Vol. 9 No. 1 (2021)

Published 

Articles

Original Research Articles

  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Optimizing the load for peak power and peak velocity development during resisted sprinting

    Aleksander Matusiński, Artur Gołaś, Adam Zając, Magdalena Nitychoruk, Adam Maszczyk
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):128-134.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.15
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    Abstract

    Introduction:

    Resistance towing is perhaps the most specific form of developing strength and power in muscles involved directly during the start, acceleration and at maximum speed. Resisted sprint training may involve towing a sled which provides an overload through the friction between the sled and ground surface or a modern advanced training device which uses drag technology to provide fully controlled resistance during the movement, such as the 1080 Sprint. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the optimal loading for the development of power in the engine assisted drag technology system SPRINT 1080.

    Material and methods:

    We evaluated the changes in running velocity and the generated force and power during resisted sprints over 30m with a load of 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 kg. Seven male sprinters with national and international experience participated in the study. Their average age, body mass and body height were 22.2 ± 2.4 years, 77.43 ± 4.63 kg, and 178.6 ± 3.2 cm, respectively. All athletes performed six 30 m sprints with 5 min rest intervals in between. The first sprint was performed without additional resistance, while the remaining 5 were performed in an random order with additional resistance of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 kg. After receiving a verbal signal, the participant started at will from a semi crouched position. During the resisted sprint trials, the time [s] and the following variables were recorded in peak values: power output [W], generated force [N], and sprinting velocity [m/s].

    Results:

    Our results show that loading with 6 kg decreased sprinting velocity by 9.37% while the generated horizontal power increased by 31,32%. The 6 kg loading on the Sprint 1080device corresponded to 8% body mass, yet as mentioned before the baseline results were not fully free sprinting as the tested athletes reached velocities 0.5-0.6 m/s greater without the harness.

    Conclusion:

    Taking into account this fact, our results seem to confirm previous findings, that external loads between 8 and 13% may be optimal for improving power and sprinting speed at the same time.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Relationships between socioeconomic factors versus the anthropometric and motor characteristics of Polish female university students (2000–2018)

    Robert Podstawski, Arkadiusz Marzec
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):117-127.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.14
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    Abstract

    Aim:

    The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between socioeconomic factors (SES), anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of female university students.

    Materials and Methods:

    The study was conducted in 2000-2018 on 3955 female university students aged 19.72 ± 0.75 years who were randomly selected from the population of students attending obligatory physical education (PE) classes. The participants’ body mass and height were measured, and the students participated in 13 motor ability tests that assessed their speed/agility, flexibility, strength, endurance-strength, and endurance abilities. Multiple independent samples were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test or the mean-ranks post-hoc test when significant differences were observed in the participants’ motor abilities.

    Results:

    Statistically significant differences in the participants’ body mass, body height, BMI and motor abilities (speed/agility, flexibility – partly, strength, and strength-endurance) were associated with differences in the students’ SES. Greater mean differences in SES were associated with differences in the anthropometric and motor characteristics of students. Environmental factors such as the place of permanent residence, monthly budgets, mother’s and father’s educational background were least likely to be associated with female students’ endurance abilities.

    Conclusions:

    Female students who had higher monthly budgets, resided in large cities, and had better educated parents were generally taller and had a higher level of motor abilities. An inverse relationship was noted between motor abilities vs. body mass and BMI.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Effect of power on agility, linear speed and change of direction deficit in female soccer players

    Patricia Fischerova, Roksana Krosta, Artur Gołaś, Artur Terbalyan, Magdalena Nitychoruk, Adam Maszczyk
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):109-116.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.13
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    Abstract

    Introduction:

    The aim of the study was to examine relationships between power of the lower limb and agility, speed, and change of direction (COD) deficit in professional female soccer players.

    Material and methods:

    Thirty-three elite Polish Extraliga league soccer players (aged 22 ±5 years; body height 166 ± 4 cm; body weight 58 ± 8 kg) performed the following fitness tests: lower limb muscle power (Leg Press, Half Squat, Counter Movement Jump), straight linear speed (SLS 20 m), and COD speed ( Zig-Zag test, COD deficit). Using the median value as a reference, the players were subdivided into two groups (n=17; n=16) according to their LP, HS 60% 1RM, CMJ (High values below median = stronger group and Low = weaker group ).

