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There is a strong need for a new, probably cheaper, smaller, and more portable isometric dynamometer. With this aim, we investigated the concurrent validity and reliability of a low-cost portable dynamometer to measure the isometric strength of the lower limb. Seventeen young participants (age 16.47 &plusmn, 0.51 years) were randomly assessed on three different days for knee flexion and extension isometric forces with two different devices: a commonly used isokinetic dynamometer (ISOC) and a portable isometric dynamometer prototype (ISOM). No significant differences were observed between the ISOC and the ISOM (all comparisons p &gt, 0.05). Test&ndash, retest comparison showed the ISOM to have high reliability (ICC 0.879&ndash, 0.990). This study showed that measurements with the ISOM could be performed without systematic bias and with high reliability. The ISOM is a device that is able to assess knee isometric strength with excellent concurrent validity and reliability.

The ability to differentiate the elite from nonelite athletes is not clearly defined. We investigated level differences in speed, change of direction speed (CODS), and reactive agility in a group of trained adolescent soccer players. A total of 75 adolescent male soccer players (aged 14&ndash, 19 years) were recruited. The players were grouped based on the level of play to elite, sub-elite, and amateur players. Players were tested for 5-, 10- and 20-m sprints, CODS, and reactive agility tests (RAT). Elite players had faster reaction movement time during RAT with live opponent stimuli (p &le, 0.01) compared to sub-elite and amateur players. Moreover, elite players showed a faster time during light stimuli (p &le, 0.01) but only compared to amateur players. The times for 5-m and 10-m sprint groups did not differ (p &gt, 0.05). The results demonstrated that the skilled players (elite and sub-elite) performed better in reactive agility tests, speed, and COD speed compared to amateur players. Additionally, we can conclude that total and reaction time in the agility test with live opponent stimuli can be a significant factor that differentiates between adolescent soccer players considering their level.

Studies dealing with the effectiveness of the F&eacute, d&eacute, ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) 11+ prevention program to improve performance outcomes in children aged &lt, 14 years are limited. This study aimed to point out the effects of the application of short-term FIFA 11+ warm-up program on physical performance in young football players. Participants were 36 youth male football players, divided into a FIFA 11+ (n = 19, mean (SD) age: 11.15 (0.79) y) and a control group (CG: n = 17, age: 10.87 (0.8) y) and trained for 4 weeks. Before and after the training period, standing long jump performance, agility, repeated sprint ability, sit and reach, and &ldquo, 30&ndash, 15&rdquo, intermittent fitness tests were assessed. A mixed ANOVA showed significant differences between the groups in the standing long jump test (FIFA 11+: 5.6% vs. CG: &minus, 1.9%) in favor of FIFA 11+ over CG. Additionally, the FIFA 11+ performance of the Illinois agility test was significantly better compared to the CG performance (FIFA 11+: &minus, 1.9% vs. CG: 0.03%). The main findings of this study suggest that just 4&thinsp, weeks of implementation of the FIFA 11+ improves physical performance compared with traditional warm-up routines in young soccer players.

The aim of this research was to determine the differences in specific race performance characteristics of male swimmers in the 50-m and 100-m freestyle at the Serbia Open Championship 2017 (long-course). The overall sample included in this study consisted of 40 swimmers divided by a K-Means Cluster Analysis into three groups in relation to the results in the 50-m freestyle (G1_50, T50=23.53±.27 s, n=6; G2_50, T50=24.54±.33 s, n=18; G3_50, T50=25.52±.33 s, n=16), and 55 swimmers also divided into three groups in relation to the results in the 100-m freestyle (G1_100, T100=50.99±.82s, n=10; G2_100, T100=53.41±.48 s, n=17; G3_100, T100=56.13±1.32 s, n=28). The research results indicate that there is a difference in the specific race performance characteristics in relation to the achieved results in the 50-m freestyle, including: t10_50 (F=16.79, p=.000), SL2_50 (F=4.44, p=.019) and SI2_50 (F=13.49, p=.000), also in the 100-m freestyle, including: t10_100 (F=36.45, p=.000), SL1_100 (F=5.77, p=.005), SL2_100 (F=17.47, p=.000), SL3_100 (F=7.72, p=.001), SL4_100 (F=9.84, p=.000), SI1_100 (F=5.12, p=.009), SI2_100 (F=45.97, p=.000), SI3_100 (F=13.86, p=.000), SI4_100 (F=31.23, p=.000), SR1_100 (F=4.12, p=.022) and SR2_100 (F=6.37, p=.003). Based on these results we can draw the conclusion that swimmers who have better control over their race performance characteristics during all the segments of the race, including stroke length, stroke index and stroke rate have the potential of being faster in the 50-m and 100-m freestyle.

