Effects of Schroth method and core stabilization exercises on idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Conservative approaches such as Schroth exercises and core stabilization exercises showed effective results in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. This study aimed to critically evaluate the magnitude effect of Schroth and core stabilization exercises using a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: This study has been developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. The following three databases were searched for articles collection: Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The key search terms were: Schroth exercise, core exercise, idiopathic scoliosis, Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation, and quality of life. The articles included in our study was limited to original articles written only in English that met the following inclusion criteria: (1) Participants with idiopathic scoliosis; (2) Schroth exercises and core stabilization exercises used as interventions; (3) Cobb angle or angle of trunk rotation or quality of life used as outcome measures. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included. Depending on the outcome measured, the magnitude effect of Schroth and core stabilization exercises ranged from small to almost large as follows: Cobb angle (SMD = - 0.376, p ˂ 0.001); angle of trunk rotation (SMD = - 0.268, p = 0.104); quality of life (SMD = 0.774, p = 0.002). By subgroup analysis, Schroth method showed a larger effect size than core stabilization exercises. CONCLUSION: The current systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that both Schroth method and core stabilization exercises have a positive effect in subjects with idiopathic scoliosis. Subgroup analysis showed that the Schroth method had a larger effect size than the core stabilization exercises.

Personality Dimensions of Serbian Lifeguards.

According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) global drowning report (2017), drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. Drowning can occur anywhere there is water: oceans, seas, lakes, pools, bathtubs, rivers or water collection on the side of the road, etc. In many countries, there are drowning prevention programs for children and adults. The two most commonly used strategiesagainst drowning are the presence of lifeguards in public places and the use of protected areas that could prevent most of the drownings. The main aim of the present study is to examine the individual differences in a Big Five plus Two (BF+2) personality traits in lifeguards and non-lifeguards (including students). The subsample of lifeguards represented 122 male respondents who were, at the time of the survey, licensed as lifeguards (60.9%) or were in training for lifeguards-candidates (39.1%). The subsample of students represented 138 male respondents who were studying at the University of Novi Sad. The results indicate that lifeguards in comparison to students are more extraverted, open to experience, and conscientious, less neurotic, and aggressive. Both positive and negative valence are higher in student subsample. All of the above traits are desirable traits for people working as lifeguards.

Effects of Combined Resistance and Aerobic Training on Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of combined resistance and aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. Two databases, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant studies. The methodological quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Only seven studies met the eligibility criteria, and their outcomes were presented. Four studies demonstrated the effects of combined resistance and aerobic training, while three showed the effectiveness of exercise with both training components, aerobic and resistance. In all studies, arterial stiffness was measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Participants were middle-aged or older postmenopausal women of various health statuses (hypertensive, with comorbidities or healthy). The results unequivocally show that combined training reduces arterial stiffness. The most important finding of this review paper is that the applied type of exercise decreased baPWV in the range of 0.6-2.1 m/s. Moreover, combined resistance and aerobic exercise for 12 weeks, performed three times a week for about 60 min per training session, at a moderate intensity (40-60% HRR or HRmax), may be clinically meaningful to the cardiovascular system. In conclusion, we can say that combined resistance and aerobic training, or exercise with resistance and aerobic components, have important health implications for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and the maintenance or improvement of health in middle-aged and older postmenopausal women with different health conditions.

A single-dose nitrate-producing dietary supplement affects cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular fitness in healthy men: A randomized controlled pilot trial.

