Participation In Sports Activities Research Articles

An Investigation of the Basic Gymnastics Program in Preschool Children in Terms of Motor Development

Background: Achieving an adequate level of basic motor skills by the end of the preschool period is an important prerequisite for children's participation in many later sporting activities. However, only a few studies have focused on the assessment of motor competence before starting primary school in the population of preschool children in Turkey. Aim: The aim of this study is to present An Investigation of the Basic Gymnastics Program in Preschool Children in Terms of Motor Development Method: Preschool children with a body weight of 18.26 ± 2.48 kg and a mean height of 1.10±.03 cm, who participated in the basic gymnastics program (n=28), participated in the study voluntarily. In our study; (n:15) experimental group students 3 days 35 minutes on 8 weekdays. gymnastics program was applied for a period of time. The control group (n=13) students were not given any activity. In order to investigate the effects of the basic gymnastics program in terms of motor development; One-leg bounce, agility, ball catching, tennis ball throwing, 9m sprint, flexibility, vertical jump, standing long jump and hitting the target performance tests were performed at the beginning and end of the study. The effects of the tests were compared between the groups in the pre- and post-test order by performing repeated measurements of variance analysis (P < 0.05). Results: As a result of the analysis of the data, when the first and last measurements of the groups were compared, it was determined that the performance results of hop on one leg, agility, flexibility, vertical jump and standing long jump performance were better in the experimental group than the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the performance tests of catching the ball, throwing the tennis ball (9m), speed and hitting the target (P > 0.05). Conclusion: For 8 weeks, the basic gymnastics program led to positive differences in one-leg bounce, agility, flexibility, vertical jump and standing long jump performance. Keywords: Preschool Children, Motor Development, Basic Gymnastics Program, Exercise

The Barriers and Facilitators of Sport and Physical Activity Participation for Aboriginal Children in Rural New South Wales, Australia: A Photovoice Project.

Participating in physical activity is beneficial for health. Whilst Aboriginal children possess high levels of physical activity, this declines rapidly by early adolescence. Low physical activity participation is a behavioral risk factor for chronic disease, which is present at much higher rates in Australian Aboriginal communities compared to non-Aboriginal communities. Through photos and ‘yarning’, the Australian Aboriginal cultural form of conversation, this photovoice study explored the barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity participation perceived by Aboriginal children (n = 17) in New South Wales rural communities in Australia for the first time and extended the limited research undertaken nationally. Seven key themes emerged from thematic analysis. Four themes described physical activity barriers, which largely exist at the community and interpersonal level of children’s social and cultural context: the physical environment, high costs related to sport and transport, and reliance on parents, along with individual risk factors such as unhealthy eating. Three themes identified physical activity facilitators that exist at the personal, interpersonal, and institutional level: enjoyment from being active, supportive social and family connections, and schools. Findings highlight the need for ongoing maintenance of community facilities to enable physical activity opportunities and ensure safety. Children held strong aspirations for improved and accessible facilities. The strength of friendships and the family unit should be utilized in co-designed and Aboriginal community-led campaigns.

What sports activity levels can be achieved in the long-term after major lower extremity amputation for malignant tumors? – A minimum follow-up of twenty years

BackgroundIt is well-known that exercise through sports and physical activity has beneficial effects on health. After lower extremity amputation, low rates of participation in sports activities have been shown. So far, there is only limited scientific long-term information concerning sports activity and feasible types of sports in patients with lower extremity amputations due to malignant tumors. This study sought to provide very long-term information about the following questions: (1) What sports activity levels can be achieved after lower extremity amputation due to a malignant tumor? (2) What are feasible types of sports? (3) Is the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Score influenced by patient's age, the age at the time of surgery and the amount of prosthesis sockets used to date? HypothesisPatients with lower extremity amputation due to a malignant tumor cannot regularly participate in moderate sports activities (UCLA Activity Score≥6) in the very long-term. Materials and methodsIn a retrospective questionnaire survey, 21 former patients (seven females, 14 males; median age: 60.5years [range: 33–74]) who underwent an amputation of the lower extremity (14 transfemoral, four knee disarticulations, three transtibial) from 1961 to 1993 due to a malignant tumor were interviewed. The median follow-up was 41.1years (range: 23–55). The patients were interviewed about types of sports, frequencies and durations of sports sessions at the time of the last follow-up, as well as retrospectively. Sports activity levels were then assessed based on the UCLA Activity Score. Demographic background, data on amputation level, histological results, prosthetic devices and revision surgeries were collected. ResultsSeven patients (33%) were still regularly exercising at least moderate sports activities at the last follow-up, including one patient regularly participating in impact sports. The preoperative median UCLA Activity Score of 9 (range: 2–10) decreased to 5 (range: 2–10) at the last follow-up (p<0.001). Swimming (13 patients, seven on a regular basis), cycling (seven), downhill skiing (five) and hiking (four) were among the most common feasible types of sports. Increasing age had a negative influence on the UCLA Activity Score [95% CI (−0.034, −0.006); RB=−0.020; SD=0.0074; p=0.007]. ConclusionAfter a major amputation in the lower extremity due to a malignant tumor, high activity levels by practicing types of sports such as downhill skiing, are achievable. In the very long-term, a regular participation in at least moderate activities, such as swimming, is possible. Programs for physical and sports activities, based on recommendations drawn from long-term experience, are necessary and should be individually tailored to amputees and their limitations. Level of evidenceIV.

