Injury Occurrence in Amateur Rugby: Prospective Analysis of Specific Predictors over One Half-Season.

Background and objectives: The incidence of injuries in rugby is extremely high, but studies have rarely examined the predictors of injury in amateur players. This study aimed to systematically analyse sports and injury factors as potential predictors of musculoskeletal injuries in senior-level amateur rugby players. Methods: The participants in this study were 101 senior-level rugby players from Croatia (average of 24.64 years old). At baseline, all participants were tested on sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters (age, body height and mass), consumption of dietary supplements, preseason injury status and training volume, and sport factors (position in game). Data on injury occurrence (dependent variable), prevalence of pain, training status, and characteristics of the played match were surveyed prospectively once a week during the three-month period (one half-season). Results: The logistic regression revealed a higher injury occurrence in forward players of the 1st row, 2nd row (OR = 5.07; 95% CI: 1.64-15.69), and center (OR = 4.72; 95% CI: 1.28-14.31), with reference to outside back players. When observed univariately, higher body mass, higher level of competition, more weekly training sessions, self-perceived pain, and playing with pain were significant injury risk factors. The multivariate logistic regression identified pre-season injury (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09-1.52), higher level of the game/match (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.13-1.76), higher body mass (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), and pain prevalence (OR = 5.71, 95% CI: 3.22-7.70) as multivariate predictors of injury occurrence over the season. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that among sport factors, the playing position, level of competition, and training exposure represent major injury risk factors. Therefore, in order to reduce the number of injuries, special emphasis should be placed on the specific tackling technique of forward players, which could both increase their situational efficiency and protect them from injuries. Additionally, perceived pain, injury history, and playing with injury were noted among injury factors as the ones that can be predictors of future injuries. In that manner, it is important that coaching and medical staff monitor players with previous injuries and with pain symptoms in order to act preventively against injury occurrence.

Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Serbian Version of the Central Sensitization Inventory.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of the present study was to explore additional evidence of validity of the Serbian version of the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), a patient-reported outcome measure of symptoms that have been found to be associated with central sensitization (CS). The CSI has been found to be psychometrically sound, and has demonstrated evidence of convergent and discriminant validity in numerous published studies and in multiple languages. METHODS: CSI data were collected from 399 patients with chronic pain who had various diagnoses and from 146 pain-free controls. In addition, the patient sample completed a battery of validated patient-reported outcome measures of sleep problems, cognitive problems, pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear-avoidance, decreased quality of life, and decreased perception of social support. Six patient subgroups were formed, with presumably different levels of CS (including those with fibromyalgia, multiple pain sites, and localized pain sites). RESULTS: Significant differences were found in total CSI scores among the controls and patient subgroups. Those with fibromyalgia and multiple pathologies scored highest and the control subjects scored lowest. Other patient-reported CS-related symptom dimensions were significantly correlated with total CSI scores. When the patients were divided into CSI severity subgroups (from subclinical to extreme), the severity of these other symptom dimensions increased with the severity of CSI scores. CONCLUSIONS: The current study successfully demonstrated additional evidence of the convergent and discriminant validity of the Serbian version of the CSI.

The Effects of Regular Physical Activity and Playing Video Games on Reaction Time in Adolescents.

Reaction time is of great importance in life. In both sports and video games, movements of participants are conditioned by different visual, acoustic and somatosensory signals. The aim of this research was to determine whether reaction time is influenced by regular physical activity and playing video games in adolescents. The study included 41 female and 26 male students, aged 10-14 years. Questionnaires about habits related to regular physical activity and playing video games were given to the examinees. Afterwards, the reaction time was determined for visual stimuli, via a computer program. The obtained results show that there is a statistically significant difference in the value of the reaction time of children who are regularly engaged in physical activity relative to those who play video games ((0.327 ± 0.081) s vs. (0.403 ± 0.137) s, p = 0.013), while there is no statistically significant difference in reaction time between children who equally participate in physical activity and video games ((0.386 ± 0.134) s) compared to those who regularly practice physical activity (p = 0.156), and those who only play video games (p = 0.610). Physical activity can decrease reaction time in children, but further studies are needed to elucidate the impact of regular physical activity and gaming on the developing adolescent brain.

