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Taekwondo fighters require sufficient postural stability to maintain tactical superiority over an opponent. Postural balance is controlled by somatosensory, visual and vestibular system. Cervical spine has neurophysiological connection to the visual and vestibular system as well as abundance of receptors within the connective tissues of the spine. Guard-specific posture in taekwondo requires constant head and neck rotations, therefore deficits in cervical spine could alter the balance. The aim of the study was to study connections between cervical spine kinesthesia and balance in taekwondo specific postural tasks. Sixteen healthy male taekwondo fighters (22 ±1,3 years of age) competing at the national level were enrolled in the study. Postural balance during a single leg stance while facing forward or with 90° of neck torsion using a force plate (Bilateral force plate, S2P, Ljubljana, Slovenia) was assessed. Kinesthetic awareness of cervical spine was measured using a Butterfly test with a NeckCare system (Butterfly Method, NeckCare ehf., Reykjavik, Iceland). Statistically significant correlations were observed for Undershoot standard deviation of the Butterfly test and Neck torsion balance test while standing on the non-dominant leg. These correlations were most prominent for the average amplitude of centre of pressure movement in the medial-lateral direction (r > 0.85) and anterior posterior direction (r > 0,80) Results of this study indicate that taekwondo fighters develop side specific adaptations in the balance control. Increased variability of cervical spine kinesthetic awareness is correlated to an increased average amplitude of medial-lateral body sway while standing on the kick preferred leg. This can lead to higher body oscillations during the fight, decreased stability, prolonged reaction time and quickness. Specific cervical spine training is recommended to improve fighting performance.

A large number of human movement studies have focused on functioning of complex biological systems. These systems can be observed as one muscle-tendon unit or one muscle fiber, one limb or joint, or a whole locomotor system presented as a kinetics chain. A muscletendon unit may generate forces in two distinctly different ways: as an elastic-like spring in stretch-shortening motion and as converters of metabolic energy into mechanical work. Furthermore, during movement a muscle-tendon unit can be stiff or compliant. Understanding these conditions during movement would provide important information that could be used for sports performance improvement and injury prevention planning.

Coordination is the ability to control movements of the whole body or parts of the body in space. It is reflected in the fast and precise execution of complex motor tasks, i.e. rapid resolution of motor problems. It plays an important role in most sports. For performance in karate, in addition to explosive power and speed, motor skills are the most important. On the other hand, a sensitive period for the development of coordination is the period from 6 to 16 years. A KTK test (Körperkoordinationtest für Kinder), which consists of four motor tests for children aged 5-14 years, can be used to assess co-ordination and the obtained results are converted into motor coefficient (MK). Based on MK, the motor skills of children or their coordination can be categorized as: high level of coordination, good level of coordination, average level of coordination, moderately damaged and severely damaged level of coordination. The KTK can also be applied to young karatists primarily for determining the level of coordination development and not for selection, which is not recommended at this age.

Popularisation of travels aiming to prevent illnesses of a modern man has resulted in an exceptionally dynamic development of wellness tourism in the world. As one of the fastest growing segments of tourism industry, wellness tourism reaches an annual growth rate that is almost 50% higher than the expected growth rate of the overall global tourism economy. As a service industry in which the human factor plays the most important role, the wellness industry provides a large number of new jobs each year. However, new working positions should be filled by adequately trained and motivated workers. It is therefore necessary to innovate the existing education systems, both in the field of formal and informal education. Finding out how wellness industry workers are trained in Serbia and Slovenia and what kind of changes should be made in that field in order for both of these countries to be competitive on a global market were the main goals of the study conducted as a part of the cross-border cooperation between the Faculty of Sport and Tourism from Novi Sad and Faculty of Tourism in Brežice. The results of the study indicate that the practice of wellness tourism is far more open for innovations in comparison with universities. The study has also shown that, in order to secure quality education of future professionals, it is necessary to establish a closer cooperation between the universities and the leaders in spa and wellness industry.