INTRODUCTION: The main aim of this pilot study was to examine the effects of a single-dose intervention with a novel nitrate-producing formulation (MagNOVOx™) on biomarkers of cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular fitness in 12 healthy men. METHODS: The study participants (age = 22.7 ± 2.8 years, height = 184.1 ± 5.7 cm, and weight = 82.5 ± 8.4 kg) were randomly allocated to receive either a single dose of MagNOVOx™ or a placebo (inulin) in a cross-over design. The primary outcome for this study was the change in running time to exhaustion evaluated at baseline (before supplementation) and post-intervention. RESULTS: Time to exhaustion was improved after the intervention in 8 out of 11 participants (72.7%) who received MagNOVOx™, and in 1 out of 11 participants (9.1%) who received placebo (p = 0.004), and MagNOVOx™ outcompeted placebo in terms of improving leg press performance (p < 0.01). No significant differences between MagNOVOx™ and placebo were found for blood pressure responses (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These promising findings should be further corroborated in medium- and long-term trials, and different populations, while the exact mechanism of MagNOVOx™ requires additional physiological studies.

Living in the "Bubble": Athletes' Psychological Profile During the Sambo World Championship.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we conduct daily life, as well as sports training and sports competitions. Given the stress produced by COVID-19, and the "bubble" safety measures for the World Sambo Championship, held in Novi Sad, from the 6th to the 8th of November, 2020, athletes might have experienced more stress than athletes normally would in non-pandemic conditions. Therefore, the current study aimed to create a psychological profile of sambo athletes participating in the Sambo World Championship and living in this condition. Methods: One-hundred-fifteen participants took part in the study, completing the Profile of Mood Scale (POMS), the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. A mediation model with Fear of COVID-19 predicting both stress level directly and stress level through mood disturbance was hypothesized. Gender differences were evaluated through t-test. Results: The results showed that the sample presented higher levels of stress but no problems in sleeping. In particular, data analysis confirmed an indirect effect of Fear of COVID on Perceived stress through mood disturbance (ß = 0.14, Z = 2.80, and p = 0.005), but did not have a significant impact on the direct effect (ß = -0.04, Z = -0.48, and p = 0.63). Gender differences emerged in the perceived stress level (t = -2.86, df = 114, and p = 0.005) and daytime dysfunction (t = -2.52, df = 114, and p = 0.01) where females scored higher than males for both aspects. Conclusion: The athletes participating to the World Sambo Championship experienced stress levels determined by the mood disturbance produced by the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. Female athletes were more stressed and showed higher daytime dysfunction. The findings of the current study are useful to understand the psychological profile of the athletes competing in the "bubble" conditions during COVID-19 pandemic.

Case Report: Multimodality Imaging as a Lifeline for Fatal Localization of Valsalva Sinus Fibroelastoma.

Background: Papillary fibroelastomas are rare benign heart tumors, and is most likely to involve the cardiac valves. We will present an extremely rare localization of a large Valsalva sinus fibroelastoma, with occasional left coronary artery ostial obstruction presented as an acute coronary syndrome. The tumor was removed surgically and histologically confirmed as papillary fibroelastoma. This review points to the crucial importance of multidisciplinary team decision and multimodality imaging methods for diagnosing the fibroelastoma, determination of size, and localization, which avoided complications of fatal embolization during an invasive procedure. Case Summary: A healthy 55-year-old male with vigorous physical daily training and exercise was admitted to the acute coronary syndrome emergency department. Shortly after admission, expert transthoracic echocardiography was performed. Computed tomography of the chest observed a large irregular hypodense tumor-like lesion in the bulbar aorta that was occasionally prolapsing into the left main coronary artery ostium and which corresponded to fibroelastoma. A few hours after admission, an emergency cardiac surgery was performed with the excision of a Valsalva sinus tumor (size 2 × 2 cm) located between the right and left coronary cusp of the aortic valve. Conclusions: Focus cardiac ultrasound should be performed for any acute coronary syndrome because of the possible Valsalva sinus fibroelastoma etiology. Its localization next to the left main coronary artery ostium is rare, and dangerous. The timely diagnosis can be made by the multimodality imaging method, however, the final diagnosis will be made pathohistologically. Early cardiac surgery may be a necessitated recourse for these patients in order to prevent a fatal outcome.

Children's Daily Routine Response to COVID-19 Emergency Measures in Serbia.

