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w.gawronski@medicinasportiva.pl
e-ISSN 1734-2260 from 2005
ISSN 1429-0022 from 1997 till 2004
Indexed in: SportDiscus; EMBASE/Excerpta Medica; Index Copernicus
Medicina Sportiva 2009 vol. 13, Issue 3
Copyright ® 2008 Medicina Sportiva
Copper and the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, cardiovascular system function and physical performance
Grażyna Lutosławska, Agnieszka Fornal-Urban
Read article »
NO CORRELATION OF SKIN-FOLD THICKNESS WITH RACE PERFORMANCE IN MALE RECREATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE ULTRA-MARATHONERS
Beat Knechtle, Thomas Rosemann
Read article »
Validity of Measuring Body FAT USING the Skinfold Method
Petr Kutáč, Vojtěch Gajda
Read article »
Prediction of subjectively rated performance capacity in elite male endurance-, interval- and resistance exercise athletes
Sandor Schmikli, Peter Vergouwen, Wouter de Vries, Hans Koppeschaar, Frank Backx
Read article »
MOOD SCORES AS PREDICTOR OF RUN PERFORMANCE PROFILES IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES
Jolanda Roose, Wouter de Vries, Sandor Schmikli, Frank Backx, Lorenz van Doornen
Read article »
THE EFFECT OF TWO CARBOHYDRATE-ELEKTROLYTE DRINKS ON GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN ROWERS
Karolina Sadowska, Joanna Bajerska, Jan Jeszka
Read article »
STRENGTH TRAINING HELPS US TO DISCOVER CALCIFIED TENDONITIS IN THE SHOULDER
Atzmon Tsur, Norman Loberant
Read article »
Medical teaching innovation: creation of the computer program for optimal physical activity prescription
Vaclav Zeman, Jaroslav Novak, Milan Stork
Read article »
DIETARY HABITS AMONG YOUNG TRIATHLONISTS AS A RESULT OF PROECOLOGICAL STYLE OF LIFE – PRELIMINARY STUDY
Zbigniew Szygula, K. Kazimierczak, E. Golec, Małgorzata Schlegel-Zawadzka
Read article »
Copper and the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, cardiovascular system function and physical performance
Grażyna Lutosławska, Agnieszka Fornal-Urban
Copper (Cu) plays a vital role in living systems as a co-factor for a number of enzymes. Inherited disturbances in copper homeostasis (Wilson’s or Menkes diseases) have pronounced and deleterious effects on many body functions. At present it is well recognized that copper homeostasis is tightly regulated at the level of intestinal absorption, cellular influx and efflux and intracellular trafficking to prevent detrimental effects of both copper deficit and overload. Since dietary copper deficiency has been recognized in many populations there is a wealth of studies concerning the associations between human health and daily copper intake. It is well documented that dietary copper deficiency disturbs liver lipid and lipoprotein synthesis and possibly contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Additionally, copper deficiency affects endothelium functions depressing nitric oxide production. There are also data suggesting an insulin-like effect of copper on tissue glucose uptake and insulin signaling and copper deficiency has been shown to disturb glucose tolerance. Furthermore, inadequate daily copper intake has been shwon to depress cytochrome c oxidase activity, and to shift substrate utilization from carbohydrate to fat. Moreover, plasma copper levels have been found to positively correlate with maximal oxygen uptake. On the other hand, in physically active subjects copper status may be compromised due to ion losses with sweat and urine but also to inadequate intake with diet. However, until now copper supplements are not recommended due to the lack of a reliable method of diagnosing marginal copper deficiency and hazardous effects of copper excess.
Key words: copper homeostasis,copper deficiency,lipoproteins,carbohydrates cardiovascular system, performance
Read article »
NO CORRELATION OF SKIN-FOLD THICKNESS WITH RACE PERFORMANCE IN MALE RECREATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE ULTRA-MARATHONERS
Beat Knechtle, Thomas Rosemann
Introduction: A positive association between skin-fold thickness of the lower limb and race performance has been demonstrated in male high-level long-distance runners and a correlation between body fat and training is assumed.
Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of race performance in recreational mountain bike ultra-marathoners to physical characteristics and training indices.
Materials and methods: In 36 male recreational mountain bike ultra-endurance cyclists with 38.8 (9.0) years, 74.8 (7.7) kg, 1.79 (0.06) m and a BMI of 23.2 (1.9) kg/m2 at the ‘Swiss Bike Masters’ (120 km length and 5,000 m of altitude), the skin-fold thicknesses at eight sites were measured. Body mass, percent body fat, skin-fold thicknesses and training variables were correlated to race time.
Results: The cyclists finished within 541 (81) min. There was no association between the sum of upper body skin-fold thickness, the sum of lower body skin-fold thickness, the sum of eight skin-fold thicknesses and percent body fat with both race time and yearly training volume in cycling. Race time was negatively correlated to yearly cycling volume in road cycling (r = -0.42), total yearly volume in both road and mountain bike cycling (r = -0.30) and average speed in road cycling during training (r = -0.35).
Conclusions: In recreational male mountain bike ultra-marathoners, no correlation between skin-fold thickness and race performance has been detected, as has been found in high-level long-distance runners. In contrast, volume and intensity in road cycling during training were significantly related to race performance.
Key words: anthropometry, ultra-endurance, body fat, training
Read article »
Validity of Measuring Body FAT USING the Skinfold Method
Petr Kutáč, Vojtěch Gajda
Introduction: The aim of this study is to verify the external criterion validity of measuring body composition by skinfold method and to compare the obtained results with the results gained using the DEXA method.
Material and methods: The investigated group consisted of 74 individuals (45 males and 29 females) whose average age was 20.2 ± 0.90 and 19.5 ± 0.73 respectively. The DEXA and skinfold methods and methodologies according to Pařízková, Matiegka, Drinkwater and Ross were applied to measure body composition. The correlation coefficient between the skinfold methods and criterion was considered the ratio of the stated validity. A level of statistical significance of all used parameters was tested using the α = 0.05 level.
Results: The acquired values of the Pearson correlation were r = 0.781 (females - according to Pařízková) and r = 0.815 (females - according to Matiegka), r = 0.678 (females – according to Drinkwater and Ross) and r = 0.876 (males - according to Pařízková), r = 0.921 (males - according to Matiegka),r = 0.765 (males – according to Drinkwater and Ross) . Standard error of estimate dmax = ± 2 sy/x was found to be ± 3.54 to 4.50% for females, and ± 2.88 to 4.86% for males.
Conclusion: The standard error of criterion estimate shows discrepancies in the estimation acquired by the reference method (DEXA method) through observed methodologies. These methodologies do not allow acceptable estimation of measuring by means of DEXA and their results are not equivalent in this respect.
Keywords: body composition, skinfold method, accuracy of measurements, coefficient of correlation, standard error of estimate
Read article »
Prediction of subjectively rated performance capacity in elite male endurance-, interval- and resistance exercise athletes
Sandor Schmikli, Peter Vergouwen, Wouter de Vries, Hans Koppeschaar, Frank Backx
Introduction: Overreaching is marked by a deteriorated performance without a clear aetiology. Until now, no definite set of parameters identifying overreaching is known.
Aim of the study: To develop a multivariate factorial model derived from single measurements of Hb, Ht, red blood cell count (RBC), ferritin, cortisol (C), cortisol-binding protein (CBG), testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding protein (SHBG), free C (FC) and free T (FT), that is capable of classifying male athletes with or without a performance drop.
Methods: From 78 healthy elite male athletes (mean age: 25.4 yrs, range 17-34 yrs), who were involved in different endurance, interval and high intensity sports, venous blood was sampled under resting conditions for measurements of Hb, Ht, RBC, ferritin, C, CBG, T, SHBG, FC and FT (cross-sectional design). In addition, the athletes were asked to rate their performance capacity (PC), training work load, injury free status, and feelings of general well being during the week preceding blood sampling. Misfits of the model, defined by serious over- or underestimations of the data, were used to predict a low PC.
