bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanics of lumbar spine injury in young Australian fast bowlers
Authors: Ferdinands René E D , Stuelcken Max , Greene Andy , Sinclair Peter , Smith Richard
Published: July 2011

Cricket fast bowlers have a high incidence of serious lumbar injuries, such as lesions in the pars interarticularis. As lumbar loading is the causal mechanism of such injuries, the purpose of this study was to find relationships between lumbar spine kinetics, selected kinematic variables and the subsequent development of lumbar spine injury. At the beginning of the cricket season, the bowling techniques of 13 young fast bowlers (17.4 ± 1.9 years) from the Cricket New South Wales development squad were assessed using a three-dimensional motion analysis system (200 Hz). Using Kintrak software, kinematics and lumbar spine kinetics (forces and moments) were calculated about the L5/S1 joint during the arm acceleration phase. Towards the end of that season, each bowler underwent an MRI scan that took sagittal and axial sequences (T1 and T2) from T12 to S1. The largest kinetic values were lumbar compression forces and lumbar flexion moments. Maximum lumbar spine moments were associated with several kinematic variables such as front knee angle, pelvic and thoracic rotation at ball release and shoulder counter-rotation. There was an increased incidence of S1, L4 and L5 stress fractures and responses when shoulder counter-rotation exceeded 44°, lumbar compression force exceeded 8 time body weight (BW) and compression multiplied by flexion torque exceeded 20 BW2m. This study suggests that lumbar spine forces and moments are dependent on a number of fundamental kinematic descriptors of bowling technique. By modifying the technique, bowlers may be able to reduce lumbar loads to reduce the risk of lumbar injury.
Associations of body composition with physical self-description among lower primary school boys
Authors: Sulaiman Norasrudin , Hashim Ahmad
Published: July 2011

Physical self-description (PSD) plays an important role in physical education outcomes. Body composition is part of physical education component. The purpose of the present study is to determine the associations of body composition between PSD among lower primary school-going boys. Body composition test were measured using skinfold measurement and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (air displacement plethysmograph). PSD was measured using standard questionnaire for children. A total of 200 male school-going children were voluntarily selected after obtained approval from school and parents. The mean height and weight of the subjects was 1.35 ±7.90 m and 32.1 ± 10.1 kg, respectively. The mean body mass index of the subjects was 17.3 ± 4.1 kg/m2. The validation based on standard criterion for body composition revealed that body fat correlated significantly with two site skinfold using equation from Kagawa (r = 0.89, p< 0.001) and Lohman (r = 0.922, p< 0.001); eight body site skinfold using Kagawa (r = 0.921, p < 0.001) and BIA (r = 0.553, p < 0.001). Statistical analysis shows that two body site skinfold using Lohman equation has a highest correlation with criterion test. The present study also found that, there was a significant correlation between body fat percentages and PSD (p < 0.05) whereby there was 11 components of PSD positive correlation towards body fat percentages among the subjects. The knowledge gain from the relationship between body fat percentages and PSD gives a significant input on physical growth and psychological development in children.
A comparative study on body composition of male and female national level sub-junior volleyball players
Authors: Mridha Sanjib
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Body composition is an important aspect of health for every individual. It influences sport performance to a great extent. There is almost no difference in body composition of males and females in the early childhood but as they advance in age that differences becomes insidious. The purpose of this study was to compare the body composition of male and female national level sub-junior volleyball players.

Methods

Male (N = 67) and female (N = 42) sub-junior that is, under 17 years (U-17), volleyball players from six states of India were the subjects of this study. Body composition of the two groups were understood by height, weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (BF%), fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Data of each variable of male and female groups were compared (independent t test) and the level of significance was set at p <0.05 level.

Results

Significant difference between the two groups was observed in height, weight, BF%, FM, LBM and WHR. Male group was superior in height, weight, LBM and WHR, and female group was superior in BF% and FM than the other group. No difference was observed in BMI of the two groups. Thus the study was concluded as, except BMI, there was difference in body composition of male and female national level sub-junior volleyball players. Female group tend to have greater adiposity than male group and the male group was superior in other body composition variables.
Anthropometric characteristics of selected combat athletic groups
Authors: Kankanala Venkteshwarlu , Gunen Eraz A , Igah Ameh S
Published: July 2011

