Background: The aim of this research is to investigate the associations between physical activity and mental health parameters (depression, anxiety, and stress) among women who have recovered from COVID-19; Methods: This research involved two measurements: the initial test, conducted 2-to-4 weeks post-COVID infection, and the final test, performed 14-to-16 weeks after the virus’s activity. The sample consisted of women (n = 190) aged 20 to 60 (47.60 ± 11.1, 47.60 ± 11.1, mean ± Std.Dev.) who were infected with COVID-19. To assess the level of physical activity, a longer version of the IPAQ questionnaire was used. Self-assessment of mental health was determined by a longer version of the DASS questionnaire; Results: The t-test analysis revealed significant differences in mental health and physical activity levels between the initial and final measurements. After three months, subjects showed lower mental health scores (indicating improvement) and higher Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) values across all physical activity domains, with moderate physical activity showing the greatest increase. The regression analysis showed that at the initial measurement, there was no statistically significant association of physical activity with mental health parameters. Three months after the initial measurement, regression analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association of physical activity with anxiety (F = 3.97; p = 0.000) and depression (F = 3.34; p = 0.001) but not with stress (F = 1.67; p = 0.106); Conclusions: This research revealed that higher levels of physical activity improved mental health in post-COVID-19 women, with varying effects on anxiety and depression depending on the activity domain.

Asymmetries in sports are common and can lead to various issues; however, different training programs can facilitate change. This study aimed to assess the effects of opposing plyometric programs on tensiomyography lateral symmetry (TMG LS)/inter-limb asymmetry in female athletes’ lower-body muscles, alongside kinematic and body composition parameters. Twenty female subjects from basketball, volleyball, and track and field (sprinting disciplines) were divided into two experimental groups (n = 10 each). Two six-week plyometric programs (two sessions/week) were implemented: the first program (E1) focused on eccentric exercises, depth landings, while the second (E2) emphasized concentric exercises, squat jumps. TMG assessed LS in six muscles: vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, gastrocnemius lateralis, and gastrocnemius medialis. A kinematic analysis of the countermovement jump (CMJ) and body composition was conducted using “Kinovea; Version 0.9.4” software and InBody 770, respectively. The results showed significant increases in LS percentages (E1—VL 9.9%, BF 18.0%, GM 10.6% and E2—BF 22.5%, p < 0.05), and a significant large effect in E1 for VL, and in E2 for BF, p < 0.01). They also showed that E1 had a significant effect on VL, and that E2 had a significant large effect on BF (p < 0.01). E1 also led to increased lean muscle mass in both legs (left: 1.88%, right: 2.74%) and decreased BMIs (−0.4, p < 0.05). Both programs improved LS, with E1 enhancing muscle mass and lower-body positioning in CMJ. We recommend future studies use varied jump tests, incorporate 3D kinematic analysis, include male subjects, and examine more muscles to enhance TMG LS analysis.

This study aimed to determine the influence of body composition on the muscle fitness of selected judokas. This study was conducted on a sample of 23 judokas (cadets n = 12, juniors n = 11), members of the male national team of Serbia. The assessment of body composition was performed using the InBody 720 (Biospace Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea) and calipers. Muscle fitness was assessed using “Optojump” (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy), Fitrodine Premium (Fitronic, Bratislava, Slovakia), and a digital force instrument IMADA Z2H-1100 (Imada Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA). Regression analysis revealed a notable association between muscle mass and measures of explosive strength (countermovement jump (CMJ) p = 0.023; drop jump (DJ) p = 0.026). Moreover, this study’s results showed that back extension (p = 0.006; R2 = 0.61) and hand grip (p = 0.009; R2 = 0.52) provide a strong positive association with muscle mass. The findings suggest that tailored training and nutritional strategies that improve muscle mass might significantly enhance muscle fitness in young judokas, optimizing their performance.

This study aims to investigate the influence of muscle mass on jump height based on the stage of biological maturation. The total sample consisted of 71 male athletes with three years of minimum training experience. The athletes were divided into three groups based on biological maturation: PrePHV, MidPHV, and PostPHV. Vertical jump height was assessed using three tests: the countermovement jump (CMJ), the countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJwas), and the squat jump (SJ). The results of the interaction between muscle mass percentage (MM) and peak height velocity (PHV) indicate that the effect of MM on vertical jump variables is greater in the PrePHV and MidPHV groups compared to the PostPHV group. For the PrePHV and MidPHV groups, there was a significant increase in CMJ [b=.83, t(22)=3.77, p=.001 and b=.92, t(14)=3.70, p=.002, respectively] and SJ [b=1.11, t(22)=4.45, p< .001 and b=1.06, t(14)=3.51, p=.003, respectively] when muscle mass percentage increased by one unit, while no significant increments were apparent for the PostPHV group [b=0.71, t=1.98, p=.058 and b=0.48, t(28)=1.65, p=.111, respectively]. Additionally, when muscle mass percentage increased by one unit, the CMJwas performance significantly increased in the PrePHV [b=1.48, t(22)=4.68, p<.001], MidPHV [b=1.15, t(14)=4.59, p<.001], and PostPHV [b=.97, t(28)=2.52, p=.018] groups. This study substantiates muscle mass as an important predictor of explosive power, demonstrating a more pronounced impact in the PrePHV and MidPHV relative to the PostPHV group. The study points out the importance of considering biological maturation when understanding the relationship between muscle mass and explosive power performance in young athletes.

