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EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE ON IMMUNE FUNCTIONS
Views:700Physical activity and exercise are especially important in maintaining health and reducing risk of many diseases. Exercise leads to a pronounced immunomodulation by affecting the elements of innate immune system, as well as the ratio and functions of neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, which are involved in the development, maintenance and elimination of inflammation. In the adaptive immune system, Th1 / Th2 balance shift toward Th2, and high-intensity training causes an increase in the proportion of regulatory T cells, as opposed to the effect of non-strenuous exercise on the Treg cell ratio. In response to exercise, there is a lack of data on B cells, but some studies have reported a decrease in immunoglobulin secretion. In our own research we observed changes in naive and memory B cell ratios. Upon exercise, IL-6, as proinflammatory cytokine, promotes T cell proliferation, activation, and differentiation of B cells into antibody-producing plasma cells. Hormonal factors play an important role in the background of immunological changes. Exercise stimulates the secretion of both adrenaline and noradrenalin, and their concentration in the blood is directly proportional to the duration of exercise. Endurance exercise is associated with increased cortisol levels, while low intensity exercise does not significantly affect cortisol levels. Exercise and physical stress can increase the concentration of endorphins by 3 to 10 times; β-endorphin inhibits T and B cell activity, thus reduces antibody production. Testosterone causes a reduction in antibodies to IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, Ig-M and Ig-G. Based on the above, mild to moderate physical activity contributes to the enhancement of immune reactivity and the immune response. On the other hand, strenuous exercise with increased intensity leads to a deterioration of immune function and impaired immunological defense.
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INVESTIGATION ON THE IMMUNOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Views:653Introduction: Effects of physical activity on immune functions may largely depend on the type of activity, its intensity and duration. However, little information is available regarding the immunological effects of sporting activities in older ages.
The aim of our study was to examine the changes in a wide spectrum of lymphocyte subtypes after a period of regular workout among healthy women of different ages.
Methods: In our study, we enrolled 16 elderly women (between ages of 60-75 years) formerly not engaged in regular physical activity, who took part in lightweight conditioning gymnastic exercise program. Eight young athletes and 26 young adults with sedentary lifestyle served as controls. The percentages of peripheral NK, NKT cells, T and B lymphocyte subtypes were determined by flow cytometry based on the staining of extracellular markers and intracellular cytokines.
Results: Lymphocyte subgroups did not differ between the groups of young athletes and young adults with sedentary lifestyle. However, in elderly women, levels of NKT cells were lower, while ratios of T helper / T cytotoxic cells were higher compared to younger individuals. At the end of exercise program, in elderly women, percentages of naive B cells decreased, while levels of switched-memory B cells increased. Furthermore, proportions of Th2 cells increased, while levels of immunosuppressive CD4+CD127-CD25bright Treg cells decreased as the result of regular exercise.
Conclusion: Differences observed after lightweight exercise programs reflect a presumably enhanced immunoreactivity and increased ability for immune responses in older ages.
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EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DANCE AND COGNITIVE SKILLS DANCE AND DEMENTIA
Views:953Introduction: The study of dance and cognitive abilities is a common research topic today, as well as many studies and articles on the aspects of physical activity and cognitive relationships. Studying the topic is essential, as the two components actively influence our performance and quality of life, regardless of gender, age, or education
Objective: To examine the effect of dancing activities has a beneficial effect on motor and cognitive abilities. Furthermore, to investigate the interaction of dance and dementia. Researching exercise programs that do not worsen or accelerate the processes associated with aging, but help to stagnate dementia at that time.
Method: For analysis, we used an overview of English and Hungarian studies focusing on dance and dementia from Google Scholar and Research Gate.
Results: According to most research articles, various dance therapies have an impact on cognitive abilities, and studies have shown that dancing exercise programs (either in pairs or solo) do not impair the health of people with dementia. Many studies do not provide accurate test data, which would be extremely important as further research is conducted.
Conclusions: First, there is a significant relationship between cognitive function and physical activity. On the other hand, there are no specific procedures, exercise programs, or measurement methods that can improve dementia.
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THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT ON FITNESS STATUS of UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Views:458The physical fitness state of university students has deteriorated over the years. Relevant data is needed to investigate this tendency thoroughly. We conducted a longitudinal examination among university students in Debrecen, Hungary. At the first stage of our examinations, we examined sixty male and female participants to assess their physical fitness status. They participated in four different activities (pilates, spinning, wellness-general fitness, body-shaping) once a week. Each exercise session lasted for 90 minutes. We conducted a pre-and post-exercise screening, which consisted of a Beep-test, push-up, and sit-up tests.
