The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solutions in changing attitudes toward physical activity of school children in a community in Poland. In 2015, a sample of 326 pupils aged 9–11 years old from 19 classes at three selected primary schools were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups within the study. During the classes, children in the experimental group performed physical activities two times per day in three to five minutes using Brain Breaks® videos for four months, while the control group did not use the videos during the test period. Students’ attitudes toward physical activities were assessed before and after the intervention using the “Attitudes toward Physical Activity Scale”. Repeated measures of ANOVA were used to examine the change from pre- to post-intervention. Overall, a repeated measures ANOVA indicated time-by-group interaction effects in ‘Self-efficacy on learning with video exercises’, F(1.32) = 75.28, p = 0.00, η2 = 0.19. Although the changes are minor, there were benefits of the intervention. It may be concluded that HOPSports Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Program contributes to better self-efficacy on learning while using video exercise of primary school children.

Introduction.Obesity is a serious health problem in nearly all regions of Europe. During the last four decades, the percentage of obese people increased four times among men and twice among women, reaching a global epidemic scale as the biggest health-related issue in the developed and developing countries. Objective. The aim was to assess the epidemiological situation of obesity, according to gender among adults in Europe, compared with other regions and selected worldwide countries, as well as to devise a forecast for the near future based on analysis results. Materials and method. An overview was performed of the World Health Organization (WHO) statistical database in 1999-2016, concerning obesity prevalence among people over the age of 20 across 28 countries of the European Union. A forecast for the years 2020 and 2030 was prepared by evaluation of gradients for trendline equations. Moreover, some of the world regions, as well as individual countries, five per region, were collated and analyzed to prepare the forecast. Results. The percentage of obese people in the countries of the European Union continues to increase every year. The dynamics of obesity growth in Europe is greater for men than for women (3.09% per year vs. 1.92% per year). With the growth rate remaining at the estimated level, in 2030 there will probably be more obese men (38.1%) than women (32.7%) in Poland, and in Europe likewise -36.6% and 32.0%, respectively. Conclusions. Obesity has become a major epidemiological problem and an undisputable health problem not only in Poland and other European countries, but worldwide.

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Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the motives for undertaking physical activity (PA) and the intensity of PA in Polish adolescents. Methods The study included 1,231 students, 515 boys (age 16.2 ± 0.7 years) and 716 girls (age 16.3 ± 0.6 years). The participants were recruited from secondary schools in 20 conurbations throughout Poland. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form and the Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised were used. Results In boys, all motives predicted a 10.4% variance in vigorous intensity of PA (F(5, 509) = 11.822, p < .001). Higher scores on competence and appearance motives for PA were found to be predictors of higher level of vigorous intensity of PA. In girls, all motives explained a 7.4% variance in vigorous intensity of PA (F(5, 710) = 11.292, p < .001). Higher scores on competence and appearance motives for PA were found to be predictors of higher level of vigorous intensity of PA. Conclusions This study shows that competence and appearance related motives for PA are important motivations for Polish adolescent girls and boys in undertaking vigorous intensity PA.

The aim of this paper is to examine the role of physical education (PE) teacher and classmate support in relation to sex and BMI status in adolescents' physical activity (PA) in Kosovo. A Classmate and Teacher Support Scale (with additional questions) was used on a cross-sectional sample of 608 girls and 620 boys aged 15–18, randomly selected from secondary schools of seven major municipalities in Kosovo. PA level was determined with a Physical Activity Screening Measure questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a three-way ANOVA, along with Tukey's HSD post hoc test, were employed. The findings showed the levels of teacher and classmate support to be important factors in stimulating adolescents' PA. It was found that boys with normal weight, high support from teachers, and medium or high support from classmates were more physically active, compared with girls.

SummaryStudy aim: Both adequate time and quality time are important for the wellbeing of a family. The study evaluated the effectiveness of a 15-week family-based physical activity (PA) intervention entitled "Junior for Seniors". It included both children and parents. The paper focuses on an important topic -family-based leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). It is set in Polish primary schools, which is a novel approach. Regular physical activity for young people and their parents improves health and fitness including strength and endurance, promotes development of healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight and increases self-esteem. Material and methods:In 2015, 24 children ("juniors", 14 girls and 10 boys, aged (mean ± SD) 7.96 ± 0.69 years) and 22 parents ("seniors", 14 mothers aged 38.86 ± 2.96 years and 8 fathers aged 37.38 ± 2.97 years) were voluntarily enrolled in a study encompassing three primary schools in the city of Poznań, Poland. To measure factors associated with LTPA, selected questions from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) questionnaire were used. Results: As a result of the intervention, children increased both the amount of time they spent on intense LTPA and the frequency with which they undertook LTPA (values for "time spent on intense physical exercises during leisure time" were statistically significantly higher in the post-test; Z = -2.57; p < 0.05). In the post-test, statistically significant relations were obtained between the following variables: reason for physical activity: for better sport results -with family: playing together; r = 0.41, p < 0.05. In the parents' group no statistically significant increase was observed in any of the variables measured. Conclusions: The research issues presented in this paper require further exploration in larger scale studies. However, based on the present study, it may be concluded that one important goal has been achieved: that of more frequent family social behaviours and improved quality of LTPA.

SummaryStudy aim: To assess the effects of an eight-week pedometer-based walking intervention, using different strategies of goalsetting, on self-efficacy, physical activity enjoyment, and body image. Material and methods:The study included data from 82 girls, aged 16 to 18 years. The participants took part in the intervention using goal setting with the do your best strategy (do your best group, n = 26) or specific step goals predetermined by the researcher (predetermined goals group, n = 56). The group of participants from the predetermined goals group was divided into a group of those achieving the goals (n = 28) and a group where goals were not achieved (n = 28). Self-efficacy, body image, and physical activity enjoyment were assessed before and after the intervention. Results:The results of ANOVA with repeated measures between the measurement times and groups showed a significant effect of body image (F = 3.60, p = 0.03, η² = 0.08) and physical activity enjoyment (F = 3.10, p = 0.05, η² = 0.07). Participants who achieved goals in step counts predetermined by the researcher had a more positive body image and a higher level of physical activity enjoyment after the intervention. Conclusion: An eight-week pedometer-based walking program implemented in a school setting may improve body image and physical activity enjoyment in adolescent girls only if the set goals (the number of steps) are specific and fully achieved by participants. Using pedometers in conjunction with a goal setting program seems to be an effective motivational way to improve physical activity in female students.

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