Greater Power but Not Strength Gains Using Flywheel Versus Equivolumed Traditional Strength Training in Junior Basketball Players

The main aim of the present study was to compare the effects of flywheel strength training and traditional strength training on fitness attributes. Thirty-six well trained junior basketball players (n = 36; 17.58 ± 0.50 years) were recruited and randomly allocated into: Flywheel group (FST; n = 12), traditional strength training group (TST; n = 12) and control group (CON; n = 12). All groups attended 5 basketball practices and one official match a week during the study period. Experimental groups additionally participated in the eight-week, 1–2 d/w equivolume intervention conducted using a flywheel device (inertia = 0.075 kg·m−2) for FST or free weights (80%1 RM) for TST. Pre-to post changes in lower limb isometric strength (ISOMET), 5 and 20 m sprint time (SPR5m and SPR20m), countermovement jump height (CMJ) and change of direction ability (t-test) were assessed with analyses of variance (3 × 2 ANOVA). Significant group-by-time interaction was found for ISOMET (F = 6.40; p = 0.000), CMJ (F = 7.45; p = 0.001), SPR5m (F = 7.45; p = 0.010) and T test (F = 10.46; p = 0.000). The results showed a significantly higher improvement in CMJ (p = 0.006; 11.7% vs. 6.8%), SPR5m (p = 0.001; 10.3% vs. 5.9%) and t-test (p = 0.045; 2.4% vs. 1.5%) for FST compared to the TST group. Simultaneously, th FST group had higher improvement in ISOMET (p = 0.014; 18.7% vs. 2.9%), CMJ (p = 0.000; 11.7% vs. 0.3%), SPR5m (p = 0.000; 10.3% vs. 3.4%) and t-test (p = 0.000; 2.4% vs. 0.6%) compared to the CON group. Players from the TST group showed better results in CMJ (p = 0.006; 6.8% vs. 0.3%) and t-test (p = 0.018; 1.5% vs. 0.6%) compared to players from the CON group. No significant group-by-time interaction was found for sprint 20 m (F = 2.52; p = 0.088). Eight weeks of flywheel training (1–2 sessions per week) performed at maximum concentric intensity induces superior improvements in CMJ, 5 m sprint time and change of direction ability than equivolumed traditional weight training in well trained junior basketball players. Accordingly, coaches and trainers could be advised to use flywheel training for developing power related performance attributes in young basketball players

GAME-RELATED STATISTICS THAT DISCRIMINATED WINNING AND LOSING TEAMS IN NLB LEAGUE

The purposes of this study were (I) to examine which game-related statistics can serve to discriminate between winning and losing teams according to final game outcome in NLB League basketball, and (II) to determine the differences in game-related statistics for teams who play in the NLB League and EuroLeague when they win and lose in two competitions. The game-related statistics that were analyzed are 2- and 3-point field-goals (both successful and unsuccessful), free-throws (both successful and unsuccessful), defensive and offensive rebounds, assists, turnovers, steals, blocks made, blocks received, fouls committed and fouls received. Results of the discriminant analysis showed that winning teams differ from losing teams in assists (SC=0.417), defensive rebounds (SC=0.399) and in successful 2-point (SC=0.355) and 3-point field goals (SC=0.325). In balanced games winning differ from losing teams in defensive rebounds (SC=0.388), successful 2-point field goals (SC=0.343) and blocks committed (SC=0.303), and in unbalanced games winners were better in assists (SC=0.434), defensive rebounds (SC=0.304) and successful 3-point field goals (SC=0.353). When the  teams Partizan, Olimpija and Cibona played in the NLB League, the difference between wins and losses was in assists (SC=0.395), successful 2-point field goal attempts (SC=0.371) and defensive rebounds (SC=0.326). When they played in the EuroLeague, the difference was only in unsuccessful 2-point field goal attempts (SC=0.414) and blocks received (SC=0.318). Data obtained in this study may be useful for coaches in preparing their teams and analyzing opponents during preparations for competitions

Prilozi povijesti psihologije u Hrvatskoj

Prilozi povijesti hrvatske psihologije prvo je referentno djelo s povijesnim pregledom hrvatske psihologije. Poglavlja donose pregršt vrijednih informacija o psiholozima i njihovim aktivnostima koje su omogućile da se psihologija u Hrvatskoj razvije u respekatbilnu znanost i struku. Autori priloga, redom istaknuti sveučilišni profesori i praktičari, i sami su dio povijesti psihologije u Republici Hrvatskoj. U knjizi opisuju prva istraživanja, početke sveučilišnog obrazovanja, primjenu znanja u praksi te sistematiziraju razvoj temeljnih i primijenjenih grana psihologije kroz razdoblja, autore i znanstvene teme. Sustavno su prikazana sva važna područja psihologije. Stoga ovo djelo predstavlja značajan znanstveni doprinos proučavanju povijesti psihologije u Hrvatskoj. (Iz recenzija prof.dr.sc Darja Maslić Seršić, prof. dr.sc Dražen Domijan