Objective: The emergence of coronavirus in Serbia as well as in other European countries led to the declaration of a state of emergency, which, among other measures, included a switch to online education, the lockdown of public life and organized sports, and a curfew from 5 pm to 5 am. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which these measures affected children's daily routines. More specifically, it aimed to determine how children maintained their learning, physical activity, and screen time routines from the period before the state of emergency was declared. Methods: Response to an online parent-reported questionnaire was conducted (N = 450). The factorial validity of the scales was prepared using confirmatory factor analysis, with acceptable fit indices. Based on that, the authors tested the interrelations between dimensions using structural equation modeling in SPSS, AMOS 24.0. Results: The study results indicate a positive relationship between school achievement and study time (ß = 0.25). They also indicate that children who were physically active before the pandemic continued their activities during the emergency state (ß = 0.53). Physical activity impact during the COVID-19 emergency measures reduces children's behavior changes (ß = 0.55). Finally, they highlight that children who spent more time with multimedia content had greater changes in anxiety, sensitivity, nervousness, and worry due to COVID-19 emergency measures (ß = -0.38). Conclusions: Healthy lifestyle habits formed in childhood are suggested to be responsible for the greater "resistance to change" shown by the children from this study.

Health and physical fitness profiling of working population: Sport4Health 2021.

Sport4Health Network (SPORT4H) is a multidisciplinary project co-funded by the European Union Erasmus+ programme aimed to encourage participation in physical activity in working population. SPORT4H includes educational and instructional activities that provide top-notch knowledge on various physical activities that may have an additional benefit to improve healthy lifestyle behaviours across workforce. The aims of Sport4Health 2021 e-symposium organized from 22nd to 23th March 2021 were to: (1) summarize data collected during this project through evaluation of health and fitness profiles for over 40,000 employees from all Sport4HealthNet countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Netherlands, Serbia and Slovenia); (2) discuss the applicability of user-friendly guidelines for physical activity at workplace and e-learning module that includes multicomponent interventions with innovative activities; (3) share experiences from different partners about the effects of educational interventions in specific working environment; and, (4) overview challenges identified during the implementation of interventions at work settings. The Sport4Health 2021 e-symposium facilitated networking between partner institutions, provided practical information for extensive public education that advances physical activity at workplace, and capacitated interaction and recruitment of end-users through e-learning modules and guidelines.

Rapid Weight Loss Habits before a Competition in Sambo Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Like other combat sports, sambo has competition rules that divide athletes into categories based on gender, age and weight. Athletes in combat sports often resort to rapid weight loss (RWL) methods to be more competitive in lower weight categories and gain an advantage against lighter, smaller and weaker competitors. The aim of this study was to examine the methodology implemented by two different sambo age categories, junior and senior athletes, in order to attain RWL. METHODS: The sample consisted of 103 male sambo elite athletes (seniors/juniors: age 28.5 ± 4.3/18.9 ± 0.8; height (m): 1.7 ± 0.1/1.8 ± 0.1; weight (kg): 76.3 ± 17.8/74.4 ± 16.3; BMI (kg/m2): 25.0 ± 3.8/23.7 ± 3.9) who completed a survey on RWL. RESULTS: Athletes reported losing a mean of 5 kg starting approximately 12 days before a competition. The most common methodology reported by senior and junior sambo athletes was gradually increasing dieting, followed by sauna and plastic suit training. Less common methods adopted were laxatives, diuretics, the use of diet pills and vomiting. There were significant group differences for sauna and diet pill ingestion. Coaches and parents are influential people in the lives of athletes concerning the weight loss strategy to be adopted. CONCLUSIONS: This study's results unequivocally confirm the prevalent practice of RWL in both senior and junior sambo athletes. Although athletes prevalently chose "less harmful" methods, there is a need to inform parents and coaches of the risks and benefits of RWL.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Volleyball Athletes Following a COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Athletes' lifestyles have been dramatically affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Since COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system and to a lesser degree the cardiovascular system, the goal of this study was to examine the effects of COVID-19-caused detraining on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of recently recovered volleyball athletes. Sixteen experienced volleyball athletes (age 24 ± 4.5 years) who were recently diagnosed and recovered from a COVID-19 infection volunteered to participate in this study and were tested for CRF and spirometry. Given that participants had only mild symptoms of infection, the primary focus of this study was on the effects of detraining on CRF. On average, the time to exhaustion was 9.4 ± 1.4 min. VE, VCO2, RER and oxygen pulse increased, heart rate exceeded 90% of predicted values, and peak VO2 values were typical for this level of athlete (44.1 ± 3.4 mL/kg). Pulmonary function reflected in FVC, FEV1/FVC and MVV values were well above 80% of predicted values for each of the participants while electrocardiography revealed no ischemia, arrythmias or conduction and repolarization abnormalities were found in the tested subjects. Therefore, it can be concluded that participants experienced typical consequences of detraining. Due to a lack of CRF data prior to COVID-19 infection, we were unable to estimate the magnitude detraining had on CRF. Complete CRF assessment after COVID-19 infection in athletes can be useful for screening of residual myocardial and/or respiratory system damage for safe return-to-play decisions.

