Variations in body posture were evaluated in 19 blind and 19 sighted adults by changes in the subjects’ center of foot pressure on a force plate in time in three positions. The subjects who were blind had significantly larger body sway than did the sighted subjects in all trials except those in the sound position, where they had a better control of their stance than did the sighted subjects, and their body oscillations were also reduced in the forward-looking position. Thus, sound or proprioceptive adjunctive inputs can significantly alter body sway in adults who are blind.
The goal of this study was to investigate the differences in physical fitness in relation to urban or rural living environment and between two countries: Italy and Croatia. Over 14,000 students were tested during physical education (PE) lessons. Croatian students were taller and heavier than Italian students, with women achieving better results in flexibility. Urban students were fitter in abdominal strength than rural students. Age seemed to be the major factor influencing the performance. This study's results indicate a trend: urban students performed "indoor" tests better than rural students; the opposite may be true for rural students. Living environment, socio-economic-status, or cultural correlation differences could be decreased during school experiences. Thus, PE programs could train all people toward an adequate, age-based fitness level.
Introduction. The health-related bene? ts of physical activity are well known. Participation in a physical activity could improve social well-being, as well as physical and mental health, among children and adolescents. Material and methods. Thus, during Physical Education lessons, over 1500 students were tested with the Bent Arm Hung and the Standing Broad Jump test; according to the instructions given by Eurofit battery. All phases of the test had been run by teachers that collected data relative to lower limb power and upper limbs isometric endurance strength. Results. Females jumped 150 cm (on average) while in Bent Arm Hung scored scantly results. The variability was high in both test. Males jumped over their own height with a variation smaller than females'. About isometric endurance strength the best group was the 16 years (male). Conclusion. These two tests showed in both genders a similar pattern to that of other young Europeans but future research are necessary to separate the correlation about country, rural area of origin and socioeconomic status. It may be concluded that the level of physical activity (and the possibility to play it) was a decisive factor on the level of performance.
Young people performance is often used to define the well-being and physical activity level. Several studies were assessed in school environments where more sedentary students were recruitable. As such, over 3800 students were tested with Shuttle Run Test (5m x 10) and Cooper endurance test during Physical Education classes. Shuttle Run Test was assessed according to the instructions given by Eurofit battery while the endurance trial was run in the playing field of each school. All phases of the test were run by teachers who collected data. During growth, males and females followed different trends: females showed the highest peak between 11 and 12 years while males between 13 and 14 years. Between 11 and 14 females increased their weight by about 10 kgs, while males gained 16 kgs. During Shuttle Run Test, the mean time spent performing the trial was 19,27 sec (M) and 20,25 sec (F). In both sexes the 13 and 14 year-old students were quickest while the 12 year-old students were the slowest. Males performed the test between 3200 m and 810 m while females performed 1795 m (on average). Statistical differences were found only between Cooper test and gender in all age groups. Disinclination for active life style is widespread however school education programs could reach all young people and arrange the tendency of students towards sport and well being.
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