Showing 16 results for Fitness
Besnik Morina, Grgur Višić, Davorin Antonić, Matej Babić, Goran Sporiš, Tomislav Vlahović, Miljenko Franić, Ivica Franjko, Zvonimir Tomac, Onur Akman,
year 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background. Coaches predominantly utilize linear training protocols to enhance the aerobic power of football players. However, there is limited data on the effects of change of direction (COD) protocols on aerobic power in football.
Objectives. This study aimed to determine which high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program—linear (LHIIT) or change of direction (COD)—has a more significant impact on increasing aerobic power in senior female football players.
Methods. Sixty senior female football players were divided into two experimental groups: LHIIT (n=30) and COD (n=30). Both groups underwent a four-week HIIT protocol, with LHIIT involving linear exercises and COD incorporating change of direction exercises. Aerobic power was measured using the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (IFT), maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), and VO2max at the beginning and end of the study to assess the differences in aerobic adaptations between the two programs.
Results. The results indicated that the COD group eliminated the significant difference in VO2max that initially existed between the two groups, suggesting that COD protocols may be more effective in increasing aerobic power than linear ones. Additionally, both groups significantly improved the 30-15 IFT, MAV, and VO2max.
Conclusion. Both linear and change of direction HIIT protocols significantly enhance aerobic performance in senior female football players. However, COD protocols may have a more significant impact on VO2max improvement. Future research should explore the potential effects of COD protocols on anaerobic power and seek to identify even more effective HIIT strategies for enhancing VO2max.
Besnik Morina, Grgur Višić, Davorin Antonić, Matej Babić, Goran Sporiš, Ivica Franjko, Zvonimir Tomac, Onur Akman, Aleksandar Miletić, Rrezon Krasniqi,
year 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background. Anaerobic and aerobic power are critical factors influencing peak football performance. This study aimed to explore the differential effects of various high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols on these performance metrics in senior female football players.
Objectives. The primary objective was to investigate the impact of linear (L) HIIT and change-of-direction (COD) HIIT protocols on key performance indicators, including peak treadmill running velocity (Vmax), peak velocity at anaerobic threshold (VAT), distance traveled in the anaerobic zone (dAT), and VO2max.
Methods. Sixty senior female football players were divided into LHIIT (n=30) and COD (n=30). Both groups underwent initial testing before participating in their respective training programs for four weeks. Performance metrics were measured at the beginning and end of the training period.
Results. Both groups significantly improved all measured variables (p<0.001). However, the COD group demonstrated relatively more significant enhancements in Vmax (COD=0.93; LHIIT=0.8), VAT (COD=0.94; LHIIT=0.87), and VO2max (COD=0.92; LHIIT=0.74). The COD group also reduced the initial difference in VO2max to a non-significant level.
Conclusion. COD HIIT protocols appear to be slightly more effective in enhancing anaerobic power in female football players than linear HIIT protocols. Nevertheless, both HIIT programs significantly improved performance metrics, indicating that incorporating such training regimens can benefit female football training programs.
Hung Manh Nguyen, Luc Tri Nguyen, Tho Thi Nhu Ngo,
year 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background. Vietnam is experiencing rapid population aging, with the proportion of individuals aged 60 and older projected to increase. This demographic shift is accompanied by a rise in frailty, a condition characterized by decreased physical and functional abilities, significantly increasing the risk of falls among older adults.
Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of physical exercises on balance, lower body strength, and fall risk in sedentary older adults. The primary hypothesis of this study was that physical exercises would significantly improve balance ability, lower body strength and reduce the risk of falls in sedentary older adults.
Methods. Sixty subjects aged 65 to 75 were recruited to participate in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups: Experiment group (30 subjects: 17 males, 13 females) and Control group (30 subjects: 17 males, 13 females). Prior to intervention, participants were asked to complete an informed consent. Participants in the experiment group attended a 60-minute physical exercise session twice a week for 12 weeks. Control group participants were informed not to do any new exercise program but to maintain daily activities.