Physical performance efficiency and effectiveness in different sports depends to a large on the size, weight and proportion of the physique of the athlete. Several kinanthropometric studies have shown significant associations between anthropometric characteristics of judo, karate and taekwondo combat athletic groups. To achieve the purpose of the study anthropometric characteristics of 80 judo (45 males and 35 females), 90 karate (40 males and 50 females) and 60 taekwondo (35 males and 25 females) who have been training for atleast 3 years have been measured. The anthropometric measures include body mass, standing height, abdominal circumference, waist circumference and hip circumference. These measurements were made by following the standards of anthropometric protocols of the international working group of kinanthropometrics. Differences between the male and female subjects of each group were determined. The results revealed greater waist circumference (92.80 0.75 cm), waist hip ratio (0.70 0.01 cm) and conicity index (174.93 1.27) of male judo groups compared to those of male karate and taekwondo groups. However male karate groups have higher mean value for triceps (7.29 0.22 mm), biceps (7.73 0.21 mm) compared with those of judo and taekwondo groups, whereas male taekwondo groups have significantly higher mean value for height (172.91 1.12 cm) and hip circumference (136.40 1.21 cm) compared to male judo and karate groups. Among the female combat athlete groups, karate groups have significantly higher value for triceps (15.10 0.29 mm) and biceps (13.30 0.36 mm) compared to the female judo and taekwondo groups. However female taekwondo group was heavier (66.08 1.30 kg) and have higher conicity index (159.69 2.01) than the female judo and karate groups. The difference between the selected female combat athletic groups in height, body mass index, abdominal circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist hip ratio were insignificant.
A comparative study of anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities between urban and rural sports girls
Authors: Kaur Balwinder , Singh Gobind
Published: July 2011

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of rural and urban teenaged girls of Punjab. For this purpose, 34 (17 rural and 17 urban girls) were selected randomly in the age group of 15–17 years. Various body measurements including linear diameters, circumferences and skin folds were taken by following the standard technique of Tanneret al(1969).et al(1969). Somatotype were assessed with the help of Heath and Carter method (1967). The mean, SD and independent Student ‘t’ test were used as statistical tools. It was found that rural sports girls are heavier and taller than the urban sports girls. They also possess significant high rate of mesomorphy and lesser value of various skin folds. They are also better in standing broad jump, 50 m dash, and 600 yards run and walk test.
Hydration strategies for exercise performance in hot environment
Authors: Singh Rabindarjeet
Published: July 2011

Maintaining fluid balance, or hydration, is an important factor in preserving various body functions and supporting exercise performance in hot environment. During exercise, fluids are lost, mainly through sweating (some water will also be attributable to respiratory water loss, which can be substantial during hard work in hot environments). Prolonged bout of exercise in hot environment, can lead to excess of 1 litre of body fluid per hour to be lost. Dehydration and hyperthermia can adversely affect mental and physical performance. Unless the athlete consumes fluid to replace these losses, a fluid deficit will occur. Meeting water requirements under hot environmental conditions that promote large losses is not easy. Furthermore, water intake during exercise is usually inadequate and ‘voluntary dehydration’ occurs. A competing athlete may be near exhaustion despite absence of thirst. Specific precautions must be taken to prevent chronic dehydration. Prior dehydration has a negative effect even on exercise of short duration where sweat losses are small. The athlete must begin exercise fully hydrated and regular ingestion of fluids is beneficial where the exercise duration exceeds 40 min in the hot environment. It is therefore pertinent to drink enough fluids before the game and at rest breaks to avoid dehydration and fatigue. Dilute carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks are best for fluid replacement, which also supply some substrate for the exercising muscles. Even after exercise, thirst may not be sufficient stimulus to ensure full rehydration. What is ingested during recovery, especially in the first 2 h, could also markedly influence the rate of recovery and performance in a subsequent athletic event. Athletes, especially in the tropics are advised to drink to replace their sweat losses rather than simply to satisfy their thirst. The rehydration fluid must contain sufficient sodium to maintain the thirst stimulus and to promote the retention of the ingested fluid.
Energy requirements of Indian athletes in various sports
Authors: Ramana Y Venkata
Published: July 2011

Success in sports depends mainly on three factors, the genetic endowments, the state of training and nutrition. Nutrition has always been of great interest to athletes. Proper nutrition is an important component of the total training programme. Athletes need the same amount of essential nutrients as non-athletes with varied increases in their caloric requirements as well as other macro and micronutrients due to increased physical activity. Therefore, it is essential to explore and assess these increased demands of macro and micronutrients, especially the energy to support their training before, during and after the competition for achieving desirable body weight and composition and optimal sports performance. All sporting events involve some degree of intense muscular training, which depend on the type of sport and phase of training. Hence, the nutritional needs, especially the energy requirements, differ greatly from athlete to athlete. The energy requirements of an athlete is also influenced by the body size and composition, age and the gender apart from the type of sport, different phases of training and non-training activities. As a result, a wide range of energy intake levels is observed among athletes when considering within and between the sporting events. Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors when recommending energy allowances apart from dietary preferences of athletes for achieving desirable body weight, composition and optimal sports performance. The research findings in this direction and recommended energy allowances for Indian athletes along with the scope for further research in India will be discussed.
Percentage of volume intake for rehydration after exercise-induced dehydration
Authors: Ismail Ishak , Singh Rabindarjeet
Published: July 2011

