Daniel Puciato

SWOT Analysis in the Formulation of Tourism Development Strategies for Destinations

SWOT Analysis in the Formulation of Tourism Development Strategies for Destinations The aim of the paper is to identify the role of SWOT analysis in the formulation of tourism development strategies for destinations. SWOT analysis helps to establish a reliable diagnosis of the internal potential shown by a tourism destination and its environment. In the Polish economic situation, SWOT analysis is frequently used in a fragmentary manner which should be considered as a serious methodological oversight and may jeopardize the value of the entire process related to the strategic management of the tourism destination.

Quality of life and physical activity in an older working-age population

Objective Physical activity can be an effective means of prevention and therapy of many psychosomatic disorders. It can also have a significant impact on the quality of life of older working-age people. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationships between quality of life and physical activity in older working-age people from Wrocław, Poland. Materials and methods The study group comprised 1,013 people, including 565 women and 448 men, aged 55–64 years (59.1±2.9 years). The study took form of a questionnaire survey. The participants assessed their physical activity and quality of life using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Version (IPAQ-SF) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Results The highest mean indices of general quality of life, perceived health status, and quality of life in the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains were shown by respondents whose intensity of physical activity was the highest. Moreover, the odds of high assessment of overall quality of life increased with respondents’ higher levels of physical activity. Conclusion Quality of life improvement programs should also involve increased physical activity components.

Physical activity among working age residents of Wroclaw in the light of their educational attainment

[Purpose] This article attempts to define the relationship between physical activity and educational attainment of working-age adults from Wroclaw. [Subjects and Methods] The study surveyed 2,174 participants aged 18–64 years, 984 men and 1,190 women. To evaluate their physical activity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. [Results] Most of the participants performed low-intensity levels of physical activity. Men were characterized by generally higher physical activity than women, but the difference was not significant. The level of educational attainment differentiated physical activity only in women with secondary or higher education, who performed significantly more physical activities than those with primary and vocational education. [Conclusion] Further research in this subject area should be performed. It should be continuous and consider other methods and techniques.

The caloric cost of combat sports and martial arts training in relation to health recommendations – initial research

Background The aim of study was to expand the knowledge about the caloric cost (CC) of trainings in selected combat sports and martial arts, in the context of daily recommended physical activity necessary for health. Material & Methods: The study was conducted in a total of 89 men who recreationally trained 3–4 times a week aikido, capoeira, jujutsu, kick boxing, kyokushin karate, traditional karate, vma (various martial arts). For the measurements of training CC, “Caltrac Monitor” accelerometers (Muscle Dynamics, Inc. Torrance, CA, USA) were used. CC of three 60-minute workouts was monitored in each of the seven tested combat sports and martial arts, and the average results were given in kilocalories per hour (kcal/h) (absolute CC of exercises). The intensity of exercises was measured by multiplicity of metabolic equivalent (MET) (index of relative CC of trainings). Absolute and relative values of CC in each martial arts were compared to health-oriented physical activity (PA) recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine. Results: We have demonstrated that the majority of men taking part in combat sports and martial arts trainings met the criteria of daily physical activity for health. Conclusions: In the further studies on CC of combat sports and martial arts practice, measurement devices should be used that allow estimation of the ratio of training exercises with low, moderate, high and very high intensities.

Physical Activity as a Determinant of Quality of Life in Working-Age People in Wrocław, Poland

Regular physical activity can greatly contribute to the improvement of physical fitness and performance, reduction of the incidence risk of some occupational diseases, and as a consequence, to a general improvement of quality of life in terms of health status. The aim of the article was to assess relationships between the quality of life and physical activity of a working-age population. The study material comprised 4460 residents of the city of Wrocław, Poland (2129 men, 2331 women) aged 18–64 years. The study was a questionnaire survey using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaires. The highest levels of overall quality of life and its four particular domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental), as well as perceived health conditions were found among the most physically active respondents. Furthermore, the odds of high assessment of perceived overall quality of life were shown to increase with the increasing levels of physical activity. Activities aimed at the improvement of the quality of life of working-age people should involve programs enhancing the development of physical activity.

Physical activity of men from Wroclaw compared with their discretionary income

[Purpose] This paper attempted to determine the relationship between physical activity of men from Wrocław and their discretionary income. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 1,601 male survey respondents aged from 18 to 65 years old. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used for the assessment of physical activity. [Results] Among respondents, low intensity physical activity was predominant. The level of physical activity of the respondents increased with their discretionary income. Statistically significant differences were observed between activities of low and high intensity and total activities in Wrocław. [Conclusion] Discretionary income seems to be better predictor of physical activity than gross income, however, this should be verified in future research.