The Association of Sagittal Spinal Posture among Elementary School Pupils with Sex and Grade.

The objective of this research was to analyze and elucidate the sagittal spinal posture status in older elementary school children, considering their gender and grade differences. The study involved 484 school children (252 males and 232 females) from grades V to VIII, assessed for sagittal spinal posture using the Formetric 4D System. The analysis, employing the Chi-squared test of independence along with the Z-test, did not reveal significant grade-related differences (p < 0.52) in the incidence of normal sagittal alignment or diagnosed outliers. However, within grade levels, no significant difference was observed for male participants (p < 0.80), while a significant difference was identified for females (p < 0.01). Examining gender differences across grades, a disparity was noted only among seventh graders concerning normal spine alignment and outlier existence (p < 0.01), favoring male participants. Regardless of the grade, a significant gender difference emerged in the location of diagnosed outliers: kyphosis (M = 108 vs. F = 72), lordosis (M = 5 vs. F = 14), kypholordosis (M = 18 vs. F = 66), and flatback outlier of the lumbar spine (M = 27 vs. F = 11). These findings suggest potential adjustments to the curriculum and highlight the need to tailor physical education instruction based on this study's outcomes. Consequently, these results imply the importance of a differentiated approach in preventing sagittal plane outliers of the spine in adolescent children.

Proprioceptive training methods (PTM) in female soccer players - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies have reported that proprioceptive training methods (PTM) have positive effects, there is a relatively small number of studies regarding the impact of PTM in women's soccer. Therefore, there is a need to systematize the given results. In this regard, this systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of proprioceptive training methods in female soccer players. METHODS: The studies' search and analysis were done according to the PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were checked (Google Scholar, PubMed Cochrane and ProQuest), with additional publication time criteria (2000-2023) using the following keywords: proprioceptive, balance, neuromuscular, training, exercise, intervention, method, activity, female football players, female soccer players, woman soccer players. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis that meet all the criteria with the number of participants being 2.247. Based on the analysis of the previous research and detailed discussion, the main findings of the study resulted in the partial improvement of explosive strength (66%), strength (50%), muscle imbalance and flexibility (50%) and the prevention and reduction of lower extremity injuries in female soccer players (60%). Only one study reported no significant differences between groups, where rate of major injuries was higher in experimental group. CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicate the necessity to implement proprioceptive training in female soccer training programs, in order to influence the prevention and reduction of injuries and improve balance, proprioceptive ability and body control.

Cardiovascular Fitness in Normal Weight and Obese Children and Adolescents - A Systematic Review of Studies Published After 2000s / Condición Cardiovascular en Niños y Adolescentes con Peso Normal y Obesos: Una Revisión Sistemática de Estudios Publicados Después de la Década del 2000

SUMMARY: The primary aim was to gather available data published after the 2000s, on cardiovascular fitness in normal weight and obese children and adolescents. Based on the data, the secondary aims were to identify the most used outcomes and to determine the differences in cardiovascular fitness in the mentioned populations. Following PRISMA recommendations, multiple databases were searched: Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and Research Gate, with additional inclusion criteria: original study published in English, normal weight and obese children and adolescents as participant sample, studies that have assessed cardiovascular fitness parameters, and studies with participant's nutrition state. A total of 19 studies, with a total of 4,988 included participants (both obese and normal weight) were identified, with the most common participants have presented better results in terms of BMI, BF%, VO2max, VO2peak and METs, while the HR values are inconsistently presented. Despite deficiencies the study deficiency in the last two decades, there are differences in the mentioned populations. Further studies should focus on including the technology that reaches teens and families for overweight and obesity prevention and advancements in standard measurements for juvenile overweight and obesity, as well as for the creation, adaption, and validation of measuring instruments. As good framework for future directions, there is a need for more concise and unified measurements of cardiovascular fitness parameters in normally weight and obese children and adolescents.

