Introduction. Physical activity is one of the best methods to prevent civilization diseases in modern times. Studies confirm that the appropriate dose reduces the risk of hypertension, heart diseases, cancer, depression, or overweight and obesity. Methods. The aim of the study was to assess the changes in individual physical fitness tests among children in early school age participating in karate training. A total of 59 children attending primary school were examined. Selected Eurofit tests were carried out before and after 10 weeks of karate training. Results and conclusions. Karate training induced positive changes in the fitness of the studied children. Higher improvements were observed among children with normal body mass as compared with the overweight or obese ones.
The aim of the study was to compare the segmental body composition with the use of fat–fat-free (FFF) index in children at early school age, depending on sex and place of residence, with particular emphasis on urban and rural areas. The study consisted of 329 children aged 7.78 (SD = 0.88; mean age in years). The study group was divided according to the place of residence and sex. The height and body mass, Body Mass Index (BMI), segmental body composition (Tanita BC-418MA), and FFF were calculated. A more frequent occurrence of excessive body weight was observed in children from rural areas (over 20%) compared to their peers from the urban area (10%). Statistically significant lower values of FFF index as well as in the lower limbs and torso were observed in the case of the examined children from the urban area as compared with their peers from the rural areas. The body composition of children living in metropolitan and rural areas is diverse. Lower values of FFF indexes were found in children from the city than in children living in villages. There are more children in the city with signs of being underweight and of normative body mass and paradoxically more overweight ones in the village.
The purpose of this study was to assess the spine and hip range of motion and foot angles in adolescent female dancers as compared to those of non-dancing females of the same age. Twenty adolescent female ballet dancers (DANCE) and a control group (CON) of 20 adolescent females were examined. The inclusion criterion for the study group was participation in dance training for over 10 years. Spine and hip range of motion (ROM) assessments were carried out using a goniometer and centimeter tape. Foot angles were assessed using a podoscope. In spinal ROM examination, statistically significant differences were demonstrated in the Tomayer’s test, thoracic spine mobility, and lumbar rotation ranges. During foot angles evaluation, statistically significant differences were demonstrated in the Hallux Valgus angle of both feet. Ballet dancers developed greater hallux valgus in both the dominant and non-dominant limbs. They demonstrated higher flexion and extension range of motion in the thoracic spinal segment and the lumbar spine movement for the extension and rotation. The obtained results demonstrate that adolescent ballet dancers are predisposed to an increased risk of pain related to the trauma of the musculoskeletal system.
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