Healthy Beat Acupunch Regimen Improved Physical Fitness of Thai Older Adults in Residential Homes: Quasi-Experimental Two-Group Pre-Post Study.

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of 12 weeks of dance education on the values of physical fitness at children with mental retarded. 22 educable mentally retarded children from Dr. Gunseli-Dr. Bulent Akinsal Secondary School and Working School participated in this study. Mentally Disabled children who participated voluntarily were grouped as the average age of 16.27± 1.00 year with11 people (9 males, 2females) of the experimental group and the average age of 15.90± 0.83 year to 11people(7males, 4 females) as the control group. Participants in the experimental group was implemented 12-weekdance education program including 2 days a week, 2 hours a day. Program contents included the basic posture correction, flexibility, ability to maintain a rhythm, motion diversity and self-expression skills, pair work and group work. Physical fitness values of experimental and control group were measured in before and after studies. After the 12-week dance education, It was determined that there was statistically significant differences in vertical jump, flexibility, sprint and balance parameters between the experimental and control groups.(p<0.05). In the study of comparing the experimental group in itself, statistically significant differences were found of the specified physical fitness parameters (p<0.01). As a result; physical fitness levels of the educable mentally retarded individuals who regularly participated in dance activities showed significant improvements. The results of this study, it was observed that after 12-week education program there was more development of many physical fitness parameters in the experimental group than the control group and this revealed that the importance of dance education on educable mentally retarded children.

Background: In Indian Universities, much attention is not given to the mental and physical fitness of the students during routine teaching-learning sessions except in the courses related to physical education, medicine, and yoga. Even general health-related lessons are mostly not included in the curricula of most of the courses. This fact becomes important in the context of increasing prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases among the younger population. Yogic training happens to be one of the promising and effective methods of training in developing mental and physical fitness. Objective of the Study: The objective of this study was to find out the effect of Pranayama on physical fitness and mental health in University-level healthy students. Method: A total of 108 adult volunteers of University-level healthy students of both gender, aged 17–28 years were included in the study. The selected individuals were divided into two groups, experimental- and control-with (n = 54) individuals in each group. The training period of Anuloma-viloma and Bhastrika Pranayama for experimental group was 12 weeks. Physical fitness parameters and mental health were assessed at the baseline and after completion of 12 weeks of the training intervention. Mental health was tested with a validated Mental Health Inventory Questionnaire. Control groups did not undergo Pranayama training. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvement in most of the physical fitness parameters after 12 weeks of Pranayama practice; however, the control group did not show significant improvement. The positive effect of Pranayama though was observed on mental health parameters in the experimental group, the difference was not statistically significant when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Anuloma-viloma and Bhastrika Pranayama appear to be effective in improving physical health parameters among healthy University students.

The Compeer Model, which was originally designed to match individuals recovering from mental illness with volunteers from their community, served as the basis for the development of the buddy program. However, limited research was available related to the buddy program among older adults in a Malaysian context. The study aimed to identify the effectiveness of the buddy program training module to enhance the daily living function, social participation and emotional status of older adults in residential aged care homes. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 30 pairs of buddies and older adults for both the experimental group and control group in two randomly selected residential aged care homes. The buddies in the experimental group received the buddy program training module related to activities of daily living (basic and instrumental) while the buddy-older adults pairs in the control group continued to perform their usual daily life activities in residential aged care homes. Baselines were performed before intervention and at eight weeks post-intervention. Over the eight weeks, for the older adults in the experimental group, there was a significant main effect of time after the intervention on BADL (p = 0.010). There were no significant interaction effects for the experiment group and control group on IADL and social participation. Also, there were no significant interaction effects for all domains in emotional status: depression, anxiety and stress. For buddies, there was a significant interaction effect for depression (p = 0.045) in the control group. The buddy program training module can be used as a guideline for older adults with more significant disabilities in residential aged care homes in managing activities of daily living. Future studies could be implemented to explore the intergenerational buddy program among older adults and young children in the community.

