athletes who experienced injuries and the respondents who were not injured at all.

Introduction The fighting arts are an interesting area for researchers from many scientific disciplines around the world. Scientific investigations need to choose appropriate theory, language and methods. The first theory that gives us a special language is the Humanistic Theory of Martial Arts, HTMA. The second is the Anthropology of Martial Arts, AMA. The problem considered in this study is how we should study the martial arts & combat sports & systems, or ‘combatives’; what theoretical framework should we use. It is the author’s proposal for a scientific perspective which should be useful; an elaboration the Humanistic Theory of Martial Arts (HTMA) and definitions, the General Theory of Fighting Arts (GTFA), and the Anthropology of Martial Arts. Methodology Participant observation, and qualitative content analysis of the literature were used. Methodology of research (in the area of the fighting arts) was also analyzed. Results and Discussion General Theory of Fighting Arts – GTFA. In the GTFA we can study and explain a broad area of fighting arts and the related problems. These are: 1. Cultural areas of martial arts & combat sports & combat systems (according to AMA and HTMA); 2. Teaching concepts (technical and tactical issues), combat strategy (for self-defence and in combat sports), aspects of real fighting – interdisciplinary; 3. Bio-technical issues – from the perspective of sports sciences. The Research methodology for traditional East Asian martial arts requires its own practice and a high level of sophistication – at best, in more than one martial art. It is a qualitative method of participant observation associated with the experience of metaphysical dimensions. This special method is the ‘shugyo’ (Jap. shūgyō) – psychophysical study and experience from practicing psycho-physical systems. Michael Maliszewski was one of first researchers using this method. Conclusion The GTFA is the sum of HTMA (humanistic, social and cultural issues), AMA (philosophical, cultural and biological approaches), and a part of Sport Sciences, for coaching, bio-technical and bio-medical issues, the methodology of teaching, etc. The GTFA now created should give us the opportunity to research and explain complicated problems of fighting arts, according to this new, holistic paradigm.

The aim of the study was to analyse the status of SE in people who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) and compare SE scores between active and inactive individuals. The sample of people who are D/HH (n=117) was divided into two groups of those who are regularly participating in sport (active; n=27) and those who are not participating in any sport in their leisure (inactive; n=90). The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) was used as a primary research method. 10-item scale measures global self-worth by measuring positive and negative feelings about the self. Higher scores (from 10 to 40 points) indicate higher SE. The Pearson chi-square test was used to determine the differences of 10 RSES items and total scores between active and inactive people who are D/HH. We found that the mean score of RSES in the group of people who are D/HH was 28.83 points; active people who are D/HH observed total score of RSES 30.18 points and group of inactive people who are D/HH showed the lowest SE by achieving 28.89 points. Mean scores comparison of each RSES item between active and inactive people who are D/HH revealed higher SE in the group of active people with hearing loss. Significantly higher SE of active people who are D/HH was presented only by 1 from 10 RSES items. The results of our study confirmed that actively living people with hearing loss have higher SE comparing those who are living sedentary life style.

Ventilatory threshold is one of the ways to measure cardiovasculatory fitness of the body. Therefore, in the present study it was decided to demonstrate which physiological parameters most accurately express the second ventilatory threshold (VAT2) depending on the cardiovasculatory fitness of different groups of athletes and untrained men. The study involved the following athletes: race walkers (n=14), weightlifters (n=16), powerlifters (n=16), runners (n=14), professional soccer players (n=13), amateur soccer players (n=16), martial arts (n=12), and untrained men (n=15). Subjects’ VAT2 and maximal load (ML) were recorded and at these levels were determined the value of achievable maximal power (P), oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), the ratio for oxygen uptake and heart rate (VO2/HR) and the rate-pressure produkt (RPP). It was shown that subjects were of similar age but different body mass (BM) and BMI. There were also differences between athlete groups at VAT2 and ML in relation to: P, VO2, VO2/HR (p<0.001) and RPP only at VAT2 (p<0.023). Reached HR values at VAT2 as well as at ML have not differed between the groups. There were also intergroup differences at VAT2 in terms of relative values: %VO2max (p<0.002), %Pmax(p<0.016), %VO2max/%HRmax (p<0.03). Relatively expressed %HRmax and %RPPmax reached at VAT2 did not differ between the two groups. Runners, professional soccer players and race walkers achieved the most favorable indicators of physical performance. It has been demonstrated that VAT2 besides P i %Pmax was best described by VO2, %VO2max and by VO2/HR and %VO2max/%HRmax, as well as by RPP. On the other hand HR and %HRmax, as well as %RPPmax are not useful in this regard. Furthermore it should be recognized that athletes in whose structure of the training occurred running of varying intensity achieved the highest physical fitness.

