כתב העת “בתנועה”

Practical Applications of Aquatic Physical Activity, Swimming, and Therapy for People with Visual Impairment or Blindness

Michal Nissim, Naomi Ariel, and Einat Alter

Abstract

Visual impairment and blindness are common disabilities. Studies show that aquatic physical activity is recommended and advantageous for people with visual impairments or blindness. The Equal Rights for People with Disabilities Law (1998) confirms the right of equal opportunities for people with disabilities in all areas of life. In spite of this legislation, there are barriers that prevent the participation of people with visual impairment or blindness in aquatic physical and therapeutic activities. In this article the principles and specific emphases for designing an appropriate environment in the pool, and accomodations for teaching and therapy for people with visual impairment or blindness, will be presented. The implementation of the proposed adaptations by professionals working in water will enable best practices for their work with people with visual impairment or blindness. 

Descriptors: Visual impairment and blindness, aquatic therapy, adapted swimming, accessibility.

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Rethinking extra-time in major national football tournaments

Y. Meckel, E. Taoz, D. Nemet, E. Eliakim, S. Ben- Zaken, A. Eliakim

Abstract

An extra-time (ET) of 30 minutes is played if football match scores are level after 90 minutes in tournament knockout play. The demanding schedule of these tournaments, along with possible ET matches in the knockout stages, significantly increase players' overload and injury risk. The present study aimed to determine whether ET during major football national team tournaments contributes to the game outcome. Data on the percentage of elimination matches that called for ET, and the percentage of ET matches that eventually required shootouts were retrieved. Over the years, the increased number of participating teams has lead to an increased number of knockout games, and more knockout games required ET (13% until 1978, 33% from 1982, in FIFA World Cup). In a significant percentage of matches, the ET itself did not determine the winning team, and the majority of ET match winners were determined by shootouts (FIFA World Cup since 1982: 60.8%; UEFA European championship: 61.3%; Copa America: 92%). The purpose of playing ET is to make a fair game outcome, and not leave the winning decision for shootouts. However, since in most matches ET does not determine the winner, while significantly increasing the player's overload and injury susceptibility, the call for ET mandates rethinking.

Descriptors: Football, extra time, injury, fatigue.

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Physical education as a protective factor for risk behaviors among adolescents in Israel: age and gender differences

R. Nissenholz-Ganot, R. Maor, L. Ofri, Y. Sela, A. Zigdon, Y. Harel-Fisch, R. Tesler

In Israel, as well as in other countries throughout the world, physical education (PE) classes are included in a school’s core program. PE classes are based on physical health concepts and focus on instilling active and healthy lifestyle habits among students. Studies have shown that adolescents' participation in PE classes can lead to a decrease in risk behavior patterns and an increase in involvement in physical activity even outside the school walls. The present study examined the extent to which PE variables in school (love of PE classes, duration of PE classes, and participation in sports) serve as protective factors against risky behaviors (drunkenness, excessive alcohol consumption, and cannabis smoking] among adolescents. Quantitative correlations were based on a secondary analysis of the Health Behavior in School-Age Children Study data from Israel during the years 2018-2019. The study population included 4,407 students from the sixth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth grades, from the following sectors: state (54%), state-religious (14%), and Arab (32%). Students answered questions about PE and risk behaviors. We found that love for PE and duration of activity in PE were protective factors against the risk behaviors examined. Participation in sports was found to be a protective factor in preventing drunkenness and excessive drinking among teenagers. Policy makers should develop intervention programs as part of the PE lessons to help address the risk behaviors of adolescents, in order to create a healthier future generation.

Descriptors: Physical education, risk behaviors, gender, age, school

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Exercise habits, motives, and barriers of mothers from the Jewish national religious sector

B. Avraham, S. Zach

 Despite the World Health Organization's recommendations for regular physical activity, and its emphasis on the importance and contribution of physical activity to both physical and mental health, women with children find it difficult to exercise regularly and to persist in this pursuit – mainly due to lack of time, multiple tasks, fatigue, difficulty in making arrangements, and the cost. Previous studies have addressed mothers of one or two children on average, but there is a lack of information as to whether the number of children and the multitude of tasks at home are related to exercise habits among mothers. In addition, no data exist concerning exercise behavior of the Jewish national religious sector population in general, and of the females in particular. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore the exercise habits, motives, and barriers of mothers from the Jewish national religious sector and to examine whether the number of children is related to these variables. Participants were 356 mothers from the Jewish state religious sector, aged 20-45 (M = 35; S.D = 6.07), 64% with more than four children. A questionnaire was used to collect data regarding the participants' physical activity habits, motives for physical activity, and barriers to participation. Results indicated a positive relationship between the number of children and physical activity. That is to say, as the number of children increased, the number of weekly activities increased. In addition, a positive relationship appeared between maternal age and number of children, and between maternal age and physical activity. The main barrier for both inactive women and active women who feel that they are less active than they would like to be, is a "busy day" of regular household and parenting activities, with no difference between the groups. "I have no power" and "requires too much self-discipline" appeared as stronger barriers among inactive women than among their active counterparts. The main motive for the activity – to "feel better mentally" – was reported among 97.4% of the participants. Of these, 79.5% of them take part in at least one weekly physical activity that requires payment in order to participate, and 71.5% regularly perform at least one weekly physical activity. We learn about the association between paying for the activity and doing activity regularly within the daily schedule, and that with persistence in participating in physical activity it is possible that such activities increase the feeling of commitment to the activity. Encouraging women to be physically active should focus on setting goals, planning and managing time for activities, and fostering feelings of commitment.

Descriptors: Women, religious observance, lifestyle, health.

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