The present cross over study assessed the percentage of dehydration and effectiveness of 120% rehydration (R) with sports drink (SD) and plain water (PW) on whole body rehydration (R), plasma volume (PV) restoration after exercise-induced dehydration. Ten healthy male subjects (age range, 19–27 years) were exercised at 65% of VO2max at an environmental temperature of 32.06±0.02°C on which relative humidity of 67.32±0.17% for 90-min until 3.08±0.04% (1.83±0.10 kg) of their body weight loss. After which, the subjects move to the thermo neutral environment (21.2±0.3°C) and seated for 30 min prior to begin the 2-h R period. During R, subjects drank either SD or PW representing 120% of the fluid lost divided in three boluses representation 50% (915±54 ml), 40%(732±37 ml) and 30% (556±35 ml) at 0, 30, 60 min, respectively. In the entire trials subjects were somewhat hypo hydrated (range 0.32–0.52 kg below initial body weight) after completing the 2-h R period. The percent body weight loss that was regained (used as index of percent rehydration) during SD and PW was 68±2% and 58±2%, respectively, with significantly (p<0.05) better R with SD compared with PW. The rehydration index for SD was significantly lower than PW (p<0.01). PV was restored similarly to euhydration levels after 2-h of R with SD but was significantly lower (p<0.05) with PW trials. Cumulative urine output was significantly higher for PW when compare to SD (p<0.05). Serum Cl, Na and K were significantly higher with SD (p<0.05) and urine osmolality of PW trial were significantly lower (p<0.05) than SD at the end of 2-h R period. Plasma glucose concentration were significantly higher when SD was ingested compared to PW (p<0.01). In conclusion, ingesting the volume of 120% of losses still under hypohydrated because of urine production and SD was better than PW for rehydration after exercise-induced dehydration.
Effect of body hydration status on the psycho-physiological profile of college level women basketball players (18–22 years)
Authors: Kataria Ishu , Lal Priti Rishi , Sahni S P
Published: July 2011

The effect of body hydration status was assessed on the psycho-physiological profile of college level women basketball players (18–22 years). Thirty basketball players and 30 training in a fitness centre, selected via purposive sampling, after screening within pre-determined selection criteria, comprised the study sample. Information on the subjects' knowledge and practices related to hydration was elicited using a questionnaire. The pre- and postexercise values of psycho-physiological parameters (heart rate, reaction time and electrodermal response); body hydration status (urine specific gravity and urine pH) and perceived exertion during exercise were measured using heart rate monitor, reaction timer and electrodermal monitor; multistix strips and Borg's scale, respectively. Screening ensured that both groups were not significantly different in their age, body mass index, total body water, physical activity level, total daily energy expenditure, energy intake and intake of important nutrients. Data regarding knowledge and practices showed low awareness and faulty practices in both groups. There was no significant difference in pre-exercise body hydration status and psycho-physiological parameters between both groups. The pre- and postexercise hydration and psycho-physiological parameters were significantly different (p<0.01) in both groups, indicating dehydration and deterioration in psycho-physiological parameters. Post exercise, the basketball group showed significantly higher values of urine specific gravity (p<0.01), urine pH (p<0.05) and heart rate (p<0.05), when compared with the control group; and a positive covariance between urine specific gravity and heart rate, implying that significantly higher levels of dehydration in the basketball group may have caused deterioration in psycho-physiological response.
Effect of zinc supplement on strength and serum lipid profile on active women
Authors: Heyat Fatemeh , Ali Parvaneh Nazar , Golkhoo Shekoofeh , Hanachi Parichehr , Hadipour Mojtaba
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc supplement on strength and serum lipid profile on physical activity women. The target population of research was all of physical education students in Alzahra University. Twenty-four subjects (age=20.33 ± 1.7 years, height=163.12 ± 6.75 cm, weight=60.66 ± 8.27 kg) selected randomly. Subjects completed testing session at per week up to 8 weeks that included 1 RM test on bench and leg press (triceps and quadriceps strength) and blood sample analysis to determined TG, TC, LDL, HDL, LDL/HDL. Subjects were then divided in placebo and experiment group randomly. Either placebo (1 g/day dextrose) and Zn group (25 mg/day Zn) to begin resistance training for 8 weeks according to a protocol that design by author. The collected data were analysed by SPSS version 11 through t Student (dependent and independent). 1-Zn supplement (25 mg/day) had non-significant effect on strength of subjects and 2-Zn supplement (25 mg/day) had non-significant effect on serum lipid profile in both groups. The findings of this study indicate that using Zn supplement does not appear enhance strength and also does not have positive effect on serum lipid profile. According to this finding author suggested that using of Zn supplement should be under taken by physician. It is required that non-significant results may because of amount of used the supplement, the kind of contraction recruit in the resistance training and the time of apply the supplement therefore these results maybe not severe and exceed investigation seem necessary.
The comparison of effects of three types of resistance, endurance and concurrent training on amount of growth hormone secretion in active males
Authors: Akbari Amir , Mojtahedi Hossein , Rajaei Fakhreddin , Marandi Mohammad
Published: July 2011

