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Background: Although carrying external load has negative effects on gait biomechanics, little evidence has been provided regarding its impact on body asymmetry. The main purpose of the present study was to examine, whether standardized equipment produced greater gait asymmetries in ground reaction force and plantar pressure. Methods: For the purpose of this study, we recruited 845 police recruits (609 men and 236 women; 72.1% men and 27.9% women) measured in two conditions: (i) ‘no load’ and (ii) ‘a 3.5 kg load’. Absolute values in ground reaction forces and plantar pressures beneath the different foot regions were assessed with pedobarographic platform (Zebris FDM). Asymmetry was calculated as (xright − xleft)/0.5 × (xright + xleft) × 100%, where ‘x’ represented a given parameter being calculated and a value closer to 0 denoted greater symmetry. Results: Significant differences in ground reaction forces and plantar pressures between the left and right foot were observed, when adding ‘a 3.5 kg load’. Compared to the ‘no load’ condition, carrying ‘a 3.5 kg load’ significantly increased gait asymmetries for maximal ground reaction forces beneath the forefoot (ES = 0.29), midfoot (ES = 0.20) and hindfoot (ES = 0.19) regions of the foot. For maximal plantar pressures, only the asymmetry beneath the midfoot region of the foot significantly increased (ES = 0.19). Conclusions: Findings of this study indicate that ‘a 3.5 kg load’ significantly increases ground reaction force and plantar pressure gait asymmetries beneath the forefoot and midfoot regions, compared to ‘no load’ condition. Due to higher loads, increases in kinetic gait asymmetries may have negative effects on future pain and discomfort in the foot area, possibly causing stress fractures and deviated gait biomechanics in police recruits.

Background The main purpose of the study was to examine whether heavier loads might have an effect on ground reaction forces and plantar pressures. Methods Ninety-six elite intervention police officers were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Ground reaction forces and plantar pressures beneath the different foot regions were evaluated using Zebris FDM pressure platform, while a graduate increase in load carriage was as following: (i) ‘no load’, (ii) ‘a 5-kg load’, (iii) ‘a 25-kg load’ and (iv) ‘a 45-kg load’. Results Carrying heavier loads increased ground reaction forces beneath forefoot and hindfoot regions of both feet, and midfoot region for the right foot. For plantar pressures, increases beneath the hindfoot region of both feet and midfoot region of the right foot were observed, while carrying heavier loads. Conclusion This study shows significant increases in both ground reaction forces and plantar pressures, especially beneath the forefoot and hindfoot regions of both feet. Since the largest forces and pressures are produced beneath the hindfoot and forefoot, future research should pay special attention to these regions and their ground absorptions, additionally preventing from muscle and joint injuries.

BackgroundThe development of movement skills is the basic goal of physical and sports education. Their level is a determining factor in the subsequent involvement of the child in physical activities. Goal is to contribute to the knowledge of basic motor competencies (BMC) in the 3rd and 4th grade boys and girls from elementary schools.MethodsWe collected data from 468 children (Mage = 9.6, SD = 0.6 years; 228 girls and 240 boys) from 16 third grade and 16 fourth grade classes at ten elementary schools in different parts (central, west, north) of the Slovak Republic. The primary data on the basic motor competencies of the examined groups were obtained by means of the MOBAK-3 test battery. Construct validity was analyzed by confirmatory factorial analysis and relationships between BMC and age, gender and BMI were analyzed by structural equation modeling.ResultsBoys had a better performance in object movement activities than the girls p

Background: Little evidence has been provided regarding the effects of carrying standardized load equipment and foot parameters during quiet standing. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to examine whether a load carriage might impact static foot parameters in police recruits. Methods: Eight hundred and forty-five police recruits (27.9% women) were tested in ‘no load’ vs. standardized ‘3.5 kg load’ conditions. Foot characteristics during standing were assessed with the Zebris FDM pedobarographic pressure platform. Results: Carrying a 3.5 kg load significantly increased the 95% confidence ellipse area (∆ = 15.0%, p = 0.009), the center of pressure path length (∆ = 3.3%, p = 0.023) and average velocity (∆ = 11.1%, p = 0.014), the length of the minor axis (∆ = 8.2%, p < 0.009) and the deviation in the X (∆ = 12.4%, p = 0.005) and Y (∆ = 50.0%, p < 0.001) axes. For relative ground reaction forces, a significant increase in the left forefoot (∆ = 2.0%, p = 0.002) and a decrease in the left hindfoot (∆ = −2.0%, p = 0.002) were shown. No significant changes in relative ground reaction forces beneath the forefoot and hindfoot regions for the right foot were observed (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that spatial and temporal foot parameters may be more prone to change while carrying heavy loads, especially the center of pressure characteristics.

