Comparative analysis of sports consumption habits in Hungary, Poland and Germany.

BACKGROUND: The so-called sports consumption models are looking for the factors that influence the sports spending of households. This paper aims to examine the Hungarian, Polish and German households' sports expenditures which can be an important indicator of physical activity and sporty lifestyle. METHODS: Surveying of households in three countries (Hungary, Poland and Germany) has been conducted with a self-designed questionnaire. We have used descriptive and bivariate non-parametric and parametric statistical methods: (1) χ2 test, Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test for checking the relationship between sociodemographic and physical activity variables and (2) independent sample t-test and ANOVA for checking the differences in sports expenditures. RESULTS: Our research concluded that men, especially previous athletes, exercise more than women and those who have no history as registered athletes. The choice of sports venues is obviously different between the countries in the sample. Members of the study population spend the most on sports services while they spend the least on sports equipment. German households have the highest spending rates compared to the other two countries. CONCLUSIONS: Results are in line with our previous research findings and with other literatures. The difference in preferences of sports venues could have the reason of different supply of sports clubs or the different living standards too. It needs further researches to clear it. Material wealth, income level and sport socialisation can be a determining factor regarding the level of sports spending.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire among healthy Hungarian adults.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is an important factor among the determinants of health due to it's protective factor and preventive role. Self-reported measures such as questionnaires are most commonly used in public health studies, but may over- or underestimate actual patterns of PA. Therefore, accelerometers are widely used to assess concurrent validity. The aim of the present study was to adapt and validate the self-administered GPAQ - Hungarian version (GPAQ-H) against accelerometer data and IPAQ-Hungarian long version (IPAQ-HL) in Hungarian healthy young adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted to examine the last 7 days PA by GPAQ-H, comparing with IPAQ-HL and Actigraph GT3X accelerometer to measure concurrent validity and reliability. A convenient sample of 300 young adults was recruited in January - July 2018 at the University of Pécs, in South-Hungary, 120 participants (age 21.53 ± 1.75 years, 46.66% male) were included in the validity and reliability study. RESULTS: Significant differences between the three instruments were found (p < 0.001) in all scores, except PAQs vigorous activities (p = 0.332) and GPAQ-H and accelerometer MVPA score (p = 0.424). A moderate KMO measure was found (0.538) with a significant Barlett's test of Sphericity (279.51; p < 0.001). The total variance was explained as 81.10%. The reliability of the GPAQ-H instrument with all domain's scores was 0.521 (CI 0.371-0.644). We found in all intensity scores and sitting time good reliability scores (R = 0.899-987, p < 0.001) between the baseline and follow-up (N = 33 random subsample). The Bland-Altman plots were showed that GPAQ-H overestimates vigorous activities by 212.75 min/week (331.82-757.42) and MVPA by 104.93 min/week (- 1016.98-807.11). A high difference, 6336.79 min/week (CI 3638.18-9035.40) was revealed regarding sitting, as GPAQ-H largely underestimated the time spent sedentary. CONCLUSIONS: The Hungarian GPAQ self-administered form showed fair to moderate validity with correlation coefficients similar to other European studies. Based on our study's results it could be claimed that the GPAQ-H measurement tool is a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure the healthy Hungarian population's physical activity patterns. However, our results also proved that GPAQ-H alone is not a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure sitting time.

Study and evaluation of physical activity of youth from the Visegrad countries in relation to the WHO recommendations

Background: In recent years, the subject literature has provided concrete recommendations concerning health with regard to specific parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to indicate appropriate physical activity standards for proper development at various stages of human ontogenesis. Objective: The aim of the work was knowledge of the level of physical activity of high school youth in the Visegrad countries, including gender indications, to demonstrate whether the WHO recommendations are fulfilled. Material and methods: The research was conducted in students from four Visegrad countries: the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. As the research method, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire − IPAQ in the extended version was used. Results: Boys seem to do much better and have largely fulfilled the WHO recommendation for high-intensity efforts performed 3 times for 20 minutes, and medium and high efforts − 7 times for 60 minutes, which is particularly crucial for the effectiveness of the level of physical activity. Conclusions: It is indispensable to continue monitoring the physical activity of young people using modern research techniques. It seems intentional to intensify promotion and educational activities, which should be aimed at motivating young people to undertake physical activity in accordance with world-wide recommendations.

