Measurement of public health benefits of physical activity: validity and reliability study of the international physical activity questionnaire in Hungary.

BACKGROUND: To ensure accurate measurement of the health benefits of habitual physical activity in large sample epidemiological studies, physical activity questionnaires (PAQs) are the most feasible methods. Therefore, the purpose of this study was the validation and cultural adaptation to the Hungarian population of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-HL). METHODS: A cross-sectional study among Hungarian healthy adults (age 21.375 ± 1.940 years, n = 120) was performed comparing measures of last 7 days IPAQ-HL self- administered questionnaire and obtained accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X) data for concurrent validity, reassessed by a random subsample (n = 33) to measure reliability. RESULTS: Our results indicate acceptable criterion validity for total physical activity, moderate to vigorous physical activity (R = 0.387, p < 0.001; R = 0.331 p < 0.001 respectively) and moderate physical activity (R = 0.193, p = 0.034). The ICC scores revealed moderate to good correlations (ICC = 0.744-0.942, p < 0.001). Moderate Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure (0.531, p < 0.001) and good reproducibility for vigorous, moderate to vigorous and moderate activities was found for IPAQ-HL in the studied population. Nevertheless, like analogous self-reports in other languages, it overestimates the time spent on physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: IPAQ-HL proved to be a reasonably valid measure for population prevalence epidemiological studies and is suggested for use to develop public health policy recommendations or to optimize public health interventions. However, the results on vigorous activity should be interpreted with caution, the questionnaire showed moderate validity for this particular intensity.

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.

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.

Physical activity and associated socio-demographic factors in adolescents from the eastern region of Poland

Background: The introduction and maintenance of healthy habits in the field of physical activity at the early stage of life is particularly important for public health. With increasing of public awareness in physical activity, researchers are increasingly questioning its determinants in different age groups. In this paper we focus on variables such as age, sex and place of residence. Objectives: To determine what selected socio-demographic factors influence the level of physical activity of school youth from the eastern region of Poland in different domains of daily life. Material and Methods: A random sample of 916 Polish school youth from Secondary Schools from Eastern Region of Poland aged 16-18 was interviewed in spring 2016 by diagnostic survey method with the use of the official Polish long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Analysing the relationship between gender and the level of physical activity statistically significant differences were found in all domains in favour of boys. The level of total physical activity in girls was 5345.5 MET-min./week, whereas in boys ­ 6556.6 MET-min./week. In the area of total physical activity, the highest values were observed in pupils from small towns and villages, with lower values in the youth living in large and medium-sized cities. When the relationship of age with the level of physical activity in particular domains was examined, only the activity in the work/ school domain (p = 0.0129) spoke in favour of the youngest pupils (2578.7 MET-min./week) when compared to the oldest ones (2226.4 MET-min./week). Conclusions: The level of physical activity in young people from the Eastern region of Poland is decreasing with age, both in girls and boys. It is therefore important, especially for the group emerging adulthood, to offer a wide variety of updated, involving, age and gender-oriented school physical activity classes that could be easily practised outside the school environment to improve the level of physical activity in leisure domain

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.

Psychological Gender and Emotional Intelligence in Youth Female Soccer Players.

Many sports (for instance soccer) are stereotypically perceived as a male activity. Even so, more and more women decide to become competitive athletes. Since the theory of sport requires comprehensive explanations and the practice of sport needs clear guidelines, interdisciplinary studies into the nature of sport, including its psychological aspects, are necessary. Analysing the psychological profile of female soccer players, particularly those who are about to become professional athletes, can provide many interesting insights into the specific character of female youth sport and show where improvements can be made in athletic training programmes (especially in mental training). It is therefore important to study psychological gender that determines social behaviours and to analyse female athletes' emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is defined as a set of emotional competencies that determine the effectiveness of human behaviours. Psychological gender and emotional intelligence have a significant effect on human adaptability and the efficiency of psychosocial functioning. This research was undertaken with the dual purpose of identifying the psychological gender and emotional intelligence of female soccer players. It involved 54 secondary-school girls, some of whom attended a sports class and others played on the Polish national team. The following tools were used to carry out the research: the Gender Assessment Inventory (IPP [This and the other acronyms derive from the Polish language]-developed by Kuczynska) and the Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (INTE; created by Jaworowska and Matczak). As shown by the analysis of the results, most female soccer players in the study were androgynous and the level of their emotional intelligence was significantly higher than in other participants. This also seems to point to their significantly greater adaptability. At the same time, the level of emotional intelligence in many players was average or low, which seems insufficient and calls for adequate intervention measures to be taken.

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.

Health-Related Physical Fitness, BMI, physical activity and time spent at a computer screen in 6 and 7-year-old children from rural areas in Poland.

