Dariusz Choszcz

Trends in alcohol drinking among university students at the Polish University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

Aim: This article presents cross-sectional data collected from the population of first-year students at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in 2000–2016. The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the following trends among university students after Poland’s accession to the European Union (2004): (1) alcohol consumption, (2) alcoholic beverage preferences, and (3) attitudes towards alcohol. Method: The study relied on data from anonymous surveys conducted every two years between 2000 and 2016 among a representative sample of first-year university students. A total of 9778 individuals (4264 males and 5514 females) completed anonymous questionnaires during the period under analysis. Statistical analyses were performed by comparing the frequency of answers given by male and female students in the first and last year of the study. Results: There was a steady linear decrease in the percentages of abstainers of both genders and a regular linear increase in the number of female students abusing alcohol to blackout level in the analysed period of 2000 to 2016. The respondents’ preferences for alcohol brands became more diversified (with foreign types of strong liquors becoming more popular), and their attitudes towards alcohol availability on campus were liberalised. Conclusions: Our data complement the gaps in empirical research on alcohol consumption among university students in European countries. They point to greater homogenisation of Polish drinking culture and convergence in male and female drinking behaviours.

Sauna-Induced Body Mass Loss in Young Sedentary Women and Men

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and body mass loss (BML) induced by thermal stress in a dry sauna. The study was conducted on a group of 674 sedentary students, 326 women and 348 men aged 19-20. The correlations between BMI scores and BML were determined. The subjects were placed in supine position in a dry sauna for two sessions of 10 minutes each with a 5-minute break. The influence of BMI on the amount of BML in the sauna was determined by nonlinear stepwise regression. The smallest BML was noted in underweight subjects; students with normal weight lost more weight, whereas the greatest BML was reported in overweight and obese subjects. Persons with a high BMI are at higher risk of dehydration, and they should pay particular attention to replenishing fluids during a visit to the sauna. The proposed equations for calculating BML based on a persons BMI can be useful in estimating the amount of fluids that should be replenished by both men and women during a visit to a dry sauna.

Drinking behaviours and alcohol preferences of female and male students at a Polish university in 2000–2016

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe and compare the drinking behaviours and alcohol preferences of female and male university students. A total of 5514 female and 4264 male students (Poland) participated in the study. Empirical data were collected every 2 years in 2000–2016, with the use of an anonymous questionnaire. The respondents were asked about the frequency of alcohol consumption, the preferred alcoholic beverages and their attitudes towards drinking. Data were analysed statistically by the Kruskal–Wallis test, Dunn’s post-hoc test and the Mann–Whitney U test. Around 60–70% of the surveyed students were drinking sporadically, whereas 10–12% abstained from alcohol. Around 9–10% of the subjects had experienced alcohol-induced blackouts. Beer was the most popular alcoholic beverage, and it was consumed by 50–60% of the respondents. Seventy percent of the respondents were of the opinion that alcohol should be available on campus, and they had no intention to abstain from drinking. Both similar trends and inter-gender differences were observed among female and male students, most of whom had liberal attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Vodka continues to be popular among male students. Female students traditionally opted for weaker–strength alcoholic beverages and were more willing to try new types of alcohol.

Anthropometric determinants of rowing ergometer performance in physically inactive collegiate females.

The aim of the study was to evaluate anthropometric characteristics as determinants of 500 m rowing ergometer performance in physically inactive collegiate females. In this cross-sectional study, which included 196 collegiate females aged 19-23 years not participating in regular physical activities, body mass (BM), body height (BH), length of upper limbs (LA), length of lower limbs (LL), body mass index (BMI), slenderness index (SI), and the Choszcz-Podstawski index (CPI) were measured and a stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed. Participants performed 500 m maximal effort on a Concept II rowing ergometer. BM, BH, LA, LL, and the BMI, SI and CPI indices were found to be statistically significant determinants of 500 m performance. The best results (T) were achieved by females whose BH ranged from 170 to 180 cm, with LA and LL ranging from 75 to 80 cm and 85 to 90 cm, respectively. The best fitting statistical model was identified as: T = 11.6793 LR – 0.1130 LR2 – 0.0589 LN2 + 29.2157 CPI2 + 0.1370 LR·LN - 2.6926 LR·CPI – 211.7796. This study supports a need for additional studies focusing on understanding the importance of anthropometric differences in rowing ergometer performance, which could lead to establishing a better quality reference for evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness tested using a rowing ergometer in collegiate females.

