INFLUENCE OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS ON RUNNING PERFORMANCE OF ENDURANCE ATHLETES

Running is a popular form of physical activity and can be carried out through several different distances. Morphological characteristics, such as skin fold thickness, limb girth and length, body weight and body fat percentage have an impact on endurance running. The objective of this systematic review study is to collect and analyze studies about the influence of morphological characteristics on running performance of endurance athletes. Based on an analysis of electronic databases and the inclusion criteria set, 20 studies were included in the analysis. The length of the extremities and the sum of the skin folds thickness have the highest statistical significance as the predictor. The results of the analyzed studies indicate that slim limbs, longer legs, lower total skin fold thickness and lower body fat percentage are some of the characteristics that can be good predictors for competitive success and a model to be tended during the preparation period of male and female endurance runners

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF EXERCISE PROGRAMS ON ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE OF THE ELDERLY

The value of arterial blood pressure is variable. It depends on the time of the day, external and internal factors such as genetics and lifestyle. Moderate and regular physical activity, as well as weight reduction, can affect the reduction of high arterial blood pressure (ABP). The influence of physical activity on the health of the elderly is not well researched. The objective of this systematic review study is to collect and analyze studies of the effects of different types of exercise programs on arterial blood pressure of the elderly. Based on an analysis of electronic databases and the inclusion criteria set, 21 studies were included in the analysis. Performing only one exercise training program with the elderly leads to a fall of systolic blood pressure (SBP) from 7 to 30 mm Hg and of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from 3 to 17 mm Hg, whereas a long term training program reduces SBP for 17 and DBP for 7mm Hg. The combination of aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT) with the elderly gives the best results in reducing ABP, increasing arterial elasticity, thus reducing the chance of getting a cardiovascular disease

COMPETITIVE ANXIETY, SELF-CONFIDENCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILLS IN TOP ATHLETES WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITIES: PILOT STUDY

Abstract. To test our premise of positive impact of sport activities on psychological health of persons with disability, which implies the ability of their thoughts and feelings control, we compared profile of their specific psychological characteristics profile of athletes of persons with disability (N=12) and without disabilities (N=12). Results this pilot study indicate that there is only one significant difference between top athletes with and without disability, only in achievement under pressure (F=4.655, p=.043). Psychological profile of athletes with disability is very similar to the profile of athletes without it, which proves that sport positively contribute their psychical strength making them equally ready for top results in sport as athletes without disabilities. Practicing sport has positive impact not only on sport Self-confidence (SCI) but on Global Self-Esteem (GSE) of athletes with disabilities. Their competitive anxiety is optimized (SCATr) and their psychological skills for overcoming stress are improved (ACSI28), so they are not different from their peers without disabilities. The age in athletes with disabilities is significantly in positive correlation with strength of their global self-esteem (r= .88, p= .001), with self-confidence and motivation for achievement in sport ACSI-coam (r= .67, p= .023) and negatively with their competition anxiety (r= -.65, p= .022). We can conclude that with growth of their competitive experience grows their sport confidence, especially psychological resilience (r=.64, p=.45). Key words. sport, disability, psychological characteristics specific for spor

Andragoška podrška razvoju kompetencija kadeta vojne akademije u oblasti fizičkog vaspitanja u cilju postizanja njihovog efikasnijeg opšteg uspeha studiranja

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Efekti treninga sa opterećenjem pri nestabilnim uslovima na parametre mišićne kontrakcije

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of eight weeks of specifically designed resistance training in unstable conditions on the parameters of muscle contraction. The sample consisted of 75 male subjects divided into three equal groups. The recruited participants had no previous experience with training in unstable conditions, as well as significant experience in previous resistance training. The first experimental group consisted of participants who in addition to their usual daily physical activities (DPA) were involved in programmed resistance training in unstable conditions. The second experimental group consisted of participants who in addition to their usual DPA were involved in resistance training in stable conditions. The control group consisted of participants who only took part in their usual DPA without any form of resistance training. The research included bench press and squat exercises, performed with a barbell, with a previously established load of 50% of one repetition maximum (1RM). The unstable conditions were enabled by a Swiss ball for the bench press, while barbell squats were performed on a BOSU ball. The five parameters of muscle contraction were evaluated: one-repetition maximum, force, power, velocity and distance of movement of the barbell. The results show that resistance training in unstable conditions is more efficacious tool for increasing values of the parameters of muscle contraction in relation to resistance training in stable conditions. However, resistance training with a previously established 50% of 1RM in unstable conditions cannot be recommended as an effective method for increasing maximum muscle force

Efekti treninga sa opterećenjem pri nestabilnim uslovima na parametre mišićne kontrakcije

