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Levante A, Quarta S, Massaro M, Calabriso N, Carluccio M, Damiano F, Pollice F, Siculella L, Lecciso F. Physical activity habits prevent psychological distress in female academic students: The multiple mediating role of physical and psychosocial parameters. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26626. [PMID: 38420440 PMCID: PMC10901019 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Psychological distress is recognised as the most common mental health difficulty in emerging adult (18-to-24-year-old) female academic students. This study aimed to test a novel model positing physical activity habits as a protective factor for psychological distress through the mediating role of physical and psychological parameters. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and self-reported physical health status were included as physical parameters. Self-reported psychological health status and time spent on leisure activities were the psychological parameters considered. Method Data were collected between April and May 2021. Correlation analyses and a multiple mediation model were computed on 411 online questionnaires filled out by 18-to-24-year-old female students from the University of blind (Italy). Results The multiple indirect effects were significant (β = -0.088; p < 0.001). This means that physical activity habits reduce psychological distress through high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a good self-assessment of one's physical and psychological health status, and more time spent on leisure activities outdoors, with friends, and with family members. Conclusions Results show that academic policies should be adopted so as to design physical activity programmes that may improve the students' healthy behaviours and social interactions, which, in turn, mitigate the detrimental effects of psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Levante
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - S. Quarta
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - M. Massaro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - N. Calabriso
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - M.A. Carluccio
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - F. Damiano
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - F. Pollice
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - L. Siculella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - F. Lecciso
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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Podstawski R, Borysławski K, Józefacka NM, Snarska J, Hinca B, Biernat E, Podstawska A. The influence of extreme thermal stress on the physiological and psychological characteristics of young women who sporadically use the sauna: practical implications for the safe use of the sauna. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1303804. [PMID: 38344040 PMCID: PMC10853428 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1303804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Many individuals who use the sauna at a temperature of 120°C of higher are not aware of the negative consequences of extreme thermal stress. Despite extensive research into sauna use, the impact of extreme thermal stress on the physiological and psychological characteristics of sauna users have not been examined to date. Aim The aim was to determine the effect of 20 min sauna sessions with a temperature of 80°C and 120°C on the physiological and psychological characteristics of women who sporadically visit the sauna. Methods The study was conducted on 22 full-time female university students. Physical activity (PA) levels were evaluated with the Polish short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Anthropometric characteristics were measured before the first sauna session by the InBody270 body composition analyzer. Physiological parameters, including heart, energy expenditure, physical effort, and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure - SBP, and diastolic blood pressure - DBP), were assessed indirectly using Polar V800 heart rate monitors and the Omron M6 Comfort blood pressure monitor. The participants' wellbeing was assessed with the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. The presence of significant correlations between heat exhaustion and heat stress variables and syncope during the second sauna session was examined with the use of classification and regression trees (CRT) and the cross-validation technique. Results Twenty-minute sauna sessions with a temperature of 80°C and 120°C induced a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the values of SBP (excluding the temperature of 120°C), DBP, and body mass, as well as a significant increase in HR and forehead temperature. Exposure to a temperature of 80°C led to a significant (p < 0.001) increase in vigor with a simultaneous decrease in tension, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion. In turn, sauna bathing at a temperature of 120°C had an opposite effect on the above mood parameters. Vomiting and confusion were the main predictors of syncope that occurred in some of the surveyed women. Conclusion Excessive air temperature can induce symptoms characteristic of heat exhaustion and heat stress nausea, heavy sweating, fast weak or strong HR, high body temperature, and confusion. Therefore, sauna bathing at a temperature of 80°C can be recommended to women who sporadically use the sauna, whereas exposure to a temperature of 120°C is not advised in this group of sauna users. The present findings provide highly valuable inputs for managing wellness and SPA centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Podstawski
