Victims and Perpetrators of Bullying in Physical Education Lessons: The Role of Peer Support, Weight Status, Gender, and Age in Polish Adolescents.

Physical education is a space in which adolescents may become the victims or perpetrators of bullying. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between being a victim or perpetrator of physical, verbal, or social bullying in physical education, and peer support, gender, weight status, and age. The sample consisted of 2, 848 adolescents (1, 512 girls and 1, 336 boys) aged 14-16 from Poland. The participants' body mass index was determined based on their measured height and weight. The Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children questionnaire was used to assess whether the participants were victims or perpetrators of bullying. Peer support during physical education was assessed using the modified Teacher and Classmate Support Scale. The analysis of logistic regressions revealed that low peer support increased the probability of being the victim of physical, verbal, and social bullying (odds ratio [OR], 1.58-2.91) and becoming a perpetrator of bullying (OR, 1.14-1.37) in physical education. Additionally, being overweight increased the likelihood of being a verbal victim (OR, 1.39) and being obese raised the probability of becoming social victim (OR, 1.60). Boys more often experienced (OR, 1.12-2.06) and caused bullying (OR, 1.25-1.89) than girls. Moreover, victims were mainly younger (14-year-old) students (OR, 1.16-1.21), while perpetrators were more often older (15- and 16-year-old) adolescents (OR, 1.12-1.20). This research indicated that peer support can play a key role in preventing bullying in physical education. Physical education teachers should pay special attention to unpopular and rejected students because they most often become the victims and perpetrators of bullying. Creating a climate that fosters the development of high peer support might protect adolescents from becoming a victim-and a perpetrator-of bullying in physical education.

The Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly (PAQE): A Polish Adaptation.

The aim of the study is to assess the reliability and validity of the Polish adaptation of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly (PAQE-PL). One hundred and four older adults (75 women and 29 men) aged 65 to 89 (mean 72.2 ± 5.7 years) participated in the study. The test-retest procedure was used to evaluate the reliability of the PAQE-PL. Validity was assessed by comparing the results of the PAQE-PL with the measurements from an accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X+) and two questionnaires: the Polish version of the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS-PL) and the Polish version of the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS-PL). All test-retest interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were significant (ranged from 0.64 to 0.92). The long-term stability showed significant ICCs (ranged from 0.38 to 0.87) for all participants. In regard to validity, the obtained correlation coefficients were relatively low but statistically significant for all participants between the PAQE-PL scores and energy expenditure (r ranging from 0.25 to 0.26) measured by the accelerometer. The PAQE-PL correlated with almost all CHAMPS-PL indices, YPAS-PL energy expenditure, and total physical activity time. The results suggest that the adaptation of the PAQE-PL is an acceptable tool to estimate the physical activity level among older adults in the Polish population. We recommend the cautious and well-thought-out use of the PAQE-PL with a population of older women.

Relationship between body composition and the level of aerobic and anaerobic capacity in highly trained male rowers.

BACKGROUND: Body composition may affect the potential for success in sports. For this reason, our study aimed to determine the impact of body composition on the level of aerobic and anaerobic capacity in competitive rowers. METHODS: The study involved 48 males aged 20±2 years. Body composition was analysed using electrical bioimpedance. Maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max) and average anaerobic power (AP) were determined using an incremental cycling test until exhaustion and a standard Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAT), respectively. RESULTS: The optimal ranges of body components with respect to the level of anaerobic and aerobic capacity at preparatory period for highly trained rowers aged 17-23 years, with body mass 67.5-104.7 kg, were 86-88% for fat free mass (FFM), 63-65% for total body water (TBW) and 11-13% for fat mass (FM). Regression analyses showed that BM and FFM significantly contributed to the prediction of VO2max and AP. The increase in FFM and BM by 1 kg resulted in the change of VO2max by +0.161 l.min-1 and -0.057 l.min-1, and AP by +5.51 W and +4.74 W, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition is closely related to the level of aerobic and anaerobic capacity in rowers, and we suggest that its regulation can serve as an effective tool to improve physical performance. The regression models we developed seem to be promising for estimating the changes in physical capacity based on body composition modifications, however, their accuracy should be verified in an experimental study.

Polish Adaptation of the Yale Physical Activity Survey: Measurement Properties.