Assessing motor competence in kicking in individuals with Down syndrome through wearable motion sensors.

Kicking a ball is a very frequent action in sport and leisure time activities and a low proficiency in this skill could limit the participation in recreational sport activities. This issue is emphasised in individuals with Down syndrome (IDS) for which data about motor competence in kicking are limited to children. Here, we aim at evaluating the kicking competence of IDS combining a qualitative and a quantitative method. Twenty-three adult IDS and 21 typically developed individuals (ITD) volunteered to participate in the study. Peak-to-peak 3D linear acceleration and angular velocity were recorded at 200 samples/s using two inertial measurement units placed on the lower back and lateral malleolus of the dominant limb during kicking. Motor competence in kicking was assessed according to the criteria proposed in the test of gross motor development version 3 (TGMD-3). Individuals with Down syndrome showed lower motor competence (ITD: 5.9±1.2; IDS: 3.2±2.0) and lower angular velocities about the cranio-caudal (ITD: 3.0±1.8; IDS: 2.1±1.1rad/s) and medio-lateral axes (ITD: 4.5±1.5; IDS: 3.0±1.1rad/s) of the trunk compared with ITD. Shank angular velocity about the medio-lateral axis was lower in IDS (ITD: 14.3.6±4.0; IDS: 9.9±2.8rad/s). The lower trunk angular velocity in IDS may limit the possibility to rely on the proximal-to-distal sequencing commonly observed in kicking and generate high shank angular velocity upon ball impact. The lower trunk angular velocity may result from orthopaedic features of the pelvic girdle and possibly from a poorer neuromuscular control of core muscles.

Participation in Sports Activities before and after the Outbreak of COVID-19: Analysis of Data from the 2020 Korea National Sports Participation Survey.

The present study aimed to describe the characteristics and rate of participation in sports activities, changes in sports, and the causes of these changes before and after the COVID-19 out-break in Korea using data from the 2020 Korea National Sports Participation Survey (KNSPS). Furthermore, evidence from this study could be used as basic data to maintain and promote sports activities given the current situation, in which the continued spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, is likely. The KNSPS is an annual survey of subjective health and fitness, sports activities and conditions, and participation in sports activities, conducted among a sample comprising the entire Korean population. The current study analyzed data for 9000 participants, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed to calculate the frequency of each item and sample weight. The rate of regular participation in sports activities at least once a week was found to be 60.10% in 2020, representing a decrease of 6.48% from the rate observed in 2019. Among the types of sports facilities frequently used within the residential area, the most common facilities were private sports facilities (22.97%), other sports facilities (20.60%), and public sports facilities (18.97%), although the utilization rate for other sports facilities increased after the COVID-19 outbreak. After the COVID-19 outbreak, 34.12% of men and 29.72% of women responded that there had been a change in their participation in regular sports activities. Both before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, walking was the most common activity, although the participation rate increased from 29.23% in 2019 to 35.70% in 2020. The rankings and participation rates for indoor sports activities (bodybuilding, swimming, etc.) tended to decrease, while those for outdoor sports activities (climbing, cycling, etc.) tended to increase. These changes may be explained in part by the increasing concern regarding infection with increasing age, except among teenagers, and by economic factors. While participation in physical activity provides numerous health benefits, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on regular participation in sports activities. The results of this survey suggest that government action is required to enhance participation in sports activities, even in the face of a pandemic.

