Dagmara Iwańska - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Dagmara Iwańska

Research paper thumbnail of P 034 - the effect of treadmill geometry on muscle fatigue

Gait & Posture, 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of curve radius of the indoor (200 m) an... more The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of curve radius of the indoor (200 m) and outdoor (400 m) treadmill on bioelectrical muscle activity. Four professional male athletes that have an international master class in men's 400 m took part in that research. EMG measurements were recorded during the run on tartan athletic track in the indoor (200 m) and outdoor (400 m) treadmill. The athlete had to run 400 m distances with maximal speed. The mean power frequency (MPF) was calculated. Muscle fatigue was evaluated by the slope of regression line. The rate of fatigue was different and was related to the side of the body (3-24%) and the type (5-43%) of the muscle. Results indicate that muscle fatigue was greater for the right leg and during running on indoor truck.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Background: Chronic inflammation can lead to the development of obesity, diabetes and other chron... more 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, magn...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of changes in the load components for intense training on two machines: with a variable-cam and with a disc plate

The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 2017

BACKGROUND The object of the presented experiment was to construct a cam to provide the optimal l... more BACKGROUND The object of the presented experiment was to construct a cam to provide the optimal load while training the muscles throughout the entire range of motion of a joint. The starting point for our consideration was the flexion of the elbow joint - based on its functioning, we wished to verify the efficacy of the cam during various workout routines. METHODS The experiment was two-fold. In the first part, muscle flexion torque values were measured for 78 male participants, under static conditions and at four different angles of the elbow joint. Subsequently, the data was analyzed and based on the resulting graph the shape of a cam was determined. In the next stage, 75 men underwent training using two types of machines designed to exercise the elbow joint's flexors, one with a mounted cam and one with a disc plate. RESULTS The strength and power changes were found to be more pronounced in the workouts conducted with the cam-equipped machine. CONCLUSIONS Our conclusion stemm...

Research paper thumbnail of Symmetryduring the take-off phase of countermovement jump in fencers

Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Force and power levels after 4-weeks of plyometric training

Research paper thumbnail of Lactic acid concentration and muscle strength level after 4-weeks power training

Research paper thumbnail of The influence of training with two different intensities on the level of muscle strength and power of jump

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of various types of power training on muscle torques and power levels of lower extremity

Research paper thumbnail of Biomechanics of Figure Skating Jump Double Axel Performed in on Ice and Off Ice Conditions

Figure skating is considered a highly technical discipline. Coaches and researchers are constantl... more Figure skating is considered a highly technical discipline. Coaches and researchers are constantly looking for the most effective and safest movement model for jumps, especially Axel Paulsen, which is the hardest kind of all jumps. This research was taken to verify the usefulness of performing double Axel under office conditions as a part of general figure skating training. Research was based on video analysis made in APAS 2000 programme. Parameters taken into account were: joints and take off angle, displacement of centre body mass, horizontal and vertical velocity. Results helped in finding out parameters which are trained during off-ice session.

Research paper thumbnail of Metabolic Risk Factors in Young Men With Healthy Body Fat But Different Level of Physical Activity

The study was performed to evaluate metabolic risk in young lean individuals characterized by dif... more The study was performed to evaluate metabolic risk in young lean individuals characterized by different physical activity. A total of 194 students (93 active with 5-7 h weekly physical activity and 101 inactive) were accepted for the study. The following percentages of body fat were accepted as characteristic for lean men: 14% to 17% in active and 18% to 24% in inactive participants. Circulating glucose, insulin, triacylglycerols (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high-dendity lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (HDL-C) were assayed. Daily intake of energy and macronutrients was briefly assessed from 24 h food records collected over 4 days preceding blood collection. Insulin and TG differed with respect to physical activity and was lower by 37.5% and 12.5%, respectively, in active versus inactive participants. In active students with upper quartile of body fat percentage, the only significant difference was found between circulating insulin (by 28%, p < .04). In inactive participants with upper quartile of body fat, significant differences were found between levels of insulin and TG (by 25% and by 37.5%, respectively). Diet composition did not differ with respect to the percentage of energy derived from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. An inverse association between insulin level and the percentage of body fat seems to be physiological one because it has been noted in both active and inactive individuals. On the contrary, elevation in circulating TG found exclusively in inactive subjects seems to be secondary to the changes in adiposity and circulating insulin and is followed by tendency to higher levels of TC.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Interval Training on Fatigue of Leg Muscles

