Results Of Physical Fitness Tests Research Articles

The Effect of Growth Hormone Treatment on Physical Performance Indices in Children With Idiopathic Short Stature.

To examine the effect of growth hormone (GH) treatment on physical performance in children with idiopathic short stature and normal GH secretion. A total of 24 children participated in the study (13 GH-treated, 11 non-treated, aged 8-13y, 11 males and 13 females, Tanner stage 1-2). Participants performed a battery of motor skill performance tests (Eurofit), as well as the Wingate anaerobic test. No statistically significant differences in any of the Eurofit physical fitness test results (eg,20-m shuttle run 33.0 [15.1] vs 25.1 [21.0] laps in treated and nontreated participants, respectively, P = .25) or the Wingate anaerobic test were found between the groups (eg,peak power 5.0 [2.9] vs 3.9 [2.6]watts/kg in treated and nontreated participants, respectively, P = .2). Therapeutic usage of exogenous GH for pre and early pubertal children with idiopathic short stature and normal GH secretion was not associated with beneficial effects on physical performance indices. This suggests that the use of GH as a potential performance enhancing agent, in this age group, at least at commonly used doses, is not advantageous.

Allometric association between physical fitness test results, body size/shape, biological maturity, and time spent playing sports in adolescents.

Regular participation in strength and conditioning activities positively correlates with health-related benefits in sports (team and individual). Maturity offset (MO) is a recognized parameter in fitness outcome assessment. The aims of the present study are to analyze cross-sectional allometric development of motor performances in a sample of adolescents and relate scaled motor performance to the estimated amount and type of physical activity and biological maturity status in 771 subjects aged 14–19 years. Three physical fitness components were evaluated using field tests (standing broad jump, sit-ups, shuttle run). Extra hours of sport after school (EHS) and MO were the covariates. The model to predict the physical performance variables was: Y = a · Mk1 · Hk2 · WCk3 · exp(b · EHS + c · MO) · ε. Results suggest that having controlled for body size and body shape, performing EHS and being an early developer (identified by a positive MO slope parameter) benefits children in physical fitness and motor performance tasks.

Health-related physical fitness among adolescent school boys in Madinah city, western Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to measure health-related physical fitness components (cardiorespiratory fitness, body fat, muscle strength, flexibility) among adolescent school boys in Madinah, western Saudi Arabia. The participants comprised 36 male students who performed a maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Body fat percentage (BF%) was determined using the bioelectrical impedance scale; hand grip strength was measured using a hand grip dynamometer; and flexibility was determined using the sit and reach test. The results of the health-related physical fitness tests reveal that the mean (± SD) value of estimated VO2max was 41.1 ± 6.9 (ml.kg.min). The mean (± SD) values of BF%, right-hand grip strength, left-hand grip strength, and flexibility were 18.7 ± 8.6 (%), 33.3 ± 5.6 (kg), 32.8 ± 5.7 (kg), and 15.8 ± 3.9 (cm), respectively. With the exception of flexibility, we conclude that it is necessary to improve health-related physical fitness components, particularly muscle strength, among Saudi adolescent school boys in Madinah city.

RETRACTED: A comparative analysis of BMI and physical fitness index between Han and minority college students in Guangxi

To understand the physical condition and change rule of undergraduate students of different nationalities in Guangxi in their four-year life, and to provide basis for Han and minority students to formulate measures to enhance their physical condition and prevent physical decline. By using the methods of literature review and mathematical statistics, the monitoring data of 3314 students of Grade 2015 from Guangxi University of Science and Technology with complete 4-year physical fitness test results were analyzed. 14.45% of the freshmen had normal BMI and the seniors did not meet the standard. 21.03% of the freshmen and seniors did not meet the BMI standard. 10.29% of freshmen whose BMI is not up to standard and seniors are normal; 54.22% of the freshmen and seniors had normal BMI. The differences in height, weight and vital capacity between Han students and minority students are statistically significant. On the whole, the physique of Han students is better than that of minority students. The physical changes of Han students and minority students in 4 years have their own characteristics. It is an effective way to promote the physical health of college students of different nationalities to continuously study and improve the methods and means of physical health monitoring, strengthen the exchange and mutual learning of national cultures, and advocate a healthy campus cultural atmosphere.