Carrying heavy loads may present certain biomechanical changes in special populations. However, most of the existing research on whether or not different external loads impact gait biomechanics has been conducted in military personnel, while the same changes have been relatively unknown in other populations, such as police officers. In order to maximize the importance of load ergonomics and design, it is necessary to establish both spatial and temporal gait changes under different load conditions in a variety of high-risk jobs, in order to detect which parameters are the most important for special interventions and policies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine changes in spatial and temporal gait parameters under different loading conditions. Ninety-six intervention police officers were recruited and evaluated. Zebris FDM pedobarographic platform was used to assess spatial and temporal gait changes gradual increases in load carriage significantly increased cadence (p = 0.024, η2 = 0.029), stance-phase for left (p = 0.046, η2 = 0.024) and right foot (p = 0.019, η2 = 0.030), and load response for left (p = 0.044, η2 = 0.025) and right foot (p = 0.033, η2 = 0.027), while decreases in step time for left foot (p = 0.024, η2 = 0.029), and swing phase for left (p = 0.047, η2 = 0.024) and right foot (p = 0.047, η2 = 0.024) were observed. No significant changes in spatial gait parameters occurred when carrying heavier loads. In conclusion, increases in external loads lead to larger changes in temporal, but not in spatial foot characteristics during gait. Thus, temporal gait parameters may be more prone to changes when carrying heavy loads.

Abstract Background Although evidence suggests that obesity track well from childhood to adolescence, most of the research has been done in Western and high-income countries. Moreover, most of the studies have tracked body-mass index, as a proxy of nutritional status, while tracking characteristics of circumferences and skinfold thicknesses have been less studies. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to explore tracking characteristics of complete anthropometric data from childhood to adolescence. Methods This sub-study was part of the Czech ELSPAC study. In the present 8-year longitudinal study, we collected information from pediatrician’s medical records at the ages of 8 y (n = 888), 11 y (n = 1065), 13 y (n = 811) and 15 y (n = 974), including circumferences (head, chest, waist, hips, and arm), indices (body-mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio) and skinfold thicknesses (biceps, triceps, subscapula, suprailiaca, thigh and the sum of 5 skinfolds). Participants were recruited from the two selected regions of the Czech Republic (Brno and Znojmo). Linear generalized estimating equations were conducted to analyze tracking patterns over an 8-year follow-up period for all anthropometric measurements. Results Tracking coefficients were moderate to strong, ranging from 0.40 to 0.62 for circumferences, 0.41 to 0.74 for indices and 0.72 to 0.86 for skinfolds. According to body-mass index and waist circumference standards, overweight/obese children and children with abdominal obesity at the age of 8 y were 11.31 (95% CI = 8.41 to 15.22, p

Abstract The main purpose of the study was to analyze the associations between health-related physical fitness and fasting blood glucose in war veterans. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 764 men and women aged 45–75 years, who were part of the Homeland War between 1990 and 1995 (33.5% women). Health-related physical fitness included: (1) fat mass and fat-free mass (body composition), (2) push-ups in 30 s (muscular dynamic endurance of upper extremities), (3) sit-ups in 30 s (repetitive upper body strength), (4) chair-stands in 30 s (lower body strength), (5) sit-and-reach test (flexibility) and (6) the 2-min step test (cardiorespiratory function). Laboratory measurement of fasting blood glucose was performed according to standardized procedures in resting seated position after a 12-h overnight fast. Generalized estimating equations with multiple regression models were used to calculate the associations between health-related physical fitness and fasting blood glucose. In men, fasting blood glucose was significantly correlated with fat-free mass (β = − 0.25, p