Background and Aim: Sand surface training improves physical fitness and skills in various sports, while other studies indicate that Taekwondo training specifically enhances cardiopulmonary and muscle endurance but no other fitness factors. This research objective was to develop the sand surface training program to improve physical fitness and taekwondo skills and to compare the mean effects of the sand surface training program between the control and experimental groups. And to compare mean effects with the experimental group, pretest, mid-test, and posttest. Materials and Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental research design with forty participants, 20 of whom were randomly selected and divided into experimental and control groups. A pretest was then given to evaluate the subjects' characteristics, taekwondo abilities, and physical fitness. After that, they had eight weeks of sand surface floor training and 60 minutes of tree day/week (M-W-F). In another way, a traditional program was conducted in the control group and a post-training test with a mid-test and post-test. Data analysis methods comprised mean and standard deviation, independent t-tests, within the experimental group by one-way ANOVA repeated measurement, and Bonferroni post hoc pairwise comparisons (*p&lt;.05). Results: The result found that: 1) The mean comparison showed a significant difference (*p&lt;.05) between experimental and control groups in taekwondo skills (front kick, round kick, and push kick) and physical fitness (reaction time, Y balance test, T-test, standing long jump, sit up 30 sec, and sit and reach). And 2) Mean comparison within experimental groups, taekwondo skills, and physical fitness pairwise were significant differences (*p&lt;.05). Conclusion: The study found that sand surface training can considerably improve novice taekwondo practitioners' physical fitness and abilities. The unique challenges given by sand's unstable and resistive nature resulted in gains in numerous fitness components such as strength, power, balance, flexibility, and reaction time. Furthermore, the training resulted in improved execution of taekwondo-specific abilities such as front, round, and push kicks. The good findings in this study significantly encourage the use of sand surface training in taekwondo programs, particularly for rookie students, to enhance their overall growth and performance.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a combination of interval and polymetric training on some physical fitness parameters in Imam Reza international university employees. In this semi-experimental study, 24 men age between 30 and 35 years and a body mass index of 25 to 27 kg/m2 were assigned into experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. Subjects in experimental group (interval and polymetric training) under went six weeks, 3 sessions per week and each session 60-90 minutes polymetric training at an intensity of 80-85% maximal heart rate. The parameters of the test included: cardio respiratory endurance, anaerobic power, speed, agility, muscular endurance and power were collected before and after six weeks of training. While the control group was prevented from any sport activity and just participated in pre and post-testing. Six weeks of combined training program resulted in a significant difference in cardiovascular endurance records, muscular endurance, speed and agility between experimental and control groups. But a significant difference between anaerobic and power can be found at the end of the period. The combination of interval and polymetric training is affective in improving physical fitness parameters among staffs of Imam Reza international university.

The purposes of this study were to compare the differences of functional physical fitness, physical self-esteem and well-being between experimental and control groups of older adults, and to explore the effects of functional physical fitness on physical self-esteem and well-being. One hundred and forty-one older adults aged above 65 years were recruited as the subjects from three institutional care homes, and all subjects were divided into experimental (n = 79) and control (n = 62) groups. Participants completed physical self-esteem inventory and wellbeing inventory before and after experiments. The results were as follows: 1). The post-test scores of functional physical fitness, physical self-esteem and well-being were significantly different between experimental and control groups. 2). The scores of functional physical fitness, physical self-esteem and well-being were different between pre-test and post-test in experimental group. 3). The functional physical fitness explained the variance of physical self-esteem (61.7%) and well-being (60.1%) respectively. It is concluded that twelve-week water-fitness exercise was considered as a safe and suitable exercise for older adults. Water-fitness exercise could promote the functional physical fitness in older adults, and also promote physical self-esteem and well-being.

