bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Sahel drought in the 20th and 21st centuries
Authors: Held I. M. , Delworth T. L. , Lu J. , Findell K. L. , Knutson T. R.
Published: December 2005

The Sahel, the transition zone between the Saharan desert and the rainforests of Central Africa and the Guinean Coast, experienced a severe drying trend from the 1950s to the 1980s, from which there has been partial recovery. Continuation of either the drying trend or the more recent ameliorating trend would have far-ranging implications for the economy and ecology of the region. Coupled atmosphere/ocean climate models being used to simulate the future climate have had difficulty simulating Sahel rainfall variations comparable to those observed, thus calling into question their ability to predict future climate change in this region. We describe simulations using a new global climate model that capture several aspects of the 20th century rainfall record in the Sahel. An ensemble mean over eight realizations shows a drying trend in the second half of the century of nearly half of the observed amplitude. Individual realizations can be found that display striking similarity to the observed time series and drying pattern, consistent with the hypothesis that the observations are a superposition of an externally forced trend and internal variability. The drying trend in the ensemble mean of the model simulations is attributable to anthropogenic forcing, partly to an increase in aerosol loading and partly to an increase in greenhouse gases. The model projects a drier Sahel in the future, due primarily to increasing greenhouse gases.
In vivo behavior of vastus lateralis muscle during dynamic performances
Authors: Finni Taija , Ikegaw Shigeki , Lepola Vesa , Komi Paavo
Published: December 2005

Length changes in vastus lateralis fascicles were measured in vivo using ultrasonography during one‐legged squat jumps (SJ), counter movement jumps (CMJ), and drop jumps (DJ) in the sledge apparatus (n = 9). Patellar tendon forces were recorded simultaneously with an optic fiber technique from 4 subjects. Fascicle length changes were compared with muscletendon unit length changes calculated from kinematic recordings. In general, the tendomuscular and fascicle length changes demonstrated similar patterns. During SJ the fascicles showed shortening throughout the action while during CMJ and DJ they underwent stretch‐shortening cycle. In DJ greater muscular activity in braking phase.
Skeletal muscle, physical activity, and health
Authors: Saltin Bengt , Helge Jørn
Published: December 2005

The skeletal muscle metabolic capacity plays a significant role for insulin sensitivity and the blood lipid profile. The metabolic capacity of the muscle is a function of the individual's physical activity level. This is also true for the content of type IIx muscle fibers, which is reduced, and the number of capillaries, which is elevated with muscle usage. Several of these skeletal muscle features are risk factors for, or linked with life style‐induced diseases, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipaemia, and obesity. This central role of the skeletal muscle and its functional metabolic capacity for life style diseases highlights the importance of maintaining daily physical activity. This article focuses on the link between the metabolic capacity of skeletal muscle and the metabolic syndrome and briefly discusses possible metabolic explanations for this relationship. The important aspect is that when the capacity of lipid oxidation is high in skeletal muscle, more saturated fatty acids are oxidized and more unsaturated fatty acids are built into the phospholipid fraction of the plasma membrane, giving it more fluidity and improved insulin sensitivity. Moreover, the article points to the role of these fatty acids in activating genes via the PPAR‐receptor system essential for enzyme and transport proteins in the lipid metabolism.
Biomechanics in ski jumping: A review
Authors: Schwameder Hermann , Müller Erich
Published: December 2005

{PRIVATE}Biomechanical research in ski jumping has a long tradition and is determined by the work of a few important research groups. Biomechanical studies proceed nearly exclusively within three large areas (a) field studies of hill jumps, (b) laboratory studies of simulation jumps, and (c) computer simulation of the flight phase. The two main purposes of field studies of hill jumps are the description of motion and the determination of parameters relating to performance. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic methods as well as computer simulation of the flight phase are used to answer these questions. Simulation jumps, primarily employed in technique‐specific training, are also used for performance diagnostics. The different boundary conditions between hill and simulation jumps, however, have to be considered. The majority of computer simulations presented in the literature pursue the purpose of determining the dependence of jump distance on flight position or, respectively, on the transition from take‐off to flight. Biomechanics assume an important position in the context of research of ski jumping. Further investigations should deal with questions of performance, technique‐specific training, material and equipment, hill profiles, loading on the musculo‐skeletal system, and prevention of injuries.
Effects of sport club activities on adolescent development in Germany
Authors: Brettschneider Wolf‐dietrich
Published: December 2005