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to examine seasonal variations in body composition in adolescent soccer players. A total of 64 young male soccer players (aged 14-18 years) were recruited for this research. Body composition was assessed using the Bioelectric impedance analysis. The variables were body mass, body fat, muscle mass, fat free mass, total body water, BMI, body fat %, basic metabolic rate. Body mass did not change across the three measurement occasions. Body fat mass and body fat % significantly changed between test intervals (p≤0.05). There were no significant differences in other variables between measurements performed during the season. In conclusion, body fat has changed significantly from the start of the season to the end of the competitive period in adolescent soccer players, in accordance with earlier studies.

The aim of this research was to determine the differences in health-related fitness between preschool children involved in organized and unorganized physical activities. This study was performed on a sample of 220 healthy preschool children that were divided into two groups, organized physical activity group (N=99) and unorganized physical activity group (N=121). Beside the set of anthropometric variables children were tested for Standing broad jump, Classic sitand- reach test, Bent arm hang, Sit- ups in 30 seconds and Handgrip strength test. The t-test applied to determine differences between anthropometric characteristic revealed differences for almost all variables (p≤0.05). Moreover, the organized physical activity group showed better results in all fitness variables compared to unorganized group (p≤0.01). It can be concluded that the developmental gymnastics program has influence on improvement of health- related fitness in preschool children.

The aging process is associated with loss of skeletal muscle mass and increase in intramuscular fat, the latter also defined as muscle attenuation. Muscle weakness, termed sarcopenia and dynapenia, is a normal age-related phenomenon, occurring at a rate of 1% to 5% annually from the age of 30. This rate means that given typical patterns of physical activity, a 70-year-old woman could have 50% to 70% less strength than she had at age 30. Contrary to long held beliefs, the muscles of elderly women (i.e. aged 65 years and older) continue to be adaptable, even into the extremes of old age, particularly if their muscles are significantly overloaded during training. Therefore, effective strengthening practices must be employed to maintain the highest level of function and achieve optimal aging in elderly women. Done regularly (2-3 times a week), strength training preserve bone density, independence and vitality with age. In addition, strength training also has the ability to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and the signs and symptoms of numerous chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis and type 2 diabetes, while also improving sleep and reducing depression. Finally, though muscle strength has been recognized as an important predictor for reduced functional performance, emerging evidence suggests that muscle power (the product of force time velocity or the rate of performing work) is highly effective to elicit substantial improvements in maximal mechanical muscle function (rapid force generation, muscle power and muscle strength) and in functional performance in old and very old women.

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

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between fitness tests, and the results in selected gymnastic skills in students enrolled in Physical education teacher education (PETE) program. The secondary purpose of this study was to establish which assessment tests best represent, or correspond, with selected gymnastics skills. A total of 170 male students were recruited from the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Priština to participate in the study. The participants were tested for several fitness tests, and performance in selected gymnastic skills. There were significant correlations between the results of fitness tests and performance in gymnastic skills. Significant correlation was found between flexibility, abdominal muscle strength and endurance and performance in gymnastics. Moreover, several fitness tests could serve as significant predictors for performance in several gymnastic skills. The results of this research suggest that, among the students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, abdominal strength and flexibility are a significant predictor for the successful acquisition of the gymnastics program content., Osnovna svrha ove studije bila je utvrditi odnose između kondicijskih testova i rezultata odabranih gimnastičkih vještina kod studenata odabranih za program obrazovanja učitelja tjelesnog odgoja. Sekundarna svrha te studije bila je utvrditi koji testovi procjene najbolje predstavljaju ili odgovaraju odabranim vještinama gimnastike. Na Fakultetu sporta i tjelesnog odgoja Sveučilišta u Prištini odabrano je ukupno 170 muških studenata koji su sudjelovali u studiji. Sudionici su testirani putem nekoliko kondicijskih testova i kroz izvedbu u odabranim gimnastičkim sposobnostima. Pronađene su značajne korelacije između rezultata kondicijskih testova i izvedbi u gimnastičkim vještinama. Pronađena je značajna povezanost između fleksibilnosti, snage trbušnih mišića i izdržljivosti i izvedbe u gimnastici. Štoviše, nekoliko kondicijskih testova moglo bi poslužiti kao značajan prediktor za izvedbu u nekoliko gimnastičkih vještina. Rezultati ovog istraživanja upućuju na zaključak da su među studentima Fakulteta sporta i tjelesnog odgoja, abdominalna snaga i fleksibilnost značajan prediktor uspješnog savladavanja programskih sadržaja gimnastike.