Sleep Problems and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand in Persons with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) arises as a result of a specific relationship among the anatomical structures that may cause compression in the muscles, nerves, and/or blood vessels in the neck, thereby compromising the local circulation. The aim of the current study was to establish the presence of sleep disturbance and disability in the shoulder, arm, and hand in individuals affected by TOS, as well as to ascertain if there are any differences in these findings relative to TOS-free individuals. The study sample comprised 82 TOS patients and 81 TOS-free individuals aged 19-66 years. Data were gathered by administering the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) instruments. The results showed that both the DASH (t = -13.21, p < 0.001) and PSQI (t = -7.27, p < 0.001) scores obtained by the TOS group were higher relative to the controls and were strongly and positively correlated (ρ = 0.58, p < 0.01). As positive DASH scores may be indicative of TOS, they signal the need for further diagnostic evaluations. In individuals in whom TOS is already diagnosed, high DASH scores imply that further sleep quality assessments are required, as compromised sleep patterns may undermine quality of life.

Echocardiographic Characterization of Left Heart Morphology and Function in Highly Trained Male Judo Athletes.

The long-term practice of judo can lead to various changes in the heart including increased dimensions of the left ventricle in diastole and thickening of the interventricular septum and the posterior wall of the left ventricle. This study aimed to assess left ventricular morphology and function in elite male judokas. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted that included a total of 20 subjects, 10 judokas, and 10 healthy non-athletes aged 24 ± 2.85 years. Demographic and anthropometric data were analyzed. All subjects underwent a medical examination and a two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram. Different parameters of left ventricular morphology and function were measured and compared between athletes and non-athletes. Left ventricle mass and LV mass index were higher in judokas than in non-athletes (p < 0.05), as well as PW thickness (9.78 ± 0.89 mm vs. 8.95 ± 0.76 mm). A total of six (n = 6) of athletes had eccentric hypertrophy, while others had normal heart geometry. LVEDd, LVEDs, LVEDd/BSA, and LVEDs/BSA were significantly higher in judokas (p < 0.05). LVEDd in athletes ranged from 48 to 62 mm. These values, combined with normal diastolic function, ejection fraction, and shortening fraction, indicate that the judokas' cardiac adaptation was physiological rather than pathological.

Sudden cardiac death and guidelines for pre-participation examination in athletes.

Incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes under 35 years of age is between 0.4 and 4.4 in 100,000. The highest mortality is seen in older athletes (≥35 years) who engage in running, mostly because of complications of atherosclerotic coronary ischemic disease. Majority of European countries are guided by European Society of Cardiology's (ESC) pre-participation screening (PPS) recommendations that include electrocardiography (ECG), while in the United States of America the ECG is not a routine part of the PPS examination. In Serbia, the ESC guidelines are being used, but there are no references prescribed by the Ministry of Health. The authors of this study believe that the national strategy for sport improvement should be accompanied with clear and well defined PPS recommendations that could be tenable in our health system.

ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OF ELITE ROWERS AND HANDBALL PLAYERS.

INTRODUCTION: Anthropometric and anaerobic profile of elite athletes are fundamental for the assessment of their respective performance. The present study was designed to evaluate the anthro- pornetric parameters, body composition and anaerobic characteristics of elite male handball players and rowers, and to compare them in relation to specific sport demands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 41 elite national level athletes: 20 handball players (aged 23.7±3.72) and 21 rowers (aged 19.7±2.84). Anthropometric characteristics (body mass, body height, skinfold thickness, body circumferences), and body fat mass were evaluated, and Wingate anaerobic test for anaerobic power assessment Iwas applied. RESULTS: The significant differences were noted in chest-upper arm, waist and hip circumferences, and supraspinal and calf skinfolds between the two investigated groups. Rowers showed higher values of fat body mass (13.2±3.76 vs. 10.7±3.76%), but lower body mass index (22.0±1,92 vs. 25.7?2.31 kg/in12) compared to handball players. When analyzing the Wingate test parameters, significantly higher values of absolute anaerobic power (786±127 vs. 691±140 W), absolute explosive power in the handball players compared to the rowers were recorded ( 18±26.3 vs. 105±27.8 W/s), whi le rowers achieved higher relative anaerobic capacity (192±3 1.2 vs. 177±E20.8 J/ kg). CONCLUSION: Specific body composition and anthropometri- cal assessment as a part of morphological analysis should complement physiological profile of elite athletes. The analysis of the anaerobic performance shows that the handball players have greater alactic anaerobic and explosive power component, compared to the rowers in whom the anaerobic endurance and specific training have the greatest effect on the consumption of dominant metabolic substrate during the race.

