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.

13-19

Authors: Wertheimer, Vlatka; Antekolovic, Ljubomir; Matkovic, Branka R.;

Plyometric training is an important part of athletic conditioning with many significant benefits, including improved motor abilities and performance, but it can also increase the serum indices of muscle damage, collagen breakdown, muscle swelling, and soreness. Due to the physical characteristics of water, plyometric training in water presents less eccentric contraction, facilitates faster transition from the eccentric to concentric phase of a jump and offers greater resistance during concentric contraction with acute lower indices of muscle damage. To advance our understanding of the long-term effects of an eight-week plyometric training programme on land and in water on muscle damage indicators (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and serum urea (SU)), two experimental groups of physically active men (a group on land (EG1) and a group in water (EG2)) were tested before and after the first and the last plyometric training to monitor muscle damage indicators and adaptations. The results showed changes in CK activity after both plyometric trainings for EG1 and only after the first training for EG2. Moreover, after the eight-week programme, significant difference was observed in CK activity in comparison with EG2. There were no observed changes in LDH activity while SU showed greater changes for the group on land. The plyometric training programme in water resulted in smaller levels of muscle damage indicators. Although both experimental groups conducted the same plyometric training with the same jump volume, the eccentric and concentric loads were not the same, so it can be concluded that adaptations in muscle damage processes are faster with smaller eccentric loads.

31-38

Authors: Mandic, Sandra; Wilson, Hamish; Clark-Grill, Monika; O’Neill, Diana;

Physicians’ knowledge, confidence, and prior training will influence physical activity (PA) counselling in general practice. This study evaluated the effects of a PA learning module on knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward PA counselling in third-year medical students. Students (n=216; age: 21.1±2.2 years; 47% males; participation rate 91%) participated in a PA learning module that included tutorials, lectures, and experiential learning through providing health checks to adults. At baseline and four months after the intervention, students completed a paper questionnaire about their awareness of current PA guidelines, benefits of, and attitudes toward PA advising, perceived competence/importance of PA advising skills, and personal PA habits. Data were analysed using a t-test for dependent samples and Chi-square analysis. After the intervention, students reported a greater awareness of the PA guidelines (pre vs. post: 3.1±1.1 vs. 3.8±0.9), the national PA initiative (4.2±0.9 vs. 4.7±0.7), the importance of PA counselling in general practice (4.1±0.8 vs. 4.3±0.8), and their confidence (3.2±0.9 vs. 3.9±0.8), and perceived competence (3.1±0.8 vs. 3.8±0.8, all p<0.05) in providing PA advice compared to baseline. In conclusion, exposure to a PA learning module increased medical students’ awareness and knowledge of the current PA guidelines and improved their confidence and perceived competence in providing PA advice. However, even after the training, students on average perceived themselves to be only moderately competent in providing PA advice. Therefore, clinical training for medical students should be designed to improve students’ competence and skills in PA counselling.

45-51

Authors: Mehrtash, Shabnam; Ince, Mustafa Levent;

This study applied the self-determination theory to examine the perceived autonomy support and basic psychological needs of women participating in a health-related exercise programme with respect to exercise stage of change (three stages including Preparation, Action, and Maintenance) and exercise type (Aerobic vs Strength & Flexibility). The sample consisted of 316 women (M age=25.1 years, SD=7.2) who completed the Perceived Autonomy Support Scale for Exercise Settings: Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale and the Physical Activity Stages of Change Questionnaire. Participants’ heart rate during the exercise and the exercise content were used to categorize the exercise classes as Aerobic or Strength & Flexibility. Data were analysed using ANOVA and MANOVA (p<.05). The findings indicated that participants perceived autonomy support differed according to exercise type (F (1,315)=6.44, p<.05, ƞ²=.02). Moreover, participants’ basic psychological needs differed according to both exercise stage of change (F (3,311)=3.97, p<.05, ƞ²=.04) and exercise type (F (3,312)=5.63, p<.05, ƞ²=.05). To address the needs of worksite health-related exercise programme participants, programme providers and instructors should further consider exercise stages of change and participants’ preferred type of exercise.

59-66

Authors: Bozic, Predrag R.; Berjan Bacvarevic, Bobana;

The present study explored the sensitivity of the force-velocity (F-V) modelling approach obtained from maximal sprints on a leg cycle ergometer to detect selective changes of the mechanical capacities of the lower body muscles associated with high-level training. Specifically, we assumed that the F-V relationship parameters, such as maximum force (F0), velocity (V0), power (PM) and slope, would differ among individuals of different high-level training backgrounds. In total, 111 elite athletes divided into four groups (Combat sports, Athletic sprints, Team sports and Physically active) performed maximal sprints on a leg cycle ergometer loaded with 7%, 9%, and 11% of body weight. The findings obtained suggest an exceptionably strong and linear F-V relationship in most of the participants (r > 0.95), while higher PM have been found in all groups of athletes compared to the Physically active group (p < 0.05). In addition, sport-specific F-V profiles have been observed in athletes that belong to distinctively different sports (i.e. higher F0 and force-oriented slope for strength-trained Combat sports and higher V0 for speed-trained Athletic sprints). To our knowledge, this is one of the rare studies that evaluate the F-V profiles with such a large sample of elite athletes obtained from commonly used task such as maximal sprints on a leg cycle ergometer. The results obtained support a high sensitivity of the F-V modelling approach to distinguish among elite athletes with different training histories.

73-79

Authors: Oliveira, Aluizio Otávio Gouvêa Ferreira; Vaz, Luís Miguel Teixeira; Pastore, Júlio Cesar; João, Paulo Vicente;

This study analysed the Brazilian SuperLeague Men’s Volleyball 2011/2012 season and 2012/2013 season, in an attempt to identify the game-related factors allowing the determination of winning and losing teams. All games (n=294) of the Brazilian SuperLeague Men’s Volleyball 2011/2012 season and 2012/2013 season were analysed. In the 2011/2012 season, the Total Set Actions (TSETA) and Total Points Made (TPM) were factors that determined the game result as a defeat. The factor that determined the victory was the Total Attack Actions (TAA). In the 2012/2013 season, the factors Total Serve Actions (TSA) and Total Set Actions (TSETA) generated victory, and the factors that led to defeat were the TPM and TAA. The scoring skill (TPM) determined the final game result but surprisingly is associated with the defeat and the TSA with victory. The scoring skill (TAA) determining the result of the game was probably associated with victory in the 2011/2012 season and defeat in the 2012/2013 season. The non-scoring skill TSETA determined the result of the game, and this may be associated with defeat in the 2011/2012 season and the victory in the 2012/2013 season.