Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Mindfulness, Psychological Distress, And Somatic Symptoms Among Women Engaged In Sex Work In China, Cheuk Chi Tam, Yuejiao Zhou, Shan Qiao, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Zhiyong Shen

Faculty Publications

Women engaged in sex work (WSW) in China encounter numerous disadvantages (e.g., exposure to violence) and have substantial risk for psychological distress and somatic symptoms. Intervention literature has attended to mindfulness, which is a protective factor for psychological outcomes, and its influences can further improve physical health. However, mindfulness has not been well studied in WSW. We aimed to examine the association among mindfulness, psychological distress, and somatic symptoms among Chinese WSW. Data were collected from 410 WSW in Guangxi, China, using an anonymous, self-administered survey evaluating demographics, mindfulness, psychological distress (i.e., depression, loneliness, and perceived stress), and somatic symptoms …

How A 7-Week Food Literacy Cooking Program Affects Cooking Confidence And Mental Health: Findings Of A Quasi-Experimental Controlled Intervention Trial, Joanna Rees, Shih Ching Fu, Johnny Lo, Ros Sambell, Joshua R. Lewis, Claus T. Christophersen, Matthew F. Byrne, Robert U. Newton, Siobhan Boyle, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Obesity and mental health disorders are rising simultaneously with shifting dietary behavior away from home cooking, toward typically nutrition-poor and energy-dense convenience meals. Food literacy strongly influences nutrition choices. Community-based cooking interventions target barriers to healthy eating and facilitate development of food literacy skills, thereby potentially increasing preparation of home-cooked meals and positively influencing health. This study of 657 healthy Australian adults explored the efficacy of a 7-week cooking program in improving cooking confidence, whether this transferred to behavior surrounding food, and/or affected mental health. Significant post-program improvements in cooking confidence and satisfaction (all p < 0.001, (Formula presented.) 1.12 large), ability to change eating habits (p < 0.001) and overcome lifestyle barriers (p = 0.005) were observed for the intervention group but not control. Participation also improved mental and general health (all p < 0.05, (Formula presented.) 0.02 small). No changes were observed for acquisition and consumption of food, or nutrition knowledge in either group. This 7-week cooking program built cooking confidence and improved general and mental health but did not change dietary behavior. To further improve nutrition related behaviors associated with better mental health, more effort is needed to recruit those with below-average nutrition knowledge and interest in cooking.

The Effect Of The Therapeutic Recreation Program For Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorder On Their Social Skills, Arzu Koçak Uyaroğlu, Ezgi Ertüzün, Fatma Taş Arslan

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study was carried out to reveal the effect of the recreational therapy program on the social skills of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Material and method: The study was conducted in a one group pre experimental design with a pre-test and a post-test. The data were collected through the Family Information Form and the Autism Social Skills Profile (ASSP) Scale. To evaluate the data, t-test was performed in dependent groups. Results: It was found that the difference between the pre-test and post-test mean scores for the Social Reciprocity and Social Participation/Avoidance sub-dimensions of the scale was statistically …

The Economic And Financial Impact Of The First Phase Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Sports Market, Joanna Jedel, Marcin Burchard

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: For the last several months, the world has been dominated by the coronavirus pandemic that effectively stopped the activity of entities in all fields of social life: finance, economy, culture and, broadly defined sport. The dynamic nature of changes and adaptation to a new reality were related to new restrictions and limitations on the functioning of society that were imposed by local governments. Material and methods: The authors analysed available reports that described the general results of the sports market as well as reports and financial statements for the period of the COVID-10 pandemic published by public joint-stock companies …

The Relationship Between Chosen Kinematic Parameters Of The Aerial Cartwheel On The Balance Beam During Skill Learning, Aleksandra Aleksić-Veljković, Kamenka Živčić Marković, Lucija Milčić

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪The purpose of this study was to determine a relationship between the chosen parameters of aerial cartwheel on the balance beam during learning the skill of this element. Material and methods: ‪Four national level junior female gymnasts participated in this study. The trials of the aerial cartwheel were filmed, and the best technically performed trial was chosen for analysis. Results: ‪A statistically significant relationship was found between the duration of the flight phase and the length between foot at the starting position (-0.675) and the height of the body's center of gravity (-0.626), respectively. Statistically significant positive correlations were …

The Relation Between Selected Anthropometric Variables And The Sports Results Of Early Pubescent Swimmers, Grzegorz Bielec, Daniel Jurak

