Rejuvenating mind, body, and spirit: Exploring the role of physical activity in health and rehabilitation institutions’ offerings in Serbia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5937/menhottur2400004Z

Keywords:

health tourism, wellness, health, physical activity, recovery

Abstract

Purpose – This paper focuses on physical activity and body care as indicators of wellness offerings in health-rehabilitation institutions in Serbia. The goal is to determine if these institutions can become leaders in the tourism market by providing wellness services. Methodology – A measuring instrument was developed for research purposes. This tool aimed to gather data regarding services associated with physical activity and body care, serving as a crucial indicator of the wellness offerings. Its purpose was to enable the comprehensive evaluation of each center based on the investigated indicator. Findings – After analyzing 20 institutions, Banja Junaković, Ivanjica, and Čigota achieved the highest average score of 0.83, reflecting their comprehensive services and resulting in a final score of 5. Two institutions scored 0.79, coming close to an overall rating of five. All institutions provide programs for assessing the current state of the body. Implications – The study enhances understanding of physical activity and bodily well-being’s significance in advancing health and rehabilitation facilities, aligning with current wellness tourism trends. Results can aid hotel and wellness center managers in the health and wellness tourism industry in refining their business strategies.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Antúnez, L. E., Puértolas, B. C., Burgos B. I., Porto Payán, J. M., & Torres Piles, S. T. (2013). Effects of mud therapy on perceived pain and quality of life related to health in patients with knee osteoarthritis, Reumatología Clínica (English Edition), 9 (3), 156–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reumae.2013.03.001

Bauman, A. E., Chau, J. Y., Ding, D., & Bennie, J. (2013). Too much sitting and cardio-metabolic risk: An update of epidemiological evidence. Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports, 7(4), 293–298. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-013-0316-y

Bianco, A., Bellafiore, M., Battaglia, G., Paoli, A., Caramazza, G., Farina, F., & Palma, A. (2010). The effects of indoor cycling training in sedentary overweight women. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 50(2), 159–165.

Bieuzen, F., Bleakley, C. M., & Costello, J. T. (2013). Contrast water therapy and exercise induced muscle damage: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One, 8(4), e62356. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0062356

Bushman, B. A. (Ed.) (2017) Complete guide to fitness & health. (Second Edition). IL: Human Kinetics.

Csirmaz, E., & Károly Pető, K. (2015). International trends in recreational and wellness tourism. Procedia Economics and Finance, 32, 755–762. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2212-5671(15)01458-6

Davis, H. L., Alabed, S., & Chico, T. J. A. (2020). Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 6(1), e000614. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000614

Denda, S., & Stojanović, J. (2017). Pozicioniranost Sokobanje na turističkom tržištu Srbije [Positioning of Sokobanja on the Serbian tourist market]. Poslovna ekonomija, 11(1), 253–271. https://doi.org/10.5937/poseko11-13733

Dini, M., & Pencarelli, T. (2022). Wellness tourism and the components of its offer system: A holistic perspective. Tourism Review, 77(2), 394–412. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/TR-08-2020-0373

Du Toit, P., Naicker, L. A., Nortje, E., Kleynhans, M., Ferreira, R., & Gericke, G. (2013). Determining a physical wellness indicator. Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Natuurwetenskap en Tegnologie, 32(1), 770. https://doi.org/10.4102/satnt.v32i1.770

Đurađević, M. (2017). Characteristics of wellness tourism users in “Merkur” Specialised Hospital. Hotel and Tourism Management, 5(1), 75–84.

Gan, T, Zheng, J, Li, W., Li, J., & Shen, J. (2023). Health and wellness tourists’ motivation and behavior intention: The role of perceived value. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(5), 4339. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054339

Gavrilović, D. (Ed.) (2022). Statistički godišnjak [Statistical Yearbook]. Beograd: Republički zavod za statistiku Republike Srbije.

Giannake, G., Economou, A., Metaxas, T., & Geitona, M. (2023). Medical tourism in the Region of Thessaly, Greece: Opinions and perspectives from healthcare providers. Sustainability, 15(10), 7864. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su15107864

Gianuzzi, P., Mezzani, A., Saner, H., Mendes, M., Cohen-Solal, A., Dugmore, L., ... & Veress, G. (2003). Physical activity for primary and secondary prevention. Position paper of the Working Group on Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Physiology of the European Society of Cardiology. European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, 10(5), 319–327. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.hjr.0000086303.28200.50

Global Wellness Institute. (2015). The Global Wellness Tourism Economy Report 2013 & 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2022 from https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/GWI_2013_and_2014_Global_Wellness_Tourism_Economy_Report_Final.pdf

GWI. (2018). Global Wellness Economy Monitor. Retrieved September 20, 2022 from https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/industry-research/2018-global-wellness-economy-monitor/

Hoffman, S. J., & Knudson, D., V. (2018). Introduction of kinesiology: Studying physical activity (5th ed.). USA: Human Kinetics.

