THE ROLE OF SELF-EFFICACY IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN STUDENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Physical activity among adults and adolescents do not meet the recommendations of WHO. Many studies focus on investigation of physical activity in students and the role of self-efficacy as important factor in predicting physical activity behaviour. Aim of the study was to determine the role of self-efficacy in physical activity in students. A literature review has been conducted to determine the self-efficacy measurements in physical activity studies and to determine factors related to self-efficacy and physical activity. Through search in the PubMed database 206 records were identified and 24 articles were included in further analysis. Thirteen studies used the General Self-Efficacy Scale [GSES] to measure self-efficacy level. Two studies considered The Exercise Self-Efficacy scale [ESES] focusing specifically on physical activity. Other studies considered different self-efficacy measurement tools including separate questions about physical activity self-efficacy as part of the questionnaire or survey used in the study. One study focused on emotional self-efficacy measures. Other factors investigated in relation to self-efficacy and physical activity were health beliefs, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, academic behaviour, academic procrastination, academic burnout, emotional intelligence, subjective well-being, Self-control, motivation and addiction, self-esteem, body image, sense of inferiority, and social support.

DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICE QUALITY FOR STUDY PROGRAMME ‘THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE’

Higher education institutions try to provide best quality study and services in order to satisfied student. The purpose of this paper is to develop recommendations to improve service quality for study programme ‘Therapeutic massage’ (EQF study level 5). The standard questionnaire SERVQUAL (five dimensions - reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy and responsiveness), emphasizing on measuring the gap between level of current and expected service quality was used. In total 122 students (94% of study programme`s students) have participated in research. The study examines the validity of SERVQUAL in assessing students` satisfaction with study programme. Reliability Coefficient Cronbach's Alpha 0.884. The research found that in the study programme there is a gap of current and expected service quality in dimensions empathy (gap mean score -0.28), tangibles (gap mean score -0.38), responsiveness (gap mean score -0.30) indicating that development need to be implemented to enhance the service quality. Based on the research results obtained, recommendations for improvement of service quality were developed.

SIGNIFICANCE OF INTENSITY OF SWEDISH MASSAGE COURSE IN IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH STATUS

The aim of the study is to compare the immediate and cumulative effects of Swedish massage on the physiological, emotional, and biochemical factors of healthy individuals, as well as the sustainability of the effects depending on the intensity of the course.The study subjects were 30 healthy young women. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. Subjects got in total ten Swedish back massages: twice and once a week. At the research the complete blood count was performed, salivary cortisol level, total antioxidant capacity were checked with the resources of laboratory “E.Gulbja Laboratorija”(www.egl.lv) Emotions were tested by using the FaceReader 6.0™. Body composition analysis was performed by using Tanita SC 330, blood pressure and heart rate were also measured (Omron M7–IT). The collected data was analyzed by using methods of mathematical statistics. Regression testing was performed by using the Fisher criterion. Analysis of the obtained data allows us to observe positive trends in Swedish massage to the improvement of health status. Differences in some summary results of massage effects were identified

THE ROLE OF SELF-EFFICACY IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN STUDENTS: : A LITERATURE REVIEW

Physical activity among adults and adolescents do not meet the recommendations of WHO. Many studies focus on investigation of physical activity in students and the role of self-efficacy as important factor in predicting physical activity behaviour. Aim of the study was to determine the role of self-efficacy in physical activity in students. A literature review has been conducted to determine the self-efficacy measurements in physical activity studies and to determine factors related to self-efficacy and physical activity. Through search in the PubMed database 206 records were identified and 24 articles were included in further analysis. Thirteen studies used the General Self-Efficacy Scale [GSES] to measure self-efficacy level. Two studies considered The Exercise Self-Efficacy scale [ESES] focusing specifically on physical activity. Other studies considered different self-efficacy measurement tools including separate questions about physical activity self-efficacy as part of the questionnaire or survey used in the study. One study focused on emotional self-efficacy measures. Other factors investigated in relation to self-efficacy and physical activity were health beliefs, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, academic behaviour, academic procrastination, academic burnout, emotional intelligence, subjective well-being, Self-control, motivation and addiction, self-esteem, body image, sense of inferiority, and social support.publishersversionPeer reviewe

MASSAGE EFFECT ON PSYCHOEMOTIONAL STATE AND BLOOD GLUCOSE IN TYPE 1 DIABETES ADOLESCENTS

In 2021, there were approximately 1.5 million people under age 20 with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) worldwide. Massage affects both physiological processes and also improves the psycho-emotional state. There have been studies on diabetes and the effects of massage on blood glucose levels, but the topic is under-researched. The purpose of the study: to find out the effect of classical massage on the psycho-emotional state and blood glucose level (BGL) in adolescents with T1D. Fifteen adolescents aged 12 to 16, diagnosed with T1D for at least six months, participated in the study. During the study, teenagers were given five classic back massages (once a week, 30 minutes). BGL was measured with glucometer before and after each massage. Participants completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule before each massage and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales at the beginning and end of all massage sessions. Oscillometric method was used to determine the heart rate. The study results show that classical massage positively affects BGL and emotional states in adolescents with T1D. The overall results show a reduced BGL as well as heart rate. Although the differences are not statistically significant, and the effect is not large due to the sample size, the change direction is clinically relevant. When evaluating the results, it is necessary to consider the adolescents' specific age.