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of the menstrual cycle on collagen metabolism, growth hormones and strength in young physically active women

Biology of Sport, 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the menstrual cycle on strength, functioning of the... more This study aimed to investigate the effect of the menstrual cycle on strength, functioning of the GH/IGF-1 axis and collagen metabolism in physically active women. Twenty-four physically active and eumenorrheic women volunteered to participate in the study (body mass 60.3 ± 9.18 kg, age 21.8 ± 0.92 years). Blood samples were obtained between the 5th and 8th days (the follicular phase) and between the 19th and 22th days (the luteal phase) of the menstrual cycle to determine sex steroid concentrations (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), oestradiol (E 2) and progesterone (P)). Also insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and collagen metabolism markers (synthesis (PICP) and breakdown (ICTP)) and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured. MVC was higher in the luteal phase 164.1 ± 34.77 [N m] (F (1.23) = 4.59; p = 0.043). The recorded collagen synthesis marker (PICP = 296.4 ± 35.61 [ng/ml]) was at the upper level of the reference range (30-300), with an insignificant decrease in the luteal phase (Z = 1.612; p = 0.107) and a significant increase in oestradiol concentration (Z = 4.286; p = 0.0001). The marker of collagen breakdown (ICTP = 4.16 ± 0.68 [µg/l]) was reduced by 6.8% in the same phase (Z = 1.764; p = 0.137). The variability of physical abilities (MVC) during the menstrual cycle showed that menstrual status should be taken into account in determination of the training loads. Increasing the load in the luteal phase seems to be favoured by a beneficial change in collagen metabolism (lower synthesis decrease, lower breakdown increase) observed in physically active women.

Research paper thumbnail of Ocena działania masażu gastrycznego brzucha u chorych z zaparciem objętych stacjonarną opieką paliatywną – badanie pilotażowe Effects of abdominal massage on constipation in palliative care patients – a pilot study

Introduction: The problem of constipation in Poland concerns 13.4% of the healthy population. In ... more Introduction: The problem of constipation in Poland concerns 13.4% of the healthy population. In the case of patients treated with opioids, this number increases to 70-90%, which constitutes a serious problem that lowers the patients’ quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of abdominal massage, which successfully reduces constipation in various diseases, on palliative care patients. Material and methods: The research included 18 patients of a palliative care facility (mean age 78.3 ± 10 years), 11 of whom completed the study. The study participants were randomly divided into two groups, i.e. a pilot group (abdominal massage and kinesiotherapy) and a control group (kinesiotherapy). The therapy lasted 8 weeks and blind evaluation was carried out once per week. The study involved evaluating constipation intensity (The Bowel Function Index), the frequency of defecation (medical documentation) and abdomen circumference (anthropometric tape). The collected data we...

Research paper thumbnail of The Hamstring/Quadriceps Ratio in Young Men and Its Relationship with the Functional Symmetry of the Lower Limb in Young Men

Symmetry

The relationship of muscle strength symmetry with the symmetry of dynamic activities such as vert... more The relationship of muscle strength symmetry with the symmetry of dynamic activities such as vertical jump (CMJ) and with symmetry of ranges of motion is ambiguous. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation was to assess the relationship between the flexor/extensor strength ratio and the range of motion of the knee joints and VGRF during jump in a sample of young healthy men. The sample consisted of 64 healthy, active men. The flexor and extensor torques and ranges of active and passive mobility of both knee joints were measured. Vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) was measured using two platforms. There were no significant correlations between the symmetry of muscle strength and the symmetry of ranges of motion and the symmetry of the VGRF. Therefore, using the cluster analysis, 4 subgroups were distinguished due to the size of the flexor/extensor ratio (H/Q ratio). Significant differences were found in the level of strength of the knee flexors between the clusters. Detaile...

