Children and adolescents do not participate in enough physical activity (PA) to meet the recommended levels, which stops them from benefiting from regular PA’s positive effects on their health. In recent years, technology-based initiatives have provided children and adolescents with a compelling and viable way to encourage PA. Based on the results of previous research, we have conducted this review to gain a better understanding of if and how specific commercially available wearable devices impact physical activity promotion and health in children and adolescents. We have conducted this review, that was based on a theoretical framework of the self-determination theory (SDT), and focused on the impact that wearable devices have on physical activity promotion and health. The electronic databases of Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched between 2010 and 2023 for all available literature. Eleven studies overall satisfied the requirements for inclusion criteria. The sample sizes for the studies ranged from 32 to 502, and they included both boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 14. Wearable technology was used for no less than one week and no more than four months. The current review revealed that commercial wearable activity tracker-based programs among children and adolescents had a positive influence on daily levels of MVPA and step totals, as well as sedentary behavior.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) effect on recovery in high-level judokas. Methods: The sample of participants consisted of 10 male judokas (Age = 20 ± 2.1 years) who are judo masters (black belt holders) with a minimum of 10 years of training and competition experience. The study was designed as a double-blinded crossover design with the order of treatments being randomly assigned. The washout period was 72 h. All subjects received a dose of sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g/kg body weight) or a placebo 120 min before the fatigue caused by the special judo fitness test (SJFT). Lactate concentration (LC), countermovement jump (CMJ), hand grip strength and degree of perceived fatigue on Borg’s scale (RPE) were tested two times before SJFT and four times after SJFT. Results: There was no interaction between groups and type of recovery at any time during the two types of recovery for RPE, grip strength, VJ and lactate concentration (p > 0.05). However, there was a main effect of time for dominant grip strength (F_(1,8)= 3.3; p = 0.01; η² = 0.25, (small)), non-dominant grip strength (F_(1,8) = 3.2; p = 0.01; η² = 0.24, (small)), CMJ (F_(1,8) = 8.8; p = 0.01; η² = 0.47, (small)), and LC (F_(1,8) = 124.2; p = 0.001; η² = 0.92, (moderate)). Conclusions: The results of the present study show no significant difference between the NaHCO3 and placebo groups in RPE, handgrip strength, CMJ, and lactate concentration.

Introduction/Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of balneotherapy (BT) on IL-6 cytokine levels, disease activity, functional capacity, fatigue, and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. The study included 46 patients with RA (16 with moderate, 16 with low disease activity, and 14 in remission) who underwent BT as part of a rheumatic disease treatment program at the Niska Banja Institute for a duration of three weeks. BT was administered in the form of radon mineral baths (lasting 15?20 minutes in the thermo-mineral waters of Niska Banja at a temperature of up to 37?C). To evaluate the effect of BT, the study utilized ELISA kits for measuring plasma cytokine IL-6 levels, DAS28 SE and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) for assessing and calculating disease activity indices, the HAQ questionnaire for measuring functional ability, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the FACIT-F questionnaire for assessing fatigue. Results. Our research results showed that the application of BT led to a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) in the values of all examined parameters: IL-6, DAS28 SE, CDAI, HAQ, FACIT-F, and BDI. Comparing the improvement in these parameters among groups of patients with different disease activity levels (moderate, low, remission), the most pronounced anti-inflammatory effect of BT was observed in patients with moderate disease activity. Conclusion. BT improved almost all observed parameters. Alongside medication therapy, BT is a significant part of the comprehensive therapeutic approach for RA patients.

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of consuming sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ) and to gain insight into the nature of any changes in performance following NaHCO ₃ supplementation among combat sport athletes. The analysis of the results provides compelling evidence in favor of acute or chronic NaHCO ₃ supplementation as an ergogenic substance which could have an impact on several aspects of performance in judo [23, 31, 32], taekwondo [17, 20], karate [17, 33] [28, 29], wrestling [18, 19], jiu-jitsu [32] and boxing [16]. Acute or chronic NaHCO ₃ supplementation is effective in the improvement of several variables of physical performance in combat sports during testing and simulated matches. Enhanced performance resulted in the increased capacity of the glycolytic system. However, the positive effects of its use are most often visible following the onset of fatigue. In addition, the use of NaHCO ₃ is associated with an increased concentration of lactate in the blood. This systematic review provides data relevant for sports professionals and athletes alike regarding the use of NaHCO ₃ as a supplement, prior or during training and matches.

Introduction. The aim of this study was to establish if sodium bicarbonate affects the blood marker levels after a Special Judo Fitness Test in elite judo athletes. Material and Methods. Ten male judo athletes (age 20 ? 2.1 years; body height 180.18 ? 8.11 cm; body mass 85.24 ? 23.17 kg; body mass index 25.2 ? 3.4 kg/m2), judo masters (black belt holders) with at least 10 years of training and competition experience, agreed to participate in the current research. Results. The results showed a significant main effect of time (p < 0.05) for the following variables: uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphate, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and chloride. We found that creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, sodium and chloride were significantly different (p < 0.05) in the sodium bicarbonate group compared to placebo group after the Special Judo Fitness Test. Conclusion. The main finding of the present study was that sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g/kg) improved recovery compared to placebo in elite judokas. Therefore, coaches should consider sodium bicarbonate to improve athlete recovery during combat.

Sports and recreational activities, together with tourist animation programs, have become increasingly relevant factors in contemporary destination choice, yet their role is still insufficiently explored from a behavioral and social perspective. This study investigates how tourists’ everyday engagement in sports and recreational activities translates into participation during vacations and how these activities influence destination selection. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected through an online survey of 217 respondents and analyzed using non-parametric and parametric statistical methods. The results reveal significant differences between tourists’ sports-recreational behaviors at home and during travel, particularly with respect to physical health, emotional well-being, spatial attachment, and environmental support factors. The findings further indicate that supportive environmental factors such as the attractiveness of the natural environment and climatic suitability play a particularly relevant role in destination choice compared to the mere availability of sports facilities. In contrast, interest in animation programs appears more moderate, suggesting differentiated tourist preferences. By distinguishing between opportunities for sports-recreational activities and supporting environmental factors, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of tourist behavior and destination attractiveness. The results offer practical implications for destination managers and policymakers aiming to develop socially and environmentally sustainable tourism products.