Effects of Acute Physical Exercise on Mathematical Computation Depending on the Parts of the Training in Young Children

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

Effects of invasion games on physical fitness in primary school children

Studies concerning the effects of different invasion games on physical fitness in school children are scarce. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the application of invasion games on physical fitness in primary school children. A total of 62 primary school children aged 10-12 years voluntarily participated in this study. They were divided into experimental (32) and control (30) group. Physical fitness of children was estimated by the following tests: Standing broad jump, Vertical jump, Bent-arm hang, Sit-ups, Pushups, Medicine ball test and Andersen test. The experimental group had twice per week invasion games on non-consecutive days for 12 weeks. Participants in control group did not perform specific program but attended their regular PE class twice per week. Compared with initial measurement, there was a significant (p 0.05). To conclude, invasion games were an effective way of improving physical fitness in primary school children, because the results of this study indicate that this method was more effective for physical fitness than traditional school program

Razina gimnastičkih vještina i tjelesne kondicije kod učenika odabranih za programe tjelesnog odgoja

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

A COMPARISON OF RACE PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN ELITE MALE 50-M AND 100-M FREESTYLE SWIMMERS BASED ON THEIR RESULTS

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.

Postural stability – a comparison between rowers and field sport athletes

Postural stability (PS) is an important function for maintaining equilibrium during periods of standing still, locomotion, and any motor activities that require high degree of balance. High PS is essential in different sports for the regulation of voluntary movement and for improving athletic physical condition and performance. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the static PS of elite rowing athletes and field sport athletes. Methods: A total of 90 elite athletes (age: 23.9 ± 1.97 years; body height: 174.9 ± 8.9 cm; body weight: 67.7 ± 12.03 kg) were divided into Rowing (N = 47) and Field sport (N = 43) athlete groups. Static PS parameters were assessed with a static double-leg and single-leg standing stability test on a force plate platform. Results: The multivariate analysis of variance showed a general stability difference between the groups (F = 13.255; P ≤ 0.0001), in double leg stability (F = 16.735; P ≤ 0.0001), and left leg (F = 15.097; P ≤ 0.0001) stability parameters. When analyzing variables separately, significant statistical differences were observed in favor of the Rowing group in double leg sway area (p = 0.017; ES = −0.07), double leg center of force (COF) traveled way (p ≤ 0.0001; ES = −27.42), length function of surface (p ≤ 0.0001; ES = −26.86), right leg ML displacement (p = 0.030; ES = −0.46), left leg sway area (p = 0.030; ES = −0.44), left leg COF traveled way (p ≤ 0.0001; ES = −60.63), left leg AP displacement (p = 0.043; ES = −0.44). Conclusion: These results underline the differences in rowing and field sport athletes in terms of static PS. The characteristics of sport and competition may affect PS, and it is important to adjust training modalities for the required level of PS in every sport, especially in rowing

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Resistance Training on Knee Extensor/Flexor Muscles

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 (60º and 180º s). After intervention no signifi cant 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 60º and p=0.004 for left knee extensors muscles, at angular velocity 180º). In RT group (p=0.033 for right knee extensors muscles, p=0.029 for right knee fl exor muscles, at angular velocity 60º). 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

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LOWER BODY MUSCLE POTENTIAL DURING UNLOADED AND LOADED SQUAT JUMP IN ELITE MALE SPRINT SWIMMERS

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

HAEMATOLOGICAL AND IRON STATUS FOLLOWING A SOCCER MATCH

: The aim of the present investigation was to verify the responses of haematological and iron concentrations in Croatian U-21 soccer players following an official soccer match. A group of 19 trained, healthy male soccer players from the U-21 category of the Croatian soccer association took part in this study. An analysis of red blood cell concentration (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Htc), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin corpuscular (MCHC), and Thrombocytes was performed to indicate the haematological status. In addition, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), the unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) and ferritin analyses were obtained immediately after the soccer match. A significant decrease in Hct (%) was observed immediately after the game. However, there were no significant changes in the haemoglobin levels. Iron concentration increased significantly (p< 0.01) after the soccer match. Ferritin levels were also higher at the end of the match compared to baseline measures. It can be reported that a soccer match may induce an iron increase immediately after the game which was contradictory to recent studies. In summary, this study provided a valuable opportunity to study biochemical parameters that could lead to a possible illness, injuries and severity in match-play