Abstract Background Evidence has shown that higher levels of physical fitness (PF) in youth have beneficial effects on adult health-related outcomes. However, the tracking of separate PF components during adolescence has been less studied. Since PF often starts to rapidly decline during adolescence, it is necessary to provide information regarding critical time-point for interventions. This study aimed to analyze the extent of tracking the components of PF through PF tests. Methods In this longitudinal study, we recruited 240 adolescent girls with recoded data at 2 time-points (15 y and 17 y). PF included body composition (fat mass), explosive power of lower extremities (standing broad jump), muscle endurance of the trunk (sit-ups in 60 s), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), muscle endurance of lower extremities (squats in 60 s), aerobic endurance (the 800 m run test) and speed endurance (the 400 m run test). Tracking coefficients were calculated using generalized estimating equations. Tertiles (high, moderate and low) were calculated for each fitness component. Results The highest tracking coefficients between the two time-points were found for explosive power of lower extremities (β = 0.98), followed by flexibility (β = 0.89), body composition (β = 0.88), speed endurance (β = 0.86), aerobic endurance (β = 0.75), muscle endurance of lower extremities (β = 0.65), and muscle endurance of the trunk (β = 0.51). Tertile ratings remained stable across the two time-points. Conclusions Moderate to high tracking of PF in adolescent girls suggests that interventions aiming to increase the level of PF should probably begin in early adolescence.

Although defining normative values of cardiorespiratory fitness have been the topic of many Western societies, little evidence has been provided for less developed countries like Croatia. Since cardiorespiratory fitness rapidly declines in Croatian children and adolescents, the newly established normative values would help health-related professionals and physical education teachers to detect ‘talented’ groups and direct them towards sport and ‘risky’ groups for planning special interventions. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to determine normative reference values of cardiorespiratory fitness. A total of 1,612 children and adolescents aged 7–14 years (mean±SD; age 9.7±2.4 years; stature 151.0±17.6 cm; body mass 45.1±19.1 kg; 52.5% girls) participated in this cross-sectional study. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the Maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run test and the performance was expressed as the number of stages. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was estimated by equations. Smoothed percentile curves were calculated. Boys outperformed girls in the maximal number of levels achieved after the 20-m shuttle run test and in the VO2max values at each age category. In boys, a gradually higher level of performance between ages 11 and 14 was observed, while in girls the values started to rise after the age of 8. Our study provides one of the first sex- and age-specific normative values for cardiorespiratory fitness assessed by the 20-m shuttle run test in Croatian children and adolescents.

Abstract Background The 6-min walk test (6MWT) has become an established measure for assessing exercise capacity in children with chronic diseases. However, little evidence has been provided regarding population-based normal data in healthy children. The main purpose of the study was to provide normative data in a large sample of children. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 4352 children between 11 and 14 years were recruited (66% girls). The main outcome measure was the distance walked for six minutes. Sex- and age-specific percentile values (5th, 15th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 85th and 95th) for the 6MWT were created and the differences and correlations were examined by the analysis of variance and Pearson’s coefficient of correlation. Results The mean distance walked in 6 min was 576 ± 93 m in boys and 545 ± 92 m in girls, respectively. The mean walking speed for boys and girls was 98 ± 5 m/min and 91 ± 6 m/min. Older boys and girls performed better, compared to their younger counterparts (p for age