Prilozi povijesti psihologije u Hrvatskoj

Prilozi povijesti hrvatske psihologije prvo je referentno djelo s povijesnim pregledom hrvatske psihologije. Poglavlja donose pregršt vrijednih informacija o psiholozima i njihovim aktivnostima koje su omogućile da se psihologija u Hrvatskoj razvije u respekatbilnu znanost i struku. Autori priloga, redom istaknuti sveučilišni profesori i praktičari, i sami su dio povijesti psihologije u Republici Hrvatskoj. U knjizi opisuju prva istraživanja, početke sveučilišnog obrazovanja, primjenu znanja u praksi te sistematiziraju razvoj temeljnih i primijenjenih grana psihologije kroz razdoblja, autore i znanstvene teme. Sustavno su prikazana sva važna područja psihologije. Stoga ovo djelo predstavlja značajan znanstveni doprinos proučavanju povijesti psihologije u Hrvatskoj. (Iz recenzija prof.dr.sc Darja Maslić Seršić, prof. dr.sc Dražen Domijan

Surgical treatment of ishemic mitral regurgitation: Repair, replacement or revascularization alone?

Introduction. Treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation in patients that require revascularization of myocardium is still debatable. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare three surgical approaches: valve repair and revascularization; valve replacement and revascularization, and revascularization alone. Methods. In 2006 and 2007 at the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, 1,040 patients with coronary disease underwent surgery. Forty-three patients (4.3%) had also mitral insufficiency 3-4+. The patients were examined clinically, echocardiographically and haemodynamically. In group I there were 14 (32.3%) patients, in group II 16 (37.2%) patients and in group III 3 (30.5%) patients. Ninetythree per cent of patients were classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and IV, and three (7%) patients had congestive heart weakness with ejection fraction ≤30%. The decision as to surgical procedure was made by the surgeon. Postoperatively, patients were checked clinically and echocardiographically after 3, 6 and 12 months. The follow-up period was approximately 15 months (8-20). Results. Hospital mortality for the whole group was 6.9% (3 patients). In group I mortality was 14.2% (2 patients), in group II 6.25% and in group III there was no mortality. Long term results, up to 15 months, showed 100% survival in groups I and II, and in group III one patient died (7.7%). Conclusion. Short term results up to 30 days were best in group III, but longer term results were better in groups I and II

Sport-Specific Warm-Up Attenuates Static Stretching-Induced Negative Effects on Vertical Jump But Not Neuromuscular Excitability in Basketball Players

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of static stretching (SS) and dynamic stretching (DS), alone and in combination with specific basketball warm-up (SBWU), on the neuromuscular excitability and vertical jump height in basketball players. Twelve healthy young male basketball players participated in the study (18 +/- 0.42 years; 17.4 - 18.6 age range; 188 +/- 9 cm; 76.5 +/- 9 kg). All participants completed two different stretching treatments (static and dynamic), performed on different days at least seven days apart, in the same period of training microcycle, in a counterbalanced order. Each session consisted of a self-paced jogging warm-up, followed by a 10-minute testing period (T0), which involved eliciting H reflex and M waves, followed by three trials of a vertical jump test. Participants then performed one of the treatment protocols. After another test (T1), participants conducted 8-minute specific basketball warm-up and then one more test (T2). Combined 3 (time) x 2 (stretching protocol) analysis of variance with repeated measures on both factors revealed that SS significantly decreased spinal excitability (H/M ratio) (p = 0.015, d = -0.38, percentage of change = -20.55%) and vertical jump height (p = 0.007, d = -1.91, percentage of change = -2.6%), but after SBWU, vertical jump height increased (p = 0.006, d = 1.13, percentage of change = 3.01%), while H/M ratio continued decreasing (p = 0.019, d = -0.45, percentage of change = -30.23%). Acute effects of DS, alone and in combination with SBWU were not significant. It seems that SBWU attenuates negative acute effects of SS on vertical jump performance in young basketball players, while DS appears to cause no significant acute effect for this population

Cardiac myxoma: The influence of preoperative clinical presentation and surgical technique on late outcome

Introduction Cardiac myxomas are the most frequent primary tumors of the heart in adults, and they can be found in each of four cardiac chambers. Although biologically benign, due to their unfavorable localization, myxomas are considered "functionally malignant" tumors. Diagnosis of cardiac myxoma necessitates surgical treatment. Objective To analyze: 1) the influence of localization, size and consistency of cardiac myxomas on preoperative symptomatology; 2) the influence of different surgical techniques (left, right, biatrial approach, tumor basis solving) on early, and late outcomes. Method From 1982 to 2000, at the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia, there were 46 patients with cardiac myxomas operated on, 67.4% of them women, mean age 47.1±16.3 years. The diagnosis was made according to clinical presentation, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examinations and cardiac catheterization. Follow-up period was 4-18 (mean 7.8) years. Results In 41 (89.1%) patients, myxoma was localized in the left, while in 5 (10.9%), it was found in the right atrium. Average size was 5.8×3.8 cm (range: 1×1 cm to 9×8 cm) and 6×4 cm (range: 3×2 cm to 9×5 cm) for the left and right atrial myxomas, respectively. A racemous form predominated in the left (82.6%) and globous in the right (80%) atrium. Fatigue was the most common general (84.8%) and dyspnoea the most common cardiologic symptom (73.9%). Preoperative embolic events were present in 8 patients (4 pulmonary, 4 systemic). In our series: 1) different localization, size and consistency had no influence on the preoperative symptomatology; 2) surgical treatment applied, regardless of different approaches and basis solving, resulted in excellent functional improvements (63.1% patients in NYHA III and IV class preoperatively vs. 6.7% patients postoperatively) and had no influence on new postoperative rhythm disturbances (8.7% patients preoperatively vs. 24.4% patients postoperatively); 3) early (97.8%), and late survival rates (91.3%) were excellent; 4) there were no relapses during the follow-up period. Conclusion Localization, size and consistency had no influence on the preoperative symptomatology. Excellent survival rate with significant functional improvement, rare postoperative complications and no recurrences, justify the applied strategies of surgical approach and tumor basis solving in our series

