Somatotype Profiles of Montenegrin Karatekas: An Observational Study.

Competitive karate activity involves numerous factors affecting performance in sport. Physical structure and somatotype is considered to be one of them. This study aimed to determine whether there are differences between karate athletes in five male and five female official weight categories in different anthropometric measurements and to determine the somatotype profiles of athletes divided by weight categories. This study consisted of a total of 27 male karate athletes (21.88 ± 4.66 years) and 24 female karate athletes (20.29 ± 3.14 years). Measurements were taken in April 2020. Athletes are classified into official weight categories according to World Karate Federation rules. Somatotypes were calculated using anthropometry. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis to compare group differences regarding weight categories. Anthropometric parameters were highest in the heaviest categories compared to lighter categories. All male subjects were endomorphic mesomorph, except for category <84 kg, which was endomorphic ectomorphs. Somatotype analysis of male categories found a difference between the <75 kg and <84 kg in endomorphy. In mesomorphy, there is no difference between categories. Perceiving ectomorphy, there is a significant difference between the first category and the >84 kg. Profiling female athletes, three different types of somatotypes were obtained concerning the weight category. The lightest weight category was predominantly endomorphic ectomorphs, and two weight categories were ectomorphic endomorphs (<61 kg and <68 kg), and the other two weight categories were endomorphic mesomorphs (<55 kg and >68 kg). Somatotype differences in the female karate athletes were observed only in the ectomorphy components, between <50 kg and <61 kg. The present study points to how the somatotypes profiles of karate athletes differ between weight categories.

Isokinetic Profile of Elite Serbian Female Judoists.

Elite judo athletes undergo vigorous training to achieve outstanding results. In pursuit of achieving competitive success, the occurrence of injuries amongst judo athletes is not rare. The study aimed to perform a knee flexors and extensors isokinetic torque analysis in elite female judo athletes. Fifty-eight elite female judo athletes of the Serbian national team (21.02 ± 3.11 years; 62.36 ± 11.91 kg, 165.04 ± 10.24 cm, training experience 12.72 ± 2.98 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The range of motion (ROM) was set at 90°. Testing was performed in a concentric-concentric mode for the testing speed of 60 °/s. Five maximal voluntary contractions of knee extensors and knee flexors muscle groups were measured for both legs. The obtained data showed a statistically significant difference in absolute torque values among different categories as heavier athletes demonstrated higher values. Post hoc analysis showed a significant difference between weight categories, as heavier athletes demonstrated higher values, while no significant differences in normalized torque values for different weight categories were observed. The implementation of new elements and training modalities may improve performance and prevent lateral asymmetry, thus reducing the risk of injury.

Somatotype profiles of male and female Montenegrin judokas / Perfiles somatotípicos de judokas montenegrinos masculinos y femeninos

SUMMARY: The objective of this research was to establish the anthropometric characteristics and somatotype profiles of Montenegrin male and female judokas, divided by weight categories. The sample was composed of 170 Montenegrin judokas, 92 male judo athletes (21.8 ± 3.9 years) and 78 female judo athletes (20.5 ± 3.1 years). All athletes were of national level, divided by official weight categories. This study provides normative data of anthropometric and somatotype profiles in relation to gender and weight categories of Montenegrin judo athletes. The anthropometric profiles changed according to weight category, whereas, anthropometric parameters were highest in the heaviest category as compared to other weight categories. In the domain of male somatotype profiles, three different types of somatotype in relation to weight category were obtained. The three weight categories were endomorphic mesomorphs (-90 kg, -100 kg, >100 kg), ectomorphic mesomorphs (-60 kg, -73 kg, -81 kg) and judo athletes of -66 kg were mesomorphic ectomorphs. All the female athletes were endomorphic mesomorphs, except for category 52. Representatives from the -52 kg were mesomorphic endomorphs. This study highlights how somatotype profiles of national judo athletes differ between weight categories. It is likely that some changes could be used in applying proper training methods with a focus on the athletes' physical abilities, which could result in a decrease in somatotype diversity among weight categories.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de esta investigación fue establecer las características antropométricas y los perfiles somatotípicos de judokas Montenegrinos de ambos sexos, divididos por categorías de peso. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 170 judokas montenegrinos, 92 hombres (21,8 ± 3,9 años) y 78 mujeres (20,5 ± 3,1 años). Todos los atletas eran de nivel nacional, divididos por categorías de peso oficiales. Este estudio proporcionó datos normativos de perfiles antropométricos y somatotipos en relación con las categorías de sexo y peso de los atletas de judo Montenegrinos. Los perfiles antropométricos cambiaron según la categoría de peso, mientras que los parámetros antropométricos fueron más altos en la categoría más pesadas en comparación con otras categorías. En el dominio de los perfiles de somatotipo masculino, se obtuvieron tres tipos diferentes en relación con la categoría de peso. Las tres categorías fueron mesomorfos endomórficos (-90 kg, -100 kg, > 100 kg), mesomorfos ectomórficos (-60 kg, -73 kg, -81 kg) y ectomorfos mesomórficos (-66 kg). Todas las atletas femeninas fueron mesomorfas endomórficas, excepto la categoría 52. Los representantes de los -52 kg eran endomorfos mesomórficos. Este estudio destaca cómo los perfiles de somatotipo de los atletas nacionales de judo difieren entre las categorías de peso. Es probable que puedan aplicarse algunos cambios en los métodos de entrenamiento, con un enfoque en las habilidades físicas de los atletas, lo que podría resultar en una disminución en la diversidad de somatotipos entre las categorías de peso.