THE EFFECT OF FRACTIONATED RED BEETROOT JUICE ON PERFORMANCE AND OVERALL HEALTH OF A HIGH-PERFORMANCE ATHLETES

Over the past 20 years, nitric oxide has become the turning point in athlete physiology and medical research. It has been observed in scientific studies that there are very different protocols for the use of nitrates (red beetroot juice) and different research methodology and results. The most effective solutions for improving the performance of athletes are still being sought. The purpose of this research is to investigate the performance and overall health of a high-performance athlete after consuming fractionated red beetroot juice. The investigation is a one-case study. The respondent is a high-class athlete - track and field (middle and long distance), 20 years old. Three tests were performed in laboratory conditions with an interval of one week. The first test was without the use of fractionated red beetroot juice, the second test after a single dose, and the third after 7 days of use. The research used an interview of the respondent, cardio pulmonary exercise testing measuring device "Vyntus CPX" with gas analysis on a bike ergometer and determination of blood lactate concentration. In the experiment, the athlete's VO2max improved during each test, after one dose by 9%, and after 7 days of use by 13% from the first test. The physical overall health at the end of the test worsened each time, but in the previous tests, where fractionated red beetroot juice was used, a faster recovery of the athlete's working capacity after exercise was observed

The Relationship Between Head Posture and Level of Physical Activity in Office Workers

The purpose of this study was to discover the relationship between head and neck posture and level of physical activity for office workers.In our study, 66 subjects (women 28-49 age old) who work in office longer than one year, sitting would total about 6 hours per 8 hour workday. Exclusion criteria were self-report of previous significant back injury; current neck or upper back pain; or referred pain into the upper extremity (i.e. cervical radiculopathy). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Physical activity levels were evaluated using the International PhysicalActivity Questionnaireshort form. The head posture and the craniovertebralangle wasmeasured using photogrammetry, Protractor mobile application using iPhone 6s cell phone. The cervical Range of Motion was analyzed using the inclinometer and the Neck Disability Index as an instrument for self-rated disability. The collected data were analyzed using the methods of mathematical statistics. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship of level of physical activity with craniovertebral angle and Neck Disability Index.The results showed physical activity levelhas no correlations at all, a weak correlation to the craniovertebral angle.There is a correlation between all other head posture indicatorspublishersversionPeer reviewe

Effect of Nordic Walking Activities on Women Body Compositiona Critical Review

Nordic walking (NW) is a particularly health-friendly type of physical activities. Sessions of NW are carried outdoors in “a natural sports hall”. NW with a healthy and biomechanically correct movement evenly employs 600 muscle groups, or 90% of the body muscles. NW is a type of physical activity for developing various biomotor abilities that help in the healthy elimination of overweight. NW activates metabolism and increases energy exchange. Several research have confirmed the positive effects of physical activities for this particular group of patients. Three of the included works of research (Song et al,2013.,Jasinski et al, 2015., Hagner-Derengowska et al, 2015) had a set research quality in the PEDro database, and it corresponded to high quality (6 points out of 10). All included works of research are randomised controlled works of research. The objective of the research is to summarise proof available in sources about the effectiveness of NW in the improvement of health indicators for patients. Research has shown that NW exercise significantly reduces total body fat and is more effective than other forms of physical activity. The results of the study allow to recommend NW as an effective physical activity for improving and maintaining body composition  publishersversionPeer reviewe

Differences about Calorie Intake Measurement Across Fitness Device and Mobile Apps

Various technologies are increasingly used in sports and fitness classes. Portable fitness devices are the fastest growing fitness trend worldwide in the recent years (Thompson, 2019). More and more people are using fitness bracelets, smart watches, GPS tracking devices and fitness apps on mobile phones. One of the most commonly used functions in both portable fitness devices and stationarytechnology is the measurement of calories intake. The simplest, most convenient, and cheapest way to measure calorie intake (CI) is smart devices and custom mobile apps (Ramirez, 2018) that store and process data. However, not all of these devices are accurate and objective enough.Aim of the study: to find out and evaluate the calorie intake of a bicycle ergometer and various mobile apps under different physical loads.CI at various physical loads was determined using the MONARK ERGOMEDIC 839E cycling and applications. Comparing the measurement difference between the apps and the ergometer, it was found that the lowest load difference was for all apps, the least difference was for the POLAR app and the highest was for the SAMSUNG app, and the mid to higher load for the SAMSUNG app. App calorie intake figures are closer to those of the ergometer at peak load.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Physical Activity Habits of Latvian Nursing Students : A Cross-Sectional Study

It is important to integrate knowledge about the need for physical activities (PA) in the prevention and care of human health in nursing study programs so that nurses can promote PA among their patients. This study aims to evaluate the PA habits of Latvian nursing students. Participants were students of three universities in Latvia who were enrolled in a four-year bachelor study program, “Nursing”, with a total of 341 after the data cleaning (population size n = 1554). The questionnaire contained questions about sociodemographic variables derived from the survey of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia “Health Behaviour among Latvian Adult Population”, habits of PA, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. The data were collected between September and November 2021. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (difference between groups, correlation, and association tests) were calculated to analyse the data. Of the study population, 39% did not reach the minimum WHO-recommended PA. Increased PA level in the later study years is related to more frequent engagement in work and fewer table activities in the curriculum study process, but the higher intensity and total PA could be related to the specifics of nurse and nurse assistant work, which could be especially intense due to the overloaded health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic.publishersversionpublishersversionPeer reviewe