Human Movement 

About: Human Movement is an academic journal published by De Gruyter Open. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Athletes. It has an ISSN identifier of 1732-3991. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 635 publications have been published receiving 4219 citations.

The Situation of Physical Education in Schools: A European Perspective

Abstract: Physical Education (PE) in Europe has evolved from influences and initiatives, which have variously shaped national systems either through assimilation or adaptation. As a geopolitical entity Europe is characterised by diversity, testimony to which are different and various forms of structures and practices but there are some elements of congruence in concepts and delivery. Survey and other research evidence indicates a perceived decline or marginalisation of PE in schools, particularly marked in the 1990s, which has attracted attention of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. In presenting the situational trends and tendencies of PE in schools in the European region, this article draws from three European-wide surveys, a World-wide survey and an extensive literature review including global and regional qualitative studies and national reports. In some countries, there are instances of well implemented programmes and good practices. Equally, there is evidence to generate concern about the situation. The review of PE in Europe is marked by “mixed messages” with indicators of stabilization in some countries juxtaposed between positive, effective policy initiatives in other countries and reticence or little political will to act and continuing concerns in others. There are apparent deficiencies in provision, specifically in curriculum time allocation, subject status, financial, material (inadequacies in facility and equipment supply) and human resources, the quality of the physical education curriculum and its delivery as well as the extent of efficacy of beyond school networks. The crux of the situation is that there is a gap between promise and the reality. The article concludes with suggested strategies, underpinned by development of a “basic needs model”, to assist in converting “promises” into “reality” and so secure a safer future for PE in schools.

Self-determined motivation and physical education importance

Abstract: It is widely accepted that when psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness are encouraged in physical education classes, they can play a potentially important role in enhancing motivation and positive consequences. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to analyse the relations between self-determination theory and the importance and usefulness pupils give to physical education. Basic procedures. The sample consisted of 440 Spanish students, aged between 14 and 16, who were measured for psychological mediators (autonomy, competence and relatedness), motivation types (intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation and amotivation) and physical education importance (PEI). Main findings. The results showed that PEI was positively related to autonomy, competence, relatedness and self-determined motivation. Amotivation was negatively associated with PEI. Conclusions. The satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs and self-determined motivation develop a more positive attitude of the students towards physical education. The results are discussed with regard to enhancing participation rates and, potentially, physical activity levels.

Nordic Walking - A New Form of Adapted Physical Activity (A Literature Review)

Abstract: Purpose.�thepurposeofthisstudywastoanalyzescientificevidenceontheeffectsthatNordicWalking�(NW)�hasonthehumanbody.� Basic procedures.�Acomprehensivesearchofcomputerdatabases�(MEDLINE/PubMed,�cINAHL,�andSPORtDiscus)�wasconducted� toidentifyrelevantEnglishandPolishstudiesonNWthatwerepublishedfrom�1995�to�2009�andbasedonscientificresearch.�Main findings.�Atotalof�26�studiesmettheinclusioncriteria.�themajorityofstudies�(12)�discussedphysiologicalissues,�elevenstudieswere� dedicatedtoNWasaformofrehabilitation� (includingonecasestudy),�andthreestudiesfocusedonbiomechanicalissuespresentin� NW.�Conclusions.�NotallofthewidelypromotedbenefitsofNWwereconfirmedintheresultsofthefoundscientificstudies.�Often� analyzedissuesdidnotprovidesufficientexplanation.�thereisalargediscrepancyintheresultsofphysiologicalresponsesduringNW� inavarietyofconditions�(onatreadmillwith/withoutgrade;�field� -�uphill/downhill/horizontallevelterrain).�theresultsofstudies� analyzingtheeffectsofNWtrainingasaformofrehabilitationparticularlyintheareasofcardiologyconfirmedthepositiveaspectsof� includingNWtowardsapatient'srehabilitationafteracutecoronarysyndrome,�withintermittentclaudication,� andaftercoronaryartery� disease,�oraftermyocardialinfarction.�contrarytopopularbeliefandpreviouslydonestudies,�recentresearchhasshownthatNWdoes� notreducetheloadingofthekneejoint.

Joint-Angle Specific Strength Adaptations Influence Improvements in Power in Highly Trained Athletes

Abstract: Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of training at different ranges of motion during the squat exercise on joint-angle specific strength adaptations. Methods. Twenty eight men were randomly assigned to one of three training groups, differing only in the depth of squats (quarter squat, half squat, and full squat) performed in 16-week training intervention. Strength measures were conducted in the back squat pre-, mid-, and post-training at all three depths. Vertical jump and 40-yard sprint time were also measured. Results. Individuals in the quarter and full squat training groups improved significantly more at the specific depth at which they trained when compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). Jump height and sprint speed improved in all groups (p < 0.05); however, the quarter squat had the greatest transfer to both outcomes. Conclusions. Consistently including quarter squats in workouts aimed at maximizing speed and jumping power can result in greater improvements.