Effects of 10 weeks of military training on neuromuscular function in non-overreached and overreached conscripts.

The purpose of the study was to examine how military training influences neuromuscular function in non-overreached and overreached conscripts. A total of 24 male conscripts participated in the study (8 weeks basic training + 2 weeks specialized training). All measurements were conducted during weeks 1, 5, 8 and 10. After the training period, non-overreached (NOR, n = 16) and overreached (OR, n = 8) groups were compared. Isometric maximal forces (bench press, elbow flexion and knee extension), single twitch (plantar flexors), H-reflex, M-wave (Hmax/Mmax) and V-wave (V/Mmax) (soleus) were measured. In knee extension, force production increased in NOR by 22.5 ±â€¯20.5% (p < 0.01) between weeks 1 and 8, which was not observed in OR (-1.1 ±â€¯18.2%, p > 0.05). In OR, plantarflexion twitch contraction time increased between weeks 5 and 10 by 82.2 ±â€¯34.4% (p < 0.01), which was not observed in NOR. No changes were observed in the H-reflex and V-wave responses in either of the groups. In conclusion, short term overreaching can also reduce the performance of the neuromuscular system, however, it seems to be more muscle than neural based. To avoid overreaching, more individualized periodization should be used during basic training. To enhance neuromuscular performance, maximal and explosive strength training should also be added into the basic training program.

[Quality control of laboratory services in primary health care in Finland]. / Kvalitetskontroll av laboratorietjänster inom primärvården i Finland.

Finland is the only Nordic country with a nationwide system of quality control of the activities of the clinical laboratories, which covers both specialized and primary medical care. Practical experience of this quality control is reported. In empirical terms the organization functions well and the level attained by the health centre laboratories matches that of those at the central hospitals. Thus tests performed on patients at the health centres need not be repeated in hospital by reason of inferior quality.