Exponential versus linear tapering in junior elite soccer players: effects on physical match performance according to playing positions

Th e purpose of the present study was to investigate the eff ects of exponential and linear tapering protocols on the distance covered according to playing positions among junior elite soccer players. One-hundred and fi ft y-eight junior elite soccer players (mean age: 17.07±0.79 years; mean height: 177.85±6.64 cm; mean weight: 71.27±7.96 kg; mean body-mass index: 22.50±1.66 kg/m²) were randomly selected into two groups: (1) exponential and (2) linear tapering group. Training sessions were conducted three times a week for eight weeks. Aft er four and eight weeks of the tapering period, participants were measured in the distance covered according to four basic playing positions on the fi eld: (1) goalkeepers, (2) defenders, (3) midfi elders, and (4) forwards. Th e results showed that the largest eff ects between the pre- and post-measurement had defenders in the exponential and goalkeepers in the linear group, goalkeepers in the distance covered by slow and medium running in both groups, forwards in fast running and sprinting in the exponential group, and midfi elders in the linear group. In conclusion, our results suggest that the exponential tapering protocol brought somewhat larger eff ects, especially in fast running and sprinting in forwards and slow and medium running in goalkeepers. Future studies need to implement both the exponential and the linear tapering protocols in order to enhance performance but favouring the exponential to produce larger eff ects

Differences between Health-Related Physical Fitness Profiles of Croatian Children in Urban and Rural Areas

Information about the regional distribution of health-related physical fitness status is necessary in order to tailor public health interventions, and due to a number of behavioral health risks caused by the increasing sedentary lifestyle. This study aimed to find differences between Croatian children’s health-related physical fitness profiles in urban and rural areas. The sample for this study consisted of 2431 fifth-grade students (1248 boys and 1183 girls) from urban und rural areas of Croatia. The mean age of participants was 11.3±6.1 years. The differences between the health-related physical fitness of school children from urban and rural areas was computed using series of univariant analysis of variance and canonical discriminant analysis. The reliability of the tests was determined by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Urban boys and girls significantly differ in body height from rural boys and girls. Body mass index and body fat percentage are slightly higher in the urban boys and girls but they do not differ significantly. Urban children perform significantly better in the 20 m dash, standing long jump and timed sit-ups. Urban and rural boys and girls do not differ significantly in the flexibility. This study determined if selected levels of urbanization affected the physical fitness status of children in Croatia. The results suggest that the differences in children’s health-related physical fitness profiles are due to the level of urbanization

Influence of Physical Activity on the Regulation of Disease of Elderly Persons with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of metabolic risk factors whose combination significantly contributes to the development of the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, some cancers and is a clear indicator of morbidity rate. The aim of this study was to identify physical activity programs that can successfully influence the reduction of risk factors in metabolic syndrome of the elderly. Subjects were aged between 60 and 80 years, had three of five signs of metabolic syndrome, and were randomly divided into three groups of 20 subjects. The first group conducted a continuous cycling ergometer (55% VO2max), the second group a physical activity strength program and the third was a control group. Before and after the experimental treatment body composition, biochemical parameters, functional parameters, cardiovascular functions, metabolic and hematological system were determined. Significant differences between control and experimental groups were determined using MANOVA. The training effects of the experimental and control groups were determined using the ANOVA for repeated measurements with Bonfferoni correction. The results showed that a physical activity program of strength has a better effect on disease regulation in the elderly with metabolic syndrome than a moderate-intensity physical activity program which also has a significant change but in less variables

Differences in the Level of Morphological Characteristics, Speed Abilities and Aerobic Endurance in Relation to the Team Position of Top Female Football Players

The aim of this paper is to determine the differences in the level of morphological characteristics, speed abilities and aerobic endurance according to the team positions of top female football players. The study included 18 female football players (age 21.33±3.67, body mass index 20.94±1.95). Female football players are classified under the following team positions: defenders (n = 7; 23±16.4 years), midfielders (n = 6, 20.5±14.3 years) and attackers (n = 5; 20±31.3 years). The following tests were used: 0-5m sprint (s), 0-10m sprint (s), 0-20m sprint (s), 0-30m sprint (s) and Beep test. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on the ratio of body weight (kg) and body height (cm). Based on the Beep test, the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) was calculated and presented in its relative value (ml/kg/min). The attackers had a higher body height (170.1±7.46) and weight (59.60±8.84) than those playing in midfield and defense positions. Also, the attackers were faster in the sprint on the 5m (1.17±.06), 10m (1.91±.06), 20m (3.27±.10) and 30m (4.51±.17) than female players in midfield and defense positions. Midfield players had higher level of VO2max (50.03±2.69) than female players in defensive and offensive team positions. Test results of univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there are significant differences in the level of morphological features, speed and aerobic endurance capabilities between the top female football players, regardless of their team position (p>0.05). It is obvious that good speed abilities on short sprint sections as well as high level of aerobic endurance at high intensity are required regardless of players team position in the women’s football. It is important to note that selection for team positions can not only be based on morphological characteristics, speed abilities and aerobic endurance of players. Also, tactical tasks as well as technical characteristics of players need to be considered for selection of team positions in the women’s football

Does SAQ training improve the speed and flexibility of young soccer players? A randomized controlled trial