Factor Structure of Physical Fitness of Students Engage in Golf (Based on Long-Term Monitoring)

The structure of the physical fitness of students engaged in golf has been studied on the basis of long-term observations. Methods of variance, correlation, and factor analysis were used to process the results of physical fitness tests of 242 male students. The structure and typical features of the physical development of students in the course of golf classes were formulated

Physical fitness of rhythmic gymnasts depending on age and level of sports achievements

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the indices of physical development, frequency and time duration of training, and the results of physical fitness tests depending on age and level of sports achievements among rhythmic gymnasts. Materials and methods. The study comprised 36 rhythmic gymnasts: Gr1 (n=13, 9.0±1.0 years), Gr2 (n=11, 11.36±0.5 years), Gr3 (n=12, 14.27±0.7 years). After standardised sports interview, the groups with lower level of sports achievements (LSL) (n=20) and higher level of sports achievements (HSL) (n=16) were defined. Measurements of body height and mass were performed. The study participants performed the broad jump test, Unipedal Stance Test with Eyes Open (UPST-EO) and Eyes Closed (EC), and the rhythmic gymnastics specific coordinative test with a hoop. Results. The number of training sessions per week and their duration did not depend on age. The results of the broad jump were significantly different for groups Gr1, Gr2 and Gr3 (F=27.02, p<0.01). The average results for the 3 trials of UPST-EO in Gr2 and Gr3 were better than in Gr1 (F=5.51, p=0.008). The average result of UPST-EC for Gr3 was also significantly better than for Gr1 (W=9.53, p=0.008). The hoop test showed differences for all age groups Gr1<Gr3<Gr2 (F=11.55, p<0.001). HSL athletes were significantly different from LSL in frequency and duration of training, average results from 3 trials of UPST-EO, UPSTEC and the best result of UPST-EC (p<0.05). Conclusions. Differences between groups in physical fitness tests results depended on gymnasts’ age and showed their usefulness in the control of training at a particular stage of sports development. HSL gymnasts predominated over LSL in results of the one-leg standing position postural balance test with eyes opened and closed. The detected differences can be useful for coaches in identifying and developing gymnastic talent.

Influence of Body Composition on Physical Fitness in Adolescents.

Background and objectives: Childhood obesity is one of the main public health issues facing advanced societies. The Spanish population presents 28.6% overweight or obese adolescents, and Extremadura, 22.3%. Physical fitness is considered one of the most important health markers and a common predictor of morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases. Thus, fitness tests are needed for health monitoring, especially in overweight and obese adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between body composition and physical fitness in adolescents and to analyse if there are differences in physical condition and body composition between the sexes, as well as to compare the different body mass index (BMI) categories to each other. This project also tried to find regression equations to predict the physical fitness test results. Materials and Methods: A total of 225 adolescents were recruited. Weight status was classified according to WHO 2007 standards. Body composition variables (i.e., BMI, fat mass (FM), FM percentage (FM%), and fat-free mass (FFM)) and physical fitness (standing long jump (SLJ), speed–agility (SA), cardiorespiratory fitness (CF), and handgrip strength (HS)) were assessed. Results: Significant differences were found between the sexes in body composition (FM%, FM, and FFM) and physical fitness (SLJ, SA, CF, and HS) (p < 0.001) in favour of males. Significant differences were also found in speed (p = 0.002), CF (p < 0.001), and SLJ (p = 0.004) in favour of normal-weight adolescents compared to overweight and obese adolescents. Contrarily, the outcomes revealed a significantly greater HS (p = 0.014) in favour of overweight and obese participants compared to normal-weight adolescents. Moreover, the results showed that CF and SLJ correlated inversely with BMI, FM%, and total FM. There was also a direct relationship between SA and FM percentage, as well as between HS and FFM. Finally, four fitness test predictive models are proposed based on body composition, age, sex, and BMI. Conclusions: Overweight and obese adolescents have lower levels of physical fitness than their normal-weight peers, regardless of their sex. Normal-ranged body composition values are related to a greater physical fitness in adolescents. Furthermore, this study presents several equations that can help to predict the performance of different fitness tests in adolescents.

