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Exercise and Evaluation for Health and Occupational Wellness: Current Trends...
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Exercise and Evaluation for Health and Occupational Wellness: Current Trends and Future Directions

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Exercise for Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 10072

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Vassilis Gerodimos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece
Interests: exercise testing and prescriptions for health promotion; workplace exercise and wellness programs; muscular adaptation to exercise; physical conditioning and evaluation in sports; vibration training; isokinetic and isometric evaluation
Dr. Konstantina Karatrantou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece
Interests: occupational wellness; healthy lifestyle; exercise testing and prescriptions for health promotion; combined exercise programs; vibration exercise
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The evaluation, appropriate design and implementation of intervention programs for health promotion and occupational wellness require a purely scientific process. The main objective of this Special Issue is to highlight the importance and efficiency of evaluating exercise and physical activity, as well as of other lifestyle behaviors (ergonomics, nutrition, smoking, alcohol, sleep, etc.), for promoting health and occupational wellness. We invite you to contribute to this Special Issue by presenting your work on healthy populations of different ages (children, adolescents, adults, or the elderly), or on workers of different professional categories, including original articles, case studies, narrative or systematic reviews, or meta-analyses.

Prof. Dr. Vassilis Gerodimos
Dr. Konstantina Karatrantou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • testing and prescription
  • lifestyle behaviors
  • health-related quality of life
  • corporate health
  • exercise
  • prevention
  • physical activity
  • employee wellbeing
  • aging