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON AGE AT MENARCHE IN NORTH BAČKA REGION (THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA)

Objectives. Menarche occurrence is influenced by genetic and environmental or external factors. The influence of external factors that affect age at menarche vary in different populations. Material and methods. Anthropological survey was carried out in primary and secondary schools in rural and urban places of North Bačka region in Vojvodina (North part of the Republic of Serbia). The investigation was performed between 2017-2020, and the data used in this study represents a part from this large comprehensive anthropological survey. The study included a total of 1971 adolescent girls aged from 7 to 18 years, out of whom 514 (26.08%) had menarche. The survey used the status quo method to collect individual data on menarche. The following socio-economic and demographic parameters were examined: parents’ educational level, the number of children in the family, participation in sports activities outside of school, settlement size and nationality. Results. The present study showed that the average menarcheal age was 12.23 ± 1.18 years and the median equals 12.22 years. No relationship was observed with regard to external factors. Only with regard to sports activities outside of school, statistical differences were found. The onset of menarche in girls who practice some sport was somewhat earlier than in girls without any additional physical activity. Conclusions. The study shows that in the last few decades there has been a trend toward lowering of age at menarche in Serbian girls. It is also observed that differences in socio-economic conditions seem to be flattened between rural and urban places. Keywords: adolescent girls, menarche, external factors.

Features of the work of a sports psychologist with coaches, athletes and parents of athletes

Modern sport is focused on early specialization, especially hockey. In this regard the work of a psychologist with coaches, parents and young hockey players is essential. Coaches often face with the fact that parents of young athletes are more motivated on sport than children themselves. So it is difficult for coaches to build relationship with parents. The process of raising successful children in sports is complex so many parents have many questions about how to help children reach their potential in sports. In report will be presented the survey data of coaches, parents and young athletes, which can help sports psychologist better understand and plan work with all the participants in sports activities. As part of report it will be considered the requests of trainers to a psychologist, as well as will be given an example of working with parents in order to prevent aggressive behavior in children. We will also consider the areas of psychological work with young hockey players. A program of classes with parents and directions of psychological work with young hockey players are presented.

Evaluation of the effect of physical activity on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school-aged children

Introduction: Physical activity is one of the essential factors in maintaining health and healthy body weight. As the pandemic of overweight and obesity continues to grow, it is crucial that children follow the recommended standards for physical activity from an early age. Both overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Excess body weight in childhood favors the maintenance of this problem in adulthood. Purpose of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of physical activity among school-aged children, to analyze individual components of body composition and to determine the influence of physical activity on maintaining normal body weight. Material and methods: We undertook to assess the physical activity levels of 245 school-aged children (7-15 years). was examined and analyzed the body composition of the study participants, and then the correlation of the level of physical activity with the maintenance of normal individual components of body composition was calculated. Results: Only 61% of childrens were characterized by normal body weight appropriate for their age. In the group of children declaring participation in extracurricular sport activities, the number of subjects with normal body weight was 65%, while in the group of subjects who declared no extracurricular activity of any kind, the percentage was 58%. Conclusions: It turned out that the number of children engaged in physical activity outside of school is alarmingly low. The study showed that children who participated in any extracurricular sport activity were more likely to maintain normal body weight and less likely to be overweight or obese.

Urinary Schistosomiasis and its Associated Risk Factors Among Inhabitants of Internally Displaced Peoples’ (IDP) Camps in Maiduguri, North-eastern Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Urinary schistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma haematobium and is usually associated with lesions in the genito-urinary tracts of affected people. A cross-sectional study was designed to examine factors influencing the occurrence of the disease among inhabitants of the IDP camps located in Maiduguri between October 2016 and June 2019. Information on demography, major sources of water supply and water-contact behaviours were obtained using pre-validated structured questionnaire. Urine samples were collected and examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs using standard methods. A sample yielding at least one egg was considered positive while a sample that did not yield any was considered to be negative. The characteristics and disease risk factors were compared between respondents that tested positive and those that were negative for the infection using univariable statistical analysis and factors found to be significant were further analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The results showed the overall prevalence of infection among the IDPs to be 21.9% (95% Confidence Interval, 95% CI= 19.54-24.42%). The multivariable logistic regression model showed that the statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) predictors of infection including sex, occupation (c2 = 9.873, df=4, p=0.04), participation in water sporting activity and having washed/bathed in open water body before displacement, presence of signs of the disease in a tent/room member, knowledge of the disease and major source of water supply (c2 = 72.467, df=2, p&lt;0.001) before the displacement. The relatively high prevalence of the disease in the study area may have negative effects on the reproduction and productivity of the IDPs. Based on the identified risk factors, behavioural changes, improved sanitation and safe water supply were recommended as control measures against urinary schistosomiasis in the study area.

