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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 21098

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Dr. Andrzej Tomczak

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Finance and Management, University WSB Merito Torun, 87100 Torun, Poland
Interests: fitness; physical activity; coordination motor abilities (skills); training of soldiers; survival; nutritional status; security (safety) education; uniformed services

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity, nutritional status, and fitness are important predictors of public health and the well-being of society as a whole. They influence the preparation to perform official duties (tasks) in some professional specialties. They are also important factors leading to success in professional sport and sport for all. The "Physical activity, nutritional status and physical fitness" supplement consists of articles on two main thematic fields.

The first field is a series of articles in which Polish soldiers, policemen and border guards were the research material. The research issues concerned the determination of the level of physical activity, problems related to overweight and obesity, adherence to dietary recommendations and the determination of energy expenditure. The authors assessed the state of a given variable, examined the relationships between individual variables in order to find the regularities on the basis of which it was possible to develop recommendations for soldiers and officers and their superiors (makers). The presented works were carried out as part of a research project of the National Health Program.

The second thematic field concerns physical activity, nutritional status and fitness of the general public. Interesting topics that were discussed include the index for diet assessment, biomechanical aspects of sports training and influence some genes on obesity.

Dr. Andrzej Tomczak
Guest Editor

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Keywords

physical activity
fitness
nutritional status
overweight
obesity
soldiers
policemen
border guard
athletes

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between a Maximum Plank Assessment and Fitness, Health Behaviors, and Moods in Tactical Athletes: An Exploratory Study

by Megan Sax van der Weyden, Michael Toczko, Marcie Fyock-Martin and Joel Martin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12832; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912832 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2080

Abstract

A maximum plank hold (PH) has been implemented in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) with the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program. The H2F program introduces a shift in wellbeing from a fitness centered approach to framework also comprising nutrition, sleep, mental, and spiritual components. The purpose was to analyze how a maximum PH correlated with fitness, lifestyle behaviors, and mood states in tactical athletes (TA) and assess differences between those who pass and fail. Forty-nine TA completed fitness testing, lifestyle behavior, and mood state surveys. Bivariate correlations were used to examine relationships with PH performance. PH time was significantly correlated with total body mass, fat mass, BMI, push-ups, and state physical energy (SPE). VO_2max was significantly different between the groups who passed and failed the PH. PH was not associated with lifestyle behaviors or trait mood states. PH performance could vary day-to-day as it was correlated with SPE. Individuals with poorer aerobic fitness and body composition may be at risk for failing the PH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness)

22 pages, 3368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Structure of the Relationship between Physical Activity and Psychosocial Functioning of Women and Men during the COVID-19 Epidemic in Poland

by Anna Mazur and Elżbieta Bartoń

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 11860; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191911860 - 20 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1244

Abstract

Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a serious crisis in many countries around the world, it is important to conduct empirical research aimed at identifying risks and factors protecting the functioning of people affected by it. For this reason, the goals of the present research were to determine the level of physical activity and the severity of symptoms characteristic of mental disorders, cognitive disorders and the quality of social functioning, as well as the structure of the relationship between physical activity and psychosocial functioning of 226 women and 226 men during the COVID-19 epidemic in Eastern Poland. The research was conducted using the IPAQ-SF Questionnaire, GHQ-28 Questionnaires, TUS Test-6/9 version, the original SFS Scale and a self-developed sociodemographic survey. The collected data indicate that women as compared to men show lower levels of weekly physical activity, walking, moderate activity, vigorous activity and quality of functioning in family relationships, but higher severity of mental health disorders, somatic symptoms, functional disorders, depressive symptoms, cognitive disorders, perceptual work disorders, attention deficits and higher quality of functioning in work relationships. On the other hand, the structural model indicates that physical activity, interacting with mental health disorders and cognitive disorders, is positively associated with the social functioning of the respondents, and gender is the moderator of the occurring dependencies. This suggests that physical activity adapted to the condition of health may be an important component of gender-individualized psychopreventive interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness)

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12 pages, 358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Level of Physical Activity and Body Mass Index of Soldiers of the Polish Air Force

by Andrzej Tomczak, Anna Anyżewska, Jerzy Bertrandt, Tomasz Lepionka, Artur Kruszewski and Agata Gaździńska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8392; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148392 - 09 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1782