Relationships between diets and the quality of life to women aged 50 to 64

Background: Adverse effects of numerous environmental factors, including improperly balanced diets, may accelerate the onset of ailments related to the climacteric period. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between diets and the quality of life of working women aged 50-64 years. Material and methods: The study included 274 working women aged 55.4±4.0 years living in Biala Podlaska and the surrounding area. These were women working in various positions (teaching, administrative, economic department) at the State School of Higher Education in Biala Podlaska, Poland and patients of the Health and Rehabilitation Centre in Biala Podlaska. The study was conducted by means of a popular tool used to diagnose quality of life i.e. SF-36 questionnaire (Short Form Health Survey) and the Questionnaire of Eating Behaviour (QEB). Results: In all categories of quality of life (SF-36), apart from pain and general health, there were statistically significant differences between the results of the respondents and the norm for Polish women aged 50 to 60 years. Fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread were the most frequently consumed products in the healthy diet group, while legumes, fish and curd cheese were the least frequently consumed by the respondents. Of the unhealthy products, the women most often chose sweets (at least once a week), cheese and fried food. Analysis of the effect of a healthy diet on the quality of life showed that a statistically significant correlations were observed in the case of mental health, functioning in society, emotionality, vitality, and well-being. Conclusions: A positive correlation with the application of a healthy diet was observed in all the categories of quality of life. This means that the respondents with healthy diets had a higher quality of life.

Compliance with physical activity health recommendations in members of non-governmental organizations promoting active lifestyle.

INTRODUCTION: A vital role in health maintenance and the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases is played by an adequate level of physical activity. In recent decades, numerous guidelines have been developed to determine the criteria of physical activity levels that are essential to obtain overall health benefits. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the presented study was evaluation of the physical activity of adult members of non-governmental organizations promoting active lifestyle, in compliance with recommendations of the World Health Organization and the American College of Sport Medicine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study examined 95 adult members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) promoting an active lifestyle in the Silesian Province of Western Poland. In order to make a comprehensive physical activity evaluation (including all criteria of most complex health-recommendations), both an objective tool (ActiGraph GT3X) and a subjective tool (Daily Physical Activity Log) were used. RESULTS: Compliance with a weekly total time of moderate to vigorous aerobic efforts were observed in 47% of women and 44% of men with regard to WHO guidelines, and in 29% of women and 23% of men, respectively, regarding ACSM guidelines. The criterion for the frequency of strength exercises was met by 24% of women and 15% of men. Flexibility exercises level was adequate in 35% of women and 28% of men. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent cause of non-meeting the criteria of the above- mentioned organisations were insufficient frequency of the weekly resistance (strength) exercises and flexibility exercises. There is a need to create public health programmes based on the complex physical activity recommendations, including all types of physical efforts (aerobic, strength, flexibility), and to emphasise the fact that meeting all of them is essential to obtain overall health benefits.

Level of and Factors Determining Physical Activity in Students in Ukraine and the Visegrad Countries.

Background: Examining the level of physical activity in students is a vital issue as these young people are the future social elite. Methods: The research was conducted in the years 2013⁻2016 and comprised 5008 males and females, mean age of 20.5 ± 2.1 years, including 2237 (55.3%) students from students from Eastern European National University, Lutsk, and Ternopil State Medical University, Ukraine, as well as 2237 (44.7%) from the Visegrad countries, i.e., University of Pécs in Hungary, University in Kosice, Slovakia, University of Olomunec in the Czech Republic and the State School of Higher Education in Biala Podlaska, Poland. It applied a diagnostic survey-the extended version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), supplemented with original questions regarding body weight, height, self-assessment of physical fitness and amount of leisure time. Results: The comparison of students' PA from selected European countries, members of the Visegrad group and Ukraine, is particularly vital to the latter country as it demonstrates a different level of socio-economic development. There was noted a significantly higher level of physical activity in students from the Visegrad countries than in Ukraine. Further, there was an overall lower level of physical activity in females compared to males. What was positive about the studied samples was a healthy BMI index in the majority of the male and female respondents, with a significantly higher indicator in Ukraine. Conclusions: Among the factors significantly affecting higher physical activity in both researched samples were the BMI and high self-assessment of physical fitness. There was no significant variation in the level of physical activity and the amount of leisure time, both in those studying in the Visegrad states and Ukraine.