The aim of this study was to assess the measurement properties of a Polish adaptation of the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS-PL). The Polish cultural adaptation of the YPAS was administered to a group of 104 people aged 65 to 89 years (mean age 72 ± 5). To assess the reliability of the YPAS-PL, a test-retest procedure was applied. Validity was assessed by comparing the results of the YPAS-PL with accelerometery (ActiGraph wGT3X+). The indicators based on the YPAS-PL activities checklist were characterized by high repeatability and had better reliability values than the YPAS-PL activity dimension indices (energy expenditure interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.81, total time physical activity ICC = 0.86). We noted a significant positive relationship between energy expenditure measured by an accelerometer and the YPAS-PL (r = 0.23). We can conclude that the YPAS-PL is an adequate tool for assessing energy expenditure related to physical activity in a Polish population of older adults. We also recommend the cautious and well thought-out use of the YPAS-PL activity dimension indices (summary, vigorous, leisurely walking, moving, standing, and sitting indexes).

Validity and Reliability of the Polish Adaptation of the CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire.

The aim of the study was to investigate the reliability and construct validity of the Polish adaptation of the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) physical activity questionnaire among the elderly. The sample included 104 volunteers, 75 women (age = 71.0 ± 5.0 years) and 29 men (age = 75.1 ± 6.6 years). To assess the reliability of the Polish version of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire, measurements were conducted by one-week test-retest. The construct validity of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire was evaluated using accelerometers. Criterion validation was verified by self-reported measurements (health self-assessment, life satisfaction, and wellbeing) and body composition analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficients of the one-week test-retest ranged from 0.79 to 0.85. Significant Pearson's correlations were found between caloric expenditure measured by accelerometer and CHAMPS caloric expenditure in all listed physical activities (r = 0.33) and caloric expenditure in at least moderate intensity physical activities (r = 0.37) of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire. Moderate and greater intensity physical activities of CHAMPS measure were significantly related to total bone mass, health self-assessment, life satisfaction as a whole, and personal wellbeing (r ranged from 0.26 to 0.34). The findings of the study allow us to conclude that the Polish version of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire has acceptable reliability and validity to assess physical activity of older adults.

Physical activity in the therapy of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Needs and recommendations for intervention programs.

Overweight and obesity may lead to serious health problems, and negatively affect everyday functioning in physical, psychological and social spheres. The high prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents constitutes a huge public health burden. One way of designing and implementing behavioral interventions aimed at the reduction of adipose tissue is to promote physical activity. In this review we present recommendations regarding the planning, monitoring and implementation of intervention programs involving controlled physical activity. Considering specific individual determinants and needs in terms of improving children's health, physical condition and physical performance, we have separately discussed recommendations for interventions involving aerobic and anaerobic exercises with moderate and high intensity, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT). We have also focused on the role of resistance training. Finally, we have emphasized that children and adolescents with overweight or obesity should also be motivated to undertake activities referred to as non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT).

Is Underweight Associated with more Positive Body Image? Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in Adolescent Girls and Boys.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between body image and prevalence of underweight, normal weight, and overweight in adolescents. The study included 1702 girls and 1547 boys, aged 14-16 years, who completed questionnaire assessing body satisfaction. The participants' BMI status: underweight, normal weight or overweight was determined on the basis of BMI cut-off values. Results revealed that more girls (p < .001) showed low body satisfaction (44.8%) and fewer girls (p < .001) had high body satisfaction (17.6%) compared to boys (28.5% and 29.0%, respectively). A two-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between BMI status and gender on body satisfaction F(2, 3243) = 4.10, p = .017, η2 = .003. In boys, body satisfaction was higher in normal weight and underweight in comparison to overweight individuals (p < .001). Underweight girls presented higher body satisfaction than those who were normal weight and overweight (p < .001). Our findings indicated that, in relation to gender, BMI status can be associated with different body satisfaction in adolescents. This should be taken into consideration when designing programs aimed at obesity and disordered eating prevention and body image improvement. Due to the fact that underweight girls and boys have high body satisfaction, this can lead to behaviors that maintain low body weight in adolescents and in turn this may have negative health consequences.

Body image, BMI, and physical activity in girls and boys aged 14-16 years.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between body image, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity in adolescents. The study included 1702 girls and 1547 boys aged 14-16 years. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was evaluated by the Physical Activity Screening Measure. Body image was assessed using the Feelings and Attitudes Towards the Body Scale, and participants' BMI was determined based on measured height and weight. Compared to boys, girls reported more negative body image (p<.05). The results of the three-way hierarchical regression revealed that body image was a statistically significant positive predictor of MVPA for adolescents, regardless of BMI. Additionally, body image was a stronger predictor of MVPA in boys than in girls. These findings suggest that body image, rather than BMI, is important in undertaking physical activity in adolescents and should be considered when preparing programs aimed at improving physical activity.

