ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Feb. 9, 2020
The Relationship of Occupational Stress, Physical Fitness Levels, Body Fat Percentage and Absenteeism
Spanos K, Strigas A, Travlos A, Kipreos G
Page no 23-28 |
10.36348/jaspe.2020.v03i02.001
Obesity and health problems have been observed that reduces productivity and increases absenteeism. Although the relationship between health and productivity is strong, few studies have examined whether the level of obesity and physical activity affect the absence from work and how the health-related habits are affected. The aim of this study was to examine the relations between job stress body fat, physical fitness levels, health-related habits and absenteeism, among 440 office workers of public sector and private sector companies of Greece employee population. Significant differences observed in the absence days between normal weight (NW) individuals (3.07 ± 1.7), overweight (8.56 ± 3.08) and obese (12.62 ± 10.1). The regression analysis model present an R value of 0.814, p<0.05 and shows that 65.8 % of variance in absenteeism is being explained by body fat percentage, VO2max flexibility level and the job stressors role and demand In addition, NW employees consume significantly less fast food meals (2.26 ± 1.76) a week compared to overweight (3.72 ± 1.91) and obese (3.54 ± 1.61). This study provides evidence that obesity and lack of physical activity affect the absent days from work. Higher body fat is also associated with unhealthy attitudes.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Feb. 14, 2020
Case Study: The Effect of Low Carbohydrate Energy Restricted Diet on Body Composition and Physical Performance of a Female Artistic Gymnast
Aleksandar Markov, Tatyana Dzimbova
Page no 29-35 |
10.36348/jaspe.2020.v03i02.002
Physics of a gymnast is very important for appearance on the competition, but also is crucial for performance, as an extra weight decreases the ability to perform certain movements and leads to injuries. The aim of the study was to reduce body weight of young female gymnast with minimum losses of muscle mass changing diet. Nineteen years old gymnast was involved in the study. Nutrition was examined using food questionnaire and food records. Body impedance analyzer Ioi 353 was used for body composition analysis and Heath-Carter method – for somatotype determination. Wingate and Sargent test were applied for anaerobic capacity determination. A low carbohydrate energy restricted nutritional plan for five days was developed. The subject reduced her weight by 2.1 kg. Her anaerobic capacity did not change significantly according to Wingate test (relative average power 2nd visit – 6 W/kg and 5th visit - 6.22 W/kg), but according to Sargent test (2nd visit – 3345.6 W and 5th visit – 4252 W) her power increased. The results clearly show that the person reduced the weight for about one month and the largest percentage being due to the loss of body fat and this did not affect the anaerobic capacity of the gymnast.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Feb. 16, 2020
The Importance of Movement for the Overall Development of the Child at Pre-School Age
George F. Zarotis
Page no 36-44 |
10.36348/jaspe.2020.v03i02.003
The lack of exercise in childhood is caused by a variety of different factors. In order to illustrate the consequences of a lack of exercise, the effects of exercise on child development will be discussed. The aim of the present study was to identify the multifunctional importance of movement in all areas of child development on the basis of various research studies. The method used in this study was a review of the relevant literature. By analysing various research results, we discovered that due to the increase in postural weaknesses, postural defects and motor deficits in children and adolescents and the associated cognitive consequences, various studies and publications have been conducted in recent years, in which effective physical education at pre-school age is repeatedly mentioned as the cornerstone for the holistic development of children. Movement activities and physical activity can have a positive influence on physical development in the following areas: a) improved development and increased performance of the cardiovascular system, b) age-appropriate development of the muscular system, c) high resilience of the skeleton and d) positive contribution to the formation of a correct posture and avoidance of postural weaknesses and postural damage. Numerous scientific studies have shown that there is a connection between movement activity and intelligence development. For example, children of pre-school age achieved better results in intelligence tests than the non-subsidised control groups through regular physical activity promotion. In addition, targeted motoric promotion has a lasting effect on improving concentration. Particularly in early childhood, versatile physical activity can have a positive influence on the development and training of mental abilities. In childhood, movement activities have a high experience value. Victory and defeat, joy and sorrow, happiness and disappointments - sport and play provoke a variety of emotional states that have a lasting effect on the emotional development of children. Through movement, the child tests its body. It learns to deal with it, to assess it and it feels the limits of its own body. Due to their physical activity, children experience recognition from their peers and adults. Such experiences are of great importance for the development of self-confidence and mental balance. Since a large number of physical activities in childhood are connected with group activities, there are various social educational effects for the growing person. Movement, sport and play can provide important impulses and helpful lessons for personal adaptation, interpersonal relationships and appropriate social behaviour. In summary, it can be said that exercise has effects on the whole person. Different areas are addressed by exercise and can therefore be promoted through exercise.