Browsing by Author "Kļaviņa, Aija"

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    Adolescents’ Cognitive Abilities, Reaction Time, and Working Memory Performance by Vienna Test Systems
    (2023) Veliks, Viktors; Porozovs, Juris; Kļaviņa, Aija; Zuša, Anna; Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE)
    Mental and physical health components are critical in child’s development. However, adolescents are especially vulnerable group presenting multiple health risks of chronic disease, sleeping and eating problems. Moreover, the long time spent at screens increases possibility to develop addictions. There is a lack of comprehensive interdisciplinary assessment tools for adolescents, to assess their mental health components, and provide preventive activities. It is very important to develop a methodology that can accurately assess the minor cognitive and health deviations that can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle and excessive time spent on screens. This research explores the possibilities to record and compare parameters of cognitive abilities, reaction time, and working memory using Vienna test systems for different groups of adolescents by their physical activity and health levels. The results of this study demonstrated that the reaction time in adolescents was shorter using the leading hand in comparison with using the non-leading hand, 272.842 ± 44.001ms vs 306.631 ± 57.081ms on Vienna test for low physical activity (LPA) adolescents group. In the STROOP test color evaluation results were faster than word reading test results. The median of reaction time of LPA adolescents for color evaluation was 0.897 ± 0.221ms and 0.968 ± 0.15ms for reading. Vienna test system has specific tests that can be used to determine memory parameters, providing different assessment approaches to compare the obtained results.
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    Anaerobic Variables as Specific Determinants of Functional Classification in Wheelchair Basketball
    (2022-04-15) Marszałek, Jolanta; Kosmol, Andrzej; Morgulec-Adamowicz, Natalia; Mróz, Anna; Gryko, Karol; Kļaviņa, Aija; Skucas, Kestutis; Navia, José A.; Molik, Bartosz; Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE)
    Every parasport is currently encouraged to consider evidence-based classification to develop their respective classification system. Therefore, the aims of this study were to: (1) assess the relationship between trunk function and anaerobic power determining proficiency in wheelchair basketball, and (2) define "natural classes"in wheelchair basketball based on anaerobic power. Fifty-nine elite players (representing five national teams) were divided into four main functional classes: Group 1 (n=17), Group 2 (n=14), Group 3 (n=16), Group 4 (n=12). They performed the 6x10s Anaerobic Power Test using an arm crank ergometer. Average values of mean power, peak power, relative mean power, relative peak power, and power decrement were calculated for the 6x10s and 3x10s tests. The Spearman's correlation matrix revealed significant correlations between classes and values recorded in the 6x10s test. This confirmation between anaerobic power and players' classification endorses the division of players into different classes. Furthermore, cluster analysis (with fair quality) divided players into two "natural classes". The first resulting class was mainly formed of participants from Group 1 (71%). An important complement to this research could be to consider wheelchair acceleration and the volume of trunk action in wheelchair basketball classification.
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    Association Between Problematic Internet Use and Health Risks in Adolescents With and Without Chronic Health Conditions
    (2023-06-27) Kļaviņa, Aija; Veliks, Viktors; Bebrisa-Fedotova, Luize; Zusa, Anna; Porozovs, Juris; Aniscenko, Aleksandrs; Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE)
    Background. Sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are modifiable health risks that often develop during adolescence. A comprehensive analysis of unhealthy behaviors in adolescents with and without chronic health conditions (CHC) could inform the development of more effective prevention approaches. The aim. This study aimed to measure associations between Problematic Internet Use (PIU), lifestyle habits and subjective health complaints among adolescents with and without CHC. In addition, health behaviors and prevalence of subjective health complaints between adolescents with and without CHC were compared. Methods. A total of 171 adolescents (87 without CHC and 84 with CHC) completed an online survey. The PIU was assessed by the Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale. The subjective health complaints assessed were somatic and psychological symptoms. Healthy lifestyle behaviors assessed were daily physical activities, time spent by screens, eating habits, and duration of sleep. Results. The results showed that 21.83% of adolescents with CHC and 36.78% without CHC scored at risk for problematic internet use. Adolescents without CHC reported significantly more frequent psychological health complaints than their peers with CHC. This study found that multiple health complaints and unhealthy eating habits were significantly associated with PIU in adolescents with CHC, while nervousness and eating fast food in adolescents without CHC. Girls without CHC reported significantly higher PRIUSS scores and prevalence of subjective health complaints than boys (p <.05). Conclusions. Adolescents without CHC reported significantly higher levels of moderate and vi-gorous intensity physical activities weekly than their peers with CHC. PIU behaviors are mainly associated with psychological health complaints and unhealthy eating behaviors in adolescents with and without CHC. These findings highlight the need to identify the specific problematic internet use activities that are associated with different health risks in adolescents.