Introduction Upper cross syndrome is becoming more prevalent in today’s population. The syndrome is described as a postural disorder presenting with over active pectoralis musculature and upper trapezius musculature. Also there is inhibition of lower and middle trapezius musculature, which results in winging of scapula, elevated and abducted scapula. This scapular dyskinesia, per se, resulted in rounding of shoulders. The syndrome is often associated with bad posture in routine life or occupation of a person. Little is known about the relationship between sport participation and postural body changes of bodybuilding training. Our aim is to investigate whether bodybuilding training in trained-individuals is associated with the postural abnormalities in the upper body. Methods: 60 male, trained bodybuilders (age= 24.62±3.67 years, body weight= 82.40±9 kg, height= 175±0.067 cm, body mass index (BMI ( = 26.77±2.37 Kg/m2, body fat percentage = 21.58±3.21) and 30 un-trained (age= 24.67±2.24 years, body weight= 73.33±9.42 kg, height= 175±0.06 cm, body mass index (BMI) = 23.93±3.16 Kg/m2, body fat percentage = 18.17±3.76) volunteered and were thus included in the study. Postural photographs were taken in the sagittal and frontal planes, and were analyzed by using AutoCAD software. The Flexi curve ruler was used for the assessment of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Results: Using an independent sample t-test, significant differences were observed in the values of forward head posture between trained and untrained groups (p=0.001) and Mann-Whitney U test showed there was significant differences between the values of uneven shoulders (p=0.001), rounded shoulder (p=0.009) and kyphosis (p=0.013), but there was no significant difference between lordosis values in two groups. Conclusion It can be concluded that there is a high incidence of upper body abnormalities among bodybuilders and this should be taken as a minatory situation on behalf of bodybuilding trainers. Therefore, strength coaches should design an appropriate training program to prevent their trainees from such abnormalities.

The purpose of this study was to examine various influences that contribute to Black golfers engaging in golf as a physical activity and competing in it as a sport at an elite-level (i.e., college and professional levels). Given that Blacks are underrepresented as golf participants in general and at the elite-level in particular, it is important to gain insights from those who have excelled at golf beyond the recreational levels. Utilizing a basic interpretive qualitative design, semi-structured interviews with 9 Black males and 1 Black female who were collegiate or professional golfers were conducted. Questions regarding how the participants became involved and interested in golf as a recreational and physical activity, and what contributed to their ability to compete beyond these beginning levels were asked. Findings suggest the following five factors contributed greatly to these participants’ participation and success in golf: 1) Familial Involvement, 2) Grass Roots Golf Programs, 3) Golf as a Means to College Scholarship, 4) Black Golfers as Role Models, 5) Black Golfer as Unique. Future research directions as well as practical implications for increasing racial minority participation in golf as a physical activity and sport at the elite-levels are also provided.

The purpose of the present study was to determine if it is possible to affect the level of simple (SRT) and choice (CRT) reaction time of fencers with a specific 9-week (in total 350 minutes) training intervention. The research sample consisted of 19 healthy fencers (12 boys, 16±1.1 years and 7 girls, 16.4±0.9 years). Five of the tested subjects were selected as the control group that did not participate in the reaction time training. The training of the experimental group was conducted on an Electronic Fencing Target (EFT-1). All tested individuals completed an entrance and exit reaction time test on the Fitrosword device, which consisted of hitting the target with an epée from the guard position after lighting of an LED light (green, red, yellow) by using various motor responses of the armed arm. No difference in reaction time (SRT, CRT) was found between the experimental and control groups for the entrance test. A significant difference between groups was found for results of the CRT (p = 0.116, d = 0.722) after the 9-week training. A significant difference in CRT was also found between the entrance and the exit tests in the experimental group (p = 0.013, r = 0.469). This difference was not significant in the case of the control group (p = 0.345, r = 0.298). Based on these results, we can assume a positive impact of specific reaction time training on response speed. We can use these results in the training process to improve reaction time, which is an important component of overall sports performance in many combat disciplines, such as karate, boxing, taekwondo, judo, and fencing, as well as motorsports, ball games, etc.

The aim of research is to study the role of physical activity for rehabilitation of patients suffered from mild persistent asthma during their treatment at hospital. The study involved 30 patients being in hospital due to the exacerbation of asthmatic disease. The program of physical rehabilitation is based on the survey results of patients, paying attention to their functional state, rapid assessment of health and physical features of the disease. The use of dosed physical activity while physical rehabilitation of patients suffered from mild persistent asthma has improved functional status of their cardiovascular and respiratory systems, physical performance, quality of life, helped to control the disease.

