Damir Karpljuk

The effect of a corporate chair massage program on musculoskeletal discomfort and joint range of motion in office workers.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the effects of workplace manual technique interventions for female participants on the degree of joint range of motion and on the level of musculoskeletal ache, pain, or discomfort experienced when performing workplace responsibilities. DESIGN Nineteen (19) female volunteers were given chair massages on-site twice per week for 1 month. SETTINGS/LOCATION Participants included individuals in administration and management from a company in Ljubljana, Slovenia. SUBJECTS A total of 19 female volunteers 40-54 years of age enrolled for this study. Fifteen (15) of them completed all measurements. INTERVENTIONS The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used, and range-of-motion measurements in degrees were taken. OUTCOME MEASURES Subjects completed a series of self-report questionnaires that asked for information concerning musculoskeletal discomfort for the neck, upper back, and lower back in the form of a body diagram. A range-of-motion test (to compare the change in joint angles) was performed with a goniometer to assess cervical lateral flexion, cervical flexion, cervical extension, lumbar flexion, and lumbar extension. RESULTS Between the first and the last measurements, a significant difference (p<0.05) was found in increased range of motion for cervical lateral flexion (28.8%). Wilcoxon signed rank test showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in range of motion for cervical lateral flexion (42.4±6.3 to 48.3±7.3), cervical extension (63.2±12.4 to 67.2±12.3), and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire values for the neck (2.7±0.8 to 1.9±0.6) and the upper back (2.7±0.7 to 2.2±0.8) from the phase 2 to 3. Significant reductions were also shown in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire values for the neck (2.8±0.8 to 1.9±0.6) and the upper back (2.7±0.8 to 2.2±0.8) from the phase 1 to 3. CONCLUSIONS On-site massage sessions twice per week for 1 month are the most effective interventions (compared to one session or no massage intervention) for decreasing the duration of musculoskeletal ache, pain, or discomfort and for increasing range of motion.

Occupational stress among slovene managers with respect to their participation in recreational sport activities

Occupational stress among slovene managers with respect to their participation in recreational sport activities Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the level of stress that managers experience at workplace, and to determine possible differences between the selected independent variables, including gender, age and participation in recreational sports, and the level of occupational stress experienced. Methods: We studied a sample of 85 managers from randomly selected Slovene companies. The data obtained were processed by the SPSS computer programme and analysed by the following statistical methods: descriptive statistics and frequency distribution for variables; t-test to examine the statistical signifcance of differences between the genders concerning the experience of stress symptoms; and ANOVA to examine statistical signifcance of differences between age groups and physical activity of groups in terms of stress symptoms. All our statistically significant conclusions were drawn at a 95% confidence interval. Results: The participants assessed their work-related stress as moderate. There were no statistically significant differences in their experiencing of occupational stress with respect to the selected socio-demographic variables, i.e. gender and age. However, the participating managers differed significantly in two variables, i.e. participation in recreational sports activities and experience of occupational stress. The lowest level of stress was experienced by managers practicing recreational sports at least three times a week, and the highest in those not engaged in any recreational sports activities. Conclusion: Managers who often experience stress need to adopt healthier, more physically active, lifestyles. Stres Na Delovnem Mestu Pri Slovenskih Managerjih Glede Na Udeležbo Pri Športnih Dejavnostih Namen: Ugotavljali smo stopnjo stresa, ki ga managerji doživljajo pri svojem delu, identificirali stresorje, ki delujejo na delovnem mestu managerja, ter ugotavljali morebitne razlike med izbranimi neodvisnimi spremenljivkami (spol, starost, udeležba pri športnih dejavnosti) in doživljanjem stresa pri managerjih, povezanega z delom. Metode: V raziskavo smo vključili 85 managerjev naključno izbranih slovenskih podjetij. Podatki so bili obdelani s pomočjo statističnega programom SPSS za Windows. Uporabljene so bile naslednje statistične metode obdelave podatkov: deskriptivna statistika ter frekvenčna porazdelitev za spremenljivke, t-test in enosmerna analiza variance za preverjanje statistične pomembnosti razlik med izbranimi neodvisnimi spremenljivkami in doživljanjem z delom povezanega stresa. Vse statistično značilne zaključke smo sprejemali pri 5-ostotnem tveganju. Rezultati: Managerji, udeleženi v raziskavo, v povprečju ocenjujejo svoje delo kot zmerno stresno. Prav tako je bilo ugotovljeno, da ne obstajajo statistično značilne razlike v doživljanju z delom povezanega stresa glede na izbrane socio-demografske spremenljivke - spol in starost. Statistično pomembne razlike se pojavljajo pri doživljanju z delom povezanega stresa ter udeležbo pri športnih dejavnostih. Najnižja stopnja stresa se pojavlja pri managerjih, ki se ukvarjajo s športno dejavnostjo najmanj trikrat tedensko, najvišja stopnja stresa pa se pojavlja pri tistih managerjih, ki se s športno dejavnostjo ne ukvarjajo. Zaključek: Pri managerjih, ki pogosto doživljajo stres, je potreben bistven premik k bolj zdravemu življenjskemu slogu, ki vključuje več gibanja.

