Relationships between anthropometric and body composition characteristics and age in Polish women over 60 as affected by their socioeconomic and health status and physical activity levels.

Background: Little is known about changes in anthropometric and body composition (A&BC) characteristics during the aging process. Research indicates that body composition can be linked with socioeconomic status (SES), health status (HS), and physical activity (PA) levels. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate age-related changes in A&BC characteristics in female seniors aged 60+ in view of their SES, HS, and PA levels. Methods: The survey was conducted in November and December 2022 on a total of 661 female seniors. A questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain information about the participants' socioeconomic status (chronic diseases, health status, marital status, membership in social organizations, financial status, place of residence, education). The respondents' PA levels were assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and their A&BC characteristics were determined in a bioelectrical impedance analysis with the InBody 270 body composition analyzer. The relationships between A&BC characteristics and age were evaluated based on the values of the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results: The mean values of Percent Body Fat (PBF), Body Mass Index (BMI), and the waist-hip ratio (WHR) were relatively high (37.2%, 28.5 kg/m2, and 0.8, respectively) and indicative of overweight and gynoid obesity. A higher number of significant negative correlations between A&BC characteristics and age were observed in seniors with lower values of SES, HS, and PA, which points to more rapid involutional changes in this group of respondents. A segmental analysis also revealed significantly lower values of fat-free mass (FFM) and body fat mass (BFM) (both indicators were calculated in percentage and kg), in particular in the upper limbs, in women with lower SES, HS, and PA levels. Conclusion: Environmental factors, including biological, physiological, environmental, psychological, behavioral, and social factors, are significantly associated with aging in women. Age-related changes in A&BC characteristics tend to proceed more rapidly in female seniors with low values of SES and HE and insufficient PA levels.

The effect of confounding variables on the relationship between anthropometric and physiological features in 2000-m rowing ergometer performance.

Background: Anthropometric and physiological characteristics are often considered as potential variables that are significantly related with motor performance. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and weigh the key anthropometric and physiological characteristics that are associated with 2000-m rowing ergometer performance in male and female athletes. Methods: The study involved 70 best female and 130 best male rowers from the seven largest Hungarian rowing clubs, classified into one of the following age categories: juniors (36 women and 55 men, age range: 15-16 years), older juniors (26 women and 52 men, age range: 17-18 years), and seniors (8 women and 23 men, age range: over 18 years). Anthropometric and body composition measurements were determined by the bioelectrical impedance method proposed by Weiner and Lourie (1969), and skin fold measurements were conducted to estimate relative body fat content. The countermovement jump test and the 2000-m maximal rowing ergometer test were used for physiological measurements. Results: An increase in skeletal muscle mass was correlated (r = -.39, p <.001) with a significant decrease in rowing time over a distance of 2000 m, whereas a significant increase in rowing time was noted with an increase in sitting height (only in men, r = .33, p <.001), body mass (in women and men: r = .24, p = .013 and r = .31, p = .009), and body fat percentage (r = .26, p < .030). Rowing time was also bound by a significant correlation with maximal force (r = -.79 and -.90, p <.001) and relative maximal power (r = -.54 and -.78, p <.001) in both sexes, with relative peak power in males (r = -.51, p < .001), and with estimated relative maximal aerobic capacity in females (r = -.43, p <.001). Conclusion: Rowing performance over a distance of 2000 m is significantly negatively correlated with the skeletal muscle mass, maximal force, relative maximal power, relative peak power, and estimated relative maximal aerobic capacity.

Differences in Velocities of Crucial Body Segments while Executing Roundhouse Kicks for Both Sides.

Lower limb kinematics of the roundhouse kick is a well-known topic studied by many researchers. However, there is a lack of data about the velocity of the core and upper limbs during the execution of this technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in velocities of all crucial body segments while executing roundhouse kicks for both sides of the body. Thirteen elite taekwon-do athletes participated in this study. They performed kicks to a table tennis ball three times using each leg. The spatial-temporal data of markers placed on toes, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, hands, and sternum were captured with the use of the Human Motion Lab equipment composed of 10 infrared cameras NIR Vicon MX-T40. There were statistical differences in the maximal velocity of the sternum and opposite shoulder. There were different correlations between the time of acquiring maximal velocities of specific body segments and the maximal velocity of the toe marker for each kicking side. Higher correlations were observed for the left kick despite the participant's declaration of their preference for the right leg. The obtained results facilitate the conclusion that small non-resistant targets require different motor control depending on the kicking side, despite not revealing significant differences between maximal velocity. While such an indicator could be perceived as a suitable benchmark of an athlete's performance, more detailed analysis seems to be required for a better understanding of martial arts techniques.