Sport Against Violence and Exclusion (SAVE), a project cofounded by the Erasmus + Program of the European Union, seeks to prevent violent and socially exclusive behaviors through physical activity. The current editorial shows a range of possible interpretations of these two phenomena from both a psychological and sociological point of view, offering helpful methods to coaches who train children (ages 6 to 12)in grass-root sport clubs. Following a thorough analysis, partners from seven EU countries (Lithuania, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Austria, and Spain) will be able to identify skills and techniques for coaches to ensure inclusive training methods as well as to provide them with effective conflict resolution tools. Furthermore, both trainers and parents will have access to an online platform with useful information regarding these issues.

Morphological characteristics define a man based on his features, usually using appropriate anthropometric measures. Morphological characteristics of this study are based on a bio-psycho-social status of the man in the broadest sense. Monitoring the morphological characteristics is subject to a number of scientific disciplines. The morphological characteristics and their knowledge are used for correct selection and application of physical exercises and proper load determination in training. Morphological characteristics of the long term change primarily in terms of increasing longitudinal dimension. This phenomenon is called the acceleration of growth and development. The aim of the research is to analyze differences in morphological characteristics football players older pioneers and cadets. The sample comprised a total of 60 football players of different age categories FC 'Vojvodina', as follows: older youths (13.5 ± 0.5 years) - 30 members and cadets (15.5 ± 0.5 years) - 30 pts. In order to determine the differences in morphological characteristics of youth football players measured 11 anthropometric measures according to the International Biological Program. Differences in morphological characteristics of youth football players were determined by means of canonical discriminant analysis. The results indicate that these two groups differ in morphological characteristics. Distinguishing groups has contributed most to the difference in body weight.

Introduction. Skeletal muscle atrophy is a common adaptation after major muscle lesion of m. biceps femoris that results in numerous health-sport related complications. Resistance strength training and whole-body vibration (WBV) have been recognized as an effective tool, which attenuates atrophy and evokes hypertrophy. Case report. We presented a 13-year-old boy with a lesion of m. biceps femoris and posttraumatic calcification sustained in soccer training session 6 month prior participation in this study. The patient underwent training 3 times a week for 7 weeks, including unilateral progressive WBV + resistance training (RT) of the right hamstrings muscle group using WBV and weights. Hamstrings muscle strength was measured using a Cybex isokinetic dynamometer. At the end of week 4, the patient peak torque value of the involved leg increased from 39% body weight (BW) to 72% BW and bilateral deficit decreased from -64% to -35%; at the end of week 7 the participant’s peak torque value of the involved leg increased from 72% BW to 98% BW and bilateral deficit decreased from -35% to -3%, respectively. Conclusion. Unilateral WBV + RT protocol evokes strength increase in the hamstrings muscle group. This case study suggests that adding WBV, as well as the RT program have to be considered in the total management of strength disbalance. Further studies are needed to verify the efficiency of WBV + RT protocol over the classic physical therapy exercise program.

Soccer players are usually selected based on their anthropometry characteristics rather than their performances. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between morphological and match performances among junior soccer players. Thirty seven junior soccer players were randomly selected using as stratification criteria age and playing role. Skinfolds (mm) were measured at six sites: triceps skinfold thickness, subscapular skinfold thickness, thigh skinfold thickness, calf skinfold thickness, supraspinal skinfold thickness and abdominal skinfold thickness. In addition, total distance covered during the match, as well as the distance traveled by walking, jogging, moderate and high intensity running and sprinting was determined. The total distance covered was associated with subscapular and abdominal skinfolds. In addition, the subscapular skinfolds were significantly related to high intensity running and sprinting. No other statistically significant correlations were found among other skinfold and performance parameters. The present study showed no significant relationships between morphological and match performances among junior soccer players. Our study supports the conclusions that beside the anthropometry advantage, psychological and soccer-specific skills should be also considered in the selection of soccer players.