In promotional campaigns, German sport clubs promise to protect adolescents against drugs and addiction, to strengthen social networks, to increase self‐confidence, and to reduce violence and hostility. Such rhetoric is partially supported by conclusions from cross‐sectional studies, where correlation findings have occasionally been misinterpreted as cause‐and‐effect relationships. To empirically examine a possible causal relationship between adolescent activity in sport clubs and improvements in motor ability and psychosocial health, we conducted a longitudinal study with 500 adolescents (ages 12 to 18) in three cohorts. Study methods included validated survey instruments, motor tests, and focused interviews, applied over the course of three school years. Results do not show a systematic and universal effect of club membership on adolescent development. Even though adolescents in clubs attain higher beginning performances in speed, strength, endurance and coordination abilities and show more positive results in their self‐concept and psycho‐social health when compared to their non‐member peers and with exceptions succeed in maintaining these performance advantages, our data indicate a self‐selection rather than a sport club effect. It is possible that results of greater differentiation and deeper insights could be attained, if future research were to investigate the impact of sports by disciplines, design studies of longer duration, and utilise more elaborate statistical procedures.
PerPot: A metamodel for simulation of load performance interaction
Authors: Perl Jürgen
Published: December 2005

A metamodel is introduced, which on one hand can help to understand particular effects and phenomena in the interaction of load and performance in training processes. On the other hand, it can be used as a starting point for refinements to specific adaptation models. Finally, a software tool has been developed that supports different simulation approaches—for example, basic analysis of model parameter influences, diagnosis of the state of real adaptation systems, optimization of given load performance interactions, and planning optimal training schedules.
Activation and torque deficits in ACL‐reconstructed patients 4 months post‐operative
Authors: Nicol Caroline , Gouby Nicolas , Coudreuse Jean‐marie , Flin Christian , Viton Jean‐michel , Delarque Alain , Brunet Christian , Komi Paavo
Published: December 2005

This study compares knee extension and flexion torques and electromyographic (EMG) activity of normal and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)‐reconstructed knees during maximal unilateral isometric and isokinetic tests performed 4–5 months after ACL reconstruction. The subjects consisted of 3 age‐ and activity‐matched groups of 6 subjects: a healthy control group (Ctrl) and 2 groups of patients, with Kenneth‐Jones technique using autologous patellar‐ligament graft (KJ group) and autologous graft from the semitendinosus tendon (ST group). When compared to the Ctrl group values, each patient group had significant bilateral extension torque deficits in isometric and at slow velocity concentric conditions. In the Op leg, this deficit was associated with lower quadriceps EMG activation. In all tests, bilateral hamstring co‐activation level was lower in the patient groups. Flexion torque deficits were observed in the Op leg of both patient groups and in the Nop leg of the KJ group, with minor differences in either hamstring EMG activation or quadriceps co‐activation. The inter‐leg difference in extension and flexion torques were significant for both patient groups, but only in the isometric strength test, and with no difference in activation. These data demonstrate bilateral knee extension and flexion torque deficits a few months after ACL reconstruction. The observed deficit in quadriceps activation emphasizes the interest to perform combined EMG and strength testings quite early during the rehabilitation period.
The Registry of Italian Twin Athletes (RITA): Background, design, and procedures,and twin data analysis on sport participation—An application to twin swimmers
Authors: Parisi Paolo , Casini Benedetta , Di Salvo Valter , Pigozzi Fabio , Pittaluga Monica , Prinzi Giovanna , Klissouras Vassilis
Published: December 2005

Aiming to contribute to a better understanding of the nature and characteristics of sport participation and of the factors underlying human performance and adaptation to physical exercise, this study involved (a) the establishment of a specialized twin registry, (b) a questionnaire study, and (c) testing sessions of top level athletes. The general design and procedures of the project are described. A Registry of Italian Twin Athletes (RITA) was developed through a collaborative effort involving 25 sports federations of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). Out of a total of over 1,500,000 registered athletes, some 5,000 pairs of twins practicing sports such as track and field, swimming, tennis, fencing, and cycling, were tentatively identified. A basic questionnaire was devised to address general aspects as well as specific items related to the respondent's respective discipline, and a specific questionnaire was developed for each sport. As a basis for future studies, an application was conducted on the twins registered with the Swimming Federation. The data collected from the completed questionnaires of about 200 twin swimmers indicated a strong zygosity and sex effect on sport selection, with higher prevalence values for identical pairs and for males. The twins appeared to be taller than their counterparts in the general population, as appears to be true for swimmers in general. Both for anthropometry and basic swimming performance analysis, no zygosity effects were found, individual differences being presumably minimized by basic athletic selection factors. For possible genetic effects to be detected, specific and direct testing sessions on high‐level performers should be undertaken.
The effects of training on fatigue and twitch potentiationin human skeletal muscle
Authors: Rassier Dilson , Herzog Walter
Published: December 2005