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.

[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.

Breast volume estimation from systematic series of CT scans using the Cavalieri principle and 3D reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative breast volume estimation is very important for the success of the breast surgery. In the present study, two different breast volume determination methods, Cavalieri principle and 3D reconstruction were compared. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive sections were taken in slice thickness of 5 mm. Every 2nd breast section in a set of consecutive sections was selected. We marked breast tissue with blue line on each selected section, and so prepared CT scans used for breast volume estimation. The volumes of the 60 breasts were estimated using the Cavalieri principle and 3D reconstruction. RESULTS: The mean breast volume value was established to be 467.79 ± 188.90 cm(3) with Cavalieri method and 465.91 ± 191.41 cm(3) with 3D reconstruction. The mean CE for the estimates in this study was calculated as 0.25%. Skin-sparing volume was about 91.64% of the whole breast volume. Both methods are very accurate and have a strong linear association. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the calculation of breast volume or its part in vivo from systematic series of CT scans using the Cavalieri principle or 3D breast reconstruction is accurate enough to have a significant clinical benefit in planning reconstructive breast surgery. These methods can help the surgeon guide the choice of the most appropriate implant or/and flap preoperatively.

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.

Short-term isokinetic training versus isotonic training: effects on asymmetry in strength of thigh muscles.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two training protocols on the isokinetic performance of athletes. The study was conducted in 38 athletes, (age 23.3 ± 3.6 years) participating in national level leagues of different sports, whose initial concentric hamstrings-to-quadriceps (conH/Q) torque ratio was lower than 0.5. During seasonal testing, an isokinetic measurement of knee extensors and flexors was performed at 60°/s. The athletes were divided into two groups. Nineteen athletes performed the isokinetic training protocol (IT) while the second group of 19 athletes followed the isotonic training protocol (RT). Both protocols lasted 4 weeks. After completing the training protocols, both groups underwent a final isokinetic testing. The isokinetic data revealed significant increases after training in measures of peak torque in both extensor and flexor muscle groups, in both the IT and RT study groups (p < 0.05). There were significant increases (p< 0.05) in conH/Q ratio in both groups after the implemented protocols, but greater in IT group. Consequently, applied IT protocol induced changes in working muscles, thereby restoring detected asymmetry to an acceptable balance more efficiently compared to RT protocol.

Heterotopic ossification following surgical treatment of avulsion fracture of the anterior inferior iliac spine.

Avulsion fractures of the anterior inferior iliac spine are rare injuries of the pelvic ring and occur during sports activities. Hereby is presented a case of a 22-year-old professional football player who was diagnosed to have an avulsion fracture of the anterior inferior iliac spine on the right side four months after the initial injury and he was treated surgically with the excision of the avulsed fragment. The football player recovered completely and returned to his usual sports activities. Two years later, due to the pain in the hip an x-ray and MR image were made, which established the existence of crescent formation, a heterotopic bone, in the area of the anterior inferior iliac spine, which was surgically removed. Physical and medical therapy was conducted and after four months, the professional athlete was back playing football. Two years after the surgical excision of heterotopic ossification, the patient was completely asymptomatic with the same ROM without any thigh muscle hypotrophy, although isokinetic muscle testing did show some weakness of the thigh extensor muscles. An x-ray did not show any signs of heterotopic ossification.