Results. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. After 12 weeks of physical exercise training, participants in the experiment group showed significantly better results in balance ability and lower body strength via tests compared to the control group determined by statistical one-way ANOVA. Specifically, improvements were observed in standing on one leg with eyes open (F=15.50, P=0.000), standing on one leg with eyes closed (F=92.13, P=0.000), falls efficacy scale (F=106.89, P=0.000), chair stand (F=52.13, P=0.000), and 8-foot up and go test (F=23.12, P=0.000).
Conclusion. Based on the results, physical exercise can significantly enhance balance ability and lower body strength in sedentary older adults. Further study could be conducted specifically targeting individuals with multiple chronic conditions. Alternatively, studies could explore the impact of exercise interventions on individuals with frailty syndromes.
Samer Abueid,
year 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent global health issue requiring effective management strategies. Exercise plays a key role in improving insulin sensitivity and aerobic capacity. This study examines the impact of Blood-Flow Restriction (BFR) Walk Training on these parameters in T2D patients, hypothesizing that BFR may offer greater benefits than conventional exercise.
Objectives. To evaluate the effects of BFR Walk Training on insulin sensitivity, aerobic capacity, and body composition in male patients with T2D.
Methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 male T2D patients aged 40 to 65. Participants were randomly assigned to a BFR Walk Training or conventional exercise group. The intervention lasted for eight weeks, during which the BFR group performed low-intensity walking combined with limb blood-flow restriction while the control group followed standard walking exercises. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included Body Mass Index (BMI), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and fasting blood glucose levels.
Results. The BFR group showed significant improvements, including a 4.10% reduction in BMI, a 7.96% decrease in fasting glucose levels, and a 26.1% increase in VO2max, all with p-values <0.001 compared to the control group.
Conclusion. BFR Walk Training significantly enhances insulin sensitivity, aerobic capacity, and body composition in T2D patients, offering a novel and effective exercise strategy for diabetes management.
Fazel Bazyar, Ramin Shabani, Alireza Elmiyeh,
year 2, Issue 4 (12-2014)
Abstract
Human health is highly dependent on the condition of health-related physical fitness and particularly body composition. Adolescence is unique in this regard, especially when the adolescents are mentally retarded, about whom information on physical fitness is limited. Thus, the objective of this paper was to study the components of health-related physical fitness with emphasis on body composition and weight gain and loss in mentally retarded students of Roodbar. Statistical sample included 91 mentally retarded male students with mean age of 13.44±1.56, mean height of 167±6.97, and mean IQ of 68.7±7.8. Physical fitness components were assessed using modified Brockport Physical Fitness Test (BPFT) including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition (by calculation of body mass index). The results indicated that in terms of body mass index, 40% of participants were underweight, 10% were overweight, and 10% were obese. In addition, body fat percentage was high in 11.9% of subjects and very high in 13% of them. The mean aerobic power of mentally retarded boys aged 12-14 was measured 31.5% (ml/kg/min), indicating 25% and 35% lower physical fitness, respectively, compared to their normal peers and the reference values. The present study revealed that a significant proportion of mentally retarded adolescents in Roodbar are suffering from either underweight or overweight. Moreover, their physical fitness in all components is not desirable compared to their normal peers.
Fatemeh Abdavi, Zahra Shiralizadeh,
year 3, Issue 4 (12-2015)
Abstract
This descriptive-correlational study examined the effect of brand extension on current image in the scope of Tabriz Majid products in the city of Tabriz. The study population comprised consumers of Majid products and fans of Tractorsazi, and the sample size was 380 persons. A simple random sampling method and an infinite population formula were used as well as a five-option Likert questionnaire. Its reliability was measured at 0.71 by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The Spearman ranking correlation coefficient test and structural equations model, available on SPSS and LISREL software packages, were used to analyze the data. The most important results of the study indicate that extension attitude affects brand image. Furthermore, initial brand communications and perceived fitness between the new product and other products (category fitness) or brand image (image fitness) can improve and affect consumer attitude.
Tahmineh Ajorlu, Abbas Saremi,
year 5, Issue 1 (4-2017)
Abstract
Background. Because VO2max doesn’t provide any detailed information about aerobic examinations Oxygen Kinetic is used for more accuracy. Long intensive and repetitive exercises with sufficient time lead to increase in aerobic parameters like kinetic absorption of oxygen.
Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine time dependent effects of short-time high intensity interval training (HIIT) on oxygen kinetics in females.
Methods. Forty active and healthy students (age: 25.5±5yr) were randomly allocated to one of four groups: H1, which performed one session HIIT (with 120% vo2 max intensity for 1 minutes and 1 minutes active break for 8 times); H2, which performed two session HIIT; H3, which performed four session HIIT; and a control group (CON). Both exercise and control groups performed the incremental test (initially the work load was 50 watts and after every 4 minutes adding 30 watts and 1 minute active break for recovery) on the ergometer bicycle. After 2 days of pretesting, training groups participated in 1, 2 and 4 session HIIT (with 120% of their Vo2max intensity for 1 minutes and 3 minute active breaks for 8 times). Two days after the completion of the exercise protocol, post-test accordingly pretest was used by control and exercise groups. Result was measured by gas analyzer to breath-by breath method.
Results. The findings showed that 1 session HIIT had no significant effect on oxygen kinetic factors (Vo2max, oxygen deficit, time constant 1 and 2) (p>0.05). Two sessions HIIT significantly improved some of oxygen kinetic factors (Vo2max, oxygen deficit, time constant 2) (p<0.05), but had not significant effect on time constant 1 (p>0.05). In addition, 4 sessions HIIT, significantly associated with improvement in all of oxygen kinetic factors (Vo2max, oxygen deficit, time constant 1 and 2) (p<0.05).
Conclusion. It seems that 4 sessions HIIT is the at least time for improvement of all oxygen kinetic factors.
Mohammad Nikravan, Ali Mohammad Safania, Ali Zarei,
year 7, Issue 4 (12-2019)
Abstract
Background. Due to the fact that the current methods used in Iran are old-fashioned and their theoretical foundations are based on authority of teachers, there is a necessity to adopt and enjoy new and creative methods which are depended upon peer learning of students who are actively involved in working with each other. These features are the cornerstone of sport education (SE) method whose procedure is to learn students to be self-dependent and participate in all parts of the class unlike traditional methods of sport education.
Objectives. The current study aimed at comparing the effects of traditional method (current methods in Iranian schools) with sport education on physical fitness and competency.
Methods. The current semi-experimental study focused on the effects of two methods of sport education and traditional method. The statistical population included the junior students of 2nd grade in Sama School in Boroujerd of which two 18-subject groups were selected; the first group was trained based on the sport education method and the 2nd group based on traditional method in volleyball. Each group separately attended sport education and traditional method classes. In the sport education group, the students attended 12 sessions according to the procedure of sport education, formerly introduced by Siedentop; in the traditional method group, the students also attended 12 sessions, based on the running method in volleyball. For the sport education group, before starting the season, the participants were asked to take the physical fitness and competency pre-tests. Likewise, the traditional method group took the same tests before starting the program. Then, the participants in each group were trained in accordance with the structure, procedure, and lesson plan of the running method. After completion of training, the participants were asked to take the posttests of physical fitness and competency. Then, the data from pre- and posttests were gathered and compared using ANCOVA and analyzed with SPSS.
Results. Intergroup comparisons showed a significant difference between the two groups in physical fitness (except for jumping index); intragroup comparison also showed a significant difference between pre- and posttest results in each group in terms of competency. Therefore, the sport education had a significant priority to the traditional method.
Conclusion. Our results suggest that instead of using common and traditional teaching methods for physical education in schools, colleges and universities, it is better to use modern methods, especially sports education.
Jiun Sien Lau, Rosniwati Ghafar, Hairul Anuar Hashim, Erie Zuraidee Zulkifli,
year 8, Issue 4 (12-2020)
Abstract
Background. Archery is a sport that demands a high level of fitness due to its long hours of training and competitive nature. Thus, archers need to have high fatigue tolerance and body figure to perform successfully.
Objectives. This study aims to compare and correlate the anthropometric and physical fitness variables on archery shooting performance.