Parental Motives behind their Children Participation in Sports Activities

The aim of the study was to investigate the Parental Motives behind their Children Participation in Sports Activities. The population of this study comprised all the parents whose children were on role in government primary schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. There were total 50,000 (Fifty Thousands)parents whose children were on role in government primary schools of district bannu (Official Gateway Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2014). Convenient sampling procedure was adopted to collect the required information from the respondents; there was 500 sample of the study. The present study was carried out in the district Bannu KP Pakistan. Percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation was used for set hypotheses. It was found that that parent’s involvement in sports in terms of their attitude, perception and motives has paramount significant in motivating children towards participation in sports, it was also heighted that that most of the parents wants to allow their children to participate in sports activities but financial limitation create hindrance in the way of their children sports participation. It was recommended by the researcher that Different kinds of sports program may be undertaken to increase sports participation right from gross roots level i.e. union council, tehsil and district level.

An Investigation of the Perceived Life Satisfaction and Social Support Levels of the Vocational High School for Hearing-Impaired Students According to Active Participation in Sports Activities

The aim of this article was to examine the perceived life satisfaction and social support levels of the vocational high school students according to active participation in sports activities with respect to some variables, and determine the relation between certain variables and involvement in sports. The study group of the research consisted of 554 students studying at various vocational high schools for hearing impaired during the 2014-2015 education year. The sample was composed of 327 male (60.1% of the sample) and 217 female (39.9% of the sample) students. “Personal Information Form”, “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)” developed by G. D. Zimet, Dahlem, S. G. Zimet, and Farley (1988) and adapted to Turkish by Eker, Akar, and Yaldız (2001), and “The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS)” developed by Diener, Emmons, Larsen, and Griffin (1985) and adapted to Turkish by Köker (1993), were used for data collection. The statistical methods and tools used for data evaluation were descriptive statistics, T-Tests for independent groups, one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), multi-way analysis of variance (multi-way ANOVA) and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. In order to determine the relationship between dependent variables, Pearson Correlation Test and Regression Test were administered. Based on the findings of study, the study group members tended to have over moderate social support and life satisfaction levels and there was a moderately positive correlation between the social support and life satisfaction levels. The perceived social support and life satisfaction levels of the students demonstrated significant differences in respect to the sportsmanship status, sport branches, active years of sports involvement. The study revealed that participation in sports activities play an important role on the perceived social support and life satisfaction levels of the vocational high school for the hearing-impaired students.

Assessment of Social Competence Perceived in Martial Arts and Tendency towards Sport Activities

Considering that the socially perceived competence in athletes shall continue not only the tendency to the sport activities but also the mutual effects of showing more effort and participation in sport activities, our aim is to assess the perceived competence and tendency towards sport activities in martial arts athletes.The study is composed total of 220 athletes, 92 males and 128 females, in the branches of Kickboxing, Taekwondo, and Boxing. In the research, in order to determine the “Tendency towards Sports Activities” and the “Perceive Social Competence” levels of the athletes are used. The analysis of the data is performed utilizing SPSS 22.0 package program. In group comparisons, the Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal-Wallis Test are used. The analysis of the data is assessed at 95% confidence interval and p &lt; 0.05 significance level.There are significant differences determined in perceived social competence, total score of tendency towards sports and emotion search sub dimension based on the genders of the athletes. Based on the branch variable of the athletes, in perceived social competence, general scale tendency towards sports, socializing sub dimension and emotion search sub dimension, significant differences are determined.As a result, it is concluded that they follow up-to-date sports regularly and this increases the social competence and sports tendency of the athletes; that Kickboxing athletes, the one who started the sport on their own will and male athletes have higher social competence and sport tendencies.

Physical Activity, Sport Practice and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Workers From a Public Hospital: A Trajectory Analysis.