Background and Study Aim: Combat sports such as judo are known to be extremely high demanding which can result with a high level of lactic acid. Because of that recovery is a crucial part of the preparation for competitive judo. The aim of this study was the effectiveness of active recovery and sodium bicarbonate to the removal of lactic acid after a judo match simulation (JMS) and Specific Judo Fitness Test (SJF). Material and Methods: Participants were 10 judo athletes (6 male and 4 female), age 18- 20 years, from Judo Club Samobor (Samobor, Croatia). In this study, the SJFT was used as well as JMS with a duration of 4 minutes. Results: There are significant differences in all lactate levels between the active recovery and baking soda variables during SJFT and JMS. In all measurements, lactate levels were significantly higher (p

The primary purpose was to determine differences between lower body muscle potential during the unloaded and loaded squat jump (SJ) in elite male swimmers. The secondary purpose was to assess the load that would maximize power output in the SJ. Twenty-one elite male trained competitive swimmers, all members of the Central Serbia Swimming Team (Age = 20.7 ± 3.8 yrs., Height = 1.84 ± 0.56 m, Weight = 77.5 ± 7.3 kg, FINA points 2017 long course = 636 ± 80) performed two trials of the unloaded and loaded SJ (barbell loads equal to 25 and 35% body weight). Loaded SJ testing with free weights was done using the Smith machine. The Myotest performance measuring system was used to calculate absolute and relative values of average power (Pavg, PavgRel) and maximal power (Pmax, PmaxRel) achieved during the unloaded and loaded SJ. The one-way ANOVA method and POST HOC (Tukey HSD) test were used. The results showed significant interactions between the unloaded and loaded squat jump for relative values of maximal power (F= 12.95, p= 0.000) and average power (F= 12.20, p= 0.000) as well as absolute values (F= 7.66, p= 0.001; F= 7.40, p= 0.001). The instantaneous power output in the SJ at 0% additional load (body weight) was significantly greater than that at 25% and 35% in the elite male trained competitive swimmers. The practical application of this study suggests that for male sprint swimmers, the load that generates maximal power output in the squat jump is body weight, without any additional load.

Introduction. Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by the progressive loss of bone tissue, is one of the most common complications of aging. Epidemiology. According to some calculations, there were 25% of women and 4% of men older than 50 years with osteoporosis in the world in 2010. It is assumed that the number of patients with osteoporosis will increase by 30% in every 10 years in the 21st century. There are many reasons for that: the world?s population is growing older, diet is getting poorer in vitamins and minerals and physical activity is decreasing. The Quality and Quantity of Bone Tissue. Developing bones are much more responsive to mechanical loading and physical activity than mature bones. This suggests that training in early childhood may be an important factor in the prevention of osteoporosis in later life. It is important to note that the quality of bone achieved by training at younger age cannot be maintained permanently if it is not supported by physical activity later in life. Adapted physical activity represents physical activity individually tailored according to the psychosomatic capabilities of a person and the goal to be achieved. It can be applied at any age in order to maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of fracture. Adapted physical activity is different for men and women, for different age, as well as for the individuals. Aerobic exercises, which lead to an acceleration of breathing, increased heart rate and mild perspiration, as well as resistance exercises and exercises against resistance done by stretching elastic bands, for hands, legs and torso have been proven to increase bone density and improve bone strength. Coordination and balance exercises are important in an individual workout program. An explanation of the action of adapted physical activity is the basis for the theory of control and modulation of bone loss, muscle strength, coordination and balance. Physical activity is very effective in reducing sclerostin, which is known to inhibit bone formation. In addition, physical training enhances the levels of insulinlike growth factor, which has a very positive effect on bone formation. Conclusion. The aim of adapted physical activity is to improve bone formation in youngsters, to preserve the bone mass in adults and to prevent the bone loss in the elderly thus reducing the risk of falls and resulting fractures; in other words, to minimize the disability caused by fractures and improve the quality of life.