[Parameters of Anaerobic Physiological Profile of Elite Athletes].

INTRODUCTION: Anaerobic capacity is much less evaluated in literature compared to aerobic component. Anaerobic performance of athletes can be measured using different motoric tests, lasting 20 to 30 seconds, one of them being the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the work performed and power generated by athletes and non-athletes during a 30-second high intensity exercise, as well as to compare explosive characteristics of subjects using a new parameter of WAnT, named explosive power, or slope of power. METHODS: All parameters of anaerobic power were investigated in 152 subjects classed into different groups depending on their physical fitness and sport specialties as follows: non-athletes (n=31), rowers (n=26), volleyball players (n=37), handball players (n=34) and judo players (n=24). The WAnT, as well as basic anthropometric measurements, was administrated to all participants. RESULTS: Values of anaerobic parameters were higher in the group of athletes compared to physically inactive subjects.The highest values of the WAnT parameters were registered in the group of volleyball players (AP=1 006 W; relative AP=11.4 W/ kg, AC=19.8 kJ), compared to athletes of other sport disciplines (volleyball, rowing and judo). The new parameter of the WAnT, explosive power, also showed highest values in volleyball players (EP=1 54 W/s; relative EP=1.74 W/s/kg). These differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of laboratory tests can provide useful information on improvements in training processes. The new parameter of the WAnT could be implemented in further analyses of explosive characteristics of muscle contraction.

Changes in strength, endurance, and fatigue during a resistance-training program for the triceps brachii muscle.

CONTEXT: As a result of the adaptation process, some functional properties show different functions over time during strength training. Muscle strength and fatigue may show different adaptation patterns in reaching the improvement plateau after several weeks of training. OBJECTIVE: To follow muscle endurance and fatigue values during resistance training of the elbow extensors in young nonathletes. DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. SETTING: Controlled laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen healthy young nonathletes (age = 21.0 ± 1.1 years; body mass index = 25.2 ± 2.9 kg/m(2)). INTERVENTION(S): Triceps brachii resistance training was performed on the isoacceleration dynamometer for 10 weeks (frequency = 5 times a week, 5 sets of 10 maximal elbow extensions, 1-minute resting period between sets). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Measurements of endurance strength and fatigability were conducted using the same equipment, and endurance strength (ES), fatigue rate (FR), and decrease in strength (DS) were defined. RESULTS: All measured values for triceps brachii strength changed after training (ES increased by 57%, FR decreased by 68%, and DS improved by 59%; P < .001). No correlation was found between ES and the fatigability values-FR and DS (r(2) = 0.37 for FR and r(2) = 0.04 for DS; P > .05). The FR and DS trends showed specific functions, which reached a plateau after 4 weeks of training, and we found no further weekly changes in these values as the training continued. As an adaptation to exercise, ES showed a continuous, yet not linear, increase. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigability in the triceps brachii decreased in the first 4 weeks of training. After that period, muscle functional properties improved as a result of increased endurance.

Ultrasonographic diagnostics and evaluation of calcaneal fracture: case report.