Background: Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of physical activity on cardiovascular risk factors. Longitudinal studies using modeled trajectories are necessary to understand patterns of physical activity and association with cardiovascular risk factors.Objective: To analyze the association between sports practice in young people and current physical activity with the trajectory of cardiovascular risk factors in workers at a public hospital.Methods: Four hundred and seventeen workers was followed for four years reporting Physical Activity, health status, lifestyle behaviors and socio-demographic characteristics. Group-based trajectory modeling identified the trajectories of PA and associations with time-stable and time-varying covariates. We considered a range of sociodemographic and health and lifestyle factors as potential covariates.Results: The results shows the association between participation in sports activities in youth and current physical activity and trajectories of cardiovascular risk, adjusted for sex and age (p < 0.05). Adults who reported having played sports in their youth and are currently active have a lower risk of having a history of obesity and low HDL-c than workers who did not play sports in their youth and are currently sedentary 0.690 (0.565–0.844) obesity, 0.647 (0.500–0.837) low HDL-c.Conclusion: The practice of sports in youth and current physical activity is a protective factor against the trajectory of obesity and low HDL-c, mainly in female workers. Programs to encourage the practice of physical activity should be carried out in order to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and prevent chronic diseases in workers.

TRENDS OF “FIRE SOULS” MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS RELATED TO SPORT CLUB ESTABLISHMENT

The analysis was performed while participating and doing research in a project “Villages on the Move Go (VOMGO)” which is focused on one of the main objectives of EU sport policy: promote awareness and healthenhancing physical activity (HEPA). Motivation is widely-researched in sport psychology and other fields. Motivation for participation in sport is an important object of sport research, therefore it is important to apply reliable research tools. Aim of the research – to identify trends of “Fire Souls” motivational factors related to sport club establishment. Method. This paper analyses the results of open-ended questions, which are presented in quantitative terms (descriptive statistics) and statistical correlation analysis. Participants. The study involved 43 persons who are strongly related with the activities of sport clubs. They have established these clubs and are currently the enthusiasts of these clubs, as they represent them by participating or managing their activities, organizing various activities at the national and / or international level. In the “Villages on the Move Go” project and in this article, they are named as “Fire Souls”. Fire Souls are representing seven European countries: Finland, Lithuania, Cyprus, Slovenia, Hungary, Belgium and Portugal. All of the “Fire Souls” involved in this study were experts with extensive experiences in sport and physical activity. Results. The most frequently mentioned motivational factors for “Fire Souls” to run the sport clubs were participation in sport activities from childhood and search for innovative sport activities or benefits to the community. “Fire Souls” who once volunteered at the sport clubs practiced winter sports. The factor “personal life changes” is related to activities with vulnerable groups, implication of the sport education is related to gymnastics, acrobatics, active lifestyle and achievements are related with cycling. The factor “search for the innovative sport activities for the community” correlates with dancing, search for the innovative sport activities for the community is related with the occupation as physical education teacher. The most common motivational factors for men and women “Fire Souls” are participation in sport activities from childhood, search for innovative sport activities and benefits to the community. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors were almost indistinguishable from “Fire Souls” experience in sport activities. Conclusions. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors of “Fire Souls” determine sport and active leisure activities for individuals seeking professional and nonprofessional athletic performance, contributing to the promotion of public health and quality of life.

The "Super-Fontan" Phenotype: Characterizing Factors Associated With High Physical Performance.

Background: People with a Fontan circulation usually have moderately impaired exercise performance, although a subset have high physical performance (“Super-Fontan”), which may represent a low-risk phenotype.Methods: People with a “Super-Fontan” phenotype were defined as achieving normal exercise performance [≥80% predicted peak oxygen uptake (VO2) and work rate] during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and were identified from the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry. A Fontan control group that included people with impaired exercise performance (<80% predicted VO2 or work rate) was also identified based on a 1:3 allocation ratio. A subset of participants were prospectively recruited and completed a series of physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life questionnaires.Results: Sixty CPETs (“Super-Fontan”, n = 15; control, n = 45) were included. A subset (“Super-Fontan”, n = 10; control, n = 13) completed a series of questionnaires. Average age was 29 ± 8 years; 48% were males. Exercise capacity reflected by percent predicted VO2 was 67 ± 17% in the entire cohort. Compared to the “Super-Fontan” phenotype, age at Fontan completion was higher in controls (4.0 ± 2.9 vs. 7.2 ± 5.3 years, p = 0.002). Only one (7%) person in the “Super-Fontan” group had a dominant right ventricle compared to 15 (33%) controls (p = 0.043). None of those in the “Super-Fontan” group were obese, while almost a quarter (22%) of controls were obese based on body mass index (p = 0.046). Lung function abnormalities were less prevalent in the “Super-Fontan” group (20 vs. 70%, p = 0.006). Exercise self-efficacy was greater in the “Super-Fontan” group (34.2 ± 3.6 vs. 27.9 ± 7.2, p = 0.02). Self-reported sports participation and physical activity levels during childhood and early adulthood were higher in the “Super-Fontan” group (p < 0.05). The total average time spent participating in structured sports and physical activity was 4.3 ± 2.6 h/wk in the “Super-Fontan” group compared to 2.0 ± 3.0 h/wk in controls, p = 0.003. There were no differences in self-reported current total physical activity score or health-related quality of life between groups (p ≥ 0.05).Conclusions: The “Super-Fontan” phenotype is associated with a healthy weight, lower age at Fontan completion, better exercise self-efficacy, and higher overall levels of sport and physical activity participation during physical development.

