The problem addressed in this study is the appropriateness of using different pre-training supplementation strategies and their ability to improve training performance and psychological measures. The aim of the study is the evaluation of the effectiveness of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) containing beta-alanine, L-citrulline malate, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, L-taurine, L-tyrosine and caffeine compared to an exact dosage of anhydrous caffeine in bench press strength endurance, feeling scale (FS), felt arousal scale (FAS) and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). A group of fifteen resistance-trained males, weighing 83.92 ± 8.95 kg and having an average of 5.6 ± 3.38 years of training experience, tested their bench press 10 repetition maximum (79.01 ± 12.13). In a cross-over manner, they participated in two sessions where they were blinded to the order of supplementation they were given: either a MIPS including caffeine or caffeine alone. They completed the bench press strength endurance test with pre- and post-training psychological assessments containing FS, FAS and sRPE. Bench press repetition volume was greater after anhydrous caffeine than MIPS supplementation with no difference in psychological measures. These results indicate that MIPS supplementation is less ergogenic and cost effective than caffeine alone.

The purpose of this publication is to provide generalized knowledge of the area of changes that took place over past centuries in relation to health, social and cultural conditions. In Greek mythology, it was necessary to nurture both body and spirit to be a perfect human being. This link between the concepts of physical beauty and goodness can be also found in later works dedicated to ancient Greek history. Particularly in Greek myths, and in Greek education in general, it was believed that both physical and spiritual excellence were necessary to raise men to achieve their true form. Some of the main forms of implementing this idea were hand-to-hand combat exercises (wrestling, boxing and pankration). Ideas characteristic of the world of ancient Greece, in a general sense, can be observed in the culture of the Far East. The main difference is the fact that these principles did not survive in Western culture as a result of transformation into a consumer society focused on the rejection of moral principles. The brutalisation of the forms of the Roman Games meant that the ideals of the ancient world were forgotten for more than 1500 years. The modern Olympic Games were resurrected in the 19th century. Inspired by the ancient Greek cult of health of body and spirit, they gave rise to a movement known as Olympism. In the Olympic Charter written by Coubertin, Olympism was called “a philosophy of life exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind”. The combat sports disciplines have had their place there since the beginning of the modern Olympic Games. The evolution of hand-to-hand combat disciplines, including numerous scientific studies indicating a very broad impact in the area of health, led to this type of physical activity being reached for as an essential element in supporting the health-promoting behaviour of society. Nowadays, physical activity in the area of exercise with elements of hand-to-hand combat, combat sports, or martial arts is an indissoluble link in the prevention and treatment of 21st century diseases. For Parkinson’s disease patients, drug treatment is an essential resource for continuing to function in society, but it will not be completely effective without supporting the treatment with appropriate and attractive physical activity (e.g., “Rock Steady Boxing”). Of similar importance is the prevention of dangerous falls, which are common in this population as well as among the elderly or those affected by other diseases of civilisation. Implementing the principles and techniques of safe falling in the teaching of the young population significantly increases the likelihood of applying appropriate responses to these individuals in adulthood and old age. Actions that should be taken now for prevention can be implemented through social programmes, such as “Active today for a healthy future”.

Level of physical activity positively affects health condition, correlates highly with level of physical fitness and contributes to the efficient performance of military tasks. The aim of the study was to assess the level of physical activity and body mass index of the Polish Air Force soldiers. A total of 543 professional soldiers (men) doing military service in military units of the Polish Air Force underwent the examination. The average age of examined soldiers amounted to 34.8 ± 9.0 years. In order to carry out the research, the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Out of the total of 477 questionnaires that qualified for the analysis, a high level of physical activity was found among 81.1% of subjects, moderate 10.5% and low 8.4%. Average MET values were obtained in the following: job-related, relocation (transportation), housekeeping, recreation (leisure activities and sport). The average MET values were 4173 ± 5306 MET; 2371 ± 2725 MET; 2455 ± 4843 MET; 2421 ± 2802 MET, respectively. The average level of body mass index amounted to 25.98 ± 3.38 kg/m². The tested Air Force soldiers were generally characterized by a high and moderate level of physical activity. Generally, there was no difference in the level of physical activity between the flight crew and the ground staff.