Kvantitativna i kvalitativna obilježja motoričkih sposobnosti djece predškolske dobi

The research was conducted with the aim to, using experimental methods, scientifically determine whether an additional physical exercise program in regular working conditions of a preschool institution could result in significant changes in the motor skills of preschool children with an average age of 6.21±0.56 years. A total of 64 preschool children, girls (n=28) and boys (n=36), enrolled in preparatory preschool groups in "Čukarica" preschool in Belgrade. A pre-experimental research plan was used, specifically a single-group design and pretest - posttest. A sample of measuring instruments of motor skills was compiled according to a reduced theoretical model (Gredelj et al., 1975; Kurelić et al., 1975) taken from the research of Bala and Popović (2007). The experimental factor was realized with a total of 48 lessons lasting 35 minutes over a 24-week time interval. The results of the study indicate that the quantitative changes in the final measurement are reflected in the repetitive force of the torso and coordination in favor of better average values of the boys. Two hypothetical motor factors were isolated in initial and final measurements, which can still be interpreted as one general Motor Factor. Qualitative changes in the structure of both extracted factors in the final measurement were not observed. The authors believe that a regular physical education program in preschool institutions is not sufficient for a preparatory preschool group, and that additional kinesiology activities yield better results in the mechanism for structuring the movement and regulating the duration of excitation, especially if it is directed towards the development of biotic motor knowledge. On the other hand, they believe that newer and more meaningful solutions must be found in terms of differentiated physical exercise programs for children, and that only such solutions could lead to qualitative changes in the structure of isolated factors.Istraživanje je provedeno s ciljem znanstvenog utvrđivanja može li dodatan program tjelovježbe u redovitim uvjetima rada predškolske ustanove rezultirati značajnim promjenama u motoričkim sposobnostima djece predškolske dobi s prosječnom dobi od 6,21±0,56 godina. Ukupno je uključeno 64 djece predškolske dobi, djevojčica (n=28) i dječaka (n=36) predškolskih skupina u predškolskoj ustanovi "Čukarica" u Beogradu. Upotrijebljen je predeksperimentalni plan istraživanja, konkretno dizajn jedne skupine, predtest – posttest. Uzorak motoričkih mjernih instrumenata sastavljen je prema reduciranom teorijskom modelu (Kurelića i sur., 1975; Gredelja i sur., 1975) preuzetom iz istraživanja Bale i Popovića (2007). Eksperimentalni faktor bio je realiziran s ukupno 48 termina od po 35 minuta i trajao je u razdoblju od 24 tjedna. Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da se kvantitativne promjene u finalnom mjerenju odražavaju u repetitivnoj snazi trupa i koordinaciji u korist boljih prosječnih vrijednosti dječaka. Izolirana su dva hipotetska motorička faktora na inicijalnom i finalnom mjerenju, koji se mogu interpretirati još uvijek kao jedan i to Generalni motorički faktor. Nisu opažene kvalitativne promjene u strukturi oba ekstrahirana faktora na finalnom mjerenju. Autori smatraju da redoviti program tjelesnog odgoja u predškolskim ustanovama nije dovoljan za pripremnu predškolsku skupinu, te da dodatne kineziološke aktivnosti daju bolje rezultate u mehanizmu za strukturiranje pokreta i reguliranju trajanja ekscitacije, posebno ako je usmjeren na razvoj biotičkog motoričkog znanja. S druge strane, oni vjeruju da je u smislu diferenciranih programa tjelesnih vježbi za djecu potrebno pronaći novije i značajnije rješenje, a samo takva rješenja mogu dovesti do kvalitativnih promjena u strukturi izoliranih faktora