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19 pages, 323 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Perspective of Rehabilitation Nurses on Physical Exercise in the Rehabilitation of Older People in the Community: A Qualitative Study

by Rogério Ferreira, Nuno Fernandes, Carina Bico, Ana Bonito, Cláudia Moura, Luís Sousa, Cristina Lavareda Baixinho and César Fonseca

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(4), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040163 - 28 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1423

Abstract

In the face of an increasingly aging population, nurses have to design and implement programs aimed at the elderly in order to keep them healthy and maintain their quality of life. Structured physical exercise and overall physical activity play a major role in [...] Read more.

In the face of an increasingly aging population, nurses have to design and implement programs aimed at the elderly in order to keep them healthy and maintain their quality of life. Structured physical exercise and overall physical activity play a major role in maintaining an active lifestyle, improving health, preventing disease, and helping to maintain older people’s quality of life. To investigate the importance of implementing physical exercise programs for the older person in the community, taking into account the perspective of the rehabilitation nurse specialist, this is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study with nine rehabilitation nurses from various regions of Portugal who have experience of implementing physical exercise programs with the elderly. This study used semi-structured interviews, one of the most common data collection procedures in social and health research. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. The study received a positive opinion from the Ethics Committee. The participants’ perspectives focused on the following subjects: “Physical exercise program for the elderly in the community”, “Importance of physical exercise in the rehabilitation of the elderly in the community”, “People’s adherence to the programs”, “Gains in health resulting from the implementation of these strategies” and “Gains from group activities”. A set of indicators emerged from the analysis. Nurses recognize the importance of using structured physical exercise programs adjusted to the rehabilitation of the older person, with gains in promoting active and healthy aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents through Sport and Physical Activities—4th Edition)

12 pages, 801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mediating Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Associations between Physical Activity and Physical Fitness; Cross-Sectional Study among High School Adolescents

by Mirela Sunda, Barbara Gilic, Petra Rajkovic Vuletic, Vladimir Pavlinovic and Natasa Zenic

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030131 - 06 Sep 2023

Viewed by 986

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and the imposed social distancing measures caused negative changes in physical activity levels (PALs) and physical fitness (PF) among adolescents, but the potential mediating effect of the pandemic on the association between PAL and PF is unknown. This study aimed [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the imposed social distancing measures caused negative changes in physical activity levels (PALs) and physical fitness (PF) among adolescents, but the potential mediating effect of the pandemic on the association between PAL and PF is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate gender-specific associations between objectively measured PAL and indices of PF among high school adolescents during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were 150 adolescents (101 females) aged 14–18 years; their anthropometrics were evaluated, and they were tested on PF (cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF; beep test), power (broad jump), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), and abdominal strength (sit-ups)) and PAL (using a pedometer for 7 days) during the pandemic period. A T-test was calculated to determine differences between genders. Associations between variables were evaluated using Pearson correlations. Additionally, multivariate taxonomic classification was used to sort participants into homogenous groups (clusters) according to their PF, and then analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to differentiate them according to PAL. For the total sample, PAL was correlated with CRF only (R = 0.25, p < 0.05), while gender-stratified correlations showed that PAL was significantly associated with CRF among girls only (R = 0.29, p < 0.05), which was additionally confirmed with multivariate cluster analysis and subsequent ANOVA. No association between PAL and PF was found for boys. The relatively low association between PAL and PF is most likely related to the mediating effect of the change in life circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, and limited applicability of pedometers in evaluating high-intensity PAL. Further studies in other age groups and environments are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents through Sport and Physical Activities—4th Edition)

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9 pages, 561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can 16 Minutes of HIIT Improve Attentional Resources in Young Students?

by Karina E. Andrade-Lara, Pedro Ángel Latorre Román, Juan Antonio Párraga Montilla and José Carlos Cabrera Linares

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030116 - 11 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1016

Abstract

Attentional resources are a cornerstone of both cognitive and academic performance. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions on selective attention and visuoperceptual ability in young students. A total of 134 students (12.83 ± [...] Read more.