Sport and physical activity participation in the workplace: the role of employees' self-perception

PurposeDespite preventive efforts from some companies to offer some sport and physical activity (SPA) to their employees, French participation rates remain very low, which limit impacts in terms of health and economic benefits. The aim of this study was to better understand the factors influencing SPA participation in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted based on an electronic questionnaire survey disseminated to 24 companies based in France that offered SPA to their employees. An independent sample t-test was conducted to explore the differences between the most common facilitating and constraining factors, in relation to “being a sporty person” self-perception, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) level and demographic information. Predictors of SPA in the workplace were determined using a binomial logistic regression.FindingsA total of 1,318 employees completed the survey, of which 60% were women, mostly highly educated and white collar. “Being a sporty person,” self-perception has been a predictor of SPA participation in the workplace.Practical implicationsMore multicomponent work-based interventions, including incidental physical activity, might be necessary to increase participation and overcome time constraint.Originality/valueAlthough SPA participation in the workplace is considered to promote numerous positive organizational and individual consequences, this is the first study to assess the associations between facilitating and constraining factors of SPA participation in the workplace setting and physical self-perception.

Students’ Attitude Towards Volunteering in Sport

This article deals with the issue of volunteering in sport. Participating in sport volunteering is beneficial because it increases social integration, social participation, and social awareness. With the growing importance of volunteering for both the volunteer and society, sport volunteering is becoming a phenomenon that fosters and encourages volunteer initiative. In Lithuania, volunteering in sport is still developing, so it is important to research the motivation of volunteers and direct their energy to volunteering. The aim of the research is to reveal the attitude of students involved in sports towards sport volunteering from the gender point of view. The research was conducted in 2018–2019. The sample of research subjects was formed on the basis of criteria selection – 163 students of higher education institutions (102 from Klaipėda University and 61 from Lithuania Business University of Applied Sciences) participated in the research. The survey (written) was conducted by submitting questionnaires to the respondents in paper or electronic version. The research instrument consisted of 22 closed-ended questions aimed at revealing the attitudes and views of respondents towards volunteering in sport by gender. The methods of mathematical-statistical analysis were applied to data processing; statistical differences were evaluated using Chi-square (χ2) criterion. Main findings and value of the paper: research participants distinguished quite different psychological reasons that lead to volunteering. For male students it is more important to be part of the team (26.6%) and to feel valued, recognized (18.7%), whereas female students emphasize personal development (18.7%) and gaining self-confidence by participating in voluntary activities (12.5%), (p&lt;0.001). It was revealed that there was a statistically significant (p &lt;0.05) difference between the attitudes of male and female students towards the benefits of volunteering for the volunteer himself / herself. Most respondents, both male and female, see the benefits of volunteering in two areas: a way to try themselves in new activities and the opportunity to meet interesting people, share and obtain new ideas. However, male students find volunteering in those areas more beneficial than female students. It has been revealed that male students are ready to spend more time volunteering in sport than females, so this activity is more relevant for them (p&lt;0.001). More than a quarter (28.1%) of the male students from the research could volunteer up to 18 hours a week, while female students (23.4%) could devote up to 12 hours a week. Male research participants indicate the following opportunities: participation in sport activities (18.7%), acquisition of new skills (14.1%), while female participants emphasize better employment opportunities (17.2%), and acquisition of new skills (10.9%). A small percentage of females (3.1%) consider volunteering as an opportunity to participate in sport activities (p&lt;0.001).

