Montenegrin Journal of Sports Science and Medicine

11-18

Authors: Rui Brás, Dulce Esteves, Ricardo Gouveia Rodrigues, Paulo Duarte, Ana Gouveia, Kelly O’Hara, Paulo Pinheiro

Physical Activity (PA) is considered a coadjutant factor in the control of hypertension, helping to control this societal burden. This study investigates the factors that may influence the adoption of PA recommendations by hypertensive individuals by comparing physical activity patterns among hypertensives and normotensives and the importance placed on PA by both groups. Data from 966 Portuguese participants aged between 18 to 90 years old, representing hypertensives (n=144) and normotensives (n=822) were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire. The results show significant differences between the two groups in terms of causes of non-participation and dropping out, preferred PA activities, perceived knowledge, and information-seeking behaviour. The main barriers to exercise reported by hypertensives were the perception that PA is not adequate or even dangerous to their health. Doctors must be considered a key factor in promoting exercise. When compared to normotensives, hypertensives feel that PA information available is not appropriate (p=.0006). Hypertensives consider that existing programmes will not meet their needs and do not like traditional fitness classes, such as those in gyms. The fear of risks associated with exercise seems to be a significant barrier that impairs PA participation.

27-32

Authors: Gokmen Ozen, Ozdemir Atar, Hurmuz Koc

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of plyometric training on sand and wooden parquet training surfaces on the physical performance parameters of young male basketball players. Twelve well-trained young male basketball players with age 17.58±0.5 years, body mass 87.73±9.82 kg, and height 193.75±7.02 cm were voluntarily involved in the study. All participants were grouped randomly as sand and wooden training groups. A six-week plyometric training programme was performed on the sand and wooden parquet surfaces. Anthropometric measurements and physical performance tests; vertical and standing long jump, box agility, and 30m sprint tests were performed. Data were collected before and after six weeks of plyometric training and were analysed using ANCOVA. The results indicated that the plyometric training programme significantly improved jumping, agility and 30m sprint performance for both groups. Significant differences were found between the post-test mean values of two groups in the box-drill agility and 30m sprint test scores (p < .05). The results of this study suggest that while the plyometric training performed on a wooden or sand surface does not cause a different effect on the improvement of jumping performance, plyometric training on the sand surface may be a more effective training surface to improve the agility and sprint performance of young players.

41-47

Authors: Carlos Echeverría, Enrique Ortega, José Manuel Palao

This study aimed to establish reference values for technical performance profile of the block regarding execution and efficacy according to the category of competition in female volleyball. The sample of the study was composed of a total of 9,024 blocks from 187 sets of 48 matches played by the top eight teams of under-14, under-16, under-18, 2nd national senior division, 1st national senior division, and international senior division. The design of the study was observational. The study’s variables were the category of competition, game phase, block performance, block zone, number of player blocking, block intervention, and attack tempo. A descriptive and inferential analysis of official matches in all the levels of competition was carried out. The results show that at higher levels of competition, there was an increase in the number of errors, the number of direct points, and the number of contacts that limit the counterattack of the opponent. At higher levels, there is also higher participation of players in the block, mainly against 3rd tempo attacks. These values can help to monitor the evolution of female volleyball players and to establish training and competition goals.

57-65

Authors: Robert Podstawski, Krzysztof Borysławski, Cain C.T. Clark, Jari A. Laukkanen, Piotr Gronek

This study aimed to determine the effect of 16 minutes of thermal stress followed by 2 minutes of cold water immersion on the physiological parameters of fifty-five sedentary men (mean age 20.15±1.30 years), who were exposed to 16 minutes of sauna (temperature: 90-91℃; relative humidity: 14-16%) followed by 2 minutes of cold water immersion (12℃). The participants' somatic characteristics were determined before entering the sauna, and their body mass and blood pressure were measured before and after sauna treatment. Physiological parameters were monitored during the 16-minute sauna session and the 2-minute cold water immersion (CRIO) or shower. The subjects perspired 0.21-0.27 litres during the 18-minute session. Heart rate values did not differ significantly between groups during the 16-minute sauna session, but significantly (p<0.001) lower HR values were noted in the CRIO group than in the control group (68.6:105.7 and 57.5:90.7 bpm). The values of SBP and DBP did not differ significantly between groups before the sauna but were significantly (p<0.001) lower in the CRIO group after sauna (SBP – 122.0:127.3 mmHg, DBP – 89.9:76.3 mmHg). In both groups, the participants remained within the easy effort range during most of the 18-minute session (650.9 and 492.6 s). A 16-minute sauna session followed by 2 minutes of cold water immersion induces a significantly greater decrease in HR and BP (SBP and DBP) than a 16-minute sauna session followed by 30 seconds in the shower and a 90 s resting period. During cold water immersion, HR values often decrease to the bradycardia range. Heart rate increased steadily in both groups.

