Władysław Mynarski

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.

Health-oriented physical activity in prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among young Polish musicians

ObjectivesMusicians represent a very specific professional group, which due to some occupational hazards is exposed to different health problems known as playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). The aim of this study was to assess correlations between the level of physical activity, and the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain among young instrumentalists.Materials and MethodsTotal of 225 Polish musical school students were investigated. To assess the study participants’ physical activity level, the moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) index was used. To assess pain complaints on the side of the musculoskeletal system, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was applied. The NMQ questionnaire was complemented by adding a visual-analog scale (VAS), which also allowed to assess pain intensity on a numerical scale 1–10.ResultsThe pain localized in neck, shoulders, upper and lower back was reported significantly more often by the participants who did not meet standard criteria for the recommended or minimal physical activity level.ConclusionPerforming the recommended health-oriented physical activity may reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in young musicians.

A comparison of mechanical parameters between the counter movement jump and drop jump in Biathletes

Abstract The main objective of the study was to determine to what degree higher muscular activity, achieved by increased load in the extension phase (eccentric muscle action) of the vertical jump, affects the efficiency of the vertical jump. Sixteen elite biathletes participated in this investigation. The biathletes performed tests that consisted of five, single “maximal” vertical jumps (counter movement jump - CMJ) and five, single vertical jumps, in which the task was to touch a bar placed over the jumping biathletes (specific task counter movement jump - SCMJ). Then, they performed five, single drop jumps from an elevation of 0.4m (DJ). Ground reaction forces were registered using the KISTLER 9182C force platform. MVJ software was used for signal processing (Król, 1999) and enabling calculations for kinematic and kinetic parameters of the subject’s jump movements (on-line system). The results indicate that only height of the jump (h) and mean power (Pmean) during the takeoff are statistically significant. Both h and Pmean are higher in the DJ. The results of this study may indicate that elite biathletes are well adapted to eccentric work of the lower limbs, thus reaching greater values of power during the drop jump. These neuromuscular adaptive changes may allow for a more dynamic and efficient running technique.

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.

Applicability of pedometry and accelerometry in the calculation of energy expenditure during walking and Nordic walking among women in relation to their exercise heart rate

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of pedometry and accelerometry in the measurement of the energy expenditures in Nordic walking and conventional walking as diagnostic parameters. [Subjects and Methods] The study included 20 female students (age, 24 ± 2.3 years). The study used three types of measuring devices, namely a heart rate monitor (Polar S610i), a Caltrac accelerometer, and a pedometer (Yamax SW-800). The walking pace at the level of 110 steps/min was determined by using a metronome. [Results] The students who walked with poles covered a distance of 1,000 m at a speed 36.3 sec faster and with 65.5 fewer steps than in conventional walking. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate interrelationship between the results obtained with a pedometer and those obtained with an accelerometer during Nordic walking (r = 0.55) and a high correlation during conventional walking (r = 0.85). [Conclusion] A pedometer and Caltrac accelerometer should not be used as alternative measurement instruments in the comparison of energy expenditure in Nordic walking.

Objective Assessment of Adherence to Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health in Relation to Spirometric Values in Nonsmoker Women Aged 60–75 Years

The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the relationship between forced expiratory spirometric tests and physical activity levels in older women divided into two groups based on whether they met or did not meet guidelines for weekly physical activity according to the Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health (WHO, 2011). Research included 61 healthy, nonsmoker female seniors (Mage = 66 years, SDage = 4.4 years). Weekly physical activity was assessed using an ActiGraph GT3X triaxial accelerometer. To evaluate pulmonary function, forced spirometry tests were performed. The women who met criteria of physical activity for health achieved significantly higher values for forced vital capacity (FVC), t(59) = -1.58, p < .001, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), t(59) = -3.33, p = .002. Meeting criteria of Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health is associated with better FVC and FEV1 parameters in healthy older women.

The relationship between meeting of recommendations on physical activity for health and perceived work ability among white-collar workers

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between meeting recommendations on physical activity for health in leisure-time and the ability to work among Polish white-collar workers. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 360 white-collar workers. Participants recorded 7-day physical activity logs, including form, duration and intensity of leisure-time physical activities. The results were compared to health recommendations. A standardized Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used in assessing the ability to work. Results: Participants who met health recommendations achieved higher scores of the WAI (mean score = 41.93) in comparison to those who were not sufficiently physically active (mean score = 39.35) (p < .001). The results of binary logistic regression show that meeting health-related physical activity recommendations almost double the odds of reaching at least good work ability (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.12–3.36). Conclusions: Meeting leisure-time physical activity recommendations (especially the criterion of vigorous physical activity) is significantly related to higher self-assessed ability to work among white-collar workers.

Adherence to physical activity guidelines and functional fitness of elderly women, using objective measurement

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining the health and functional fitness of elderly people. The aim of the study was to determine the number of senior women meeting the physical activity guidelines, and their level of functional fitness in comparison to women who are not sufficiently physically active. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 61 women, aged 60-75. Physical activity was monitored on seven consecutive days of the week, using a triaxial accelerometer ActiGraph GT3X. Results of the assessment of physical activity were verified against the Global Recommendations of Physical Activity for Health. The Senior Fitness Test (Fullerton Test) was used to evaluate functional fitness. RESULTS In the studied group, 36.1% achieved the recommended level of physical activity. All those examined mainly undertook physical activity of low intensity. Vigorous physical activity during the week was noted in only 6 seniors. Women who met the recommendations of physical activity achieved significantly better results in test trials, e.g. Chair Stands, Up and Go, Six Minute Step Test. CONCLUSIONS Adherence to physical activity guidelines was associated with better functional fitness of older women. However, less than half of the examined seniors met the Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health.

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.