Huber, T., Steinle, A., Steinle, F., & Armellini, D. (2013). Die zukunft des konsums – Wie meta-services die wirtschaft umkrempeln [The future of consumption – How meta-services are transforming the economy]. Frankfurt: Zukunftsinstitut GmbH.

Ilić, N. (2006). Fiziologija sporta. [Physiology of sports]. Beograd: SZGR “Joksimović”.

Jat, A., & Grønli, T. (2022). Smart watch for smart health monitoring: A literature review. Bioinformatics and Biomedical Engineering: 9th International Work-Conference, IWBBIO 2022, Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain, Proceedings, Part I, 256–268. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-07704-3_21

Joppe, M. (2010) One country’s transformation to spa destination: The case of Canada, Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 17(1), 117–126. https://doi.org/10.1375/jhtm.17.1.117

Karalejić, M., & Jakovljević, S. (2009). Dijagnostika u košarci [Diagnostics in basketball]. Beograd: Visoka sportska i zdravstvena škola.

Koh, S., Yoo, Ј. Ј.-Е., & Boger, C.A., Jr. (2010). Importance-performance analysis with benefit segmentation of spa goers. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 22(5), 718–735. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09596111011053828

Koncul, N. (2012). Wellness: A new mode of tourism. Economic research – Ekonomska istraživanja, 25(2), 503–534. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2012.11517521

Konu, H., & Laukkanen, T. (2010). Predictors of tourists’ wellbeing holiday intentions in Finland [Special section]. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 17, 144–149. https://doi.org/10.1375/jhtm.17.1.144

Krstić, V., & Živanović, S. (2020). Ethical principles of complementary medicine application in health tourism. Hotel and Tourism Management, 8(1), 111–122. https://doi.org/10.5937/menhottur2001111K

Laesser, C. (2011). Health travel motivation and activities: Insights from a mature market – Switzerland. Tourism Review, 66(1/2), 83–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/16605371111127251

Lee, I. M., Shiroma, E. J., Lobelo, F., Puska, P., Blair, S. N., & Katzmarzyk, P. T. (2012). Effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide: An analysis of burden of disease and life expectancy. The Lancet, 380(9838), 219–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)61031-9

Lee, J., & Kim, J-J. (2023). A study on market segmentation according to wellness tourism motivation and differences in behavior between the groups — Focusing on satisfaction, behavioral intention, and flow. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1063. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021063

Leon, A. S., Franklin, B. A., & Costa, F. (2005). Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Circulation, 111(3), 369–376. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.cir.0000151788.08740.5c

Liu, H., Zeng, C., Gao, S. G., Yang, T., Luo, W., Li, Y-S., .... & Lei, G-H. (2013). The effect of mud therapy on pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of International Medical Research, 41(5), 1418–1425. https://doi.org/10.1177/0300060513488509

Lombardi, G., Ziemann, E., & Banfi, G. (2017). Whole-body cryotherapy in athletes: From therapy to stimulation. An Updated Review of the Literature. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 258. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00258

Majeed, S., & Gon Kim, W. (2023). Emerging trends in wellness tourism: A scoping review, Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, 6(2), 853–873. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-02-2022-0046

Mak, A. H. N., Wong, K. K. F., & Chang, R. C. Y. (2009). Health or self-indulgence? The motivations and characteristics of spa-goers. International Journal of Tourism Research, 11, 185–199. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jtr.703

Means, K. M., Rodell, D. E., & O’Sullivan, P. S. (2005). Balance, mobility, and falls among community-dwelling elderly persons. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 84(4), 238–250. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.PHM.0000151944.22116.5A

Mero, A., Tornberg, J., Mäntykoski, M., & Puurtinen, R. (2015). Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. Springerplus, 4(1), 321 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-015-1093-5