Self-Concept in Intensive Care Nurses and Control Group Women

Our self-concept is how we see ourselves in our minds. The goal of this research was to discover any significant differences in the dimensions of self-concept between clinical nurses employed in an intensive care unit in Slovenia and Slovenian women from the general population, who represented the control group. The research included 603 women aged 20—40 years (mean 29.94; standard deviation ±6.0) who had a high-school education. To determine the differences between the groups statistically we used one-way analysis of variance. The results revealed that clinical nurses had a more positive self-concept than members of the control group. Self-concept is very important in nursing because it is closely connected to the existing value system of individuals and their behaviour. Self-concept gives nurses a sense of how they use their abilities and how they perform in relation to patients.

Analysis of Injuries Among Children in Kindergartens During Physical Activities

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze the opinions of educators about the occurrence of injuries in children of different ages during organized and non-organized physical activities in kindergarten. Methods. Our sample included 322 teachers from 53 kindergartens in Slovenia. We calculated the frequencies and performed a chi-square test. Results. Most of the children have organized physical activity in kindergarten 1 to 2 times per week; for children in the first age group, it usually lasts for 20 minutes or less; for children in the second age group, it lasts for 20 to 30 minutes. Most physical activities take place in the playroom, where the majority of injuries also occur. Injuries most frequently occur when running and jumping and less frequently during other physical activities. During free play, children are often injured in the outer court between 9 and 12 a.m. Boys are more often injured than girls. Educators indicate unforeseen situations as the most common cause of injury. The most common injuries are bumps on the head, especially in younger children, who stay at home for a few days as a result of these injuries. Parents of younger children are not as satisfied with the actions of educators when injuries occur as parents of older preschool children. Educators rehabilitate the children’s injuries themselves and inform parents about it. Only one third of the educators make a record of injuries, and half of them only when a serious injury has occurred. Conclusions. The analysis results showed statistically significant differences between children of different ages according to the cause of injury, time of injury, the place where the child was injured during organized physical activity, type of activity at the time of injury, injured part of the body, and parental satisfaction with the action of the educator. Based on the results, we proposed some actions to reduce injuries in preschool children in kindergarten. Izvleček Izhodišča. Namen raziskave je bil analizirati mnenja vzgojiteljev o nastanku poškodbe pri organiziranih in neorganiziranih gibalnih dejavnostih otrok v vrtcih glede na starost otrok. Metode. Podatki so bili pridobljeni z anketiranjem 322 vzgojiteljev iz 53 vrtcev v Sloveniji. Izračunane so bile frekvence in izveden hi-kvadrat test. Rezultati. Večina otrok ima v vrtcu organizirane gibalne dejavnosti od 1-krat do 2-krat tedensko; pri otrocih prvega starostnega obdobja trajajo večinoma 20 minut in manj, v drugem starostnem obdobju pa od 20 do 30 minut. Dejavnosti potekajo največkrat v igralnici, v kateri se tudi poškoduje največ otrok. Poškodbe nastanejo najpogosteje pri teku in skokih, manj pri drugih gibalnih dejavnostih. Med prosto igro pa se otroci največkrat poškodujejo na zunanjem igrišču, in to med 9. in 12. uro. Večkrat se poškodujejo dečki kot deklice. Vzgojitelji kot najpogostejši vzrok za poškodbo navajajo nepredvidene situacije, najpogostejše poškodbe pa so udarci, in sicer v glavo, zlasti pri najmlajših otrocih, ki zaradi tega nekaj dni ostanejo doma. Starši najmlajših otrok so tudi manj zadovoljni z ukrepanjem vzgojitelja. Vzgojitelji največkrat sami sanirajo poškodbo in obvestijo starše. Le tretjina vzgojiteljev vedno naredi zapisnik o poškodbi, več kot polovica le pri hujših poškodbah. Zaključki. Analiza je pokazala statistično značilne razlike med različnimi starostnimi skupinami otrok glede vzrokov poškodb, časa nastanka poškodb, prostora, v katerem se otrok poškoduje med organizirano gibalno dejavnostjo, vrste dejavnosti med poškodbami, dela poškodovanega telesa in zadovoljstva staršev z ukrepanjem vzgojitelja ob poškodbi. Na podlagi dobljenih rezultatov so predlagani ukrepi za zmanjševanje poškodb pri predšolskih otrocih v vrtcu.