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 1325 KiB  
Article
Gender Differences in the Relationship between Physical Activity, Postural Characteristics and Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Young Adults
by Verner Marijančić, Stanislav Peharec, Gordana Starčević-Klasan and Tanja Grubić Kezele
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(4), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040189 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 898
Abstract
Background/Aim: University students are a particularly vulnerable population, as they spend increasing amounts of time sitting, which poses a major threat to their musculoskeletal health and posture. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate gender differences in the relationships between physical [...] Read more.
Background/Aim: University students are a particularly vulnerable population, as they spend increasing amounts of time sitting, which poses a major threat to their musculoskeletal health and posture. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate gender differences in the relationships between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior, spinal curvatures and mobility, the endurance and balance of the trunk muscles, and the possible presence of non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) in young adults aged 18–25 years. Methods: A total of 139 students completed all required tests. Results: Male students engaged in significantly more PA related to recreation, sports and leisure and were significantly more likely to be hyperkyphotic than female students. The more the male students participated in sports, the more pronounced the thoracic kyphosis. Female students had significantly more pronounced lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt that correlated with lumbar lordosis. Female students generally had significantly higher trunk extensor endurance and more balanced trunk musculature than males. NS-LBP correlated with PA in female students who generally had higher levels of NS-LBP than male students, with a statistically significant difference between those who practiced the most PA. Conclusions: Our results suggest that female students practice less PA and have pronounced lordosis and trunk extensor endurance, in contrast to males who practice more PA and have pronounced trunk flexor endurance and hyperkyphosis. Our findings suggest that more PA should be encouraged but implemented with caution and as an individualized gender-specific approach to prevent postural deformities and chronic musculoskeletal disorders, including NS-LBP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Evaluation for Health and Occupational Wellness: Current Trends and Future Directions)
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12 pages, 545 KiB  
Article
Effects of Muscular Fatigue on Position Sense in Two Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
by Elmina-Eleftheria Roditi, Themistoklis Tsatalas, Giorgos K. Sakkas, Yiannis Koutedakis, Giannis Giakas and Christina Karatzaferi
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(3), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9030115 - 29 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1119
Abstract
It is generally accepted that local muscular fatigue can negatively affect position sense. Interestingly, it has been proposed that in women, position sense and neuromuscular coordination may be affected by fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone levels. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.
It is generally accepted that local muscular fatigue can negatively affect position sense. Interestingly, it has been proposed that in women, position sense and neuromuscular coordination may be affected by fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone levels. The aim of this study was to examine the possible effect of localized muscle fatigue on knee joint position sense at two phases of the menses: follicular and luteal. Twenty physically active females aged 19–30 years, with normal menses, volunteered for this study. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate proprioception and perform the fatigue protocol of the knee extensors and flexors. Knee proprioception at rest and after fatigue at three knee target angles (30°, 45°, 60°) was measured. A three-way ANOVA analysis with repeated measures was performed. The results showed that the main effect of fatigue was significant, but no main effect of the menstrual cycle phase was found. Additionally, a main effect was found for the target angle (more flexed target knee joint angles were associated with larger angular error deviations). In conclusion, localized muscle fatigue can significantly reduce the accuracy of active knee joint repositioning in both the luteal and the follicular menstrual phases in young, physically active healthy women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Evaluation for Health and Occupational Wellness: Current Trends and Future Directions)
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9 pages, 250 KiB  
Communication
Sleep Quality in Greek Adolescent Swimmers
by Vasileios T. Stavrou, George D. Vavougios, Glykeria Tsirimona, Zoe Daniil and Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(2), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9020087 - 17 May 2024
Viewed by 1738
Abstract
The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and functional indices, swimming distance and gender in adolescent competitive swimmers. Forty-eight adolescent swimmers (boys, n = 22, 15.7 ± 1.0 years and girls, n = 26, 15.1 ± 0.8 [...] Read more.
The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and functional indices, swimming distance and gender in adolescent competitive swimmers. Forty-eight adolescent swimmers (boys, n = 22, 15.7 ± 1.0 years and girls, n = 26, 15.1 ± 0.8 years) were included in our study. They were assessed for handgrip strength, respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function, answered a Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index questionnaire (PSQI), and recorded their anthropometric and morphological characteristics and training load for the last four weeks. The results showed differences between swimming distance and chest circumference difference, between maximal inhalation and exhalation (Δchest) (p = 0.033), PSQI score (p < 0.001), and sleep quality domains for “cannot breathe comfortably” (p = 0.037) and “have pain” (p = 0.003). Binary logistic regression (chi-square = 37.457, p = 0.001) showed that the variables Δchest (p = 0.038, 95% CI: 1.05–6.07) and PSQI score (p = 0.048, 95% CI: 0.1–1.07) remained independent predictors of the swim distance groups. Girls had a lower percentage of predicted values for the maximal inspiratory pressure (p < 0.001), maximal expiratory pressure (p = 0.027), forced expiratory volume within the first second (p = 0.026), forced vital capacity (p = 0.008) and sleep quality domains for “cough or snore loudly” (p = 0.032) compared to boys. A regression analysis showed that the sleep quality score was explained by the six independent variables: respiratory muscle strength (t = 2.177, β = 0.164, p = 0.035), Δchest (t = −2.353, β = −0.17, p = 0.023), distance (t = −5.962, β = −0.475, p < 0.001), total body water (t = −7.466, β = −0.687, p < 0.001), lean body mass (t = −3.120, β = −0.434, p = 0.003), and handgrip (t = 7.752, β = 1.136, p < 0.001). Our findings demonstrate that sleep quality in adolescent swimmers is a multifactorial result of morphometric characteristics, strength and respiratory function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Evaluation for Health and Occupational Wellness: Current Trends and Future Directions)
9 pages, 2190 KiB  
Article
Balance Training and Shooting Performance: The Role of Load and the Unstable Surface
by Stylianos Kounalakis, Anastasios Karagiannis and Ioannis Kostoulas
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9010017 - 3 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2217
Abstract
Military and law enforcement members’ shooting ability is influenced by their postural balance, which affects their performance and survivability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a proprioception training program (standing or walking on unstable surfaces) on postural balance and shooting performance. [...] Read more.
Military and law enforcement members’ shooting ability is influenced by their postural balance, which affects their performance and survivability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a proprioception training program (standing or walking on unstable surfaces) on postural balance and shooting performance. Twenty participants, divided into two groups, completed 60 shots in a shooting simulator while standing, before and after a 4-week proprioception training program. One group (n = 10) followed the training program (EXP), while the other group followed the regular military academy program (CON). The shooting was conducted under four conditions: without load on a stable surface, with load on a stable surface, without load on an unstable surface, and with load on an unstable surface. The findings reveal that the training program had a significant impact on the EXP, improving their balance (p < 0.01). Additionally, only in the EXP, shooting score and the percentage center of gravity increased (p < 0.01) and the stability of the shots, measured by holding time on the target, doubled from 2.2 to 4.5 s (p < 0.01). These improvements were more pronounced when participants had a load and/or were on an unstable surface. In conclusion, a proprioception training program could be beneficial for improving postural balance and shooting performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Evaluation for Health and Occupational Wellness: Current Trends and Future Directions)
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10 pages, 288 KiB  
Article
Skeletal Muscle Discomfort and Lifestyle of Brazilian Military Police Officers of Administrative and Tactical Force
by Renan Ribeiro de Oliveira, Jadder Bento da Costa Aquino, Carlos H. O. Reis, Geanderson S. Oliveira, Leonardo A. Vieira, Alexandre F. Machado, Roberta L. Rica, Valentina Bullo, Marco Bergamin, Stefano Gobbo and Danilo S. Bocalini
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(4), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040148 - 25 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1804
Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate musculoskeletal discomfort and the lifestyle of military police officers of administrative and tactical force departments. Military police officers were distributed into two groups: administrative (Adm, n = 15) and tactical force (TF, n = 16) departments. Their lifestyle [...] Read more.
Our aim was to evaluate musculoskeletal discomfort and the lifestyle of military police officers of administrative and tactical force departments. Military police officers were distributed into two groups: administrative (Adm, n = 15) and tactical force (TF, n = 16) departments. Their lifestyle was assessed using the Fantastic Lifestyle questionnaire. Moreover, physical activity quantification was assessed using the International Physical Activity questionnaire, and musculoskeletal discomfort was quantified using the Corlett diagram. The mean total time of physical activity was 546 ± 276 min per week. No differences (p = 0.0832) were found between the Adm (454 ± 217 min) and TF (623 ± 301 min) groups. Concerning lifestyle, in general the sample presented very good (42%) and good (42%) style classification. For this parameter, no significant differences were found, but only a tendency was discovered (x2: 7.437; p = 0.0592); indeed, the TF presented a better classification (63%) of very good, compared to the Adm (53%) of good. No differences (p > 0.05) were found in musculoskeletal perception of discomfort between the right and left sides (p > 0.05) for all police officers and between the Adm and FT groups (p > 0.05). Military police officers showed high and moderate risk for waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, respectively; however, lifestyle and total time of physical activity were considered adequate without differences between military administrative and tactical force sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Evaluation for Health and Occupational Wellness: Current Trends and Future Directions)
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