- School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Borysławski
- Angelus Silesius University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Health, Wałbrzych, Poland
| | | | - Jadwiga Snarska
- School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Bożena Hinca
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Biernat
- Collegium of World Economy, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland
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Novytskyi YV, Syrovatko ZV, Kozlova TH, Chekhovska AY, Salamakha OY, Mykhailenko VM, Chychenova OM. Health-improving effect of running for students of technical specialties. WIADOMOSCI LEKARSKIE (WARSAW, POLAND : 1960) 2024; 77:1198-1204. [PMID: 39106380 DOI: 10.36740/wlek202406113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aim: To study the dynamics of indicators of the functional state and health of technical specialties students during their long-term running engagement. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and Methods: The research involved 112 students (59 men and 53 women) aged 17-20 years. Two groups of students were formed: group 1 included students who, in addition to compulsory academic physical education training sessions, were not engaged in any type of motor activity on their own; group 2 included students who independently were engaged in recreational running 3 times a week in extracurricular time. RESULTS Results: It was found that during the research period, both male and female students who were independently engaged in recreational running in extracurricular time showed a significant improvement of such indicators as resting heart rate, vital capacity of the lungs, duration of breath holding during inhalation and exhalation, duration of heart rate recovery after standard exercise, level of endurance development, level of physical health. CONCLUSION Conclusions: The positive influence of independent running with moderate intensity on the functional state and health of students of technical specialties has been proved. The low efficiency of the physical education system in Ukraine and, accordingly, the insufficient level of motor activity, indicators of functional status, and health of students who, in addition to academic physical education training sessions, did not exercise on their own, were also confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurii V Novytskyi
- NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF UKRAINE "IGOR SIKORSKY KYIV POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE", KYIV, UKRAINE
| | - Zoia V Syrovatko
- NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF UKRAINE "IGOR SIKORSKY KYIV POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE", KYIV, UKRAINE
| | - Tetiana H Kozlova
- NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF UKRAINE "IGOR SIKORSKY KYIV POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE", KYIV, UKRAINE
| | - Anna Yu Chekhovska
- NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF UKRAINE "IGOR SIKORSKY KYIV POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE", KYIV, UKRAINE
| | - Oleksandr Ye Salamakha
- NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF UKRAINE "IGOR SIKORSKY KYIV POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE", KYIV, UKRAINE
| | - Vadym M Mykhailenko
- NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF UKRAINE "IGOR SIKORSKY KYIV POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE", KYIV, UKRAINE
| | - Oksana M Chychenova
- NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF UKRAINE "IGOR SIKORSKY KYIV POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE", KYIV, UKRAINE
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Torres L, Caciula MC, Tomoiaga AS, Gugu-Gramatopol C. Correlations between Mental Health, Physical Activity, and Body Composition in American College Students after the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7045. [PMID: 37998276 PMCID: PMC10670983 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20227045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic had forced American college students to significantly reduce their daily energy expenditure and increase their sedentary behaviors, thus presumably increasing mental health symptoms, decreasing physical activity levels, and enhancing the promotion of unhealthy eating habits. This study aimed to explore the correlations between mental health symptoms, physical activity levels, and body composition in college students in the years following the pandemic, focusing on the lingering effects of lockdown measures. American college students completed pre-existing, well-validated surveys for both mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form). Body composition was assessed in person with the use of an Inbody 570 device. Of the 90 American college students (M age = 22.52 ± 4.54, 50 females) who participated in this study, depressive and anxious symptom scores consistent with heightened symptomatology were reported by 58% of the participants (N = 52), moderate borderline symptomatology by 17% (N = 15), and asymptomatology by 25% (N = 23). In regard to physical activity, 79% (N = 71) of the students were highly physically active, 18% (N = 16) were moderately active, and 3% (N = 3) reported low levels of physical activity. Additionally, 46% (N = 41) of the students maintained an unhealthy body fat percentage based on the World Health Organization recommendations. Strong, significant relationships were found between anxiety and depression symptomatology and body fat percentage (positive correlation, p = 0.003) and between anxiety and depression symptomatology and skeletal muscle mass (negative correlation, p = 0.015), with said symptomatology increasing with added body fat and decreasing with added skeletal muscle mass. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions affected American college students through an increase in mental health symptomatology and a deterioration in overall body composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Torres
- Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
| | - Manuela C. Caciula
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA;
| | - Alin S. Tomoiaga
- Department of Accounting, Business, Analytics, CIS, and Law, Manhattan College, Bronx, NY 10471, USA;
| | - Carmen Gugu-Gramatopol
- Department of Physical Education and Mountain Sports, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania;
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Hassan AK, Bursais AK, Ata SN, Selim HS, Alibrahim MS, Hammad BE. The effect of TRX, combined with vibration training, on BMI, the body fat percentage, myostatin and follistatin, the strength endurance and layup shot skills of female basketball players. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20844. [PMID: 37867894 PMCID: PMC10585344 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Trx Vibration Training (TVT) focuses on using the entire body weight in combination with vibration. While research has separately examined TRX training and vibration training, there is limited literature on the combined effects of these two methods specifically for female individuals. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the impact of combining TRX and vibration training (TVT) on various factors including body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), myostatin (MSTN), follistatin (FLST), endurance, and Lay up shooting skills of female basketball players. By addressing this research gap, we aim to shed light on the potential benefits of incorporating TRX and vibration exercises into the training regimen of female basketball players. Method The study sample comprised 24 female players who were divided into two groups of equal size, with each group consisting of 12 female players: the experimental group (n = 12, age = 19.17 ± 0.68 years, height = 168.33 ± 0.89 cm, weight = 67.00 ± 2.17 kg, training age = 4.54 ± 0.45 years) and the control group (n = 12, age = 19.33 ± 0.78 years, height = 168.08 ± 2.02 cm, weight = 67.33 ± 1.50 kg, training age = 4.58 ± 0.52 years). The experimental method was employed in the study. For eight weeks, the program was used (TVT), with the experimental group participants completing three training sessions each week. The TVT training lasted between 30 and 45 min, out of the overall training session time, which ranged from 90 to 120 min. The control group used a conventional program without Trx Vibration training. Study variables were evaluated before and after the intervention, and a two-way ANOVA was used for repeated measures. Results The results of the study showed the superiority of the experimental group over the control group in BMI (p = 0.037, [d] = 0.64), BFP (p = 0.001, [d] = 2.97), FLST levels (p = 0.029, [d] = 0.68), MSTN (p = 0.001, [d] = 2.04), endurance (CMS) (p = 0.001, [d] = 4.56), and Lay up skill Y (s) (p = 0.001, [d] = 4.27), Y (sc) (p = 0.012, [d] = 4.27). Conclusion The results showed that, when comparing the two groups, the TVT program significantly improved the study's variables. Basketball players' motor abilities and skill performance improved after eight weeks of training, and coaches are advised to take this into account when developing seasonal training plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed K. Hassan
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Team Sports and Racket Games, Faculty of Physical Education, Minia University, Minya, 61519, Egypt
| | - Abdulmalek K. Bursais
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sobhi Noureldin Ata
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Physical Education, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Hossam S. Selim
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S. Alibrahim
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badry E. Hammad
- Department of Fights and Individual Sports, Faculty of Physical Education, Minia University, Minya, 61519, Egypt