Twitch postactivation potentiation (PAP) in skeletal muscle is a well recognized and accepted phenomenon. However, the mechanisms responsible for potentiation are not understood in detail, and the possible role of potentiation in normal human movement has remained unclear. It is known that potentiation is increased in fatigued compared to rested muscle. We hypothesized that if fatigue and potentiation were directly linked, a training program should increase PAP and reduce fatigue in parallel. Six subjects underwent a muscle stimulation protocol in which twitch contractions were elicited in the knee extensor muscles before and after a 10‐s maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) to detect the degree of PAP. This was done before and after subjects underwent a protocol designated to induce low‐frequency fatigue (knee extensions at 180 · s −1, organized in three repetitions of 60‐s bouts, separated by 3 min). This whole protocol was done before and after a 4‐week period of isokinetic training, consisting of two sets (5‐min interval) of 10 single MVCs (10‐s intervals), at 90° · s −1. In non‐fatigued muscles, PAP was greater after training (51.2 ± 4.8%) than before training (44.4 ± 2.4%). In fatigued muscles, PAP was similar before and after training (59.9 ± 2.8% and 60.2 ± 2.6%, respectively). Low‐frequency fatigue was observed before training, as twitch force decreased to 66.8 ± 3.1% of the pre‐fatigue value. After the training period, low‐frequency fatigue was attenuated, as force decreased only to 81.8 ± 2.6% of the pre‐fatigue value. Therefore, it appears that training decreases low‐frequency fatigue and increases PAP. Therefore, the hypothesis that potentiation is partially linked to fatigue in voluntary contracting human skeletal muscles was confirmed.
Cardiovascular response during low‐intensity step‐aerobic dance in middle‐aged subjects
Authors: Forte Roberta , De Vito Giuseppe , Murphy Niamh , Boreham Colin
Published: December 2005

This study examined the cardiovascular response to low‐impact step‐aerobic dance in older subjects and the appropriateness of low‐intensity step‐aerobic exercise for cardiorespiratory fitness improvement in this age group. For this purpose, 6 women and 4 men, aged 57.3±5.8 and 60.7±3.1 (mean±SD) years, respectively, were recruited. Oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2), pulmonary ventilation ([Vdot]E), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate were measured directly on each subject during a submaximal treadmill test (85% of age predicted maximal HR) and step‐aerobic classes. [Vdot]O2max was predicted by extrapolation using the HR and [Vdot]O2 values measured in the submaximal treadmill test. Results showed no significant differences between women and men on any of the variables with the exception of body fat and stature (p<.05). BMI (kg · m2)and body fat (%) values were 27.2±3.8, 25.8±1.9, and 33.4±5, 19.2±4.1 in females and males, respectively. [Vdot]O2max for the group was 34.1±5.3 · kg −1 · min −1. Mean [Vdot]O2 and HR during the aerobic phase of the step class were 20.7±3 ml · kg −1 · min −1 (61±7.5% of [Vdot]O2max) and 131±11 beats · min −1 (81±6.2% of HRmax) and mean blood lactate values at the end of the same phase were 2.14±0.7 mMol · L−1. Results showed that the intensity of the examined exercise was within the recommended ranges for cardiorespiratory fitness improvement of 55–90% of HRmax or 50–85% of [Vdot]O 2max(1).
Motivational climate and attitudes towards exercise in Greek senior high school: A year‐long intervention
Authors: Christodoulidis Triantafylos , Papaioannou Athanasios , Digelidis Nikolaos
Published: December 2005

The purpose of this study was the application of a year‐long intervention program, in typical Greek physical education school classes, which aimed to change motivational climate, goal orientations, motivation, and students' attitudes toward exercise and nutrition. Participants in the intervention program included 105 Grade‐10 students, and 529 students of the same age took part as a control grou|pImmediately after the intervention, students in the experimental group compared to the control group: (a) had more positive attitudes toward exercise, participation in sports, and eating fruit; (b) perceived the motivational climate of the class as more task involving and less ego involving; and (c) spent more time exercising per session. The small significant effects that disappeared 10 months after the intervention imply that further theory development and interventions are needed.
Paralysis by analysis? A functional framework for the effects of attentional focus on the control of motor skills
Authors: Ehrlenspiel Felix
Published: December 2005

Recent experimental evidence suggests that to effectively learn a motor skill, athletes should not focus on their movement. While this finding contests commonly held beliefs, it also lacks a theoretical basis. It can be shown that classic cognitive theories of motor control or of attention do not provide for such a basis. Therefore, based on functional approaches, where the function of attention is the selection‐for‐action of stimuli, and movements are controlled by their anticipated effects, an integrative framework is proposed. Here, movements can be governed by either “nodal point”, a strategy in which internal or external effects within a movement are attended to, or external control by the final effect in the environment. Experimental findings in support of this framework are mentioned, and implications are discussed.
Fatmax : A new concept to optimize fat oxidation during exercise?
Authors: Jeukendrup Asker , Achten Juul
Published: December 2005