The objective of the study was determination of the effect of various forms of physical activity, BMI, and time devoted to computer games on the level of Health-Related Physical Fitness (H-RF) in 6-7-year-old children from Polish rural areas. The study covered 25,816 children aged 6-7: 12,693 girls and 13,123 boys. The evaluations included body height and weight, and 4 H-RF fitness components (trunk strength, explosive leg power, arm strength and flexibility). The BMI was calculated for each child. The Questionnaire directed to parents was designed to collect information concerning the time devoted by children to computer games, spontaneous and additional physical activity. The strength of the relationships between dependent and independent variables was determined using the Spearman's rank correlation (RSp), and the relationship by using the regression analysis. The BMI negatively affected the level of all the H-RF components analysed (p=0.000). The negative effect of computer games revealed itself only with respect to flexibility (p=0.000), explosive leg power (p=0.000) and trunk muscle strength (p=0.000). A positive effect of spontaneous activity was observed for flexibility (p=0.047), explosive leg power (p=0.000), and arm strength (p=0.000). Additional activity showed a positive relationship with trunk muscles strength (p=0.000), and explosive leg power (p=0.000). The results of studies suggest that it is necessary to pay attention to the prevention of diseases related with the risk of obesity and overweight among Polish rural children as early as at pre-school age. There is also a need during education for shaping in these children the awareness of concern about own body, and the need for active participation in various forms of physical activity.

Leisure time physical activity of young women from the Carpathian Euroregion in relation to the Body Mass Index.

Carpathian Euroregion gathers the population of 5 countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania- the European Union members, as well as Ukraine. Young women are statistically less involved in high-intensity physical activity than young men. The objective of this work was to assess the relation between physical activity of young women aged 18-21 years old and BMI and conditioning factors. The study was conducted between 2010 and 2011 among 2339 women. The Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnarie (MLTPAQ) was applied. It results from the study that 74,2% of young women is considered to have the proper BMI rate (18,5-24,9). As many as 16,2% is considered underweight and almost 10% have higher BMI rate and are overweight. More than one third of respondents did not gain the level of physical activity of 1000 kcal/week, and that is the minimum recommended amount of leisure physical activity time per week. In case of women with low level of physical activity (<1000 kcal), as many as 52% of week activity considered low-intensity activity EEPAlight. The character of changes of the BMI index with reference to the level of physical activity is very similar in the women from towns/cities and the women from villages. An increase of BMI along with the total physical activity was related among all to the increase of free fat mass FFM despite of the level of physical.

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.

Physical activity of Polish adolescents and young adults according to IPAQ: a population based study.

The alarming problem of a decline in physical activity among children and adolescents and its detrimental effects on public health has been well recognised worldwide. Low physical activity is responsible for 6% of deaths worldwide and 5-10% of deaths in the countries of the WHO European Region, according to country. Within the last decade, many initiatives have been launched to counteract this phenomenon. The objective of presented study was analysis of the level of physical activity among adolescents and young adults in Poland, according to the IPAQ questionnaire. The study group covered 7,716 adolescents: 5,086 children attending high school and secondary schools and 2,630 university students. Low physical activity was noted among 57% of schoolchildren and 20.84% of students. Analysis of the level of physical activity according to the IPAQ indicated that it was lower among girls, compared to boys. An additional analysis, with the consideration of the place of residence, showed that the highest percentage of the population with low physical activity was noted in the rural areas (29.30%), while among the urban inhabitants of cities with a population above 100,000 it was on the level of 23.69% and 20.57%. Median for weekly physical activity by respondents" gender was on the level of 1,554.00 MET*min. weekly among females, and 2,611.00 MET*min. weekly among males (p<0.000). The highest weekly physical activity expressed in MET*min. was observed among the inhabitants of towns with a population less than 100,000, whereas among the rural population and inhabitants of large cities with a population of over 100,000 the weekly physical activity was on a similar level (1,830.50 and 1,962.00 respectively). An extended analysis of respondents' physical activity showed that during the day students spend significantly more time in a sedentary position, compared to schoolchildren. The presented results of studies indicate the necessity to continue and intensify actions to promote various forms of physical activity among students and schoolchildren. A constant decrease in physical activity observed among children and adolescents suggests that it is necessary to pay greater attention to this social group while developing health programmes.

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.

Conditioning of participation of disabled males and females from eastern regions of Poland in tourism and recreation.

Disability is a serious social, cultural and economic problem, the solving of which requires both legal regulations and coordinated activities by the State. A constantly increasing number of the disabled is an important premise for undertaking actions aimed at complex rehabilitation of this population group, and their engagement in social and economic life. Creating possibilities for spending free time in an attractive way, in accordance with ones interests and needs, is an essential area of rehabilitation activities. In 2005, the Institute of Tourism and Recreation at the State Higher Vocational School in Bial Podlaska launched representative, complex studies concerning the social conditioning of involvement of the disabled from the regions of Eastern Poland in tourism and mobile recreation. The presented material is an excerpt from this study report. It concerns barriers which limit or make it impossible for disabled males and females to participate in tourism and mobile recreation in the regions of Lublin, Rzeszow, and Bialstok. Among barriers, which to the highest degree limit the participation of the disabled in tourism and recreation, the respondents indicated their poor material standard. Other important barriers were inconveniences associated with transport, lack of up-to-date information, and type of disability. The barriers limiting motor activity were also analyzed according to gender. Statistically significant differences were observed between males and females with respect to the following characteristics: transport, lack of adequate information, lack of off er of activities, and lack of assistance. It is noteworthy that males more strongly than females emphasized such barriers as lack of information, off er of assistance, while females indicated the problems with transport.