The Importance of Resilience and Level of Anxiety in the Process of Making a Decision about SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination.

People's opinions on immunization are diverse. Despite the constant improvement of vaccine formulas, the number of people reluctant to immunize is not decreasing. The purpose of our study is to assess the psychological determinants of immunization reluctance in depth. We measured levels of anxiety (death-related and general), fear of COVID-19, self-esteem and resilience among 342 adults. We found that the level of COVID-19 related fear is higher among the vaccinated population, despite general anxiety levels being lower. Surprisingly we didn't find significant differences in resilience and self-esteem levels. Findings are concurrent with previous research-COVID-19 related fear level is higher among vaccinated people. Resilience and self-esteem are defined as stable, trait-like constructs, and thus may not manifest higher levels in very specific pandemic situations, although they may lower the levels of general anxiety.

Effects of two low-volume high-intensity interval training protocols in professional soccer: sprint interval training versus small-sided games.

BACKGROUND: The programming of training protocols within a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) framework with appropriate analysis of total training load could deliver optimal training adaptations. This study aims to compare the efficiency of two low-volume HIIT protocols integrated with the regular training regime in professional soccer players. METHODS: Twenty-five participants aged 18.4-29.7 years were randomly assigned to one of two interventions involving straight-line sprint interval training (SIT, N.=13) or small-sided games (SSG, N.=12). Periodization was divided into two 3-week phases concluded by a 7-day taper. SIT first involved two-session·week-1 of one set of 10·45-s sprints (at maximal intensity) and then three-session·week-1 of two sets of 10·30-s sprints with a 0.75:1 and 1:1 recovery interval (slow running and stretching exercises), respectively. SSG in the first phase involved 5·3-min games of 4 vs. 4 and in the second phase 4·4-min games of 2 vs. 2 with 3-min recovery (practice drills at 60-70% HRmax). Training load was controlled via session-RPE and HR-based methods. Pre- and postintervention testing included: countermovement jump height, 5-m and 30-m sprints performance, anaerobic power by the 10-s Wingate Anaerobic Test, maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and blood lactate concentration (BLa-) determined by incremental exhaustive running test. RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA showed group×time interaction effects for the 30-m sprint time (F(1,23)=3.023; P=0.049; η2 P=0.116), BLa- (F(1,23)=5.250; P=0.031; η2 P=0.185), and V̇O2max (F(1,23)=4.648, P=0.044; η2 P=0.157). SIT elicited greater enhancements in anaerobic performance (30-m sprint time and BLa-), while SSG induced larger improvements in V̇O2max. CONCLUSIONS: Comparable effects of SIT and SSG protocols were noted, however the aerobic capacity benefits provided by SSG warrant this HIIT protocol as a highly recommended training modality in the professional soccer.

The influence of extreme thermal stress on the physiological and psychological characteristics of young women who sporadically use the sauna: practical implications for the safe use of the sauna.