We hypothesized that the different types of activities might alter the exercise response. Aerobic performance, upper-body, and abdominal strength may differ depending on the type of exercise—international recommendations suggesting that 150 minutes of physical activity is necessary for physical fitness benefits. Our results demonstrated that 90 minutes of exercise might significantly improve inactive young adults' physical fitness state once a week.
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THE EXAMINATION OF JOINT TEMPERATURES AND PREVENTIVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG PARTICIPANTS IN E-SPORT- A PILOT STUDY
Views:115Our research aimed to determine what temperature changes occur along with the spinal segments during seated exercise and in which direction these temperature values change due to a preventive exercise program. This thesis aims to develop a thermographic analysis procedure to monitor the loads generated in and along the spine of mainly e-athletes and to investigate the effect of a preventive exercise program designed by the research team on the temperature values generated by the load. During our research, we conducted a study with three university students over several months. After an acclimatization period, the research subjects performed e-sport activities in a standardized temperature room while their back temperatures were monitored. The resulting thermograms were analyzed using ImageJ free-use image analysis software. The RGB-type thermograms were converted to 8-bit color depth, and the pixel intensity of the ROI (Range of interest) areas was measured. The following ROI areas were isolated during measurements: neck (C-cervical), back (T-thoracic), lumbar (L-lumbar), and muscle groups to the left (S-sinistrum) and right (D-dextrum) of these areas. Results were obtained at five-minute intervals. Our results showed that the intervention did not produce apparent changes. In two out of three subjects, the cervical section was the hottest, followed by the thoracic and lumbar areas. In general, surfaces to the left of the spinal regions were warmer than surfaces to the right.
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GROSS MOTOR SKILLS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL: IS THERE ANY GENDER DIFFERENCES IN NINE YEARS OLD CHILDREN?
Views:257Proper growth and development of young school children require mastering different skills, especially gross motor skills - basic locomotor and manipulative skills. It is essential to monitor the physical activity of nine-year-old children necessary for further proper development and healthy habits, which will continue into adulthood. This study aims to determine physical activity level, BMI, and gender differences in the performance of gross motor skills in children aged nine years (± six months). The study involved 40 participants (20 girls and 20 boys). Their body height, body weight,
and body mass index were 140.46 ± 5.72 cm; 37.84 ± 8.21 cm; and 19.09 ± 3.56, respectively. All participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and performed the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2), and two sub-tests of BOT-2 (Speed and Agility and Upper-Limb Coordination). T-test for independent samples was used to compare groups according to physical activity level (physically active and inactive group) and explore interactions with gender and BMI, and gross motor skills variables. F-values, p-values, and partial eta squared (ɳ2) values were reported as MANOVA outcomes. The results showed a significant difference between physical activity level and locomotor skills but not in manipulative skills. Further research should focus on various exercise programs that contribute to developing skills and participation in organized physical activity of children of different ages.
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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEMENTIA AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Views:777Introduction: Many studies have already shown that, there is connection between physical actitity and cognitive functions. Therefore, the aim of our research is to examine the relationship between cognitive decline (dementia) and physical activity.
Method: The research genre was a secondary method analysis. The literature review was primarily collected from articles published on international scientific sites.
Results: A total of 11 reviews were examined, examining the relationship between dementia and physical activity, which included 217 articles. Research has supported our hypothesis, that regular exercise has a positive effect on the prevention of dementia by reducing the risk of dementia.
Conclusion: It would be worthwhile to further investigate, which types of exercise at what repetition rate and what intensity achieve the best results in reducing the risk of dementia, or slowing the process of dementia.
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THE EFFECT OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE TRAINING ON CORE MUSCLES STRENGTH AND SINGLE LEG BALANCING ABILITY IN YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS
Views:853Core stability and the ability to balance have both a critical role in today’s modern soccer. Majority of injuries originated from the weakness and inefficient strength of core musculature and the kinetic chain. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of a three month proprioceptive training programme on core stability and the ability to balance. We hypothesized that both of the skills might improve by the end of the 12-week exercise program. We set up a group involving 15 players, who regularly participated in a weekly 40 minutes special proprioceptive training routine. The control group hasn’t attended any additional strengthening workout session. The youngsters executed a fitball balancing task, in a seated position, and the so-called Stork-test. Before the 3-month exercise program, we implemented a pre-, at the end of the program a post-test. According to our results, we may conclude that we had measured a significant difference only in the Fitball-test when players executed the single leg balancing test (Stork-test), we haven’t observed any significant difference.