Introduction The purpose of this study was to identify the levels of physical activity level during the weekdays and weekend both female and male employees. Method A total of 58 volunteer employees participated in this study of which 20 were male (Mage 32.50 ± 8.82) and 38 were female (Mage 34.24 ± 6.25). Anthropometric measurements were performed after an overnight fast for each participant. After anthropometric measurements, daily physical activity levels were measured continuously with the Sense Wear Armband (BodyMedia, USA) monitor, worn on the dominant arm triceps muscle on free-living individuals for a during of seven days. Whether the number of steps, physical activity level (PAL) and inactivity time change depending on the days of the week and the gender was calculated in repetitive measurements with one-way analysis of variance. For globosity variance validity, Mauchly’s test was used. For the variables which cannot be replaced for globosity variance, Greenhouse-Geisser test was used. Results According to daily step numbers, women are slight active and men are active (9479±3468; 11338±3297 step/day respectively) (p>0.05). Daily mean PAL is on sedentary/light level both for women and men (1.55±0.19; 1.61±0.28 kcal·kg-1·hr-1 respectively) (p>0.05). According to days of the week, a statistical difference was found between the daily step numbers in men and women (p<0.05). While there was a statistically significant difference in PAL averages among women (p<0.05), there was no statistical difference in men (p>0.05). While PAL value was the highest in weekdays and lowest on Sunday for both genders, the day with the longest inactivity time was found to be Sunday. Women`s daily mean inactivity time was founder to be longer than men (1264±69; 1205±107 min·day-1 respectively) (p>0.05). Conclusion Both men and women take more than 10000 steps only in weekdays. PAL of both women and men in weekdays and weekend is at sedentary/light activity level. The most active days for both genders are in weekdays, while Sunday is the least active day.

In the interwar period of the 20th century the interest in women's physical education and sports movement in Poland increased. The issue of women's physical education and sport was a subject of debates of Polish sports congresses. An important role in formulating the assumptions and programme of the development of women's sport was played by the 2nd Polish Sports Congress (1927). The assumptions of sports congresses resulted in the activity of women's sections and clubs. Sports organizations and associations took intensified action to promote women's hygiene and health. Propaganda activities were reinvigorated in relation to women's physical education and sport through the organization of conferences, courses or camps. Women were active within the structures of sport in Poland, among others they sat on boards of sports associations and clubs. Departments for women's physical education and sport operated at the State Office of Physical Education and Military Training.

The Exercise Motives and Gains Inventory (EMGI) was developed by Strommer, Ingledew, & Markland (2015) to explore the influence that participatory motives may elicit on perceived gains. The EMGI was completed by REFIT® dance fitness class participants (N = 359) in order to investigate the application of the tool to dance fitness, examine the perceived motivations and gains of REFIT® participants, and test the usefulness of the EMGI in a faith-based exercise program setting. The data was analyzed for internal reliability, correlations were computed between corresponding motives and gains, and differences between means were calculated. The results of the study found that there was no statistically significant correlation between any corresponding motives or gains for a given construct. Discussion concerning the EMGI as a poor fit for this specific exercise population and recommendations for future research are also provided.

Introduction University years play an important role in building healthy lifestyle patterns and attitudes towards physical activity (PA) and sport. Regarding PA, female students are a riskier group than males. The environment can play an important role both as a barrier but also as support for PA. While researching PA in individual population groups, an ecological approach has to be taken into account. The aim of the research was to broaden knowledge about the underlying physical activity of female undergraduates in relation to selected demographic indicators, namely to urban and rural residence, its size in terms of population and the person's current place of residence during her studies. In monitoring PA, we focused on the frequency of sports activity, including exercise. Methods The cohort of this cross-sectional study consisted of 1.630 female undergraduates from two universities in Eastern Slovakia. The research was carried out as part of the grant-aided VEGA Project No. 1/1343/12 "Selected risk factors of obesity and its prevention through physical activity" addressed by the Institute of Physical Education and Sport at P.J. Šafárik University (UPJŠ) in Košice. Data on frequency and regularity of doing sports, including exercise, during the previous half a year, the place of residence (city/country), population of residence, and the current place of residence during their studies were collected via a set of questions in a survey questionnaire designed for the purposes of the above research study. Data were processed using SPSS 23 software program. To find out the correlation between doing sport activities and selected demographic variables, the Spearman Chi quadrate test and the Cramer coefficient of association were used. Results Female students of both universities demonstrated low levels of engagement with sport activity and exercise in terms of the frequency and regularity of its performance in a week over the previous half year. We found significant correlation between the frequency of the sports activity by the undergraduates and the place of their permanent residence, with a result favouring city dwellers against the countryside. Paradoxically, there is no significant correlation regarding the number of inhabitants at the place of residence, although we can observe a certain positive tendency in favor of agglomerations with a population of over 50,000. The factor of the current place of residence during university studies proved to be insignificant.

