bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PROHIBITED METHODES AND SUBSTANCES ABUSE IN IRANIAN FITNESS ATHLETES AND ITS RELATION TO COGNITIVE FACTORS
Authors: Same-Siahkalroodi L , Golshanraz A , Poor-Kazemi L 
Published: June 2013

IntroductionWe have studied prohibited methods and substances in athletes of fitness at 2011–2012. This study aimed to determine the relations between cognitive variables (self-efficacy, locus of Control, and dysfunctional attitudes) and psychological factors towards prohibited methods and substances in fitness.Methods300 subjects investigated that comprised a case group of drug abuser and a control group. Each group contained male between 15 to 25 years. Participants were matched, based on salient demographics including age, sex, educational level and social class. The sampling method was simple random from various fitness clubs of Tehran, Iran. They were then studied by self-efficacy questionnaire, locus of control scale, dysfunctional attitude scale, and general health questionnaire. Hypotheses tested by variance analysis and Tukey's test. A structural equation model was developed based on the strength of relationships between these outcome measures.ResultsOur findings showed that athletes abusing prohibited methods and substances had a lower self-efficacy, more dysfunctional attitudes, and exhibited external locus of control rather than control groups. They were also more sensitive to psychological morbidity. Most of relations were statistically significant.DiscussionIn general, the possible reasons toward doping including: Increased energy levels.1Increase the visual beauty.2Develop a positive self-concept.3Building self-confidence.4Develop a psychological balance.5The role of coach6. In this situation, abusing prohibited methods and substances may offer to the athlete a quick solution for coping with the extant pressure. Our findings were in accordance with the theoretical basis of cognitive psychology. More than 85% of all the athletes of fitness included in our study do rely on increased physical energy.
CAN WE TEST SWIMMING LESSONS SKILLS IN DROWNING PREVENTION?
Authors: Oliveira Liliana , Aranha Agata , Resende Rui , Cardoso Elsa , Pimenta Nuno , Garrido Nuno 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundDrowning is the third leading cause of death worldwide (WHO, 2010). According to Brenner et al (2009) participating in swimming lessons (SL) can reduce by 88% the risk of drowning in children 1–4 years old, despite some controversy regarding the most appropriate swimming programs (Ward, 2009). On the other hand no studies tested the skills acquired in SL in drowning prevention. So we proposed a test to evaluate the survivability of a child that accidentally falls into the water.MethodsTwenty two children (4.68±0.82yrs) who practice SL (2.01±0.91yrs/practice) were subjected to two tests: aquatic readiness (AR) (Stallmanet al, 2008); and survival test (ST), which consisted of an inflatable boat ride (unknown pool; presence of the usual swim teacher; wearing t-shirt) which 'accidentally' turns. Recorded images were later observed by 6 field experts whose observations obtained an overall index of concordance (IC) of 89%.ResultsIn ST 15 children had positive responses (n=10, 100% IC; n=1, 66% IC; n=1, 83% IC; n=3, 50% IC) and 7 (n=6, 100% IC; n=1, 66% IC) would be in danger.ConclusionsThrough this test, we found that not all children whose result was positive in AR had a positive performance in the ST. This brings us to observe according to Langendörfer (2011) that the positive or negative response of the subject depends on the interaction of various constraints such as individual characteristics, the environment conditions, and the state in which the swimmer is. The application of ST suggests that the inclusion of safety and prevention activities in swimming lessons, aiming to develop attitudes and motor skills as a defense to drowning, must be taken into account. More studies are necessary to provide valid information to assist pediatricians in advising parents regarding what type of SL are more appropriate to reduce drowning.