El objetivo principal fue recopilar datos disponibles publicados después de la década del 2000 sobre la condición cardiovascular en niños y adolescentes con peso normal y obesos. En base a estos datos, los objetivos secundarios fueron identificar los resultados más utilizados y determinar las diferencias en la condición cardiovascular en las poblaciones mencionadas. Siguiendo las recomendaciones de PRISMA, se realizaron búsquedas en múltiples bases de datos: Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ProQuest y Research Gate, con criterios de inclusión adicionales: estudio original publicado en inglés, niños y adolescentes con peso normal y obesidad como muestra participante, estudios que hayan evaluado enfermedades cardiovasculares, parámetros de condición física y estudios con el estado nutricional de los participantes. Se identificaron un total de 19 estudios, con un total de 4.988 participantes incluidos (tanto obesos como con peso normal), siendo las variables más comunes: IMC, %BF, VO2máx, VO2pico, FC, PAD, PAS y MET. Generalmente, los participantes con peso normal han presentado mejores resultados en términos de IMC, %BF, VO2máx, VO2peak y MET, mientras que los valores de FC se presentan de manera inconsistente. Independientemente de la deficiencia de estudios en las últimas dos décadas, existen diferencias en las poblaciones mencionadas. Estudios futuros deberían centrarse en incluir tecnología que llegue a adolescentes y familias para la prevención del sobrepeso y la obesidad y avances en las mediciones estándar del sobrepeso y la obesidad juvenil, así como para la creación, adaptación y validación de instrumentos de medición. Como buen marco para direcciones futuras, se necesitan mediciones más concisas y unificadas de los parámetros de la condición cardiovascular en niños y adolescentes con peso normal y obesos.

Anthropometric Characteristics and Weight Status of Early Adolescents (Aged 12-14) in Montenegro; Urban-Rural and Regional Differences.

The aim of this study was to determine urban-rural and regional differences in anthropometric characteristics among adolescents aged 12-14, as well as to present the prevalence of weight status. A total of 534 adolescents aged 12-14 from primary schools across Montenegro participated in this cross-sectional study (283 boys, aged 13.52 ± 0.42, body height 169.43 ± 8.89, body weight 60.54 ± 13.47; 251 girls, aged 13.51 ± 0.40, body height 165.54 ± 6.67, body weight 55.28 ± 9.27). The sample was divided by geographic region in Montenegro into northern, central, and coastal regions, and according to settlement type into urban and rural inhabitants. Anthropometric characteristics were assessed using a battery of seven variables: arm span (AS); body height (BH); body weight (BW); waist circumference (WC); hip circumference (HC); body mass index (BMI); and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). BMI was categorized based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) cut-offs. The results indicate that girls from urban areas exhibited significantly greater body height and lower BMI values compared to their rural counterparts. Similarly, boys from urban areas also demonstrated lower BMI values compared to their rural peers. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in other anthropometric characteristics between these two groups of adolescents. Based on analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc analysis, it was found that girls from central areas had significantly greater body height compared to those from northern and coastal areas. Likewise, boys from northern areas showed higher body mass and BMI values compared to those from central areas. Additionally, both boys and girls from central areas had higher values compared to those from coastal areas. Nevertheless, no significant differences were detected in other anthropometric characteristics among adolescents from these regions. This study identified significant differences in anthropometric parameters among participants based on urban-rural status and within regional divisions. However, further research encompassing a larger sub-sample and a broader array of anthropometric variables is needed to draw a more comprehensive conclusion.

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Physical Performance in Female Team Sports: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information regarding adaptation of HIIT in female athletes which is important since the adaptation to HIIT may be different compared to male athletes. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize the effects of HIIT on physical performance in female team sports athletes. METHODS: The following databases Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ProQuest and Science Direct were searched prior to September 2nd, 2022. The inclusion criteria were longitudinal studies written in English, elite, sub-elite or college female team sports participants, and HIIT intensity had to be at 80-100% maximal heart rate. There were no exclusion criteria regarding the age of the participants or their training experience. The primary outcome measures were maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), repeated sprint ability (RSA), change of direction speed, speed, explosive strength and body composition. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 230 participants. HIIT improved VO2max in five studies (ES from 0.19 to 1.08), while three studies showed improvement in their RSA (ES from 0.32 to 0.64). In addition, change of direction speed was improved in five studies (ES from 0.34 to 0.88), while speed improved in four studies (ES from 0.12 to 0.88). Explosive strength results varied (ES from 0.39 to 1.05), while in terms of body composition, the results were inconsistent through observed team sports. CONCLUSION: HIIT has significant effects on VO2max, RSA, change of direction speed, speed and explosive strength in female team sports, regardless of the competition level.