The effect of sensorimotor training on the postural stability of visually impaired women over 50 years of age.

Previous studies indicated that blind and visually impaired people are a group with greater risk of falls. Postmenopausal changes significantly decrease physical efficiency and impair the body's mechanisms for maintaining postural stability. In addition, the frequency of falls among women is much higher than in men. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of sensorimotor exercise on changes in postural stability of visually impaired women over 50 years of age. Visually impaired women from group E showed a lower level of postural stability measured with EO compared to the healthy women. After completing the exercise, a more pronounced improvement in the level of postural stability was observed in group E.

Physical activity of Poles--critical analysis of research 2010-2014.

The aim of the study was an analysis of research on the physical activity (PA) carried out among Poles from 2010 - 2014 on a national scale. The obtained results concerning PA and recommended levels of PA, in particular those issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), were taken into consideration. The research articles were obtained through searching English-language scientific databases and common search engines. National-level research conducted within the Polish population aged 10 years and above were taken into account. Studies presenting the PA of Poles without division into age categories were excluded. Seven research papers presenting studies on children and adolescents (aged 10-18 years), adults (aged 19-64 years) and older adults (aged 65+ years) were included into the subsequent analysis. When referring to the accepted criteria within the PA research satisfactory levels of PA were observed in: a) 4.2%-91.4% of female subjects and 17.9%-93.8% of male subjects aged 10-18 years, b) 9.2%-77.6% of male subjects and 12.0%-77.6% of female subjects aged 19-64 years, c) 11.9%-50.7% of male subjects and 11.1%-50.7% of female subjects aged 65 years and above. The results obtained in the study demonstrate a very wide variability of PA levels, thus rendering these results implausible. Recommendations issued by the WHO for the PA were assumed in only two cases. The study was conducted by use of the self-reported method, primarily with research tools which did not meet psychometric standards were employed. It is necessary to perform systematic studies on the methodological correctness of research on the PA of Poles. On the basis of the study carried out from 2010-2014 it is difficult to answer reliably the question: 'What are the levels of PA of Polish subjects?'

Underweight in 14 to 16 year-old girls and boys: prevalence and associations with physical activity and sedentary activities.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Underweight is associated with increased mortality of adults when compared to normal weight or overweight individuals. Studies of associations between underweight and physical activity levels in adolescents are sparse. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of underweight amongst 14 to 16 year-old girls and boys in tandem with the levels of physical activity and time spent in sedentary activities. The results were compared to those observed in normal weight and overweight adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 1702 girls and 1547 boys aged from 14 to 16 years from twelve gymnasium schools in Poznan (Poland). Based on BMI values, the participants were assigned to the following categories: a) underweight, b) normal weight, and c) overweight. The levels of physical activity, participation rates in physical education classes and the time spent in sedentary activities were determined by means of questionnaire survey. RESULTS: The fraction of underweight girls amounted to 11.6% and was similar to the percentage of obese girls (14.6%). The fraction of underweight boys was 7.0%, and was markedly lower than the percentage of overweight boys (17.0%). Underweight and overweight boys were characterized by significantly lower levels of physical activity compared to normal weight participants (p ≤.001). Both in girls and in boys, the prevalence of underweight and overweight was not significantly associated with the time spent in various sedentary activities. CONCLUSIONS: Underweight occurs in relatively high fraction of girls and boys. Underweight is associated with lower levels of physical activity in boys. The prevalence of underweight among adolescents is not associated with time spent in sedentary activities.

Habitual physical activity as a determinant of the effect of moderate physical exercise on postural control in older men.

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of exercise on postural control (PC) among the elderly with lower or higher level of habitual physical activity (HPA). The study involved 17 elderly men (mean age 72.9 ± 4.79 years). Mean velocity of the center of pressure (COP) displacements was measured using a force plate both before and after cycle ergometer exercise. A significantly higher increase in mean velocity of COP displacements and its component in the sagittal plane were observed in the group with lower level of HPA in comparison with the group with higher HPA level. Simultaneously, a relatively similar reaction to the exercise in the frontal plane was observed in both groups, possibly connected to the specific type of used exercise, which mainly activated the sagittal muscles.