Effect Of Exercise Intervention On Physical Fitness Factors In Elementary School Children

Sports have been very popular after-school activities for children. It is quite likely that sports have a positive effect on child growth in many ways. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Technology of Japan has reported that the total scores of physical fitness tests differ greatly between those who exercise regularly and those who do not. However, it is not clear how exercise habits affect physical fitness factors during childhood. Such detailed knowledge would be useful in promoting long-term athlete development and improving physical fitness throughout life. PURPOSE: To explore the effect of exercise intervention on physical fitness factors in elementary school children. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 1,079 1st- to 6th-grade male elementary school students. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the exercise and lifestyle habits and the results of physical fitness tests conducted at Japanese elementary schools. The existence or not of exercise habits after-school activities and the results of physical fitness tests were used for the analysis. The physical fitness test includes measurements of grip strength, sit-ups, sitting front stretches, side steps, twenty-meter shuttle run, fifty-meter run, standing long jump, softball throw, height, and weight. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between grades in the existence or not of exercise habits about height and weight. After the 3rd grade, children with exercise habits showed higher performance on sit-ups, side steps, the twenty-meter shuttle run, the fifty-meter run, and softball throw than children with no exercise habits. There was little difference in grip strength, sitting front stretches, and long jump between children with exercise habits and those without. CONCLUSION: Endurance, speed, and agility develop greatly in elementary school children who exercise regularly. However, exercise habits have little effect on single strength and power. In addition, differences between children with and without exercise habits are observed after the 3rd grade.

Comparison Of United States Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test And Combat Fitness Test Results

For active duty United States Marines physical and combat fitness is essential to be battle-ready and is necessary for day-to-day effectiveness. To help instill habits of self-discipline and maintain physical and combat fitness the United States Marines Corps (USMC) have installed a Physical Fitness Test (PFT) to measure physical fitness levels and a Combat Fitness Test (CFT) to asses a Marine’s functional fitness as it relates to the demands and rigors of combat operations. The USMC PFT involves three events; pull-ups/push-ups (PU), two-minute timed abdominal crunches/sit-ups (AC), and a timed three-mile run (RUN). The USMC CFT also involves three events; Movement to Contact (MTC), two-minute timed Ammunition Lift (AL), and Maneuver-Under-Fire (MANUF). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between PFT (PU, AC, and RUN) and CFT (MTC, AL, and MANUF) scores assessed by active duty Marines. METHODS: The PFT and CFT scores from 19,678 active duty enlisted USMC males (age 22.5±1.3 years, height 1.77±0.07 m, body mass 79.4±10.3 kg) were analyzed. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated between the PFT and CFT total scores as well as individual events. RESULTS: The PFT mean±sd scores were as follows: PU=18.0±5.0 (pull-ups), AC=111.2±9.0 (repetitions), RUN=1377.0±131.4 sec, PFT total=249.6±29.6. The CFT mean±sd scores were as follows: MTC=172.5±16.3 sec, AL=113.2±10.4 repetitions, MANUF=138.3±17.2 sec, CFT total=271.6±25.6. Moderate significant (p<0.01) correlations were found between: the PFT total and MTC (r=-0.47), PFT total and MANUF (r=-0.42), PFT total and CFT total (r=0.50), RUN and MTC (r=0.46), RUN and CFT total (r=-0.43), & PU and CFT total (r=0.41). All other correlations between variables yielded “no to low” association. CONCLUSION: Within the parameters of this study, PFT and CFT event scores ranged from "no" to "moderate" correlations suggesting that different fitness aspects are being assessed and supports the need for both the PFT and CFT assessments.

Теоретичне обґрунтування системи оцінювання рівня фізичної підготовленості студентської молоді закладів фахової передвищої освіти

Аbstract. Approaches to assessing physical fitness level of student youth in the process of physical education of professional pre-higher education institutions are considered. Objective. Identify modern approaches to assessing the level of physical fitness as a mandatory component of the educational process of student youth of professional pre-higher education institutions. Methods. Theoretical analysis and generalization of data from literary sources, advanced pedagogical and scientific experience. Results. To date, no document or normative legal act regulating the process of physical education in vocational pre-higher education institutions envisages differentiation in assessing the level of physical fitness of student youth depending on their morphological indices, level of physical health, etc. Analysis of scientific and methodological literature data revealed that the control standards provided in the process of physical education of different age groups are not sufficiently substantiated and do not correspond to the age,motor and functional characteristics of children and youth. To solve the relevant tasks facing the training of future professionals, it is necessary to develop a differentiated approach to assessing physical fitness with methodically correct design of physical education process for young peopleusing adequate forms of organization and methods of control. Among the teacher activities not only the results of physical fitness tests, but the attitude of students to this type of activity, the level of motivation, the need for these sessions should be taken into account. Modern living conditions and development of society require accounting for new criteria for assessing the level of physical fitness, which will improve the process of physical education, as well as strengthen physical health,improve physical development and physical fitness with account for the requirements of future professional activity of students of professional pre-higher education.Analysis of scientific and methodological literature on approaches to assessing the level of physical fitness of student youth of institutions of professional pre-higher education revealed that the issue of their differentiation in recent years has not lost its relevance.