Higher Level of Sports Activities Participation during Five-Year Survival Is Associated with Better Quality of Life among Chinese Breast Cancer Survivors.

Simple SummaryEngaging in sports activities is strongly encouraged for cancer survivors. We aim to investigate the association between the level of sports activities participation post-diagnosis and quality of life (QoL) among Chinese women with early-stage breast cancer during the first five years of survival. Notably, we confirm in this work that regular participation in sports activities following cancer diagnosis may have a positive effect on patients’ QoL.Evidence about the association between the level of sports activities participation post-diagnosis and quality of life (QoL) among Chinese women with early-stage breast cancer is limited. A validated modified Chinese Baecke questionnaire was used to prospectively measure sports activities among a breast cancer cohort at four time-points: baseline and 18, 36, and 60 months after diagnosis (sports activities during the previous 12 months before each interview); QoL was measured at the same time. In total, 1289, 1125, and 1116 patients were included in the analyses at 18-, 36- and 60-month follow-up, respectively. The percentages of patients who belonged to no (0 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-hours per week), low-level (<10 MET-hours/week), and high-level (≥10 MET-hours/week) sports activities group were 20.7%, 45.5%, and 33.8% at 18-month follow-up, respectively; the corresponding figures at 36 and 60 months differed slightly. Using data from the three follow-ups, generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses showed that higher levels of sports activities participation were associated with better QoL in several items as well as fewer symptoms. The present findings in Chinese women with breast cancer provide important evidence on the beneficial effect of regular participation in sports activities following cancer diagnosis on patients’ QoL.

ANALYSIS OF POSTURAL BALANCE IN CHILDREN WHO PRACTICE AND THOSE WHO DO NOT PRACTICE SPORTS ACTIVITIES

ABSTRACT Introduction: Postural balance is essential for activities of daily living and sports performance in all life phases, but it remains unknown whether the regular practice of sports activities can improve postural balance in children. Objective: To evaluate postural balance in children who practice and those who do not practice regular sports activities. Methods: The sample consisted of 60 children (7-13 years of age) divided into two groups: participants in sports activities (n = 30) and non-participants in sports activities (n = 30). The level of physical activity was assessed by applying the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) and static postural balance was assessed on the BIOMEC400-412 strength platform in bipedal and unipedal support. Results: No significant difference was observed between the groups in age, height or body mass index (p &gt; 0.05). However, the groups showed a significant difference (p &lt; 0.001) in the level of physical activity. The practicing sports group was characterized as active and the non-practicing group as sedentary. The practicing sports group had better postural balance in both bipedal and unipedal support compared to the non-practicing group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The practice of regular sports activities improves postural balance in children from 7 to 13 years of age. Level of evidence II; Diagnostic study - Investigating a diagnostic test.

The role and clinical relevance of the ligamentum teres: long-term outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement

ABSTRACTWe aimed to compare clinical and radiologic outcomes in patients with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), with and without a partial ligamentum teres (LT) tear, who underwent hip arthroscopy (HA) with ≥10 years of follow-up. Among the patients who underwent HA for a cam-type FAI diagnosis with a labral tear, 28 patients (28 hips) with a partial LT tear and 87 patients (99 hips) with an intact LT were assigned to Groups A and B, respectively. All patients underwent partial labral debridement and femoroplasty. Debridement and thermal shrinkage were performed for LT tears. The grade of chondral damage was measured intraoperatively. Clinical items were assessed preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Patients’ satisfaction with the surgery and changes in postoperative sports ability in those who had previously been active in sports were assessed at the last follow-up. The Tönnis grade was assessed preoperatively and at the last follow-up for radiologic evaluation. Chondral damage to the acetabular and femoral head detected intraoperatively was significantly different between the groups (P = 0.005 and P < 0.001). At the last follow-up, Group A patients experienced more difficulty performing sports activities than Group B patients (P = 0.056), and significantly, more Group A patients had stopped exercising despite their active participation in sports preoperatively (P = 0.002). Regarding the Tönnis grade, significant differences were found only at the final follow-up (P = 0.020). Patients with partial LT tear showed a higher grade of chondral damage, experienced decreased exercise capacity and had significantly worsened Tönnis grades, suggesting hip osteoarthritis progression compared to those with an intact LT.