Differences in physical activity and nutritionand silhouette-related behaviours in male and female students in selected European countries.

INTRODUCTION: As indicated by the WHO, lifestyle plays a unique role in human health, which in turn is determined to a great extent by physical activity and nutrition. It must be borne in mind that physical activity should be systematic and regulated by an age-appropriate exercise intensity. All this indicates that learning about students' lifestyle, with a particular focus on physical activity is vital as it these young people who aspire to the role of the future elites. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the level of physical activity, nutrition- and silhouette-related behaviours of male and female students to assess the relationships between these variables in students from the Visegrad Group countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2015 and involved 2,497 students attending three undergraduate levels aged - x - 21,76, (SD-1,80) - 1,211 males (48.5%) and 1,286 females (51.5%). The IPAQ long-form and a questionnaire by the Polish Chief Sanitary Inspector were used. RESULTS: Physical activity was significantly higher in male than female students. An important relationship was observed among the larger number of consumed meals, level of physical activity, and silhouette-related behaviours in male students, which was not the case with females. However, there was an important correlation between physical activity in males and females who exercised to increase or decrease body weight (musculature), and took medications to increase body weight (musculature). CONCLUSIONS: Both males and females showed pro-health attitudes related to the level of physical activity and nutrition- and silhouette-related behaviours.

Variations in physical activity of male and female students from the Ukraine in health-promoting life style.

[b]Introduction. [/b]A large-scale research was performed concerning issues relating to physical activity as an important factor in a healthy lifestyle and involved observing the differences among males and females as future elites of the Ukraine. [b]Objective. [/b]The objective of the research is to assess the physical activity of students from the Ukraine, considering such factors as: gender, leisure time, time spent sitting, sports performed or intended to be performed, and the BMI. [b]Materials and method.[/b] The extended version of the IPAQ, supplemented with 3 original questions by the authors, was applied to a 2,125-strong student group from 12 majors of the University of Luck, Ukraine. [b]Results. [/b]Students from Ukraine portrayed a positive picture of physical activity with significantly higher values in male students of both total activity and its fields, i.e. sports activity and work (studying). The male students performed better in their fitness (condition) self-assessment and the amount of time spent sitting, whereas the female students had better BMI results. Both genders differed considerably in their choice of sport-recreational activities. [b]Conclusions. [/b]Females more than males demonstrated lower indices of participation in physical activity, which did not permit the formulation of a positive assessment of their lifestyle. A positive phenomenon is the normal BMI and trace values of overweight in women, exactly the reverse to males.

Place of residence as a factor differentiating physical activity in the life style of Ukrainian students.

Determining the state of physical activity of societies as an important component of a health promoting life style is a very up-to-date problem. Studies of physical activity among students, the future elites in their environments, become of increasing importance. An important problem is the recognition of factors differentiating this activity on the example of place of residence. For this purpose, the study covered 2,125 students (60.8% females and 39.2% males) from the National Institute in Lutsk, Ukraine, aged 17-22 (mean age: 20.4). The method of a diagnostic survey was applied which included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The following measures of physical activity according to the place of residence (rural area, small town with a population up to 100,000; medium-size town - 100,000-200,000 inhabitants; large city - over 200,000) were taken into consideration: level of physical activity, self-reported physical fitness, sports disciplines practiced by the respondents, and those which they would like to practice, and the BMI, and leisure time possessed. The study showed that the place of residence positively differentiated physical activity among students from medium-size towns and rural areas, compared to their contemporaries from small towns and large cities. Significant differences were also found with respect to the BMI, which was significantly less favourable among respondents from the rural environment. However, no differences were observed between the place of residence for leisure time, self-reported physical activity, and forms of physical activity practiced, and those which the respondents would like to practice.