It has been recognized that facilitation of fat metabolism is important for both performance and the health‐related aspects of exercise. Although several studies have described the relationship between exercise intensity and fat oxidation, few studies have studied this relationship over a wide range of intensities. In absolute terms, carbohydrate oxidation will increase proportionally with exercise intensity, whereas the rate of fat oxidation will initially increase but will decrease again at high exercise intensities. Here we have defined the exercise intensity at which maximal fat oxidation is observed as Fatmax. This exercise intensity may have importance for weight loss programs, healthrelated exercise programs, and endurance training. Future research should focus on developing an exercise test with which Fatmax can be accurately determined. Further research should investigate the efficacy of training at Fatmax in a variety of conditions.
Classifying children for sports participation based upon anthropometric measurement
Authors: Anderson Gregory , Ward Richard
Published: December 2005

Purpose: This study proposes a classification system for youth sports that is maturation‐based, using the anthropometric prediction of vertical jump impulse potential. Methods: Impulse was calculated for children between 8.0 and 17.9 years of age from vertical jump height [I = m × (2 gh)0.5] in a truncated version of the Coquitlam Growth Study database. A series of stepwise regressions was performed for each gender, predicting impulse scores from 32 anthropometric variables, height, body mass, and chronological age. Results: Equations were developed that accounted for differences in muscle tissue development while utilizing variables easily measured in both males and females, including age, and measures of height, forearm girth, and calf girth. Conclusion: Using restricted ranges of impulse scores, males and females can be classed into appropriate groups for competition and sport, competing together through the age of 13. Beyond the age of 14, females have a similar capacity to generate impulse and could compete in one group, while restricted impulse categories would be useful for males until the age of 18 years.
An approach to sport injury trait anxiety: Scale construction and structure analysis
Authors: Kleinert Jens
Published: December 2005

We examined the structure of sport injury trait anxiety and its relationships to sociodemographic and personality variables. Based on the discussion of anxiety concepts, sport injury trait anxiety is defined as a widely indefinite concern or worry to sustain an injury in different sport situations. Furthermore, referring to the stress‐injury model, I assume interdependencies between injury anxiety on the one hand and general anxiety, injury history, and physical self‐concept on the other hand. Based on this theoretical background, a 22‐item scale was constructed, by which a person's concern or worry to sustain an injury in different sport situations could be specified. One hundred and fifty‐four male and 107 female sport students were questioned by means of this Sport Injury Trait Anxiety Scale (SITAS). An exploratory factor analysis led to three dimensions of situations that cause injury anxiety: situations with low competency, situations with high importance, and situations with loss of control. Analyses of correlation merely showed low relationships of these three dimensions to general trait anxiety (STAI) and scales of physical self‐concept. The results underline the necessity of sport‐ and injury‐specific anxiety scales to examine the sport injury process.
Exercise in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Peters Christiane , Schulz Thorsten , Michna Horst
Published: December 2005

An increasing number of epidemiological studies deal with the influence of physical activity in occupation or leisure time on cancer risk. Most of them portend to the fact that physical activity can decrease the risk of developing several types of cancer. In contrast, only a few studies focus on exercise training intervention studies to investigate the effect of physical activity during cancer rehabilitation on physical performance and immune function as well as psychological behavior such as quality of life. A meta‐analysis of the literature shows a training‐induced increase in the physical fitness of cancer patients in comparison to non‐training control groups during and after medical treatment. Although some authors suggest a possible immuneenhancing effect of moderate‐endurance exercise in cancer patients, data are ambiguous and portend a lack of knowledge. Based on the literature and our own findings, regular moderate exercise should be recommended in practice and must be batched individually, with special regard to physical fitness
History of sports medicine in germany with special reference to the university of Freiburg
Authors: Berg Aloys , König Daniel
Published: December 2005

The combination of social, cultural, and scientific settings in Germany formed the basis for a fruitful development in the field of sports medicine and exercise physiology. From the beginning of the 19th century, more and more people were attracted by the joy of movement and the postulated health benefits of physical activity. This was paralleled by an increasing scientific effort to explore the physiological, metabolic, and anatomical response of the human body towards physical activity. In the early 20th century the first scientific congresses of sports medicine took place, and an increasing number of federations dedicated to sports medicine were established. The German Academy for Physical Exercise, founded in 1920 in Berlin, served as a model for other sports medical centers in Germany. This review will briefly summarize the development of the sports medical institute at the University of Freiburg in the context of the historic background of sports medicine in Germany.
Physical activity, body mass index, lipid lowering agents, and LDL cholesterol levels in secondary prevention of CHD
Authors: König Daniel , Müller H.M , Schmidt‐trucksaess A , Berg Aloys
Published: December 2005