INTRODUCTION: Radiography is the standard tool in the diagnostics of bone fractures. This paper presents a case of calcaneal fracture diagnosed by ultrasonography that was also used in the follow-up of recovery progress. CASE OUTLINE: A 68-year-old male patient was diagnosed avulsion fracture of the calcaneus by ultrasonography (US) examination using a multi-frequency linear probe (7-15 MHz) and confirmed by X-ray findings; US also provided insight into the dynamics of the reparatory processes. Control examinations were performed on day 14, 21, 30, 60 and 300 (10 months) after the occurrence of the fracture. During this time rehabilitation process was carried out. The diameters of the wedge defect of the calcaneus were measured by US for the follow-up of the healing process of the injured bone. Postero-anterior (PA) or longitudinal diameter and latero-medial or medio-lateral or transverse diameter were measured. CONCLUSION: Study results indicate a possible use of US in the diagnostics of fractures and monitoring of calcaneal healing.

Cardiac power output and its response to exercise in athletes and non-athletes.

Cardiac power output (CPO) is an integrative measure of overall cardiac function as it accounts for both, flow- and pressure-generating capacities of the heart. The purpose of the present study was twofold: (i) to assess cardiac power output and its response to exercise in athletes and non-athletes and (ii) to determine the relationship between cardiac power output and reserve and selected measures of cardiac function and structure. Twenty male athletes and 32 age- and gender-matched healthy sedentary controls participated in this study. CPO was calculated as the product of cardiac output and mean arterial pressure, expressed in watts. Measures of hemodynamic status, cardiac structure and pumping capability were assessed by echocardiography. CPO was assessed at rest and after peak bicycle exercise. At rest, the two groups had similar values of cardiac power output (1·08 ± 0·2 W versus 1·1 ± 0·24 W, P>0·05), but the athletes demonstrated lower systolic blood pressure (109·5 ± 6·2 mmHg versus 117·2 ± 8·2 mmHg, P<0·05) and thicker posterior wall of the left ventricle (9·8 ± 1 mm versus 9 ± 1·1 mm, P<0·05). Peak CPO was higher in athletes (5·87 ± 0·75 W versus 5·4 ± 0·69 W, P<0·05) as was cardiac reserve (4·92 ± 0·66 W versus 4·26 ± 0·61 W, P<0·05), respectively. Peak exercise CPO and reserve were only moderately correlated with end-diastolic volume (r = 0·54; r = 0·46, P<0·05) and end-diastolic left ventricular internal diameter (r = 0·48; r = 0·42, P<0·05), respectively. Athletes demonstrated greater maximal cardiac pumping capability and reserve than non-athletes. The study provides new evidence that resting measures of cardiac structure and function need to be considered with caution in interpretation of maximal cardiac performance.

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE RUPTURED MEDIAL HEAD OF GASTROCNEMIUS MUSCLE / AVALIAÇÃO ULTRASSONOGRÁFICA DA RUPTURA DA CABEÇA MEDIAL DO MÚSCULO GASTROCNÊMIO / EVALUACIÓN ULTRASONOGRÁFICA DE LA RUPTURA DE LA CABEZA MEDIAL DEL MÚSCULO GASTROCNEMIO

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tennis leg, a common injury of the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle in the muscle-tendon junction, is usually reported in men during recreational sports. Sudden pain is the main symptom accompanied by the feeling of rupture in the calf. Clinical examination followed by ultrasound is the standard diagnostic procedure. Objective: The main objectives of this study are to compare clinical and ultrasonographic findings in cases of tennis leg, evaluate the location and type of lesion in the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle, and evaluate the edema volume and the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Second, the healing process was monitored with ultrasound to distinguish the level of recovery and to record the presence of chronic sequelae. Methods: Eighty-one subjects with clinical symptoms of rupture of the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle participated in the study. A linear probe (7-12 MHz) was used for ultrasonographic (US) and a Doppler was used to verify the presence of DVT. Results: In 78 of 81 subjects examined, we found obvious US changes (96.3%) and three of them had no positive findings. In 67 of them, we diagnosed rupture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. Most of them had partial rupture (73.13%) and the remaining had total rupture (26.87%). The edema (30.84%) was found in the space between the aponeurosis of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. DVT with the clinical signs of tennis leg was observed in 5 of 81 patients (6.17%). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that ultrasound is very important for early diagnosis of muscle-tendon injuries in the leg. In addition, monitoring the healing process and assessing the chosen treatment showed a high efficiency. Ultrasonography is an effective method to identify and differentiate the sequelae of the injured muscles and vascular complications.