    Results:

    The COD deficit was calculated as the difference between the 20m speed and the Zig-Zag test. The stronger group was better than the weaker group in SLS 20m (p<0.05; ES=1.23; 0.83; 0.93), but in the Zig-Zag agility test, the difference in the results was not statistically significant (p>0.05; ES=0.48; 0.34; 0.34) and this affected the COD deficit, which was higher (p<0.05; ES=0.9; 0.73; 0.72). The most important finding was that the stronger group had a higher COD deficit and its improvement (reduction) occurs only if the results of the agility test are improved (through agility training) [Ydeficit All groups=0.10+0.87* 20m - 0.83* Zig-Zag]. Increasing power (HS, LP) lead to the improvement in SLS p<0.05, not to COD abilities.

    Conclusion:

    This can be useful for coaches during agility training and to improve COD deficit in soccer players and women in general.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    The effect of circuit training on physical fitness and archery accuracy in novice athletes

    Susanto, Siswantoyo, Yudik Prasetyo, Himawan Putranta
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):100-108.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.12
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    Abstract

    Introduction:

    Physical condition is one of the most important factors in supporting archery. the better the physical condition, the better the concentration to support accuracy in archery. Concentration in archery is the ability to target targets accurately.

    Purpose:

    The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of circuit training on improving physical fitness and archery accuracy in novice athletes.

    Materials and Methods:

    Participants were 20 novice athletes, aged 10 to 12 years. Quasi-experimental research design, using two group pretest-posttest design. The method of collecting data on physical fitness uses the Indonesian physical fitness test (IPFT) aged 10-12 years and the accuracy test is by shooting arrows at the target. Data analysis used paired sample t-test, to determine differences in variable groups of men and women. The analysis results showed no difference if the significant value was less than 0.05 (p<0.05). Before analyzing the data, a prerequisite test was carried out which included the Shapiro Wilk normality test and the variate homogeneity test using the Levene's test.

    Results:

    The results showed that there was a significant increase in physical fitness in the male and female groups. Therefore, there was a significant improvement in the accuracy of archery shots in the male and female groups. The study concluded that circuit training is effective for improving physical fitness and archery accuracy in novice athletes.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Effects of creatine hydrochloride supplementation on physical performance and hormonal changes in soldiers

    Mohammad Milad Tayebi, Mitra Yousefpour, Laya Ghahari
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):93-99.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.11
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    Abstract

    Purpose:

    The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 2 weeks of creatine hydrochloride (CrHCl) supplementation on physical performance and hormonal changes in army soldiers. Materials: Eighteen male army soldiers were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to either a CrHCl (n=9) or placebo (Pl) (n=9) groups. CrHCl group costumed 3g of creatine per day, whereas Pl group was given dextrose. Before and after supplementation period, the subjects performed a battery of performance tests including one repletion maximum (1RM) of bench press and back squat, vertical jump (VJ) and Wingate anaerobic test. In addition, blood samples were obtained to determine changes in testosterone and cortisol concentrations per and post supplementation.

    Results:

    There were significant increases in VJ, peak and mean power, and 1RM back squat test following the 2 weeks of CrHCl supplementation (p < 0.05) without any significant change for the Pl group. In addition significant changes were observed in testosterone and cortisol concentrations from before to after supplementation in CrHCl group (p < 0.05) and compared with Pl group (p=0.001).

    Conclusions:

    In conclusion, the present study indicates that CrHCl supplementation can improve VJ, power performance, 1RM back squat and hormonal changes in army soldiers.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Diversity of scoring, ingenuity of striking, art of flying — conceptual and systematical identification of soccer scoring techniques

    Xiang Zhang, Gongbing Shan, Feng Liu, Shenglai Yang, Mingliang Meng
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):79-92.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.10
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    Abstract

    The terms of soccer scoring techniques (SSTs) used in practice and research have been remaining confusing; even dramatic, we still do not know how many SSTs available for the game. This scenario hinders not only the scientific studies on some unique SSTs but also the development of novel coaching methods for learning these SSTs. The current paper aims to bridge the gap by establishing a SST terminology system. The system is built based on goal repeatability, selected anatomical & biomechanical parameters, and analyses of 579 attractive goals from international professional tournaments. The results have revealed that there are 43 SSTs existed in current soccer practice. Some SSTs can be identified by preliminary parameters (i.e. anatomical parameters, the ball vertical position at the shot and the hit-point on the ball), but most of them need additional biomechanical examination on the movement control in frontal & transverse planes, jumping control, and trunk orientation at shots in order to identify uniquely. Further, the new SST terminology has disclosed that soccer attractiveness is linked to the diversity, ingenuity and artistry of shots. The most attractive type of scoring awaited by millions of spectators is aerial shots. Lastly, the most important contribution of the new SST terminology system is to help researchers and practitioners launch target-orientated studies that would provide a practical and convincing scientific coach-method, clear definitions, and means to reevaluate and improve SSTs in practice.
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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Effect of the Leisure Activities on the Level of Psychological stress among the elderly during the Coronavirus Outbreak

