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Volume 18, Issue 2, 2026

Online ISSN: 2406-1379

ISSN: 1821-3480

Volume 18 , Issue 2, (2026)

Published: 16.06.2026.

Open Access

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Author(s). Title of the article. Exercise and Quality of Life. Advance online publication. DOI:10.31382/xxxx

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Contents

23.01.2025.

Original scientific paper

Comparing university students with different health education achievements in terms of body mass index

Health Education programme provides needed preparation of students which should build their personal competence towards avoidance of body mass index (BMI) problems. Therefore, the study compared university students with different health education achievements by mean BMI and determined if the achievements, gender, age range, and class level have significant interactions on mean BMI of the students. Descriptive survey was used and from 222, a sample of 87 Health Education students were purposively selected in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education, University of Benin. A ‘BMI Scale’, a Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 (Model: XMTZC04HM), a standardized measuring tape and the 2022/2023 Senate Approved 100, 200, 300 and 400 Levels Health Education Programme Results were used to collect data. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that the BMI of university students with different Health Education achievements is possible normal weight with majority of the participants (54.0%), with the possible normal weight having a GPA of 2.40 – 3.49 while the least number of them (4.6%), had a GPA of 4.50 – 5.00. However, different Health Education achievements, gender, age range and class level had no interactions on mean BMI of the students at 0.05 level of significance. Therefore, Health Education students should be encouraged by their lecturers to continuously apply knowledge of Health Education into healthy behaviours appropriate to maintain possible normal weight.

Osato Harriet Obasuyi

02.04.2025.

Original scientific paper

Enhancing quality of life through physical exercise in a patient with triple lumbar disc herniation: A longitudinal case study

Lumbar disc herniation, a growing condition, significantly impacts work productivity, mental health, and quality of life. It alters functional movement patterns and causes improper compensatory body positioning, leading to muscle dysfunction. Physical exercise is a key treatment for chronic cases. This case study examined a 37-year-old male with moderate triple lumbar disc herniation and degenerative disc changes at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1. The subject followed a 10-week home-based exercise program performed 4 to 5 times weekly for 45 minutes per session. The program consisted of variations of body-weight exercises, supplemented with additional equipment, and progressively increased in intensity and volume, targeting hip joint mobility and strengthening of deep back, abdominal, and thigh muscles. Initial and final assessments included the Pain Detect test, the Short Form Health Survey-36 on quality of life, Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and body composition analysis. Questionnaires indicated significant pain reduction and improvements in physical condition and psychosocial well-being. MMT improved from 4 to 5, FMS from 2 to 3, and body composition showed positive changes: weight (+1.5%), body water (+3.4%), skeletal muscle (+2.8%), and body fat (-6.6%). The subject reported substantial pain reduction, improved physical condition and psychosocial well-being, as well as enhanced muscle strength, functional movement patterns, and body composition. This case study highlights the program’s effectiveness in treating lumbar disc herniation and enhancing quality of life. Additionally, the program is suitable for preventing lumbar disc herniation and improving overall quality of life in the broader population.

Kristina Randow de Almeida, Marko Kapeleti, Vuk Stevanović, Vladimir Mrdaković, Marija Macura

22.04.2025.

Review scientific paper

Blood flow restriction endurance exercise and endurance performance in athletes

The development and advancement of sports training over time have been accompanied by continuous innovations, which significantly contribute to improving athletic performance. In this process, research has played a crucial role in understanding the effectiveness of various training methods, including blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise, which is increasingly gaining attention due to its potential to enhance athletic performance. BFR training can be implemented in both: resistance exercise and endurance exercise. The studies discussed indicate a growing interest in the application of BFR through endurance type of exercise to enhance aerobic capacity.
This narrative review examined the role of BFR training in enhancing endurance performance by reviewing relevant literature. We performed a comprehensive search on PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords such as “Blood Flow Restriction”, “endurance exercise”, “aerobic capacity”, and “athletes”. The focus was on peer-reviewed articles published in the last decade that investigated the effects of BFR training on endurance and aerobic capacity, specifically within athletic populations. Studies included in this review were selected based on their relevance to BFR training and its impact on endurance performance, while those not directly related to BFR or involving non-athlete populations were excluded. Key findings concerning BFR training protocols and their impact on endurance metrics were summarized. This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of BFR training in endurance exercise and its potential implications for optimizing athletic performance.
These investigations adopting BFR training show promising results, with several studies reporting significant improvements in key physiological parameters such as maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and muscular endurance.
Overall evidence suggests that integrating BFR training into endurance exercise training regimens holds potential for optimizing aerobic capacity in athletes.

Matevž Arčon, Nejc Črnčič

26.04.2025.