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Relationships between anthropometric parameters and sports results in swimming are well documented, but only few studies concern young athletes. Scientific evidence does not indicate definitely which anthropometric variables determine swimming performance among pubertal athletes. Material and methods: Forty-one swimmers at the mean age of 12.2 years (including 15 females) were examined. Body composition was assessed with a Tanita BC 545N device. Body height, hand length, hand width and arm span were also measured. Anthropometric data were compared to results of 50 m freestyle and 200 m individual medley. Results: Calculations made by Pearson’s coefficient revealed significant correlations between body …

Association Between Gait Speed And Muscle Mass And Strength In Postmenopausal Women, Zbigniew M. Ossowski, Monika Wiech, Miroslaw Ellwart

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪Gait speed (GS) is the most popular tool used in clinical practice to diagnose functional performance. In order to maintain the independence of the elderly, it is useful to determine the association between gait speed and skeletal muscle mass, as well as the strength of the lower and upper extremities, which was the aim of this study. Material and methods: ‪The study involved 95 women in the postmenopausal period. The skeletal muscle mass (SM) was determined using a bioelectric impedance method using an octapolar bioimpedance InBody 720 analyzer. Upper limb strength was measured using the handgrip strength (HS) and …

Physical Activity Patterns And Dietary Habits Of Undergraduate Students, Ebenezer Essaw, Monday Omoniyi Moses, Daniel Afrifa, Isaac Kwaku Acheampong, Winifred Mensah, Lemuel Owusu

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪Data about physical activity report card for Ghanaian children and youth are available but reports on physical activity patterns and dietary habits of undergraduates are scarce. Material and methods: ‪This cross-sectional study sampled 278 participants (161 males, 117 females, mean age = 20.73 ± 1.72 years). Blood pressure, heart rate, physical activity patterns and dietary habits were measured. Results: ‪Most (83.1%) of the sample predominantly engaged in household activities. Time spent on treadmill/ cycling activities is significantly higher in females than males (P = 0.018). Day/week for high intensity sports was higher in males (P = 0.005), while household …

Physical Activity Of Working Age Wroclaw Residents With Reference To Their Income, Daniel Puciato, Michal Rozpara, Piotr Olesniewicz, Julita Markiewicz-Patkowska, Soňa Jandová

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪The aim of the paper was to assess the relationship between physical activity and the material status in working age residents of Wrocław, Poland. Material and methods: ‪The research covered 3,495 people aged 18–65 years. The research tool was the short version of the IPAQ survey questionnaire. The following information was obtained: age, sex, height, weight, and gross monthly income per capita in the household. Basic statistical characteristics were calculated, as well as the Mann-Whitney test for samples with n > 20 and the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test. Statistical significance was assumed for p < 0.05. Results: ‪In the weekly physical activity structure of the surveyed Wrocław residents, low-intensity activity was dominant. Usually, men were more engaged in physical activity of high intensity than women; women turned out more physically active than men within the range of low-intensity exercise. The gross monthly income per capita differentiated the categories of overall, moderate-intensity, and low-intensity physical activity in the surveyed women, and those of overall and low-intensity physical activity in the surveyed men. In both sexes, respondents with low income were characterised by the lowest physical activity. Women with medium income and men with high income were the most physically active. Conclusions: ‪It seems necessary to include the poorest working age people in public health programs aimed at increasing the level of physical activity.

Studies Of Kicking Of Three Targets – Does Sex Differentiate The Velocity Of The Taekwondo Front Kick?, Jacek Wasik, Dorota Ortenburger, Tomasz Gora

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪The aim of the research was to obtain knowledge concerning the impact of selected external determinants (kick target) and internal determinants (sex) on the movement kinematics during the performance of a front kick by taekwon-do practitioners. Material and methods: ‪The analysis was performed on 8 men (18.3 ±1.7 years old) and 6 women (19.8 ±3.8 years old) practising taekwon-do. During research they performed front kicks into the air, at a table tennis ball hanging on a line and a training target (shield). A laboratory was used for analysis of the movement. Results: ‪The mean maximum velocity of a kick …

Level Of Knowledge Regarding Health As Well As Health Education And Pro-Health Behaviours Among Students Of Physical Education And Other Teaching Specialisations, Grazyna Kosiba, Maria Gacek, Agnieszka Wojtowicz, Magdalena Majer

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the level of knowledge regarding health and health education as well as the pro-health behaviours of students of physical education and other teaching specialisation. Material and methods: ‪Anonymous and voluntary research was carried out in the years 2013-2014 among a randomly chosen group of Krakow academic youth. The research applied: involved the Inventory of Health Behaviours (IHB) (Polish: Inwentarz Zachowań Zdrowotnych) by Z. Juczyński, a short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and an original test on knowledge regarding health determinants and education. Results: ‪Research has …

