Physical Education of Students

Personality determinants of goal orientation in elite long-distance and mountain runners

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Background and Study Aim. The achievement theory points to two motivational orientations that represent different views on an individual's perception of success. In sports, these aspects are closely associated with various individual characteristics and athletic achievements. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between personality traits and aspects of goal orientation among long-distance and mountain runners of both genders.

Material and Methods. The study involved 9 women aged 26 to 34 and 13 men aged 26 to 38 who were members of the national long-distance and mountain running teams (medallists at the Polish and European Championships in their disciplines). Among the participants there were graduate students. The Polish adaptation of Costa and McCrae’s NEO Five-Factor Inventory questionnaire was used to examine the level of personality traits. The level of goal orientation dimensions was determined using the Polish adaptation of the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13 software.

Results. In the studied group of male athletic competitors, three significant relationships were observed: a negative correlation between ego orientation and both neuroticism and openness to experience; a negative correlation between the overall level of goal orientation and neuroticism. These results are explained by the relationship that occurs between emotional balance and resilience to criticism and the desire to compare oneself to others and the tendency to demonstrate superior skills in front of others.

Conclusions. The findings underscore the importance of considering individual characteristics in athletic competition. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of assessing personality traits and goal orientation dimensions among student and competitive long-distance and mountain runners of both genders. Additionally, the significance of these factors in predicting sporting achievement is highlighted, suggesting avenues for further research and practical application.

The association between the years and modes of sports training and levels of moral competence across eleven sports

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Background and Study Aim. Research on moral competency in sports is rare, and findings are inconsistent. These findings point to moral development as a multifaceted and complex process. This process is mediated by various life situations and dilemma choices. Sport can play a crucial role in this area with its often ‘role-taking’ experience and confrontations with personal moral standards. This study aimed to analyze the relationship of competency levels and sport experience across different sports.

Material and Methods. A sample of university students in sport-related faculties (N = 947) was assessed with the use of Moral Competence test (MCT). The group was divided into 11 predetermined types of sports, training modes (amateur/professional), and indicated years of training practice.

Results. The general moral competency level in the overall researched sample of students was low, but similar to their peer-age reference groups found in relevant literature. The findings indicated some differences in moral competency levels between amateurs and professionals. Amateurs showed a higher competency levels in five types of sports (non-invasion games, martial arts/fighting sports, aquatic boating sports). In contrast, professionals showed a higher competency level in dance sports. The only positive, moderate correlation between years of training and moral competency level was found with professional athletes in aquatic boating sports: the longer they trained, the higher their moral competency level was.

Conclusions. These results offer new insight into the impact of sports on moral development and can act as a solid foundation for further in-depth research in this area.

Participation motivation in disabled athletes

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Background and Study Aim. Sports have significant effects on individuals of all ages and levels, particularly for those with disabilities. These effects are seen in terms of self-expression and competence skills. The aim of this study was to measure the motivation levels of disabled athletes in their participation in sports.

Material and Methods. The study involved 151 voluntary participants. The 'Motivation Scale for Participation in Sports for Disabled Individuals' was utilized. Independent t-tests and One-Way ANOVA multiple comparison tests were employed to compare differences between two independent groups and determine variations between variables.

Results. Significant differences were found in the motivation levels of disabled individuals in terms of gender, disability status, nationality, type of sport, and social status factors. Female participants were found to have higher levels of both internal and external motivation compared to males. It was determined that the internal motivation of individuals with hearing impairments is higher than those with visual and intellectual disabilities. Additionally, the external motivation levels of individuals with physical, visual, and hearing impairments are higher than those with intellectual disabilities. National athletes have been found to have high levels of external motivation. Furthermore, there is a significant difference in the internal and external motivations of individual sports participants compared to those participating in team sports. No significant differences were found in the duration of participants' athletic careers. Individuals who gained social status through sports were found to have high levels of external motivation.

Conclusions. Among the positive effects of sports in human life, it is observed that there are many positive values that sports bring to individuals. This includes the internal and external motivation it provides. Sports have significant effects on self-expression and self-sufficiency skills for individuals of all ages and levels, especially for individuals with disabilities. In this context, the participation of disabled individuals in sports becomes crucial in terms of their personal development and facilitating their lives, both physiologically, psychologically, and sociologically.

Harmonizing musculoskeletal health: transformative effects of 8-week intervention program on posture in music students

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Background and Study Aim. Musculoskeletal complaints are common among music students, irrespective of gender. They develop due to intense practice over an instrument; spending long hours of practice may cause muscular imbalance, tension, and awkward posture. The repetitive nature of practice in music students may cause overuse and fatigue. This increases the risk of acute pain and can affect both quality of life and performance. Therefore, the present study aimed at evaluating the transformative effects of an 8-week intervention program on posture in music students.