Background: Many individuals who use the sauna at a temperature of 120°C of higher are not aware of the negative consequences of extreme thermal stress. Despite extensive research into sauna use, the impact of extreme thermal stress on the physiological and psychological characteristics of sauna users have not been examined to date. Aim: The aim was to determine the effect of 20 min sauna sessions with a temperature of 80°C and 120°C on the physiological and psychological characteristics of women who sporadically visit the sauna. Methods: The study was conducted on 22 full-time female university students. Physical activity (PA) levels were evaluated with the Polish short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Anthropometric characteristics were measured before the first sauna session by the InBody270 body composition analyzer. Physiological parameters, including heart, energy expenditure, physical effort, and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure - SBP, and diastolic blood pressure - DBP), were assessed indirectly using Polar V800 heart rate monitors and the Omron M6 Comfort blood pressure monitor. The participants' wellbeing was assessed with the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. The presence of significant correlations between heat exhaustion and heat stress variables and syncope during the second sauna session was examined with the use of classification and regression trees (CRT) and the cross-validation technique. Results: Twenty-minute sauna sessions with a temperature of 80°C and 120°C induced a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the values of SBP (excluding the temperature of 120°C), DBP, and body mass, as well as a significant increase in HR and forehead temperature. Exposure to a temperature of 80°C led to a significant (p < 0.001) increase in vigor with a simultaneous decrease in tension, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion. In turn, sauna bathing at a temperature of 120°C had an opposite effect on the above mood parameters. Vomiting and confusion were the main predictors of syncope that occurred in some of the surveyed women. Conclusion: Excessive air temperature can induce symptoms characteristic of heat exhaustion and heat stress nausea, heavy sweating, fast weak or strong HR, high body temperature, and confusion. Therefore, sauna bathing at a temperature of 80°C can be recommended to women who sporadically use the sauna, whereas exposure to a temperature of 120°C is not advised in this group of sauna users. The present findings provide highly valuable inputs for managing wellness and SPA centers.

Impact of Personal Experience of COVID-19 Disease on Recreational Anglers' Attitudes and Behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Anglers are a large social group with access to a "relatively safe" form of recreation, that allows the opportunity to relieve stress. An important question, however, is how they did so, and to what extent their perceived COVID-19 transition status influenced decisions both in life and at the fishing site. AIM: Our study aimed to determine the dynamics of anglers' attitudes and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of the different statuses of their exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We assumed that the behavior of anglers who have not experienced the disease (were not ill and not sure if ill) will be similar and, on the other hand, different from the behavior of those who have experienced COVID-19. METHODS: The web-assisted interviews survey was used among 586 anglers with different COVID-19 disease experience statuses. Their pandemic behavior and activities by four age groups were studied using non-metric multidimensional scaling. Redundancy analysis has been used to identify the relationship between anglers' life attitudes and socioeconomic and demographic factors, taking into account their preferences and involvement in fishing. RESULTS: We have demonstrated that the behavior of anglers who have not experienced COVID-19 disease and do not present a reckless attitude toward pandemic threats, do not show significant differences from the life attitudes of the group experienced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These two groups comprise more than 70% of anglers. However, the rest show a lack of interest in an aware diagnosis of their health and a low level of acceptance of self-restraint in the area of direct social contact. CONCLUSIONS: Unawareness, combined with ignorance, could be a potential factor in the transmission of the virus while fishing. The behaviors of almost 30% of anglers are particularly risky when combined with a strong need to fish in the company of friends and familiar people. Anglers' social identity should be tapped by fishery managers. Targeted educational campaigns should be aimed at groups around specific fishing spots. The need for self-limitation under the pandemic should be promoted for the benefit of the general public and to maintain the reputation of angling as a safe recreational activity.

The Influence of COVID-19 on University Students' Well-Being, Physical Activity, Body Composition, and Strength Endurance.

BACKGROUND: Very few scientific studies have simultaneously evaluated changes in well-being (WB), physical activity (PA), and strength endurance (SE) based on results from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess WB, PA, and SE levels, as well as body composition parameters in university students before and during the pandemic. METHODS: The study included 30 males and 30 females (mean age: 21.7 ± 2.51 and 21.6 ± 2.34 years, respectively). Well-being using the Self-Perception Questionnaire (POMS), PA from the Polish regular version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), body composition parameters using the InBody 270 analyzer, and SE based on the results of a 12 min test involving a Concept 2PM-5 rowing ergometer were assessed before and during the pandemic. RESULTS: An assessment of university students' WB revealed a significant increase in variables such as tension, depression, anger, confusion, and a significant decline in vigor (p < 0.05). In both sexes, PA and SE decreased significantly-from 2115.4 to 1822.8 METs-min/week and from 2184.5 to 2035 m, respectively, in males, and from 1793.5 to 1699.8 METs-min/week and from 2021.5 to 1943.8 m, respectively, in females. At the same time, body mass and BMI values increased significantly (p < 0.001) in both females and males. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decrease in WB, PA and SE levels in young females and males, and led to a significant increase in their body mass and BMI.