The effects of preventive aerobics mix on body composition in healthy adult women.

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of a 12-week program of aerobics mix on the parameters of body composition in healthy adult women. The research has been performed in a sample of 64 women participants, and it is divided into two groups, an experimental group (E), made of 34 women participants (age 32 ± 1.8 years), and a control one (C), made of 30 women participants (age 33 ± 0.5 years). Their anthropometric and body composition were evaluated using the following respective parameters: body height, body weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass percentage, skinfold-back (KNL), skinfold-upper arm (KNN), skinfold-stomach (KNT), and skinfold-thigh (KNNK). After mix aerobics realization, among the women of the E group, there is a reduction of body mass by -2.5% and waist size by -3.39%, while muscle mass increased by 2.26%. With all skinfolds within the participants of the E group, there is a statistically important gained reduction of p < 0.05 at the final measuring, compared with the initial one (upper arm -21.10%, stomach -14.36%, back -20.58%, and upper leg -13.98%). The reduction of body mass percentage was -10.59%, and that of body mass index was -2.5%. Based on the gained results, it can be concluded that the mix program was efficient in the reduction of the subcutaneous fat tissue and visceral fat and also influential on the increase of muscle mass.

Relationship between Body Composition and Specific Motor Abilities According to Position in Elite Female Soccer Players.

Contemporary top-division soccer is characterized by high-intensity activity throughout the entire match, which also requires high levels of a wide range of the players' functional and motor abilities. Furthermore, motor and functional requirements vary in relation to the players' position on the pitch. In view of the above, the objective of this study was to determine any differences in body composition and specific motor abilities in relation to position. Twenty elite female soccer players (age: 20.90 ± 3.70 years; height: 166.95 ± 5.83 cm; weight: 58.97 ± 7.50 kg; training experience: 9.50 ± 4.11 years) were recruited for the purpose of this study. Based on their position within the team, the players were divided into three groups: defenders (N-7), midfielders (N-6), and forwards (N-7). The instruments used included the InBody770 (for body composition assessment), Optojump and Polar for the assessment of specific motor abilities. The results obtained indicate a strong link between the parameters body composition and specific motor abilities; however, the level of significance varies, as do the variables concerning specific motor abilities and body composition in relation to the players' position on the pitch. In accordance with these results, coaches and others working in the soccer industry should be apprised of the necessity of a tailored approach when it comes to planning the development of specific motor abilities, as well of with the importance of balanced body composition as prerequisites for achieving top results.

Change of Direction Deficit: A Promising Method to Measure a Change of Direction Ability in Adolescent Basketball Players.

The aims of this study were to determine the relationship between vertical jumping performance, linear speed, change of direction speed (CODs) time and the COD deficit (CODD) in adolescent basketball players and to analyze the CODD between faster and slower players based on linear speed performance. Thirty-eight male basketball players (age: 15.47 ± 0.51 years; body height: 185.19 ± 5.67 cm; body mass: 71.87 ± 7.29 kg) completed countermovement jumps (CMJ) with and without an arm swing, squat jumps (SJs), linear sprints at 20 m with split times at 5 and 10 m, the pro-agility test and the zig-zag tests. Furthermore, the CODD was calculated as the difference between the 20 m linear speed result and CODs time in both COD tests. Pearson and Spearman analyses were used to determine the correlations between power-speed-related variables and the CODD. Moreover, independent t-tests and Cohen's d effect size (ES) were used to analyze the differences between the faster and slower players in the CODD. Moderate to strong significant negative correlations were observed between the CODD in the pro-agility test and linear speed at 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m (r = -0.55 to -0.46), while moderate negative significant correlation was found between the zig-zag CODD and SJs (r = -0.37) as well as small positive significant correlation between the CODD in the zig-zag test and the eccentric utilization ratio (EUR) (r = 0.23). Additionally, faster basketball players displayed significantly higher CODD values performing the pro-agility test. In summary, these findings underline the complexity of COD performance and the importance of remodeling traditional training programs in basketball players.