Oddsson, HR, Friðgeirsdóttir, KÝ, Hafliðadóttir, L, Einarsson, IÞ, Kristjánsdóttir, H, and Saavedra, JM. Differences in anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed in young football players according to performance level, playing position, and relative age effect: a population-based study. J Strength Cond Res 39(4): e561-e568, 2025-The objectives of this study were to determine (a) the differences, both in male and female players, in anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed based on the players' level and position on the field; (b) whether there is a relative age effect based on the players' level, and (c) whether there is a relationship between the relative age effect and the anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed parameters. Eight hundred twenty-six football players (15.76 ± 2.60 year old, 75.7% male) participated in the study. Players were grouped into elite and nonelite, as well as based on their field position and birth quartile. Nonparametric tests were used to study differences by level and by position or trimesters. Chi-square goodness of fit analysis was performed to know the association between elite and nonelite players regarding the relative age effect. Physical fitness parameters and kicking speed were higher in elite players than in nonelite players (5.834 ≥ χ2 ≤ 48.079; p < 0.001). There were differences in anthropometric and physical fitness parameters and kicking speed depending on the player's position: goalkeeper vs. outfield players (7.648 ≥ χ2 ≤ 26.078; p < 0.001) except in jump tests. There was a relative age effect in elite male players ( χ2 = 26.313; p < 0.001) but not in female players, and it was related to anthropometric and physical fitness parameters. This population-based study offers insights into the variables that differentiate elite from nonelite players at young ages, with differences in the relative age effect between male and female players, which can be used by coaches to identify key performance variables.