Abstract

Level of physical activity positively affects health condition, correlates highly with level of physical fitness and contributes to the efficient performance of military tasks. The aim of the study was to assess the level of physical activity and body mass index of the Polish Air Force soldiers. A total of 543 professional soldiers (men) doing military service in military units of the Polish Air Force underwent the examination. The average age of examined soldiers amounted to 34.8 ± 9.0 years. In order to carry out the research, the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Out of the total of 477 questionnaires that qualified for the analysis, a high level of physical activity was found among 81.1% of subjects, moderate 10.5% and low 8.4%. Average MET values were obtained in the following: job-related, relocation (transportation), housekeeping, recreation (leisure activities and sport). The average MET values were 4173 ± 5306 MET; 2371 ± 2725 MET; 2455 ± 4843 MET; 2421 ± 2802 MET, respectively. The average level of body mass index amounted to 25.98 ± 3.38 kg/m². The tested Air Force soldiers were generally characterized by a high and moderate level of physical activity. Generally, there was no difference in the level of physical activity between the flight crew and the ground staff. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness)

14 pages, 369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Enhancing Physical Activity Policies in Poland: Findings from the HEPA PAT Survey

by Aleksandra Romanowska, Agnieszka Morawiak, Catherine Woods, Liam Kelly, Kevin Volf, Peter Gelius, Sven Messing, Sarah Forberger, Jeroen Lakerveld, Nicolette R. Den Braver, Enrique García Bengoechea and Joanna Żukowska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127284 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1634

Abstract

Insufficient physical activity (PA) is one of major risk factors for serious diseases and premature mortality worldwide. Public policies to enhance PA across society are recognized as an effective tool against the problem. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive assessment of national-level PA policy approach in Poland. A standardized survey of Word Health Organization named the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool (HEPA PAT) was used for data collection. Content analysis and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis (SWOT) were used to characterize various PA policy aspects, to appraise the current situation, and accommodate organizational and environmental factors that it is influenced by. The results show that the national PA policy approach has been constantly developing in Poland, but there is room for improvement in a number of areas. The most important weaknesses are the lack of clear leadership, no mechanisms in place to coordinate efforts undertaken at different levels, and lack of collaboration across different levels of government and across different sectors of economy. Providing an umbrella covering all PA promotion policies and activities is, therefore, a key issue to be addressed. The country should seize the opportunity coming from an increasing awareness of a healthy lifestyle among Polish society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness)

11 pages, 358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Body Composition and Bone Calcification of Students of Police Schools and Police Training Centers in Poland—A Cross-Sectional Study

by Tomasz Lepionka, Anna Anyżewska, Ewelina Maculewicz, Krzysztof Klos, Roman Lakomy, Ewa Szarska, Andrzej Tomczak, Agata Gaździńska, Katarzyna Skuza and Jerzy Bertrandt

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7161; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127161 - 10 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1471

Abstract

The 21st century is considered the age of malnutrition resulting in the unprecedented frequency of civilization diseases. Among these disorders, obesity is particularly distinguished and considered an epidemic-scale disease. For this reason, conducting studies on obesity and counteracting this phenomenon is essential. Research from recent years indicates a problem of excessive body weight among officers of uniformed services, who should be characterized by good health and fitness level due to the specificity of the work. As the problem of obesity affects every fourth Pole, research in uniformed services seems to be essential from health and national security perspectives. The presented study aimed to determine the elements of nutritional status in 289 students of Polish police schools and police training centers. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and bone calcification assessment was conducted by the DXA densitometric method. Based on BMI and body fat content, body weight disorders were found in 31.8% of all examined students. Densitometric test results showed changes in bone calcification of varying severity in 26.6% of the total number of respondents. The presence of obesity in students of police schools and training centers proves that the present nutrition model is energetically unbalanced, while the demonstrated disorders of bone calcification indicate an improper condition of mineral nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness)

11 pages, 1114 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of the Dietary Inflammatory Index to Assess the Diet of Young Physically Active Men

by Anna Kęska, Anna Pietrzak and Dagmara Iwańska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6884; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116884 - 04 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1728