73-78

Authors: Eric K. O'Neal, Ryan T. Albino, Jonathan C. Swain, Dylan W. Sharp, Tara V. Boy, Lauren G. Killen

Post-activation potentiation has proven to be an effective strategy to enhance performance for many tasks, but little research has been conducted specifically concerning endurance sport performance. This study examined whether 5-km run performance could be improved by completing pre-run strides while wearing a 6.8 kg weighted compression garment (LOAD). A counter-balanced crossover field study design was incorporated with NCAA Division I Cross Country runners (n = 10) during coach-led, official team pre-season “speed day” practices. On Monday of Week 1, testing participants completed a course preview run and strategy session with their coach as they would do in preparation for a meet. The following two Mondays, participants completed the 5-km run as quickly as possible while blinded to pace. The team’s habitual warm-up routine was used, which included a 3.22-km run followed by a series of dynamic warm-up movements before four, 80-m strides were completed with LOAD or without load (CON). Average wet-bulb globe temperature for both sessions was 22.3 °C. CON did not differ (p>0.05) from LOAD in split times for kilometres 0.00-1.61 (339±13 vs 341±13 s), 1.61-3.22 (312±15 vs 312±16 s), 3.22-4.83 (339±21 vs 338±22 s), or the 0.17 km distance kick at the end of the run (71±16 vs 69±14 s). Overall time was also not improved for LOAD (1060±49 s) versus CON (1062±55 s). The ~10% body mass LOAD warm-up strategy failed to improve early, mid-, or finishing kick performance in a 5-km time-trial with well-trained runners.

13-20

Authors: Moosong Kim, Bradley J. Cardinal

Between late adolescence and early adulthood, people experience a precipitous decline in their participation in physical activity. Those attending college or university are often presented with opportunities to partake in physical activity, sometimes under compulsory conditions and sometimes under elective conditions. This study examined the psychological and behavioural characteristics of freshman students under these two separate conditions. The main finding was that students under the elective condition felt more competent and motivated compared to those in the compulsory condition. They were also more physically active. When offered as electives, tertiary level physical activity education courses may be limited in reach, primarily attracting those who would likely be physically active without any such coursework.

27-32

Authors: Miha Marinsek, Iva Blazevic, Silvester Liposek

Despite significant advances in the knowledge and understanding of associations between the phenomenon of excess body weight (hereafter “overweightness”) and fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency, the question of how overweightness affects critical features of movement remains unanswered. This study examined the differences in the proficiency of FMS between boys and girls with different weight status on the level of critical features. Three hundred and twenty-two boys and girls aged 5 to 10 years were assessed in eight FMS (run, vertical jump, long jump, ball catch, ball kick, ball pass, ball bounce, and forehand strike) and were assigned to non-overweight and overweight groups according to their waist-to-height ratio, with a cut-off point of 0.5. FMS score differences (p < 0.05) between boys and girls that can be frequently observed in the non-overweight group of children were not determined in the overweight group of children (p ≥ 0.131). Overweight boys performed worse in a higher number of skills’ critical features than overweight girls did when compared to non-overweight groups. With weight gain, boys might experience a more significant decline in FMS proficiency than girls do because of the higher scores when non-overweight. The critical features of FMS indicate that overweightness might affect postural control and coordination, which this paper discusses.

39-45

Authors: Seyed Morteza Tayebi, Marefat Siahkouhian, Mohammad Keshavarz, Mojgan Yousefi

Muscle denervation is one of the most critical pathological factors involved in muscle atrophy as a result of ageing. This study aims to investigate the chronic effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cross-sectional areas and muscle denervation genes, interpreted in the plantaris muscle atrophy of aged rats. Twenty-eight aged and young rats were divided into four different groups, including exercise and control. The training protocol included six weeks of HIIT. Animals were sacrificed 48 hours after the last training session, and the plantaris muscle was removed. To measure Gadd45a mRNA and NCAM1mRNA, we used a real-time PCR technique. The cross-sectional area was measured with photomyography using an H&E technique. The results showed that ageing significantly decreased NCAM1 mRNA in the aged control group (p=0.0001) and exercise leads to a significant increase (interaction effect) of it (p=0.003). Gadd45a mRNA was significantly increased due to ageing (p=0.009), and exercise resulted in a significant decrease in that in the aged exercise group (p=0.04). The cross-sectional area in the aged control group was significantly smaller than in the young control group (p=0.046). In contrast to young groups, exercise could increase the cross-sectional area in the aged exercise group compared with the aged control group, but it was not significant (p=0.069). It seems that HIIT could improve ageing-induced muscular atrophy, although denervation-involved gene modification leads to an increase in the muscular cross-sectional area; therefore, it improves muscular atrophy due to ageing.