Methods. Participants were youth archers of the Terengganu state team and Malaysia Pahang Sports School from Malaysia (n=12; male: 9 and female: 3; Mean age: 16.0±1.6 years). They were divided into two groups (high-performance, HPA, and low-performance, LPA) based on their preliminary archery score obtained in the early stage of the study. The archery shooting performance was assessed by total shooting score (36 arrows shot from 70 meters distance). Anthropometric (height, body mass, body mass index, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, and arm span), muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, balance, and aerobic fitness were assessed.
Results. Mann-Whitney test showed that height, arm span, handgrip strength, and predicted VO2max showed significant differences between the groups (p<0.05). Spearman correlation showed that height, arm span, right-hand grip, and predicted VO2max significantly correlated with scores (r=0.80, 0.82, 0.61, 0.68).
Conclusion. The result showed that archers with higher height and longer arm span have more advantages in archery. In terms of fitness level, muscular strength and aerobic capacity are essential for the archer to excel in this sport. This finding helps coaches and team managers when conducting talent identification programs and training programs for athletes.
Cheng-Feng Ho, Yu-Sheng Lin, Ching-Te Lin, Chin-Cheng Yang, Chih-Chien Shen,
year 10, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
Background. In the study of wearable device users, it was found that the intentional motives for using wearable devices were a novelty, fun, and popular trends, but whether the needs and functions of device users will change due to the change the time is the focus of this study.
Objectives. This study aims to examine the path relationships among motivation of use, exercise commitment, and exercise engagement of users of wearable fitness devices.
Methods. The subjects of the study were users of wearable fitness devices. The questionnaires were distributed online through purposive sampling. A total of 479 questionnaires were distributed, and 347 valid questionnaires were collected after excluding invalid questionnaires with an effective response rate of 72.4%. The response data were validated by descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, and a structural equation model.
Results. The results of the study reveal that users of wearable fitness devices are mainly motivated by “informativeness” and “practicality and instrumentation”; motivation of use does not directly affect exercise engagement (t = 0.895, P < 0.056). Exercise commitment is mediating between the motivation of use and exercise engagement; motivation of use positively affects exercise commitment, and exercise commitment positively affects exercise engagement (t = 3.856, P < 0.001).
Conclusion. Wearable device users believe that the wearable devices can record their own exercise-related information, enhance exercise efficiency, and provide an easy-to-understand interface with a sense of entertainment and novelty technology, which support the device users to engage in physical activities. Commitment to exercise will influence the individual's continued engagement in exercise.
Sunday Onagbiye, Olumatoyin Toriola,
year 10, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
Background. Evidence shows that obesity negatively influences children’s physical, physiological and musculoskeletal well-being.
Objectives. This study examined the relationship between triponderal mass index (TMI), blood pressure (BP), and musculoskeletal fitness (MSF) in a cross-sectional sample of school children in Ado-Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria.
Methods. Body weight, stature, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP & DBP), and three components of musculoskeletal fitness, comprising sit and reach (SR), sit-up (SUP), standing broad jump (SBJ), and 20-meter shuttle runs, were assessed in 1229 (boys=483, 39.3%; girls=746, 60.7%) school children (age range: 9-13 years).
Results. A significant positive correlation was found between TMI and SBP (r= 0.182, P < 0.01), and DBP (r= 0.090, P < 0.01), while TMI and SR (r= -0.067, P < 0.05) and SBJ (r= -0.246, P < 0.01) yielded a substantial inverse relationship. Children with severe underweight were significantly less probable to perform well in SBJ (OR= 0.96, CI= 0.94; 0.99) and 20-meter shuttle run (OR= 1.39, CI= 1.22; 1.61). Childhood overweight was associated with increased SBP (OR= 1.03, CI= 1.02; 1.05) and poor SBJ (OR= 0.98, CI= 0.97; 0.99). Obese children were significantly associated with increased SBP (OR= 1.04, CI= 1.02; 1.06), poor SR (OR= 0.92, CI= 0.87; 0.98) and SBJ (OR= 0.94, CI= 0.93; 0.96) scores compared to age- and sex-specific norms.