Background: Although carrying external load has negative effects on gait biomechanics, little evidence has been provided regarding its impact on body asymmetry. The main purpose of the present study was to examine, whether standardized equipment produced greater gait asymmetries in ground reaction force and plantar pressure. Methods: For the purpose of this study, we recruited 845 police recruits (609 men and 236 women; 72.1% men and 27.9% women) measured in two conditions: (i) 'no load' and (ii) 'a 3.5 kg load'. Absolute values in ground reaction forces and plantar pressures beneath the different foot regions were assessed with pedobarographic platform (Zebris FDM). Asymmetry was calculated as (xright − xleft)/0.5 × (xright + xleft) × 100%, where 'x' represented a given parameter being calculated and a value closer to 0 denoted greater symmetry. Results: Significant differences in ground reaction forces and plantar pressures between the left and right foot were observed, when adding 'a 3.5 kg load'. Compared to the 'no load' condition, carrying 'a 3.5 kg load' significantly increased gait asymmetries for maximal ground reaction forces beneath the forefoot (ES = 0.29), midfoot (ES = 0.20) and hindfoot (ES = 0.19) regions of the foot. For maximal plantar pressures, only the asymmetry beneath the midfoot region of the foot significantly increased (ES = 0.19). Conclusions: Findings of this study indicate that 'a 3.5 kg load' significantly increases ground reaction force and plantar pressure gait asymmetries beneath the forefoot and midfoot regions, compared to 'no load' condition. Due to higher loads, increases in kinetic gait asymmetries may have negative effects on future pain and discomfort in the foot area, possibly causing stress fractures and deviated gait biomechanics in police recruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The main purpose of the study was to analyze secular trends of health-related physical fitness in 7–14-year-old Croatian children and adolescents from 1999 and 2014. In this observational cross-sectional study, we recruited 5077 children and adolescents between ages 11 and 14 (50.8% girls) from five primary schools located in the capital city of Zagreb. Physical fitness performance was tested from 1999 until 2014. Physical fitness performance included: (1) body-mass index (measure of body size), (2) standing broad jump (measure of lower-body power), (3) polygon backwards (measure of general coordination and agility), (4) sit-ups in 60 s (measure of upper-body strength), (5) sit-and-reach test (measure of flexibility) and (6) 6-min run test (measure of cardiorespiratory fitness). Boys performed better in all physical fitness tests, except for sit-and-reach test (p

Abstract Background Although evidence suggests that functional endurance capacity is the most important component associated with future health, little is known of how it is associated with multiple other physical fitness components. Since various physical fitness aspects do not change the same as functional endurance capacity during childhood, it is necessary to establish possible associations between functional endurance capacity and other physical fitness components in children. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to test the associations between functional endurance capacity with other physical fitness components in 7–14-year-old children, stratified by gender. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 1612 children [mean age ± standard deviation (SD) = 9.72 ± 2.37 years; 52.5% girls). Health-related physical fitness components included: 1) body-mass index (kg/m2) calculated from height and weight (measure of body size), 2) sit-and-reach test (measure of flexibility), 3) standing broad jump (measure of explosive strength of lower extremities), 4) sit-ups in 30 s (measure of repetitive strength of the trunk), 5) 10 × 5 shuttle run test (measure of agility) and 6) 20-m shuttle run test (measure of functional endurance capacity). The associations were performed using generalized estimating equations with beta (β) coefficients. Results After adjusting for age, functional endurance capacity was associated with sit-and-reach test (β = 0.13, p

The main purpose of the study was to define optimal criterion-referenced cut-points for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) associated with overweight/obesity. In this cross-sectional study, participants were 1,612 children aged 7–14 years (mean age ± SD = 9.7 ± 2.4 years; 52.5% girls). CRF was assessed by the Maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run test, from which maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was estimated. Anthropometric indices included body-mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to determine cut-off points. In boys, the optimal cut-off points of CRF in defining overweight/obesity for BMI, WC, and WHtR were 44.6, 46.4, and 46.9 mlO2/kg/min. The areas under the curves (AUC) were 0.83 (95% CI 0.78–0.88, p

The main purpose of the study was to examine longitudinal associations between sport participation and fat mass with body posture in children. We used data from children recruited in the Czech European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (CELSPAC) at the ages of 11 y (n = 1065), 13 y (n = 811) and 15 y (n = 974). Information on body posture, practicing sport in a club and at a competitive level, and skinfold thicknesses (biceps, triceps, subscapula, suprailiaca and thigh) from pediatrician’s medical records were collected. Body posture was inspected by a pediatrician. The sum of 5 skinfolds was used as a proxy of fat mass. The 85th and 95th percentiles defined ‘overfat’ and ‘obese’children. Practicing sport in a club and at a competitive level were included as ‘yes/no’ answers. General linear mixed models with risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Overall, 35.6% of children and adolescents had impaired body posture; the prevalence of ’incorrect’ body posture increased by age (from 41.0% to 28.0%, p

The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects on gait of carrying different standardized police loads. In this cross-sectional study, we randomly recruited 30 special police officers. Spatiotemporal and kinetic gait changes were evaluated by using the Zebris FDM pressure platform, when load carriage ranged from 5 to 45 kg. Heavier loading conditions significantly increased ground reaction forces and plantar pressures for both feet beneath the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot regions of the foot. However, as load increased there were no significant changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters. This study shows that heavier loads carried by special police officers significantly increase ground reaction forces and plantar pressures under different foot regions. Thus, special interventions aiming to lower kinetic gait parameters throughout a different ergonomics and design of standardized equipment should be considered.