Factors determining physical activity of Ukrainian students.

OBJECTIVE: Scientific reports provide information concerning an insufficient level of physical activity of societies. The objective of the study is recognition of the level of physical activity among Ukrainian students, and factors which condition this activity: gender, place of residence, self-reported physical fitness, and the BMI. METHODS: The study was conducted in 2013 among 2,125 Ukrainian students using a long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), supplemented with data concerning the respondents' physical development. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that the mean total physical activity of students was 3.560 MET, and its highest percentage pertained to the area of activity in sports - 1.124 MET. Significantly higher statistically physical activity was observed among males than females. In males, the highest activity was related to participation in sports classes, while in females - engagement in household chores. It was found that males, compared to females, were significantly more physically active in such areas as occupational activity (education) and sports activity, whereas females showed higher activity performing household chores. According to the place of residence, inhabitants of medium-size towns and rural areas obtained the most favourable results in activity, while the inhabitants of large cities the poorest. Self-reported physical fitness was significantly correlated with the results in physical activity obtained by the students. No relationship was found between the BMI and the level of student's physical activity. CONCLUSION: Considering the very large population of respondents, the results obtained may be considered as an up-to-date pattern of physical activity among Ukrainian students.

Level and determinants of physical activity among school adolescents in Poland.

The recognition of adolescents' physical activity has become one of the serious challenges of the modern times, as a concern about the future health of societies. The major goal of the presented study was to discover the level of physical activity among Polish adolescents aged 16-18, and the factors which condition this level. The investigations were carried out in 2011, among 2,974 school adolescents from various locations in Poland - 1,790 girls (60.2%), and 1,184 boys (39.8%). As a study method, a short version of the IPAQ was applied. The results of the study indicated that a larger number of girls than boys show a low level of physical activity. With respect to activity among boys, higher values of intensive and moderate efforts are noted, while in girls, higher values of activities related to walking. It was confirmed that the level of physical activity does not depend on the place of residence. However, the number of physical exercise classes attended is a significant factor, both among boys and girls. It was also found that adolescents who more frequently lead a sedentary style of life are characterized by a lower level of total physical activity. Sedentary lifestyle (time spent sitting) does not differ among the level of physical activity of girls and of boys, neither with respect to the scope of the total physical activity nor to its three levels (low, moderate, high).

Interests and needs for participation in tourism among disabled from eastern regions of Poland.

INTRODUCTION: The scope of problems concerning the disabled still remains a constantly up-to-date social issue, which requires current scientific analysis. In concern for the disabled, the problem of physical activity through their participation in tourism occupies an important position. The studies concern the disabled from three regions: Lublin, Bialystok and Rzeszów, where there occurs the highest intensity of the phenomenon of disability. OBJECTIVE: The recognition of interests and needs manifested by the disabled from the eastern regions of Poland concerning the use of forms of tourism during leisure time. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The method of a diagnostic survey and questionnaire technique were applied. A total number of 750 disabled were examined. RESULTS: The study showed that the majority of the disabled spend their free time devoted to tourist activity according to their needs. The main forms of participation in tourism are sightseeing tours and package holidays, and the respondents would like most to participate in rehabilitation camps and sightseeing tours. A considerable variation was observed in the participation in forms of tourism among the disabled from individual regions. CONCLUSIONS: The disabled who do not wish to participate in sports-recreation and tourist activities, and for whom their state of health is the main barrier, require special interest. A relatively large variation of tourism forms used by the disabled in individual regions indicate the need for an exchange of experiences between specialist facilities taking care of the disabled.

Usage of leisure time by disabled males and females from the Lublin Region.