Anthropometric and Physiological Profiles of Hungarian Youth Male Soccer Players of Varying Ages and Playing Positions: A Multidimensional Assessment with a Critical Approach.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to create preliminary anthropometric and physiological profiles of Hungarian male soccer players belonging to different age categories (14, 15, 16, and 17-18-years) and assigned to different playing positions (forward, defender, midfielder, goalkeeper). METHODS: Anthropometric and physiological profiles were created for four age groups: 14- (n = 20), 15- (n = 16), 16- (n = 22) and 17-18-year-olds (n = 23) representing the Hungarian soccer academy. Additionally, the variables were analyzed across the four player positions mentioned above. RESULTS: The mean values of body mass, fat mass and BMI were within normal limits, although in some cases the anthropometric and body composition values were too high, particularly among the 17-18-year-olds. The mean values of HRrest were lowest among the 15-year-olds. The highest mean and maximal values of rVO2max and rVO2/AT [57.6 ± 8.12 (43.8-68.3) and 51.2 ± 7.24 (38.9-60.8) mL/kg/min, respectively] were noted in 14-year-olds. Goalkeepers performed significantly better than the remaining soccer players in terms of the most anthropometric and physiological characteristics, except for the Yo-Yo test (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The values of anthropometric parameters increased with age. As expected, the oldest group achieved the best results in the performance tests. Goalkeepers outperformed the players representing other playing positions in the tests when assessing lower limb strength, sprint performance (5- and 10-m distance), and agility tests. From a practical point of view, the presented anthropometric and physiological profiles of players representing different age groups and playing positions can be useful for soccer coaches, strength and conditioning specialists, and athletic trainers of other soccer clubs in terms of the individualization and optimalization of soccer training.

Sex Differences in Anthropometric and Physiological Profiles of Hungarian Rowers of Different Ages.

The aim of this study was to determine sexual differentiation in the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of Hungarian rowers in different age categories. These characteristics were measured for 15-16-year-old juniors (55 men and 36 women), 17-18-year-old older juniors (52 men and 26 women), and 19-22-year-old seniors (23 men and 8 women). The degree of sexual dimorphism was expressed in units of measurement as percentages and the dimorphism index. In all age categories, females had significantly higher body fat indices. Body fat percentage was determined by electrical impedance and by the Parízková formula, BMI, and skinfold thicknesses. Males had significantly higher body mass, body height, skeletal muscle mass, sitting height, arm span, lower limb length, and body surface area. Males also scored significantly higher values for the following physiological characteristics: peak power, relative peak power, ErVO2max, jump height, speed max, force max, and relative maximal power. Analysis of anthropometric and physiological characteristics in Hungarian rowers revealed that sexual dimorphism tended to increase with age, regardless of whether it was expressed in units of measurement, percentages, or dimorphism index values. The age-related increase in the sexual dimorphism of Hungarian rowers suggests that training methods should be carefully selected to accommodate the needs of various age and gender groups.

Acute Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Responses to Incremental Cycling Exercise in Endurance- and Strength-Trained Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of a progressive submaximal cycling exercise on selected cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables in endurance and strength trained athletes. The sample comprised 32 participants aged 22.0 ± 0.54 years who were assigned into three groups: an endurance trained group (END, triathletes, n = 10), a strength trained group (STR, bodybuilders, n = 10), and a control group (CON, recreationally active students, n = 12). The incremental cycling exercise was performed using a progressive protocol starting with a 3 min resting measurement and then a 50 W workload with subsequent constant increments of 50 W every 3 min until 200 W. The following cardiometabolic variables were evaluated: heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and blood lactate (BLa−). We found the between-group differences in metabolic variables (the average RER and BLa−) were statistically significant (Tukey's HSD test: CON vs. STR, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively; CON vs. END, p < 0.001; END vs. STR, p < 0.001). RER and BLa− differences in all groups depended on the workload level (G-G-epsilon = 0.438; p < 0.004 and G-G-epsilon = 0.400; p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in cardiorespiratory variables between endurance- and strength-trained groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that acute cardiorespiratory responses at each of the four submaximal workloads were comparable in endurance- compared to strength-trained athletes, but significantly different compared to recreationally active men. However, there were significant differences in the metabolic responses of RER and BLa−. Based on our findings we recommend that endurance-trained athletes follow a concurrent training program, combined strength and endurance training, to improve neuromuscular parameters and thus optimize their economy of movement and endurance-specific muscle power capacity.