Original scientific paper

Quality of life and satisfaction with life among community-dwelling older adults based on their level of physical activity: Cross-sectional study

Aging is a gradual and irreversible process that involves changes in tissues and body functions over time. The level of daily activities of elderly persons decreases with aging, although it is well known that physical activity (PA) is important for successful aging. This study's objective was to determine the influence of PA level on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and life satisfaction (LS) among community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out, with 263 questionnaires (PASE, WHOQOL-OLD, and LISAT9) completed and returned. Each WHOQOL-OLD and LISAT9 domain was analyzed using an independent t-test to determine differences in HRQoL and LS between groups. However, the relationship between PA level and HRQoL and LS domains was investigated using the Pearson correlation coefficient among Physically active and Physically inactive older adults. Older adults who reported being more physically active attributed higher scores to the sensory ability, autonomy, past, present, and feature and intimacy domains, and presented significantly higher overall HRQoL. In addition, the results indicated higher scores for the Ability to manage self-care (AMS), leisure satisfaction (LS), Vocational situation (VS), financial satisfaction (FS), Sexual life (SL), and Partner relation (PR) domains and significantly higher overall LS among physically active older adults. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between   PA level and HRQoL and LS domains. The results indicate that increases in the levels of PA can contribute to improvements in HRQoL and LS of older adults.

Abdulsalam Yakasai, Hauwa Adam, Akindele Oyeniran, Auwal Abdullahi, Jibrin Sammani, Musa Danazumi

23.01.2025.

Original scientific paper

The acute effects of exercise-induced energy expenditure on physical activity energy expenditure

Exercise-induced energy expenditure (ExEE) is commonly adopted as a mean to volitional body mass loss. ExEE can also modulate physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and potentially limit the rate of body mass loss. The detrimental effect of ExEE on PAEE may be more prevalent in women than in men. This study was to investigate the sex differences in regulation of PAEE and body mass change following an acute exercise-induced perturbation in energy balance.  In this 3-week study, 4 men and 6 women with body mass index (BMI) of 28.8 ± 2.3 kg/m2 were required to exercise on a leg ergometer, expending 15% of their total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in each exercise session of week two (Exercise week). Participants had to complete three exercise sessions within the same week and on non-consecutive days. PAEE was assessed via wrist-worn accelerometers over the entire study period. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition were measured at the beginning of the study. Men had significantly greater stature (p=0.021), body mass (p=0.035) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) (p=0.01) than women. Whereas women body fat % was significantly greater than men (p=0.004). At the end of the study, there was no significant difference body mass % change (p=0.409) and ExEE (p=0.91) between men and women. There was no significant main effect of time for PAEE (p=0.613), or between sex (p=0.470). Three bouts of ExEE performed within the same week did not alter PAEE in men and women with overweight and obesity.

Matevž Arčon, Andrea Cameron

04.06.2025.

Original scientific paper

Sport-specific patterns of vascular compression in athletes with entrapment syndrome: A comparative analysis of endurance versus non-endurance athletes

Vascular entrapment syndromes of the lower extremities represent a diagnostic challenge in athletes, with emerging evidence suggesting sport-specific presentations. This study aimed to characterize and compare patterns of vascular compression, anatomical variants, and hemodynamic consequences across different sporting disciplines. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 210 athletes with confirmed vascular entrapment syndrome from a 10-year cohort (2014-2023). Athletes were categorized as long-distance runners (n=87), cyclists (n=71), triathletes (n=24), soccer players (n=19), and other sports (n=9). All participants underwent standardized clinical assessment and vascular imaging during provocative maneuvers. Multivariable analyses and latent class analysis were performed to identify independent predictors and distinct phenotypes. Sport-specific patterns of vascular compression were identified. Long-distance runners exhibited highest compression during plantarflexion (85.7±8.6%), predominantly with Type III gastrocnemius variants (60.9%). Cyclists demonstrated highest compression during knee extension (79.2±11.4%), with predominant Type II variants (49.3%). Soccer players exhibited primarily Type I variants (57.9%) with lower compression severity. Latent class analysis identified three distinct phenotypes: "runner phenotype" (43.8%), "cyclist phenotype" (37.1%), and "low compression phenotype" (19.0%), each with characteristic anatomical, hemodynamic, and clinical features. Sport category remained an independent predictor of compression severity after adjusting for potential confounders (p<0.001). Vascular entrapment syndrome manifests with distinct sport-specific patterns reflecting the interplay between anatomical predisposition and functional demands. The identification of sport-specific phenotypes provides a framework for tailored diagnostic approaches and management strategies. Recognition of these characteristics may enhance diagnostic accuracy, inform individualized treatment, and improve outcomes for affected athletes across diverse sporting disciplines.

Dragan Nikolić, Milan Cvetković, Marijana Basta Nikolić, Boris Popović, Vladimir Manojlović, Aleksandar Đuričin

02.05.2025.