According to national and international guidelines, the target serum low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL‐C) level in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease is < 100 mg/dl. The EUROASPIRE‐II study has clearly shown that this goal is far from being achieved in daily practice. The aim of the present study was to look at the distribution of LDL‐C in 661 patients with CHD participating in outpatient exercise groups for cardiac rehabilitation. Although this preselection should have resulted in a sample of relatively well‐guided and informed patients, 67% (58% with lipid‐lowering drugs [LLD] and 78% without LLD) did not show the target LDL‐C < 100 mg/dl. In a subgroup analysis, we investigated the influence of items such as physical activity (PA), BMI, and dosage of LLD on LDL‐C. As expected, patients taking high doses of LLD (equivalent to 20 mg atorvastatin) showed lower levels of LDL‐C as well as those exhibiting a higher degree of PA (3 times PA/w) and a lower BMI (<27). Nevertheless, each factor alone was not sufficient to achieve a mean LDL‐C level beyond 100 mg/dl. Only in patients showing the combination of all three factors was mean LDL‐C lower than 100 mg/dl (94 mg/dl). These results demonstrate that the target level for LDL‐C is not attained by the majority of patients participating in outpatient exercise rehabilitation groups and that a multifaceted approach, including adequate drug therapy as well as lifestyle interventions, is necessary to achieve the desired LDL‐C level.
Freiburger intervention trial for obese children (FITOC): Outpatient therapy of pediatric obesity
Authors: Korsten‐reck Ulrike , Wolfarth Bernd , Bonk Monika , Berg Aloys
Published: December 2005

FITOC is an interdisciplinary treatment program for obese children that has been established in Freiburg since 1987. Obese kids, ages 8–11, are treated in an 8‐month intensive period and a follow‐up period of 4 months or more. Since 1990, data from 283 kids in 15 treatment groups (about 2 groups per year) have been collected and analyzed. The program consists of regular physical training (3 times a week), and comprehensive nutrition and behavior training (overall 7 parents evenings every 4 to 6 weeks and 7 cookery courses for the kids in the same timescale). The parents evenings are filled with theoretical and practical information about nutrition as well as background information about the psychological and physiological problems of obese children. In the first examination and the regular control examinations, anthropometric, biochemical, and exercise physiology data are investigated. In addition, questionnaires on nutrition and behavior are filled out on a regular basis. At each examination, depending on the progress in therapy, a new orientation with adapted goals is discussed with the child and the parents. For the growing kids, moderate reduction or long‐term stabilization of weight will lead to success. The teaching goal for the children in the intensive period is to control themselves and, depending on their specific situation, to establish individual recommendations on a long‐term basis. The sports program should lead to an increase in self‐esteem and an increase in daily energy expenditure. The team includes a physician, a nutritionist, a psychologist, and a sports teacher. Since 1997, the program has spread to institutions in the Freiburg area. Training for the external teams is done by continuous seminars. Teaching material includes a manual, forms, and transparencies. The major goal is to secure quality by continuous training and close interaction between the institutions. Till now, the program has been performed by a couple of multiplication groups in different regions of Germany. First data analysis showed that the out‐patient program is transferable, and comparable results are reachable after a standardized training course for participating therapists. The plan for 2000 and 2001 is to increase the number of centers involved to a total of 20 over all of Germany.
Functional food in athletes
Authors: Deibert Peter , Ewald Anette , Berg Aloys
Published: December 2005

Beneath a beneficial effect, physical exercise means stress to the organism. To an exhaustion of antioxidative capacity with the possible consequences of cell damage, lipid oxidation, or inflammatory responses, there is a suppressing effect of strenuous exercise on the immune system. A simple method to counteract all these side effects of physical activity without having adverse events itself is desirable. Probiotics (i.e., strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) combine some of the features needed. Immune enhancement and reinforcement of host defense by modifying unspecific and humoral immunocompetence has been documented. A basic approach has been made to an alternative: modifying intestinal flora by feeding the favorable strains with prebiotics, as oligofructose or inulin. Prebiotics do even more than only promote bifidobacterial and lactobacillar growth, however, and several other intestinal bacteria are clearly involved in their metabolism. Yet the data from controlled studies in prevention of specific diseases are not validated in the same manner as for probiotics. In addition, phytochemicals have additional effects completing possibilities of pre‐ and probiotics. The antioxidant potential often exceeds that of comparable amounts of vitamins C and E. Diet should contain enough fresh fruits and vegetables to cover recommendations of daily intake, as the health‐promoting effect has been well‐documented in epidemiological studies. Until now, because the general health‐promoting effect of pre‐ and probiotics among healthy, physically active people has not been clarified, these compounds may be indicated in select cases.
Testing the mediating role of physical acceptance in the relationship between physical activity and self‐esteem: An empirical study with Danish public servants
Authors: Thøgersen Cecilie , Fox Kenneth , Ntoumanis Nikos
Published: December 2005