Purpose:The number of familiarization sessions in fitness assessments seems to be critical and inconsistent. Therefore, the primary aim of this research was to determine the number of familiarization attempts that stabilize the results in particular physical fitness tests. The secondary aim was to establish the test reliability through familiarization sessions.Methods:Thirty-nine primary school children participated in this research (age: 10.8 years, body mass: 40.6 ± 8.9 kg, and body height: 145.3 ± 7.2 cm). During six sessions, with one session every third day, participants performed the following tests to assess explosive strength (vertical jump and standing long jump), coordination (polygon backward and polygon with turn) and flexibility (toe touch).Results:The results of repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there were significant increases (p < .05) in the polygon backward and polygon with turn performances from the first to third familiarization session. The standard error of measurement decreased as sessions progressed, indicating little within subject variation between the coordination test results following a familiarization period. Statistically significant differences were identified in the vertical jump test from the fourth test session compared with the first session. On the other hand, statistically significant differences for the standing long jump test were only found in the final session compared with the initial session. In the toe touch test, there were no significant increases from the first to the final familiarization session. All tests showed high a reliability coefficients, ranging from 0.979 to 0.991.Conclusion:Polygon backward and polygon with turn performance may be a practical, reliable method to assess coordination in primary school-aged children. However, completion of at least 3 practice sessions is suggested for participants to obtain a stable score. In addition, both jump tests are feasible for assessing skill-related fitness in young children, although the scientific reliability of the two tests should be questioned and the tests should be tailored to fit the age group of the children.

Differences in the Efficiency Between the Grab and Track Starts for Both Genders in Greek Young Swimmers The aim of this study was to determine the differences in the kinematic parameters between the grab and track starts and the differences in these two starts between genders. A total of 27 swimmers at the competitive level participated in the study, 13 boys (mean ± SD: age 15.8 ± 0.8 years, body mass 67.7 ± 7.7 kg and body height 178.6 ± 5.7 cm) and 14 girls (mean ± SD: age 16 ± 0.8 years, body mass 59.2 ± 6.6 kg and body height 166.2 ± 6.7 cm). Each swimmer performed three attempts for both start techniques. The best attempt of the grab start and the track start was taken for further analysis. The following kinematic parameters were analysed: flight distance, flight time, flight velocity, entry angle and reaction time. The males had greater numeric values for the results in all kinematic parameters for the grab start compared with the track start, except for flight velocity and entry angle (flight time 0.42 vs. 0.41 s, flight distance 3.21 vs. 3.14 m, flight velocity 7.76 vs. 7.83 m/s, entry angle 44.22 vs. 43.85 degrees and reaction time 0.86 vs. 0.81 s). The females also had greater numeric values for the results in all kinematic parameters for the grab start compared with the track start, except for flight time (flight time 0.38 vs. 0.38 s, flight distance 2.82 vs. 2.73 m, flight velocity 7.47 vs. 7.31 m/s, entry angle 45.18 vs. 44.79 degrees and reaction time 0.88 vs. 0.82 s). These results indicate that the males had significantly better results for flight time and flight distance compared with the females for the grab start (flight time 0.42 vs. 0.38 s, flight distance 3.21 vs. 2.82 m). In the case of the track start, the males had significantly better results for flight distance (3.14 vs. 2.73 m). Exploring the characteristics of the two starts did not lead to any significant kinematic differences. Therefore, a conclusion that demonstrates the superiority of one of the techniques cannot be reached. The coach, together with each swimmer individually, should devote some time to decide after some tests what type of start is better for the body type and general qualifications of the swimmer.

Functional Abilities as a Predictor of Specific Motor Skills of Young Water Polo Players The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of functional abilities on specificmotor skills. A total number of 92 male water polo players (age 12±0.5 years, body height 156.96±22.3 cm, body weight 51.02±33.18 kg) with at least two years' experience, were enrolled in the study. The investigation protocol consisted of standardized anthropometric measurements, estimation of maximum oxygen uptake, determination of the lung function values, specific swim tests and swim tests with a ball. The factor analysis was used for the estimation of the structure of specific motor skills. The influence of functional abilities on specific motor skills was estimated by regression analysis. Out of 15 correlations in total between the variables of space of functional abilities of water polo players, 6 were significant at the level of 95% (between the variables of aerobic power and lung function) and all of the correlations (15) between the variables of specific motor skills in water polo players were significant at the 99% level. Only one principal component, the General factor of specific motor skills in water polo (GFSWP) was obtained by way of factorization of the tests of specific motor skills, so the GFSWP represents the latent space of specific motor skills as a criterion. The regression analysis showed that functional abilities (as group predictors) (p= 0.00) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (as a separate variable) have a significant influence on GFSWP (the criterion). The results of the study pointed out the impact of functional abilities on specific motor skills of selected young water polo players. This may be important for the selection and effective coaching in the early period of training and can affect the development of more appropriate and specific training programmes for optimal physical fitness preparation in young water polo players.