КОМПЛЕКСНИЙ МОНІТОРИНГ ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНИХ МОЖЛИВОСТЕЙ СТУДЕНТІВ ЗАКЛАДІВ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ

A considerable amount of research is devoted to theoretical and practical study of the functional capabilities of students. An overwhelming number of scientists and practitioners assess the level of functionality with the help of various control exercises for physical fitness. It has been established that tests for physical fitness have certain disadvantages, especially organizational and methodological ones. Some researchers use various functional trials and functional tests, in rare cases – maximum loads at the level of functional reserves, which give the most accurate information, but they need to be used with some caution. It has been established that the existing regulatory and legal framework governing the organization of physical education in higher education institutions practically does not regulate the monitoring of the functional capabilities of students. The technological aspect of the assessment of functional capabilities is not disclosed, and monitoring methods for students with different levels of physical condition and regulatory requirements for functional capabilities are not sufficiently developed and do not meet modern requirements. In the literature available to us there are practically no comprehensive studies in higher education institutions of the functional capabilities of students, taking into account the results of physical fitness and functional tests in the educational process of physical education. In our opinion, the use of integrated monitoring of students' functional capabilities with the help of functional testing with a change in the power of physical activity over a closed cycle and a specially developed battery of tests for physical fitness makes it possible to obtain more accurate and diverse information about the level of functionality of students, as well as optimize the teaching and educational process of physical education in higher education institutions.

Body Composition, Physical Fitness and Physical Activity Among Students from Universities in Biala Podlaska

Abstract Introduction. Body composition as well as physical fitness and physical activity are determined by a variety of factors affecting an individual, a social group or population. Material and methods. The research included 1st- and 2nd-year students from universities located in Biala Podlaska (University of Physical Education – UPE and State School of Higher Education – SSHE). Students were divided into 3 groups. The first group included physical education (PE) students from the UPE, the second group consisted of physiotherapy students from the UPE, while the third group included students from the SSHE. In general, 1107 individuals were examined, including 563 females and 544 males. Body height, body mass, waist circumference, hip circumference and six skinfolds were measured, fat tissue distribution indices such as WHR, TSS, ESS, TER were calculated and body composition was assessed with the use of IOI 353 body composition analyser. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Physical fitness was evaluated by performing EUROFIT tests. Statistical analysis was made on the basis of Shapiro-Wilk and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results. PE students manifested the highest values of body height, muscle mass and lean body mass as well as the highest level of physical activity and physical fitness. Physiotherapy students had the highest body mass and the highest level of body fat. Students from the SSHE were characterised by the lowest body height and weight, muscle mass and lean body mass. They also manifested the lowest level of total body water. Participants from this university achieved the lowest results in such physical fitness tests as standing broad jump, 10 x 5 m shuttle run and sit-and-reach. Females from the SSHE also manifested the lowest level of total physical activity. Conclusion. It was concluded that somatic build, physical fitness and physical activity of the participants differ depending on their field of study.

Indicators of physical activity and fitness of male students at Russian universities

Purpose: A significant volume of data on the level of physical activity and health of male students presents at the literature. Scientists use the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to collect data. Scientists point to the need to use objective practical tests that complement the IPAQ data. The purpose of the research is to search for objective data on the level of physical activity of undergraduate male students receiving education in Russian Federation. Material: Participants – male students (n=205, age-19-20 years). The period of research is March-April 2019. Students were divided into groups: G-1 – students (n=127) who did not have proof of their physical activity in sports and fitness, G-2 – students (n=78) who had provided confirmation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in its extended version assessing four domains of activity, which was supplemented with original questions regarding perceived physical fitness (high, moderate, low) and favorite physical activity in sports and fitness was used in research. Students' physical fitness profile testing is performed using Functional fitness assessment tests. The collected data were analysed using SPSS20. Physical fitness test results were compared by using Mann-Whitney U–test. Results: The IPAQ data indicate a significant (P&lt;0.001) advantage of students (G-2) in total physical activity. Students (G-1) have a significant (P&lt;0.01) advantage in the volume of physical activity at work. The volume of physical activity in sports and fitness is significantly higher (P&lt;0.001) for students (G-2). Functional fitness tests showed a insufficient level of physical fitness of students (G-1 and G-2). The results indicate a significant (P&lt;0.01) advantage of students (G-2) in physical profile. Conclusions: Russian male students have more total physical activity than male students from African countries, Turkey, Iran, and Ukraine, but have a significantly low total physical activity level than students from some European countries. The total physical activity volume of Russian university male students is slightly less than the recommended by experts (6000 minutes per week or more). The volume of validated physical activity in sports and fitness of Russian students is about 39 minutes per day. The level of physical fitness of Russian male students does not fully comply with the Functional fitness assessment tests targets. A large proportion of sports and fitness physical activity has a significant impact on the results of functional fitness tests. Data on favorite types of physical activity of Russian male students show a preference for young men to physically dominate their peers. Health preservation and health care are not the main aim of students.