&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Background&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Physical inactivity and functional decline represent significant challenges for aging populations, warranting effective intervention strategies and reliable assessment methodologies. This thesis investigated test-retest reliability of physical activity and fitness measurements in older adults, examined effects of structured exercise, and assessed longitudinal recovery trajectories in hip osteoarthritis patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Methods&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Four studies were conducted. Study I (n=78, age 70.9+4.7 years) evaluated accelerometer measurement reliability and monitored physical activity changes following an 8-week exercise intervention (twice-weekly, 60-minute combined training). Study II (n=1,407, age 65-84 years) assessed test-retest reliability of a comprehensive field-based fitness test battery and post an 8-week exercise period across multiple age groups. Study III (n=265, age 71.4+4.7 years) examined sustained and cumulative effects of identical 8-week exercise programs performed in consecutive years. Study IV (n=78, age 74.0+4.5 years) investigated physical fitness and activity patterns in hip osteoarthritis patients undergoing THA, with two assessments pre-operative, 4 months, and 1-year post-surgery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Results&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Physical activity parameters demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability. Similarly, field-based fitness tests generally showed good reliability across age and sex strata. The 8-week exercise intervention produced significant improvements in physical activity pattens and multiple physical fitness tests. Most fitness test parameters remained stable during the 9-month inter-intervention period, with declines observed in trunk strength endurance. Hip osteoarthritis patients exhibited pre-operative deficits compared to healthy controls in several fitness tests and in moderate- to vigorous physical activity, whereas post-operative improvements at 1-year follow-up were observed for a multitude of physical fitness parameters and exceeding the recommended physical activity levels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Conclusions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;This thesis established good test-retest reliability of accelerometer-measured physical activity and most included fitness assessments for monitoring older adults. Structured exercise generated physical activity and fitness benefits in healthy older adults. Moreover, substantial functional and activity improvements were seen following total hip arthroplasty without structured post-operative intervention. These findings underscore the importance of exercise engagement and appropriate surgical intervention to improve both functional capacity and physical activity in older adult populations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;List of scientific papers&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;This thesis includes four papers, these will be referenced using their Roman numerals listed below:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;I. &lt;b&gt;Manne Godhe&lt;/b&gt;, Marjan Pontén, Johnny Nilsson, Lena Kallings &amp; Eva Andersson. Reliability of the accelerometer to control the effects of physical activity in older adults. Plos One, 17(9), e0274442. (2022). &lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274442"&gt;https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274442&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;II. &lt;b&gt;Manne Godhe&lt;/b&gt;, Gustaf Rönquist, Johnny Nilsson, Örjan Ekblom, Lillemor Nyberg, Gustav Edman, &amp; Eva Andersson Reliability in Novel Field-Based Fitness Measurements and Postexercise Scores from a Physical Fitness Test Battery in Older Adults. Gerontology, 70(6), 639-660. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1159/000538446&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://doi.org/10.1159/000538446"&gt;https://doi.org/10.1159/000538446&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;III. &lt;b&gt;Manne Godhe&lt;/b&gt;, Johnny Nilsson, &amp; Eva Andersson. Short-and Long-Term Effects on Physical Fitness in Older Adults: Results from an 8-Week Exercise Program Repeated in Two Consecutive Years. Geriatrics, 10(1), 15. (2025). https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10010015&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10010015"&gt;https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10010015&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;IV. &lt;b&gt;Manne Godhe&lt;/b&gt;, Anders Stålman, Johnny Nilsson &amp; Eva Andersson. Physical fitness Improvements and Achievement of Recommended Physical Activity Levels One Year After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Longitudinal Study of Physical Function and Activity Patterns [Manuscript]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Papers I &amp; III were published under Creative Commons CC BY license. Paper II is reproduced in this thesis with permission from Karger Publishers. Paper IV is in manuscript form.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Background&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Physical inactivity and functional decline represent significant challenges for aging populations, warranting effective intervention strategies and reliable assessment methodologies. This thesis investigated test-retest reliability of physical activity and fitness measurements in older adults, examined effects of structured exercise, and assessed longitudinal recovery trajectories in hip osteoarthritis patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Methods&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Four studies were conducted. Study I (n=78, age 70.9+4.7 years) evaluated accelerometer measurement reliability and monitored physical activity changes following an 8-week exercise intervention (twice-weekly, 60-minute combined training). Study II (n=1,407, age 65-84 years) assessed test-retest reliability of a comprehensive field-based fitness test battery and post an 8-week exercise period across multiple age groups. Study III (n=265, age 71.4+4.7 years) examined sustained and cumulative effects of identical 8-week exercise programs performed in consecutive years. Study IV (n=78, age 74.0+4.5 years) investigated physical fitness and activity patterns in hip osteoarthritis patients undergoing THA, with two assessments pre-operative, 4 months, and 1-year post-surgery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Results&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Physical activity parameters demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability. Similarly, field-based fitness tests generally showed good reliability across age and sex strata. The 8-week exercise intervention produced significant improvements in physical activity pattens and multiple physical fitness tests. Most fitness test parameters remained stable during the 9-month inter-intervention period, with declines observed in trunk strength endurance. Hip osteoarthritis patients exhibited pre-operative deficits compared to healthy controls in several fitness tests and in moderate- to vigorous physical activity, whereas post-operative improvements at 1-year follow-up were observed for a multitude of physical fitness parameters and exceeding the recommended physical activity levels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Conclusions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;This thesis established good test-retest reliability of accelerometer-measured physical activity and most included fitness assessments for monitoring older adults. Structured exercise generated physical activity and fitness benefits in healthy older adults. Moreover, substantial functional and activity improvements were seen following total hip arthroplasty without structured post-operative intervention. These findings underscore the importance of exercise engagement and appropriate surgical intervention to improve both functional capacity and physical activity in older adult populations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;List of scientific papers&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;This thesis includes four papers, these will be referenced using their Roman numerals listed below:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;I. &lt;b&gt;Manne Godhe&lt;/b&gt;, Marjan Pontén, Johnny Nilsson, Lena Kallings &amp; Eva Andersson. Reliability of the accelerometer to control the effects of physical activity in older adults. Plos One, 17(9), e0274442. (2022). &lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274442"&gt;https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274442&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;II. &lt;b&gt;Manne Godhe&lt;/b&gt;, Gustaf Rönquist, Johnny Nilsson, Örjan Ekblom, Lillemor Nyberg, Gustav Edman, &amp; Eva Andersson Reliability in Novel Field-Based Fitness Measurements and Postexercise Scores from a Physical Fitness Test Battery in Older Adults. Gerontology, 70(6), 639-660. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1159/000538446&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://doi.org/10.1159/000538446"&gt;https://doi.org/10.1159/000538446&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;III. &lt;b&gt;Manne Godhe&lt;/b&gt;, Johnny Nilsson, &amp; Eva Andersson. Short-and Long-Term Effects on Physical Fitness in Older Adults: Results from an 8-Week Exercise Program Repeated in Two Consecutive Years. Geriatrics, 10(1), 15. (2025). https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10010015&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10010015"&gt;https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10010015&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;IV. &lt;b&gt;Manne Godhe&lt;/b&gt;, Anders Stålman, Johnny Nilsson &amp; Eva Andersson. Physical fitness Improvements and Achievement of Recommended Physical Activity Levels One Year After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Longitudinal Study of Physical Function and Activity Patterns [Manuscript]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Papers I &amp; III were published under Creative Commons CC BY license. Paper II is reproduced in this thesis with permission from Karger Publishers. Paper IV is in manuscript form.&lt;/p&gt;