This study examined the mediating role of physical acceptance in the relationship between physical activity and self‐esteem among a sample of Danish public servants. Participants were 148 males and 239 females representing a variety of age groups (the largest group was the 51–55 year olds: n = 88). Questionnaires were administered to measure physical activity, self‐esteem, and physical acceptance. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was carried out to examine the mediating effect of physical acceptance. Following the steps suggested by Kenny (20) to establish mediation, the study found support for a mediating effect of physical acceptance. Furthermore, a MANOVA test revealed that the most physically active participants were significantly more physically satisfied than 3 other less physically active groups. The results suggest that physical acceptance should be taken into consideration when examining the mechanisms by which physical activity may improve mental health and well‐being.
Reliability of the physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE)
Authors: Loland Nina
Published: December 2005

Purpose: This article examines the reliability of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) in a representative sample of Norwegian women and men. PASE is a brief and easily scored instrument to assess physical activity in epidemiological studies of persons age 65 years and older. Methods: A random sample (N = 343) of Norwegian women and men aged 67 years and over completed PASE. In addition, demographic information and health status was provided. Results: The mean PASE scores were higher in men than in women (men were more active than women), and higher in those aged 67–75 years compared with those aged 76 years and older. Internal consistency of PASE as measured by Cronbach's coefficient alpha was 0.73. Three hundred and twenty‐seven subjects also completed follow‐up questionnaires 3 days and 3 weeks later. The test‐retest coefficient (Pearson's) reliability was 0.997 for the 3‐day interval and 0.933 for the 3‐week interval. Conclusion: The results show that PASE is an easily scored, reliable instrument for use in epidemiological studies to assess physical activity among Norwegian elderly men and women.
Sport and breast cancer—The value of physical activity in the primary and secondary prevention of mammary carcinomas
Authors: Graf Christine , Platen Petra
Published: December 2005

Physical exercise plays undoubtedly an essential role in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. A preventive effect of at least moderate physical activity seems also to exist with respect to malignant neoplasms. The mammary carcinoma is of particular importance, being the most frequent malignoma in women. The majority of examinations demonstrated a protective effect of physical exercise during recreation and/or professional life. Sport influences the immune and the hormonal systems, body weight and composition, as well as health consciousness. These factors play an important role in the genesis of breast cancer from the view of primary and secondary prevention. Those possible connections, however, have not been clarified yet. In the course of rehabilitation and follow‐up, though, therapeutic exercise is undoubtedly important because the quality of life of breast cancer patients can be improved with physical activity.
High doses of the anabolic steroid metandienone found in dietary supplements
Authors: Geyer Hans , Bredehöft Michael , Mareck Ute , Parr Maria , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: December 2005

Three nutritional supplements with “1‐T matrix” were purchased by telephone order. The supplier of these supplements is a company from the UK, and the manufacturer is from the U.S. Aliquots of 1 g each were analyzed with gas chromatography / mass spectrometry and high pressure liquid chromatography with UV detector. In all supplements analyzed were found the anabolic‐andro‐genic steroid metandienone. Metandienone, only available by prescription, was not declared on the labels. The concentrations of metandienone were 17.30 mg/g, 0.41 mg/g, and 0.96 mg/g for supplements 1, 2, and 3. In supplement 1, the concentrations of metandienone varied from capsule to capsule. Maximum concentrations of metandienone of 28.9 mg/g were detected. In addition to enormous health risks, the use of the analyzed supplements can lead to positive doping results for metandienone. The results of this study show that it is of major importance to improve the surveillance of the production and trade of dietary supplements. The first step should be a warning to be issued to consumers and the withdrawal of dietary supplements containing prescription drugs.
Validity of a 2‐km Walk Test in predicting the maximal oxygen uptake in moderately active Hungarian men
Authors: Zakariás Géza , Petrekanits M , Laukkanen R
Published: December 2005

The present study examined whether prediction models based on the 2‐km UKK Walk Test (UWT) are valid for predicting the maximal oxygen uptake or maximal aerobic power (VO2max) in moderately active Hungarian men. Eighty‐seven 24–62 year old, non‐athletic, sedentary or moderately physically active men were studied. Maximal aerobic powerwas measured in a maximal uphill walk exercise test on a treadmill. The walking tests were performed on a 400‐m outdoors athletic track. The subjects walked 2 km (5 laps) as briskly as they could. VO2max was predicted with the formula as established in the original development study of the UWT. The total error of prediction and the correlation coefficient between the laboratory measured and UWT predicted VO2max (ml·kg‐1 · min ‐1) were 4.6 and 0.85. The Bland‐Altman analysis showed a good agreement between the methods, with the mean error of prediction 0.05 ml·kg‐1 ·min‐1. The results verify that the UWT can be used as a reasonably valid test for predicting maximal aerobic power in Hungarian men.
Prognostic evaluation of bradyarrhythmias and heart rate variability in endurance master athletes
Authors: Sullo Alessio , Brizzi Guglielmo , Cardinale Pasquale , Mercadante Francesco , Fabbri Bruno , Maffulli Nicola
Published: December 2005