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week speed, agility and quickness (SAQ) training program on speed and flexibility in young soccer players. One hundred and thirty-two soccer players were randomly assigned to experimental (EG; n = 66, Mean±SD: age: 18.5 ± 0.4 years (range 17-19 years); body mass: 71.30 ± 5.93 kg; stature: 177.2 ± 6.5 cm) and control groups (CG; n = 66, Mean±SD: age: 18.6 ± 0.6 years (range 17-19 years); body mass: 70.63 ± 4.87 kg; stature: 175.9 ± 5.7 cm). The experimental group performed SAQ training whilst the control group undertook straight-line sprint training matched for volume and duration. Sprint performance was assessed using 5 m and 10 m sprints and a further test including maximal speed, a 20 m sprint. Flexibility was assessed using sit and reach, V-sit and reach, leg lift from supine position and lateral leg lift while lying on the side tests. Sprints over 5, 10 and 20 m did not differ between groups at baseline, but by week 12, the 5 m sprint had significantly improved (P 0.05) for all flexibility tests were found between experimental and control group at baseline and after the training programmes. Consequently SAQ training was found to be an effective way of improving sprint time for short distances over 5 and 10 m but not over 20 m (where maximum speed was achieved) or flexibility. These results indicate that SAQ training may be more effective for improving sprint performance for some soccer players but more research is required to determine ideal training methods for improving acceleration and flexibility in young soccer players

Effect of Neuromuscular Training Program on Quality of Life After COVID-19 Lockdown Among Young Healthy Participants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Study in the period of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and the effect of different exercise training programs on the quality of life (QoL) dimension are limited. This randomized control study as a part of which the impact of an 8-week neuromuscular training program on the 90 healthy young individuals’ QoL after COVID-19 lockdown was assessed using a short form of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire comprising of four domains (physical health, psychological health, social relations, and the environment). The intervention group (NT) (n = 47) took part in a neuromuscular training program consisting of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization and whole-body vibration training. In contrast, the control group (CG) (n = 43) did not participate in any programmed physical activity. From pre- to post-intervention test, the NT group significantly and substantially improved [mean change (95% CI)] all the QoL domains, physical for 12.78 scores (8.89, 16.64), psychological for 13.12 scores (9.51, 16.74), social relationships for 20.57 scores (16.12, 25.02), and environmental for 24.40 scores (21.45, 27.35). These results suggest that the NT program could enhance QoL in young and healthy participants following COVID-19 lockdown

Patient with neuromyelitis optica and inflammatory demyelinating lesions comprising whole spinal cord from C2 level till conus: case report

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an idiopathic, severe, inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, that causes severe optic neuritis and myelitis attacks. Early discrimination between multiple sclerosis (MS) and NMO is important, as optimum treatment for both diseases may differ considerably. ----- CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a patient who initially presented as longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), having spastic upper extremities diparesis and spastic paraplegia, C2/C3 sensory level and urinary incontinence, as well as extensive inflammatory spinal cord lesions from C2 level to conus. After 5 months the patient had another attack of transverse myelitis, had electrophysiological findings consistent with optic neuritis, was seropositive for NMO-IgG (aquaporin-4 IgG) and thus fulfilled NMO diagnostic criteria. Following treatment of disease attacks with pulse corticosteroid therapy and intravenous immunoglobulins, we included oral azathioprine in a combination with oral prednisone in the therapy. Since there was no significant clinical improvement, we decided to use cyclophosphamide therapy, which resulted in good clinical improvement and gradual decrease of cord swelling. ----- CONCLUSION: In this NMO case report we wanted to emphasize the extensiveness of inflammatory spinal cord changes in our patient, from C2 level to conus. In the conclusion it is important to say that accurate, early diagnosis and distinction from MS is critical to facilitate initiation of immunosuppressive therapy for attack prevention

Differences in body composite and physical match performance in female soccer players according to team position

The aim of this research was to determine the differences between body composition and physical match performance among female soccer players according to the team’s position. Twenty two elite female soccer players (aged 23.95 ± 4.52, height 168.82 ± 7.19 cm, body mass index 21.5 ± 1.3kg) from Serbian A-national team participated in this study. Players were tested for aerobic endurance, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRL1), body mass and body height. The percentage of body fat and body mass index (BMI) was determinate according to body height and body weight parameters. The average value of body weight among female soccer players has been 61.4±6.0kg. The biggest average value for body weight has been found among midfielders 62.7±7.7kg, while the smallest values have been found among goalkeepers 59.5±10.6kg. Opposite to the body weight, goalkeepers have been the tallest players with average body high of 172.5±3.5cm, than the defenders with 170.0±7.2cm, while the midfielders (168.7±8.7cm) and the attackers (164.7±5.0cm) have shown the smallest average values. The YYIRL1 test’s results have shown that all positions have similar value within range of 880-930m, which indicates group homogeneity. The average values of the body fat was 25.9±2.0%. Significant difference between the tested variables according to the player’s position in the team could not be established (p<0.05). The selection process and the orientation towards specific team position represent an important aspect of the realization of the top athletic results, but it cannot be based merely on morphological and functional results. According to this research, differences cannot be precisely defined in both morphological and functional abilities of the women soccer players based on their position in the team