RESUMO Introdução: A "perna do tenista", lesão comum da cabeça medial do músculo gastrocnêmio na junção músculo-tendínea, em geral, é relatada em homens, durante a prática de esportes recreativos. A dor repentina é o principal sintoma, sendo acompanhada pela sensação de ruptura na panturrilha. O exame clínico seguido pelo exame de ultrassom é o procedimento diagnóstico padrão. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como principais objetivos comparar os achados clínicos e ultrassonográficos em casos de perna do tenista, avaliar a localização e o tipo da lesão na cabeça medial do gastrocnêmio e avaliar o volume do edema e a presença de trombose venosa profunda (TVP). Em segundo lugar, o processo de cicatrização foi monitorado com ultrassom para se distinguir o nível de recuperação e registrar a presença de sequelas crônicas. Métodos: Oitenta e um indivíduos com sintomas clínicos de ruptura da cabeça medial do gastrocnêmio participaram do estudo. Empregou-se uma sonda linear (7 a 12 MHz) para a avaliação ultrassonográfica (US) e Doppler para verificar a presença de TVP. Resultados: Em 78 dos 81 indivíduos examinados, foram encontradas alterações US evidentes (96,3%) e três deles não tiveram achados positivos. Em 67 pacientes, diagnosticamos ruptura da cabeça medial do músculo gastrocnêmio. A maioria deles apresentou ruptura parcial (73,13%) e os restantes tiveram ruptura total (26,87%). O edema (30,84%) foi encontrado no espaço entre a aponeurose dos músculos gastrocnêmio e sóleo. A TVP com sinais clínicos de perna do tenista foi verificada em 5 dos 81 pacientes (6,17%). Conclusão: Nossos achados indicam que o exame de ultrassom é muito importante para o diagnóstico precoce de lesões músculo-tendíneas no membro inferior. Além disso, constatou-se grande eficiência na monitoração do processo de cicatrização e na avaliação do tratamento aplicado. A ultrassonografia é um método efetivo para identificar e diferenciar as sequelas nos músculos lesionados e as complicações vasculares.

RESUMEN Introducción: La "pierna de tenista", lesión común de la cabeza medial del músculo gastrocnemio en la unión músculo-tendinosa, en general, es relatada en los hombres durante la práctica de deportes recreativos. El dolor repentino es el síntoma principal, acompañado de la sensación de ruptura en la pantorrilla. El examen clínico seguido de un examen de ultrasonido es el procedimiento de diagnóstico estándar. Objetivo: Los principales objetivos de este estudio son comparar los hallazgos clínicos y ultrasonográficos en los casos de pierna de tenista, evaluar la ubicación y el tipo de lesión en la cabeza medial del músculo gastrocnemio y evaluar el volumen del edema y la presencia de trombosis venosa profunda (TVP). En segundo lugar, el proceso de la curación se monitorizó con ultrasonido para diferenciar el nivel de reparación y registrar la presencia de secuelas crónicas. Métodos: Ochenta y un sujetos con síntomas clínicos de ruptura de la cabeza medial del gastrocnemio participaron en el estudio. Se empleó una sonda lineal (7-12 MHz) para ultrasonografía (US) y Doppler para verificar la presencia de TVP. Resultados: En 78 de los 81 sujetos examinados, fueron encontrados cambios obvios en el US (96,3%) y tres de ellos no presentaran casos positivos. En 67 pacientes hemos diagnosticado ruptura de la cabeza medial del músculo gastrocnemio. La mayoría de ellos presentó ruptura parcial (73,13%) y los restantes tuvieron ruptura total (26,87%). El edema (30,84%) se encontró en el espacio entre la aponeurosis de los músculos gastrocnemio y sóleo. Se observó TVP con los signos clínicos de la pierna de tenista en 5 de 81 pacientes (6,17%). Conclusión: Nuestros hallazgos indican que la ultrasonografía es muy importante para el diagnóstico precoz de las lesiones músculo-tendinosas de la pierna. Además, hubo gran eficiencia en el monitoreo de la curación y la evaluación del tratamiento aplicado. La ultrasonografía es un método efectivo para identificar y diferenciar las secuelas en los músculos lesionados y complicaciones vasculares.

