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This study examines the influence of muscle strength on performance metrics in volleyball, addressing the need to understand how specific and non-specific strength training impacts athletic capabilities. A cohort of athletes underwent various strength tests, including squats (SQs), bench presses (BPs), and deadlifts (DLs), to assess their force and power during various forms of test. Lactate thresholds (LT1 and LT2) were also measured to evaluate aerobic and anaerobic capacities. The median speed at LT1 was 1.80 m/s, and LT2 was determined at a mean velocity of 2.56 m/s. Notably, a correlation was found between SQ performance and total points scored (p = 0.040, r = 0.285), while upper body strength was strongly correlated with performance metrics, showing significant relationships with points scored (p = 0.0001, r = 0.690) and peak power during BPs (p = 0.0001, r = 0.587). The findings suggest that targeted strength training enhances physical capabilities and improves technical and tactical performance in volleyball, highlighting the critical role of muscle strength in athlete selection and training strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. An adapted aerobic-anaerobic training ratio can either improve or drop short-term VO2peak while limiting the development of aerobic and anaerobic thresholds. Aims. We aimed to test the exercise capacity by measuring VO2peak while comparing two different training methodologies next to a day-by-day training performance analysis. Methods. Twelve (n=12) competitive male cross-country and biathlon athletes with a median age of 23 (21–27) years were included as study subjects. Two VO2peak tests (n=2) were conducted in the study period (61 days). The first test (T1) was conducted during day 1 of 61 while test 2 (T2) was conducted during day 61. Several training sessions were held over a median training volume of 3389.6 km (G2 and G2 ). Results. Lack of changes regarding the ventilatory thresholds (VT2 – VT2 ) was obtained between T2 and T2 . Yet, through an individual approach, both high aerobic (p=0.03, r =0.62, CI 95%=0.04 to 0.89) and low aerobic training (p=0.04, r=-0.65, CI 95% = -0.90 to -0.03) were correlated with VT1 and VT2 in G2 . No similar results were obtained in the G1 training group (p>0.05). Conclusions. Non-specific training activities improved general aerobic capacity while limiting technical development. Aerobic training reduced oxygen uptake at peak exercise, while both aerobic and anaerobic training were related to a greater peak VO2 value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In the absence of conclusive data regarding fatigue mechanisms, an important question refers to which stages can improve athletic performance through L-Carnitine intake. Aims. Our aim was to study both blood lactate accumulation and recovery alongside changes in heart rate and heart rate recovery while analysing group performances during physical exercise. Methods. Following one single squat jump test, 16 participants were included in a double blind study by measuring the squat jump performances next to the lactate ([La-]) production and the heart rate response (HR). Lactate accumulation was analysed over four diferent ocassions, starting with the baseline value and the ending test value (post SJT). Two other [La-] measurements took place during a 40 minute passive recovery stage according to the study groups: L-Carnitine and Maltodextrine use. Results. Following the control study group, during a 20 minute passive recovery stage, [La-] droped to 7.54 mmol/l (6.2 to 9.8) and further on to 4.6 mmol/l (2.4 to 6.7) during another 20 minute period, reaching 48.71% at recovery. [La-] values changed signifcantly during the post SJT period, as seen through p=0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis=31.19. Following the placebo study group data, [La-] values changed signifcantly during the post SJT period (p=0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis=43.85) as seen through a mean drop of 49.61% following the 40 minute post SJT passive recovery period. Conclusions. One single L-Carnitine dose did not cause changes in both heart rate and blood lactate recovery following the squat jump test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Warm-up is defined as a minimum exercise which increases body temperature along with both heart rate and respiratory frequency. Aims. Our objective was to test individual performance during Squad Jump, Stiffness, and Fifteen seconds Vertical Jump Tests based upon the warm-up protocol. Methods. Ten (n=10) competitive male basketball players were included in the study group. The study methodology consisted of three different tests during the specific pre-warm-up routine (C1) and general, non-specific (C2) warm-up routine, while monitoring: Flight Time (Ft), Contact Time (Ct), Target Center along with Power Ratio over Squad Jump, Stiffness, and FiFteen seconds Vertical Jump Tests. Results. During C1, STFt, Ct was lower (-0.094%) as against C2 value (-0.16%), whereas Ft was similar, describing positive changes during C1 (0.019%) and a drop during C2 (-0.16%). Yet, Target Center reached 0.040% improvement over C1, with a -0.153% drop upon the first repetition during C2; Power Ratio changed by 0.175% and -0.116% during C1 unlike C2. Over C2, unlike C1, improved Ct, Ft, Power Ratio and Target Center were obtained due to an increased exercise complexity, through both static and dynamic exercises. Conclusions. Over C2, unlike C1, improved Ct, Ft, Power Ratio and Target Center were obtained due to an increased exercise complexity, through both static and dynamic exercises. However, as seen through overall performance analysis, warm-up volume and intensity can decrease individual performance by minimizing the progress monitored over a linear anaerobic exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Identify the main factors influencing energy consumption through respiratory exchange ratio (RMR) and macronutrients consumption at rest, reported to muscle/liver enzymes. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on a group of elite athletes consisting of 23 rowers, mean age 18.83±1.46 years, 91.65±7.67 kg weight, and 194.6±4.97 cm height. The resting metabolic rate has been determined among athletes using Cosmed Quark CPET equipment and the metabolic rate at rest protocol (RMR), associated with blood determinations of the main muscle, and liver enzymes (CK, LDH). Results: We achieved an average energy consumption at rest equivalent to 2732±249.3 kcal. R value reached an average of 0.89±0.93. Value associated with resting energy expenditure, both in the case of carbohydrates (%), and in the case of lipids (%) p =0.0001. Signifying that R≤0.86 represents a protective factor in order to obtain a lipid consumption value at rest ≥45% of total energy consumption. Conclusions: We established a definite relationship in the consumption of macronutrients at rest, and metabolic/ respirators indications of athletes. Also, adaptation of their daily activities will help increasing the effort capacity of the athlete by balancing the respiratory exchange rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Proper sports training periodization and correct imposition of energy recovery methods will ensure the efficiency of the athletes' activity. Aims. Adapting food intake, based on the determined energy costs of individual athletes can help the implementation of a diet that will mantain metabolic balance. Methods. A clinical study was conducted on a group of 12 elite rowers in the beginning of the general training period, during November-December 2015. The study provided biochemical monitoring in two distinct periods (P1, P2), characterized by different quantitative/qualitative diets. The entire study was conducted over 20 days in which the effort performed during the training seasons was linear. Among the mentioned periods (P1, P2) we studied the following biochemical parameters: pH, HCO3, pCO2, pO2, BE, SBE, SBC, Ca++, Mg++, LDH, GPT, T-Pro, Alb. Results. We obtained statistically significant data between the two periods (P1, P2), concerning the pre-intervention BE value (0.17±0.83) and the post-intervention BE (2.16±1.44) value. Also, the pre-intervention GPT value (46.67±24.63) was different from the post-intervention GPT value (24.08±5.29); statistically significant values were also found regarding Hb, pH, GPT, LDH, T-Pro, Alb, Ca, Mg pre-intervention and post-intervention. Conclusions. Individualization of diet will represent a benefit regarding parameters that reflect the stage of body recovery after the training season. These include HCO3, pH, GPT, along with Ca and Mg, whose serum values may be increased in the presence of elevated values of pCO2, HCO3, and BE, indicating impaired respiratory recovery, and also decreased activity efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Optimizing recovery, in terms of energy, is an important step towards improving the practice of sports. Aims. Identifying and connecting specific sports actions with practical nutrition activities, used to rehabilitate the athlete. Methods. We initiated an observational cross-sectional study among a group of elite rowing athletes by monitoring RMR (resting metabolic rate), carbohydrate and daily fat consumption (in g/%). 64 subjects took part in this study, being monitored through the Cosmed Quark CPET device. Results. Significant differences in carbohydrate consumption and preponderance of this source of energy throughout the day were identified between the studied groups (p=0.014). Also, the metabolic rate and alveolar oxygen tension level influence the whole energy consumption (p=0.005). Conclusions. The results of this study show a lack of energy metabolism efficiency, directly related to the effort, indicating a level of fatigue among athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. It is known that young athletes have different nutritional needs than adults. During training, between the period of accumulation and the period of growth, a balance must be established in order to obtain the best physical parameters. Aims. To assess the relationship between proper food ingestion and physical activities efficiency. Methods. A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted to assess the physical parameters of pupils from the Olympic Sports Club in Târgu Mureș in 2015. A sample of 57 players, members of the handball team, aged 10-16, were questioned. The results were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results. Significant differences were found between the exercise parameters, exercise duration (p=0.0001), intensity (p=0.018), body mass index (p=0.028) and age of the athletes (p=0.0001). A significant difference was also found between the weight of athletes and the intensity of exercise (p=0.0001). All data were evaluated in relationship with the daily consumed meals, percentage distribution of the intake and food consumption. Conclusions. We have identified a relationship between food consumption and exercise parameters. For young athletes, the daily food intake plays a significant role in achieving a high level of training within a minimum of 240 minutes per week at high effort parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Urinary parameters analysis in water polo players can be influenced by specific training evolution. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the main urinary parameters that can determine physical activity changes in a group of male athletes. Methods. A cross sectional study was conducted in Tîrgu Mureș, Romania between 6th of November and 8th of January 2018, on a group consisting of 14 male water polo players, aged 13 years old, enrolled in national competitions. In order to determine urine density and urinary pH values, urinary sample collection was required, both at the beginning and at the end of the training session. Urine density and urinary pH were assessed using urinary Cybow strips. Results. Statistically significant differences regarding urinary parameters and water polo training periodization were recorded. Thus, both urinary pH values, determined both before (p=0.0001, r=-0.7451, 95%CI =-0.8416 to -0.6023) and at the end (p=0.0467, r=-0.2557, 95%CI =-0.4827 to 0.003541) of the training session indicated low values when high urinary density was associated. Also, a decrease in urinary pH values was associated with a high urinary density determined at the end of the physical effort (p=0.0231, r=-0.2906, 95%CI =-0.5111 to -0.03418). Conclusions. The main urinary parameters, urine density and urinary pH, recorded significant statistical changes related to the performed physical effort. An elevated urinary density value indicated a specific dehydration state, also evidenced by a low urinary pH value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Physical activity is fundamental to ensuring child and adult health. Regular sport activities can reduce the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, increasing the immune function in both adults and children. Aim. The aim of the study was to analyze the characteristics of physical activity from kindergartens with an extended program and the menu plan adaption according to the type of sport activity carried out and its duration, intensity and frequency. Methods. A retrospective observational study was conducted in Târgu Mureș, Romania, between June - July 2016. Within the study we included subjects enrolled in 11 kindergartens with an extended program from the city. We had a sample of 1856 subjects, aged between 2.5 and 6 years. The data considered of interest were related to the sport duration (min), frequency (number of classes per week), type of activity, food plan and nutritional values of the menu. Results. Thirty minutes of mandatory physical activity were scheduled during a day, consisting of gymnastics. For optional sports activities, the children attended dance, swimming, zumba or gymnastics classes under the guidance of a qualified coach. The duration of an optional activity was between 30-60 min/week. During the days with the dance program there was a significant increase in fat consumption. In the case of other macronutrients, no significant differences were observed. Conclusions. It is necessary to improve sport activities, both mandatory and optional, and to adapt the food plan within the institutions according to the sustained activity and its characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Menu planning is an important element of sports performance in order to enhance an athlete’s recovery process during daily training. Aims. Establishing a relationship between food consumption, body weight and specific activity of athletes in the sport practiced. Methods. A transversal epidemiological study was conducted during January-February 2015 in order to identify food consumption in a group of athletes. Thereby, 57 female athletes, with a mean age of 14.4±1.78 years, with specific handball practice, were included in the study. The data was obtained by applying a 17-item questionnaire. Results. A statistically significant association (p=0.0002) between decreased levels of nutrition practice (3.35±0.84) and age (r=-0.471, 95% CI =-0.653 to -0.237) was obtained. The female athletes described the intensity of the effort carried out over a week, as a physical perception, high values on days 2, 5 and 6 during the training week, representing Tuesdays (2.46±0.76), Fridays (2.07±1.34), and Saturdays (2.08±1.31) being identified. At the same time, total exercise length (300±20 minutes/ week) was directly proportional to the perception of effort, the effort perception index increasing with the increase of the total length of training. Conclusions. The identified results influence the effort in energy terms, through strength, total activity time and intensity. If these parameters are not found on an average level during the effort, the typical sports practice will be adversely affected, relating directly to energy deficiencies. Establishing a comprehensive program of nutritional education for athletes and parents, through suggestions in various important periods during the season, is still a basic objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backround. The indications regarding the level of physical activity during pregnancy comply with the recommendations for healthy individuals to complete a minimum of 30 minutes/day physical activity to ensure an optimal health condition. Aims. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the benefits of physical activity sustained by pregnant women on the pregnancy evolution and anthropometric data of the mother and the newborn. Methods. The research is based on an analytical observational study, conducted on a sample of 85 pregnant women from Mureș county, Romania. The study was performed between October 2015 - January 2016 and the data were collected based on an interview with 20 open questions. Results. We identified a significant association between a sedentary lifestyle and weight gain outside the recommendations during pregnancy (p<0.0001). Sustained physical activity during pregnancy represented a protective factor against inadequate weight in newborns (p=0.001). Physical inactivity was not a risk factor for birth through cesarean section (p=0.637), gestational age classification outside the standards (p=0.155), or the occurrence of difficulties in breastfeeding (p=0.296). Conclusions. Lack of physical activity during pregnancy is a risk factor resulting in inadequate anthropometric data in both the mother and newborn. Sustained physical activity among pregnant women is not a negative factor in the development of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]