Results: Three independent factors could describe the O2 transport capacity and anabolic/catabolic activity. These factors explained 84% of the total variance in all parameters. Overestimation of SHBG levels and underestimation of Ht levels coincided with low PC ratings (R2= 0.48). Inclusion of Hb to the regression model increased R2 to 0.55.
Conclusions: The internal consistency of the selected parameters from a composite group of athletes was sufficient to construct a three-factorial model. This model could be used to classify elite male athletes with or without a performance drop. The model should be tested in prospective studies on it’s predictive power of overreaching-related performance decrements.
Keywords: performance, overreaching, anabolic/catabolic balance, oxygen transport capacity, multivariate analysis
Read article »
MOOD SCORES AS PREDICTOR OF RUN PERFORMANCE PROFILES IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES
Jolanda Roose, Wouter de Vries, Sandor Schmikli, Frank Backx, Lorenz van Doornen
Introduction and aim of the study: Knowledge of overexertion and stress adaptation based on the monitoring of seasonal performance changes is scarce in adolescent athletes. Therefore, we investigated the contribution (amount and experience) and impact of training-related stressors and stressors in other life domains on mood, sleep quality, and motivation in adolescent middle- to long distance runners, who differ in seasonal performance profiles. We hypothesized that: 1. The amount and a relatively high negative experience of life events and daily hassles are related to an unfavourable performance-profile. 2. Negative mood scores, a worsened sleep quality, and a decreased motivation are predictive for a stagnating performance profile.
Materials and methods: Out of a group of thirty-five runners (age: 12-19 yrs), who were followed during 7 months of training, dichotomization was applied retrospectively by dividing the total group into a group with stagnating performances (SP, n=8) and a group with increment in performances (IP, n=8). Group differences between responses of the various parameters and their prognostic value on the performances profile were analyzed. Run performances were measured by the Zoladz-test on four occasions with time intervals of 8 weeks (T1-T4).
Results: The Profile of Mood States (POMS) showed statistically significant higher mean scores in SP than IP on tension (T1, T2, T3), anger (T1, T2, T3), depression (T2, T3) and vigor (T2). No significant group differences were observed for daily hassles, life events, sleep quality, and physical enjoyment. SP showed a very stable profile for all parameters, except for tension, whereas IP showed incidentally slight variations in time course.
Conclusions: The differences in mood between SP and IP, but not in the amount or experienced intensity of the stressors, may indicate a predisposition in stress-adaptation in SP, leading to a stagnating performance profile. Therefore, to obtain timely information about unwanted performance stagnations, we recommend seasonal monitoring of emotional functioning at least once a month and preferably every week, to be able to timely intervene maladaptation to sports-specific or general stressors.
Keywords: POMS, stressors, cortisol, growth hormone, Zoladz-test
Read article »
THE EFFECT OF TWO CARBOHYDRATE-ELEKTROLYTE DRINKS ON GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN ROWERS
Karolina Sadowska, Joanna Bajerska, Jan Jeszka
The aim of study: The aims of the studies were to evaluate the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) complaints and blood glucose and lactate concentrations after consumption of two different electrolyte–carbohydrate beverages in rowers.
Material and methods: A total of 18 male professional rowers (aged 20 2.0 years, body weight: 82.6 10.2 kg, height: 186.0 7.3 cm, VO2max: 60.4 5.0 ml/kg b.w./min) participated in a two-way randomized crossover design experiment. The exercise test was performed at 70% VO2max (2 x 25 min with a 5-minute break). During the test athletes on separate days (with a 1-week washout period) received either P” or “I” (“P” was first then “I”). The athletes consumed the test drinks as follows: twice 0.5 dm3 of each drink, 60 min before and immediately after the exercise test, and twice 0.15 dm3 of each drink immediately before the start of the test, and after the first 25 min of exercise (during a 5-minute break). The incidence and intensity of GI complaints during and after the exercise test were scored on a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were collected before and after the exercise test, with glucose and lactate levels determined.