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INVESTIGATION OF STABILITY OF THE TRUNK AND LOWER LIMBS AMONG BALL PLAYERS
Views:589The technical background of the various ball games is determined by its lower endpoint and ultimately provides a coordinated functional assurance of its muscles. The activity of the superficial and deep abdominal muscles is a function of the moving, kicking, jumping limbs, and the supporting, limiting and stabilizing functions of the supporting limb. A basic element of injury prevention is the operation of stabilizers. During the health check, routine testing options should be checked and a targeted intervention program developed.
The aim of the research program was to measure the core and lower final stabilization functions of ballplayers - basketball players, water polo players, and soccer players - by classifying and analyzing the various technical knowledge into three groups, as well as statistical classification and analysis of the target groups.
We tested U16 water polo, basketball and soccer players. A musculoskeletal comparative study was performed specifically with an examination of the stability of the torso and the lower limb, with special tests. Internationally Used Standard Tests: Single Leg Squat test (sec.), Single Leg Squat on TOGU test (sec.), Single leg wall-sit test (sec.) Single leg wall-sit with a ball (sec.), do a standard test with different results.
The results are known because of their full scope, the development of muscle synergism needs in a given sport. Developing and launching a unified intervention program for further goals and then compiling, with the subsequent involvement, a statistical element to end the friendship.
Developing the results and considering the technical background, determine the effectiveness of the exercise program, that is, a functional approach-based exercise program that needs to be introduced into the body and the final determination of the synergistic function from a special test position bank.
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KÜLÖNBÖZŐ ÉTRENDEK, DIÉTÁK HATÁSA A SPORTTELJESÍTMÉNYRE
Views:475The fuel of the human body is food, more specifically the nutrients it contains, so even non-athletes need to pay close attention to what they eat. It is even more important for athletes to develop performance-optimizing eating habits. Sport nutrition is one of the biggest opportunities for performance optimization that has become more and more important recently. There are many special diets, perhaps the best known are: ketogenic diet, Mediterranean diet, vegetarianism, paleo diet. We need to choose our diet while maintaining good health. We should not forget that a long-distance runner, for example, may need a completely different diet than a weightlifter. However, no two people are the same, individuals have different genetics, weight, body composition, movement intensity, metabolism, and the goal they want to achieve, which is why an individualized diet combination within each sport results in the best performance. In our study, we aimed to analyze the effect of diets of different compositions on sports performance based on the mentioned aspects. In the course of our work, we collected and reviewed relevant content on Google and Pubmed. Overall, it can be said that developing the right diet can be a multiplier return on investment. Sport as a physical activity determines lifestyle, including nutrition. Proper, balanced nutrition is essential for both athletes and non-athletes
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THE IMPORTANCE OF CHILD PROTECTION IN THE SWIMMING POOL
Views:62Most of the coaches have a positive, supportive attitude towards athletes. Physical and emotional abuse of children is no longer part of the pedagogical practice of coaches these days, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. We examined two sports, swimming and water polo. We were interested in what form of abuse appears among athletes. How abused athletes share their experiences and process what happened. We used a questionnaire method in the study. One hundred seventeen people participated in the research: 63 women (53.8%) and 54 men (46.2%). The results demonstrated that all types of abuse (physical, mental, physical, and sexual) occurred in the examined sample. The majority of those interviewed reported various "punishments" such as some exercise, push-ups (73.5%), or additional swimming (69.2%). Many of them (28.8%) were shamed and humiliated. 43.2% of the respondents do not consider physical or mental abuse to be acceptable, but there are some things where they are more lenient. Nearly 17 percent assume intense pressure on the head is acceptable, and 30% of athletes partially or fully agree that "the coach has the right to use physical punishment to educate and discipline the child. Respondents shared their experiences mostly with their mother (41.9%), father (26.5%), or friends (26.5%). More than half of the respondents (59.8%) tried to suppress their grievances, and many (58.1%) also believed these experiences would accompany them throughout their lives.