Background/Aim. It is well known that physical activity has an anabolic effect on bone tissue. But there is a lack of information about the effect of intensive physical activity in childhood, particularly at the prepubertal stage. To examine the influence of training on body composition and bone mineral density we have studied a group of prepubertal soccer players as well as a group of inactive prepubertal boys at the starting phase of their peak bone mass acquisition. Methods. A total of 62 healthy prepubertal boys took part in this study. They were divided into two groups. The first one consisted of 32 soccer players (aged 10.7 ? 0.5 years), who had been playing football for at least 1 year (10-15 h per week). The second group a control group 30 boys (aged 11.2 ? 0.7 years) doing 1.5 h per week physical activity at school. Body composition was assessed by a Body Fat Analyzer 'BES 200 Z'. Bone mineral density measurements of the left and the right calcaneus were done by using ultrasound densitometer 'Sahara' (Hologic, Inc., MA, USA). Results. There were significant differences between soccer players and the control group in fat mass (p = 0.01). Besides, a significant difference was determined between the group of athletes and the control group in bone mineral density of both calcaneal bones (p = 0.01). Conclusion. The results of this study confirm the significant effects of physical activity on reducing body mass and increasing bone density. Considering that football training can be very easily implemented in the broader population of children and young people, which does not apply to many other sports, it should be used more in the prevention of obesity and osteoporosis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an additional, organized, and more intensive kinesiological treatment on »pure« motor abilities in preschool children. In the present study an experimental treatment was carried out on a sample of 37 preschool boys by applying kinesiological activities. The 60 minute treatment was applied over a period of one school year (9 months), twice a week. A control group of 31 boys were trained according to the regular program for preschool institutions. Treatment effects were assessed by 8 motor ability tests and 5 anthropometric measures. The signifi cant differences between the groups, which were observed after the fi nal measurement and compared to the initial one, proved that the kinesiological treatment had a positive impact on the general development of »pure« motor abilities. The most signifi cant effect of experimental kinesiological treatment was the improvement in whole body force, fl exibility and coordination of preschool boys. These fi ndings, obtained only in one school year, point to the importance of physical exercise and the application of additional kinesiological activities with various modalities, to improve motor development, even morphological growth and development in preschool children. The effects of the perennial application of kinesiological activities, under the supervision of kinesiological professionals, could be benefi cial and could form the basis for a better biological and motor development in older age.

The aim of this study was to determine whether acute physical exercise may increase the ability to quickly solve basic mathematical operations in young children. In this way, the children acquired the means to activate a larger area of the brain when necessary. The research sample of 38 preschool and 18 schoolchildren was tested in basic mathematical operations before and after physical exercise. The results showed that children’s computational performance was enhanced signifi cantly during exercise and remained stable after relaxation part of their physical training.

The longitudinal study was conducted in order to establish whether the success rate of refl exes related to maintaining balance at birth is in correlation with the success rate of maintaining balance in early childhood, as well as to examine the correlation of a certain level of speech and language development with the ability of maintaining balance at birth and at the age of 5. The main study group included 54 children of both genders, aged 5.0 to 5.4, whose balance ability and speech and language status were evaluated based on the battery of standardized tests, whereas the group of refl exes related to the function of the vestibular sense was clinically tested on the 3rd day upon birth, within the same sample of children. The data at birth and at the age of 5 were recorded by means of a digital camera, then scored and statistically and descriptively processed. The research results indicated a statistically signifi cant correlation between the achieved level of balance ability in the newborns and fi ve-year-olds, as well as between balance skills and a certain level of speech and language development in children at the age of 5. The importance of this research lies in new knowledge in the domain of maturation of vestubular function immediately after birth, given that this segment of physiology of a newborn has not so far been processed in such a way, as well as in the recognition of function of the vestibular sense as another parametre of a child’s maturation.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has recently drawn a lot of attention as means for strengthening of voluntary muscle contraction both in sport and rehabilitation. NMES training increases maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force output through neural adaptations. On the other hand, positive effects of resistance training (RT) on muscle strength are well known. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of a 5-week program of NMES compared to RT program of same duration. Sample of 15 students' of faculty of sport and physical education (age 22 ± 2) were randomized in two groups: NMES (N = 7) and RT (N = 8). NMES group performed NMES superimposed over voluntary muscle contraction, RT group performed resistance training with submaximal loads. Subjects were evaluated for knee isokinetic dynamometry on both sides (60° and 180° s). After intervention no significant difference between groups were observed in isokinetic dynamometry (p = 0.177). However, applying pair sample t test within each group revealed that peak torque increased in NMES-group (p = 0.002 for right knee extensors muscles, p = 0.003 for left, respectively, at 60° and p = 0.004 for left knee extensors muscles, at angular velocity 180°). In RT group (p = 0.033 for right knee extensors muscles, p = 0.029 for right knee flexor muscles, at angular velocity 60°). Our results indicate that NMES has equal potential if not in some way better than classical RT having in mind that overload on locomotor apparatus during NMES is minimal and force of muscle contraction is equal on both sides, for enhancement of knee muscles concentric peak torque.