Physiological Response to Thermal Stress in Obese vs. Non-Obese Physically Inactive Men.

The effects of thermal stress on the physiological parameters of obese subjects remain insufficiently researched. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of sauna bathing on the physiological parameters of obese and non-obese physically inactive men. Sixty volunteers aged 18−24 years (20.85 ± 1.46) were divided into two groups (group I­normal body mass, group II­class 1 obesity) for a comparative analysis. Somatic features and body composition were determined before sauna, and blood pressure was measured before and after sauna. Physiological parameters were monitored before and during the sauna session. The average values of body mass, body mass index, body surface area, and weight-to-height ratio were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in obese men (by 28.39 kg, 8.7 kg/m2, 0.34 m2, and 0.13, respectively) than in the normal weight group. Similar observations were made in an analysis of the remaining body composition parameters. The values of physiological parameters (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, energy expenditure, oxygen uptake, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, respiratory rate) were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in obese subjects. However, the observed physiological changes were within the expected norm; therefore, a 10 min sauna session is safe for young men regardless of their body fat levels.

Masquerade of Polish Society-Psychological Determinants of COVID-19 Precautionary Behaviors.

The risk of contracting COVID-19 was a very specific situation of uncertainty and ambi-guity, and of course, cognitively interesting for psychologists studying the determinants of behaviors of different personality types. In this study, we set our sights on trying to find a correlation between adherence to wearing masks and receiving vaccinations and having certain character traits that we thought might influence preventive behavior or not. We focused on the Dark Triad-psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism-as well as social approval and the need for cognition closure, as these traits have previously been linked to heightened conspiracy mentalities. We recruited 159 subjects in the experiment, including 53 male and 106 female participants over the age of 18 to take part in an online survey investigating personality and COVID-19 information. The results confirmed our hypothesis that age, empathy, the need for social approval and other psychological traits are the factors that differentiates people who wear face masks from those who do not. However, it seems impossible to define one set of features that would predispose people to not wear face masks. In our study, the importance of psychological features differed depending on the category of public places. We discuss possible implications of these findings and provide direction for future research.

Long-term trends in the somatic and motor characteristics of female students at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland (2000-2018).

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe changes in the anthropometric and motor characteristics of female students attending the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn between 2000 and 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 4046 randomly selected female university students aged 19-21 years (20.1 ± 1.2) were investigated. The students' body mass and height were measured, and their motor abilities were analyzed in 13 tests. Linear and curvilinear functions were fit to empirical data to assess the evaluated traits. RESULTS: The results of the long-term study indicate that the body height of female students increased by 3.07 cm between 2000 and 2018. A decrease in the participants' body mass and BMI was noted between 2000 and 2006 (by 0.24 kg and 0.18 kg/m2 per year on average), whereas an increase was observed between 2006 and 2018 (by 0.34 kg and 0.10 kg/m2 per year on average). The tested motor abilities were highly correlated with body mass, BMI and, partially, with body height. The students' motor abilities continued to improve until 2006, after which they declined steadily up to 2018 when the lowest results were noted in motor tests. CONCLUSIONS: The body height of the studied population continued to increase over the years, but it increased at a slower rate than body mass and BMI. Lower body mass and BMI values were correlated with improved scores in motor tests, whereas higher values of both parameters were accompanied by a significant decrease in all analyzed motor abilities.