Abstract

Background: Chronic inflammation can lead to the development of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases. One of the factors causing inflammation is diet. The aim of this study was to assess the inflammatory potential of the diet, expressed by the DII index, in young physically active men. Methods: A total of 94 physically active students aged 19–23 participated in the study. The subjects’ diets were assessed on the basis of 4-day dietary records, which were then analyzed using the computer program “Diet 5.0”. The DII was calculated for each participant based on the individual consumption of the selected dietary components. The concentration of CRP protein was also determined. Results: Participants was divided into groups according to values of DII. Diets with different DIIs provided similar amounts of calories, but differed significantly in the content of many nutrients. Participants whose diets showed the most anti-inflammatory effects consumed significantly more protein, magnesium, iron, zinc, antioxidant vitamins, and B vitamins compared to others. The highest concentration of CRP protein was observed in men whose diet was described as the most pro-inflammatory (Q4 group). A significant relationship was found between DII and body fat (%) in men in the most anti-inflammatory (Q1 group) and neutral diet (Q2–Q3 group). Conclusions: The Dietary Inflammatory Index is a promising method of describing the effect of dietary intake on the risk of inflammation in young, healthy individuals engaging in regular physical activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness)

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11 pages, 341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Energy Expenditure of Police Officers Trained in Polish Police Schools and Police Training Centers

by Jerzy Bertrandt, Anna Anyżewska, Roman Łakomy, Tomasz Lepionka, Ewa Szarska, Andrzej Tomczak, Agata Gaździńska, Karolina Bertrandt-Tomaszewska, Krzysztof Kłos and Ewelina Maculewicz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6828; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116828 - 02 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1366

Abstract

Knowledge of the energy expenditure related to the training of policemen allows for assessment of the intensity of the work performed and is an indispensable element of planning and implementing nutrition. This study on energy expenditure comprised a total of 280 persons, students of two Polish police schools and two police training centers. The energy expenditure of policemen was determined based on measurements of the heart rate using Polar RC3 GPS heart rate monitors. The energy expenditure of policemen associated with the training process in the police schools and training centers ranged from 1793 to 3043 kcal/8 h and amounted to 2314 ± 945 kcal/8 h during training on average. The values of energy expenditure related to a typical training day in Polish institutions conducting police training are diverse and depend on the specificity and nature of the training. According to the criteria for assessing the burden of work, the work performed by police officers can be classified as hard work and very hard work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness)

11 pages, 350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of FTO, FABP2, LEP, LEPR, and MC4R Genes on Obesity Parameters in Physically Active Caucasian Men

by Ewelina Maculewicz, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Andrzej Mastalerz, Ewa Szarska, Aleksandra Garbacz, Tomasz Lepionka, Roman Łakomy, Anna Anyżewska and Jerzy Bertrandt

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6030; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106030 - 16 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1946

Abstract

Obesity is a complex multifactorial abnormality that has a well-confirmed genetic basis. However, the problem still lies in identifying the polymorphisms linked to body mass and composition. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze associations between FTO (rs9939609), FABP2 (rs1799883), and LEP (rs2167270), LEPR (rs1137101), and MC4R (rs17782313) polymorphisms and obesity-related parameters. Unrelated Caucasian males (n = 165) were recruited. All participants had similar physical activity levels. The participants were divided into two groups depending on their body mass index (BMI) and fat mass index (FMI). All samples were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). When tested individually, only one statistically significant result was found. The FTO A/T polymorphism was significantly associated with FMI (p = 0.01). The chance of having increased FMI was >2-fold higher for the FTO A allele carriers (p < 0.01). Gene–gene interaction analyses showed the additional influence of all investigated genes on BMI and FMI. In summary, it was demonstrated that harboring the FTO A allele might be a risk factor for elevated fat mass. Additionally, this study confirmed that all five polymorphisms are involved in the development of common obesity in the studied population and the genetic risk of obesity is linked to the accumulation of numerous variants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness)

14 pages, 370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Diet, Physical Activity and Nutritional Status of Male Border Guard Officers

by Anna Anyżewska, Roman Łakomy, Tomasz Lepionka, Ewelina Maculewicz, Ewa Szarska, Andrzej Tomczak, Izabela Bolczyk and Jerzy Bertrandt