The main purpose of the study was to determine whether a pistol shooting efficiency score could be predicted by plantar force distribution patterns. In this cross-sectional study, participants were special police male officers (N = 30), members of the Anti-Terrorist Unit ‘Lučko’ (agemean±SD = 40 ± 6 years, heightmean±SD = 180 ± 5 cm, weightmean±SD = 89 ± 8 kg). Shooting efficiency at a target 10 m away was tested on a scale from 0 to 5, while standing on a Zebris pedobarographic platform. Higher absolute (N; β = −0.19, p = 0.002) and relative (%; β = −0.12, p = 0.043) forces beneath the hindfoot were associated with poorer shooting efficiency. A significant positive association between the relative force beneath the forefoot and shooting efficiency was found, i.e., higher relative forces beneath the forefoot region exhibited better shooting values (β = 0.12, p = 0.043). When the force was normalized by weight (N/kg), similar associations remained. This study shows that higher force values under the hindfoot region may lead to a lower shooting performance, while higher force values under the forefoot region can increase shooting performance.

The main purpose of the study was to examine the longitudinal associations between fat mass and fat free mass with health-related physical fitness. Two-hundred and forty 15-year old adolescent girls were measured at the baseline and after a period of 3 years (17 years). Health-related physical fitness included the following tests: (1) explosive power of the lower extremities (standing broad jump); (2) muscle endurance of the trunk (sit-ups in 60 s); (3) flexibility (sit-and-reach test); (4) muscle endurance of the lower extremities (squats in 60 s); (5) aerobic endurance (the 800 m run test); and (6) speed endurance (the 400 m running test). Fat mass and fat free mass were assessed using the bioelectrical impedance method. Longitudinal associations were analyzed with linear mixed model estimates. After adjusting for body mass index, fat mass was negatively associated with standing broad jump (β = −1.13, p < 0.001), sit-ups in 60 s (β = −0.27, p < 0.001), and squats in 60 s (β = −0.27, p < 0001), while positive associations with the 800 m running test (β = 0.02, p < 0.001) and the 400 m running test (β = 0.02, p < 0.001) were observed. On the other hand, fat free mass was positively associated with standing broad jump (β = 1.14, p < 0.001), sit-ups in 60 s (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), and squats in 60 s (β = 0.28, p < 0001), while the 800 m running test (β = −0.02, p < 0.001) and the 400 m running test (β = −0.02, p < 0.001) exhibited negative associations. This study shows that fat mass and fat free mass components are longitudinally, but oppositely associated with health-related physical fitness in adolescent girls.

Background The main purpose of the study was to determine whether lower levels of physical activity were associated with higher plantar pressure generated under each foot. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 641 children aged 6–14 years (agemean ± SD = 9.7 ± 2.4 years; heightmean ± SD = 143.6 ± 15.3 cm, weightmean ± SD = 37.6 ± 13.4 kg; body-mass indexmean ± SD = 17.6 ± 3.2 kg/m2; 44.2% girls). We used EMED –XL pressure platform to measure force time integral, pressure-time integral, contact-time and contact area, peak plantar pressure and mean plantar pressure of the right and the left foot during the gait analysis. The level of physical activity was measured by using The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ–C). The associations were calculated by using generalized estimating equations with linear regression models. Results Lower levels of physical activity were associated with higher force- and pressure-time integrals, longer contact time and higher peak and mean plantar pressures in both feet. Conclusion Our study shows that the level of physical activity is strongly and inversely associated with plantar pressure in a sample of 6–14 year olds.