The main purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of three types of endurance (E), resistance (R) and combined (C) exercise on the rate of growth hormone (GH) secretion in active men. Fifteen healthy, active young men (mean age ± SD of 23 ± 1.604 years, height 173 ± 3.751 m, weight 69 ± 8.742 kg) were participated in research voluntarily. The same subjects were taking part in three types of exercise in three different time with 7-day interval among them. Blood samples taken before, immediately and 20 min after the exercise. t Test and analysis of variance were used to analyse the data (p<0.01). Results show GH secretion rate increased significantly immediately and 20 min after exercise (E) and immediately after exercise (C) compared to pretest. There were no significantly increase in the rate of GH secretion 20 min after exercise (C), immediately and 20 min after exercise (R). There was no significant differences between the rate of GH secretion (immediately and 20 min after exercise) after E and C exercise and there was no significant difference between GH secretion immediately after exercise and 20 min after exercise (E, R, C). There were significant differences between GH secretion immediately and 20 min after exercise (E with R) and (C with R). Exercise directly leads to GH production changing pattern, which in turn results in creation of new tissues. It is believed that GH concentrations can change with exercise. The results of this research showed that GH concentrations was increased after endurance exercise (20 min and immediately after exercise compared to pretest), and combined exercise. It is generally concluded that various types of physical activity has a different effects on the GH responses.
Association between bone mass and injuries in professional jumpers
Authors: Haydari Mahdi , Rahnama Nader , Khayambashi Khalil , Marandi Mohammad
Published: July 2011

The health benefits of exercise are well established. Research has shown that exercise has a positive effect on bone health. Sport injuries are associated with several physical and physiological changes that lead to increased disability. Examples of these changes are deteriorations in bone and muscle tissues, referred, respectively, as osteopenia and sarcopenia. High peak bone mass in early adulthood is an important protective factor against osteoporotic fractures in later life, but relation between bone mass and sports injuries has been less documented. The main aim of this study was to determine the association between femoral neck, trochanter and lumbar spines bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) and injuries in professional jumpers. Thirty professional men jumpers (10 long, 10 high and 10 triple jumpers) with no history of bone disease participated in this study (mean±SD, aged 21.27±3.52 years, height 182±6 cm, weight 69.93±6.01 kg). BMD and BMC of femoral neck, trochanter for right and left sides and also lumbar spines were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Injury data of these professional jumpers over a 1-year time period (2008–2009) were collected using a standard questionnaire retrospectively. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation test. Results of this study showed an indirect but non-significant correlation between BMD and bone-related injuries (r=0.306, p>0.05). A significant negative association between BMC and bone-related injuries was observed (r=0.359, p<0.05). There were no significant correlations between BMD or BMC and ligamentous, muscular and tendinous injuries (r=0.123, p>0.05; r=0.264, p>0.05), respectively. It can be concluded that long time jumping results in high BMC and decreased risk of bone-related injuries in elite jumpers.
Does lifestyle correlates with body composition and lipoprotein-lipid profiles in obese females?
Authors: Gholami Mandana , Sabbaghian Rad Lila
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of lifestyle, body composition and lipoprotein-lipid profiles in obese females. A total of 26 healthy females (age=23.01±3.56 years, height=160.05±5.70 cm, weight=74.50±5.90 kg, body fat=38.40±4.31%, body mass index (BMI)=28.95±2.01) were randomly selected from 86 healthy obese female (BMI > 25). The subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n=13) and training group (TG, n=13). Body weight, percent body fat, fat weight, BMI, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol and correlation between them were measured. TG exercised with selected exercise with 70–80% maximum heart rate and diet in 10 weeks period of training. A total of energy expenditure through exercise and diet was about 3200 kcal per week. In TG, significant improvement (p<0.05) following selected programme was found in lifestyle 33%, and significant correlation were found between lifestyle and weight, percent body fat, fat weight, BMI, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The result of this study shown that selected programme can improve lifestyle and significant correlation were found between lifestyle and body composition and serum lipoproteins in obese females.
Prevalence of nutritional supplements in gyms
Authors: Malik Arvind , Malik Sonia
Published: July 2011