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095305 - 27 Apr 2022

Viewed by 1575

Abstract

The main factors that determine the effectiveness and reliability of duties and tasks performed by border guard officers, are very good health and maintaining a high level of psychophysical fitness that depend mainly on adequate diet and physical activity and thus, nutritional status. The aim of the study was to verify the correlations between dietary habits, physical activity level and selected nutritional status indicators. One hundred and sixty-nine male border guard officers participated in the study. A 61-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary habits and a long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity. Fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and bone calcification was assessed by the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Many correlations between dietary habits, as well as the physical activity of officers and body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI) and visceral fat level (VFL) were found, while bone mineral density (BMD T-score) negatively correlated only with two food groups and 6 out of 61 products but did not correlate with physical activity. The results also confirmed many poor dietary habits and abnormalities in nutritional status. Thus, there is a need for nutritional education and further monitoring of health-related behaviors, as well as monitoring the nutritional status of border guard officers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness)

13 pages, 380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of CrossFit Training on Physical Fitness of Kickboxers

by Tadeusz Ambroży, Łukasz Rydzik, Amadeusz Kwiatkowski, Michał Spieszny, Dorota Ambroży, Aneta Rejman, Agnieszka Koteja, Jarosław Jaszczur-Nowicki, Henryk Duda and Wojciech Czarny

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4526; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084526 - 08 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2867

Abstract

Background: Kickboxing is a combat sport that is complex in technique, tactics, and movement structure, and requires an adequate level of motor skills as a foundation for activities during competitions. General physical fitness, defined as the effect of the externalization of motor skills, is the basis for athletic training regardless of the sport. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of modified training based on the principles of CrossFit on the development of general physical fitness in a group of kickboxers compared to a control group. Methods: The study was experimental in nature and was conducted in a group of 60 kickboxers, divided into experimental and control groups. Participants were selected by purposive sampling, and the criteria were training experience, sports skill level (minimum class 1 athletes), and consent to participate in the experiment. The intervention in the study group involved the introduction of CrossFit-based training into a conventional kickboxing training program. General and special physical fitness of the athletes were diagnosed. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in general fitness in terms of abdominal strength (p < 0.001), pull-ups (p < 0.001), dynamometric measurement of handgrip force (p < 0.001) (kg), clap push-ups (p < 0.001), standing long jump (p < 0.001), shuttle run (p < 0.001), sit-and-reach (p < 0.001), and tapping (p < 0.001). Furthermore, changes in special fitness were also demonstrated for the special kickboxing fitness test (SKFT) (p < 0.02), the total number of punches (p < 0.001), punching speed (p < 0.001), and hip turning speed (p < 0.001). There was also a correlation between characteristics of general fitness and special fitness (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The experimental training program based on the principles of CrossFit training had a positive effect on the general and special kickboxing physical fitness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness)

12 pages, 354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Risk Factors for Development of Overweight and Obesity among Soldiers of Polish Armed Forces Participating in the National Health Programme 2016–2020

by Agata Gaździńska, Paweł Jagielski, Marta Turczyńska, Łukasz Dziuda and Stefan Gaździński

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3069; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053069 - 05 Mar 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1952

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Polish Armed Forces soldiers and to analyze risk factors impacting body mass. In total, 1096 male, Caucasian soldiers (36.31 ± 8.03 years) participated in this study. Anthropometric data were obtained, and questionnaires evaluated sociodemographic, environmental, behavioral and biological factors known to be associated with obesity. Only 33% of the total number of participants had normal body weight, and 17.3% were considered obese (according to WHO criteria). The results showed that being 40 years or older, sleeping six hours or less per day, more frequent reaching for food in stressful situations, having a mother with excessive body weight, not exercising or exercising at most two days per week, and spending two hours a day or more in front of the TV increase the risk of obesity. Taken together, the results show that factors such as family history of obesity, dietary habits, physical activity, length of sleep and ability to cope with stress could be used to identify soldiers at higher risk of developing obesity in order to provide them with personalized prevention programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness)

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