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- Exploring the Preliminary Effects of Resistance Training on Total
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels in Elderly Individuals: A
Pilot Study
Authors: Skaistė Eidukaitė, Nerijus Masiulis, Mindaugas Kvedaras
Pages: 4 - 10
Abstract: Background: Studies have shown that exercise modulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and resistance training, in particular, has received increasing attention for its potential to enhance BDNF production. Most studies investigating exercise-induced BDNF changes have focused on free or mature BDNF, while the measurement of total BDNF, encompassing both proBDNF and mature BDNF, may provide a more comprehensive understanding of BDNF regulation. This pilot study aimed to explore the preliminary effects of resistance training on total BDNF levels in elderly individuals participating in a resistance training program. Methods: A small sample of participants (n=6) was recruited and engaged in a structured resistance training program for 12 weeks, with 6 participants in a control group. Total BDNF levels were measured at baseline and post-intervention using reliable laboratory assessments. Additionally, an isokinetic dynamometer was used to determine muscle strength to explore the effect of the resistance training program on muscle performance. Results: The findings revealed a significant increase in total BDNF levels following the 12 week resistance training intervention (p<0.05). However, improvements in physical performance measures, knee extension peak torque and isometric maximal voluntary contraction, were not observed. Conclusion: In conclusion, this pilot study provides preliminary evidence of the positive effects of a 12 week resistance training intervention on total BDNF levels. The measurement of total BDNF levels serves as an important marker in assessing the response to resistance training. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer intervention periods is warranted to further explore the relationship between resistance training and total BDNF levels and to confirm these preliminary findings. Understanding the impact of resistance training on total BDNF levels can have implications for optimizing training programs and potentially improving exercise-related outcomes. Keywords: muscle strength, exercise, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neuroplasticity, healthy ageing.
PubDate: 2023-09-06
DOI: 10.33607/bjshs.v2i129.1377
Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 129 (2023)
- Peculiarities of Emotional Intelligence of Pedagogues and Parents of
Children in Private and Public Sector Pre-School Education Institutions
Authors: Eisvina Burbaitė, Ilona Tilindienė, Saulius Šukys
Pages: 11 - 18
Abstract: Background. A child’s personality is formed at an early age. This is the most favorable time to develop a child's emotional intelligence (EI), which is an important factor for further social, emotional, and cognitive development. Parents and teachers are important actors in a child’s social environment and can have a significant impact on a child's emotional development and behavior. Adults with high emotional intelligence can teach a child empathy, emotional perception, problem-solving, and other skills, as well as help the child learn to manage their emotions, understand and express feelings, and find appropriate ways to control inappropriate behavior or resolve conflicts. High emotional intelligence also correlates with the ability to understand a child's behavior better and choose appropriate educational strategies. In Lithuania, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the expression of EI among pre-school children’s parents and teachers, and differences identified between the public and private pre-school education sectors can be useful in further analyzing factors related to education quality. In this context, we aim to analyze the characteristics of EI among parents and teachers of pre-school children, as well as the differences that occur between representatives of private and public education sectors. Methods. Emotional intelligence was assessed using the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, which consists of 33 statements (Schutte et al., 1998). Results. It was determined that the overall EI score of the participants was higher than average. After comparing EI indicators of different education sectors, it was determined that private sector educators have statistically significantly higher EI scores than their public sector counterparts. Parents with children in private sector education institutions had the highest EI level, while educators of the public sector education institutions had the lowest. No emotional intelligence differences based on gender were identified. Conclusions. Educators in the private education sector have higher EI compared to their public sector counterparts. Parents choosing private education sector for their children have the highest EI levels in the entire study population. Keywords: emotional intelligence; teachers; parents; early education; different types of educational institutions.
PubDate: 2023-09-06
DOI: 10.33607/bjshs.v2i129.1379
Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 129 (2023)
- The Effect of Sports Activities on The Self-Esteem of Socially
Excluded Men
Authors: Oksana Mačėnaitė, Jūratė Požerienė
Pages: 19 - 27
Abstract: Background. Self-esteem is one characteristic of personality, a construct of self-confidence, self-respect, and harmonious interaction with oneself (Breslin, Leavey, 2019). Research devoted to the analysis of men's self-esteem reveals that a positive self-evaluation of men requires an image of a physically active man, which the man could compare with other men who demonstrate physical strength (Conzelmann, Schmidt, 2019). A man's physical self-perception is part of the assessment of a physically healthy and strong person and an aspect that ensures his sociality (Crawford, 2017). Scientific research establishes clear links between a man's physical attractiveness (Anderson-Butcher, 2019), sociability and self-esteem (Anderson, White, 2017). Men who systematically engage in active physical activity are physically healthier and more attractive (Burrmann, 2018). They are also emotionally more stable, their emotional self-control is more focused and their self-confidence is higher (El Ghali, 2018). Aim of the research. To reveal the effect of sports activities on the self-esteem of men experiencing social exclusion. Methods. To determine men's self-esteem changes The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was chosen, and the Data were processed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science), version 22.0. Results. A study in which men experiencing social exclusion participated in independent and team sports activities for half a year revealed a positive change in their self-esteem. When analyzing the changes in men's self-esteem before and after the activities, the distance between the estimates of the Rosenberg test before the experiment and 6 months after it ended is 1 standard deviation on the z-scale of the standard normal distribution. According to Cohen's concept of effective size, such a difference between standardized means can be considered as large. Despite the relatively small sample (N=30), the test met the very strict condition of statistical reliability (p≤0.001). Conclusion. The study revealed that when socially excluded men were included in sports activities held for half a year, their self-esteem changed from 15 points (low self-esteem) to 25-30 points (high self-esteem). Keywords: social exclusion, self-esteem, sports activities
PubDate: 2023-09-06
DOI: 10.33607/bjshs.v2i129.1380
Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 129 (2023)
- Enhancing Soccer-Specifc Motor Skills Through Visual Training: A
Quasi-Experimental Study in Young Soccer Players
Authors: Evangelos Bekris, Aristotelis Gioldasis, Athanasios Souglis, Emmanouil Zacharakis, Athanasia Smirniotou
Pages: 28 - 38
Abstract: In team sports like soccer, the ability to make quick decisions is essential for successful performance. Players
must perceive and understand the available affordances in their environment to effectively utilize the information
and make accurate decisions on the feld. Visual exploratory actions play a crucial role in acquiring the necessary
information, allowing players to anticipate action possibilities and plan their subsequent actions. This study aimed to
evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative training protocol based on visual exercises in improving soccer-specifc
motor skills of U12 soccer players. Thirty young male soccer players participated in the study and were randomly
assigned to one of three groups: Technique Group (T-G), Visual-Technique Group (VT-G), and Control Group (C-G).
The T-G received technical training, the VT-G received the same training with the addition of visual stimuli, and the
C-G received regular in-season training. Pre- and post-test measurements were conducted on soccer-specifc motor
skills. The results showed that the VT-G demonstrated signifcant improvements in motor skills compared to the T-G
and C-G. These fndings suggest that incorporating targeted visual training into soccer training programs can enhance
perceptual-cognitive and visual skills, leading to improved agility and overall on-feld performance.
Keywords: soccer, agility, visual training, youth sports, motor skills.
PubDate: 2023-09-06
DOI: 10.33607/bjshs.v2i129.1381
Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 129 (2023)
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