Exercise-Based Interventions in Middle-Aged and Older Adults after Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review.

This study summarized the relevant literature and aimed to determine the effect of exercise-based interventions after myocardial infarction in middle-aged and older adults. Studies were identified and analyzed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The following electronic databases were used: Google Scholar, PubMed, Mendeley, Science Direct, and Scopus. The identified studies had to be longitudinal, be published in English, have taken place between 2010 and 2020, involve participants who had suffered myocardial infarction, and address different types of exercise-based interventions to be included. Of the 592 relevant studies identified, 20 were included in the qualitative analysis. After analyzing the results obtained, it could be concluded that different types of exercise-based interventions or their combination have a positive effect after myocardial infarction in middle-aged and elderly adults. It can also be suggested that the combination of a cycle ergometer and a treadmill may be the most effective exercise-based intervention. An adequate choice of intensity and volume is crucial, with the optimal duration of the experimental program and the type(s) of exercises adapted to participants after myocardial infarction.

Test of Motor Proficiency Second Edition (BOT-2) Short Form: A Systematic Review of Studies Conducted in Healthy Children.

Motor skill competence of children is one of the important predictors of health because if a child is physically active during early childhood, the possibility of occurrence of many chronic diseases in adulthood will be reduced. The aim of this study was to systematically review the studies conducted in healthy children using the shorter form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky (BOT-2) and to determine the applicability in cross-sectional studies and pre-post designs. The search and analysis of the studies were done in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic databases search (Google Scholar, PubMed, Mendeley, Science Direct, and Scopus) yielded 250 relevant studies conducted from 2011 to 2020. A total of 21 studies were included in quantitative synthesis, with a total of 3893 participants, both male and female. Through this study, the BOT-2 test proved its broad applicability, so it can be concluded that this test can be used to improve motor proficiency in a healthy population of children. Hence, it is necessary to invest a lot of time during the implementation of various programs so that children would adequately develop their basic motor skills so they broaden their own repertoire of movements.

Speed, Change of Direction Speed and Reactive Agility in Adolescent Soccer Players: Age Related Differences.

There are a plethora of studies investigating agility in soccer; however, studies have rarely presented the reaction time in differentiating age groups in adolescent soccer players. We investigated age differences in reactive agility, speed, and change of direction speed (CODs), in a group of highly trained adolescent soccer players. A total of 75 adolescent male soccer players (aged 14-19 years) were recruited. The players were grouped based on their age to under 15 (U15; n = 27), under 17 (U17; n = 25), and under 19 (U19; n = 23) players. Players were tested for 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m sprint, CODs speed test, Illinois test, and reactive agility test (total and reaction time). Only the reactive agility test with a live tester (RAT live) and RAT live reaction time (RAT live RT) distinguished U19 from both groups, U17 (RAT live, p < 0.01; RAT RT live, p < 0.01) and U15 (RAT live, p < 0.01; RAT RT live, p < 0.01). Groups did not have different times for 5 m sprint, RAT light and RAT RT light, F = 0.472, 2.691, 1.023, respectively, p > 0.05. Moreover, a significantly slower average performance of sprint 20, CODs left and right, and Illinois was also observed in U15 as compared to U17 and U19 (p < 0.05). We can conclude that results in agility tests that include live testers can be a significant factor that differentiates between adolescent soccer players considering their age.

Physical Activity and Physical Fitness among University Students-A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the scientific evidence regarding physical activity and physical fitness among university students. The search and analysis of the studies were done in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic databases search (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus) yielded 11,839 studies. Subsequently, the identified studies had to be published in English between 2011 and 2021, the experimental study had to have included males and females attending a faculty, and the participants had to have been evaluated for physical activity and fitness. A total of 21 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, with a total of 7306 participants, both male and female. After analyzing the obtained results, it could be concluded that university students show a satisfactory level of physical activity and physical fitness. However, the results vary due to different factors involved, mostly related to the cultural differences and educational systems in different countries. As this study observes mediocre results of physical activity and physical fitness among university students, it is crucial to get their attention and awareness, to at least maintain a satisfactory level of physical activity and physical fitness.