Material and Methods. The 8-week intervention program with transformative effects was conducted over 8 weeks (from September 18 to November 12) on Mondays and Thursdays, for 45 minutes each session. The program aimed to benefit 25 music students, of whom (i) 15 were in the experimental group (with an average age of 24.20 years, average weight of 82.40 kg, and average height of 178.60 cm), and (ii) 10 were in the control group (with an average age of 24.60 years, average weight of 78.40 kg, and average height of 182.20 cm). All participants were enrolled in the second year of a master's degree program in Performing Arts. Standardized measures for evaluating posture (utilizing Klein and Thomas's method, as refined by Mayer) were conducted both before (Week 1, September 18) and after (Week 8, November 12) the intervention. The impact of the 8-week intervention program was assessed using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, and Pearson's r.

Results. Significant differences (p ˂ 0.05, ˂ 0.01) between 25 music students (M); in particular experimental group (n = 15) and control group (n = 10), were in 4 (80%) segments of body in post-test: (i) Head and neck; (ii) Abdomen and pelvis; (iii) Curvature of spine; (iiii) Shoulders and scapulas. Insignificant differences (p ˃ 0.05) between 25 music students (M) were in pre-test.

Conclusions. Significant differences (p ˂ 0.05, ˂ 0.01) indicated the transformative effects in the experimental group's (n = 15) posture. This emphasizes the potential of the 8-week intervention program in promoting musculoskeletal health of music students. Therefore, additional research is necessary to investigate the lasting resilience (sustainability) of advantages and enhance the intervention plan in music education.

The perception on physical activity among students

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Background and Study Aim. Questionnaires are useful tools for assessing the level of physical activity in the general population due to their brevity, ease of understanding, and ease of application. The aim of our study is to subjectively assess the physical activity of participants using the self-report scale of the Godin–Shepard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Material and Methods. The study involved 299 undergraduate and graduate students from Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava (Romania). In their academic activities, they typically engage in between 4 and 6 hours of practice. Additionally, many respondents participate in various physical activities, totalling another 4 to 8 hours of physical activity per week. The questionnaire consists of three questions regarding the level of physical activity (intense, moderate, low). It aims to collect data for the past 7 days for each physical activity lasting at least 15 minutes.

Results. The intergroup analysis of the data showed statistical significance in the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for three out of six analyzed situations: graduate males versus graduate females, undergraduate males versus undergraduate females, and graduate males versus undergraduate males (p < 0.001). In the study, data concerning the level of physical activity among students were collected. Data analysis showed that over 80% (240 out of 299) of the respondents are moderately active or active. Statistically significant differences were observed only by study level and gender. While there was a notable difference of 10 points between males and females, it did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions. We can conclude that physical activity is an important aspect of students' daily routines. However, awareness programs are necessary to encourage them to remain physically active. These programs also promote the benefits of physical activity for physical, mental, and social well-being, as well as overall quality of life.

Examining the effects of attention and concentration levels on reaction time in fencing

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Background and Study Aim. Attention and concentration, fundamental psychological skills, are crucial in situations where the opponent moves rapidly and incessantly. Reaction time is also of paramount importance in winning a game in fencing, which requires both offensive and defensive actions. Understanding the factors that affect reaction time is essential for improving performance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of disruptions in attention and concentration on reaction time in fencing.

Material and Methods. Thirty-four healthy male and female fencers participated in two testing sessions. In the initial session, participants filled out a personal information form and took the d2 Attention Test to determine their attention levels. They also completed items representing the concentration disruption subscale of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) to measure concentration levels. In the second session, participants underwent the Favero Electronic Fencing Target (EFT-1) test to measure their reaction times. To analyze the obtained data, SPSS 20 was used. The Pearson correlation coefficient between attention, concentration disruption, and participants' reaction times was calculated. Then, linear regression analysis was employed to test whether attention and concentration scores could predict the reaction times.

Results. The findings indicated that there is a significant positive relationship between E (r = .603, p < .01), E% (r = .628, p < .01), E1 (r = .584, p < .01), E2 (r = .533, p < .01), and reaction time. Additionally, a significant negative relationship was revealed between concentration performance and reaction times (r = -.456, p < .01). A significant positive correlation was observed between fencers' concentration disruption and reaction times (r = .416, p < .05).

Conclusions. Our study results emphasize the importance of attention and concentration in disciplines that require quick reactions. These cognitive factors need to be considered in the development of sports performance.

Kinesiophobia, exercise addiction and mindfulness in athletes

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Background and Study Aim. Since athletes tend to be addicted to exercise, they are at a higher risk of experiencing sports injuries compared to others. Exercise addiction and kinesiophobia, which is the fear of (re)injury and movement after an injury, are distinct but related concepts for athletes. It has been stated that mindfulness helps individuals to diminish their kinesiophobia. However, little is known about the relationship between exercise addiction, kinesiophobia, and mindfulness among athletes. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate kinesiophobia, exercise addiction, and mindfulness among athletes and to examine the effect of certain variables on these three concepts.

Material and Methods. The sample of the study consisted of 313 athletes over the age of 18. Participants were included in the study on a voluntary basis, using the convenience sampling method. Study data were collected with the 'Demographic Form', the 'Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia', and the 'Exercise Addiction Scale'.