Plantar pressure distribution and postural balance in beauty pageant contestants before and after wearing high-heeled shoes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the biomechanics of the foot in beauty pageant contestants wearing shoes that increase calcaneal height. Plantar pressure distribution and postural balance were examined in women after one hour of wearing high-heeled shoes. METHODS: Foot arch measurements were conducted using EPSR1. Based on these measurements, 18 of the 19 tested women were diagnosed with significant pes cavus. RESULTS: The experiment revealed a significant reduction in the excessively high metatarsal arch of both feet. The mean load on the metatarsus measured at rest was 0.0% in both feet, and it increased by 0.6% in the left leg (p ≤ 0.022; Z = 2.293) and by 2.7% in the right leg (p ≤ 0.023; Z = 2.271). These results suggest that excessive stretching of the plantar fascia and impaired function of the short muscles of the foot lead to a temporary reduction in the arch of the foot. This phenomenon can be compared to stretching a bowstring and its return to the shortest length under static conditions. A statistical analysis of the results of stabilographic measurements revealed significant changes only in the left foot barycenter. An analysis of the ability to maintain postural balance revealed that the observed changes contributed to postural destabilization at p ≤ 0.011 and Z = 2.535. CONCLUSIONS: Further research involving electromyography tests is needed to examine plantar muscle tension during isotonic contractions. The duration of the exercise-induced reduction in pes cavus should also be determined for therapeutic purposes.

Physical Activity and Screen Time among Hungarian High School Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic Caused Distance Education Period.

BACKGROUND: High school education took place in the form of distance learning during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic worldwide, including Hungary. Decreased physical activity and an increase in inactive behaviours may lead to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. AIM: Our study targeted changes in physical activity (aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening) and screen time in adolescents and young adults during the pandemic. METHODS: High school students were interviewed in 66 public schools in 37 Hungarian cities (N = 2508). Survey items on physical activity and screen time were derived from the WHO Health Behaviour of School-aged Children Survey and the Centers for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Survey. A 2 × 2 factorial ANCOVA was used to test the effects of gender (male vs. female) and/or age (adolescents vs. young adults) on the reported changes in physical activity and screen time before and during lockdown (covariate: BMI Z-score). RESULTS: The majority of the cohort indicated less physical activity. Aerobic and muscle-strengthening type of exercises significantly decreased, and screen time increased during distance education. Male individuals showed a higher decrease in the level of aerobic exercise, and young adults reported a higher increase in the time spent in front of the screen.

The Effects of Repeated Thermal Stress on the Physiological Parameters of Young Physically Active Men Who Regularly Use the Sauna: A Multifactorial Assessment.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of thermal stress (TS) on changes in blood biochemical parameters and fluid electrolyte levels in young adult men with moderate and high levels of physical activity. Thirty men (22.67 ± 2.02 years) were exposed to four 12-min sauna sessions (temperature: 90-91 °C; relative humidity: 14-16%) with four 6-min cool-down breaks. The evaluated variables were anthropometric, physiological, and hematological characteristics. The mean values of HRavg (102.5 bpm) were within the easy effort range, whereas HRpeak (143.3 bpm) values were within the very difficult effort range. A significant increase was noted in pO2 (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.008), HDL (p < 0.006) and LDL cholesterol (p < 0.007). Significant decreases were observed in the SBP (by 9.7 mmHg), DBP (by 6.9 mmHg) (p < 0.001), pH (p < 0.001), aHCO3- (p < 0.005), sHCO3- (p < 0.003), BE (ecf) (p < 0.022), BE (B), ctCO2 (for both p < 0.005), glucose (p < 0.001), and LA (p < 0.036). High 72-min TS did not induce significant changes in the physiological parameters of young and physically active men who regularly use the sauna, excluding significant loss of body mass. We can assume that relatively long sauna sessions do not disturb homeostasis and are safe for the health of properly prepared males.

Differences in the Anthropometric and Physiological Profiles of Hungarian Male Rowers of Various Age Categories, Rankings and Career Lengths: Selection Problems.