Although previous evidence has shown that deviated foot structure and function are associated with falls, little is known of the association between foot rotations and falls in apparently healthy older adults. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to determine the associations between foot rotation and falls. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 120 older women (mean±SD; age 71.01±6.77 years; height 158.92±21.41 cm; weight 70.29±12.97 kg; body-mass index 26.79±4.42 kg/m2). Foot rotations were assessed by using pressure platform (Zebris manufacturer, Munich, Germany), while the risk of falls was assessed by using Downtown Fall Risk Index questionnaire. Correlations and multiple regression models were applied to calculate the associations. In unadjusted model, higher foot rotation was associated with higher risk of falls (β = 0.14, p

Background. The main purpose of the study was to examine whether heavier loads might have an effect on ground reaction forces and plantar pressures. Methods. Ninety-six elite intervention police officers were recruited in this crosssectional study. Ground reaction forces and plantar pressures beneath the different foot regions were evaluated using Zebris FDM pressure platform, while a graduate increase in load carriage was as following: (i) 'no load', (ii) 'a 5-kg load', (iii) 'a 25-kg load' and (iv) 'a 45-kg load'. Results. Carrying heavier loads increased ground reaction forces beneath forefoot and hindfoot regions of both feet, and midfoot region for the right foot. For plantar pressures, increases beneath the hindfoot region of both feet and midfoot region of the right foot were observed, while carrying heavier loads. Conclusion. This study shows significant increases in both ground reaction forces and plantar pressures, especially beneath the forefoot and hindfoot regions of both feet. Since the largest forces and pressures are produced beneath the hindfoot and forefoot, future research should pay special attention to these regions and their ground absorptions, additionally preventing from muscle and joint injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrying heavy loads may present certain biomechanical changes in special populations. However, most of the existing research on whether or not different external loads impact gait biomechanics has been conducted in military personnel, while the same changes have been relatively unknown in other populations, such as police officers. In order to maximize the importance of load ergonomics and design, it is necessary to establish both spatial and temporal gait changes under different load conditions in a variety of high-risk jobs, in order to detect which parameters are the most important for special interventions and policies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine changes in spatial and temporal gait parameters under different loading conditions. Ninety-six intervention police officers were recruited and evaluated. Zebris FDM pedobarographic platform was used to assess spatial and temporal gait changes gradual increases in load carriage significantly increased cadence (p = 0.024, η2 = 0.029), stance-phase for left (p = 0.046, η2 = 0.024) and right foot (p = 0.019, η2 = 0.030), and load response for left (p = 0.044, η2 = 0.025) and right foot (p = 0.033, η2 = 0.027), while decreases in step time for left foot (p = 0.024, η2 = 0.029), and swing phase for left (p = 0.047, η2 = 0.024) and right foot (p = 0.047, η2 = 0.024) were observed. No significant changes in spatial gait parameters occurred when carrying heavier loads. In conclusion, increases in external loads lead to larger changes in temporal, but not in spatial foot characteristics during gait. Thus, temporal gait parameters may be more prone to changes when carrying heavy loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social capital has been shown as a positive asset for improving overall health in children and youth. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to determine the associations between family, neighborhood and school social capital with self-rated health among Serbian high-school students. This cross-sectional study on 1220 high-school students (539 males and 681 females) was carried out in the school year 2015/2016. Main outcome was defined as self-rated health, measured by one question: "How would you rate your health?" with five possible answers: (1) very poor; (2) poor, (3) fair, (4) good and (5) excellent. We binarised the outcome, where answers "very poor", "poor" and "fair" represented "poor health" and "good" and "excellent" "good health". Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the associations between social capital domains and self-rated health. Adjusted by gender, body-mass index, self-perceived socioeconomic status, psychological distress and physical activity, good self-rated health was positively associated only with high family social capital (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.62 to 3.24). When all the social capital variables were entered simultaneously, self-rated health remained associated with family social capital (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.61 to 3.24). Family social capital was the only domain strongly associated with self-rated health. Since neighborhood and school social capital represent key support and empathy for children and youth, neighborhood and school-based strategies and policies should be implemented within the system to increase overall physical and mental health.

