Motor skills in students can be developed or improved through regular physical activity such as walking in nature, Nordic walking, hiking, cycling and swimming. This study aimed to examine the relationship between motor skills and various anthropometric and health-related factors, and to appraise any differences in motor performance and body mass index (BMI) on a sample of university students from Croatia. A total of 122 students (73 of them in health programs and 49 in non-health programs) aged 18 to 44 years participated in the study. Motor abilities were evaluated using standardized motor tests, while body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis, which measured fat tissue, muscle and bone mass, metabolic age, degree of obesity, total body water, and BMI. While the groups were similar in terms of BMI and weight, students in non-health-related study programs had significantly higher values across a wide array of detailed body composition measures, particularly related to fat and muscle mass. Significant negative correlations were observed between body fat percentage and trunk lift performance (r = −0.55, p < 0.01), as well as between metabolic age and trunk lift performance (r = −0.44, p < 0.01) in health students. In non-health students, the strongest negative correlation was found between body fat percentage and flexibility (r = −0.47, p < 0.01). Higher muscle mass was a positive predictor of motor performance while higher fat mass and metabolic age were significant negative predictors. These findings underscore the impact of body composition on motor performance, particularly strength and flexibility, and highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies among university students. The study supports the implementation of early interventions promoting physical activity and healthy body composition to preserve motor abilities and long-term functional health in this critical age group—especially since lifestyle habits formed during university years tend to persist into adulthood.

Introduction: Prolonged sitting, computer work and digital workload are associated with frequent occurrence of pain in the spine and upper extremities, as well as increased stress and mental problems. Some difficulties often arise from static strain caused by long hours of computer work and inappropriate ergonomic working conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of the difficulties described in non-teaching staff in an academic environment. Methods: The cross-sectional design of this study included 34 non-teaching employees of University North. Demographic data and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Questionnaire on depression, anxiety and stress (The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale—DASS-21) were used. Results: The results presented a moderate level of stress in 32.4% of participants, while 29.4% had a normal level of stress. A normal level of anxiety was observed in 44.1% of participants, whereas 23.5% reported extremely severe anxiety. A statistically significant difference was found between troubles in the shoulders during the last 12 months and stress levels. Also, a statistically significant difference was found between troubles in the wrists/hands during the last 12 months and depression. Conclusions: Given the relatively small sample size and the large number of statistical comparisons performed, these findings may represent either true associations or chance findings and therefore require confirmation in larger longitudinal studies specifically designed to investigate the relationship between psychological factors and musculoskeletal complaints.

Motor skills in students can be developed or improved through regular physical activity such as walking in nature, Nordic walking, hiking, cycling and swimming. This study aimed to examine the relationship between motor skills and various anthropometric and health-related factors, and to appraise any differences in motor performance and body mass index (BMI) on a sample of university students from Croatia. A total of 122 students (73 of them in health programs and 49 in non-health programs) aged 18 to 44 years participated in the study. Motor abilities were evaluated using standardized motor tests, while body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis, which measured fat tissue, muscle and bone mass, metabolic age, degree of obesity, total body water, and BMI. While the groups were similar in terms of BMI and weight, students in non-health-related study programs had significantly higher values across a wide array of detailed body composition measures, particularly related to fat and muscle mass. Significant negative correlations were observed between body fat percentage and trunk lift performance (r=–0.547, p<0.01), as well as between metabolic age and trunk lift performance (r=–0.444, p<0.01) in health students. In non-health students, the strongest negative correlation was found between body fat percentage and flexibility (r=–0.467, p<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that higher muscle mass was a positive predictor of motor performance (β=0.565, p<0.001), while higher fat mass and metabolic age were significant negative predictors (β=–0.858, p=0.049; β=–0.911, p=0.003, respectively). Students with excessive body weight consistently exhibited higher fat mass, metabolic age, as well as poorer motor outcomes. These findings underscore the impact of body composition on motor performance, particularly strength and flexibility, and highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies among university students. The study supports the implementation of early interventions promoting physical activity and healthy body composition to preserve motor abilities and long-term functional health in this critical age group – especially since lifestyle habits formed during university years tend to persist into adulthood.

Background: Obesity is associated with impaired health-related quality of life, including reduced sexual satisfaction. Metabolic and bariatric surgery leads to substantial weight loss and favorable changes in body composition; however, its association with sexual satisfaction as a health-related outcome remains insufficiently explored. The aim of this study was to examine changes in body composition and sexual satisfaction six months following metabolic and bariatric surgery. Methods: This prospective study included 40 women with obesity who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery performed according to standard clinical indications and multidisciplinary team recommendations. Body composition parameters were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and sexual satisfaction was evaluated using the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale at baseline and six months postoperatively. Changes in anthropometric, body composition, and sexual satisfaction measures were analyzed using nonparametric statistical tests. Results: Six months after surgery, significant changes were observed in body composition and sexual satisfaction. Median body weight decreased from 119.55 to 100.80 kg, BMI from 42.15 to 35.65 kg/m², and visceral fat level from 14.50 to 11.00 (all p < 0.001). Although absolute skeletal muscle mass decreased significantly (28.40 to 26.30 kg, p < 0.001), its relative proportion increased (25.35% to 25.90%, p = 0.002). Median total NSSS score increased from 62.50 to 69.50, with significant improvements in both NSSS subscales (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Metabolic and bariatric surgery was associated with significant improvements in body composition and sexual satisfaction six months postoperatively. These findings suggest that improvements in physical health following metabolic and bariatric surgery may be accompanied by enhancements in sexual well-being.