The abuse of all types of supplements to improve sport performance and physical fitness has spread to regularly gym users. The most appealing supplements are those that claim to help build muscle, improve endurance and reduce body fat. The aim of this study to evaluate the intake of nutritional and dietary supplements among males from four gyms in Kurukshetra, Haryana (India). Two hundred and seventy-three users of above 16 years completed a self-administered questionnaire that had been pilot-tested to ensure clarity and to eliminate open-ended questions. Out of total sample 63.8% had used 14 different supplements in past 6 months with each individual consuming a mean of 2.6 (range 1–6) supplements. The most commonly used supplements were glucose (36.9%), multivitamins (32.8%), calcium tablets (20.2%), protein powder (20.4%) and ayurvedic medicines (15.7%). Coaches/instructors, friends and gym fallow were the major source of information for these supplements and 91.2% were unaware that supplementation can have adverse effects. The majority (97.4%) did not report any adverse effects whereas male (16–25 years) were buying anabolic steroids and cheaper alternatives of viagra (sildenafil citrate) without any medical prescriptions quite frequently from medicines stores. The prevalence of supplement use in gyms is very high and the knowledge about these products among the users is not adequate. Hence, there is an urgent need to educate the users about these products and all latest scientific information should be provided to the users and their trainer.
Ergogenic aids: nutrition
Authors: Prabhakar Bairagoni
Published: July 2011

It has been an endless pursuit of sportspersons and coaches to adopt various means to boost performance. Anything perceived to have a potential benefit is readily tried with a hope to gain a margin of victory. Such practices can be traced back to 450 BC, when muscle meat was consumed to improve muscle strength and hearts of brave animals were eaten to gain bravery. With passage of time, however, these items and various other substances and devices have been put to scientific analysis and the effective aids have been segregated from those with mythical value alone. Collectively these ‘substance or devices used to improve sports performance’ have been termed as ‘ergogenic aids’. The science of nutrition has brought forth many dietary substances, micro and macro nutrients which when added or manipulated in the diet, bring about the desirable effect of boosting performance. These ‘nutritional ergogenic aids’ fall into three categories – macronutrient manipulation, micronutrient supplementation and addition of other dietary substances. In conclusion, the age old practices of using dietary sources for that extra sport in the performance are not all in vain. Many nutrients have emerged as holding some sort of promise and yet others require to be tested adequately. Research on nutritional ergogenic aids is going on the world over, to add to this list of nutrients for the sportspersons to get the maximum advantage for a margin of victory.
Effect of cocoa supplementation on athlete's blood coagulation factors after an incremental exhaustive exercise
Authors: Soleimani Mehdey , Aghaei Fariba , Atashak Sirvan , Mehdivand Ayub
Published: July 2011

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main indicator of cardiac arrests and mortality (Willoughby and Holmes 2002).Disruption of the normal rheological properties of blood is considered an independent risk factor for CVD (Douglas and Hein 1998). Platelets play an important role in the pathophysiology of CVD and its associated risk factors (El-sayed 2005). In addition, current evidence implicates fibrinogen (Fib) in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular diseases and as an independent cardiovascular risk factor (Lars 2003). Also, haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Htc) factors have the key and important role in whole blood viscosity (El-sayed 2005). Habitual, regular physical activity has been postulated to reduce the incidence of CVD (Johansson and Sundquist 1999). However, high intensity exercise may precipitate acute cardiac events and sudden cardiac death through an occlusive platelet-rich thrombus (Bartsch 1999). However, it has been shown that flavanol-rich foods, such as cocoa promote health and attenuate, or delay the onset of CVD (Murphy 2003). The present study designed to evaluate if cocoa attenuate the effect of an incremental exhaustive exercise on platelet count (Plt), Fib, Hb and Htc. Twenty athlete (football player) male (mean age: 22±1.3 years; body mass: 71.1±4.5 kg; BF%: 22.5±1.2; VO2max: 54.6±2.4 ml/kg/min) provided written informed consent. Bruce exercise test was performed as an incremental exhaustive protocol on two occasions, 1 week apart. In a double-blind design, each participant received either a volume of cocoa solution or flavoured solution based on his body mass before exercise trial. Venous blood samples were collected 2-h prior to exercise (baseline), pre-, post- and 1-h after completion of each trial. Differences were examined using a two-factor analysis of variance with repeated measures as appropriate. Platelet counts, Fib, Hb and Htc decreased significantly (p<0.001) after exercise compared with before exercise in cocoa trials (Plt: from 280.30±31.20 to 206.00±21.13; Fib: from 231±2.20 to 200±1.13; Hb: from 16.80±0.58 to 14.36±1.22; Htc: from 49.60±1.97 to 44.36±2.42). Fib were unaffected by condition and did not differ at any time after exercise protocol (p>0.05).