Original scientific paper

Interdependence of neck pain prevalence with neck disability and sleep quality among Nigerian seamstresses

Seamstresses, due to the nature of their profession, often face ergonomic challenges stemming from prolonged sitting, repetitive motions, and the adoption of awkward postures. These factors could affect sleep quality and contribute to an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, including but not limited to, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, and shoulder strain. It seems necessary, therefore, to evaluate the association of neck pain prevalence with neck disability and sleep quality among Nigerian seamstresses. 169 participants of ages 18 and above with varying levels of experience were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. The measure employed has 4 sections containing socio-demographics, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Sleep Quality aspect of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index and Neck Disability Index. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, and percentages were used to summarize the data and provide an overview of the respondents’ prevalence of neck pain. Pearson’s Chi square was used to test the association of neck pain prevalence with sleep quality and neck disability at 0.05 alpha level. The lifetime and 12-month prevalence of neck pain were 83.4% and 73.4% respectively. 39 (23.1%) reported good sleep quality. About 45.6% of the respondents’ reported no neck disability. There is no statistically significant relationship between neck disability and the prevalence of neck pain (X2 = 6.416, p = 0.601). However, a significant relationship was observed between the prevalence of neck pain and sleep quality (X2= 4.411, p = 0.036). Seamstresses have a high prevalence of neck pain due to long hours of static positions. Poor sleep quality was also associated with neck pain. Nonetheless, there was no significant relationship between neck disability and pain prevalence, although, sleep quality, pain intensity, and neck disability are interconnected in the present study.

Jehurat Abdulahi, Adebisi Hammed, Nicholas Oghumu, David Akintayo, Solomon Ogbouma, Martins Okhawere, Imuwahen Mbarie, Ayobami Fasuba, Kayode Oke

09.06.2025.

Review scientific paper

Effectiveness of pilates exercise on quality of life in older adult women: A scoping review

This scoping review investigates the effects of Pilates exercise interventions on health and quality of life of older adult women. Through a comprehensive examination of existing literature, this review identified key areas where Pilates has shown to significantly benefit physical capabilities such as strength, balance, and flexibility, alongside mental health improvements, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhanced sleep quality.  Thus, this scoping review emphasizes a possible role of Pilates in addressing age-related physical and psychosocial challenges, and suggests it as suitable low-impact exercise for promoting healthy aging. Despite the methodological heterogeneity among studies, the overall evidence suggests that Pilates may be a valuable component of geriatric healthcare strategies. The findings advocate for further research to expand the evidence and further guiding healthcare professionals in integrating Pilates into exercise prescriptions for older adult women.

Iva Weingerl, Žiga Kozinc, Dorjana Zerbo Šporin

22.06.2025.

Original scientific paper

Influence of sociodemographic variables on patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options for Parkinson's disease

Patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) experience motor and non-motor symptoms that decrease their quality of life. The non-pharmacological management of PD is imperative to improve the quality of life for patients with the disease. Non-pharmacological management options such as exercise, medical, and surgical interventions can improve function and independence in patients with PD. Many non-pharmacological management options target specific symptoms commonly associated with PD. The Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP) model was adapted to develop a questionnaire that assesses patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options for PD. The questionnaire consisted of 11 questions. To assess the relationship between sociodemographic variables and patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options likelihood-ratio chi-squared, Spearman's correlation, simple logistic regression, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed on the collected data. Six hundred and forty-one participants completed the questionnaire. For patients (n = 492) and practitioners (n = 149), the most widely known non-pharmacological management option was regular exercise, and the least-known was subthalamotomy. Compared to patients, practitioners were more likely to have knowledge of most non-pharmacological management options (OR 1.73 - 7.36). Higher education level (OR 3.10 - 10.96), younger age (OR 0.09 - 0.32), geographical location (North America OR 0.05 - 0.49, Europe OR 2.24), employment status (OR 4.81 - 12.02), and sex (OR 0.59) had a significant relationship with patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options. Practitioners were more likely to have knowledge of most non-pharmacological management options for PD compared to patients. Several sociodemographic variables impacted one's ability to identify non-pharmacological management options in both populations. Increasing patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options could improve the care and quality of life of patients with PD.

Paula Abola, Benjamin Wolden, Mitchell Wolden

28.07.2025.

Review scientific paper

Service quality in football: A systematic review

This systematic review analyses the existing research on service quality in football academies, focusing on its impact on user satisfaction and loyalty. Several factors can influence user satisfaction in football academies. Some of them are: academy infrastructure, quality of training, expert and professional staff, location and environment of the academy, status and reputation of the academy, levels of competition, as well as prospects in terms of career progression and career management in youth football. All of these factors contribute to better service and directly influence the increase in user satisfaction and loyalty, i.e., future members of the academy. For this reason, it is necessary to analyse the existing research on this topic to understand the measurement of service quality and the impact it has on the value and satisfaction of athletes. This systematic review aims to investigate service quality and to analyze the current state and factors that influence quality in the management of football academies. For this research, the electronic databases Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched to find relevant articles on this topic. The following inclusion criteria were applied during the search: only topics related to service quality, scientific papers covering the field of management, papers written in English, papers published from 2009 to the present, and full-text papers available. The results of the selected studies for this research showed that service quality is a key factor in achieving a high level of user loyalty towards a football academy.

Rade Milić