Background: Little is known about the anthropometric and physiological profiles of lower-ranking athletes who aspire to rise to the pinnacle of their profession. Aim: The aim of this study was to create anthropometric and physiological profiles of Hungarian male rowers of different age categories (15-16, 17-18, and over 18 years), sports rankings and career lengths. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric and physiological profiles were created for 55 juniors, 52 older juniors and 23 seniors representing seven of the largest Hungarian rowing clubs. One-way independent analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare arithmetic means. Results: Rowers in older age categories were significantly taller (185.0 ± 5.0 cm vs. 183.0 ± 7.3 cm vs. 178.7 ± 7.2 cm) and heavier (81.1 ± 8.8 kg vs. 73.7 ± 8.4 kg vs. 66.8 ± 12.3 kg) than their younger peers, with significantly higher BMI values and larger body dimensions. Compared to younger athletes, rowers in older age categories also covered 2,000 m significantly faster (6.6 ± 0.3 min vs. 6.9 ± 0.4 min vs. 7.5 ± 0.5 min) while developing significantly more power (372.2 ± 53.0 W vs. 326.8 ± 54.5 W vs. 250.6 ± 44.6 W). Similarly, seniors and older juniors had higher values of maximal oxygen uptake and force max (by 6.2 and 7.0 ml/kg/min, and by 263.4 and 169.8 N). Within the older juniors, internationally ranked rowers had significantly greater body height (+ 5.9 cm), body mass (+ 6.1 kg), sitting height (+ 2.7 cm), arm span (+ 7.9 cm), limb length (+ 3.73 cm) and body surface area (+ 0.21 m2). They also rowed 2,000 m significantly faster (-0.43 min, p < 0.001) and had significantly higher values of power (+ 58.3 W), relative power (+ 0.41 W/kg), jump height (+ 4.5 cm), speed max (+ 0.18 m/s) and force max (+ 163.22 N). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that potential differences in anthropometric and physiological profiles are more difficult to capture in non-elite rowers, and that the final outcome may be determined by external factors. Therefore, athletes with superior aptitude for rowing are more difficult to select from among lower-ranking rowers, and further research is needed to determine specific training requirements to achieve the maximum rowing performance.

Endocrine Effects of Repeated Hot Thermal Stress and Cold Water Immersion in Young Adult Men.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of repeated hot thermal stress and cold water immersion on the endocrine system of young adult men with moderate and high levels of physical activity (PA). The research was conducted on 30 men aged 19-26 years (mean: 22.67 ± 2.02) who attended four sauna sessions of 12 min each (temperature: 90-91°C; relative humidity: 14-16 %). Each sauna session was followed by a 6-min cool-down break during which the participants were immersed in cold water (10-11°C) for 1 min. Testosterone (TES), cortisol (COR), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and prolactin (PRL) levels were measured before and after the sauna bath. The participants' PA levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Serum COR levels decreased significantly (p < .001) from 13.61 to 9.67 µg/ml during 72 min of sauna treatment. No significant changes (p >.05) were noted in the concentrations of the remaining hormones: TES increased from 4.04 to 4.24 ng/ml, DHEA-S decreased from 357.5 to 356.82 µg/ml, and PRL decreased from 14.50 to 13.71 ng/ml. After sauna, a greater decrease in COR concentrations was observed in males with higher baseline COR levels, whereas only a minor decrease was noted in participants with very low baseline COR values (r =-0.673, p <.001). Repeated use of Finnish sauna induces a significant decrease in COR concentrations, but does not cause significant changes in TES, DHEA-S, or PRL levels. Testosterone concentrations were higher in men characterized by higher levels of PA, both before and after the sauna bath.

The Mechanism of Physical Activity-induced Amelioration of Parkinson's Disease: A Narrative Review.

Physical activity, together with its ameliorative effects on Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms, remains a relatively unappreciated factor which may be beneficial for the treatment outcome. Contemporary evidence supports the positive effects of non-pharmacological approaches to PD symptom management, in particular the effects of the exercise on both, motor and non-motor symptoms. The aim of the study was to review the mechanisms of exercise-induced amelioration of PD symptoms. Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched using the following key words: "Parkinson and physical activity" OR "Parkinson disease and exercise" OR "Parkinson disease and lifestyle factors" OR "Parkinson disease and longevity". A total of 97 studies which investigated PD genetics and various forms of exercise and their etiologic impact on PD were reviewed. The studies were subdivided into four topic groups: 1) genetics of PD, 2) exercise and the brain, 3) physical activity and PD, 4) mind-body interventions, and discussed accordingly. Adequate levels of physical activity are associated with higher quality of life in PD patients. Physical activity may have protective and stimulatory effects for better functional efficiency in higher-level cognitive networks. It can also improve balance and motor functions by improving muscle strength. Given the etiologic evidence of the beneficial effects of physical activity on PD, albeit tentative, a concerted effort to elucidate the processes and outcomes of physical activity on ameliorating symptoms of PD must be undertaken.