Research paper thumbnail of The Symmetry of Fatigue of Lower Limb Muscles in 400 m Run Based on Electromyography Signals

Symmetry

Background: This study assesses curved track effects on fatigue symmetry and lower limb muscle ac... more Background: This study assesses curved track effects on fatigue symmetry and lower limb muscle activity while taking maximum velocity running kinematics into account. Methods: Polish master class athletes were examined (age 24.6 ± 3.67 years, bm 78.9 ± 6.02 kg, and bh 186.1 ± 6.63 cm). The measurements were made on a 400 m synthetic surface athletics track. The DelSys 16 channel system was employed to measure the activity of the right and left leg muscles. The kinematic variables of the run were obtained using a 3-axis accelerometer built into the recorder. Results: The study revealed curved track effects on asymmetric muscle activity and running kinematics in the first two sections of the run. On the first curve, the symmetry index (SI) was 8.1%, while in on straight, it was 11.5%. Moreover, significantly lower values of the fatigue index b were found for the right limb (F(3.36) = 6.504; p = 0.0152). Conclusions: A reduction of asymmetric muscle activity is linked with compensatory...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of selected indices of gait asymmetry for the assessment of running asymmetry

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in Anthropometry and Selected Metabolic Parameters in Young Men During Their First Year of Study at a University of Physical Education

American Journal of Men's Health

This study aims to determine main health-related anthropometric and metabolic parameters in young... more This study aims to determine main health-related anthropometric and metabolic parameters in young physically active male students in their first year of study. Sixty one male students from a Polish university of physical education were studied twice–at the beginning of their first and second academic years. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and body composition were measured. Plasma levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), leptin, cortisol, and insulin, as well as insulin resistance (IR) using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) were determined. In 64% of the participants body weight and body mass index (BMI) significantly increased during the study. An average students’ weight gain amounted to 1.2 kg. In most of the subjects it resulted from the increase of fat-free mass ( r = .886, p < .001). TSH and leptin levels did not change, but a significant increase of cortisol levels and a tendency toward decreased insulin levels and also HOMA-IR values were observed. Ho...

Research paper thumbnail of Postural stability pattern as an important safety factor of firefighters

Research paper thumbnail of Biomechanics of the Axel Paulsen Figure Skating Jump

Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism

Introduction. Figure skating is a sport discipline requiring a combination of artistic and athlet... more Introduction. Figure skating is a sport discipline requiring a combination of artistic and athletic skills. The triple Axel Paulsen (Axel or A) jump is the most technically difficult jump of all figure skating jumps, which is why it is on the top of the International Skating Union (ISU) Judging System Code of Points (CoP). The purpose of this research was to explore the technical differences between the single Axel (1A), the double Axel (2A), and the triple Axel (3A) and to determine which parameters are the most important for performing the triple Axel successfully, using 3D kinematic analysis. Material and methods. In the study, one Polish elite male junior skater was tested. Following the usual warm-up, the skater performed a series of jumps on the ice, which were recorded. Six jumps of each type were recorded (6 x 1A, 6 x 2A, and 6 x 3A). Three jumps which were the best technically were chosen for further analysis. The APAS 2000 system automatically calculated the centre of grav...

Research paper thumbnail of Asymmetry Indices in Female Runners as Predictors of Running Velocity

Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism

Introduction. This paper aimed to establish relationships between the level of functional and dyn... more Introduction. This paper aimed to establish relationships between the level of functional and dynamic asymmetry in advanced and intermediate-level runners and running velocity. Furthermore, evaluation of dynamic symmetry (running and vertical jump) was made using indices, taking into account the continuous character of the signals of the ground reaction force and angular positions in individual joints of the lower limb. Material and methods. Symmetry was assessed in a group of 12 Polish elite female middle-distance runners for the following parameters: 1) strength of lower limb muscles, 2) impulse of the vertical component of the ground reaction force during a CMJ jump, and 3) kinematics of a 50-m run in a straight line. Results. More advanced athletes (group A) were significantly taller and stronger than the athletes with less training experience (B). They were also characterized by a significantly longer step, a more extended swing phase, and a shorter support phase. There were no...