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.

Dietary supplementation with L-carnosine improves patient-reported outcomes, autonomic nervous system performance, and brain metabolism in 3 adult patients with multiple sclerosis.

This pilot trial reports the effects of L-carnosine administration on autonomic nervous system performance, brain metabolism, and various patient- and clinician-reported outcomes in a case series of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We hypothesized that medium-term L-carnosine supplementation would improve selected patient- and clinician-reported outcomes in MS patients, with no negative effects on self-reported side effects. L-carnosine (2 g/day) was administered orally for 8 weeks in 2 women and one man suffering from MS. The intensity of symptoms and signs of MS after L-carnosine administration diminished in 5 out of 7 domains in CASE 1, in 3 out of 7 domains in CASE 2, and one domain in CASE 3; general fatigue was reduced in all 3 cases at the follow-up. This was accompanied by an improved walking distance to exhaustion in all patients, with values improved for 51.1% in CASE 1, 19.5% in CASE 2, and 2.1% in CASE 3 at 8-week follow-up. Tests of autonomic cardiovascular reflexes demonstrate normalized parasympathetic modulation and balanced sympathetic function after L-carnosine intervention in all MS cases. An increase in serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was found at 8-week follow-up in all patients (from 4.6 to 49.6%); this was accompanied by lower blood lactate at post-administration in all cases (23.5% on average). Single-voxel 1.5 T MR spectroscopy revealed increased brain choline-contained compounds (18.9% on average), total creatine (21.2%), and myo-inositol levels (12.3%) in girus cinguli at 8-week follow-up in all MS cases. This case study demonstrates that an 8-week intervention with L-carnosine appears to be a safe and beneficial therapeutic strategy with regard to the reduction of presence and severity of symptoms of MS.

Effects of a Nine-Month Physical Activity Intervention on Morphological Characteristics and Motor and Cognitive Skills of Preschool Children.

(1) Background: Regular physical activity (PA) plays an important role during early childhood physical and psychological development. This study investigates the effects of a 9-month PA intervention on physiological characteristics and motor and cognitive skills in preschool children. (2) Methods: Preschool children (n = 132; age 4 to 7 years) attending regular preschool programs were nonrandomly assigned to PA intervention (n = 66; 60 min sessions twice per week) or a control group (n = 66; no additional organized PA program) for 9 months. Exercise training for the intervention group included various sports games, outdoor activities, martial arts, yoga, and dance. Anthropometry, motor skills (7 tests), and cognitive skills (Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices and Cognitive Assessment System) were assessed before and after an intervention period in both groups. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. (3) Results: Body weight significantly increased in both groups over time. Compared to the changes observed in the control group, the intervention group significantly increased in chest circumference (p = 0.022). In contrast, the control group demonstrated an increase in waist circumference (p = 0.001), while these measures in the intervention group remained stable. Participants in the intervention group improved running speed (p = 0.016) and standing broad jump (p = 0.000). The flexibility level was maintained in the intervention group, while a significant decrease was observed in the control group (p = 0.010). Children from the intervention group demonstrated progress in the bent-arm hang test (p = 0.001), unlike the control group subjects. Varied improvements in cognitive skills were observed for different variables in both intervention and control groups, with no robust evidence for PA-intervention-related improvements. (4) Conclusions: Preschool children's participation in a preschool PA intervention improves their motor skills.

Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on Judo Athletes: A Systematic Review.

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is commonly practiced among judo athletes. Although it helps them to gain the advantage over their lighter opponents, previous studies have shown that RWL can have a negative impact on the athlete's performance and overall well-being. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence that examines the influence of rapid weight loss on physiological parameters, biomarkers, and psychological well-being in judo athletes. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. We searched for studies on Web of Science and PubMed that elaborate on the influence of ≥5% RWL achieved over ≤7-day period in judokas. Out of 52 studies initially found, 14 studies met our eligibility criteria and were included in the review. In total, we examined data from 1103 judo athletes. Retrieved studies showed conflicting data concerning physiological parameters and biomarkers, while psychological well-being parameters were more consistent than physiological and biomarkers. The feeling of tension, anger, and fatigue significantly increased while a decrease in vigor was demonstrated among athletes who lost weight rapidly. The evidence on the impact of RWL on performance remains ambiguous. More studies under standardized conditions are needed in order to provide firm evidence. Considering the harmful effects of RWL outlined in the existing literature, it is important to determine and monitor athlete's minimal competitive weight to prioritize the health and safety of the athlete, emphasize fairness, and ultimately benefit the sport.

The effects of rapid weight loss on skeletal muscle in judo athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of rapid weight loss (RWL) methods over 3 days on muscle damage in judokas. METHODS: Eighteen judokas participated in this crossover study, meaning that judo athletes were subjected to exercise-only phase (4 days) and RWL phase (3 days). Subjects were tested for myoglobin, creatine kinase, aldolase, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values on seven consecutive days. These biomarkers served as indicators of acute muscle damage. RESULTS: During the exercise-only phase, no significant changes were observed. Myoglobin (Mb) (p < 0.001), creatine kinase (CK) (p < 0.001) and aldolase (ALD) (p < 0.001) significantly increased only during the RWL phase, as well as hemoglobin (Hb) (p < 0.001) and hematocrit (Hct) (p < 0.005) values. It was detected that peak values for muscle damage biomarkers were reached on the sixth day, while Hct and Hb values were the highest on the seventh day of the study. CONCLUSION: Our study showed significant muscle damage induced by RWL. The prevalence of RWL use by judokas is high but firm scientific evidence is lacking in the evaluation of the current practice of it. Therefore, further knowledge must be gained to evaluate the effectiveness of RWL on performance and its impact on judokas' wellbeing.

School-Based Intervention Programs for Preventing Obesity and Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness: A Systematic Review.

With the significant decrease in physical activity rates, the importance of intervention programs in the schools, where children spend a significant part of the day, has become indisputable. The purpose of this review is to systematically examine the possibility of school-based interventions on promoting physical activity and physical fitness as well as preventing obesity. A systematic approach adopting PRISMA statement was implemented in this study. Three different databases (2010-2019) were screened and primary and secondary school-based intervention programs measuring at least one variable of obesity, physical activity, or physical fitness were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the validated quality assessment tool for quantitative studies. Among 395 potentially related studies, 19 studies were found to meet the eligibility criteria. A general look at the studies examined reveals that among the outcomes, of which most (18/19) were examined, a significant improvement was provided in at least one of them. When the program details are examined, it can be said that the success rate of the physical activity-oriented programs is higher in all variables. School-based interventions can have important potential for obesity prevention and promotion of physical activity and fitness if they focus more on the content, quality, duration and priority of the physical activity.