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Jakobsdottir G, Stefansdottir RS, Gestsdottir S, Stefansson V, Johannsson E, Rognvaldsdottir V, Gisladottir TL. Changes in health-related lifestyle choices of university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Associations between food choices, physical activity and health. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286345. [PMID: 37352179 PMCID: PMC10289399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on our lives and society, influencing both individuals' lifestyles and habits. Recent research shows that anxiety and loneliness have continued to rise, along with changes in food and lifestyle choices. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the pandemic influenced food choices and consumption of energy drinks, alcohol, fruits, and vegetables among first-year university students. Additionally, assessing the relationship between mental and physical health, physical activity, and food choices. A total of 128 male and 128 female first-year students at the University of Iceland were invited to answer an electronic questionnaire in January and early February 2021. A total of 118 students (54% men) participated in the study and valid answers were 115 (46% participation rate). Almost half of the students (44%) experienced that their food choices had worsened, while 14% reported an improvement, compared to before the pandemic. Consumption of caffeinated beverages increased for 26% of students, while 19% experienced a decrease. Just over half of the students reported not drinking alcohol (13%) or reduced consumption (41%). Participants who reported that their mental health had deteriorated or remained the same tended to spend less time on physical activity and experienced worsened food choices (p<0.05). Similarly, those who spent less or the same time on physical activity estimated that their food choices had deteriorated (p<0.05). The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lifestyles of university students and this study has revealed how lifestyle choices and mental health seem to be highly affected by one another. Additionally, the potentially harmful effects of excessive intake of energy drinks need to be enhanced. Interestingly, about 40% of the respondents in the current study drank less alcohol during the pandemic than prior to the pandemic, indicating a strong relationship between alcohol drinking and social gatherings. This study reveals the importance of educating young people on healthy lifestyle choices and the importance of mental health needs to be emphasised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Jakobsdottir
- Center of Sport and Health Sciences, School of Education, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Runa Sif Stefansdottir
- Center of Sport and Health Sciences, School of Education, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Sunna Gestsdottir
- Center of Sport and Health Sciences, School of Education, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Vignir Stefansson
- Center of Sport and Health Sciences, School of Education, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Erlingur Johannsson
- Center of Sport and Health Sciences, School of Education, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Vaka Rognvaldsdottir
- Center of Sport and Health Sciences, School of Education, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Patin A, Ladner J, Tavolacci MP. Change in University Student Health Behaviours after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:539. [PMID: 36612861 PMCID: PMC9819045 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many disruptions in the lives of the population. In particular, the health behaviours of university students were impacted. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of these behaviours from before the COVID-19 period to May 2021, during which lockdowns or curfews were in effect. METHODS Two retrospective online cross-sectional studies were conducted among university students in Normandy in May 2020 and May 2021. Socio-demographics and academic characteristics were collected. Tobacco smoking, binge drinking, cannabis use, and moderate and vigorous physical activity were collected for the 4 weeks before the COVID-19 lockdown in May 2020 and in May 2021. RESULTS Overall, 6991 university students were included in the study (3483 in 2020 and 3508 in 2021) with a mean age of 20.8 (standard deviation = 2.5) and 73.4% of women. After logistic regression, binge drinking (occasional and regular), cannabis use (occasional), moderate physical activity (regular), and vigorous physical activity (occasional) decreased in 2020 and 2021 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Tobacco smoking (occasional) and vigorous physical activity (regular) decreased only in 2020. Regular tobacco and cannabis use did not change significantly in 2020 and 2021 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. DISCUSSION Student health behaviours changed in May 2020 and May 2021 due to the implementation of measures restricting mobility and social interaction. Even if some risky consumption decreased in 2020 after the first lockdown, there was no rebound phenomenon in 2021: consumption either remained lower or similar to the pre-COVID-19 period. These behaviours need to be monitored in the future to assess the long-term effects of these restrictions on student health behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Patin
- Centre d’Investigation Clinique-Centre de Ressources Biologiques (CIC-CRB 1404), CHU ROUEN, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Joel Ladner
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, CHU ROUEN, 76000 Rouen, France
- INSERM 1073, Univ Rouen, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Tavolacci
- Centre d’Investigation Clinique-Centre de Ressources Biologiques (CIC-CRB 1404), CHU ROUEN, 76000 Rouen, France
- INSERM 1073, Univ Rouen, 76000 Rouen, France
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