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Introduction: Andropause and aging are associated with neuroendocrine dysfunctions. Growth hormone and testosterone play a significant role in several processes affecting adaptation and thereby also everyday functioning. The aim of this research project was to evaluate the effects of recombinant human growth hormone and testosterone enanthate injections on body mass and body composition, aerobic and anaerobic fitness and lipid profile in middle-aged men., Materials and Method: The research group was comprised of 14 men aged 45 - 60 years. Two series of laboratory analyses were performed. Independent tests were carried out at baseline and after 12 weeks of the experiment. The data were analyzed using Statistica 9.1 software., Results: A two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant effect of the intervention programme on fat-free mass (η(2)=0.34), total body fat (η(2)=0.79), total cholesterol (η(2)=0.30), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (η(2)=0.31), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (η(2)=0.42), triglyceride (η(2)=0.28), testosterone (η(2)=0.52), insulin-like growth factor 1 (η(2)=0.47) and growth hormone (η(2)=0.63). Furthermore, ANOVA revealed a statistically significant effect of the rhGH and T treatment on maximal oxygen uptake (η(2)=0.63), anaerobic threshold (η(2)=0.61) and maximal work rate (η(2)=0.53)., Conclusion: It should be emphasized that the lipid profile was affected not only by rhGH+T replacement therapy, but also by the prescribed physical activity programme. The strength and endurance fitness programme alone did not cause significant changes in body mass and composition, nor the anaerobic and aerobic capacity. On the other hand, the rhGH=T treatment stimulated these changes significantly.

This paper analyses the dynamics of changes between the performances of elite freestyle swimmers recorded at particular Olympic Games. It also uses a set of chronologically ordered results to predict probable times of swimmers at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The analysis of past performances of freestyle swimmers and their prediction have revealed a number of interesting tendencies within separately examined results of men and women. Women's results improve more dynamically compared with men's. Moreover, the difference between women's and men's results is smaller, the longer the swimming distance. As both male and female athletes tend to compete more and more vigorously within their groups, the gap between the gold medallist and the last finisher in the final is constantly decreasing, which provides significant evidence that this sport discipline continues to develop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting speed training and anaerobic power are the main components of basketball fitness. While preparing for competition, especially tournaments such as European Championships it is very important to create an optimal balance between training loads directed at the development of speed, anaerobic power and capacity. The main objective of this work was to determine the influence of a six-week pre-competitive mesocycle on speed and anaerobic fitness variables. The research was conducted on 16 elite young players of Polish U-20 Men's Basketball National Team. The training loads were registered during all practice sessions with the use of heart rate monitors according to specific intensity zones (aerobic, aerobic/anaerobic, lactic anaerobic and alactic anaerobic). The level of speed abilities at distances of 5, 15, 20, 30 and 10x30 m were diagnosed with the use of a laser diode system LDM 300C-Sport. During the six-week pre-competitive mesocycle starting and absolute speed did not improve significantly (5, 15, 20, 30 m), while anaerobic endurance (10×30 m) showed statistically significant changes. A high volume of training loads in the aerobic zone and an inadequate volume of alactic anaerobic metabolism training seems to be the main reason for lack of improvement in the level speed abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]