Research paper thumbnail of P 034 - the effect of treadmill geometry on muscle fatigue

Gait & Posture, 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of curve radius of the indoor (200 m) an... more The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of curve radius of the indoor (200 m) and outdoor (400 m) treadmill on bioelectrical muscle activity. Four professional male athletes that have an international master class in men's 400 m took part in that research. EMG measurements were recorded during the run on tartan athletic track in the indoor (200 m) and outdoor (400 m) treadmill. The athlete had to run 400 m distances with maximal speed. The mean power frequency (MPF) was calculated. Muscle fatigue was evaluated by the slope of regression line. The rate of fatigue was different and was related to the side of the body (3-24%) and the type (5-43%) of the muscle. Results indicate that muscle fatigue was greater for the right leg and during running on indoor truck.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Background: Chronic inflammation can lead to the development of obesity, diabetes and other chron... more 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, magn...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of changes in the load components for intense training on two machines: with a variable-cam and with a disc plate

The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 2017

BACKGROUND The object of the presented experiment was to construct a cam to provide the optimal l... more BACKGROUND The object of the presented experiment was to construct a cam to provide the optimal load while training the muscles throughout the entire range of motion of a joint. The starting point for our consideration was the flexion of the elbow joint - based on its functioning, we wished to verify the efficacy of the cam during various workout routines. METHODS The experiment was two-fold. In the first part, muscle flexion torque values were measured for 78 male participants, under static conditions and at four different angles of the elbow joint. Subsequently, the data was analyzed and based on the resulting graph the shape of a cam was determined. In the next stage, 75 men underwent training using two types of machines designed to exercise the elbow joint's flexors, one with a mounted cam and one with a disc plate. RESULTS The strength and power changes were found to be more pronounced in the workouts conducted with the cam-equipped machine. CONCLUSIONS Our conclusion stemm...

Research paper thumbnail of Symmetryduring the take-off phase of countermovement jump in fencers

Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Force and power levels after 4-weeks of plyometric training

Research paper thumbnail of Lactic acid concentration and muscle strength level after 4-weeks power training

Research paper thumbnail of The influence of training with two different intensities on the level of muscle strength and power of jump

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of various types of power training on muscle torques and power levels of lower extremity

Research paper thumbnail of Biomechanics of Figure Skating Jump Double Axel Performed in on Ice and Off Ice Conditions

Figure skating is considered a highly technical discipline. Coaches and researchers are constantl... more Figure skating is considered a highly technical discipline. Coaches and researchers are constantly looking for the most effective and safest movement model for jumps, especially Axel Paulsen, which is the hardest kind of all jumps. This research was taken to verify the usefulness of performing double Axel under office conditions as a part of general figure skating training. Research was based on video analysis made in APAS 2000 programme. Parameters taken into account were: joints and take off angle, displacement of centre body mass, horizontal and vertical velocity. Results helped in finding out parameters which are trained during off-ice session.

Research paper thumbnail of Metabolic Risk Factors in Young Men With Healthy Body Fat But Different Level of Physical Activity

The study was performed to evaluate metabolic risk in young lean individuals characterized by dif... more The study was performed to evaluate metabolic risk in young lean individuals characterized by different physical activity. A total of 194 students (93 active with 5-7 h weekly physical activity and 101 inactive) were accepted for the study. The following percentages of body fat were accepted as characteristic for lean men: 14% to 17% in active and 18% to 24% in inactive participants. Circulating glucose, insulin, triacylglycerols (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high-dendity lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (HDL-C) were assayed. Daily intake of energy and macronutrients was briefly assessed from 24 h food records collected over 4 days preceding blood collection. Insulin and TG differed with respect to physical activity and was lower by 37.5% and 12.5%, respectively, in active versus inactive participants. In active students with upper quartile of body fat percentage, the only significant difference was found between circulating insulin (by 28%, p < .04). In inactive participants with upper quartile of body fat, significant differences were found between levels of insulin and TG (by 25% and by 37.5%, respectively). Diet composition did not differ with respect to the percentage of energy derived from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. An inverse association between insulin level and the percentage of body fat seems to be physiological one because it has been noted in both active and inactive individuals. On the contrary, elevation in circulating TG found exclusively in inactive subjects seems to be secondary to the changes in adiposity and circulating insulin and is followed by tendency to higher levels of TC.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Interval Training on Fatigue of Leg Muscles