Conclusion. Elevated BP and poor musculoskeletal fitness could adversely affect the well-being of undernourished, overweight, and obese Nigerian children. Findings implicate the need to implement dietary and physical activity intervention programs to promote desirable health-related quality of life in school-going children.
Kürşat Hazar, Ahmet Ferdi Koç, Merve Rumeysa Alpay,
year 12, Issue 0 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background. Studies examining the development of exercise addiction point out the relationship between the characteristics that create this behavioral addiction and the personality characteristics of individuals.
Objectives. This study aims to examine athletes' exercise addiction levels and narcissism levels and to reveal the relationship between narcissism and exercise addiction.
Methods. The study's sample consisted of 235 (X̄=23) athletes, 98 of whom were female and 137 of whom were male, between the ages of 18 and 53, who were involved in fitness, kickboxing, and volleyball sports in Osmaniye province. The research design used a relational survey design, one of the quantitative research methods.
Results. According to the research results, it was determined that there was a significant difference between exercise addiction and narcissism levels and in the tolerance development and passion sub-dimensions of the exercise addiction scale of athletes according to branches (p<0.05). Additionally, a significant difference was observed between exercise duration and exercise addiction (p<0.05). Accordingly, it was determined that there was a moderately significant positive relationship between narcissism and exercise addiction (r=0.493 p<0.01). As a result, narcissism appears to be a significant predictor of exercise addiction (r2=0.243 p<0.01). It can be stated that 24% of the total variance regarding exercise addiction is explained by narcissism.
Conclusion. As a result, narcissism appears to be a significant predictor of exercise addiction. It is essential to identify exercise addiction risk factors to be protected from exercise addiction and to minimize its possible effects. In this way, it is thought that individuals can achieve positive results from exercise.
Hung Manh Nguyen, Tho Thi Nhu Ngo, Thuy Thi Nguyen, Dan van Pham,
year 12, Issue 0 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background. The effects of yoga on older adults' blood pressure and physical fitness have been rarely considered in Vietnam.
Objectives. This study aims to evaluate the impact of yoga programs on Blood Pressure and Physical Performance of Older Adults with Stage 1 Hypertension.
Methods. Thirty female participants aged 60 to 74 (66.48±4.48) were recruited from Vinh City, Vietnam. A six-month Yoga program included pre-training, post-training, and follow-up. Participants attended a 60-minute yoga practice in three weekly sessions for 6 months. The outcome measurements are blood pressure and physical fitness. An adjustable cuff-sided sphygmomanometer is used for measuring blood pressure. A senior fitness test is used to measure physical fitness.
Results. BMI, waist, and blood pressure of older adults with stage 1 hypertension are significantly improved. The difference in BMI between the two phases is 0.47, p<0.001; Sequentially, waist is 3.25, p<0.001; pulse is 1.59, p<0.001; systolic blood pressure is 2.63, p<0.001; diastolic blood pressure is 2.25, p<0.001; Physical tests have also significantly improved. The difference of the chair stand test is -2.11, p<0.001; Sequentially, arm curl is -2.07, p<0.001; 2-minute step is -2.55, p<0.001; chair sit reach is -2.40, p<0.001; back scratch is -1.07, p<0.001; 8-foot up and go is 0.33, p=0.017.
Conclusion. Yoga can improve older adults' BMI, waist, blood pressure, and physical fitness.
Alexios Batrakoulis, Kadir Keskin, Saeid Fatolahi, Okan Burçak Çelik, Sameer Badri Al-Mhanna, Farnaz Dinizadeh,
year 12, Issue 1 (2-2024)
Abstract
Background. The health and fitness industry is evolving and appears to be a dynamic space for all involved stakeholders with great potential worldwide.
Objectives. The purpose of this observational study was to identify the most popular health and fitness trends in Turkey for the first time after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to detect any potential differences in the recent results reported in other countries or regions.
Methods. A national online survey was carried out, utilizing the methodology of similar international surveys conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine since 2007. Specifically, simple random sampling was used through a web-based questionnaire that was sent to 5,725 professionals who worked in the Turkish health and fitness industry.