    Ayed Zureigat, Osama Abdel Fattah
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):70-78.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.09
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    Abstract

    Background:

    It is well known that advancing age is accompanied by many negative feelings due to the feeling of loneliness and psychological emptiness, which leads to the individual feeling that society does not need him due to his weak physical abilities and thus this, will negatively affect healthy aging.

    Objective:

    The study aimed to investigate the effect of the leisure activities on the psychological stress among the elderly during Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak. Design: To achieve this, we used the quasi-experimental approach on a sample consisting of 54, with the average age of (65.4±2.3) years. Divided into two groups 27 as a control group and 27 as the experimental group and this sample was purposively selected. Because of the home quarantine and to reduce face-to-face interaction, we used a questionnaire to measure the psychological stress level by using the Google form. The study tool consisted of 7 paragraphs associated with depression and 6 paragraphs associated with anxiety, finally 6 paragraphs associated with aggression. Before applying the experiment, the psychological stress was measured among the study sample, and then the leisure activities program was sent to the experimental group by the WhatsApp application. The researchers used means, standard deviations, paired and independent sample t-test by using SPSS version 24 with a confidence level of 95% (p<0.05).

    Results:

    The results of the study have shown that the level of the psychological stress among both groups came with a high average in the pre-measurement, as well as the anxiety domain that were the most affected in a positive way through leisure activities practicing. Additionally, there were statistically significant differences between the pre and post measurement among experiment group and favor of the post measurement.

    Conclusion:

    the leisure activities practicing among the elderly have contributed positively to reducing the level of psychological stress represented by depression, anxiety.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Antioxidative system capacity after a 10-day-long intensive training course and one-month-long recovery in military cadets

    Liana Plavina, Oksana Kolesova, Jelena Eglite, Andris Cakstins, Silva Cakstina, Aleksandrs Kolesovs
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):62-69.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.08
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    Abstract

    Optimization of training and minimization of injuries are topical for the physical performance of military personnel. Physical and psycho-emotional load, fatigue, sleep deprivation, and dietary limits can lead to the development of oxidative stress (OS) and injuries in specific military training. This study investigated markers of OS and muscle damage in military cadets after a 10-day-long intensive training course and a one-month-long recovery. The sample included 42 cadets (2 females and 40 males) aged from 22 till 34. Myoglobin, catalase activity (CAT), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), and total antioxidants capacity (TAC) in plasma were measured. OS was assessed by the glutathione index. The results revealed an increasing level of myoglobin, increasing glutathione index, and no changes in CAT, SOD, and TAC during the intensive training course. After the one-month-long recovery, myoglobin was back to normal, the activity of CAT and TAC was higher than before and after the training course, while SOD did not change after the recovery. The glutathione index decreased after the one-month-long recovery, but it was not reached the initial level before the intensive training. In sum, the observed grade of OS positively affected the capacity of the antioxidative system with some sign of a need for a longer rest.
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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Step count for 7th and 8th grade students in structured and unstructured physical education classes

    Necip Demirci, Refika Yılmaz, Ayda Karaca
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):54-61.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.07
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    Abstract

    The aim of the study was to analyze step counts of middle school students in structured and unstructured physical education classes (PE) according to age, gender, and school type. Data were collected on a sample of 74 students, 40 7th and 34 8th grade students recruited from private and public middle schools. Omron HJ-112 pedometers were used in this study to obtain step counts. There were statistically significant differences between boys and girls in the step counts in both structured and unstructured PE. A significant difference was observed between school types in step counts during structured PE in both genders, while no significant difference was found for unstructured PE. Significant difference was found between step counts of only boys of different grades in unstructured PE. Boys made more steps than girls both in structured and unstructured PE. In structured PE, 7th grade boys reached a higher number of steps than 8th grade boys.
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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Are three months multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention enough to get benefits on blood pressure in overweight/obese adults ?