Little evidence from observational studies has been provided regarding 'optimal' relative schoolbag load during primary education. Also, no study to date has provided reference-based standards for relative schoolbag weight. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to establish normative values of relative schoolbag weight in a sample of children. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 584 primary school students aged 6-14 (meanage±SD = 9.6±2.4 yrs, meanheight±SD = 1.4±0.2 m, meanweight±SD = 37.5±13.3 kg, meanbody-mass index±SD = 17.6±3.1 kg/m2, 44.4% girls) chosen from five schools in the city of Brno. Schoolbag weight and child's body weight were objectively measured by using digital scale. Relative schoolbag weight was calculated by dividing schoolbag weight with child's body weight and the result was expressed in percentage. Lambda, Mu and Sigma (LMS) method was used to create sex- and age-percentile curves. Boys carried slightly heavier schoolbag, compared with girls (mean difference 0.2 kg, p = 0.020). No significant differences between sexes in relative schoolbag weight were observed (p = 0.240). Median values (P50) for boys and girls were similar and the largest observed between ages 6-9 in boys (15-17%) and 6-8 in girls (16-18%). The percentage of children carrying relative schoolbag weight beyond 10% of their body weight was very high, especially between ages 6-10 in boys (85.1-100%) and 6-11 in girls (86.8-95.4%). This study provides first sex- and age- relative schoolbag weight normative values in primary school children. Future studies should use similar methods for generating comparable data.

The main purpose of the study was to explore sex and age specific correlations between self-reported and estimated physical fitness. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 1 036 secondary-school students (55.3% girls). Self-reported physical fitness was assessed on a 10-point scale, with a higher score indicating better physical fitness. We measured waist circumference, sit-ups in 1 minute, standing long jump and sit-and-reach test and calculated z-scores to obtain objective physical fitness index. Boys performed better in sit-ups in 1 minute and standing long jump tests and had higher waist circumference values. Girls performed better in sit-and-reach test. Overall, boys had higher physical fitness z-score values, compared to girls. Younger boys had better physical fitness perception (r1st grade = 0.61, p

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in situational efficiency parameters that differentiate male basketball teams according to outcome. Sample of entities consisted of 38 games played in the Olympic Games in London 2012. Methods. Situational efficiency variables that affected the final outcome were comprised of 13 parameters. Differences between successful and unsuccessful teams were obtained using Student’s t-test. Also, overall differences between teams were analysed applying multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and discriminant analysis with standardized canonical coefficients (SCC). Significant value was set up at p ≤ .05. Results. Results showed overall statistical differences in situational parameters between teams (p < .001). Also, discriminant function showed that situation parameters 2 pts-fail (F-value -14.82, SCC = –0.967, p < .001), 3 pts-fail (F-value = 5.57, SCC = –0.403; p < .05), offensive rebounds (F-value – 16.38, SCC = 0.943, p < .001), defensive rebounds (F-value = 6.66, SCC = 0.822, p < .05), turnovers (F-value = 14.03, SCC = –0.608, p < .001) and steals (F-value = 4.78, SCC = 0.425, p < .05) differentiated most of the teams according to outcome. Conclusion. On the basis of the obtained results we suggest that winning teams had technical-tactical parameters on higher level due to better timing of sports fitness with adequate resting periods and type of training process. Keywords: team sport, notational analysis, final outcome.

Background. Soccer is known as one of the most popular games in the world. Because of constant profiling and improving, players and their conditioning abilities need to be on top level to achieve great sport results. The aim of this study was to determine conditioning profile of junior players playing on different playing positions. Methods. Sample of 85 junior elite soccer players (17.06 ± 0.74 years) was included in the study (height: 1.75 ± 0.05 m; weight: 73.59 ± 9.56 kg; body mass index: 23.97 ± 0.45 kg/cm 2 ). Sample of variables consisted of five motor ability tests (standing long jump-SLJ, high jump-HJ, 30 m sprint-SP30M, 60 m sprint-SP60M, 5 x 10 m sprint-SP5 x 10M) and one functional ability test (1500 m run-R1500M). To determine significant differences among players playing on different playing positions and to establish where those differences were, one-way ANOVA with Scheffe post-hoc test were used. For better understanding, which tests distinguish each position the most, discriminant analysis was performed. Results. Results showed that the sample which consisted of five groups (defenders, goalkeepers, attackers, stoppers and midfielders), significantly differed in variable SLJ (p = .00). Scheffe post-hoc test significant differences between defenders and goalkeepers (p = .01), goalkeepers and stoppers (p = .00) and goalkeepers and midfielders (p = .01). Conclusions. Results clearly represented homogenous collective, where players, no matter which position they were, had similar values in obtained tests. The explanation of obtained results could be found in similar preparedness and great sports form, which must be on optimal level for best performance. Keywords: motor abilities, functional abilities, preparedness.