55-62

Authors: Stevo Popovic, Sanja Pekovic, Radenko M. Matic

The primary goal of the present paper is to analyse and compare the criteria on the conditions and requirements for academic promotion in three countries: Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro. The University of Novi Sad, the University of Ljubljana, and the University of Montenegro were selected to be subjects in this study. The sources used for the analyses in this study were the official criteria on the condition and requirements for academic promotion at the abovementioned universities. The authors used a descriptive method with the consulting of competent sources and personal experiences. First, it is interesting to note that the universities in Serbia and Slovenia follow official documents at two levels: one at the national level issued by the relevant higher education council/agency and the second at the university level issued by the senate of each university, whose criteria are more strict in terms of quantitative requirements. However, this is not the case in Montenegro, where universities follow only the national criteria in the research quality evaluation. In each country, evaluation exercises usually recognize three fields, one of which is social sciences and humanities, which is concerned with an entire range of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary scientific areas. Comparing the minimum standards for the appointment of university teachers, it is essential to highlight that Slovenian regulations are the most demanding, especially with regards to quantitative criteria, while Serbian and Montenegrin criteria are similar to each other; however, it is necessary to highlight that Montenegrin regulations contain some unusual criteria, such as the requirement that scientific research work must be achieved through one single-author paper published in an international journal for promotion to academic titles at all three levels (assistant, associate and full professor) in social sciences and humanities; however, this is not the case in other academic fields.

77-80

Authors: Michael Yong Hwa Chia, Lee Yong Tay, Terence Buan Kiong Chua

Digital media engagement in families in Singaporean society is increasing at an unprecedented pace. Limited research in the last five years in Singapore shows that young children experience significant amounts of screen time from television, computers and other forms of mobile digital devices, even before primary school. For children, digital media use can aid with learning, but its overuse has inimical effects on learning and health. As digital media use in children increases faster than research on its impact, it is essential to develop a tool that can monitor changes in digital media habits of children over time. This study aimed to develop an online questionnaire for parents to report on the digital media habits of children. An online questionnaire bundle, Surveillance of digital-Media hAbits in earLy chiLdhood Questionnaire (SMALLQ™), organized into sections ((I) Digital-media use of parent and child, (II) Non-digital media behaviour of the child, (III) Parent and child information) was developed for the purpose of charting digital media use and changes over three years (2018, 2019, and 2020). The results showed that SMALLQ™ has face and content validity and was practicable for Singapore. Furthermore, based upon a similar methodology for developing the SMALLQ™, the development of Child-SMALQ (Surveillance of digital MediA use in chiLdhood questionnaire) and Adolescent-SMALQ (Surveillance of digital MediA use in adoLescence questionnaire) are directions for future research.

11-16

Authors: Betul Coskun, Gurcan Unlu, Bahman Golshaei, Settar Kocak , Sadettin Kirazci

Balance is fundamental in sport, especially when there is an opponent. Although balance can be improved with practice, it is highly aff ected by nervous system disorders, particularly by vestibular disorders and visual impairment. Th e purpose of this study was to compare static and dynamic balance between normal and hearing-impaired wrestlers. Th e participants were 52 young male hearing-impaired wrestlers (n=29, age=18.76±3.54) and normal-hearing athletes (n=23, age=19.09±2.76) competing at the national level. Th e static and dynamic balance were measured using the stork test on one foot and the Y-balance test (in anterior, posteromedial & posterolateral directions). MANOVA indicated signifi cant diff erences between groups (Wilks’ L=.284, F12,39=8.21, p<.05, η2 =.72). Diff erences were detected in how long the participant had been active in the sport F(year) (F1,50=145.95, p<.025, η2 =.75) and right leg static balance (F1,50=73.63, p<.025, η2 =.60). As for the Y balance test, there was also a signifi cant diff erence in the anterior direction for the right leg (F1,50=4880.66, p<.025, η2 =.99) and left leg (F1,50=3563.87, p<.025, η2 =.99). Hearing-impaired wrestlers performed better balance abilities in the dynamic balance test of right and left legs in the anterior direction. In contrast, the amount of time active in the sport and the static balance of the right leg were found better in normal-hearing wrestlers. Being better than normal wrestlers only in the anterior direction of the dynamic balance might be due to the diff erences related to the directions of the test. Future studies are recommended for investigating the reasons for this diff erence.