Results: Significant (p<0.05) changes were observed in post-exercise blood lactate levels in athletes supplemented with both electrolyte–carbohydrate drinks (“I”: 26%, “P”: 25%). A significantly (p<0.05) higher blood glucose level was noted only when athletes received “P” (on average by 12%). The consumption of the “P” drink (“P”: 83%, 1.9 0.9 points) led to a more serious gastroesophageal reflux compared to “I” (“I”: 22% 0.2 0.4 points). Significant differences were observed for sweet taste in mouth (“P”: 83% and I: 28%, p<0.001) and the sensation of an overfilled stomach (“P”: 89% and “I”: 39%, p<0.01). The use of both tested carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks did not protect athletes against the occurrence of typical problems appearing after exercise (general exhaustion, muscle cramp, hand trembling, tachycardia).
Conclusion: Serious discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract caused by reflux after the consumption of the “P” drink results in “I” being a more advisable drink for rowers.
Key words: carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks, rowers, gastrointestinal complaints, physical performance
Read article »
STRENGTH TRAINING HELPS US TO DISCOVER CALCIFIED TENDONITIS IN THE SHOULDER
Atzmon Tsur, Norman Loberant
Objective: Using body building exercises for the diagnosis of calcified tendonitis.
Background: Calcified tendonitis of the shoulder is an acute or chronically painful condition that is caused by inflammation around calcium deposits located in or beside the rotator cuff tendons. When it becomes painful, it usually has an abrupt onset and can severely limit physical activity, even though it is not necessarily activity-dependent.
Case report: Fifty-seven years old man, left handed dominant, with a history of several decades in body building, began to suffer from pain inside his right shoulder appears gradually during strength training, doing overhead external rotation movements of his arm. The most painful movements were back presses, back lat pull-downs and dumbbell flys. In the physical examination, it was impossible to find a point of tenderness, local swelling or friction in the involved shoulder. Calcium deposits could be seen on plain radiographs and ultra-sound of the shoulder over the supraspinatus tendon.
Conclusions: Tension overload in overhead and external rotation movements of the arm, during strength training, can help us to discover an eventual supraspinatus calcified tendonitis.
Key words: calcified tendonitis, shoulder, external rotation, strength training
Read article »
Medical teaching innovation: creation of the computer program for optimal physical activity prescription
Vaclav Zeman, Jaroslav Novak, Milan Stork
The aim of our project was to create suitable applications of physical activities to individual subjects - diseased and/or healthy – according to their level of fitness and exercise test results with the help of a computer program. It is an educational tool that contributes to the improvement of medical students in our medical school. The program could also be used by physicians as a tool for setting up a physical activity plan for both healthy and handicapped individuals.
Key words: computer program, physical activity prescription, exercise test, maximal oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold
Read article »
DIETARY HABITS AMONG YOUNG TRIATHLONISTS AS A RESULT OF PROECOLOGICAL STYLE OF LIFE – PRELIMINARY STUDY
Zbigniew Szygula, K. Kazimierczak, E. Golec, Małgorzata Schlegel-Zawadzka
Strenuous physical activity during the preparatory training period calls for an extra dose of a care necessary for the young athlete to perform well. In accord with proper exercise training, an adequate nutrition diet plays an equally important role in maintaining the athlete’s healthy physical condition.
The aim of this study was to recognize dietary habits among young triathlonists.
Material and methods: Nine triathlonists, aged 15-18 years (6 boys and 3 girls), and 9 non-training youth in the same sex and age group category, participated in the study. The data was collected by administering a questionnaire.
Results: The results collected in this study showed that triathlonists lead a more ecological lifestyle in comparison with the population not engaged in triathlon training. The triathlonists tended to consume a more balanced diet.
Conclusion: Promoting triathlon as pro-ecological discipline may aid in raising social awareness of maintaining proper physical activity and nutrition diet in the population.