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of the menstrual cycle on collagen metabolism, growth hormones and strength in young physically active women

Biology of Sport, 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the menstrual cycle on strength, functioning of the... more This study aimed to investigate the effect of the menstrual cycle on strength, functioning of the GH/IGF-1 axis and collagen metabolism in physically active women. Twenty-four physically active and eumenorrheic women volunteered to participate in the study (body mass 60.3 ± 9.18 kg, age 21.8 ± 0.92 years). Blood samples were obtained between the 5th and 8th days (the follicular phase) and between the 19th and 22th days (the luteal phase) of the menstrual cycle to determine sex steroid concentrations (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), oestradiol (E 2) and progesterone (P)). Also insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and collagen metabolism markers (synthesis (PICP) and breakdown (ICTP)) and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured. MVC was higher in the luteal phase 164.1 ± 34.77 [N m] (F (1.23) = 4.59; p = 0.043). The recorded collagen synthesis marker (PICP = 296.4 ± 35.61 [ng/ml]) was at the upper level of the reference range (30-300), with an insignificant decrease in the luteal phase (Z = 1.612; p = 0.107) and a significant increase in oestradiol concentration (Z = 4.286; p = 0.0001). The marker of collagen breakdown (ICTP = 4.16 ± 0.68 [µg/l]) was reduced by 6.8% in the same phase (Z = 1.764; p = 0.137). The variability of physical abilities (MVC) during the menstrual cycle showed that menstrual status should be taken into account in determination of the training loads. Increasing the load in the luteal phase seems to be favoured by a beneficial change in collagen metabolism (lower synthesis decrease, lower breakdown increase) observed in physically active women.

Research paper thumbnail of Ocena działania masażu gastrycznego brzucha u chorych z zaparciem objętych stacjonarną opieką paliatywną – badanie pilotażowe Effects of abdominal massage on constipation in palliative care patients – a pilot study

Introduction: The problem of constipation in Poland concerns 13.4% of the healthy population. In ... more Introduction: The problem of constipation in Poland concerns 13.4% of the healthy population. In the case of patients treated with opioids, this number increases to 70-90%, which constitutes a serious problem that lowers the patients’ quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of abdominal massage, which successfully reduces constipation in various diseases, on palliative care patients. Material and methods: The research included 18 patients of a palliative care facility (mean age 78.3 ± 10 years), 11 of whom completed the study. The study participants were randomly divided into two groups, i.e. a pilot group (abdominal massage and kinesiotherapy) and a control group (kinesiotherapy). The therapy lasted 8 weeks and blind evaluation was carried out once per week. The study involved evaluating constipation intensity (The Bowel Function Index), the frequency of defecation (medical documentation) and abdomen circumference (anthropometric tape). The collected data we...

Research paper thumbnail of The Hamstring/Quadriceps Ratio in Young Men and Its Relationship with the Functional Symmetry of the Lower Limb in Young Men

Symmetry

The relationship of muscle strength symmetry with the symmetry of dynamic activities such as vert... more The relationship of muscle strength symmetry with the symmetry of dynamic activities such as vertical jump (CMJ) and with symmetry of ranges of motion is ambiguous. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation was to assess the relationship between the flexor/extensor strength ratio and the range of motion of the knee joints and VGRF during jump in a sample of young healthy men. The sample consisted of 64 healthy, active men. The flexor and extensor torques and ranges of active and passive mobility of both knee joints were measured. Vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) was measured using two platforms. There were no significant correlations between the symmetry of muscle strength and the symmetry of ranges of motion and the symmetry of the VGRF. Therefore, using the cluster analysis, 4 subgroups were distinguished due to the size of the flexor/extensor ratio (H/Q ratio). Significant differences were found in the level of strength of the knee flexors between the clusters. Detaile...