A Preparation Cycle In Strength Training As A Form Of Health Training For Adults, Malgorzata Kalwa, Tadeusz Stefaniak, Dariusz Harmacinski, Bartosz Groffik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪The authors assume that 8-month systematic physical activity with individually selected resistance of progressively increasing volume and intensity will counteract the processes related to regress of motricity and the unfavourable change of body composition in people over 40 years old. Material and methods: ‪The research involved 178 persons (92 women and 86 men) aged 40–61 years old. The participants pursued training with small and medium weights, broken down into a younger (40–50 years) and an older (51–61 years) group. The workout plan was modelled on the adaptive strength training method (ASTM), which is used by weightlifters and bodybuilders. The …

Effects Of Walking Training Performed Using Continuous And Interval Methods On Weight Loss As Effective Strategies Among Postpartum Women, Mohammed Zerf

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪Walking is a fundamental and affordable physical activity that improves entire body and helps women lose weight. However, some studies suggest that walking alone has little or no effect on improving or maintaining body mass and fat mass at the hip and spine. The objective of this study is to estimate the effect of walking intensity (interval training vs. traditional cardio) on weight loss after childbirth. Material and methods: ‪A total of 39 postpartum women [19 experimental subjects (ES) and 20 controls (CS)] participated in this study. Their homogenates were calculated based on their average age of 25 ±2.54 …

The Effect Of Linear And Daily Undulating Periodized Resistance Training On The Neuromuscular Function And The Maximal Quadriceps Strength, Nasrin Abdi, Mohammad Reza Hamedinia, Zahra Izanloo, Nosratollah Hedayatpour

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 9 weeks’ resistance training utilizing a daily undulating periodization (DUP) program versus a linear periodization (LP) program on concentric and isometric muscle strength and neuromuscular function of the quadriceps muscle. Material and methods: ‪30 male subjects (age = 21.7 ±2.5 yr, body mass = 71.4 ±11.9 kg, height =1.77 ±0.09 m) participated in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into DUP and LP training groups. Both the DUP and LP training group performed leg press exercise 3 times per week. Volume and intensity were equated for each training …

The Effect Of Eight Weeks Of Core Stability Training On The Lower Extremity Joints Moment During Single-Leg Drop Landing, Faraj Fatahi, Gholamali Ghasemi, Mohamadtaghi Karimi, Ramin Beyranvand

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪Biomechanical factors are the main mechanism of load applied on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of core stability training on the lower extremity joints moment during a single leg drop landing task. Material and methods: ‪Thirty basketball athletes were randomly assigned into training and control groups. The training group performed core stability training for 8 weeks, but the control group did not perform these exercises. Lower extremity kinetics and kinematics variables during a single leg drop landing test were collected by a motion analysis system and …

Effect Of A Combined Exercise Program (Aerobic And Rebound Therapy) With Two Different Ratios On Some Physical And Motor Fitness Indices In Intellectually Disabled Girl, Amir Hossein Haghighi, Fatemeh Mohammadtaghipoor, Mohammadreza Hamedinia, Javad Harati

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are mostly neglected and hardly exercised. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a combined program (aerobic and rebound therapy) with two different ratios on some physical and motor fitness indices in intellectually disabled girls. Material and methods: ‪A total of 24 girls with ID (13–17 years old with an IQ of 50 to 70) were selected and randomly divided into two experimental and one control group. Experimental groups performed a combined aerobic rebound therapy program with two different proportions: (group 1 performed 10 minutes of aerobic exercises and 20 …

The Effect Of Breath-Hold Diving On Selected Adaptive Mechanisms In The Circulatory-Respiratory System In Simulated Static And Dynamic Apnoea, Magdalena Solich-Talanda, Robert Mikolajczyk, Robert Roczniok, Aleksandra Zebrowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪Current research results indicate high adaptation of an organism to long-term apnoea. Breathing techniques allow increasing the volume of the inhaled air and thus prolong the breath-hold time at rest and during physical effort. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of breath-hold on adaptations of the respiratory and circulatory systems and cardiopulmonary-respiratory reactions at rest and during physical effort in persons practising freediving. Material and methods: ‪The study involved 17 athletes practising breath-hold diving, at the mean age of 38.4 ±8.4 years. Spirometry tests to evaluate static and dynamic lung indicators were conducted. The heart …