The Effect of Aquatic Intervention on the Gross Motor Function and Aquatic Skills in Children with Cerebral Palsy The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of an aquatic intervention on the gross motor function and aquatic skills of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty-nine children with CP, aged 5 to 14, were recruited. Fourteen children completed an aquatic intervention (EG), and 13 children served as controls (CG). Two participants dropped out due to events (illness) unrelated to the intervention. The aquatic intervention lasted 6 weeks (2 sessions per week at 55 minutes per session) with a follow-up period of 3 weeks. The outcome measures were the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) for motor function and the Water Orientation Test Alyn 2 (WOTA 2) for aquatic skills assessment. A significant improvement was observed in the secondary assessment of GMFM and WOTA 2. In contrast to the aquatic skills improvement, the GMFM change was not maintained at follow-up. Our results indicate that children with CP can improve gross motor function on dry land and aquatic skills with a 6-week water intervention. The intervention period was too short for sustainable improvement in dry-land motor skills after intervention (followup), but time was sufficient to achieve sustainable improvements in aquatic skills.

Recently it has been suggested that molecular hydrogen could attenuate performance decrement during high intensity, short duration interval exercise. Antioxidant properties of molecular hydrogen indicate that it might be beneficial for reducing oxidative stress induced muscle performance decrements.

Cilj trenažnog procesa u plivanju je razvoj onih antropoloških karakteristika i sposobnosti od kojih najviše zavisi rezultat. Cilj ovog rada je utvrditi uticaj određenih bazičnih i specifičnih motoričkih sposobnosti na rezultate u disciplini 100 m prsno kod mladih plivača. Uzorak ispitanika je činilo 30 plivača starosti od 9 do 12 godina koji pripadaju kategoriji mlađih pionira.Prediktorski skup je činilo 8 varijabli za procenu bazičnih i 6 za procenu specifičnih motoričkih sposobnosti. Kao kriterijumska varijabla korišćen je rezultat plivanja u disciplini 100 metara prsno u velikom bazenu. Rezultati regresionih analiza su pokazali da u celini oba seta primenjenih varijabli imaju značajnu korelaciju sa rezultatima u disciplini 100 metara prsno. Posmatrano pojedinačno nijedna varijabla nema statistički značajan uticaj. Tako dobijeni podaci ukazuju da u trenažnom procesu sa mlađim kategorijama treba stvoriti optimalne uslove za razvoj svih motoričkih sposobnosti koje mogu imati uticaj na plivačku efikasnost u prsnoj tehnici.