As the global population continues to age, understanding and addressing the complex interplay between physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL) among old people is becoming increasingly imperative. The aim of this study was to determine whether the level of PA is related to the QoL in elderly men. Using a set of eight variables of PA and four for quality of life assessment, an evaluation of physical activity and quality of life was performed on a sample of 666 senior men (67.37±5.68 years). The level of PA was measured using the IPAQ questionnaire, while the QoL was evaluated by the World Health Organization Questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF). A canonical correlation analysis was conducted to identify any relationships. Statistical significance was set at p< .01. The results showed that statistically significant relationships were found between moderate PA and the Environmental Health domain of QoL (Sig.= .000). Additionally, relationships were found between overall Walking activity, total PA, and Leisure Physical Activity and Physical and Psychological Health, as well as Social Relationships (Sig.= .003). This study confirmed that different domains of PA are related to the quality of life in elderly men.

Background: Understanding the relationship between teachers’ physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL), which is impacted by work-related stress, could help develop guidelines for improvement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of physical activity on high school teachers’ quality of life and the differences in QoL and PA between male and female teachers. Methods: The sample consisted of 499 respondents (193 men and 306 women), all working in the educational system. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form) was used for PA assessment, and the WHOQoL questionnaire to measure QoL. Results: Physical health and Psychological health domains were areas where male teachers scored better (p < 0.01, both), while female teachers had higher scores in Social relationships domain (p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that PA affects Physical health: Sig. = 0.056; Psychological health: Sig. = 0.000; Social relationships: Sig. = 0.001; Environment: Sig. = 0.021 in men, and Physical health (Sig. = 0.009) and Psychological health (Sig. = 0.039) in women. Conclusions: The findings of this study allow us to conclude that, whereas female teachers’ PA primarily impacts their physical and psychological domain, male teachers’ PA has an impact on their overall QoL.

The research assessed the level of physical activity (PA) of boys and girls aged 11-14, as well as trends in PA levels. The sample included a total of 433 children aged 11-14, comprising 238 boys and 195 girls. PA was assessed using the FELS questionnaire, which included questions about the frequency of PA in sports, PA during leisure time, PA at home, and overall PA. To determine the trend in PA levels across specific domains and overall, trend analysis was applied, followed by comparisons using the LSD Post Hoc Test. Data were processed using the SPSS statistical package (p < .05). The results showed that boys had significantly higher levels of PA across all periods compared to girls. Significant changes in PA levels among boys were observed in the domain of PA in sports (Sig. = < .001) and overall PA (Sig. = .008). A significant decline in PA in sports among boys was noted between the ages of 11 and 13, as well as between 11 and 14 years, while the decline in overall PA was observed between the ages of 11 and 13. Among girls, a decline in PA in the domain of household chores was identified between the ages of 11 and 14. In the domain of overall PA, significant decreases were observed between the ages of 11 and 13, 11 and 14, 12 and 13, and 12 and 14. It was found that PA among children aged 11-14 significantly decreases around the ages of 12 and 13. Efforts should focus on promoting PA within this population group and identifying appropriate strategies to increase or at least maintain PA levels during this critical period.

The aim of this research was to determine whether there is a relationship between body composition and motor abilities. A total of 50 participants, non-athletes, school-aged, from the school "Vožd Karađorđe" from Niš, male and female, average age 12.9 years, participated in this research. The research examined whether there is a relationship between parameters of the body composition and tests of explosive power, speed and agility. Tests were used to asses explosive power: countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump with free arms (CMJA), squat jump (SJ) and five jump test (5JT). To asses speed we conducted tests 5m sprint (5m), 10m sprint (10m) and 20m sprint (20m). The following tests were used to assess agility: T-test, Zig Zag and Slalom. We used Pearson's correlation analysis to determine the relationship between body composition variables and motor abilities variables. As a result, it was proven that there are statistically significant correlation between body composition and motor abilities of school-age children.

Frequent sedentary behavior caused by the increased use of new technologies has contributed to the increase in overweight and obesity in children. These lifestyle changes include insufficient physical activity (PA) or an unfavorable relationship between food energy intake and energy expenditure. Parents and the family environment play a significant role in the development of obesity in their children. This study aimed to determine parents' attitudes about the FA of children of different nutritional levels (body mass index - BMI). A total of 149 respondents, parents of students in the first to fourth grades of urban and rural elementary schools, participated in the research. For the purposes of this research, the Fels Questionnaire (FELS PAQ) was used to assess the level of PA in children. The results indicate that there is no statistically significant difference in the intensity of attitudes about PA between parents of overfed and obese children and parents of normally fed children, as well as between mothers and eyes. A statistically significant association between actual and perceived PA levels was found in parents of over-nourished and obese children. Analysis of the difference in the intensity of attitudes about PA among parents of overfed and obese children from urban and rural areas revealed that there is no difference in the attitudes of parents from urban and rural areas