To investigate the possible differences in autonomic regulation of circulation between endurance trained older subjects and older subjects who practiced moderate exercise, 10 elderly male endurance athletes, aged 65 ± 2.6 (group A), were compared with 12 male elderly subjects, aged 66 ± 3.7, who practiced moderate exercise (group B), and with a control group (group C) composed of 20 healthy younger male subjects aged 32 ± 2.3 who practiced moderate exercise. ECG holter monitoring and heart rate variability analysis data were col‐lected. Episodes of heart rate below 40 beats/min were found in 4 subjects of groups A and in 1 subject of group C. The non‐spectral indexes used to analyze heart rate variability are significantly higher in athletes of group A and in subjects of group C than in subjects of group B. The results of spectral analysis are in keeping with a sympathetic prevalence during the day and a vagal pre‐dominance during the night, but there was lower vagal activity during the night and higher adrenergic activity during the day in sedentary subjects. Older en‐durance athletes seem to have more profound bradyarrhythmias than healthy elderly controls, but the age‐related decrease in heart rate variability seems to be retarded. This may have a positive prognostic value, as it may decrease the risk of life threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
Diagnostics of anaerobic power and capacity
Authors: Heck Hermann , Schulz Henry , Bartmus Ulrich
Published: December 2005

Testing procedures for the assessment of anaerobic energy metabolism during muscular work have not yet gained the relevance of tests assessing maximal aerobic power. The diagnosis of aerobic power allows one, through the choice of an adequate testing protocol, to design a test that mainly measures the power of aerobic metabolism by means of indicators like VO2max and lactate. With regard to tests for the assessment of anaerobic power and capacity, however, alactic, lactic, and oxidative components of energy expenditure as a whole cannot be differentiated by means of simple parameters (e.g., lactate and time until exhaustion). By means of computer simulations of energy metabolism for supramaximal loads with durations until exhaustion of about 10 s and 60 s as well as the isolated variation of the concentration of muscle phosphocreatine, the maximal rate of lactate production, and the maximal aerobic power (VO2max), the influence of the single components on energy metabolism as a whole is presented in a semi‐quantitative way. Subsequent testing procedures for the measurement of alactic and lactic power as well as alactic and lactic capacity are presented. Finally critical‐power method and method for the determination of maximal accumulated O2 deficit are described in greater detail, because both methods are widely discussed in contemporary international literature.
Glycogen depletion as indication for ammonia determination in exercise testing
Authors: Schulz Henry , Heck Hermann
Published: December 2005

During intensive exercise, ammonia is formed in skeletal muscle by deamination of AMP. In this way, plasma ammonia (Am) can be regarded as an indicator of the dephosphorylation state in the working muscle. In case of glycogen depletion, the behavioral patterns of lactate and ammonia are qualitatively different. Whereas lactate decreases at the same workload, ammonia increases significantly. Therefore, the determination of Am is interesting in exercise testing as it may help to differentiate between an endurance training effect and glycogen depletion. If ammonia concentrations are obtained from different performance exercise tests, the influence of the test protocol (velocity of workload increase, time interval for blood sampling) and exercise mode on the behavior of plasma ammonia has to be considered. Furthermore, women show significantly lower submaximal and maximal plasma ammonia concentrations compared with men. Methodical sources of error, which cause high intra‐individual variation of plasma ammonia such as pollution of environment, glassware, staff, and subjects with ammonia and in‐vitro accumulation of plasma ammonia because of hemolysis, sweat, blood clotting, and temperature, have to be avoided by the laboratory staff.
Studies on intra‐individual variability of selected cross‐country skiing techniques
Authors: Babiel Stephan
Published: December 2005

The aim of this study was to define intra‐individual variability and to mark this “range”, thus enabling us to distinguish variability from differences in technique. The focus of this paper was the description of intra‐individual variability in reaction forces and derived parameters. A skier performed ski techniques within nearly constant external conditions over the course of many trials. Time parameters for both ski and pole can be regarded as constant, but there are variations in the distribution in ball and heel force, especially in the phase of poling. For some derived parameters, we cannot interpret the isolated ski parameter but must consider the poles. Measurement economy becomes very important, and caution must be exercised in diagnosing the technique in only a few trials. As described above, there is, among those with greater skill, only a slight variability among selected parameters; therefore, data collection can be reduced to a few trials. This will lead to greater economy in cross‐country skiing research and will help to identify an athlete's individual technique. We also can quantify the different realizations of the same technique by several athletes by the use of a force‐time curve.
The effects of creatine supplementation: A review with special regards to ballgames
Authors: Ferrauti Alexander , Remmert Hubert
Published: December 2005