The aim of this research was to determine the swimming program effects on the gross motor function, mental adjustment to the aquatic environment and the ability to move in the water and swim in children with cerebral palsy. The sample consisted of seven children (4 boys and 3 girls) with spastic cerebral palsy and an average age of 9y 5mo ± 1y 3 mo. The swimming program lasted 6 weeks, with two swimming sessions per week. Each session lasted 45 minutes. The swimming program included the application of the Halliwick Method and swimming exercises which are used in a healthy population. The GMFM test was used for the assessment of gross motor functions. The WOTA2 test was applied to assess mental adjustment and swimming skills. The Wilcoxon matched pairs test was used to determine the statistically significant differences between the initial and final measuring. The results have indicated that there was statistically significant differences in the E dimension (p=0.04) and the total score T (p=0.03) of the GMFM test, then for mental adjustment to the aquatic environment WMA (p=0.02), ability to move in water and swimming skills WSW (p=0.03) and the overall result WTO (p=0.02) of the WOTA2 test. The applied swimming program had a statistically significant effect on the improvement in walking, running and jumping as well as the overall gross motor functions of children with cerebral palsy. The applied program also contributed to a statistically significant influence on the increase in mental adjustment to the aquatic environment and the ability to move in water and swim. Cilj ovog istraživanja je utvrđivanje efekata programa plivanja na grubu motoričku funkciju, prilagodljivost na vodenu sredinu i sposobnost kretanja u vodi i plivanja kod dece sa cerebralnom paralizom. Uzorak ispitanika je činilo sedmoro dece (4 dečaka i 3 devojčice) sa spastičnim oblikom cerebralne paralize, prosečne starosti od 9 god. i 5 meseci ± 1god. i 3 meseca (Mean±SD). Progam plivanja je trajao 6 nedelja sa učestalošću od dva puta nedeljno. Svaki čas vežbanja je trajao 45 minuta. Program plivanja je podrazumevao primenu Halliwick metode i vežbi plivanja koje se primenjuju kod zdrave populacije. Za procenu grube motoričke funkcije korišćen je GMFM test. Za procenu psihičke prilagodljivosti na vodenu sredinu i plivačkih veština korišćen je WOTA2 test. Za utvrđivanje statistički značajnih razlika između inicijalnog i finalnog merenja u primenjenim testovima korišćen je Wilcoxon matched pairs test. Rezultati su pokazali da je došlo do statistički značajnih razlika u dimenziji E (p=0.04) i u totalnom rezultatu T (p=0.03) GMFM testa, zatim u mentalnoj prilagodljivost na vodenu sredinu WMA (p=0.02), sposobnosti kretanja u vodi i plivanja WSW (p=0.03) i u ukupnom rezultatu WTO (p=0.02) WOTA2 testa. Primenjeni program plivanja je imao značajne pozitivne efekte na poboljšanje sposobnosti hodanja, trčanja, skakanja i ukupne grube motoričke funkcije kod dece sa cerebralnom paralizom. Doprineo je i značajnom povećanju psihičke prilagodljivosti na vodenu sredinu i poboljšanju sposobnosti kretanja u vodi i plivanja PublishedVersion

Osteoid osteoma is a small benign bone lesion. It generally affects children and young adults. Traditional treatment of osteoid osteoma includes excision either by wide resection, or by the removal of the nidus using curettes and burrs after opening the overlying cortex. Newly developed techniques involve percutaneous ablation of the tumor by computed tomography-guided core-drill excision and destruction of the nidus by thermocoagulation. Fluoroscopic guided percutaneous extirpation and drilling resection procedures have been performed at the Institute for Health Care of Children and Youth, Pediatric Surgery Clinic in Novi Sad, Serbia. Some modifications in the methods were made and implemented, which resulted in an excellent cost-benefit ratio, shorter period of hospitalization, and faster recovery. The aim of this paper is to present the experience gained in the treatment of osteoid osteomas in the last 5 years at the Pediatric Surgery Clinic in Novi Sad and to describe the modifications to the percutaneous biopsy technique of osteoid osteoma that have been implemented.

Introduction. It is well known that physical activity has an anabolic effect on the bone tissue. But there is a lack of information about the effect of intensive physical activity in childhood, particularly at the prepubertal stage. The type, frequency, intensity, and duration of activity that best produce the desired increases in mass and strength of human bones have not yet been well determined. Material and methods. To examine the influence of different kinesiological treatments on body composition and bone mineral density we studied a group of prepubertal boys at the starting phase of their peak bone mass acquisition. 90 healthy prepubertal boys took part in this study. The sport group consisted of 28 swimmers (aged 10.80.8) and 32 soccer players (aged 10.70.5), who had been training their chosen high-level sport activity for at least 1 year (8-12h per week for swimmers, 10-15h per week for soccer players). 30 boys (aged 11.2?0.7) doing 1.5h per week of physical activity in school served as a control group. Bone mineral density measurements of the left and right calcaneus were done by ultrasound densitometer 'Sahara'. The body composition was assessed by Body Fat Analyser 'BES 200 Z'. Results. There were significant differences between soccer players and control group as regards fat mass and bone mineral density (p

Objective: To examine attitudes towards sport and physical activity in relation to gender and type of school and determine the preferences of students of different gender and type of school towards P.E. syllabus content. Participants: Sample of 275 students (116 female and 159 male), age of 14-18 years from 3 different schools. Instruments: Adapted anonymous questionnaire. Procedure: Basic statistical parameters, t-test, and ANOVA, Scheffe. Results: Male students have a more positive attitude towards sport and physical training of the female students, and significant differences in attitudes towards sports and physical exercise with regard to the type of school, with the most positive attitude stated by students of Grammar School of Science and Mathematics. Furthermore, differences by gender and type of school in preferences towards syllabus P.E.'s are also present. The study suggests the need for individualized P. E. curriculum based on gender and diversity of the profession.