Effects of Eccentric-Oriented Strength Training on Return to Sport Criteria in Late-Stage Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)-Reconstructed Professional Team Sport Players

Background and Objectives: An effective post-injury training program is essential to regain performance and fulfill criteria for return to sport for team sport athletes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 6 weeks of eccentric-oriented strength training vs. traditional strength training during the late-stage ACL-rehab phase on leg strength and vertical and horizontal jumping performance in professional team sport athletes. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two subjects (14 males, 8 females, age 19.9 ± 4.4 years, mass 77.4 ± 15.6 kg, height 182.4 ± 11.7 cm) (mean ± SD) with a unilateral reconstructed ACL (BTB graft) were included in the study. All participants enrolled in the same rehabilitation protocol prior to the training study. Players were randomly assigned to an experimental (ECC: n = 11, age 21.8 ± 4.6 years, mass 82.7 ± 16.6 kg, height 185.4 ± 12.2 cm), and a control group (CON: n = 11, age 19.1 ± 2.1 years, mass 76.6 ± 16.5 kg, height 182.5 ± 10.2 cm). Both groups underwent an equivolumed rehabilitation program, with the only difference being in strength training, which consisted of flywheel training vs. traditional strength training for the experimental and control groups, respectively. Testing was organized before and after the 6-week training programs and included isometric semi-squat tests (ISOSI-injured and ISOSU-uninjured legs), vertical jump tests (CMJ), single-leg vertical jump tests (SLJI-injured and SLJU-uninjured legs), single-leg hop tests (SLHI-injured and SLHU-uninjured legs), and triple hop tests (TLHI-injured and TLHU-uninjured legs). In addition, limb symmetry indexes were calculated for the isometric semi-squat (ISOSLSI) test, the single-leg vertical jump (SLJLSI), and the hop (SLHLSI) tests, as well as the triple-leg hop (THLLSI) test. Results: Main effects of time across training were observed for all dependent variables (posttest > pretest, p p p p p p p Conclusions: This study suggests that eccentric-oriented strength training in late-stage ACL recovery, undertaken twice or three times weekly for 6 weeks, results in better outcomes than traditional strength training in leg strength, vertical jump ability, and single and triple hop tests with injured legs in professional team sport athletes. It seems that flywheel strength training can be recommended in late-stage ACL recovery for professional team sport athletes in order to regain recommended performance outcome levels faster

Surgical revascularisation of the heart in patients with chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 30%

INTRODUCTION Patients suffering from chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) lower than 30% represent a difficult and controversial population for surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of surgical treatment on the early and long-term outcome of these patients. METHOD The patient population comprised SO patients with LVEF< 30% (78% male, mean age: 583 years, range; 42-75 years) who underwent surgical myocardial revascuiarisation during the period 1995-2000. Patients with left ventricular aneurysms or mitral valve insufficiency were excluded from the study. The following echocardiography parameters were evaluated as possible prognostic indicators; LVEF, fraction of shortening (FS), left ventricular systolic and diastolic diameters (LVEDD, LVESD) and volumes (LVEDV, LVESV), as well as their indexed values (LVESVI). RESULTS Fifteen patients (30%) died during the follow-up, 2/50 intraoperatively (4%). The presence of diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction, main left coronary artery disease, and three-vessel disease, correlated significantly with the surgical outcomes. The patient's age, family history, smoking habits, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, history of stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and renal failure, did not correlate with the mortality rate. A comparison of preoperative echocardiography parameters between survivors and non-survivors revealed significantly divergent LVEF, LVEDD, LVESD, LVEDV, LVESV, and LVESVI values. Preoperative LVESVi offered the highest predictive value (R=0.595). CONCLUSION Diabetes mellitus, history of myocardial infarction, stenosis of the main branch, and three-vessel disease, significantly affected the peci opera five and long-term outcome of surgical revascuiarisation in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy and LVEF<30%. in survivors, LVEF, FS, and systolic and diastolic echocardiography parameters, as well as their indexed values, significantly improved after surgical revascuiarisation. LVESVI provided the highest predictive value for mortality