Michał Rozpara

Aerobic Capacity of Students with Different Levels of Physical Activity as Assessed by IPAQ

Aerobic Capacity of Students with Different Levels of Physical Activity as Assessed by IPAQ International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) has become one of the worlds most valuable tools for measuring physical activity in different groups or populations. The relationship between regular, moderate-intensity physical activity and health parameters including physical fitness and aerobic capacity has been clearly proven by numerous investigations throughout the world. The aim of the present study was to determine the magnitude of differences in absolute & relative (lxmin-1, mlxkg-1xmin-1) VO2 max, by using the Astrand-Ryhming normogram in students aged 19 to 24 years, depending on their weekly energy expenditure (METminxweek-1), as diagnosed with IPAQ. The significance of differences in aerobic capacity between highly and moderately active students was evaluated. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated as a measure of the strength of the correlation between the above parameters in female and male groups. VO2 max was significantly higher in male and female participants, with a high level of physical activity, as determined through IPAQ criteria.

Recommendations for health-enhancing physical activities in type 2 diabetes patients

[Purpose] Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease of civilization with epidemiological coverage. An integral component of a comprehensive process of type 2 diabetes mellitus prevention and treatment is reasonably proportioned exercise. The aim of the study was to evaluate the weekly physical activity of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy subjects with respect to recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine and American Diabetes Association. [Subjects] The study involved 31 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (treatment duration 9 ± 0.8) and 31 healthy people. [Methods] Physical activity levels were determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A χ2 test was applied to determine the percentage of people who met recommendations. [Results] Analysis of the obtained results demonstrated that the intensity of physical activity in patients with diabetes was moderate or low. The men in the control group met the recommendations for standard health-related activities significantly more often than the patients with diabetes. In women, there was no such relationship, since most of the women were insufficiently physically active. [Conclusion] The conclusion to be drawn is that there is an urgent need to develop and implement effective programs to enhance physical activity among people at risk of diseases of civilization, including type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity of male and female adolescents living in a town and a city in the context of public health recommendations

Physical activity of male and female adolescents living in a town and a city in the context of public health recommendations Study aim: To assess the physical activity of male and female adolescents from Poland living in a town (Czechowice-Dziedzice) and in a city (Katowice). Material and methods: The research involved 431 high school students aged 16-18 years (249 from Czechowice-Dziedzice and 182 from Katowice). Physical activity was measured by the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The volume of the different levels of physical activity was calculated in units of MET min/wk. Results: The total volume of weekly physical activity was higher among high school students living in a town (Czechowice-Dziedzice) than students living in a city (Katowice). Only 31.5% of the students met the criteria for recommended physical activity. Conclusions: The level of physical activity varies by place of residence. Students living in towns are more physically active than youth living in cities. Most high school students (64%) included in the research can be considered to be insufficiently physically active.

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.

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.

Energy expenditure of nordic walking and conventional walking assessed by accelerometer

Summary Study aim: the objective was to assess and compare the energy expenditure (EE) and exercise heart rate (EHR) during Nordic Walking (NW), and conventional walking (W) in physical education and tourism/recreation university students. Material and methods: a total of 53 women and 65 men, students at the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, and Polytechnic in Opole, in Poland, were investigated to assess the EE of Nordic Walking and conventional walking, and to measure the EHR, a uniaxial accelerometer – Caltrac Monitor, and a pulsometer – Polar RS 400 SD were used. After a standard warm-up, the participants (joined group) were marching with poles for 30 minutes, at a speed regulated by the group’s leader, who used footpod’s indications: 5.5–6.5 km/h – in Katowice, and 7.5–8.5 km/h – in Opole. After a break, during which the participants’ heart rate decreased below 100 bpm, the above actions and measurements were repeated, during normal walking. Results: energy expenditure during Nordic Walking (EE NW), expressed in kcals and METs, was in women and in men, at both analyzed speeds, significantly higher (p < 0.05) than during conventional walking (EE W). EHR was higher during NW, compared to W, and the statistically significant differences were revealed both in female’s and male’s groups. Conclusions: our study data have shown that EE and EHR during Nordic Walking, have been significantly higher than during conventional walking, regardless of the moving speed and gender. NW might present a useful modality in prevention of hypokinetic disorders.

Research into maximal muscle torque carried out in students of the Silesian University of Technology

Objective. The main objective of the research was to analyse the influence of the body build of the Silesian University of Technology students on the values of maximal muscle torque in the elbow and knee joints. Material. The research included 133 individuals (39 females and 94 males), all the Silesian University of Technology students. None of the participants were professional athletes. Methods. To perform measurements of maximal muscle torque in the elbow and knee joints during flexion and extension a special device, produced by the ACCURO SUMER Company, was used. Mathematical modelling (variance and regression analyses) enabled the creation of fitness profiles of the subjects. Results. Correlations between maximal muscle torque measured for the lower and upper limbs and LBM of the whole body are much stronger than the correlation between torque and BMI. In the case of women, the significant correlation was not found only between general muscle mass and maximal torque in the left elbow joint. The correlations between muscle torque and muscle masses in the group of men are much clearer. Conclusions. The results obtained and analyses conducted confirm that methods used in biomechanics can be also used to estimate physical possibilities. The reliability of body composition estimation by means of electrical impedance not only for the whole body, but also for individual parts of body (trunk, limbs) seems to be at least satisfactory. The objective of this paper was to present the methodology of measurements of muscle torque under isometric conditions and perform the comparative analysis of the results obtained for examined students and results measured by other researchers, as well as carry out an analysis of Body Mass Index and Lean Body Mass influence on maximal muscle torque. These measurements and analyses are the part of a project, the aim of which is to carry out multifactor diagnosis and estimation of the fitness level of the Silesian University of Technology students. NR 64 2013 AN TRO PO MO TO RY KA