Research paper thumbnail of The Symmetry of Fatigue of Lower Limb Muscles in 400 m Run Based on Electromyography Signals

Symmetry

Background: This study assesses curved track effects on fatigue symmetry and lower limb muscle ac... more Background: This study assesses curved track effects on fatigue symmetry and lower limb muscle activity while taking maximum velocity running kinematics into account. Methods: Polish master class athletes were examined (age 24.6 ± 3.67 years, bm 78.9 ± 6.02 kg, and bh 186.1 ± 6.63 cm). The measurements were made on a 400 m synthetic surface athletics track. The DelSys 16 channel system was employed to measure the activity of the right and left leg muscles. The kinematic variables of the run were obtained using a 3-axis accelerometer built into the recorder. Results: The study revealed curved track effects on asymmetric muscle activity and running kinematics in the first two sections of the run. On the first curve, the symmetry index (SI) was 8.1%, while in on straight, it was 11.5%. Moreover, significantly lower values of the fatigue index b were found for the right limb (F(3.36) = 6.504; p = 0.0152). Conclusions: A reduction of asymmetric muscle activity is linked with compensatory...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of selected indices of gait asymmetry for the assessment of running asymmetry

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in Anthropometry and Selected Metabolic Parameters in Young Men During Their First Year of Study at a University of Physical Education

American Journal of Men's Health

This study aims to determine main health-related anthropometric and metabolic parameters in young... more This study aims to determine main health-related anthropometric and metabolic parameters in young physically active male students in their first year of study. Sixty one male students from a Polish university of physical education were studied twice–at the beginning of their first and second academic years. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and body composition were measured. Plasma levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), leptin, cortisol, and insulin, as well as insulin resistance (IR) using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) were determined. In 64% of the participants body weight and body mass index (BMI) significantly increased during the study. An average students’ weight gain amounted to 1.2 kg. In most of the subjects it resulted from the increase of fat-free mass ( r = .886, p < .001). TSH and leptin levels did not change, but a significant increase of cortisol levels and a tendency toward decreased insulin levels and also HOMA-IR values were observed. Ho...

Research paper thumbnail of Postural stability pattern as an important safety factor of firefighters

Research paper thumbnail of Biomechanics of the Axel Paulsen Figure Skating Jump

Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism

Introduction. Figure skating is a sport discipline requiring a combination of artistic and athlet... more Introduction. Figure skating is a sport discipline requiring a combination of artistic and athletic skills. The triple Axel Paulsen (Axel or A) jump is the most technically difficult jump of all figure skating jumps, which is why it is on the top of the International Skating Union (ISU) Judging System Code of Points (CoP). The purpose of this research was to explore the technical differences between the single Axel (1A), the double Axel (2A), and the triple Axel (3A) and to determine which parameters are the most important for performing the triple Axel successfully, using 3D kinematic analysis. Material and methods. In the study, one Polish elite male junior skater was tested. Following the usual warm-up, the skater performed a series of jumps on the ice, which were recorded. Six jumps of each type were recorded (6 x 1A, 6 x 2A, and 6 x 3A). Three jumps which were the best technically were chosen for further analysis. The APAS 2000 system automatically calculated the centre of grav...

Research paper thumbnail of Asymmetry Indices in Female Runners as Predictors of Running Velocity

Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism

Introduction. This paper aimed to establish relationships between the level of functional and dyn... more Introduction. This paper aimed to establish relationships between the level of functional and dynamic asymmetry in advanced and intermediate-level runners and running velocity. Furthermore, evaluation of dynamic symmetry (running and vertical jump) was made using indices, taking into account the continuous character of the signals of the ground reaction force and angular positions in individual joints of the lower limb. Material and methods. Symmetry was assessed in a group of 12 Polish elite female middle-distance runners for the following parameters: 1) strength of lower limb muscles, 2) impulse of the vertical component of the ground reaction force during a CMJ jump, and 3) kinematics of a 50-m run in a straight line. Results. More advanced athletes (group A) were significantly taller and stronger than the athletes with less training experience (B). They were also characterized by a significantly longer step, a more extended swing phase, and a shorter support phase. There were no...