Effect of Tai Chi on body balance: randomized controlled trial in elderly men with dizziness.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of 18-week Tai Chi training on body balance in a dynamic trial among elderly men with dizziness. The study covered subjects aged 60 to 80 years. We identified 40 men who reported a history of dizziness. The subjects were recruited using direct mailings and a community information campaign. The participants were randomly assigned to either the exercise intervention (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). The Tai Chi group participated in an 18-week exercise class held for 45 minutes twice a week. Body balance was studied in two ways: using the "8 foot up and go test" (Rikli and Jones 2001) and using a Computer Posturographic System PE 90 (manufactured by Military Institute of Aviation Medicine in Warsaw and outfitted with Pro-Med modified software). The ability to perform specific tasks (maximal deflections in four directions) was measured on the posturographic platform. The variation in results obtained on the first and second date of tests in the experimental and control groups was confirmed statistically using four parameters, i.e. "8 foot up to and go test (H = 8.21;p = 0.003), forward deflection (H = 3.70;p = 0.050), backward deflection (H = 5.04;p = 0.024) and maximum sway area (H = 8.86;p = 0.002). Consequently, we found that the 18-week period of Tai-Chi exercises, with a frequency of twice a week for 45 minutes, is beneficial for dynamic balance, which is important for the reduction of fall risk factors among elderly men with dizziness.

Effect of moderate physical exercise on postural control among 65-74 years old men.

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the postural control (PC) during quiet stance among elderly men with fatigue induced by moderate exercise, and to assess the relationships between changes in PC and somatic indices (body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR)), load during exercise, and post-exercise blood lactate (BL) concentration. The study involved 17 elderly men (68.4±2.9 years of age, ranging between 65 and 74 years). Mean velocity of the center of pressure (COP) displacements was measured using a force plate both before and after fatigue induced by a cycle ergometer exercise. Following physical exercise, the mean velocity of the COP and its components, both in the sagittal and frontal plane, increased significantly. It was found that increasing BMI was associated with increasing exercise-induced changes in the mean velocity of the frontal plane. Additionally, BL level was positively correlated with changes in the mean velocity of the sagittal plane. Higher post-exercise values of the mean velocity of the COP may suggest a temporary increase in the risk of falls. Therefore, it seems advisable to caution the elderly men in regards to the increased risk of falling following exercise. Analysis showed that the changes in the PC as indicated by the increase in the COP displacements velocity may be related to the level of fatigue (as indicated by BL). Moreover, elderly men possessing a higher BMI may exhibit a tendency toward the greater increase in the postural sway after exercise-induced fatigue.

Physical activity and functional fitness in institutionalized vs. independently living elderly: a comparison of 70-80-year-old city-dwellers.

The purpose of the study was to compare the level of energy expenditure due to physical activity (EEPA) and functional fitness (FF) in 59 women and 82 men aged 70-80 years, divided into three groups: permanent residents in assisted-living facilities (ALFs), participants in adult day care centers (DCCs) and older people living independently, members in community senior centers (CSCs). EEPA and FF were analyzed taking into consideration sex differences. The energy expenditure tended to be lower in DCCs and ALFs subjects than in CSCs members, but significant differences were obtained only in women. Women in different living settings differed only in endurance. In men, the differences were clear in most tests (endurance, strength, agility/dynamic balance) except for flexibility. Institutionalization was connected with a significantly lower level of FF and equalization of sex differences. Education seemed to be an important factor influencing the level of FF in men.

Effects of systolic blood pressure (SBP) on a postural stability in elderly men subjected to moderate exercise.

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of SPB on a range of postural stability changes occurring after moderate exercise in elderly people. Twenty-seven males from the age of 65-81 years old (mean 71.6±4.9 years) took part in the study. The postural stability during bipedal quiet standing was tested directly before and after 10-min of exercise on a cycloergometer. The level of exercise intensity was predefined on the basis of subject's heart rate (HR). The study demonstrated that only small fractions of variation in post-exercise values of path length and area 95% could be explained by SPB at rest by the application of linear model (R(2)=5.3%, or 10.8%, respectively). The application of non-linear model, graphically represented by a parabola, revealed that the percentages of variations in path length and area 95% which could be explained by the systolic blood pressure (SBP) at rest amounted to 24.1% and 36.6%, respectively. Therefore, lower or higher values of SBP are related to the risk of increased path length and area 95%, which in turn are reflected in a temporary decrease in postural stability.