BackgroundThe Compeer Model, which was originally designed to match individuals recovering from mental illness with volunteers from their community, served as the basis for the development of the buddy program. However, limited research was available related to the buddy program among older adults in a Malaysian context.AimThe study aimed to identify the effectiveness of the buddy program training module to enhance the daily living function, social participation and emotional status of older adults in residential aged care homes.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted with 30 pairs of buddies and older adults for both the experimental group and control group in two randomly selected residential aged care homes. The buddies in the experimental group received the buddy program training module related to activities of daily living (basic and instrumental) while the buddy-older adults pairs in the control group continued to perform their usual daily life activities in residential aged care homes. Baselines were performed before intervention and at eight weeks post-intervention.ResultsOver the eight weeks, for the older adults in the experimental group, there was a significant main effect of time after the intervention on BADL (p = 0.010). There were no significant interaction effects for the experiment group and control group on IADL and social participation. Also, there were no significant interaction effects for all domains in emotional status: depression, anxiety and stress. For buddies, there was a significant interaction effect for depression (p = 0.045) in the control group.ConclusionsThe buddy program training module can be used as a guideline for older adults with more significant disabilities in residential aged care homes in managing activities of daily living. Future studies could be implemented to explore the intergenerational buddy program among older adults and young children in the community.

Background and Aim: In recent years, the physical fitness of Chinese college students has been declining. There are many reasons for this situation, such as students' lack of physical exercise. How to let students make rational use of recreational time, actively participate in sports activities, develop long-term exercise habits, develop students' recreational sports participation, improve sports skills, cultivate sports interest, and gain sports experience are issues that schools should pay attention to. This study aims to develop a recreational sports participation model to improve the physical fitness of students. The main research aims are (1) to study the current situation of college students’ physical fitness and recreational sports participation at Fuzhou Institute of Technology. (2) To develop a recreational sports participation model to enhance the physical fitness of students at Fuzhou Institute of Technology. (3) To evaluate the effectiveness of the recreational sports participation model in enhancing the physical fitness of students at Fuzhou Institute of Technology. Materials and Methods: This study adoption of Research and Development(R&amp;D) research methodology. Has the following 4 steps. Step 1 Research (R1) is to study the theories of recreational sports and the current situation of sports participation. The population is 1889 juniors in 26 majors at Fuzhou Institute of Technology, 1,133 males and 756 females. (2) Teachers of 26 majors at Fuzhou Institute of Technology. The sample are questionnaire of 344 students, interviews with 30 students, and 8 teachers. Step 2 Development (D1) is to develop the recreational sport participation model. The tools are (1) the Recreational Sports Participation Model and (2) the Physical Fitness Test Form. Step 3 Research (R2) is to implement the program of the recreational sport participation model. Stratified random sampling was used to select 104 students from 1889 juniors to participate in the 8-week experimental study. The control and experimental groups had 52 students each. There were 26 male students and 26 female students. Step 4 Development (D2) is to evaluate the recreational sport participation model. Analyze the test scores of the experimental and control groups before and after the experiment. Data analysis:(1) Experimental pre-test and post-test data were subjected to a paired samples t-test. (2) An independent samples t-test was done for the comparison of pre-test performance scores and post-test performance scores of the two groups. Results: Research (R1): The lack of organization and management in the school's sports policy. Students have enough recreational time to spend every day. However, due to the lack of awareness of physical exercise, and lack of exercise goals and plans, most of the time is spent on non-sports recreational activities. The types of projects for physical exercise are single, mainly for ball sports and running, such as basketball, badminton, and table tennis. The number of exercises and the duration of exercise are not fixed. Participating in sports helps relax the body and mind and maintain good health. Development (D1): The recreational sport participation model developed in this study uses the FITT principle. It was developed by combining the relevant dimensions of recreational sports and sports participation. That is, frequency (F), intensity (I), time (T), and type (T): behavior, motivation, limitation, and satisfaction. Research (R2): Students' post-test scores were better than pre-test scores. Students' physical fitness is enhanced, and significant changes occur. Development (D2): The results of the paired samples t-test, the post-test scores of the experimental group were higher than the pre-test scores, and there was a significant difference. The analysis of the independent samples t-test results, there is no significant difference between the pre-test scores of the experimental and control groups. The posttest scores of cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. There is a significant difference. And there was no significant difference in the comparison of the two groups' scores for body composition. Recreational sports participation models are effective. Conclusion: College students have plenty of recreational time, but the lack of rational use of recreational time to participate in physical activity limits the discovery of physical fitness. This study analyzes the relevant theories of recreational sports and sports participation, combining students' interests, exercise habits, sports experience, satisfaction, and other factors, and is based on the relevant theories of the FITT principle. A recreational sports participation model aimed at developing college students' bodies was developed. The experimental study showed that the physical fitness post-test scores of the students in the experimental group showed a better improvement compared with the pre-test scores, and significant changes occurred. The recreational sport participation model developed in this study to develop college students' physical fitness is effective. Recreational sports participation models are effective.