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    Dynamics of pain and movement amplitude under the influence of physical therapy programs for patients with adhesive capsulitis and myofascial pain syndrome
    (2024) Rusanov, Andrii; Vitomskyi, Volodymyr; Roi, Iryna; Borzykh, Natalia; Kļaviņa, Aija; Vitomskа, Maryna; Kobinskyi, Oleh; Department of Rehabilitation
    Background and purpose To investigate and compare the impact of end-range mobilization and therapeutic exercises combined with ischemic compression on the movement amplitude and pain among patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint and thoracic myofascial pain syndrome. Material and methods The study involved 64 patients. Goniometry of the shoulder joint and assessment of pain (numerical scale) when pressing on myofascial trigger points were performed before the intervention, at the end of the first and second weeks, and at the end of the physical therapy program. All the patients were consulted by a physical therapist. The participants of the first group underwent end-range mobilization of the shoulder joint (five times a week, performed by a physical therapist) and ischemic compression of myofascial trigger points (daily, performed without any assistance). Physical therapy program of the first group lasted three weeks. The participants of the second group performed therapeutic exercises (twice a day) and ischemic compression of trigger points (daily, without assistance). The complex of exercises included pendulum and stretching exercises for shoulder joint. Physical therapy program of the second group of patients lasted three weeks. Results Both groups had similar indicators of patients’ age, duration of symptoms, and gender distribution of patients. Initial values of goniometry and pain did not differ statistically. Both groups had positive dynamics of goniometry results, which confirms the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. At the same time, the second assessment (a week after the therapy) showed significantly better results of the first group. The advantage of the first group was also present in the results of subsequent assessments of movement amplitude in the shoulder joint. Positive dynamics of pain score in myofascial trigger points was established in both groups of patients. Patients of the first group had better pain indicators according to the results of the final assessment. The results of intermediate assessments were statistically the same. Conclusions Combination of end-range mobilization and ischemic compression for restoring mobility in the shoulder joint and reducing pain in trigger points was more effective among patients with adhesive capsulitis and myofascial pain syndrome as compared with the intervention based on combination of therapeutic exercises and ischemic compression.
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    EEG Spectral Feature Markers as an Indicator of Human Cognitive Process
    (2023) Porozovs, Juris; Veliks, Viktors; Kļaviņa, Aija; Praulīte, Gunita; Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE)
    Information technologies allow using modern and timely effective analyses of EEG waves and the methods of data processing that allows effective usage of this method into pedagogically and psychologically oriented research. Aim of this study was to develop and validate method of EEG signal spectral properties usage in the investigations of the process of cognition in the process of the perception of music by the choice of professional studies. 23 research participants took part in the research – the students at the University of Latvia, the division of participants “non-musician” and “musician”. The EEG recording synchronized with the musical signal using the generated synchronization signal that given to one of the unipolar input channels of the EEG equipment. The research analyses the basic rhythm of EEG the changes of the maximum frequency and the wave frequency power in the processes connected with the perception and cognition of music for 15 seconds long intervals. During the time of listening to the chorus songs, the range frequency of the range rhythm of alpha and beta does not change to the musicians but during the time of listening to the instrumental music it increases but it was more vivid in the range of beta frequency. Non-musicians reacted differently – while listening to chorus songs and instrumental music the frequency of alfa waves of EEG increased, but the beta wave frequency decreased. EEG as a method of investigation is recommended for pedagogical research to evaluate the neurological functions in the cognitive processes.