QUALITY OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE
Authors: Saavedra Francisco , Alves José , Oliveira Liliana , Garrido Nuno , Sousa Nélson , Reis Victor 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundChronic heart failure is a complex syndrome manifested by hemodynamic disturbances, exercise intolerance, increased mortality and reduced quality of life (Heidenreichet al., 2006). Besides impaired cardiac function, a variety of changes in peripheral skeletal muscles may contribute to the major and debilitating symptoms of chronic heart failure, dyspnea and fatigue (Coatset al., 1994). The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of quality of life and physical performance in patients with heart failure.MethodsA total of 47 patients, of both genders, with chronic heart failure, were recruited (55,5±12,3 years), and divided into two groups. One group (n=28) clinical and another group (n=19) surgical. Fifty five percent of the patients had NYHA class III and forty five percent NYHA class III. Quality of life was assessed, in both groups, with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (Rector et al; 1992). The physical activity level was measured by an accelerometer (number of steps) during seven consecutive days.ResultsFor the quality of life, were found significant differences (p ≤0.05), in the physical dimensions of chronic heart failure patients. The surgical group showed a better quality of life. Considering the physical activity, the clinical group appear with better performance (p≤0,01). In the daily activities, there weren't observed vigorous or very vigorous intensity activities.ConclusionsThese results indicate that chronic heart failure patients differ in their daily physical activity, especially in high-impact activities, due to age, gender, and disease progression (Rector, 2005). Further investigation should be directed towards the impact of the different components of the rehabilitation process upon quality of live improvement in patients with chronic heart failure.
EFFECT OF COMPLEX AND CONTRAST TRAINING ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIO-MOTOR VARIABLES OF MEN SOCCER PLAYERS
Authors: Kanniyan A S , Syed Ibrahim 
Published: June 2013

IntroductionComplex training is a workout comprising of resistance exercise followed by a matched plyometric exercise whereas Contrast training is a set of heavy resistance repetitions followed immediately by an unloaded, explosive exercise utilizing the same movement pattern (www.pponline.co.uk). There are different viewpoints on the effects of complex and contrast training on different components of sports performance variables. The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of complex and contrast training on selected physiological and bio-motor variables of men soccer players.MethodTo achieve the purpose of the study, 36 men players between the age group 18 and 25 were selected as subjects. They were divided into three equal groups (n=12). Group-1 underwent complex training; Group-2 underwent contrast training and Group-3 acted as control group which only took part in their normal playing session. The subjects were tested on selected criterion variables viz, speed, muscular endurance, cardio-respiratory endurance, blood pressure and resting pulse rate. The duration of training was 10 weeks for all the three groups. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to find out the significant difference if any, among the experimental and control groups on the selected criterion variables separately. The level of significance was fixed at 0.05 at all levels. Sheffe's test was used as post hoc test.ResultsThe results of the study indicate that there are significant differences among complex training group and contrast training group and the control group in all of the physiological and bio-motor variables selected for the study. Though for some of the variables, complex training group has better improvement, contrast training group has also showed significant performance in most of the physiological and bio-motor variables.ConclusionsIt is concluded that the complex and contrast training is beneficial for training groups that seek improvements in the selected criterion variables.
THE USE OF NEUTRACEUTICALS IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE MEDICINE
Authors: Johnson David , Johnson-Verma S 
Published: June 2013

IntroductionAthletes and weekend warriors alike periodically suffer from musculoskeletal injuries resulting in loss of training time and in some cases, missed competitions. Even everyday training produces micro-trauma and has its own recovery demands.MethodologyReview paper. This presentation will focus on evidence-based usage of particular nutrients on the various phases of the soft tissue injury healing process.DiscussionThere is evidence to suggest the successful use of particular nutraceuticals aiding the athletes' recovery. Examples include omega-3 oils, Curcumin, vitamin-d, methylsulfonyl methane (MSM), Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate and proteolytic enzymes.ConclusionThis review and its findings can be incorporated into everyday sports and exercise medicine practice.