Results. The study discovered that national athletes exhibited statistically higher levels of exercise addiction compared to non-national athletes. Similarly, athletes suffering from chronic pain showed higher exercise addiction scores than those without chronic pain. Furthermore, athletes who had sustained sports injuries demonstrated higher exercise addiction levels compared to those who had not. It was also determined that athletes with pain or movement limitations due to sports injuries exhibited increased levels of kinesiophobia compared to those without such limitations. In addition, athletes with chronic pain reported higher levels of kinesiophobia compared to their counterparts without chronic pain. Female athletes were found to have higher levels of mindful awareness compared to male athletes. Additionally, when analyzing the relationship between these three parameters, a negative correlation was observed between kinesiophobia and mindfulness among athletes.

Conclusions. While kinesiophobia and exercise addiction are not directly related, there is a negative relationship between kinesiophobia and mindfulness. Furthermore, chronic pain and limitations in movement after a sports injury are identified as risk factors for kinesiophobia. Additionally, being a national athlete, experiencing chronic pain, and sustaining sports injuries are considered risk factors for exercise addiction.

Applied biomechanics within the Kinesiology discipline in higher education

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Background and Study Aim. Biomechanics is a fundamental component of Kinesiology, offering critical insights into the mechanics of human movement. As the demand for comprehensive educational programs in Kinesiology grows, understanding the role and effectiveness of biomechanics within these programs becomes increasingly important. The aim of the study is to investigate and highlight the role and importance of biomechanics in the context of higher education, with an emphasis on the discipline of Kinesiology.

Material and Methods. This study involved 71 students from the Department of Physical Education and Sport at Pitești University Center. It included 43 students specializing in Physical Education and Sport (PES) and 28 in Sports and Motor Performance (SMP). The research utilized the university's e-learning platform to monitor teaching and evaluation activities within the Kinesiology discipline. The evaluation of fundamental Kinesiology knowledge was assessed through various indicators. Google Forms-Questionnaire sought to gauge student opinions on the thematic content of Biomechanics as applied to Kinesiology and to evaluate the teaching staff. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis Test was employed to analyze differences in means across the groups.

Results. The study revealed a diverse interest in sports across the Physical Education and Sport (PES) and Sports and Motor Performance (SMP) programs. Soccer, basketball, and handball were the most popular among students. Comparative analysis of academic performance showed no significant differences between the groups in various assessments (p>0.05). The overall student feedback on the "Fundamentals of Biomechanics of Physical Activities and Sports" course was predominantly positive. Over 50% of the students rated it as very good. Areas for improvement in teaching methods were also identified to enhance the academic experience.

Conclusions. This study highlights the effective integration of biomechanics within the Kinesiology discipline at the higher education level. Findings suggest that well-structured educational programs can enhance students' understanding and application of biomechanics. This contributes positively to their academic and professional development in sports sciences. Continuous curriculum assessment and refinement are crucial for maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of such programs.

Interaction of integral parameters of physical state and biological age of students aged 17-19 years old in the process of adaptation to standard and experimental physical education programs

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Background and Study Aim. The process of adaptation to physical education programs is a critical factor influencing the health and physical development of students. Understanding how these programs affect both the physical state and biological age of students can significantly improve their effectiveness. The aim of the study is to investigate the interaction between integral parameters of physical state (PS) and biological age (BA) of students aged 17-19 years old in the process of adaptation to standard and experimental physical education (PE) programs.

Material and Methods. The study involved 140 first-year students of the National University of Telecommunications - 80 males and 60 females. In the course of the research, the indices of functional state, physical fitness (PF) and physical development (PD), biological age (BA) were recorded in young men and women of the control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups. To process the experimental material, methods of dispersion and canonical analysis were used and multiple correlation and determination coefficients were calculated.

Results. It was revealed that the impact of PS integral parameters on students' BA is stronger than the inverse influence of BA on PS parameters. The degree of BA reduction under the influence of the studied factors is most pronounced in the EG of girls and boys. The variability of the group of PD and PF indices is accompanied by the variability of most of the BA parameters’ dispersion in all studied groups of students. The factor of gender has the greatest impact on the BA of students. Girls have lower initial values of BA and it’s a more pronounced decrease by the end of the experiment. The effectiveness of the impact of an aerobically oriented experimental program on the improvement of students’ PS and reduction of BA was confirmed. Under the influence of the experimental program, the BA of EG girls decreases to a greater extent in comparison with EG boys and students of both control groups. Changes and differences in BA of boys and girls of EG and CG are due to the combined impact of the factor of PE software and that of adaptation changes of students' PS in the annual process of PE. In the group of boys and girls more pronounced influence on BA in the course of the experiment was produced by the factor of software and adaptation changes, respectively.

Conclusions. The gender factor has the strongest impact on students' BA - girls have lower initial values of BA and it’s a more pronounced decrease by the end of the experiment in comparison with boys. Adaptation changes of PS in the process of software implementation are accompanied by a decrease in BA in the experimental groups. One of the criteria and confirmations of the effectiveness of the developed PE program is the degree of mutual influence of PS integral parameters, which is most pronounced in the reduction of BA in the experimental groups of girls and boys.