Attentional resources are a cornerstone of both cognitive and academic performance. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions on selective attention and visuoperceptual ability in young students. A total of 134 students (12.83 ± 1.23 years) joined this study. They were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) (n = 67), which watched a documentary, or an experimental group (EG) (n = 67), which performed 16 min of HIIT. Attention and visuoperceptual ability were assessed through the Perception of Similarities and Differences test (Caras-R test). A repeated-measures two-way ANOVA analysis was conducted. The CG showed an increased number of errors compared to the EG (p < 0.001) and showed a lower Impulsivity Control Index (p < 0.001) after the investigation. The EG, meanwhile, showed an increased number of hits (p < 0.001), Impulsivity Control Index (p < 0.001), and attentional efficacy (p < 0.001). In addition, the EG showed a decreased number of errors (p < 0.001) and omissions (p < 0.01). In conclusion, 16 min of HIIT was time-effective in improving selective attention and visuoperceptual ability in young students. These results show the importance of physical exercise and the promotion of physical activity breaks during the academic day to improve learning processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents through Sport and Physical Activities—4th Edition)

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14 pages, 529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Asynchronous Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Protocol Effects on Adolescent Athletes’ Cognitive Appraisals and Recovery-Stress States

by Philippe Vacher, Quentin Merlin, Guillaume Levillain, Laurent Mourot, Guillaume Martinent and Michel Nicolas

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030094 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1273

Abstract

This study examined the effect of an asynchronous heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BFBasync) protocol on national-level adolescent swimmers’ cognitive appraisals and recovery-stress states during a six-week ecological training period. A polynomial mixed-effects multilevel regression analysis approach was used with 27 adolescent national-level swimmers [...] Read more.

This study examined the effect of an asynchronous heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BFBasync) protocol on national-level adolescent swimmers’ cognitive appraisals and recovery-stress states during a six-week ecological training period. A polynomial mixed-effects multilevel regression analysis approach was used with 27 adolescent national-level swimmers randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 14) and a control group (n = 13). Six waves of assessments of cognitive appraisals and recovery-stress states were completed during six weeks of training preparation in ecological conditions. The results revealed that the HRV-BFBasync protocol significantly predicts lower levels of biopsychosocial stress states and cognitive stress. However, no significant effects were found for biopsychosocial recovery scales and cognitive perceived control. The results suggested that total stress states, sport-specific stress, and cognitive perceived stress evolutions are a function of polynomial time third-degree interactions with HRV-BFB protocol. Overall, this study suggested that the HRV-BFBasync protocol leads adolescent athletes to experience lower biopsychosocial and cognitive stress levels during training periodization. Our results also suggest that HRV-BFB induces complex evolutions over time for stress and recovery states but does not have a predictive function for the recovery states and perceived control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents through Sport and Physical Activities—4th Edition)

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17 pages, 5970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unilaterally Induced Quadriceps Fatigue during Sustained Submaximal Isometric Exercise Does Not Alter Contralateral Leg Extensor Performance

by Brian Benitez, Minyoung Kwak, Pasquale J. Succi, Joseph P. Weir and Haley C. Bergstrom

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(2), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8020085 - 19 Jun 2023

Viewed by 962

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of fatiguing unilateral exercise on the ipsilateral, exercised, and contralateral, non-exercised limb’s post-exercise performance in males and females. Ten males and ten females performed a fatiguing, unilateral isometric leg extension at 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force. [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of fatiguing unilateral exercise on the ipsilateral, exercised, and contralateral, non-exercised limb’s post-exercise performance in males and females. Ten males and ten females performed a fatiguing, unilateral isometric leg extension at 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force. Prior to and immediately after the fatiguing tasks, MVICs were performed for the exercised and non-exercised limb, with surface electromyographic (sEMG) and mechanomyography (sMMG) amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF) recorded from each limb’s vastus lateralis. There were no fatigue-induced, sex-dependent, differences in time to task failure (p = 0.265) or ipsilateral performance fatigability (p = 0.437). However, there was a limb by time interaction (p < 0.001) which indicated decreases in MVIC force of the ipsilateral, exercised (p < 0.001), but not the contralateral, non-exercised limb (p = 0.962). There were no sex-dependent, fatigue-induced differences in neurophysiological outcomes between the limbs (p > 0.05), but there was a fatigue-induced difference in sEMG MPF (p = 0.005). To summarize, there were no differences in fatigability between males and females. Moreover, there was insufficient evidence to support the presence of a general crossover effect following submaximal unilateral isometric exercise. However, independent of sex, the neurophysiological outcomes suggested that competing inputs from the nervous system may influence the performance of both limbs following unilateral fatigue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents through Sport and Physical Activities—4th Edition)

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14 pages, 543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adolescents’ Out-of-School Physical Activity Levels and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Restrictions in Greece: A Longitudinal Study

by Alexandros Lazaridis, Ioannis Syrmpas, Themistoklis Tsatalas, Charalampos Krommidas and Nikolaos Digelidis