Background/Aim. Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of the skeleton characterized by a decrease in bone mass and changes in the bone structure. An increased tendency of the bone tissue for fractures occurs as a consequence of these changes. The initial phase of physiological aging of the bones that gradually leads to osteoporosis is osteopenia. This paper tracks the effects of a specific kind of physical exercise program in women with osteopenia. The aim was to quantify the impact of this program on: the concentration of bone metabolism blood markers, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and physical dimensions. Methods. The sample consisted of 26 women in postmenopause (age 46–58) divided into two groups – experimental group (n = 15) and control group (n = 11). A combined program of exercise consisting of aerobic activities and strength training was applied in the experimental group, while the control group did not join in the exercise program. The program lasted for 7 weeks, three times a week with a break day between the trainings. The intensity of the aerobic training was in the span of 60% to 70% of heart rate reserve (HRR), and the intensity of the strength training was in the span of 60% to 85% of one repetitive maximum (1RM). Osteopenia was diagnosed prior to the experiment by applying a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine and the hip. The following was measured before and after the experiment: the level of biochemical markers in the serum [Beta-aspartic acid β-cross laps (CTx), total procollagen type 1 N-terminal peptide (tP1NP) and bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 1RM of leg extensors, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), bodily height and mass, and a calculated Body Mass Index (BMI). Results. Significant changes were determined only in the experimental group. During the experimental period, there was a significant increase of muscle strength and VO2 max, with a decrease of Beta-CTx concentration. No statistically significant changes were recorded in the control group. Conclusion. A 7- week period of systematic exercise showed to be sufficient to increase muscle strength and VO2 max, partially also to decrease bone resorption, but insufficient to alter bone volume, bodily mass, and BMI.

As a result of modern sedentary lifestyles, which entails passive leisure activities, young people are also often not physically prepared for the rigors of youth sports activities. On the other hand, there has been a significant increase of participation in organized youth sport, which has been accompanied by dramatic increase in sport-related injuries. Inadequate physical preparation is believed to be a risk factor in most sports-related injuries in young athletes, and physical preparation that includes strength and neuro-muscular training is therefore a part of strategy for prevention of sport injuries. As the benefits of physical preparation for young athletes are known and recognised, the aim of this review article is to point out some specificities of the youth training processes, as well as the various aspects of physical preparation of young athletes for organized competitive sports activities.

The bones play an important structural role in the organism. They provide mobility, support, and protect the body, and the place where the storage essential minerals. Healthy bones have a crucial impact on the overall health of a person, and activities that promote health and preventive influence on the formation of bone disease are crucial in maintaining a strong and healthy skeletal system. Physical inactivity affects the decrease in function of bone, and the most common disease of bone osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder that results in low bone density and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, that results in less bone density, and may lead to fracture. Physical activity is essential for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. Based on available information, the best effect to maintain and stimulate the formation of bone mineral density is a combination of dynamic exercises with resistance training that engage multiple joints, large muscle groups, and have influence on the spine and hips. The results suggest that exercises with axial loading, such as running, jumping, and power exercise, promote the positive gains in bone mineral density. Therefore, training should focus on the adaptation of specific parts of the body that is most susceptible to injury, and should be sufficiently intense that exceeds the normal loads.

A survey was conducted in Novi Sad in the preschool institutions of 'Radosno detinjstvo' on a sample of 423 preschool children of both sexes, ages 6 and 7. The subject of this paper are postural disorders on the spinal column in the sagittal and frontal planes, as well as foot deformities. The aim of the research is to determine the frequency of disorder of postural status of the spine (kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis) and deviation from the normal status of the foot, and the analysis of the differences between boys and girls. Assessment of the postural status of the feet was performed by means of using the Pedikom computer system for digital computerised pedography. Assessment of spine postural status was done by means of SpineScan portable device. Data were analysed according to the frequency for the assessment of spinal status, the status of the foot, all according gender. Significance of the gender-conditioned differences was determined by the Chi-square test. The results indicate that in the examined population, the most common posture is lordotic bad posture, 41.31% with male examinees and 36.66% with female examinees. A statistically significant difference in relation to sexual dimorphism was found for the parameter of scoliotic bad posture (Sig. = 0.008). In terms of deviation from the normal status of the feet, in the examined population, pronating foot level I accounts for 43.23%, pronating foot level II accounts for 16.66% and high-arched foot accounts for 10.16%. Quantitative results indicate the need for corrective gymnastic to correct but also prevent postural deformities by introducing of the same as an everyday directed activity of preschool population.