An Accident Right Before The Finish Of The First Stage Of The 77th Edition Of The Tour De Pologne – Legal Characterisation Of The Accident Through The Prism Of Criminal Law, Cezary Waldzinski, Aleksandra Durzynska, Tomasz Waldzinski, Kazimierz Kochanowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

On August 5, 2020 the first of five stages of the 77th edition of the Tour de Pologne took place. In the final meters of the first stage of the race around Poland, an unfortunate accident occurred. Jumbo-Visma rider, Dylan Groenewegen, who fought for the victory, deviated from his line and by going to the right prevented Fabio Jakobsen from riding and finishing the race. As a result, the Deceuninck-Quick-Step cyclist hit the barriers at high speed and suffered very serious injuries. Fabio Jakobsen, a talented cyclist, was taken to hospital in a severe condition. One of the judges who …

Investigation Of Athlete High School Students' Moral Decision-Making Attitudes In Terms Of Sport Variables, Oğuz Özbek, Umut Nalbant

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Sports activities are performed in accordance with moral values and principles. The purpose of this research is to examine the decision-making attitudes of young sports students based on age, gender, license status, and sports branch type. Material and Methods: The "Moral Decision-Making Scale in Youth Sports" developed to evaluate the moral decision-making attitudes of young athletes was used as a data collection tool in this research. A five-point Likert scale was used to evaluate the scale items. Results: The athletes' views regarding moral decision-making attitudes were found to be for the Acceptance of Cheating dimension for the Acceptance of …

The Effectiveness Of Functional Training On Static Balance, Dynamic Balance And Flexibility Of Females With Intellectual Disability, Sakineh Farrokhian, Ghorban Hemati Alamdarloo, Enayatollah Asadmanesh

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Children with intellectual disability (ID) have less balance and flexibility than typically developing peers. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of functional training on static balance, dynamic balance and flexibility of female students with intellectual disability. Material/Methods: The research method was pre-test – post-test with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all female students with ID in elementary school of Shiraz studying under the auspices of the Special Education Organization in 2018–2019. The participants included 30 female students with ID selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 15) …

Dynamics Of Changes In Time Differences And Muscle Strength In Qualified Handball Students During The Academic Year, Muminov Abrorbek Shavkatovich

Eurasian Journal of Sport Science

Purpose: It consists in studying during the school year the accuracy of shooting at targets installed in the corners of the gate in a calm position for experienced handball players and in the influence of turning the body in different directions.

Methods: The following methods were used in the course of the study: 1) literary sources, analysis of research papers and scientific articles, scientific research on the topic, scientific and practical experience of foreign and domestic scientists in the field of sports in bund were studied and analyzed. 2) A pedagogical test in which the accuracy of the difference between …

Dynamics Of Changes In Time Differences And Muscle Strength In Qualified Handball Students During The Academic Year, Muminov Abrorbek Shavkatovich

Eurasian Journal of Sport Science

Aim: It consists in studying during the school year the accuracy of shooting at targets installed in the corners of the gate in a calm position for experienced handball players and in the influence of turning the body in different directions.

Methods: The following methods were used in the course of the study: 1) literary sources, analysis of research papers and scientific articles, scientific research on the topic, scientific and practical experience of foreign and domestic scientists in the field of sports in bund were studied and analyzed. 2) A pedagogical test in which the accuracy of the difference between …

Macronutrients And Water – Do They Matter In The Context Of Cognitive Performance In Athletes?, Ewa Karpecka, Barbara Fraczek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Proper nutrition is a key factor in physical performance, but there are also indications of an impact of dietary components on the brain function. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the impact of macronutrients and water on cognitive performance. Assumptions of the Mediterranean diet correlate with better global cognition, episodic memory, lower risk of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. In turn, a high-fat and high-sugar diet shows the opposite effect. Omega-3 fatty acids could be used as a preventive tool for cognitive decline, but there is still insufficient evidence if supplementation improves cognitive functions. The proper intake …

Model Characteristics Of Sportsmen’ Preparedness In Kettlebell Lifting, Konstiantyn Prontenko, Grygoriy Griban, Tetiana Plachynda, Ivan Mychka, Oksana Khurtenko, Bogdan Semeniv, Oleksandr Gnydiuk, Vadym Muzhychok, Mykola Puzdymir