EFFECTS OF CREATINE AND GLUTAMINE SUPPLEMENTS IN COMPARISON WITH PROPER NUTRITION ON WRESTLERS
Authors: Abbasalipour Masoud , Hashemi A 
Published: June 2013

AimIn this study, we investigated the effects of glutamine and creatine supplements and proper nutrition on hand grip strength and agility of athletes.Materials and MethodsThe samples for this study included 28 elite wrestlers of Mazandaran province, Iran aged 18 to 25 years old. They were randomly divided into four groups. Proper nutrition with carbohydrate solution made of 5% honey instead of water, creatine supplement group (0.3 g/Kg/ for 15 days), glutamine group (0.3 g/kg for 15 days), control group. After a usual warm-up exercises for 15 minutes, for the agility test, 9x4 agility test was performed and following a 10-min rest period, subjects used hand grip for the grip strength test; after 15 days of glutamine and creatine supplements and proper nutrition consumptions, the physical performance tests were conducted in the same condition. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.ResultsStatistical analysis of the grip strength and agility in post test showed significant difference between the proper nutrition, in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). Therefore, it seems that through proper nutrition (which provides all necessary substances for an elite athlete) there is no need for these supplementation agents and the proper nutrition can be used as an alternative for these supplements.ConclusionThe group which received the proper nutrition showed more increase in speed and power performance compared to the creatine and glutamine groups. It seems that if elite athletes consume proper nutrition and especially get benefit from honey, there is no further need to use supplements. Finally, from the findings of the present study it can be concluded that the proper nutrition can be used as a competent alternative for the common supplements such a creatine and glutamine.
INFLUENCE OF NEGATIVE PRE-MATCH MENTAL STATES ON COPING WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL BURDEN DURING FOOTBALL MATCH
Authors: Zeman Tomáš , Voborný Jiří , Králík Miroslav , Blahutková Marie 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundFor football referees supervision of a match means significant mental burden. Referees experience higher level of anxiety and fear1which are typical manifestations of negative pre-match states.2As a result of a completed match levels of components of depression and exhaustion increase.1Our goal was to verify the correlation between these two components.MethodsOur research sample consisted of 26 male football referees who supervise football competitions in one of the 14 regions of the Czech Republic. For evaluation of their subjective psychological experiences and states the standardised questionnaire SUPSO3was used. The questionnaire was filled in twice: before the match and immediately after the match. Ratio of predominant temperament components was evaluated using standardised Belov's temperament test.4In the statistical analysis Spearman's coefficient of rank correlation and partial correlation coefficient were used.ResultsPre-match values of anxiety and fear component statistically significantly correlate with the values of component of depression and exhaustion. This serial dependence remained stastically significant even after exclusion of implications of referees' temperament.ConclusionsNegative pre-match mental states of football referees worsen their ability to cope with the supervised match on a psychological level. “Pre-match fever” can lead to premature exhaustion, while apathy can lead to insufficient activation. Regulation of these negative pre-match states can improve coping with mental burden during a football match.Pre-match preparation should therefore focus more on regulating the referees' actual mental state (“pre-start mental state”).
AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES ON THE ENHANCEMENT OF NON- DOMINANT HAND MOTOR FUNCTION AFTER PARALLEL INTERVENTION OF ANODAL TDCS AND MOTOR TASK: A TMS STUDY
Authors: Kakoura Eleni , Baka Katerina , Katsoulaki Marianna , Dang Mai , Fotiou Stella , Nowicky Alexander 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundHealthy ageing is accompanied by cognitive and functional deficits which result in decreased ability to respond quickly and accurately to different stimuli. Whilst a general decline is observed in manual dexterity and hand motor function of older adults affecting their daily life, learning ability is almost completely intact. NIBS techniques such as tDCS has been found to have effective results by enhancing cortical excitability and motor learning and function in the younger adults. The purpose of this study was to further investigate any improvements in non-dominant hand motor function, examining the effects of tDCS alongside a motor skill rehabilitation task (MSRT) in motor learning in the ageing brain, focusing on any age-related differences.MethodsThirty-two healthy subjects (YAs: n=20, mean age= 24.4± 2.03; OAs: n=12, mean age= 64.3± 9.56) participated in this double-blinded, sham-controlled study, undertaking a single session of either anodal or sham tDCS on the non- dominant M1. The MSRT was carried out as an outcome measure to investigate any changes in hand function, speed and accuracy, with TPR scores indicating level of MSRT performance. TMS was used to detect any changes in cortical excitability of the non-dominant hemisphere, measuring the MEPs of the non-dominant APB. The cortical excitability assessment through paired-pulse TMS was based on Kujirai protocol, measuring the SICI/F) and the LICI/F at predetermined delays. At baseline, behavioural functional tasks were carried out to evaluate speed and accuracy of the participant before intervention. The statistical data analysis was carried out using mixed analysis of ANOVA (P<0.05).ResultsThere were significant differences between the type of tDCS application (anodal versus sham) regarding the APB MEP responses detected by TMS (P= 0.03). Also, a significant effect of age was found on overall TPR scores with younger individuals obtaining lower scores than the older (P =0.003), indicating better MSRT performance. Another outcome was the significant improvement level of the MSRT for all groups across the time intervals (P<0.001). However, no significant age- related differences found concerning the overall facilitation or inhibition.ConclusionThough some findings did not reach at a statistical significance level, a-tDCS coupled with MSRT did ameliorate motor performance and therefore suggests that brain stimulation can enhance motor function in the ageing brain, facilitating motor learning through a-tDCS. Further research into neurorehabilitation can continue to contribute to the understanding of normal ageing and confirm the positive impacts of a-tDCS alongside motor tasks for ageing individuals as well as its potential as a poststroke intervention. Additionally this research could be used further as a post-traumatic sport rehabilitation because of the impact on the healthy younger groups.
SPECT/CT FINDINGS IN A LARGE COHORT WITH SACROILIAC JOINT INCOMPETENCE (SIJI)
Authors: Cusi Manuel , Van der Wall Hans 
Published: June 2013

Comprehensive clinical and SPECT/CT findings in 253 patients with an established diagnosis of SIJI are presented.MethodsAll patients with a clinically diagnosis of SIJI following the European guidelines for Pelvic Girdle Pain were studied by SPECT/CT. Patients were followed up by interview at 6 months after therapy (directed physiotherapy or prolotherapy). For SPECT/CT, patients were injected intravenously with 900–1000 MBq of 99m Tc HDMP and planar images obtained followed by SPECT/CT from the level of the lesser trochanters upwards. Images were reported by 2 experienced nuclear medicine physicians.ResultsThe average age of the 253 patients was 42 years (15–71 yrs) with 65% F, 35% M. Average length of history was 3.5 years (6 weeks to 26 years). Trauma was implicated in 84% of cases and post-partum back pain in 9%. Clinical scores for SIJI were an average of 3.4 by the European guidelines. All patients showed SIJ uptake and loss of the normal configuration of joint uptake with ligament uptake. Joint sclerosis was observed in 98.8%. Hamstring enthesopathy was present on the ipsilateral side in 39% and on the opposite side in 61%. Adductor enthesopathy was present on the ipsilateral side in 66% and on the opposite side in 57% with bilateral involvement in 23%. Ipsilateral hip impingement was present in 72%. Extra finding were evicent in 56%.ConclusionWe have confirmed the integrity of SPECT/CT in a large cohort of patients with SIJI with specific treatment of the condition yielding good clinical results, in spite of the average length of the clinical history being 3.5 years.The SPECT/CT findings (metabolic changes at the relevant bone-ligamentous interface) and the clinical progress of patients confirm the validity of the self-bracing mechanism proposed by Vleeming and Lee (1998).
THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON MUSCULO-SKELETAL METABOLISM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE ROLE OF RANK/RANKL/OPG PATHWAY
Authors: Keramaris Nikolaos , Malliaropoulos Nikolaos , Padhiar Nat , King John , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundThe effect of physical exercise on bone metabolism has been thoroughly discussed and a positive correlation between physical exercise and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) has been established. At the one hand many issues have not been entirely clarified: the impact of exercise on biochemical (especially novel like RANK/RANKL/OPG) markers of bone metabolism and mainly the type of exercise (high or low impact exercise, intensity of training). At the other hand, it is interesting to note that the aforementioned pathway is related not only to bone (and musculo-skeletal in general) metabolism, but also to cardiovascular metabolism and it is thought to be one of the possible causative links of the positive correlation between osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.MethodsThe literature search was performed via the internet using the Medline, Scopus and Cochrane database. The key words which were searched in the abstracts were the terms “RANK”, “RANKL”, “OPG”, “physical exercise”, “sports”, “osteoporosis markers”, “bone turnover markers”.ResultsOur systematic review of the literature revealed 7 (seven) papers concerning the relationship of RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway with sports and physical exercise. The general trend observed in most papers was that physical exercise and sports activity have a positive impact in the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. It is important to note that extremely intense exercise (marathon running and beyond) might have detrimental effect on the pathway thus influencing negatively bone metabolism. Four (4) papers were focused on fit persons and intense training whether the rest three (3) papers were focused on exercise for obese or postmenopausal individuals.ConclusionsThe role of RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway in both bone/musculo-skeletal and cardiovascular metabolism has rather recently been studied. The possible positive influence of exercise on this pathway might have valuable positive effect on both metabolical systems. The further clarification of the exact pattern of exercise that might have the most significant impact on the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway is needed, but our review points out that high impact (but not extremely intense) exercise is more beneficiary.
ASSESSMENT OF POSTURAL STABILITY IN SUBJECTS WITH LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION
Authors: Svoboda Zdenek , Janura Miroslav , Filipiova Eva 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundChronic spinal disc disease leads to disorders in postural movement coordination and deteriorates postural stability.1Recent studies suggest that subjects with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) develop visual compensation mechanisms for underlying sensory–motor deficits. In subjects with unilateral disease, using two separate force plates, enable the balance evaluation of each limb. The aim of this study was to assess postural stability in LDH subjects on both the affected and the unaffected limbs.MethodsThe experimental group consisted of ten (6 males, 4 females) LDH subjects (L4/L5 or L5/S1 level) with an age of 41±8 years, weight 79±15 kg and height 177±6 cm. The treatment was only conservative (with no surgical intervention). The control group was composed of eleven healthy subjects (6 males, 5 female) with an age 40±9 years, weight 73±12 kg and height 174±9 cm. Postural sways (center of pressure movement) were evaluated using two force plates Kistler (Kistler Instrumente AG, Switzerland). All participants carried out three 30 s balance tasks: stance with opened eyes (EO), stance with closed eyes (EC) and stance with narrow base of support (NBS). In each test mean loading, medial lateral (ML) and anterior posterior sways (standard deviations of COP coordinates) were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed by two-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test (Statistica 9.0, independent variables: limb, group).ResultsThere was no significant difference in limb loading for both the experimental and the control group and total ML sway and AP sway. In the EO and EC conditions, there was no significant difference between postural sway of limbs of LDH subjects and limbs of controls. In the NBS conditions, the ML sway was greater in affected limb compared to dominant (p<0.01) and non-dominant (p<0.05) limbs of controls.Discussion/ConclusionsThe results suggest that the balance evaluation of each limb independently can be useful in assessment of groups of subjects with unilateral disease. The LDH subjects showed increased ML postural sway on the affected limb during NBS conditions. Similar findings reported Mientjes and Frank2for chronic low back pain patients. They found an increase in the ML postural sway of these patients compared to healthy controls when the task involved increased complexity and removal of visual information.