Intervention for improvement the diet and physical activity of children and adolescents in Poland.

The effects of a two-year educational Programme "Keep Balance" addressed to children and adolescents have been evaluated. Its purpose has been to implement the rules of proper nutrition and increasing the level of physical activity on the population level. The main objective of the evaluation was an indication if, after two years of programme activities, outcome indicators have been achieved. Approximately 400,000 pupils/students from 1600 educational units from the territory of the whole country have been included in the education programme. The efficiency evaluation has been carried out in a sample of n = 1506 pupils/students in the interventional group and n = 1589 in the control group. Education has been addressed to the entire school environment, pupils, students, parents, teachers, headmasters, and the local community. The survey methodology, body weight and height measurements, the BMI index, and EUROFIT physical fitness tests have been used to assess the effects of the education programme in the scope of knowledge and nutritional behaviour regarding physical activity. There were assumed outcome indicators. The certification of schools/kindergartens with "The Certificate of a School/Kindergarten Friendly to Nutrition and Physical Activity" has been used to evaluate the activation of school environments. There was an improvement achieved over the assumed target points in the level of knowledge of pupils/students in the scope of nutrition and the role of physical activity, in the changes of nutritional habits, and in the results of physical fitness tests. There were achieved 20% increase in knowledge in the scope of nutrition and 5% increase in physical activity. There have been changes in the frequency in the consumption of the first breakfast before going to school (by 25% among the younger ones and by 17% among the older ones), an increase in the consumption of bottled water by 49% and reduction of sweet drinks by 19%. The percentage of the pupils/students consuming the recommended 5 meals increased by 33%. Physical fitness indicators were achieved over assumed 5% increase in the individual exercise tests. The Certificate was obtained after meeting the criteria and documenting the durability of the changes by 65% of 1600 educational units included in the Programme. A decrease in the frequency of overweight and obesity occurrence in the whole intervention sample by 1% was obtained; it was greater (but statistically insignificant) among younger students by 3.3% in comparison to the older ones where there was an increase of 1%. Summing up all achieved results the educational programme "Keep Balance" implemented on the population level aimed at children and adolescents has turned out to be effective and deserves to be continued after minor adjustments. Many positive changes have been identified as well as those that ought to be improved. Comprehensively included education and sometimes small changes in much of nutritional and physical behaviour have influenced the reduction of the percentage of pupils/students with excessive body weight, despite the fact that the average BMI has basically remained on the same level.

A Comparison of United States Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test Results

A Comparison of United States Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test Results

Motor coordination as predictor of physical fitness in prepubertal boys

Motor competence is associated with numerous health-related variables of the pediatric population. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of the level of motor coordination on performance in several physical fitness tests in prepubertal boys, before and after controlling body mass. The sample consisted of 71 Brazilian eight-year-old boys. Anthropometry included stature, body mass and estimates of fat mass and fat-free mass. Biological maturation was evaluated by the percentage of predicted adult stature. The physical tests applied were 2-kg medicineball throw, handgrip strength, sit-ups in 60 seconds, standing long jump, 10x5-m shuttle run, 20-m shuttle run and sit and reach. Motor coordination was assessed by the Korperkoordinationtest fur Kinder (KTK). For data analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, Student's t-test and ANCOVA were used, with body mass as covariate. Significance level was set at p <0.05. There was no difference in maturational level between the different groups of coordinative performance. The results showed that boys with better performance in motor coordination tests are associated with better results in physical fitness tests, especially those involving body mass displacement. This trend remained even when comparing groups controlling body mass, except for the sit-up test. Therefore, it could be concluded that motor coordination is a predictor of physical fitness in prepubertal boys.