Predicting the future of sports organizations / Previndo o futuro das organizações desportivas / Predecir el futuro de las organizaciones deportivas

The current crisis of sport in Serbia justifies its prediction of real potential future of sport organizations. Sample of respondents (N=277) was divided in two subsamples: 113 professional persons involved in the management of sports clubs ("experimental" sample) and 164 individuals ("control" sample). The results of structural analysis showed that experimental sample based its vision on the staff as a determinant of the system, which is providing creativity as a characteristic of the organizational culture of the club. Control subsample of respondents could indicate some characteristic variables to predict the future of clubs, but can't say a clear prediction system based on a long sequence of reasoning. We can conclude that the mentioned two sub-samples are differerent in terms of the ability to orient to predict the future of their clubs on the basis of assessment of the key variables that shape the future scenarios.

A crise atual do esporte na Sérvia justifica sua predição para um potencial real no futuro das organizações desportivas. Amostra de entrevistados foi dividida em duas sub-amostras: 113 pessoas profissionais envolvidos na gestão de clubes esportivos (amostra ˝experimental˝) e 164 indivíduos (amostra de ˝controle˝). O resultado de análise estrutural mostrou que a amostra experimental baseou sua visão no pessoal como um fator determinante do sistema, fornecendo a criatividade como uma característica da cultura organizacional do clube. Sub-amostra de controle dos entrevistados poderia indicar algumas características variáveis para predizer o futuro dos clubes, mas não posso dizer que um sistema de previsão é baseado numa longa seqüência de raciocínio. Podemos concluir que as mencionadas duas sub-amostras são diferentes em termos de capacidade de predizer o futuro de seus clubes na base de avaliação das variáveis principais que formam os futuros cenários.

La crisis actual en el deporte en Serbia, justifica la predicción del verdadero potencial de las organizaciones deportivas. La muestra de entrevistados (N=277) fue dividida en dos grupos: 113 profesionales que desarrollan su labor en clubes deportivos (grupo experimental) y 164 individuos (grupo control). Los resultados del análisis estructural mostraron que el grupo experimental basó su visión en el personal como un factor determinante para el sistema, que genera creatividad como una característica de la cultura organizativa del club. El grupo control de entrevistados, podrían indicar algunas variables específicas para predecir el futuro de los clubes, pero sin llegar a proporcionar sistemas claros de predicción basados en una secuencia larga de razonamiento. Podemos concluir que los dos grupos mencionados difieren en su habilidad para orientar las predicciones de futuro de sus clubes, basándose en la evaluación de las variables clave que dan forma a los escenarios futuros.

[Body composition and bone mineral density of prepubertal boys involved in different kinesiologic treatments].

INTRODUCTION: It is well known that physical activity has an anabolic effect on the bone tissue. But there is a lack of information about the effect of intensive physical activity in childhood, particularly at the prepubertal stage. The type, frequency, intensity, and duration of activity that best produce the desired increases in mass and strength of human bones have not yet been well determined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To examine the influence of different kinesiological treatments on body composition and bone mineral density we studied a group of prepubertal boys at the starting phase of their peak bone mass acquisition. 90 healthy prepubertal boys took part in this study. The sport group consisted of 28 swimmers (aged 10.80.8) and 32 soccer players (aged 10.70.5), who had been training their chosen high-level sport activity for at least 1 year (8-12 h per week for swimmers, 10-15 h per week for soccer players). 30 boys (aged 11.2 +/- 0.7) doing 1.5 h per week of physical activity in school served as a control group. Bone mineral density measurements of the left and right calcaneus were done by ultrasound densitometer "Sahara". The body composition was assessed by Body Fat Analyser "BES 200 Z". RESULTS: There were significant differences between soccer players and control group as regards fat mass and bone mineral density (p<.01). Besides, significant differences were determined between a group of swimmers and control group as regads fat mass (p<.03), while the differences in bone mineral density were not very obvious (p<.67).