Keywords: youth, triathlon, ecological sport, dietary habits
Read article »
Indexed in: SportDiscus; EMBASE/Excerpta Medica; Index Copernicus
Copper and the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, cardiovascular system function and physical performance
Medicina Sportiva 2009 vol. 13, Issue 3
Copyright ® 2008 Medicina Sportiva
Grażyna Lutosławska, Agnieszka Fornal-Urban
Read article »
NO CORRELATION OF SKIN-FOLD THICKNESS WITH RACE PERFORMANCE IN MALE RECREATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE ULTRA-MARATHONERS
Beat Knechtle, Thomas Rosemann
Read article »
Validity of Measuring Body FAT USING the Skinfold Method
Petr Kutáč, Vojtěch Gajda
Read article »
Prediction of subjectively rated performance capacity in elite male endurance-, interval- and resistance exercise athletes
Sandor Schmikli, Peter Vergouwen, Wouter de Vries, Hans Koppeschaar, Frank Backx
Read article »
MOOD SCORES AS PREDICTOR OF RUN PERFORMANCE PROFILES IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES
Jolanda Roose, Wouter de Vries, Sandor Schmikli, Frank Backx, Lorenz van Doornen
Read article »
THE EFFECT OF TWO CARBOHYDRATE-ELEKTROLYTE DRINKS ON GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN ROWERS
Karolina Sadowska, Joanna Bajerska, Jan Jeszka
Read article »
STRENGTH TRAINING HELPS US TO DISCOVER CALCIFIED TENDONITIS IN THE SHOULDER
Atzmon Tsur, Norman Loberant
Read article »
Medical teaching innovation: creation of the computer program for optimal physical activity prescription
Vaclav Zeman, Jaroslav Novak, Milan Stork
Read article »
DIETARY HABITS AMONG YOUNG TRIATHLONISTS AS A RESULT OF PROECOLOGICAL STYLE OF LIFE – PRELIMINARY STUDY
Zbigniew Szygula, K. Kazimierczak, E. Golec, Małgorzata Schlegel-Zawadzka
Read article »
Copper and the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, cardiovascular system function and physical performance
Grażyna Lutosławska, Agnieszka Fornal-Urban
Copper (Cu) plays a vital role in living systems as a co-factor for a number of enzymes. Inherited disturbances in copper homeostasis (Wilson’s or Menkes diseases) have pronounced and deleterious effects on many body functions. At present it is well recognized that copper homeostasis is tightly regulated at the level of intestinal absorption, cellular influx and efflux and intracellular trafficking to prevent detrimental effects of both copper deficit and overload. Since dietary copper deficiency has been recognized in many populations there is a wealth of studies concerning the associations between human health and daily copper intake. It is well documented that dietary copper deficiency disturbs liver lipid and lipoprotein synthesis and possibly contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Additionally, copper deficiency affects endothelium functions depressing nitric oxide production. There are also data suggesting an insulin-like effect of copper on tissue glucose uptake and insulin signaling and copper deficiency has been shown to disturb glucose tolerance. Furthermore, inadequate daily copper intake has been shwon to depress cytochrome c oxidase activity, and to shift substrate utilization from carbohydrate to fat. Moreover, plasma copper levels have been found to positively correlate with maximal oxygen uptake. On the other hand, in physically active subjects copper status may be compromised due to ion losses with sweat and urine but also to inadequate intake with diet. However, until now copper supplements are not recommended due to the lack of a reliable method of diagnosing marginal copper deficiency and hazardous effects of copper excess.
Key words: copper homeostasis,copper deficiency,lipoproteins,carbohydrates cardiovascular system, performance
Read article »
NO CORRELATION OF SKIN-FOLD THICKNESS WITH RACE PERFORMANCE IN MALE RECREATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE ULTRA-MARATHONERS
Beat Knechtle, Thomas Rosemann
Introduction: A positive association between skin-fold thickness of the lower limb and race performance has been demonstrated in male high-level long-distance runners and a correlation between body fat and training is assumed.
Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of race performance in recreational mountain bike ultra-marathoners to physical characteristics and training indices.
Materials and methods: In 36 male recreational mountain bike ultra-endurance cyclists with 38.8 (9.0) years, 74.8 (7.7) kg, 1.79 (0.06) m and a BMI of 23.2 (1.9) kg/m2 at the ‘Swiss Bike Masters’ (120 km length and 5,000 m of altitude), the skin-fold thicknesses at eight sites were measured. Body mass, percent body fat, skin-fold thicknesses and training variables were correlated to race time.
Results: The cyclists finished within 541 (81) min. There was no association between the sum of upper body skin-fold thickness, the sum of lower body skin-fold thickness, the sum of eight skin-fold thicknesses and percent body fat with both race time and yearly training volume in cycling. Race time was negatively correlated to yearly cycling volume in road cycling (r = -0.42), total yearly volume in both road and mountain bike cycling (r = -0.30) and average speed in road cycling during training (r = -0.35).
Conclusions: In recreational male mountain bike ultra-marathoners, no correlation between skin-fold thickness and race performance has been detected, as has been found in high-level long-distance runners. In contrast, volume and intensity in road cycling during training were significantly related to race performance.
Key words: anthropometry, ultra-endurance, body fat, training
Read article »
Validity of Measuring Body FAT USING the Skinfold Method
Petr Kutáč, Vojtěch Gajda
Introduction: The aim of this study is to verify the external criterion validity of measuring body composition by skinfold method and to compare the obtained results with the results gained using the DEXA method.
Material and methods: The investigated group consisted of 74 individuals (45 males and 29 females) whose average age was 20.2 ± 0.90 and 19.5 ± 0.73 respectively. The DEXA and skinfold methods and methodologies according to Pařízková, Matiegka, Drinkwater and Ross were applied to measure body composition. The correlation coefficient between the skinfold methods and criterion was considered the ratio of the stated validity. A level of statistical significance of all used parameters was tested using the α = 0.05 level.
Results: The acquired values of the Pearson correlation were r = 0.781 (females - according to Pařízková) and r = 0.815 (females - according to Matiegka), r = 0.678 (females – according to Drinkwater and Ross) and r = 0.876 (males - according to Pařízková), r = 0.921 (males - according to Matiegka),r = 0.765 (males – according to Drinkwater and Ross) . Standard error of estimate dmax = ± 2 sy/x was found to be ± 3.54 to 4.50% for females, and ± 2.88 to 4.86% for males.
Conclusion: The standard error of criterion estimate shows discrepancies in the estimation acquired by the reference method (DEXA method) through observed methodologies. These methodologies do not allow acceptable estimation of measuring by means of DEXA and their results are not equivalent in this respect.
Keywords: body composition, skinfold method, accuracy of measurements, coefficient of correlation, standard error of estimate
Read article »
Prediction of subjectively rated performance capacity in elite male endurance-, interval- and resistance exercise athletes
Sandor Schmikli, Peter Vergouwen, Wouter de Vries, Hans Koppeschaar, Frank Backx
Introduction: Overreaching is marked by a deteriorated performance without a clear aetiology. Until now, no definite set of parameters identifying overreaching is known.
Aim of the study: To develop a multivariate factorial model derived from single measurements of Hb, Ht, red blood cell count (RBC), ferritin, cortisol (C), cortisol-binding protein (CBG), testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding protein (SHBG), free C (FC) and free T (FT), that is capable of classifying male athletes with or without a performance drop.
Methods: From 78 healthy elite male athletes (mean age: 25.4 yrs, range 17-34 yrs), who were involved in different endurance, interval and high intensity sports, venous blood was sampled under resting conditions for measurements of Hb, Ht, RBC, ferritin, C, CBG, T, SHBG, FC and FT (cross-sectional design). In addition, the athletes were asked to rate their performance capacity (PC), training work load, injury free status, and feelings of general well being during the week preceding blood sampling. Misfits of the model, defined by serious over- or underestimations of the data, were used to predict a low PC.