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    The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Quality of Life and Incidence of Chemotherapy Side Effects in Women With Breast Cancer
    (2024-01-01) Kļaviņa, Aija; Cešeiko, Rūdolfs; Čampa, Mārtiņš; Jermoļenko, Grēta Frančeska; Eglītis, Kristaps; Llorente, Alicia; Linē, Aija; Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE); Rīga Stradiņš University
    UNLABELLED Women with breast cancer (BC) experience multiple symptoms related to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) treatment that impair their functioning and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to explore the effect of high-intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT) on quality of life and NAC side effects in women with BC. METHODS 56 patients (48.56 (7.84) years, range 35-64 years) diagnosed locally advanced (stage II-III) ER + BC receiving doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide-based NAC were randomly assigned to the HIIT group and a control group (CG) for 6 months. The HIIT group performed 2 to 3 HIIT sessions per week according to the study protocol (4 × 4 minutes at 85%-95% peak heart rate (HR)). The CG followed the standard of care instructions by the oncologists. To assess the QoL participants completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 with the additional BC module of QLQ BR-23. Weekly self-reports on NAC side effects were collected through online survey. RESULTS Study data were analyzed for 37 participants (nHIIT = 17, nCON = 20) who reported at least 14 (60%) weeks. HIIT was effective to reduce BC symptom scale outcomes (ES = 0.113, P = .048), and alleviate systemic therapy side effects (ES = 0.154, P = .020) and cancer related symptoms (ES = 0.124, P = .038). The most common side effect participants experienced at least 1 to 4 days/week was pain (average 50.9% and 56.8% for HIIT and CG, respectively), followed by sleep disturbances (average 50.9% and 49.9%, respectively). About 31% in both groups experienced sleep disturbances 5 to 7 days/week. The NAC induced physical, social and fatigue side effects had significantly lower incidence in HIIT group, while psychological side effects were significantly more common in training group. CONCLUSIONS HIIT is an effective physical exercise program to maintain higher quality of life and help to reduce some of NAC induced side effects for women with BC.
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    From sweat to hope : The role of exercise-induced extracellular vesicles in cancer prevention and treatment
    (2024-08) Llorente, Alicia; Brokāne, Agnese; Mlynska, Agata; Puurand, Marju; Sagini, Krizia; Folkmane, Signe; Hjorth, Marit; Martin-Gracia, Beatriz; Romero, Silvana; Skorinkina, Diana; Čampa, Mārtiņš; Cešeiko, Rūdolfs; Romanchikova, Nadezhda; Kļaviņa, Aija; Käämbre, Tuuli; Linē, Aija; Rīga Stradiņš University; Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE)
    The benefits of regular physical exercise on cancer prevention, as well as reducing fatigue, treatment side effects and recurrence, and improving quality of life and overall survival of cancer patients, are increasingly recognised. Initial studies showed that the concentration of extracellular vesicles (EVs) increases during physical activity and that EVs carry biologically active cargo. These EVs are released by blood cells, skeletal muscle and other organs involved in exercise, thus suggesting that EVs may mediate tissue crosstalk during exercise. This possibility triggered a great interest in the study of the roles of EVs in systemic adaptation to exercise and in their potential applications in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer. This review presents studies exploring the concentration and molecular cargo of EVs released during exercise. Furthermore, we discuss putative stimuli that may trigger EV release from various cell types, the biological functions and the impact of exercise-induced EVs on cancer development and progression. Understanding the interplay between exercise, EVs, and cancer biology may offer insights into novel therapeutic strategies and preventive measures for cancer.