Comparative analysis of two different methods of anaerobic capacity assessment in sedentary young men.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The Wingate anaerobic test is a valid and reliable method of measuring anaerobic capacity. The aim of this study was to determine whether other modified test can be used instead of the Wingate test. METHODS: A group of 30 sedentary young men were first tested with a cycle ergometer (classic Wingate test), and then with a dynamometer during 30 s of "all out" leg extension exercise (modified Wingate test; WAnTe) in order to test anaerobic capacity. Subsequent correlations between these tests were made. RESULTS: Peak power, mean power on cycling ergometer in absolute and relative values were 463 +/- 105 W, 316.7 +/- 63.8 W, 5.68 +/- 1.17 W/kg, 3.68 +/- 0.78 W/kg, respectively. On a dynamometer absolute and relative values of maximal and mean load in kg and power in Watts were 136.54 +/- 21.3 kg, 1.67 +/- 0.26; 128.65 +/- 19.93 kg, 1.57 +/- 0.24 kg, 657 +/- 125.87 W, and 8 +/- 1.54 W/kg, respectively. There was no correlation between 5 s intervals of the classic Wingate test and WAnTe during the first, fourth and fifth intervals, but in the second (r = 0.49, p < 0.05), third (r = 0.38, p < 0.05) and last 5 s intervals (r = 0.39, p < 0.05), and also in peak power and mean power (r = 0.42, p < 0.05 and r = 0.45, p < 0.05 respectively), a significant positive correlation was detected. CONCLUSION: A modified Wingate test of leg extension on a dynamometer in sedentary young men shows a correlation with the classic Wingate test only in parameters of peak power, and mean power and the second, the third and the last 5 s intervals. Because of that it should only be used for orientation, whereas for precise measurements of anaerobic capacity the classic Wingate test should be used.

Analysis of anaerobic capacity in rowers using Wingate test on cycle and rowing ergometer.

The 30-s all-out Wingate test has been used in athletes of all sport specialties to measure the capacity for short duration, high power output while cycling. The aim of this study was to establish differences in measuring anaerobic capacity between the classic Wingate test on a cycling ergometer and the modified Wingate test on a rowing ergometer in rowers. A group of20 rowers was tested by both the cycle and rowing ergometers during 30s of maximum power to test anaerobic capacity and to make correlation between these tests. The parameters measured were the peak power and mean power. The peak power on the cycling ergometer was 475 +/- 75.1W and 522.4 +/- 81W (p < 0.05) on the rowing ergometer. The mean power on the cycling ergometer and the rowing ergometer was 344.4 +/- 51.1W and 473.7W +/- 67.2, (p < 0.05) respectively. The maximum values were achieved at the same time on both ergometers, but remained on the higher level till the end of the test on the rowing ergometer. By correlating the anaerobic parameters of the classic Wingate test and a modified Wingate test on the rowing ergometer a significant positive correlation was detected in the peak power (r = 0.63, p < 0.05) as well as in the mean power (r = 0.65, p < 0.05). The results show that the rowers achieved better results of the anaerobic parameters on the rowing ergometer compared to the cycling ergometer due to a better mechanical efficiency. It is concluded that the modified Wingate test on the rowing ergometer can be used in rowers for testing their anaerobic capacity as a sport specific test ergometer since it provides more precise results.

Follow up of some anthropometric and ergometric parameters during 8 week resistance training.

