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THE NUMBER AND SITUATION OF DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN IN SLOVAKIA AND THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THEIR PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Views:49This research paper analyzes socially disadvantaged children in Slovakia, focusing on current statistics and factors influencing their engagement in sporting activities. Drawing on recent data, the study highlights the prevalence and distribution of socially disadvantaged groups among children in Slovakia. It also investigates the multifaceted factors impacting their participation in sports, including the roles of parents, peer groups, coaches, and other socio-cultural influences. By examining these factors, the research aims to understand the barriers and facilitators to sports participation among socially disadvantaged children. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of the intersection between socio-economic status and sports engagement, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and practitioners seeking to develop targeted interventions and programs to promote sports inclusion and equity among disadvantaged youth in Slovakia.
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INVESTIGATION ON THE IMMUNOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Views:677Introduction: 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.