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(2), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8020055 - 04 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1445

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the impact of social distancing measures on adolescents’ physical activity (PA) levels and well-being during the implementation of COVID-19 restrictive measures. There were 438 participants (207 boys and 231 girls), aged 12 to 15 years old ( [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to identify the impact of social distancing measures on adolescents’ physical activity (PA) levels and well-being during the implementation of COVID-19 restrictive measures. There were 438 participants (207 boys and 231 girls), aged 12 to 15 years old (M = 13.5, SD = 0.55). They completed online questionnaires on well-being and PA in three waves (December 2020, February 2021, and June 2021). Correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between well-being and PA variables in the three measurements. Additionally, separate three-way repeated-measures ANOVAs were conducted to capture possible differences in students’ moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels, life satisfaction, and subjective vitality among the three measurements due to gender, age, and interaction between gender and age. A significant relation emerged between the MVPA variables and well-being. In all measurements, adolescents’ PA levels did not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations of at least 60 min per day in MVPA. Students’ MVPA levels, life satisfaction, and subjective vitality were significantly higher in the third measurement compared to the first and second ones. Moreover, significant differences emerged in life satisfaction and subjective vitality between boys and girls in the first and third measurements, respectively. The COVID-19 restrictions appeared to negatively influence adolescents’ PA and well-being. Policymakers aimed at facilitating adolescents’ well-being in a similar situation in the future should not adopt measures restricting the participation of adolescents in PA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents through Sport and Physical Activities—4th Edition)

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10 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Stress and Physical Fitness of University Students Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

by Boonsita Suwannakul, Noppharath Sangkarit, Pacharee Manoy, Patchareeya Amput and Weerasak Tapanya

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8010033 - 02 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2017

Abstract

Post-COVID-19 pandemic, most universities changed their educational model from online courses to onsite learning, allowing students to attend regular face-to-face classes. These changes can cause stress in students, which affects physical fitness. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between [...] Read more.

Post-COVID-19 pandemic, most universities changed their educational model from online courses to onsite learning, allowing students to attend regular face-to-face classes. These changes can cause stress in students, which affects physical fitness. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between stress levels and physical fitness in female university students. The participants were 101 female university students, 18–23 years of age. All participants completed the Suan Prung Stress Test-60 (SPST-60). The physical fitness test included body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as musculoskeletal fitness. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the associations between SPST-60 scores and physical fitness. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We found a negative correlation between the sources of stress scores, here environment, and maximal oxygen consumption (β = −0.291; 95% CI, −0.551, −0.031). We also found that symptoms of stress scores in the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems were positively associated with waist-hip circumference ratio (WHR) (β = 0.010; 95% CI, 0.002, 0.017 and β = 0.006; 95% CI, 0.000, 0.012, respectively). Moreover, the symptoms of stress, here emotion, were positively associated with the WHR (β = 0.005; 95 %CI, 0.001, 0.009) and negatively associated with upper extremity muscle strength (β = −0.005; 95% CI, −0.009, 0.000). The results of this study confirmed the associations between stress levels in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era and WHR, maximal oxygen consumption, and upper extremity muscle strength. As a result, stress reduction or prevention alternatives should be considered in order to maintain physical fitness and prevent stress disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents through Sport and Physical Activities—4th Edition)

Review

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12 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessReview

Beyond the Finish Line: Examining the Role of Children in Marathon Races—A Narrative Review

by Gerasimos V. Grivas

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9010047 - 07 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1602

Abstract

Compared with other sports, running is popular sport for children throughout the world. Over the last few decades, marathon running has become increasingly popular even in the age group below 18 years. While the majority of youth athletes fall within the 16–18 age [...] Read more.

Compared with other sports, running is popular sport for children throughout the world. Over the last few decades, marathon running has become increasingly popular even in the age group below 18 years. While the majority of youth athletes fall within the 16–18 age range, it is noteworthy that there are also participants younger than 12 years engaging in marathon races. Advice on the safety of youth athletes participating in these events is frequently sought by parents, coaches, sport scientists, and medical professionals, particularly concerning potential short- and long-term health consequences. The act of marathon running has the potential to impact key organ systems during the crucial phases of growth and development. To ensure the safety of marathon running in youth runners, it is essential to address multiple physiological and psychological aspects of health. These recommendations are directed towards ensuring the safe participation of youth athletes in marathon races through proper and individualized assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents through Sport and Physical Activities—4th Edition)

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