Muscle cell adaptation to physical activity is well known. Hypertrophy is one of the basic changes but metabolic changes are following the anatomic ones as well. The aim of the study was to follow up the changes of the ergometric parameters and surface area of the thigh muscles evoked by the heavy resistance strength training. The study included 15 male subjects, who took part in the heavy resistance strength training lasting 8 weeks. Anthropometric (surface area of the thigh muscles) and ergometric (peak power) parameters were measured at the beginning and at the end of the 8 week period in order to evaluate the changes in the thigh muscles. The surface area of the thigh muscles increased significantly (p < 0.05) (the left leg 9.26 +/- 10.32 cm2 and the right leg 9.07 +/- 0.57 cm2). Metabolic changes were assessed via Wingate test and also showed significant increase (p < 0.05). This finding indirectly indicates the increase in anaerobic capacity of the trained muscles. The heavy resistance training evidently influenced the changes in the trained muscles. After the 8 week period both antropometric and metabolic changes were evident, and significant.

Clinical characteristics of infectious spondylodiscitis.

Spondylodiscitis represents an inflammatory process, localized in the vertebrae body and in the intervertebral discs. The goals of this research were to identify subjective complaints, clinical findings, and laboratory characteristics in patients with spondylodiscitis, as well as to establish the importance of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing this disease. The data of 40 patients treated at the Clinic for Infectious diseases of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina from 2003 till 2007 were reviewed. Majority of the patients had low back pain (90%). Fever was present in 37.5% of patients (chi2 = 2.5; p > 0.05). Laboratory parameters of inflammation were higher than normal in most of the patients before the treatment. Diagnosis of spondylodiscitis was made using MRI in 97.5% of the patients. Keeping in mind unspecific subjective complaints and clinical findings in patients with spondylodiscitis, a health professional should always suspect spondylodiscitis when back pain occurs, in order to diagnose and treat this severe disease as early as possible. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most advantageous method in diagnosing spondylodiscitis.

[Event-related potentials following exercise bouts of different intensity].

INTRODUCTION: A number of articles on physical activity analyze the effects of acute bouts of physical exercise on the whole body. These experiments mainly include questionnaires and measurements of reaction time. The use of event-related potentials in laboratories for functional diagnostics is only of recent date. The aim of this experiment was to give insights into the impact of physical activity of different intensity on the amplitude and latency of P300 cognitive potentials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After recording cognitive event-related potentials in 17 young (21.6+/-1.07 yrs) healthy adults (at Fz and Cz), the participants underwent a controlled bicycle ergometer exercise. Each exercise lasted 10 minutes, with successive increase in the intensity to 60%, 75% and 90% of the maximum pulse rate and maintaining this level of intensity for six minutes. Immediately after each bout of exercise, event-related potentials were recorded. RESULTS: The amplitude of the P300 wave, following exercise intensity at 75% of the maximum pulse (Pmax) (Fz 15.00+/-4.57, Cz 18.63+/-8.83 mV ) was statistically higher (p<0.05) than the amplitude of the P300 at rest (Fz 11.21+/-4.15 mV; (Cz 13.40+/-8.04 mV), at 60% (Fz 11.86+/-5.11 mV; Cz 14.54+/-8.06 mV) and at 90% of maximum pulse (Fz 13.26+/-4.73 mV; Cz 14.91+/-8.91 mV). There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between amplitudes at 60% of Pmax and values obtained at rest and at 90% of Pmax. Also, no statistically significant differences were recorded (p>0.05) among the latencies of P300 recorded at rest (Fz 323.57+/-3.24 ms; Cz 323.57+/-13.24 ms) and at 60% of Pmax (Fz 321.14+/-22.38 ms; Cz 321.86+/-22.88 ms), at 75% of Pmax (Fz 321.50+/-16.67 ms; Cz 322.50+/-14.60 ms) and at 90% of Pmax (Fz 326.29+/-7.85 ms; Cz 325.43+/-7.63 ms). DISCUSSSION AND CONCLUSION: Physical activity has a positive impact on cognitive functions. At intermediate intensities, the amplitude of P300 increases, but at submaximal intensities it decreases to values obtained at rest. However, the latency of P300 did not show a statistically significant change after different intensities of exercise.