This short review is based on general knowledge and guidelines about creatine metabolism and supplementation (CS). These principles provide the starting point for an attempt at inferring the theoretical effects in ballgames with their specific workload profiles. The self‐reported prevalence of creatine use in game players ranges from 2% in female volleyball players to 71% in male American football players. A search on the PubMed database for relevant articles related to ballgames resulted in 18 hits, all published in the last 5 years (soccer 6, American football 5, tennis 2, handball 2, ice hockey 1, squash 1, softball 1). It is critical that the authors of those articles measure basic conditional aspects in the first place. Only 5 articles try to investigate the effects of CS under test conditions specifically designed for ballgames. Six of 10 studies showed that a short‐term creatine loading results in an improvement of the intermittent sprint performance, while 4 studies failed to measure any shortterm effects at all. Longitudinal training studies with game players uniquely came to the conclusion that CS combined with resistance and sprint conditioning improves strength and power at a higher rate than the respective training routine without supplementation. We conclude that CS increases the basic conditional performance of game players when combined with a specific training period. Nevertheless, a careless use of creatine on a regular basis is not advisable, since the transfer on the ballgame competition performance of these effects has not yet been clarified sufficiently. It also varies depending on the workload profile of the game and the player's individual physical conditions and demands.
Effects of cardiovascular exercise frequency and duration on depression and tension changes Over 10 weeks
Authors: Annesi James
Published: December 2005

This two‐part preliminary study assessed the effects of various cardiovascular exercise session frequencies and durations on depression and tension score (Profile of Mood States—Short Form) changes over 10 weeks with previously sedentary, apparently healthy adults who were new members of 2 southeastern U.S. community wellness/fitness centers. Experiment 1 (M age = 32.6 years, SD = 7.9) demonstrated significant (p <. 05) reductions on both depression and tension scores for the medium (16–22 sessions, n = 26) and high (24–30 sessions, n = 24) frequency groups, while the low frequency group (10–15 sessions, n = 22) had a significant reduction only on tension. No significant changes were found for the wait list control group (n = 26). ANOVAs with Scheffé follow‐up comparisons indicated significantly greater reduction on depression and tension scores for the high and medium frequency groups. Experiment 2 (M age – 32.1 years, SD = 7.7) demonstrated significant (p <. 05) reductions in tension scores for groups completing 15‐min (n = 20) and 30‐min (n = 20) exercise sessions, but not for the no exercise control group (n = 18). Only the group completing 30 min of exercise demonstrated significant change on depression. ANOVAs with follow‐ups indicated no significant differences in reduction on either psychological measure, between either exercise condition. The study provided data that may lead to determining lower end exercise frequency and duration “thresholds” for significant depression and tension reductions. Limitations, the need for replication, and practical implications are discussed.
Simply distracting learners is not enough: More evidence for the learning benefits of an external focus of attention
Authors: Wulf Gabriele , McNevin Nancy
Published: December 2005

This experiment followed up on previous studies showing learning benefits of instructions directing the performers' attention to the effects of their movements (external focus) relative to instructions directing attention to the movements themselves (internal focus). The main purpose was to determine whether similar advantages could be achieved by preventing learners from focusing on their movements through the use of an attention‐demanding secondary task. Participants practiced balancing on a stabilometer. External and internal focus group participants were instructed to focus on markers attached to the balance platform or on their feet, respectively. A third group was required to shadow a story presented to them while balancing. In addition, a control group without attentional focus instructions or a secondary task was included. The external focus group showed more effective balance learning than the other groups. The results provide evidence for the learning benefits of external focus instructions. In addition, they show that similar advantages cannot be achieved by simply preventing learners from focusing on the task to be learned.
Effect of 5% body weight forward pulling on dynamics of treadmill running
Authors: Avogadro Patrick , Dolenec Ales , Kyröläinen Heikki , Belli Alain
Published: December 2005

Forward pulled running on a treadmill is known to increase mechanical and decrease metabolic constrains relative to normal running. This experimental situation was used to investigate the variations of the mechanical parameters induced by the pulling. Ten subjects ran during 3 min at individually predetermined constant speeds of 16.4 ± 1.4 km · h‐1 on a treadmill while being forward pulled by a load equal to 5% of their body weight. Ground reaction forces were recorded during the last 30 s of the run. Kinematic parameters of the stride as well as impulses and mechanical work were then calculated. Stride frequency did not change, while horizontal impulses were highly modified (+38% and ‐28%, respectively, for the braking and pushing impulses). Simultaneously, external work produced during the braking and pushing phases was modified by +6.5% and ‐4.7%, respectively. Therefore, the horizontal impulses were far more modified than the mechanical work. As a consequence, the estimation of the relative influence of negative (braking) and positive (push‐off) phases on metabolic cost of running could be quite different when forces, impulses, or work are considered.