New approaches to the improvement of coordination skills of young basketball players aged 13-14

The aim of the research is to explore the perspective of the improvement of coordination skills of young bas- ketball players in the framework of the experimental training program providing the use of open competition, "balance ladder" and static core-muscles exercises. Materials and methods of the research. The research brought together two groups of twelve basketball players aged 13-14 from youth basketball teams "Express" (experimental group from Velikie Luki) and "Youth" (con- trol group from Pskov). Length of training programs was 8 months. We used three groups of tests: physical fitness, "closed" tests and "open" tests. Research results and discussion. After 8 months of training, participants of the experimental group showed higher results in physical fitness tests, "closed" and "open" tests, indicating a superior level of their coordina- tion skills, compared to the control group. Conclusion. The experimental training program that we have designed and implemented provides the im- provement of coordination skills of young basketball players.

A Comparative Analysis of Physical Fitness in Korean Police Officers: Focus on Results between 2014 to 2019

PURPOSE Maintaining physical fitness is essential for police officers to perform various physical occupational tasks. However, only a few studies have focused on the physical fitness of Korean police officers. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the annual results of physical fitness tests for Korean police officers between 2014 to 2019. METHODS This study analyzed the data of 372 police officers (male: 334, female: 38) including body composition, 100 m sprint, push-ups, sit-ups, and handgrip strength. RESULTS In Korean male police officers, the 100 m sprint times and push-up and sit-up counts showed statistically significant differences according to the year of the test (p<.001); in particular, the 100 m sprint times and push-up and sit-up counts were lower in 2019 compared to those from previous years. Among Korean female police officers, only the 100 m sprint showed a statistically significant difference by year (p<.01); similar to the male police officers, the 100 m sprint times were slower in 2019 than those from previous years. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that the physical fitness of Korean police officers decreased over the years. There has especially been a decrease in the physical fitness of male police officers. Keywords: Endurance, Korea police officers, Physical fitness, Strength

Vaping, Smoking, and the Physical Fitness of Active Young Men

Adverse effects of cigarette smoking on physical performance are well studied. Because of the recent rise in popularity of vaping, it is important to evaluate its effect on fitness both independently and in conjunction with traditional cigarette use. This was a secondary analysis performed in 2018 on data collected from U.S. Army Soldiers during 2016. All metrics were self-reported via an electronic questionnaire. Personal characteristics of current ENDS users, smokers, and dual users were compared with a reference group that reported no history of use. Adjusting for age and physical training habits, an ANCOVA was used to compare Army physical fitness test results. A Fisher's exact test determined specific mean differences between groups. This study population consisted of 2,854 men aged 24.6 years on average. Differences in physical training and fitness were shown between the groups. Never users averaged the most total physical training, followed by ENDS users, smokers, and then dual users. Compared with never users on the fitness tests, ENDS users had an adjusted mean difference of +27 seconds on the 2-mile run, -4.56 push-ups, and -2.01 sit-ups; smokers averaged +8 seconds, -2.15 push-ups, and -1.44 sit-ups; and dual users averaged +32 seconds, -5.17 push-ups, and -3.88 sit-ups. Dual users had significantly (p<0.05) lower scores than current smokers and never users on all 3 fitness events. This study suggests that individuals who use e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes average a lower level of fitness than individuals who abstain.

THE EFFECTS OF DOG-ASSISTED THERAPY ON CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Introduction Dog-assisted therapy is a method that facilitates rehabilitation and therapy of persons with disabilities. Therapy sessions are attended by a patient, a therapist, and a trainer with a dog specially selected and trained for this purpose. Aim The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of a dog’s presence on the therapy, and consequently on the motor development of children with physical and intellectual disabilities. Material and methods This study was conducted during a period from January 2014 to May 2014. We enrolled 25 children with various disorders. The subjects were students of “Always Together” Private Elementary and Middle School in Poznań. The majority of the children have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or meningomyelocele. Three tests were used for the assessment of the results of the therapy: The EUROFIT Special Test, an original Manual Skills Test, and a Satisfaction Survey. Results The results show significant improvement both in the EUROFIT and the manual skills tests accompanied by a high level of satisfaction. The results were not affected by the severity of intellectual disability, sex, or the type of the disorder. Conclusions The presence of a specially trained and selected dog had a positive impact on the results of physical fitness tests achieved by children with disabilities