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The model characteristics of preparedness of sportsmen specialized in kettlebell lifting are grounded in the article. The indicators of physical preparedness, functional abilities and the main technical characteristics of kettlebell lifters of different qualification were examined. Material and methods: Three groups were formed: group No. 1 – kettlebell lifters of a low qualification (the 3rd and the 2nd grades, N=34); group No. 2 – kettlebell lifters who have the 1st grade and Candidate Master of Sports, N=27; group No. 3 – sportsmen of a high qualification (Masters of Sports, N=16). The methods of investigation: theoretical analysis and generalization of …

The Relationship Between Physical Activity Levels And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Elderly Individuals Aged 65 Years And Above With A Chronic Disease, Nevzat Demirci, Pervin Toptaş Demirci, Oktay Zırhlı

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide with increasing prevalence in the population aged 65 years and above. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between physical activity level and health-related quality of life in elderly individuals. Material and methods: The participants aged 65 years and older (46 males and 35 females) were divided into 3 groups according to their physical activity levels: low physical activity (<150 minutes/week), moderate physical activity (150–300 minutes/week) and high physical activity level (>300 minutes/week). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was calculated using EQ-5D scale. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between physical activity level and HRQoL scores in elderly …

Differences Between All-Around Results In Women’S Artistic Gymnastics And Ways Of Minimizing Them, Almir Atiković, Edina Kamenjašević, Amra Nožinović Mujanović, Edin Užičanin, Muhamed Tabaković, Mijo Ćurić

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: In the present study, the main goal was to establish whether the disciplines are equal and should the Code of Points (COP) women's artistic gymnastics be revised in terms of point standardization on apparatus. Material and methods: The sample included all-around senior female gymnasts who participated in the qualification (C-I) competitions at World Championships held in 2009-2019. Results: The biggest differences are even two points between the two apparatus vault and balance beam. Vault compared to other apparatus is different for 1.559 points. Presentation of correlations between each apparatus the evidence that nothing has changed significantly in recent years, …

Dependences Between The Footwear Fitting And Feet Structure In Girls Of Third-Grade Primary School, Ewa Puszczalowska-Lizis, Paulina Zarzyczna, Wioletta Mikulakova

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The study aimed to study dependences between the footwear fitting and feet structure in girls of third grade of primary school. Material and methods: The research tool was the podoscope CQ-ST. The footwear fitting to the feet of the examined children was tested using the Clevermess device. Results: Statistically significant relationships between the frequency of varus deformity of the Vth toe of the right foot and the width fitting of the outdoor footwear were found (p=0.027). Statistically significant relationships between the length of the indoor footwear and the heel angle (γ) of the left foot have also been noted …

The Impact Of Circuit Resistance Training On Serum Glucose, Insulin Resistance And Health Related Physical Fitness In Elderly Men With Type 2 Diabetes, Hamid Arazi, Roghayeh Gholizadeh, Amin Sohbatzadeh, Ehsan Eghbali

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Obesity and decreased physical activity are the most important factors in the development of type 2 diabetes, which in recent decades has led to an increase in the number of people with this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of circuit resistance training (CRT) on serum glucose, insulin resistance and health related physical fitness in elderly men with type 2 diabetes. Material and methods: Twenty-two patients with type 2 diabetes (60.99 ±2.93 years) volunteered to participate in this study. They were divided randomly into two groups: training (n = 11) and control (n = …

Somatotypes Of Athletes With Physical Disabilities And The Type Of Activity They Undertake, Agata Kamionka, Elzbieta Grzywacz, Mariusz Lipowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The issue of scientific measurement of somatotypes of athletes with physical disabilities and the type of physical activity undertaken by them is poorly documented in the literature. The aim of the study is to determine what type of body composition is characteristic of athletes with physical disabilities, engaging in various types of physical activity, such as swimming, sitting volleyball and weight lifting. Material and methods: Sixty men, aged 20-30, were qualified for the study. Each study participant had a motor dysfunction and was in intellectual norm. For the research protocol, Sheldon’s typology in Heath and Carter modification was used. …

Influence Of Functional Abilities On The Quality Of Refereeing In Handball, Ivan Belcic, Lana Ruzic, Alen Marosevic

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Several factors contributed to the evolution of handball, and one of the most important changes for faster, more dynamic and aggressive game is the change of rules which increase physical demands of players and especially referees. The aim of this study is to determine whether functional abilities have an influence on the quality of refereeing. Material and methods: 31 subjects were involved in the research, all of them top-level referees with an average age of 34.66±6.44, height 184.02±5.87 cm and body mass 91.14±10.61 kg. Testing was divided into two parts: the first part was spiroergometric progressive test on a …