This study showed that increased platelet activity in response to an incremental exercise could be decreased with oral supplementation of cocoa that is line with Murphyet al(2003) and Reinet al(2000). In addition, very little is known about cocoa and it's effecting on Fib, Hb and Htc levels. However, the findings showed that cocoa supplementation decreased Fib, Hb and Htc levels. In conclusion, short-term cocoa supplementation decreased blood coagulation in response to an incremental exhaustive exercise.
Effect of cocoa short-term supplementation on platelet factors (PLT ‘MPV’ PDW) of athlete male's blood after an aerobic exhaustive exercise
Authors: Soleimani Mehdy , Sarraf Sari , Vahi  , Aghaei Fariba , Atasha Sirvan , Mehdivand Ayub
Published: July 2011

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and special coronary heart disease is the main indicator of cardiac arrests and mortality and is the most common complication in the contemporary world (Willoughby and Holmes 2002). Platelets play an important role in the pathophysiology of CVD and its associated risk factors (El-sayed 2005). Habitual, regular physical activity has been postulated to reduce the incidence of CVD (Johansson and Sundquist 1999). However, strenuous exercise augments the risk of vascular thrombotic events and primary cardiac arrests through an occlusive platelet-rich thrombus (Bartsch 1999). In addition, it has been shown that flavanol-rich foods, such as cocoa promote health and attenuate, or delay the onset of CVD (Rimm 2002). The present study designed to evaluate if cocoa attenuate the effect of an incremental exhaustive exercise on platelet count (Plt), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW). Eleven athlete male (mean age: 23±1 years; height: 1.75± 0.23 m; body mass: 66.1±9.5 kg; BF%: 21.98±2.1; VO2max: 51.6±2.4 ml/kg/min) provided written informed consent. Bruce exercise test was performed as an incremental exhaustive protocol on two occasions, 1 week apart. In a double-blind design, each participant received either a volume of cocoa solution or flavoured solution based on his body mass before exercise trial. Venous blood samples were collected 2-h prior to exercise (baseline), pre-, post- and 1-h after completion of each trial. Differences were examined using a two-factor analysis of variance with repeated measures as appropriate. Platelet counts increased (cocoa: from 188.30±33.28 to 244.00±41.03; placebo: from 178.14±22.07 to 251.36±42.22) significantly (p<0.001) after exercise compared with before exercise in both trials, but was not significantly different between conditions. MPV and PDW were unaffected by condition and did not differ at any time after exercise protocol (p>0.05). This study did not show that increased platelet activity in response to an incremental exercise could be decreased with oral supplementation of cocoa that is line with Singh (2006). Murphyet al(2003) and Reinet al(2000) have reported decreases in platelet activation, but with a higher concentration of 900 mg/day. In conclusion, short-term cocoa supplementation did not decrease platelet activity in response to an incremental exhaustive exercise.
Application of periodisation in various sports
Authors: Krasilshchikov Oleksandr
Published: July 2011

Since various sports differ in number of competitions athletes participate in, difference would come in the periodisation patterns as well. For instance, endurance sports such as marathon and long distance running, limit participation of the athletes to few competitions within a year/season. This results in planning long macrocycles of training often equalling a year in duration. This happens when major competitions of the year are grouped together (ie, October–November) and athlete can successfully participate in them within one peaking attempt. In case major competitions are scattered over the year or the gap between them is too long (ie, April–May and October–November), we need to follow double periodisation. Power sports, like sprints, jumps, weightlifting, etc, can have their representatives participating in larger number of competitions a year and their planning pattern could be pretty different. It can well fit into double periodisation pattern, but when three to five major competitions are there to participate within the year (ie, March, July and November), triple or multiple periodisation patterns might be of use. Team games like football, basketball, hockey and others, with traditionally long competitive periods when they play league matches for 4–5 months or even longer, plan their macrocycle in completely different manner. They still follow single periodisation pattern but they change the ratio of periods within the macrocycle. Individual/group games like tennis and badminton follow more or less the multi-peaking patterns with very brief and precisely planned training periods (rather blocks). The reason being, besides participation in the four Grand Slam tournaments and year finale in the form of ATP/WTA world championships (top eight only), players need to play at least four warming up tournaments at various surfaces. Atop of it they need to play good number of ranking tournaments to ensure high ranking and good chances for better seeding in the major tournaments.
Two dimensional motion analysis on angle of knee joint bend during long jump take-off
Authors: Sureshbabu P , Ashok C
Published: July 2011