Martial arts are a traditional aspect of Chinese culture, and with the diverse development of recreational activities, they have gained widespread acceptance not only for self-defense but also as a popular recreational activity. Physical activity and fitness characteristics associated with different martial arts vary depending on developmental backgrounds. Bajiquan is a traditional Chinese martial art known for its explosive power in close combat, emphasizing quick elbow and shoulder strikes over a short range. However, research on the application of Bajiquan to physical activity, health promotion, and its perceived benefits remains relatively limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a programmed 8-week Bajiquan training intervention on physical fitness, body composition, and perceived benefits of exercise. This quasi-experimental study enrolled participants and allocated them to the experimental (n = 15; 27.4 ± 2.6 years; female = 13.3%) and control groups (n = 15; 26.0 ± 3.1 years; female = 13.3%). The experimental group participated in an 8-week Bajiquan program, whereas the control group engaged in regular exercise with the same intervention frequency. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to assess the effects on physical fitness and body composition. Additionally, participants' subjective perceptions of the benefits of martial arts exercise were evaluated using an exercise perceived benefit questionnaire. The experimental group demonstrated significantly higher social relationships (Δ = 17.2%; δ = 0.586, p < 0.05) and personal benefits (Δ = 19.8%; δ = 0.431, p < 0.05) than the control group (p < 0.05). Changes in pre- and post-test measurements within the experimental group were significantly different from those in the control group in terms of body weight (p = 0.008, d = 1.05), body mass index (p = 0.003, d = 1.17), and body fat percentage (p = 0.004, d = 1.13). The experimental group exhibited significant differences in changes in muscle explosive power (p = 0.003, d = 1.27), cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.004, d = 1.14), and core muscle strength (p = 0.009, d = 1.10) compared with the control group. Core muscle strength also significantly increased in the experimental group compared to that in the control group in the post-test (Δ = 17.0%; p = 0.003, d = 1.21). The Bajiquan martial arts exercise intervention demonstrated beneficial effects on physical and mental development, making it a viable option for physical activity programs. In the future, program adjustments and applications can be tailored for different populations, such as children or the elderly, to promote health and disseminate the practice of martial arts.