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EFFECT OF ELDERLY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THEIR COGNITIVE SKILLS DANCE AND DEMENTIA
Views:523For the analysis, we used a review of English and Hungarian theories and systematic studies focusing on aging activity, dementia, successful aging, movement therapies, and its effects from the PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Research Gate databases.
Results: Today, a significant problem is a decline in aging's cognitive abilities and untreated nature. Thus, many studies report that positive change in life quality can be achieved through physical activity. Studies show that dance exercise programs (either in pairs or solos) do not impair patients' health with dementia.
Conclusions: Physical activity positively affects the decline of cognitive functions; indeed, it does not impair brain function activation during aging. For the elderly with dementia and its variants, music and dance therapy have beneficial consequences, especially memory and reaction speed. Regular physical activity enhances physical and psychological well-being, resulting in an improved quality of life.
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EXAMINATION OF THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF THE ELDERLY DURING THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIC
Views:66Physical activity can be used for any movement/exercise involving energy expenditure. Scientific research discusses the issue of older adults' physical activity. It is a common principle that an active lifestyle positively impacts older adults' quality of life and life expectancy. During the period of the coronavirus, it was revealed in many countries that the time spent on physical activity decreased significantly due to social distancing measures. Due to the pandemic, there have been significant changes in the society's sports consumption habits. Our research aims to examine and present the changes in the physical activity of the age group above 60 before the coronavirus and during the period of restrictions and quarantines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the analysis, we used data examining the first three waves of the COVID-19 epidemic collected by the Physical Activity Research Group of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Pécs. In the examined periods, a "U"-"-shaped trend can be observed in the development of the physical activity of the 60-69 years age group. In the pre-coronavirus period, the level and intensity of the weekly physical activity of older adults began to decrease after the introduction of the lockdowns. Then, they continued to increase during the successive epidemic waves. The average duration of physical activity (minutes/week) at the second wave and the intensity of physical activity (METs) exceeded the pre-pandemic state significantly by the time of the third wave. As physical activity started to increase in the 60-69 age group during the second and third wave of the coronavirus, it would be essential to maintain an active lifestyle in the later period as well. Physical activity benefits people of all ages and can reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
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COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF INTENSE MULTIDIRECTIONAL MOVEMENTS IN YOUTH HANDBALL AND SOCCER PLAYERS
Views:817Modern soccer is characterized by short distance multidirectional movements. Elite level players execute a large number of micromovements of all kinds. Like in handball game situations in soccer usually occur in small areas. We investigated, whether soccer players may be able to perform accelerations, decelerations, intense starting movements and turns at the same level as handball players. We utilized the Speed Court movement analysis system to prove our hypotheses. We measured youth athletes, they executed two testing protocols. High-quality speed, agility, spatial awareness, and decision-making capabilities were required by the participants. We designed two protocols called the “60-meter chase”, and the “30-second chase” to mimic the situations tend to occur in a game. Each participant was asked to perform the test protocols three-times, we registered the best try, after 12 weeks of practice, the athletes repeatedly executed the two protocols. We also performed a body composition analysis, which demonstrated similar data for the two groups. We concluded that soccer players were able to perform at the same level as handball players, some of them even outperformed their counterparts.
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THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SPORT RECREATIONAL PARK USE IN SZEGED’S ERZSÉBET LIGET
Views:135Objective: Our research was aimed to explore the opportunities Szeged’s largest park, the Erzsébet Liget's offers in the area of sport recreation, in addition, the composition, the sports habits, and the contentment of the park's adult visitors who came from nearby and also from more distant places. We hypothesized that the characteristics of access to the park and the characteristics of park use depend on the proximity of the user's residence. At the same time, their socio-demographic features and contentment are unrelated.
Method: Our primary data were gained using random paper-based questionnaires (N=108). Those people were asked who was doing some physical exercise at various sports scenes in the park. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to explore the relationship between different categorical variables.
Results: The proximity of the park and the users' place of residence was strongly related to the travel time and the chosen mode of transport. At the same time, it did not show any significant relation to the features of park use for sports. These features, primarily due to the elderly visitors, only impacted the frequency of park visits with an aim other than sport. Also, no significant difference was found concerning the park's proximity, contentment with the services, and socio-demographic variables, although some tendencies were identified.
Conclusion: The park's proximity did not have an impact of significance concerning the composition and the contentment of park visitors and their use of the sports facilities.