Results. A total of 505 responses was collected with a response rate of 8.8%. The 10 most popular health and fitness trends in Turkey in the post-COVID-19 era were exercised for weight loss, Pilates, strength training (free weights), body weight training, personal training, core training, boutique fitness studios, group training, functional fitness training, and high intensity interval training. The present results are fully aligned with those observed for the top health and fitness trends in various Southern European countries and the European region, demonstrating that trends related to technology and health are not yet popular nationwide.
Conclusion. Such findings may help gym operators/managers, exercise professionals, training providers, and educators with making critical business decisions, educational and professional development opportunities, and novel exercise concepts to strengthen customer engagement, satisfaction, loyalty and retention through engaging fitness experiences in the post-COVID-19 era.
Marilyn Gilyana, Alexios Batrakoulis, Dimitrios G. Goulis, Konstantina Symeonidou, Sameer Badri Al-Mhanna, Evangelia Kouidi,
year 12, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background. Obesity is considered a major global public health issue. Interestingly, physical exercise has a vital role in preventing, managing, and treating obesity. However, bariatric surgery has been reported as an effective treatment option.
Objectives. The present trial aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a 6-month, real-world, multi-component exercise intervention with bariatric surgery to improve anthropometric and physical function parameters in individuals with obesity.
Methods. Seventy-one individuals (73% female, mean age: 39.7±20.3 years) with obesity (mean body mass index: 38.4±3.0 kg/m2) were recruited, and 69 completed the study. Participants were divided into i) exercise group (EX, n=25; randomly assigned), ii) bariatric surgery group (BS, n=23; group-randomized), and iii) non-exercise and non-surgical control group (C, n=23; randomly assigned). Anthropometric parameters, handgrip strength, functional aerobic capacity, and flexibility were assessed at baseline and after six months.
Results. The EX and BS groups experienced beneficial changes in anthropometrics, functional aerobic capacity, and flexibility compared with C (p<0.001). BS demonstrated greater improvements in anthropometrics and functional aerobic capacity than C (p<0.05), while EX showed higher increases in handgrip strength than BS (p<0.05). Also, moderate negative and positive associations were found between anthropometrics and physical function changes in EX and BS, respectively.
Conclusion. A multi-component exercise programming approach could enhance physical capabilities. At the same time, bariatric surgery improved anthropometric characteristics, suggesting that surgical interventions may improve body composition but not muscular fitness in obese individuals.
Ha Minh Diu, Dao Chanh Thuc,
year 12, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background. The butterfly stroke, renowned for its technical complexity, demands a unique interplay of strength, power, and coordination. While previous research has explored the biomechanics of elite butterfly swimmers, limited attention has been given to understanding the relationship between specific kinematic parameters and physical fitness in proficient but non-elite swimmers. This study addresses this gap by investigating the associations between swim velocity, stroke rate, and stroke length over a 25-meter distance with key physical fitness attributes in male college students.
Objectives. This study aims to determine the relationship between select kinematic parameters of the butterfly stroke and physical fitness in male swimmers, focusing on the analysis of swim velocity, stroke rate, and stroke length over a 25-meter distance.
Methods. The study group comprised seventeen male proficient butterfly swimmers enrolled in a physical education program. Baseline measurements of muscular strength, muscular endurance, speed, flexibility, and agility were collected during a pre-test to assess participants' physical fitness. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, and Pearson correlation coefficients to examine the relationships between these fitness parameters and the kinematic variables of swim velocity, stroke length, and stroke rate.
Results. A significant positive correlation was observed between stroke length and muscular strength in butterfly swimming (p<0.05). Additionally, positive correlations were found between swim velocity, stroke rate, and speed p<0.05.
Conclusion. These findings suggest that muscular strength is a crucial determinant of stroke length, highlighting its importance for efficient butterfly swimming. Furthermore, the positive correlations between swim velocity, stroke rate, and speed underscore the interconnected nature of these variables in overall performance. Swimming curricula should emphasize the development of muscular strength and speed-focused training to optimize the kinematic characteristics of the butterfly stroke in physical education students.