Background. Aging represents period of life when human body undergoes great changes affecting people’s condition and overall health. The aim of the research was to determine differences of motor and functional abilities along with satisfaction and quality of life between active and non-active female older adults. Methods. Twenty-one elderly female adults were classified in two groups: thirteen active (mean age 66.54 ± 4.59 years; mean height 158.08± 5.35 cm; mean weight 75.47 ± 13.52 kg; mean body mass index 30.18 ± 0.49 kg/m 2 ) and eight non-active (mean age 71.81 ± 7.15 years; mean height 160.55 ± 6.34 cm; mean weight 74.40 ± 14.06 kg; mean body mass index 28.84 ± 0.35 kg/m 2 ) female adults. For the purpose of this study, all participants were asked to complete senior fitness test protocol prescribed by Rikli and Jones (2013), which consisted of eight tests: 30-second chair stand test, 30-second arm curl test, 2-minute step test, chair sit-and-reach test, back scratch test, 8-foot up-and- go test, height and weight. Along with that, participants filled in Croatian version of WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire (Pibernik-Okanović, 2001) including four domains (physical health, psychological health, social environment and environment) with two additional questions about their satisfaction with health and their quality of life on the Likert scale ranging from 1to 5. The differences between active and non-active groups were examined using Man-Witney U-test. Significance was set at p < .05. Results. Results showed significant differences in four fitness tests: 30-second arm curl test (p = .03), 2-minute step test (p = .00), chair sit-and-reach test (p = .02), 8-foot up-and-go test (p = .01) and two questionnaire domains: psychological health (p = .04) and environment (p = .01). No statistical differences were found among perception of the quality of life and health satisfaction between non-active and active participants (p > .05). Conclusion. This study showed that older female adults had better achievements in motor and psychological tests, which could be translated to better physical overall fitness and preparedness of doing everyday activities in comparison to non-active group. Research showed the importance of exercising in older age, but further studies on bigger samples need to be performed for better understanding of aging and differences in levels of fitness. Keywords: geriatrics, conditioning abilities, satisfaction with life, aging.

Background Although previous evidence has shown that physical activity and physical fitness lower the level of psychological distress, little is known of simultaneous associations between of physical activity and physical fitness and with psychological distress, especially in young adults. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study was to explore both separate and simultaneous association between physical activity and physical fitness with psychological distress. Methods Participants in this cross-sectional study were 2,100 university students (1,041 men and 1,059 women) chosen from eight faculties in the city of Zagreb. Physical activity, physical fitness and psychological distress were assessed using structured questionnaires. The associations were examined using logistic regression analysis. Results After adjusting for gender, body-mass index, self-rated health, material status, binge drinking, chronic disease/s and sleep quality, “insufficient” physical activity (OR = 2.60; 95% CI [1.92–3.52]) and “lower” levels of physical fitness (tertile 2; OR = 1.94; 95% CI [1.25–3.01] and tertile 1; OR = 2.59; 95% CI [1.65–4.08]) remained associated with “high” psychological distress. When physical activity and physical fitness were entered simultaneously into the model, “insufficient” physical activity (OR = 2.35; 95% CI [1.72–3.21]) and “lower” levels of physical fitness (tertile 2; OR = 1.77; 95% CI [1.24–2.77] and tertile 1; OR = 2.00; 95% CI [1.26–3.20]) remained associated with “high” psychological distress. Conclusion Our study shows that both “insufficient” physical activity and “lower” levels of physical fitness are associated with “high” psychological distress, even after adjusting for numerous covariates. Therefore, special policies aiming to increase the levels of physical activity and fitness are warranted.