Gender differences in stress symptoms among Slovene managers

The aim of this study was to identify the symptoms of stress in the studied sample, and to establish gender differences in stress symptoms. First, we tried to find out if there are gender differences in the stress level at work, second if there are gender differences in terms of stress symptoms frequency, and finally, if there are gender differences in terms of the intensity of experiencing stress symptoms. In this study, 85 managers from Slovene companies of random choice participated. The results of the study have shown that there are gender differences in terms of all the above-mentioned factors, namely a statistically higher level of stress in women. In terms of stress symptoms occurrence, there are gender differences in some stress symptoms as well as in the intensity of experiencing stress symptoms.

The role of inter-professional collaboration in developing inclusive education: experiences of teachers and occupational therapists in Slovenia

ABSTRACT This was the first qualitative study of the inclusion of children with special needs into regular schools in Slovenia that focused on inter-professional collaboration and its contributions to the inclusion process. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with primary school teachers (N = 36) and occupational therapists (N = 9) to explore their personal experiences. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis (Strauss, A., and J. Corbin. 1998. Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage). Two categories pertaining to inter-professional collaboration emerged from the analysis. They described different barriers and strategies that either inhibited or facilitated the cooperation process. The experiences of teachers and occupational therapists differed; however, both professional groups expressed frustration with organisational and systemic factors that often prevented better exchange of knowledge and information. Due to the organisation of work and financial issues, occupational therapists had limited access to the school environment; therefore, they generally showed more eagerness to increase the level of collaboration and their presence at the school. The study also pointed out how the roles of certain professionals are not recognised, suggesting the need for more promotional work. If inclusion in Slovenia is to be fully implemented, collaboration between different professionals working with children with special needs must strengthen. This will require some significant organisational, cultural and also personal transformations.

Recommendations for physical activity for pregnant women

Properly selected and prescribed physical activity during pregnancy has a favorable effects on the health of pregnant women and the fetus, and is excellent preparation for childbirth. Absolute and relative contraindications to exercise during pregnancy are well defined, as well as the warning signs to terminate exercise while pregnant. Knowledge of these is essential for physically active pregnant women and exercise professionals that work with pregnant women. Pregnant women should be moderately physically active every day of the week for at least 30 minutes. The term moderate is thoroughly and clearly defined in the guidelines. Resistance exercises during pregnancy are safe but it is advised to use light loads and a large number of repetitions (e.g. 15-20 repetitions). Strength exercises for the pelvic floor muscles deserves a special place during pregnancy. Appropriate forms of physical activity for pregnant women are walking and jogging, swimming and aquatic exercise, cycling, Pilates and yoga, aerobics, fitness and cross-country skiing. Certain forms of physical activity need special adjustments (alpine skiing, ice skating and rollerblading, racket sports, team ball games, horseback riding and scuba diving).

Motor Abilities and Psychological Characteristics of Slovene Military Pilots

In our study, we aimed to determine which tests differentiate Slovene military pilots from control groups (general population, sports pilots, and soldiers), and produced a profile of a military pilot, which is an important factor for military pilot selection. Indeed the performance of a pilot also depends on a pilots motor abilities, his or her personality profile, and his or her stress coping style. We administered some motoric tests, some of the tests in the Complex Reactionmeter Drenovac series, the Big Five personality questionnaire, and a stress coping questionnaire called the Coping Responses Inventory. The analysis of variance was used to test research aims. SPSS 16.0 was used to analyze the data. The results show that the special characteristics of military pilots include better emotion control, a higher level of emotional stability, extrovertedness, and higher impulse control. Slovene military pilots use strategies focused on a problem, they cope with problem situations effectively, and they have shorter reaction times on the test of spatial coordination. The research findings can be used to determine specific criteria for high-quality military pilot selection and to provide directions for development in this field.

Relation between participation in sport activities and drug-taking among 14 year-old primary school pupils in Slovenia

Purpose/Objective: The aim of this research was to establish whether there is a correlation between sport activity and drug-taking among 680 14-year-old pupils, and to establish whether the drug-sports link depends on the type of sports. Methods: We used a questionnaire with 38 variables on sports activities and drugs. The probability relations among the variables were tested by chi-square. Results: The analysis has shown that 74.6 % male and 79.3 % female pupils practise sports in their leisure time. On average, they practise sports 2 to 3 times a week. The majority of male pupils practise sports competitively, while female pupils primarily practise unorganized recreational sports. 7.3 % male and 16.6 % female pupils smoke; the majority of male pupils had the first cigarette at the age of 13, female pupils at the age of 12. 87–4 % male and 85.5 % female pupils had tried an alcohol beverage. 21.6 % male and 29.3 % female pupils had tried drugs. We have ascertained that there is some statistically significant correlation between sports activities and taking licit and illicit drugs. A statistically characteristic correlation has been established for alcohol drinking with male pupils and for smoking with female pupils. We also observed a significant correlation between organized sports as the type of sports and drug use. Conclusion: We can conclude that persistent sports inactivity in adolescence may increase the risk of alcohol use among male, and smoking among female pupils. Participation in organized sports, as opposed to unorganized and competitive sports, may reduce illicit drug use.