Background and Study Aim. Falls are a global public health and economic challenge. Since falls are often unavoidable, it is crucial to focus on preventing injuries caused by the impact with the ground. The aim of this study was to verify the reliability and objectivity of the STBIDF-M. Material and Methods. The sample included 30 male (n = 9) and female (n = 21) physiotherapy students (age 20.97 ± 1.16 years; weight: 66.5 ± 12.06 kg; height: 171 ± 9.62 cm). The STBIDF-M was administered twice, with the second measurement (retest) conducted seven days after the first (test). A method of direct secondary observation, allowing for multiple replays, was used. The assessment involved reviewing video recordings of both stages (test and retest) by three experts experienced in using the STBIDF-M. Results. Each expert observed a tendency to reduce errors during the 'retest' compared to the 'test' stage. This was measured by the arithmetic mean. Statistically significant differences were found in tasks 3, 4, 5, 6, and in the IndexSBIDF-M based on the experts' agreed assessments. Three students (10%) repeated their results from the 'test' stage, showing full correlation. Twenty students (66.67%) demonstrated a tendency to reduce errors. The IndexSBIDF-M 'test-retest' results showed a very high positive correlation (r = 0.810, p < 0.01). This indicates a statistically significant impact of motor modifications in most students. Specifically, clapping hands during Task 3 and pressing the sponge to the body with the chin during Task 4, simulating a backward fall, helped reduce errors. These reductions were noted during ground impact as the degree of coordination difficulty increased in subsequent tasks. Conclusions. The results of this 'test-retest' procedure demonstrate the flexible, non-standardized possibilities of analyzing and synthesizing data using this basic method. This flexibility is attributed to the innovative motor structure of the STBIDF-M, which goes beyond traditional methodological approaches. Observing the unconscious behaviors and actions of the participants has provided valuable insights into inferential phenomena related to the mental and intellectual aspects of human personality.

Background and Study Aim. Balance plays a key role in many sports, particularly those that require precise movements and continuous body control. The aim of the study was to verify or disprove changes in the ability to maintain static balance after six months of wrestling training under conditions of reduced visual input and limited support surface. Material and Methods. The study included twenty-three male primary school pupils who participated in wrestling training. Their average age was 13.00 ± 1.48 years. The average height was 156.7 ± 35.22 cm, and the average body weight was 58.7 ± 19.00 kg. Training experience ranged from 1 to 2 years. The Romberg test was conducted using a freeSTEP STANDARD stabilometric platform with a sampling frequency of 250–400 Hz to assess static balance. The analysed stabilometric parameters included: total path length (PL) of foot pressure; confidence ellipse area (CEA); mean velocity (MV), defined as the total CoP path in 30 seconds; root mean square (RMS) of sway in the medial-lateral direction (X-RMS); and RMS in the anteroposterior direction (Y-RMS). Results. For the two-leg standing test, the values of PL, CEA, MV, X-RMS, and Y-RMS showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). The effect sizes were small (η² < 0.10), indicating low sensitivity of these parameters to the intervention. In the one-leg standing test, on both the right and left legs, no significant differences were found (p > 0.05) in PL, CEA, X-RMS, and Y-RMS between eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions. However, mean sway velocity (MV) increased significantly under EC conditions compared to EO, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Conclusions. The lack of significant differences in the two-leg stance may reflect stable postural control development in this age group. However, selective neuromuscular adaptation in postural control was observed under more demanding one-leg stance conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to modify wrestling training programmes for schoolchildren to include more complex equilibrium and sensorimotor challenges.

The occurrence of injuries due to unintentional falls becomes particularly dangerous in people with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of the Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) program’s single training units on body stability changes in elderly people with PD. Data from 18 patients (PG) and a similar-age 15-person control group without PD (CG) were used to analyze the collected study material. Postural stabilography was used to assess balance ability in two 30-second tests of standing on both feet with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC). The EO_CoP path length was significantly (p = 0.007) longer in the PG (266 ± 105 mm) compared to the CG (172 ± 32 mm), and similar differences were obtained for other parameters. PG measurements were taken over four consecutive weeks of RSB, both before and after each 90-minute training session. The lack of relevant differences be-tween measurements before vs. after for the PG may indicate the appropriate adaptation of exercisers to the applied loads. The probability of the compared parameters ranged from p = 0.586 to p = 0.999. Participation in RSB-based physical activity resulted in a deterioration in balance ability in the majority of participants immediately after exer-cise, but the results were characterized by a large spread, and the changes varied indi-vidually. Therefore, sports activities for PD must be adapted accordingly, taking into account the stage of the disease or the duration of the disease.