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of eight weeks of specifically designed resistance training in unstable conditions on the parameters of muscle contraction. The sample consisted of 75 male subjects divided into three equal groups. The recruited participants had no previous experience with training in unstable conditions, as well as significant experience in previous resistance training. The first experimental group consisted of participants who in addition to their usual daily physical activities (DPA) were involved in programmed resistance training in unstable conditions. The second experimental group consisted of participants who in addition to their usual DPA were involved in resistance training in stable conditions. The control group consisted of participants who only took part in their usual DPA without any form of resistance training. The research included bench press and squat exercises, performed with a barbell, with a previously established load of 50% of one repetition maximum (1RM). The unstable conditions were enabled by a Swiss ball for the bench press, while barbell squats were performed on a BOSU ball. The five parameters of muscle contraction were evaluated: one-repetition maximum, force, power, velocity and distance of movement of the barbell. The results show that resistance training in unstable conditions is more efficacious tool for increasing values of the parameters of muscle contraction in relation to resistance training in stable conditions. However, resistance training with a previously established 50% of 1RM in unstable conditions cannot be recommended as an effective method for increasing maximum muscle force

Overview of Training Research With Loading in Unstable Conditions / Pregled istraživanja treninga sa opterećenjem pri nestabilnim uslovima

The main goal of this research was to review the works that dealt with the effects of strength training in unstable conditions. A transparent survey covered 24 papers that were not older than 10 years. The sample of respondents are young and middle age groups due to similar abilities. Out of 24 papers: 16 papers were with one group in the experiment, 6 papers were with two groups in the experiment and 2 with three groups in the experiment. After the involvement of the musculature: 9 papers treated pectoral musculature, in 10 papers the involvement of the muscles of the lower limbs was processed, 6 papers dealt with the aspect of engaging the back musculature and the same abdomen, 8 papers treated chest musculature and two papers included shoulder musculature in their research. There was no difference in the degrees of promotion on the basis of gender in the articles. The statistical effect of exercise on unstable substrates was expressed in 13 studies, there were no statistically significant effects in 7 studies, while the same effect of the effects achieved by strength exercises on unstable and stable surfaces was found in 4 papers. The work done primarily suggests a positive effect of exercise on unstable substrates in untrained individuals

Assessment of the effectiveness of physical education classes based on weight index during cadets' education at the Military Academy

The efficiency of physical education classes is high only when the set requirements are achieved, especially in specific education environment such as the Military Academy. The aim of this paper is to provide information and assess the effectiveness in increasing the physical condition in accordance with the morphological status of the Military Academy cadets during their studies. The research was conducted at the Military Academy in Belgrade. It included and monitored 120 cadets, 20 years ± 6 months old, at the end of their first year of studies, and at the end of their four-year studies, at the age of 23 years ± 6 months. Statistical indicator of the cadets' nutritional status was calculated using the body mass index (BMI). Tests for checking and evaluating their physical fitness were: horizontal bar dips, 1,600 m run, and overcoming the track with infantry obstacles. Data were analyzed using statistical programs for calculating the central and dispersion parameters, and the differences between the results achieved during the studies were obtained using univariate analysis of variance, while the differences in the system of variables with spaces were determined by multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant analysis. Belonging to a group was analyzed using the profile analysis. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that the examinees were at the upper limit of normal body weight and that these tests for assessing the effectiveness of physical education classes during the studies revealed statistically significant differences only in one discipline - horizontal bar dips

The electrochemical reduction of hydrogen peroxide on a palladium-amorphous carbon composite in an alkaline medium

The study of hydrogen peroxide reduction in an alkaline aqueous medium on a composite of palladium particles dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix (Pd@AC) was performed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) were used to examine morphology, composition, and crystalline structure. The crystalline structure and size of palladium were analyzed using XRD. The reduction of hydrogen peroxide was studied through cyclic and square-wave voltammetry in an alkaline solution in the absence and presence of dissolved oxygen. The overall electrocatalytic effect of Pd@AC toward hydrogen peroxide reduction strongly depends on the presence of oxygen and the hydrogen peroxide disproportionation reaction in the three-phase system of amorphous carbon, palladium particles, and electrolyte solution

Changing body structure components and motor skills in military high school students within one year

Background/Aim. Proper growth and development of adolescents in the morphological, functional and psychosocial aspects is the imperative of the educational process. The aim of this study was to determine the status and changes in the indicators of morphological characteristics, motor skills and lifestyle habits among the students of the Military High School in Belgrade. Methods. The study included 217 students aged 15 to 18 years (from the first to the fourth grade). The two measurements performed at the intervals of one year were used to determine: the body structure by means of 10 variables and motor skills by 4 variables, while life habits were determined by 25 variables. Results. The differences in the indicators of morphological characteristics were recorded in all the groups, being the highest in the first year of schooling. During the period of growing up, a reduction of fatty component in percentage values was found, as well as an increase of muscle mass. The progressive growth of motor skills in the first, second and the third grade was recorded in the manifestation of power, and endurance improved only in the first year. In terms of dietary habits, there was no difference among the groups. Conclusion. The obtained results indicate proper morphological and motor development and the formation of lifestyle habits. The data obtained will serve as a basis for health and functional prevention and upgrading in terms of improvement of the process of military education. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III47015