    Roberto Pippi, Vittorio Bini, Elisa Reginato, Cristina Aiello, Carmine Fanelli
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):40-53.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.06
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    Abstract

    The aim of the study is to determine the effects of a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention (including a short period of physical exercise) on some health-related variables, particularly on blood pressure, in an overweight/obese adult group. The main outcome was blood pressure lowering. The study involved 378 subjects affected by obesity or type 2 diabetes. The intervention included exercise, nutrition and psychological aspects. Before and after the intervention, several anthropometrics, cardiovascular risk related measures (height, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body composition and WHTR index) and physical exercise measures (aerobic capacity, flexibility and dynamic muscle strength) were evaluated through fitness tests. We observed a significant reduction in: blood pressure values, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, WHTR, fat mass and an improvement of fat free mass and physical exercise measures. The C.U.R.I.A.Mo. multidisciplinary approach is effective for reducing blood pressure, after relatively few exercise sessions (three weeks), particularly in patients with hypertension. The intervention can ameliorate the health status and physical performance in the short term, in normotensive and hypertensive adult subjects with overweight/obesity.
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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Ethical values in jujutsu of Japanese origin

    Wojciech J. Cynarski, Yu Jong-Hoon
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):33-39.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.05
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    Abstract

    Background.

    The broad humanistic and socio-cultural theoretical perspectives applied to this research effort provides a foundation for the Humanistic Theory of Martial Arts and the anthropological focus on martial arts used in this paper. Hence, conceptual language has been adopted for this investigation. The aim is to assess and identify the ethical values and pro-social perspectives accentuated by high-ranking masters in the martial art of jujutsu. Specifically, this paper seeks to answer the question of which values are most often prioritized or stressed?

    Method.

    The discussion involves the analysis of a broad survey of scientific and expert literature. Quoted and compared are the opinions and perspectives of 11 Grand Masters of jujutsu, holders of the highest titles and master's degrees (i.e, 9-10 dan), are analyzed and presented as evidence.

    Results.

    Classical schools and their representatives uniformly accentuate the value of tradition. On the other hand, there is a trend toward modernization both in the content of teaching and in technical ideas. This modernization began with Jigoro Kano, whose followers are today seen as reformers. All present Grand Masters pay attention to the ethical values and educational aspects of martial arts, particularly with regard to jujutsu.

    Conclusions.

    Ethics in jujutsu extends, as a kind of continuum between the traditionalist Butoku (i.e, knightly virtues resulting from Bushido) and the axiology of Christian Europe. A general consensus exists as to its educational and pro-social values. Aspects may also include self-control, self-discipline, perseverance, and responsibility, which are shaped by long-term educational processes.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Measuring physical literacy in Ukraine: development of a set of indicators by Delphi method

    Iuliia Pavlova, Petro Petrytsa, Andrii Andres, Nataliia Osip, Oksana Khurtenko, Alla Rudenok, Natalia Hotsuliak, Zlenko Nataliia
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):24-32.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.04
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    Abstract

    Introduction:

    This study aims to outline indicators of physical literacy for Ukrainian student youth, taking into account current international experience and concepts and meeting national specificities of the organization of physical education in higher educational institutions of Ukraine.

    Methods:

    82 individuals were invited to participate in study (face-to-face meeting). The 2-round Delphi method as approach for facilitating group interaction aimed to structure communication process was used to generalize the knowledge and receiving the consensus of expert opinion.

    Results:

    The top five of the most important indicators of physical literacy were physical health, physical activity level, participation in fitness activities, ability to conduct morning hygienic gymnastics, physical training break, physical training, gymnastics before classes, individual training session, ability to perform preventive exercises in case of illness. The indicators identified by the experts can be grouped into three separate domains: functional, motivational, cognitive and behavioral.

    Conclusion:

    The selected indicators are contextually sensitive for the Ukrainian population. We prioritize approaches that have already been used in daily practice in Ukraine. The set of selected indicators demonstrates that they reflect the structural hierarchy of the “physical literacy” construction. The selected indicators, in particular, correspond to the goals of students’ education, they take into account the list of necessary knowledge, skills and abilities in accordance with the requirements of the Ukrainian program, consider motivation of students, awareness of active lifestyle and sufficient level of physical strain importance for health.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Age-related changes of reactive agility in football

    Pavol Horicka, Jaromir Simonek
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):16-23.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.03
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    Abstract