Results: Three independent factors could describe the O2 transport capacity and anabolic/catabolic activity. These factors explained 84% of the total variance in all parameters. Overestimation of SHBG levels and underestimation of Ht levels coincided with low PC ratings (R2= 0.48). Inclusion of Hb to the regression model increased R2 to 0.55.
Conclusions: The internal consistency of the selected parameters from a composite group of athletes was sufficient to construct a three-factorial model. This model could be used to classify elite male athletes with or without a performance drop. The model should be tested in prospective studies on it’s predictive power of overreaching-related performance decrements.
Keywords: performance, overreaching, anabolic/catabolic balance, oxygen transport capacity, multivariate analysis
Read article »
MOOD SCORES AS PREDICTOR OF RUN PERFORMANCE PROFILES IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES
Jolanda Roose, Wouter de Vries, Sandor Schmikli, Frank Backx, Lorenz van Doornen
Introduction and aim of the study: Knowledge of overexertion and stress adaptation based on the monitoring of seasonal performance changes is scarce in adolescent athletes. Therefore, we investigated the contribution (amount and experience) and impact of training-related stressors and stressors in other life domains on mood, sleep quality, and motivation in adolescent middle- to long distance runners, who differ in seasonal performance profiles. We hypothesized that: 1. The amount and a relatively high negative experience of life events and daily hassles are related to an unfavourable performance-profile. 2. Negative mood scores, a worsened sleep quality, and a decreased motivation are predictive for a stagnating performance profile.
Materials and methods: Out of a group of thirty-five runners (age: 12-19 yrs), who were followed during 7 months of training, dichotomization was applied retrospectively by dividing the total group into a group with stagnating performances (SP, n=8) and a group with increment in performances (IP, n=8). Group differences between responses of the various parameters and their prognostic value on the performances profile were analyzed. Run performances were measured by the Zoladz-test on four occasions with time intervals of 8 weeks (T1-T4).
Results: The Profile of Mood States (POMS) showed statistically significant higher mean scores in SP than IP on tension (T1, T2, T3), anger (T1, T2, T3), depression (T2, T3) and vigor (T2). No significant group differences were observed for daily hassles, life events, sleep quality, and physical enjoyment. SP showed a very stable profile for all parameters, except for tension, whereas IP showed incidentally slight variations in time course.
Conclusions: The differences in mood between SP and IP, but not in the amount or experienced intensity of the stressors, may indicate a predisposition in stress-adaptation in SP, leading to a stagnating performance profile. Therefore, to obtain timely information about unwanted performance stagnations, we recommend seasonal monitoring of emotional functioning at least once a month and preferably every week, to be able to timely intervene maladaptation to sports-specific or general stressors.
Keywords: POMS, stressors, cortisol, growth hormone, Zoladz-test
Read article »
THE EFFECT OF TWO CARBOHYDRATE-ELEKTROLYTE DRINKS ON GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN ROWERS
Karolina Sadowska, Joanna Bajerska, Jan Jeszka
The aim of study: The aims of the studies were to evaluate the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) complaints and blood glucose and lactate concentrations after consumption of two different electrolyte–carbohydrate beverages in rowers.
Material and methods: A total of 18 male professional rowers (aged 20 2.0 years, body weight: 82.6 10.2 kg, height: 186.0 7.3 cm, VO2max: 60.4 5.0 ml/kg b.w./min) participated in a two-way randomized crossover design experiment. The exercise test was performed at 70% VO2max (2 x 25 min with a 5-minute break). During the test athletes on separate days (with a 1-week washout period) received either P” or “I” (“P” was first then “I”). The athletes consumed the test drinks as follows: twice 0.5 dm3 of each drink, 60 min before and immediately after the exercise test, and twice 0.15 dm3 of each drink immediately before the start of the test, and after the first 25 min of exercise (during a 5-minute break). The incidence and intensity of GI complaints during and after the exercise test were scored on a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were collected before and after the exercise test, with glucose and lactate levels determined.