Background and Study Aim. Physical fitness and psychological well-being of student-athletes had decreased significantly and became the main problem in this study. This study aims to investigate the effect of virtual reality-based Tabata training to increase the level of physical fitness and psychological well-being through a mixed method. Material and Methods. This study used a mixed method. The participants involved in this study were student-athletes (n=40) at Singaperbangsa Karawang University (Indonesia). Quantitative instruments used to measure physical fitness include 20 m shuttle run, 30 m sprint run, horizontal jump and leg dynamometer. While the qualitative instrument used to measure student-athlete perceptions through in-depth interviews for 30 minutes. Quantitative statistical analysis through IBM SPSS was used to find the mean and standard deviation. Independent samples t-test was used to test the difference in values between the experimental and control groups before and after the experiment. Meanwhile, the Paired samples t-test was used to investigate the effect of this training, both in the experimental and control groups. Qualitative statistical analysis was carried out qualitatively thematically, namely the results of in-depth interviews were coded and categorized into three themes. Results. There were several finding in quantitative research. First, there was no difference in physical fitness or psychological well-being between the experimental and control groups before the experiment (p&gt;0.05). Second, there were differences in the values of physical fitness and psychological well-being between the experimental and control groups after the experimental program (p&lt;0.05). Third, there was a significant effect in the experimental group on the level of physical fitness and psychological well-being (p&lt;0.05) and the control group also showed an effect on changes in physical fitness and psychological well-being but smaller than the experimental group (p&lt;0.05). In Qualitative research, student-athletes provided positive perceptions about virtual reality-based Tabata training which was easy, efficient and effective, fun and encouraged them to be more active. Negative perceptions were not all student-athletes and universities were equipped with virtual reality facilities. It must carried out in a location or place that was completely safe or far from vehicles. Conclusions. Our mixed study confirms that virtual reality-based Tabata training had positive effect to change the level of physical fitness and psychological well-being among student-athletes.

Data about effects of exercise training in adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) are very limited. This study investigated the effect of 2 different frequencies of the same intensity and total training volume of combined exercise training on indices of body composition, physical fitness, and lipid profile in overweight and obese adolescents with ID. A total of 45 overweight and obese adolescents with ID aged 14-22 years with a total IQ 45-70 received combined exercise training 3 times a week (CET3) for 30 sessions (10 weeks; n = 15), twice a week (CET2) for 30 sessions (15 weeks; n = 15), or no training (10 weeks; n = 15). Groups were matched for age, sex, and education form. Before and after the intervention period, indices of body composition, physical fitness and lipid profile have been evaluated. Compared to the control group, CET3 resulted in a significant improvement of physical fitness, obesity indices, and lipid profile of the participants. Comparing CET2 with CET3, no significantly different evolutions were noticed, except for lower limb strength in favor of exercising 3 times a week. In conclusion, exercising 2 times a week, which is more feasible and practical for participants and guidance, has the same health beneficial effects as 3 times per week in overweight and obese adolescents with ID in short-term training.

This cross-sectional study examined the differences and associations regarding physical fitness, psychological characteristics, and game performance between elite (n = 64), sub-elite (n = 82), and non-elite (n = 97) youth male soccer players aged 16.2 ± 0.5 years. Physical fitness parameters were assessed using field tests, psychological characteristics were evaluated using validated questionnaires and technical – tactical data were recorded during a competitive soccer match using a multicamera, semiautomatic optical tracking system. Elite players demonstrated superior performance in cardiorespiratory fitness, countermovement jump (CMJ), 10 m sprint, and agility, compared to the sub-elite and the non-elite players. Also, the elite and sub-elite players had faster 40 m sprints than the non-elite players. Game performance was significantly better in the elite group than the other groups and was associated with coping with the adversity and coachability, tension-anxiety, anger-hostility, and fatigue-inertia subscales. Among the physical fitness parameters examined, only agility and CMJ were associated with game performance. In conclusion, elite youth soccer players performed significantly better in various physical fitness and psychological parameters and demonstrated a higher game performance indicator score compared to their sub-elite and non-elite peers. Results suggested that physical fitness and psychological parameters are essential predictors of game performance.