23-28

Authors: Tara B. Blackshear

African American girls’ physical activity signifi cantly declines during adolescence. Single mothers are raising many African American girls. Research on the benefi ts of fathers’ involvement on physical activity is minimal, especially regarding girls. Th e current study examines the impact that fathers’ involvement and family structure have on physical activity behaviours among African American adolescent girls (n=40). Data were collected via a demographic questionnaire, a father involvement scale, and a leisure time exercise instrument. Data were analysed via descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and multiple regression. African American girls’ physical activity habits are positively associated with involved fathers. Girls reporting high father involvement had higher rates of physical activity than girls reporting low father involvement did. Girls from two-parent families had higher physical activity rates than girls in single-parent households, but these fi ndings were non-signifi cant. Fathers being actively engaged in physical activities was a signifi cant predictor of physical activity among the study population. Fathers demonstrating nurturing and participatory behaviours, irrespective of residential or biological status, may be instrumental in promoting physical activity among African American adolescent girls. Physical activity programming targeting African American girls should include fathers and other male fi gures, as they may be instrumental in keeping African American girls physically active.

37-42

Authors: Ivan Chulvi-Medrano, Moises Picon-Martinez, Miguel Garcia-Jaen, Juan Manuel Cortell-Tormo, Yasser Alakhdar, Gilberto Laurentino

Blood fl ow restriction training (BFRT) has been shown to be an eff ective alternative technique to conventional resistance training to increase skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength. However, neuromuscular response to BFRT in combination with nutritional supplementation has rarely been studied. Th e purpose of this study was to investigate the eff ects of BFRT combined with creatine monohydrate (CrM) and/or hydroxymethyl butyrate (HMB) on skeletal muscle size and strength. Fift een healthy males were randomly divided into three groups: a) BFRT without supplementation (C-BFR); b) BFRT with CrM supplementation (0.3 g / kg-1) (CrM-BFR); and c) BFRT with CrM (0.3 g / kg-1) and HMB (3 g) supplementation (CrM + HMB-BFR). Participants performed elbow fl exion exercise (30% of maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC)) at 30% of total occlusion pressure, twice a week, for three weeks. MIVC of the elbow fl exion and brachial biceps muscle thickness were assessed pre- and post-training. Th ere was no signifi cant group-by-time interaction for MIVC values (p>0.05). Biceps muscle thickness was signifi cantly increased from pre- to post-test in all groups (p<0.05). Th e C-BFR group obtained a greater value of eff ect size (d=2.2). Th ese fi ndings suggest that 3 weeks of CrM and HMB supplementation had no infl uence on BFRT-induced neuromuscular adaptations.

51-59

Authors: Alper Aslan, Yasar Salci, Alpay Guvenc

Recreational soccer (RS) has a great potential to improve the physical fi tness levels of diverse populations when performed two to three times per week. However, to date, only Beato and collaborators have examined the eff ects of once-a-week RS on physical fi tness, even though this frequency is widespread among participants. Th us, this study aimed to investigate the eff ect of weekly performed RS intervention on components of physical fi tness in sedentary young men. Twenty-healthy men aged 20-27 years were randomly assigned to a soccer (n=10) group or a control (n=10) group. Participants in the soccer group played a 60-min. small-sided soccer game once-a-week for eight weeks. Before and aft er the intervention period, body composition, aerobic fi tness, blood pressure, anaerobic performance and isokinetic leg strength were assessed. Aft er eight weeks of the once-a-week intervention period, in the soccer group, body fat and thickness of skinfolds were signifi cantly decreased (p<0.05). Peak oxygen uptake, running distance, squat and countermovement jump (p<0.01), concentric quadriceps and eccentric hamstring strength were also improved only in the soccer group (p<0.05). In contrast, other variables, including body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass (FFM), heart rate responses, blood pressure, and anaerobic performance remained the same as before the intervention period (p>0.05). Participating in weekly RS programme can lead to some health and performance benefi ts. However, the people who wish to further improve their health status and performance level should increase the frequency of RS activity.

69-76

Authors: Bojan Masanovic, Tonci Bavcevic, Ivan Prskalo

Th is study aimed to test average body heights in both the male and females of Kosovo, as well as the diff erences in heights of both sexes in relation to the Kosovo administrative regions. A total of 1623 subjects participated in the research: 830 boys and 793 girls all attending their fi nal year of secondary school. Th e anthropometric measurements were taken for subjects of both sexes from fi ve diff erent administrative regions of Kosovo. Th e measurements of body heights were taken by trained measurers in conformity with the ISAK protocol. Means and standard deviations were calculated for ages and body heights, as were frequencies for the calculation of the density of very short and very tall subjects. Th e results indicated that the average height of the male population of Kosovo was 179.52±5.96 centimetres and of the female population 165.72±4.93 centimetres. Th ese results classify both the male and female populations of Kosovo among the tallest in the world. Regarding the regional diff erences, some variations have been observed, and the diff erences in body heights among specifi c regions clearly confi rm the assumption that the population living in the Dinaric Alps is taller in relation to the rest of the population, while the specifi c average height of the central region, where the capital city is located, refl ects the expected situation conditioned by continuous migrations from all other parts of Kosovo, as well as the fact that there is a growing secular trend towards the territory of the capital city, due to better economic and living conditions

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.