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.

[Application of modified Wingate anaerobic test in maximal power measurement].

INTRODUCTION: Wingate anaerobic test is an all-out test, which gives information about maximal anaerobic power. The aim of the study was to show characteristics of standard and modified versions of Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), and to determine and explain the differences in observed parameters due to the measurement protocol applied. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The testing was conducted on 30 male non sportsmen, who performed usual everyday activities. The following parameters were measured: peak power or anaerobic power, mean power as a mean value of power during the whole test and explosive power or acceleration. Modified versions were performed with 5 s or 10 s delay of maximal cycling activity, during which the person was slowly pedaling. RESULTS: The average values of parameters Peak power and Explosive power in our participants were 622.20 +/- 134.57 W and 89.26 +/- 28.57 W/s, respectively. In modification 1 Peak Power and Explosive Power were 680.25 +/- 133.43 W and 100.60 +/- 12.77 W/s, and in modification 2 they were 685.95 +/- 135.68 W and 100.30 +/- 10.09 W/s. Significant differences were found in both parameters between the standard and modified versions, but there was no significant difference between two modified versions. The mean power parameter was not considered in the discussion, because of the fact that modified versions were shortened, and it was not a valid measurement for this parameter. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The difference between standard and modified versions can be explained by the difference between test and retest probes, and also because of modification of protocol which can partially influence the results of testing.

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.

Motivation and motoric tests in sports.

Motivation in sport performance has been an interesting topic for many investigators during the past decade. This area can be considered from different viewpoints: motivation for participation in sport activity, achievement motivation, competitiveness etc. Motivation plays an important role in all out tests, as well as in sport activities and at all levels of competition. Motivation climate, or positive social environment may influence and modulate motivation of individuals involved in sports. Experience has shown that conventional encouragement and feedback during the test may affect its outcome. According to Wingate research team recommendations, verbal encouragement, as a motivation factor, was given to all examined subjects during Wingate anaerobic test, which is considered the most reliable test for assessing anaerobic capacity. The investigated group consisted of 30 young men--medical students, who were not actively involved in any programmed sport activity. The investigated group included second-year students of the Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad chosen by random sampling. The Wingate anaerobic test was performed in all subjects, and changes of parameters when test was performed with verbal encouragement, were recorded The results show statistically significant increase of Wingate test parameters when conducted with verbal encouragement: anaerobic power (622/669 W); relative anaerobic power (7.70/8.27 W/kg); slope of the power (95.5/114 W/s); relative slope of the power (1.18/1.40 W/s/kg); anaerobic capacity (12.7/13.2 kJ) and relative anaerobic capacity (158/164 J/kg).

[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.

[Emotional stress as an illness-related factor]. / Emocionalni stres kao faktor obolevanja.

INTRODUCTION: Emotions represent reactions of living organisms to changes of one's inner sphere, as well as to different factors from our surroundings. Emotions manifest in many ways. Failing to fulfill one's needs on chronic or acute basis leads to conflict situations. These needs may be either biological or social. Conflict situations occur prior to stress itself. EMOTIONAL STRESS: Modern technology development provides no friendly environment for workers, with many consequences causing psychosomatic disorders. Researches have been made to evaluate the amount of inflicted stress on patients. One of successful theories regarding this question is the theory of functional systems. The idea was to quantify processes of everyday living. PROPHYLAXIS AND REHABILITATION OF PERSONS EXPOSED TO EMOTIONAL STRESS: The primary goal was to measure one's adaptation abilities. In order to follow up these parameters a machine was created. This appliance can determine the level of stress, by measuring certain physiological parameters. That is way scientists may apply preventive measures in order to increase stress resistance. CONCLUSION: We differ hereditary and individual resistance to stress factors. That is why it is necessary to assess each patient individually. This type of individual approach offers an opportunity to create a specific program, in order to increase stress resistance.