Insulin resistance, oxidative stress markers and the blood antioxidant system in overweight elderly men.

The purpose of the study was to examine in the blood of overweight men aged from 62 to 83 years, the relationships between age and insulin resistance, selected parameters of the oxidative stress, and the antioxidant defense system. The population studied was divided into two groups: the group 'young-old' consisted of men aged 62 to 74 years old, and the group 'old-old'--of men aged between 75 and 83 years. The total antioxidative status (TAS) and concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in the blood plasma. In the serum samples, the levels of antibodies against oxidized LDL (oLAB), glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin were measured. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMAIR) was calculated. Concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) were determined in the red blood cells hemolysate. The results of the study did not show significant differences between groups investigated with respect to concentrations of TBARS, TAS, GSH and GPx. However, significantly higher concentrations of glucose and antibodies against oxLDL (p < 0.05) were observed in the group of men over 74 years old in comparison to the group of 'young-old' men. It was indicated that the increased insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in elderly men are related to body mass and that they cause intensified oxidative modifications of LDL.

[Melatonin concentrations and other parameters of blood antioxidant defense system in elderly men with various levels of physical activity]. / Melatonina i inne parametry obrony antyoksydacyjnej krwi starszych osób o róznym poziomie aktywnosci fizycznej.

It is well documented that regular physical activity and increased levels of melatonin may enhance the blood antioxidant system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant defense mechanisms, in particular, the antioxidant potential of melatonin in groups of elderly men (mean age 70 years), marked of on the basis of habitual physical activity level. To estimate the physical activity of the study population, weekly energy expenditure was measured in each subject with a Caltrac accelerometer. The study population was divided into two groups (31 subjects in each group) according to the criteria proposed by Bauman: less active (energy expenditure below 1600 kcal per week) and more active (energy expenditure 1600 kcal per week). Venous blood samples were taken from each subject for assessment of plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations and melatonin (MLT) levels. The reduced glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in hemolyzed red blood cells were also measured. A significant (p < 0.05), inverse Spearman correlation between MLT concentrations in plasma and physical activity levels was observed in the group of less active men. In more active subjects, a positive correlation between GSH and TAS levels (p < 0.05) and inverse correlations between GSH and TBARS concentrations (p < 0.05), TAS and TBARS levels (p < 0.01) and between TAS and MLT levels (p < 0.001) were noted. The results of the present study support the view that melatonin plays an important role in the blood antioxidant defense system in elderly men and indicate that habitual physical activity may have an influence on the plasma levels of melatonin.

[Glucosamine concentration in serum of old persons with hyperinsulinemia and normal insulin levels]. / Stezenie glukozoaminy w surowicy krwi osób starszych z hiperinsulinemia i prawidlowym stezeniem insuliny.

Increased glucose metabolism through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway has been shown to mediate many of adverse effects i.e. desensitisation of glucose transport in tissues, an inhibition of glycolysis and glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscles, an impairment of insulin secretion in pancreatic islet cells, arteriosclerosis and nephropathy by stimulation of growth factor TGF-alpha and TGF-beta 1 promoters expression. The aim of the presented study was to compare of glucosamine concentrations in the blood serum between elderly human subjects (women and men) with hyperinsulinaemia and normoinsulinaemia. Subjects were divided into two groups: a group of 16 subjects with hyperinsulinaemia (concentration of fasting insulin is higher than 15 mU/l) and a group of 19 subjects with normoinsulinaemia (concentration of insulin was less or equal 15 mU/l). In the venous blood serum concentrations of insulin, C-peptide, glucose and glucosamine were determined. The Caltrac accelerometer was used to estimate energy expenditure in subgroup of 20 subjects: 10 subjects with hyperinsulinaemia and 10 with normoinsulinaemia. Significant differences were found between glucosamine and insulin concentrations (p < 0.01) and between C-peptide concentrations (p < 0.05) in both groups investigated. The mean value of the glucosamine concentration in the group with hyperinsulinaemia was higher by 22.6 mg/dl in comparison to mean value established in the group with normoinsulinaemia. Mean values of total and related to physical activity energy expenditure per day per 1 kg of body mass in the group with hyperinsulinaemia were less (p < 0.05) compared to the group with normoinsulinaemia. The presented results show that hyperinsulinaemia may contribute to the hyperactivity of hexosamine biosynthesis pathway.