Pain is a complex and challenging problem for patients with low back pain and for the psychologists and physiotherapist. One of the most common musculoskeletal pain problems is low back pain. Literature data allow us to assume that possible cause of decreased multifidus size include reflex inhibition and disuse atrophy. Increased fatigability (decreased endurance) of the multifidus muscle has been demonstrated in low back pain (LBP) patients in several research studies. Taking up physical activity belongs to one of the fundamentals of the therapy Formal exercise programmes used in conjunction with other methods of treatment and psychological therapy are one the main forms treatments in low back pain. Lifestyle, physical activity in particular is one on the factors influencing the health of youth and adults. Passiveness and apathy do not facilitate the persistence in realizing the aims of treatment.

Positive correlations between physical activity and fitness with psychological benefits have been reported for many decades. Currently available novel neuroimaging techniques enable comparison and assessment of collected data, creating an opportunity to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of different types of exercise on improving brain functioning and health. There is a strong correlation between frequency of physical activity across the lifespan and benefits for brain functioning and volume. Aerobic physical activity, as the most thoroughly investigated type of exercise, comes out as the most beneficial for increasing brain volume and enhancing cognitive functions. It is also effective for raising the levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). However, sedentary lifestyle may diminish positive influence of physical activity and seems to be a crucial negative factor for maintaining brain health.

The paper presents selected problems of the coexistence of chronic pain and depression. It has been assumed that chronic pain and depression make two separate ailments that often coexist. The phenomenon of the coexistence of physical symptoms (including pain) and depression have been widely popularised. Over 65% of patients with pain ailments suffer from depression that is often undiagnosed. The therapists specify this phenomenon as a “closed circle”, as it is not known what the beginning of its appearance was. On one hand, pain often hides the symptoms of depression so effectively that its recognition by a physician seems impossible; on the other, it is known that chronic pain causes continual lowering of mood and depression that increases pain ailments. Moreover, the existence of common neurobiological mechanisms makes depression and pain escalate mutually.

The meaning of the notion of martial arts is very extensive. It concerns many phenomena at the plane of culture, psychology, science of physical culture and other fields. The object of this work is to present the widely-understood martial arts regarded as the leading motif in many film genres - some representations were supposed to scare a viewer, some others to entertain. In this interpretation sketch we draw attention to an important role of a film as a medium that inspires people to undertake some activities, popularizes a healthy life-style, and remains the source of entertainment and knowledge about the culture of the Far East. The following films have undergone analysis: Enter the Dragon (1973, directed by B. Lee, R. Clouse), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2000, directed by A Lee), Shaolin Soccer (2001, directed by S. Chow) and Beverly Hills Ninja (1997, directed by D. Dugan).

One of the manifestations of physical activity are martial arts. Modern research also concerns the problem of treating martial arts not only as a means of self defence, sport or how one spends their free time, but also as a therapy. Therapy through traditional martial arts can help treat many medical disorders. It was acclaimed that participation in the traditional martial arts promotes mental health. It was noted that the sense of self-worth and self-esteem of competence is directly related to the time spent doing training. Current studies show that the traditional martial arts are largely effective, complementary strategy of medical care and rehabilitation of chronic diseases. By watching yet another MMA event on the TV, seeing players’ faces being hit and blood flowing on their bodies, it is worth to be aware that it’s just a spectacular event. The everyday life of people concerned with martial arts is different. Often times they undertake these exercises to improve their physical fitness and the quality of life. It is followed by taking responsibility for their health and not giving it exclusively to the doctor. This results in an active and rational fight agains any disease.

The aim of the present work is to present the problems connected with occupational therapy that make the major part of the programmes for the treatment for mobility limitations connected with different dysfunctions. In many cases, the obstacle in performing the comprehensive programme for the treatment for mobility is pain of a musculoskeletal character. This difficult problem is still connected with many questions and requires further research. In this paper some aspects of the problem are presented. Many occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists, find the employment in this tough area of musculoskeletal pain is a very difficult challenging. Chronic pain has some features making occupational therapy difficult to conduct. An extensive review of the literature suggests that the knowledge around personalized medicine, rehabilitation and occupational therapy continues to grow.

The aim of the presented work is to describe the different trends in race walkers training and the biological adaptation of the body to the applied stresses, and to characterize the other phenomena accompanying this sport. The article is equally concerned with the scientific premises as well as the practical training indications. For a deeper characterization of the discussed problems, the biological considerations that underpin the selection of people to practice race walking are broadly described. It has been shown that diagnostic test that reveal the overall exercise potential of the body are useful tools in this area, and its specific development is related to the use of balanced training in which the most difficult part is to strive for optimal mastery of the sport walking technique. It was also suggested, that physiological, biomechanical and dietary determinants, which are assessed in scientific laboratories would be helpful for trainers and race walkers in achieving championship in race walking. The general nature of race walking was supplemented with a description of the social phenomena associated with this sport competition. The conclusions drawn in this article indicate the importance of mastering the technique of walking, the predisposition to practicing this sport, the importance of a coach in achieving high sports results, and the opportunity of health benefits mainly through the practice of recreational walking.