Biomechanics is the sport science field that applies the laws of mechanics and physics to human performance, in order to gain a greater understanding of performance in athletic events through modelling, simulation and measurement. It is also necessary to have a good understanding of the application of physics to sport, as physical principles such as motion, resistance, momentum and friction play a part in most sporting events. Most long jumpers use check marks as a guide in the run up. Check marks can be used in training for the control and adjustments of the acceleration phase as well as the preparation phase of the take-off. Check marks have no value in competition, as the athlete's concentration should be fixed on the take-off board. The purpose of this study was to investigate the angle of the knee joint bend during long jump take off. The take off was examined by a two dimensional motion analysis system. The average angle of the knee joint bend during long jump take off is 192.2 ± 22.4 and the average angle of the knee joint bend during long jump take off of high performers of the group is 166.33 ± 3.26 and the rest of them were 202.12 ± 12.5. The findings of the study opined that one should try to reduce the angle of the knee joint bend during long jump take off for gaining mere performance.
Relationship of selected kinematics variables with the performance of back court spike in volleyball
Authors: Tiwari Harish Kumar , Jaiprakash  , Amar
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of selected kinematic variables with the performance of back court spike in volleyball. The subjects (5 M, age 20–24 years) participated in All India Inter University Volleyball. Pearson product moment correlation was used to analyse the linear (height of centre of gravity (CG) of the body and ball) and angular kinematic (angles of shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle joints) variables at the moment of ball contact. The results have shown that the values of the co-efficient of correlation are at right ankle joint (−0.843), left ankle joint (−0.651), right knee joint (0.879), left knee joint (−0.593), right hip joint (−0.298), left hip joint (−0.081), right elbow joint (0.884), left elbow joint (−0.720), right shoulder joint (−0.560), left shoulder joint (−0.815), height of CG of body (0.112) and height of CG of ball (0.497) whereas tabulated value of 3 degree of freedom at 0.05 level of significance is 0.87. Value of coefficient of correlation in case of the angle at right elbow and right knee joint has shown the significant relationship whereas other selected biomechanical variables show an insignificant relationship at the 0.05 level of significance.
Sports academies: the way to win
Authors: Väänänen Ilkka J , Kuorikoski Tero T
Published: July 2011

The aim of this abstract is to review the policies and practices of sports academies as a part of the elite sport system in Finland. The mission of Finnish Sports Academies is to assist young elite athletes to pursue their education, while also training and competing at an elite level. There are 15 sport academies in the Finnish Sport Academy Network regulated by the Finnish Olympic Committee. In Lahti region Päijät-Häme Sports Academy (PHSA) was started as a project in 2005 coordinated by Lahti University of Applied Sciences and now it is an independent network association. PHSA helps regional top athletes to integrate studies and sports, and even work if necessary, together. There are almost 100 student-athletes, several study counsellors and coaches in action. The backup given to the student-athletes by PHSA varies from professional coaching and testing, muscle balance analysis, mental training and sports psychology, sport physician, physiotherapy and massage, training equipments and facilities to study guidance and career counselling. Lectures are also held on subjects such as anti-doping, an athlete's nutrition, media skills, sport ethics and life management. The PHSA strategic sports are basketball, judo, ski jumping and figure skating. Other PHSA support sports are ice hockey, soccer, volleyball, track and field, cross country skiing, golf and wrestling. Our values are veracity and openness, athlete-driven, co-operation, responsibility and equity. Finnish Sport Academy system helps student-athletes to play and triumph successfully. It makes dreams come true.
Relationship of curve running to the angle of lanes of a standard running track: an introspection to the innovation
Authors: Debnath Kamalakanti R , Karanwal Alka I
Published: July 2011

The often heard cliché, ‘It sounds good in theory but won't work in practice,’ is not as non-sensical as it is assumed. This idea reflects critical limitations of theories in general and learning theories in particular. Since a basic assumption of this paper is that theoretical concepts of track and field techniques are essential tools of out profession, some attempt must be made to clarify these limitations and to show how the ‘theory versus practice’ dichotomy can be brought closer and together. The problem central to the study of the 200 m is best phrased in this question: ‘What major variables should be evaluated in training for and training and running the 200 meters?’. Answering this question, one must consider the following variables: lane assignment, angle of lane and developing a pace chart which are fit into independent, dependent, control variables. A look at lane-1 versus lane-8 reveals that the geometric design of the standard track suggests the lane-8 has the least severe angle (145.79°) as compare with lane-1 (180°). The physics of the relationship between a moving body in lane-8 as compared with lane-1 suggests that the inertia generated in lane-1 is greater than that of lane-8. Theoretically, this concept suggests that if a runner in lane-8 exerts the same energy as a runner in lane-1, the runner in lane-8 should be ahead based on the theoretical energy created in the outer perimeter of the circle.
The effect of different levels of contextual interference on learning of volleyball passes
Authors: Karimian Maryam , Kashefolhagh Fateme , Dadashi Mohammad Sadegh , Chharbaghi Zahra
Published: July 2011

Introduction

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of different levels of contextual interference on the learning of volleyball pass.

