Montenegrin Journal of Sports Science and Medicine

11-16

Authors: Vlado Balaban

Th e aim of this research was to explore the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and fundamental motor skills in 8-to-11-year-old children from the Czech Republic. Th e research sample consisted of 201 children (108 boys and 93 girls) aged 8-11 from Olomouc, Czech Republic. Th e Test of Gross Motor Development 2 was used to assess the level of children’s fundamental motor skills. Furthermore, an ActiGraph GTX3 device accelerometer was used for the objective measurement of physical activity levels. Th e results have shown a low-to-medium correlation between moderate to vigorous physical activity and locomotor motor skills among the total sample, as well as between vigorous physical activity and object control skills in the sample of boys. Fundamental motor skills are essential factors for children’s participation in organized and free-time physical activities. Th ere is a commitment to develop fundamental motor skills in children, especially object control motor skills in girls.

23-28

Authors: Anil Isık, Gurcan Unlu, Omer Batin Gozubuyuk, Turgay Aslanyurek, Can Bereceli

Th is study aims to investigate the eff ect of lower extremity (LE) injuries on bilateral hamstring eccentric strength imbalance (HSI) and to determine the relationship between body weight (BW) and HSI in young male soccer players. Eighty-eight young soccer players aged 14-19 in Turkey voluntarily participated in this study. Eccentric hamstring strength measurements were taken using a NordBord® Hamstring Testing Device. To obtain the LE backgrounds of the participants, individual interviews were administered to the players, and the obtained data were verifi ed through a review of previous injury records. While 22 (25%) out of 88 players reported LE injuries in the previous two years (injured players (IP)), the rest of them (75%) did not report any LE injuries (non-injured players (NP)). HSI values as peak forces were computed by extracting the weaker leg values from the stronger leg values. Both the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) were performed, controlling the BW eff ect in order to test the eff ects of LE injuries on HSI. Correlation analysis was also conducted, taking into consideration the previous research fi ndings on the relationship between body weight and strength variables. Th ere was signifi cant relationship between BW and HSI ((p<0.05) (0.04> r >0.02)) and non-signifi cant results for HSI (F (1.85) =0.578, p>0.05). However, the eff ect of BW was signifi cant for HSI (F (1.85) =3.91, p<0.05, η2 = 0.068). Th is study supported the hypothesis that hamstring muscle strength imbalance is not aff ected by lower extremity injuries and that body weight is a factor that may aff ect strength imbalance.

37-42

Authors: Jose M. Saavedra, Sveinn Þorgeirsson, Hafrun Kristjansdottir, Kristjan Halldorsson, Margret L. Guðmundsdottir, Ingi Þ. Einarsson

Training is a complex process that depends, among other factors, on the intensity and volume of training. Th e objective of this study was to analyse the volume of training in several sports as a function of sex and age. Th e study sample consisted of 302 sportspersons (men, n=132; women, n=170) who participated in the 16th Games of the Small States of Europe (1st to 6th June 2015) in representing nine countries. Th e subjects practised the following sports: artistic gymnastics, athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, golf, judo, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball, and were classifi ed by sex, sport, and age (younger: ≤20 years; intermediate: from 21 to 30 years; older: ≥31 years). Th ey responded to fi ve questions about their training volume and the annual number of competitions in which they participated. A one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post hoc test was used to establish diff erences by sex, sport, and age group. Th ree-way ANOVAs (sex [men, women] × age [3 levels: younger, intermediate, older] × sport [11 sports]) were performed to determine any relationships between the variables. Neither interactions between the groups nor diff erences depending on sex were found in the training volumes, but the older the sportsperson, the lower the training volume (days per week, and total time per week). Th e sports with the greatest training volumes were artistic gymnastics and swimming, while those with the most competitions per year were basketball and volleyball.

49-53

Authors: Nebojsa Trajkovic, Goran Sporis , Tomislav Vlahovic, Dejan Madic, Marko Gusic

Th is study aimed to investigate the eff ect of offi cial soccer matches on selected markers of muscle damage in U-21 soccer players. A group of 19 trained, healthy male soccer players from the junior category took part in this study. Blood samples were assessed pre-match and immediately aft er a match in response to a competitive (2×45 min) soccer match. Analysis was performed for muscle damage and infl ammatory markers. Signifi cant diff erences between two measures (before and aft er soccer match) exist in Aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Myoglobin. Plasma K+ signifi cantly decreased aft er the match (p<0.05), whereas plasma Na+ decreased slightly. Th is study showed that most selected markers of muscle damage were infl uenced by a soccer match. However, results remain inconsistent because of the infl uence of the type, duration, and intensity of exercise. Moreover, some markers show great variability among individuals.

63-68

Authors: Andrea De Giorgio, Goran Kuvacic, Mirjana Milic, Johnny Padulo

In recent years, many studies have demonstrated the importance of movement for the human body, from the improvement of cardiovascular effi cacy to the enhancement of muscular functions, metabolic balance, and organ systems. Th e brain is no exception and benefi ts greatly from movement, both structurally and functionally. Memory, creativity, and intelligence, are only a few of the many things that are regulated by the brain. Th e literature demonstrates the benefi ts of physical activity on numerous factors that infl uence brain functions. Th e present short review aims to clarify how physical activity aff ects the human brain. We have identifi ed the infl uence of movement on the brain, through investigation of this infl uence according to the close relation of physical activity with cognitive processes and brain development. Th ese fi ndings off er an insight into several conclusions regarding the infl uence of movement on the brain, which is soundly based on relevant literature.