Determining the effect of selected anthropometric parameters on the time needed to cover 1000~m on a rowing ergometer by physically inactive young women

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of selected individual factors (independent variables) on the dependent variable of a simulated rowing distance in a group of physically inactive females. The independent variables were the women’s age, body mass (kg) and height (cm), and the BMI index. The time required to cover the simulated distance of 1000 m was adopted as the dependent variable. The study involved 258 female students who participated only in the obligatory physical education classes. Research revealed that the relationships between anthropometric parameters and the time required to complete 1000 m on a rowing ergometer differ among physically inactive women and elite rowers. In both physically inactive women as well as elite rowers an increase in body height had a positive influence on the time (shorter time). In the case of body mass, its increase in our study subjects resulted in poorer times, which is contrary to the results of studies conducted on elite rowers. This is most likely due to the fact that the body mass of athletes consists mainly of lean body mass, whereas physically inactive females are characterized by a higher percentage of body fat. Moreover, the time taken to complete the rowing trial was shortest for students with BMI values ranging from 17 to 21. The conducted research led to the conclusion that the analyzed anthropometric parameters affect the time needed by women to cover a distance of 1000 m on a rowing ergometer. Further studies should be conducted to include additional anthropometric and physiological parameters.

Socioeconomics Influences on the Water Competencies of Young Adult Polish Males

Abstract Despite the popularity of aquatic recreation and its well-promoted prophylactic and therapeutic values, not a lot is known about how socio-cultural background influences the acquisition of water competency. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of socio-economic and environmental factors on the swimming and rescue skills of male university students (n = 521) aged 19-20 years residing in the Region of Warmia and Mazury, Poland. An anonymous questionnaire was used as a diagnostic tool to elicit information on participants’ social backgrounds (such as parental income and level of education). Participants provided self-estimates of swimming and rescue competency that included non-stop distance swimming, familiarity with selected swimming strokes, and their estimated rescue ability. The results suggest that students’ self-estimated swimming competency, the distance they could swim non-stop, and the capacity to swim various strokes increased in association with higher levels of educational background of the father, higher levels of monthly income, and increased size of residential agglomeration. The level of rescue skills also improved with increases in the educational background of both parents, the size of residential agglomeration, and the monthly budget. No significant differences were found in rescue competency levels when analyzed by the mothers’ educational experience. Levels of both swimming and rescue competencies were lower than those reported in comparable studies. Socio-economic status (such as a lack of discretionary time and income for families with a lower socio-economic status) and place of residence (such as lack of facilities in small villages and towns) mediated the opportunity to acquire water competencies or gain experience with aquatic activity. Methods for addressing socio-economic barriers to the acquisition of swimming and rescue competency are discussed and recommendations for further research are made.

Sauna-induced body mass loss in physically inactive young women and men

Summary Study aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between basic somatic features (body mass and height) and body mass loss in physically inactive young women and men exposed to thermal stress in a dry sauna. Materials and methods: The research was conducted in 2015 on 685 first-year full-time students (333 women, 352 men), aged 19–20 years old. Nude body mass was measured after the students dried off before and after using the sauna. Results: An analysis of regression equations indicated that an increase in the body mass of women and men leads to a significant increase in sauna-induced body mass loss. On the other hand, body mass loss decreased with an increase in height in women and men, but to a smaller extent. From among the tested somatic features, body height and body mass, body mass had a decisive influence on body mass loss. Body height had a minimal and statistically non-significant impact on body mass loss. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that heavier individuals have an increased risk of dehydration and hyperthermia. Therefore, they should pay close attention to replenishing fluids lost in the sauna. The determination of body mass loss values after a visit to a dry sauna has practical significance because it supports the estimation of the fluid volume required for the maintenance of correct water balance.

Maximizing university students' motor fitness by implementing a physical education program incorporating martial arts - implicational study

Martial arts are ancient forms of combat, modified for modern sport and exercise. Participation in martial arts classes is growing in popularity, particularly among young people of both sexes, which was confirmed by the research conducted over the last two decades [1,2,3]. Martial arts provide health-promoting and meaningful exercise for millions of practitioners. Training martial arts can increase self-reliance and lead to better overall health and balance as well as an improved sense of mental well-being and numerous benefits to the autonomic nervous and immune systems [4]. Martial arts do not promote aggression and may be used as a treatment modality for young people who are prone to violent behavior [3]. Skills gained when practicing martial arts are very useful in everyday life and should not be associated only with self-defense. Many aspects of combat sports are used in other forms of health training or as an indicator of an individual’s ability to survive in a given environment (such as the ability to fall when losing balance) [5,6]. There are only few studies that have been conducted to gain an understanding of why people participate in martial arts [7,8]. Findings indicate that practitioners of martial arts are motivated differently across the types of martial arts disciplines, competition orientation and past experiences [9]. Self-defense courses, which have been organized for students at the University of Warmia & Mazury in Olsztyn (UWM) since 2005 as a substitute of P.E. lessons, reflect the popularity of such a form of physical activity among young adults. The fact that these classes are of a recreational and voluntary kind attracts a large group of university students who, apart from fulfilling the physical education requirements, are given an opportunity to gain self-defense and combat skills. Although women have been known to train martial arts longer than commonly believed, in the case of the classes held at UWM men constituted an overwhelming majority, which