INTRODUCTION: Free time in the life of both the disabled and those who are able bodied is the time of leisure, recovery and entertainment. The disabled utilize more energy and strength for everyday functioning compared to the able bodied, therefore, an adequate managing of the leisure time they possess is of great importance. This is confirmed by the latest results of American studies. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the presented study is the presentation of the various of managing and organizing leisure time among disabled males and females living in the Lublin Region, with the consideration of statistical significance. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of 360 disabled people were examined--187 females and 173 males, with physical, mental, complex and sensory disability. The study was conducted by a diagnostic survey with the use of a questionnaire form. RESULTS: The results of own studies show small variation in the aspects of managing and organizing free time according to the respondents' gender. During their leisure time, both males and females watch TV, listen to the radio, read books and go for walks. They obtain information concerning offers for spending free time from the media, specialist institutions, associations and acquaintances, and expect assistance in the organization of their leisure time from specialist institutions, associations, and family members. The respondents are most interested in participating in a stay in a rehabilitation spa, permanent activities for the disabled, and trips. To-date they have participated in walking tours, bicycle tours, outdoor bivouacs and pilgrimages in the company of their family members and friends.

Dietary habits and body image perception among Polish adolescents and young adults - a population based study.

Patterns of nutritional behaviours shaped in childhood and during the period of adolescents are mostly continued in adult life, and on these patterns, to a great degree, depends the risk of development of many chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between dietary habits and body image perception among Polish adolescents and young adults. The study group covered 14,511 adolescents/young adults: 10,081 children attending high schools and secondary schools, and 4,428 university students. More than 87% of schoolchildren and students admitted that that they snacked between meals everyday, and 1/3 of them mentioned that they consumed meals at night. As many as 41.40% of schoolchildren, and 46.70% of students experienced the feeling of overeating at least several times a week. Analysis of the respondents BMI showed that in the group of students there were considerably more respondents obese or overweight, compared to the group of schoolchildren. Fear of gaining weight was mentioned by 9.90% of respondents, including 6.90% of those with normal body structure, 1.40% with underweight or overweight, and 0.40% of those obese. As many as 54.60% of the total number of respondents described their body structure as remaining within the normal, 23.7% - as slim, 13.9% reported that they were overweight, 6% - thin, while 1.7% considered themselves as obese. A comprehensive analysis of the data available, including attempts at dieting or gaining weight, indicated that approximately ¾ of obese respondents had undertaken attempts in the past to reduce their body weight. The importance of physical activity and healthy eating habits should be given due attention not only to prevent obesity but also other eating disorder.

Various aspects of physical activity among Lithuanian adolescents.

Studies of the physical activity of 17-year-old adolescents attending selected schools in Lithuania were conducted in 2010 with the use of the IPAQ. The adolescents differed with respect to the scope of leisure time possessed. Considerably more boys than girls indicated that they had a sufficient amount of leisure time, but to the contrary, considerably more girls than boys declared that they possessed an insufficient amount of free time. The majority of schoolchildren were characterized by a high level of physical activity, with the larger group being boys. Low activity was not observed among boys, and in only a few girls. Moderate effort constituted the highest percentage of physical activity among adolescents, whereas an intensive activity - the lowest. Considering the total area of activity, there dominated occupational activity (education), while its smallest percentage was devoted to sports and recreation. Boys evaluated their physical efficacy in more negative terms than girls. Adolescents with a higher self-reported efficacy were characterized by higher physical activity. The majority of adolescents had a normal BMI. Girls and boys had different preferences concerning motor activities. Girls mainly used walks, bicycle riding, and running, while boys also chose bicycle riding and running, and played sports games. The adolescents also had new expectations - girls reported mainly horse riding, aerobics and dancing, whereas boys mentioned football and bodybuilding fitness exercises.

Environmental determinants of participation in tourism and recreation of people with varying degrees of disability.

Environmental determinants for participation of disabled subjects in tourism and recreation comprise an important social problem. The amount and use of free time for individuals with disabilities in daily life, holidays, and vacation leave and the location for tourism and recreation were examined. Seven hundred and fifty individuals, aged 16-75 yr, with varying degrees of disability, from three eastern provinces of Poland: Podlaskie, Lubelskie and Podkarpackie were investigated. In these studies, a diagnostic survey method with the use of questionnaire, interviews, and analysis of data was carried out. It was found that individuals with disabilities have a significant amount of free time, which is usually spent with family and friends. Among the specific benefits of participation in physical activities are well-being, health improvement, and making new acquaintances. The main factors determining participation in tourism and recreation were price, a friendly group, and doctor recommendations.