Results: Significant (p<0.05) changes were observed in post-exercise blood lactate levels in athletes supplemented with both electrolyte–carbohydrate drinks (“I”: 26%, “P”: 25%). A significantly (p<0.05) higher blood glucose level was noted only when athletes received “P” (on average by 12%). The consumption of the “P” drink (“P”: 83%, 1.9 0.9 points) led to a more serious gastroesophageal reflux compared to “I” (“I”: 22% 0.2 0.4 points). Significant differences were observed for sweet taste in mouth (“P”: 83% and I: 28%, p<0.001) and the sensation of an overfilled stomach (“P”: 89% and “I”: 39%, p<0.01). The use of both tested carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks did not protect athletes against the occurrence of typical problems appearing after exercise (general exhaustion, muscle cramp, hand trembling, tachycardia).
Conclusion: Serious discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract caused by reflux after the consumption of the “P” drink results in “I” being a more advisable drink for rowers.
Key words: carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks, rowers, gastrointestinal complaints, physical performance
Read article »
STRENGTH TRAINING HELPS US TO DISCOVER CALCIFIED TENDONITIS IN THE SHOULDER
Atzmon Tsur, Norman Loberant
Objective: Using body building exercises for the diagnosis of calcified tendonitis.
Background: Calcified tendonitis of the shoulder is an acute or chronically painful condition that is caused by inflammation around calcium deposits located in or beside the rotator cuff tendons. When it becomes painful, it usually has an abrupt onset and can severely limit physical activity, even though it is not necessarily activity-dependent.
Case report: Fifty-seven years old man, left handed dominant, with a history of several decades in body building, began to suffer from pain inside his right shoulder appears gradually during strength training, doing overhead external rotation movements of his arm. The most painful movements were back presses, back lat pull-downs and dumbbell flys. In the physical examination, it was impossible to find a point of tenderness, local swelling or friction in the involved shoulder. Calcium deposits could be seen on plain radiographs and ultra-sound of the shoulder over the supraspinatus tendon.
Conclusions: Tension overload in overhead and external rotation movements of the arm, during strength training, can help us to discover an eventual supraspinatus calcified tendonitis.
Key words: calcified tendonitis, shoulder, external rotation, strength training
Read article »
Medical teaching innovation: creation of the computer program for optimal physical activity prescription
Vaclav Zeman, Jaroslav Novak, Milan Stork
The aim of our project was to create suitable applications of physical activities to individual subjects - diseased and/or healthy – according to their level of fitness and exercise test results with the help of a computer program. It is an educational tool that contributes to the improvement of medical students in our medical school. The program could also be used by physicians as a tool for setting up a physical activity plan for both healthy and handicapped individuals.
Key words: computer program, physical activity prescription, exercise test, maximal oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold
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DIETARY HABITS AMONG YOUNG TRIATHLONISTS AS A RESULT OF PROECOLOGICAL STYLE OF LIFE – PRELIMINARY STUDY
Zbigniew Szygula, K. Kazimierczak, E. Golec, Małgorzata Schlegel-Zawadzka
Strenuous physical activity during the preparatory training period calls for an extra dose of a care necessary for the young athlete to perform well. In accord with proper exercise training, an adequate nutrition diet plays an equally important role in maintaining the athlete’s healthy physical condition.
The aim of this study was to recognize dietary habits among young triathlonists.
Material and methods: Nine triathlonists, aged 15-18 years (6 boys and 3 girls), and 9 non-training youth in the same sex and age group category, participated in the study. The data was collected by administering a questionnaire.
Results: The results collected in this study showed that triathlonists lead a more ecological lifestyle in comparison with the population not engaged in triathlon training. The triathlonists tended to consume a more balanced diet.
Conclusion: Promoting triathlon as pro-ecological discipline may aid in raising social awareness of maintaining proper physical activity and nutrition diet in the population.
Keywords: youth, triathlon, ecological sport, dietary habits
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