    The purpose of this investigation is to determine age dynamism of reactive agility in young football players, thus specifying the impact of sport training on the level of reactive agility of players. 112 young male football players playing for the football club in Nitra, Slovakia volunteered to participate in the study. Another goal was to clarify the age dynamics of performances in the monitored groups of football players and to find out the mutual relationship between the two types of agility. Trends in sport performance and relationship of both kinds of agility were observed in 6 teams of different age categories (U11 up to U16). In order to fulfil the aim of the research two different motor tests for running agility (Illinois agility test) and reactive agility (Fitro Agility Check) were selected. For the realization of Fitro Agility Check test, a computer with the necessary hardware and software, and measuring device Fitro Agility Check were used. To evaluate the relationship between the observed variables (Illinois vs FAC), we used Spearman's correlation coefficient rs (-1 ≤ rs ≤ 1) to perform correlation analysis in SSPS statistical software. We used a significance level of 0.01. The results of this study provide evidence of stabilization of performance with the growing age of players at the level of both types of agility and a dynamic increase, especially after the age of 13. Low values of correlation coefficients (from r = - 0.570 to 0.503) indicate indifferent determinants in running and reactive agility. Since low causal-consequential relationship between reactive and running agility was found in the observed football teams, there is a necessity in the sports training to differentiate between specific means for the development of the so-called pre-planned and reactive agility.
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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Efficacy of dynamic Swiss ball training in improving the core stability of collegiate athletes

    Shibili Nuhmani
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):9-15.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.02
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    Abstract

    Introduction:

    The training of core muscles is key in sports training to improve performance and reduce the risk of injuries. However the most effective method to improve core musculature is still controversial. Therefore the objective of this study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of dynamic Swiss ball training in reinforcing the core stability of collegiate athletes.

    Materials and methods:

    This two-group, two-factor research involved 67, 18- to 28-year-old collegiate athletes (18 females, 49 males) who were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was provided dynamic Swiss ball training, whereas the control group was instructed to perform floor exercises. The groups underwent training for six weeks (three days per week). Four core stability tests (the Biering-Sorenson trunk extension, Side Bridge, prone bridge, and double leg lowering tests) were administrated pre- and post-training.

    Results:

    The mean scores of the participants in the core stability tests significantly improved after six weeks of training (p<0.05), but the between-group comparisons revealed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in terms of enhancement in core stability (p<0.05).

    Conclusion:

    The relatively high improvement in core stability parameters after Swiss ball training suggested that these exercises are favorable alternatives to traditional floor exercises in strengthening the core muscles. The findings are expected to help athletes, coaches, trainers, and other strength and conditioning specialists involved in athletic training decide on appropriate training methods.

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  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE

    Acute effects of weighted plyometric exercise on sprint, agility and jump performance in university football players

    Haris MH, Moazzam Hussain Khan, Tarushi Tanwar, Nida Irshad, Shibili Nuhmani
    Phys Act Rev. 2021;9(1):1-8.DOI: 10.16926/par.2021.09.01
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    Abstract

    Background:

    Conditioning activities such as resistance training can cause excitation of central nervous system resulting in Post-activation Potentiation phenomenon. Plyometric exercise also has an important role to develop Post-activation Potentiation following a resistance stimulus. So the purpose the study was to investigate the immediate effects of weighted plyometric exercise on sprint, agility and jump performance.

    Materials and methods:

    Twenty male university football players (age=21.3±1.5 years, body mass=63.3±9.5 kg, height=169.8±6.4 m) participated in this Single group pre-test post-test study. Agility Time (AT), Sprint Time (ST) and Counter-Movement Jump (CMJ) height were measured prior to and 1st and 5th minutes following plyometric exercise.

    Results:

    A repeated measures ANOVA employed at baseline (T0), 1 minute (T1), and 5 minutes (T5) post intervention showed significant effect for all the three outcome measures (p<0.001). Post-hoc Bonferroni pairwise comparison showed a significant decrease in both AT and ST from baseline to assessments at both T1 (p<0.001) and T5 (p<0.001), whereas there was a significant increase in the CMJ height. However, no statistical difference was found between T1 and T5 (p=0.058) in ST, but AT was significantly lower at T5 than at T1 (p=0.008), and CMJ height showed significant increase from T1 to T5 (p=0.001).

    Conclusion:

    Our results suggest that weighted plyometric exercises have an acute response on sprint, agility and counter movement jump (CMJ Height) following Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) effect developed after plyometric exercises.

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