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    The impact of digital technology on the physical health of Older Workers: Protocol for a Scoping Review : Protocol for a Scoping Review
    (2024-09-26) Spijker, Jeroen J.A.; Barlin, Hande; Grad, Diana Alecsandra; Gu, Yang; Kļaviņa, Aija; Yaylagul, Nilufer Korkmaz; Kulla, Gunilla; Orhun, Eda; Sevcikova, Anna; Unim, Brigid; Tofan, Cristina Maria; Laboratory of Sports and Nutrition Research
    BACKGROUND: Digital technologies have penetrated most workplaces. However, it is unclear how such digital technologies affect the physical health of older workers. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to examine and summarize the evidence from scientific literature concerning the impact of digital technology on the physical health of older workers. METHODS: This scoping review will be conducted following recommendations outlined by Levac et al and will adhere to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines for reporting. Peer-reviewed papers written in English will be searched in the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, and ERIH PLUS. The web-based systematic review platform Covidence will be used to create a data extraction template. It will cover the following items: study and participant characteristics, health measures, digital tool characteristics and usage, and research findings. Following the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework, our review will focus on studies involving older workers aged 50 years or older, any form of digital technology (including teleworking and the use of digital tools at work), and how digital technologies affect physical health (such as vision loss, musculoskeletal disorders, and migraines). Studies that focus only on mental health will be excluded. Study selection based on title and abstract screening (first stage), full-text review (second stage), and data extraction (third stage) will be performed by a group of researchers, whereby each paper will be reviewed by at least 2 people. Any conflict regarding the inclusion or exclusion of a study and the data extraction will be resolved by discussion between the researchers who evaluated the papers; a third researcher will be involved if consensus is not reached. RESULTS: A preliminary search of MEDLINE, Epistemonikos, Cochrane, PROSPERO, and JBI Evidence Synthesis was conducted, and no current or ongoing systematic reviews or scoping reviews on the topic were identified. The results of the study are expected in April 2025. CONCLUSIONS: Our scoping review will seek to provide an overview of the available evidence and identify research gaps regarding the effect of digital technology and the use of digital tools in the work environment on the physical health of older workers. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/59900.
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    Limiting Factors in Achieving Swimming Performance
    (2024) Brat, Valentina; Teodorescu, Silvia; Aura, Bota; Kļaviņa, Aija; Rīga Stradiņš University
    Aim. The paper focuses on aspects regarding performance swimming in Romania over the past decade, taking into account several variables such as the number of athletes, infrastructure, competition system, issues faced by athletes and coaches, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. We analyzed data provided by the Romanian Swimming and Modern Pentathlon Federation (F.R.N.P.M.) and conducted surveys to better understand the current situation and challenges facing the swimming community in Romania. Results. We developed two questionnaires, one addressed to athletes consisting of 23 items and one addressed to coaches, with 17 items. A total of 75 competitive swimmers, with an average age of 15.75 years, and 31 coaches responded to the questionnaires. The results confirmed the hypothesis that in Romania, as well, the adolescent period represents the stage where the dropout rate from competitive swimming is the highest and that the COVID-19 pandemic had negative consequences on athletes' preparation and increased the number of swimmers who withdrew from competitive sports activities. Conclusions. It is essential to identify the factors that lead athletes to drop out or prematurely cease their sports activity, especially in the case of performance swimming, before they reached their peak performance. This is an initial step in developing solutions that motivate them to continue performing at the highest level, in the senior category.
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    Рhysical therapy graduate students' and examiners' perception of objective structured clinical examination : a feedback for process improvement
    (2022) Vitomskyi, Volodymyr V.; Kļaviņa, Aija; Mruga, Maryna R.; Molik, Bartosz; Gavreliuk, Svitlana V.; Reklaitiene, Diana; Lazarieva, Olena B.; Kovelska, Antonina V.; Vitomska, Marina V.; Morgulec-Adamowicz, Natalia; Kwok, Ng; Pozeriene, Jurate; Campa, Martin; Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE)
    Purpose: to analyze the first experience of administering Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for the students (studs) enrolled in the master's degree program majoring in physical therapy at National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport. Material and methods. The survey included 21 examiners (examrs) and 46 studs involved in OSCE administering. The questionnaire consisted of the questions assessing the quality of station equipment, clarity of the exam format, other aspects. Results. All the examrs informed of total clarity of the examination format, but only 13 (61.9%) of them noted a similar level of clarity for the studs. Тhe examrs identified 3 main reasons for unsuccessful attempts to perform a skill/task: insufficient training, new format of checking knowledge/examination, slightly different focus of training. The distribution of answers concerning the clarity of the format of the examination and its tasks provided by the studs did not differ statistically from those provided by the teachers. The vast maj ority of the examrs indicated that the skills were of sufficient difficulty for the purpose of the examination. 5 examrs had significant difficulties assessing skill performance according to the provided form, while 7 of them had slight difficulties and the rest had no difficulties. The majority of the studs noted that the number of stations and equipment was sufficient (no statistical differences were determined between the answers of the studs and the examrs). Conclusions. The survey revealed the need for introducing certain changes in OSCE assessment form, in the educational program, conducting special preparatory classes for studs. The obtained results can be used to improve the development of OSCE in physical therapy in Ukraine.