Mohammadian, M., Khazaei, A., Khodabandeh, J., Bahadori, M., & Babaei, M. (2021). The designing model of sport for all in the employees of Iranian universities. The Annals of Applied Sport Science, 9(3), e909. http://dx.doi.org/10.52547/aassjournal.909

Mueller, H., & Kaufmann, E. L. (2001). Wellness tourism: Market analysis of a special health tourism segment and implications for the hotel industry. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 7(1), 5–17. https://doi.org/10.1177/135676670100700101

Muller, E., Benko, U., Raschner, C., & Schwameder, H. (2000). Specific fitness training and testing in competitive sports. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 32(1), 216– 220. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200001000-00032

Mutavdžić, B., & Nikolić, Đ. E. (2018). Statistika [Statistics]. Novi Sad: Poljoprivredni fakultet Novi Sad.

Narziev, S., & Latibov, S. (2021). Methods of ensuring occupational safety and health in sports. The American Journal of Engineering and Technology, 3(4), 89–94. https://doi.org/10.37547/tajet/Volume03Issue04-14

Nelson, A., Kokkonen, J., Eldredge, C., Cornwell, A., & Glickman-Weisset, E. (2001). Chronic stretching and running economy. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 11(5), 260–265. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0838.2001.110502.x

Nićiforović, J., & Stajić, D. (2021). Recreational swimming as a physical aspect of wellness and its impact on health tourism. Hotel and Tourism Management, 9(1), 135–144. http://dx.doi.org/10.5937/menhottur2101135N

Paffenbarger R. S., Jung L. D., Leung R. W., & Hyde, R. T. (1991). Physical activity and hypertension: An epidemiological view. Annals of Medicine, 23(3), 319–327. https://doi.org/10.3109/07853899109148067

Petty, N. J., & Moore, A. P. (Eds.) (2011). Principles of exercise rehabilitation. Physical examination. Neuromusculoskeletal examination and assessment: A handbook for therapists (4th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.

Powers, S. K., & Howley, E. T. (2018). Exercise physiology. Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance (10th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.

Said, M., Lamya, N., Olfa, N., & Hamda, M. (2017). Effects of high-impact aerobics vs. low-impact aerobics and strength training in overweight and obese women. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 257(3), 278–288. https://doi.org/10.23736/s0022-4707.16.05857-x

Sl. glasnik RS [Official Gazette of RS], br. 47/2008, 69/2008, 81/2010, 103/2010, 15/2011, 48/2012, 55/2012 - ispr., 64/2013 i 68/2013 - ispr.) (2013). Pravilnik o medicinskoj rehabilitaciji u SZU specijalizovanim za rehabilitaciju [Rulebook on medical rehabilitation in SZU specialized in rehabilitation]. Retrieved Jun, 2022 from http://demo.paragraf.rs/demo/combined/Old/t/t2013_07/t07_0342.htm

Smith, M., & Puczkó, L. (2009). Health and wellness tourism. Butterworth-Heinemann. Hungary.

Spence, J. C., & Lee, R. E. (2003). Toward a comprehensive model of physical activity. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 4(1), 7–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1469-0292(02)00014-6

Srivastava, R. D, Jain, N., & Singhal A. (2005). Influence of alternate nostril breathing on cardiorespiratory and autonomic functions in healthy young adults. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 49(4), 475–483.

Stojiljković, S. (2005). Fitness. Beograd: FSFV.

Vidanović, N., Brdar, I., & Ranković, K. (2021). The attitudes of young people towards visiting spa & wellness hotels during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sitcon 2021 Spa & Wellness Tourism – Development, Perspectives, and Experiences, 88–94. https://doi.org/10.15308/Sitcon-2021-88-94

Warburton, E. R., Whitney-Nichol, C., & Bredin, S. D. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: The evidence. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 174(6), 801–809. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.051351

Zaciorski, V., & Kremer, W. (2009). Nauka i praksa u treningu snage. [Science and practice in strength training]. Beograd: DATA STATUS.

Živković, R., & Brdar, I. (2018). Ponašanje i zaštita potrošača u turizmu [Consumer behavior and protection in tourism]. Beograd: Univerzitet Singidunum.

Downloads

Published

2024-06-29

How to Cite

Živković, I., Brdar, I., & Knežević, M. (2024). Rejuvenating mind, body, and spirit: Exploring the role of physical activity in health and rehabilitation institutions’ offerings in Serbia. Hotel and Tourism Management, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.5937/menhottur2400004Z

Issue

Section

Original Scientific Papers

Metrics