Method

Sixty novice students (age range: 22–24) that were participated voluntarily, according to their records in 10 pretest trails and depend on locale doing pass assigned into four group involve: blocked practice; little contextual interference; medium contextual interference; high contextual interference. The stage of acquisition involves three practice sessions and any session were 10 blocks and any block involving 10 trails. Participants on the blocked practice pass only from one point but another groups (depend on levels contextual interference) pass from different points. Participants then participate in retention and transfer test after a week without practice.

Results

Results indicated that there is a significant interaction between levels of contextual interference and performance. The participants of blocked practice were meaningfully better from another group in acquisition stage but the participants of high and medium contextual interference were meaningfully better from participants of blocked practice in retention and transfer tests.
Impact of multimedia on teaching basic cricket rules
Authors: Pilli Ramu
Published: July 2011

Today's classroom practices are quite different from those of yesterday. Similarly, the classroom practices in the coming century may be quite different from those of today. The shape of future school, colleges and universities is bound to change radically due to technological impact in the years to come. Multimedia means making appeal to different senses instead of one as in the traditional method. Multimedia includes high technology instructional media. The present study was to investigate the role of multimedia on teaching basic cricket rules of ML Jai Simha and Bhavan's Cricket Academy specialisation students. Forty students studying bachelor's degree in the various colleges in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Represented under-19 years for Hyderabad Cricket Association, with the age from 18 to 20 years (mean age = 19±0.5 years) were selected for this study. They were divided into two groups of 20 subjects each namely the traditional practical method of teaching group and multimedia based modular of teaching group (teaching cricket rules). A computer expert was consulted to develop the courseware programme to teach the basic cricket rules and it was discussed with him how to develop software based on the modules. The achievement test consisted of 100 questions. Out of 100 questions, 60 objective type questions and 40 fill in the blanks type questions were present. The total score of the test was 100. For each correct answer, the score was one and for each wrong answer the score was zero. The statistical tool used for this study was ‘t’-ratio. The results of the study shows that the mean values of traditional lecture method of teaching group and multimedia based modular method of teaching group were 50.75 ± 2.89 and 70.25 ± 2.998, respectively. The obtained ‘t’-ratio value 20.61 greater than the require table value 2.0246 for significance at 0.05 level of confidence with df 38. The results of the study showed that there was a significant difference between traditional lecture method of teaching group and multimedia based modular method of teaching group in teaching cricket rules in favour of experimental group.
Music and video: means to success
Authors: Mohan N Vijay , Pallavi A
Published: July 2011

Young people are typically confident in the use of the latest technologies and because many aspiring athletes are from this age range, sport psychologists and coaches should consider using this technology in their work. A key question for applied sport psychology practitioners and coaches, therefore, is what technologies will be used by and beneficial for athletes? Here, we deal with MP3 technology to enhance performance. The use of MP3 technology by athletes is often seen as an integral part of mental preparation. Typically, music folders are arranged on an MP3 player to contain music of different genres. However, we assist athletes in developing music folders with specific purposes. For example, folders may be established containing music that is intended to relax, motivate energies, develop confidence or a combination of these. The advent of video MP3 players has introduced further possibilities for the use of technology among sport and exercise psychologists, coaches and athletes. Within our practice, we use video iPod players to reinforce correct technique, direct attention to key goals/objectives and motivate athletes. For example, images of the athlete performing can be merged with images of the role models they aspire to beat. Nowadays as computer technology becomes more sophisticated the ability to produce videos with associated music becomes easier. Athletes value technology and coaches can build upon this by demonstrating how it can be used effectively to enhance performance.
Role of periodisation and training method in sports
Authors: Rathi Bharti , Kaur Gaganpreet , Gaurav Vishaw
Published: July 2011

The concepts ‘training’ and sportsman's ‘preparation’ in the main coincide, but are not identical. Periodisation and training are the main components and the basic form of preparing the athlete. In other words, it is systematically planned preparation with the help of the exercise methods which realises the main factors of influencing athletes' progress. The content of training includes all the basic types of preparation of the sportsman – physical, technical, tactical and psychological. Systematic training improves the athlete's fitness level. It is the basis of his preparedness for sporting achievements. At the same time, training has an impressive effect on the athlete's physical and spiritual development and his acquisition of vital knowledge and skills. Today even a highly talented sportsman is not in a position to win a medal unless he possesses a certain minimum of the above mentioned factors. It has also become increasingly clear that these factors cannot be developed to the desired level in 1 or 2 years. It is necessary for a person to develop adequate level of physical fitness early in life and then continuously maintain it through regular participation in a well designed activity programme to promote his total physical well being flexibility along with strength, speed and endurance is one of the very basic components of physical fitness (Uppal 1983).