Since the middle of the last century, the human population has increased exponentially. This trend is evident today. Human population has, for more than half a century been undergoing the period of its intensive development, increasing in number and the average length of life, creating the impression of a better life standard. Looking at the man as a bio-psycho-social being and the interactions it ones through the human population growth is brought in connection with its impact on the environment. In such an environment, one does not only face infectious diseases, but also the misery and poverty in developing countries and massive noninfectious diseases, in developed countries. These facts introduce evidence about the possible effects of physical activity as to prevent the consequences of mass noninfectious diseases, as well as to strengthen the competence of people in general. Therefore, in a holistic, synergic concept of interpretation of human life, it is significant to include biological indicators that have an impact on the growth of the world population and may be associated with the kinesiology. Quantitative indicators of the trend of human development on this planet are the basic research unit observed in this paper. At the same time, the subjects of observation are also other indicators that can be causally linked to the development of the human population and are especially valuable evidence of the contribution of physical activity to the human development. The data that is associated with the theoretical considerations and the results of various statistics are presented based on the rules of ex-post-facto analysis. It is concluded that the value of physical activity has long had to have the equal status with one's chances of being better prepared for life on this planet ontogenetically and phylogenetically, and for the life conditions that will become even more extreme and that increasing older humans will face.

The subject of research is tourist offer of a camp which would satisfy the needs of tourists who want an active recreation, with changeable and attractive facilities in the Balkan Scout Center (BSC) of Jovac. The goal is to define a model for recreational tourism product mix of the Balkan Scout Center, based on the analysis and evaluation of the elements of supply and identifying the demand for a certain program content. The research was conducted from April to August 2012, as a part of activities implemented in BSC events: Easter camp, Summer camp and Volunteer camp. The sample consisted of 100 visitors (respondents); the administered instrument was a specifically designed questionnaire and the methods on which the analysis of the modeling was based were: frequency of occurrence, comparative analysis (Benchmarking), SWOT and PEST. The research results confirm the existence of necessary resources for the implementation of the contents in the field of recreational tourism in the BSC, and the possibility of implementation of the product mix that includes day trips and a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

Background/Aim. Obesity is the most common disease of nutrition and is the consequence of reduced movement. Unfortunately, this problem is increasingly present in juvenile age, so that the pediatric outpatient offices are dominated by obese young people. The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify the effects of the reducing treatment for juvenile obesity conducted by programmed physical exercise and controlled diet. Methods. We tested a sample of 136 respondents of both sexes (76 girls and 60 boys) aged 13 ± 0.6 years. This prospective study took 3 months in 2007 using the experimental methods of longitudinal weather precision. The data obtained after the measurement were processed by the use of statistical programs to calculate the basic and dispersion parameters. To determine the difference between the initial and final measurements we applied the univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and differences in the variables system in the space were determined by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results. The results of ANOVA in the form of F values indicated that the differences between the initial and final measurements in all parameters of circumference dimensionality and subcutaneous fat tissue are significant (p = 0.00). Also, differences in parameters of body constitution and indicators of alimentation showed a high statistical significance (p = 0.00). The results of multivariante analysis (MANOVA), using Wilk's Lambda test, also indicated that the differences between initial and final measurements in the area of anthropometric measures and indicators of alimentation and constitution, were statistically significant (p = 0.00). Conclusion. Application of physical exercise and controlled diet leads to a significant reduction of anthropometric parameters and anthropological indicators of alimentation.

This case study aims to determine the effects of adapted physical exercise on gross motor function and motor abilities in a child with multiple disabilities. The subject is a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with a multiple disabilities with limitations identified within physical, mental and sensory integrity. The applied experimental treatment, defined according to his needs and abilities, consisted of an exercise program implemented for 4 months, twice a week for 45 minutes and is programmed with the aim of myofascial relaxation, passive stretching, corrective-compensatory effects and the development of gross motor skills and strength. The instruments used to test the initial and final state are the clinical test for assessing the gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy "GMFM-Gross motor functional movement measure-88" and the Eurofit battery test for assessing motor abilities. Variables based on a specific group of GMFM test items indicate that the gross motor function assessed at the final measurement were improved by 6% compared to the initial measurement. In the measured variables of the Eurofit battery test, positive changes in the results were achieved in the standing broad jump, sit and reach, plate tapping, sit ups in 30 seconds, while the result of the bent arm hang test remained unchanged. The results in this study suggest that the application of the experimental program had a positive effect on the motor abilities and gross motor function of child with multiple disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: The quick dietary assessment tools are needed as a guidance for counseling the mass population so as to reduce the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases. The study's primary aim is to develop a questionnaire for assessing dietary habits applicable in practice. Method: A questionnaire consisting of 17 items, used in similar studies, was applied on the sample of 1027 participants (54% male) ages between 21 and 65. The items were formulated in such a way as to reveal, as clearly as possible, the nutritional habits of the participants regarding meal time, frequency of meals, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, the consumption of fast food, etc. Results: After verification of scale reliability and factor validity, 10 items that met all the statistical criteria were retained in the instrument (named EDH-Q). The questionnaire has a high validity and reliability. The two components (two independent scales) have been extracted - Time and Jobs Management factor and Knowledge and Self-Control factor. The dietary habits of participants of different age and sex groups did not differ significantly. Conclusion: EDH-Q is a good tool for mass testing of dietary habits. It can be used by doctors, nutritionists and nurses during consultations and pro- motions of healthy eating habits. The study results show that there is more space for employee education and self-discipline in regards to improving dietary habits than time or jobs management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The marathon on Fruška Gora is a two day sports-tourist event that has been taking place for 37 years annually in national park near Novi Sad, Serbia. In the year when the study was conducted, 10177 participants have been registered. From this basic set, a sample of 1192 examinees has been extracted (604 male and 588 female), age between 17 and 78 years. The aim was to quantify the motives significant for the participation in this event, as well as to evaluate certain aspects of the event quality based on the evaluation of the participants. Research shows that entertainment, pastime, relaxation, forgetting of everyday concerns and the need for good mood are the strongest motives. The significance of health as a motive increases with age. Factor analysis which was applied to the quality items resulted in a stable two-component structure. The greatest influences on the first component (named Self Experience of Development Resources) were the items: convenience of the destination for active tourism, contribution of the events to the development of tourism and natural environment. The second component (Tangible Indicators) was defined by: quality of the accompanying contents, quality of transportation, tidiness of the tracks and media promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background/Aim. Obesity is the most common disease of nutrition and is the consequence of reduced movement. Unfortunately, this problem is increasingly present in juvenile age, so that the pediatric outpatient offices are dominated by obese young people. The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify the effects of the reducing treatment for juvenile obesity conducted by programmed physical exercise and controlled diet. Methods. We tested a sample of 136 respondents of both sexes (76 girls and 60 boys) aged 13 ± 0.6 years. This prospective study took 3 months in 2007 using the experimental methods of longitudinal weather precision. The data obtained after the measurement were processed by the use of statistical programs to calculate the basic and dispersion parameters. To determine the difference between the initial and final measurements we applied the univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and differences in the variables system in the space were determined by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results. The results of ANOVA in the form of F values indicated that the differences between the initial and final measurements in all parameters of circumference dimensionality and subcutaneous fat tissue are significant (p = 0.00). Also, differences in parameters of body constitution and indicators of alimentation showed a high statistical significance (p = 0.00). The results of multivariante analysis (MANOVA), using Wilk's Lambda test, also indicated that the differences between initial and final measurements in the area of anthropometric measures and indicators of alimentation and constitution, were statistically significant (p = 0.00). Conclusion. Application of physical exercise and controlled diet leads to a significant reduction of anthropometric parameters and anthropological indicators of alimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]