bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Long-term Regular Exercise on Cognitive Function, Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Biomarkers in Middle-aged Men
Authors: Kłapcińska Barbara , Kroemeke Aleksandra , Tataruch Magdalena , Tataruch Rafał , Szołtysek-Bołdys Izabela , Derejczyk Jarosław , Kimsa Elżbieta , Iskra Janusz 
Published: August 2009

Effects of Long-term Regular Exercise on Cognitive Function, Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Biomarkers in Middle-aged Men
Several studies on exercise and its effect on cognitive function in human and animal populations have documented the beneficial impact of regular physical activity on maintenance of good cognitive abilities and satisfactory health-related quality of life well into older age. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of long-term regular running on metabolic profile and cognitive function in middle-aged men.
A total of 24 regularly exercising, middle-age men (Group A), all being members of the Runners Club, and 22 age-matched sedentary subjects (Group B), as the control group, were enrolled in this study. The control group included 8 non-overweight (BMI=23.5±5.2) individuals (Group C) and 14 overweight/obese (BMI=30.7±1.6) subjects (Group D). Serum lipid profile, glucose and homocysteine concentrations were assessed by routine laboratory methods. Subjects' cognitive function was evaluated based on Trail Making Test (TMT) and Digit Symbol Test (DST) scores.
In a majority of runners (Group A), the BMI and the parameters of lipid profile (TC, HDL, LDL, TG, glycerol) were close to those recorded in non-overweight controls (Group C) and, in both groups, results were ideally within the reference ranges for healthy male subjects. However, as compared to the whole control group (Group B), which may be considered as an average population sample of sedentary middle-age men, significant differences were observed in BMI and concentrations of TC and LDL, as well as in the pro-atherogenic biomarkers (TC/HDL, LDL/HDL), which were lower in runners. A similar tendency was found in concentrations of TG (independent cardiovascular risk factor), glycerol and TG/HDL ratio (surrogate measure of insulin resistance), however the differences did not reach the level of significance. The level of homocysteine (pro-atherogenic biomarker) was comparable in all groups, and in most cases, within the reference range for male adults. Results of cognitive function tests did not reveal any significant between-group differences. The TMT score was found to be correlated positively (r=0.492, p<0.05), whereas DST score was correlated negatively (r=-0.549, p<0.005), with age. The DST performance, as evaluated in the group of runners (Group A), appeared to be strongly dependent (r=0.809, p<0.005) on the educational level of the subject.
These data provided evidence of beneficial effects of a long-term regular endurance running exercise on lipid profile and cardiovascular health in middle-aged men. However, we failed to confirm the findings of a favorable impact of regular physical activity on improvement in cognitive abilities.
Factors Determining Participation in Leisure Time Physical Activity among Former Athletes and Male non Athletes
Authors: Woitas-Ślubowska Donata 
Published: August 2009

Factors Determining Participation in Leisure Time Physical Activity among Former Athletes and Male non Athletes
The aim of the study was to compare the impact of socioeconomic factors and self-rated health on participation in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among former athletes and male non athletes. In the spring-summer of 1997 - 2002, two groups of males between the ages of 18 - 51 years were enrolled in the study: former athletes (n=175) and men without any (past or present) competitive sports experience (n=197). Sample selection was deliberate according to the "easy access" criterion. An anonymous, postal self-return survey included questions concerning the variables of frequency, time spent on LTPA and form of participation in LTPA, socioeconomic variables (age, marital status, residence, educational level, occupation, income level) and selfrated health (categories: very good, good, moderate, poor and very poor). Statistical analysis of the study included test of differences between two structural components and X2 test. In both groups, poor participation in LTPA was significantly associated with a negative self-rated health and low socioeconomic status (blue-collar work or unemployment, low income, low educational level), and in the group of men without any competitive sports experience, also with the age range of 35 - 51 years, and residence in a rural area. Furthermore, the impact of poor socioeconomic status on participation of men in LTPA was found to be weaker among former athletes than in men without any past competitive sports experience. The results of the study indicate that the following are necessary to improve participation of men in LTPA: propagation of competitive sports among boys and young men, and elimination of socioeconomic barriers for their physical activity.
Adolescent Attitudes towards Sport Depending on School Level, Gender and School Sports Club Membership
Authors: Tomik Rajmund 
Published: August 2009

Adolescent Attitudes towards Sport Depending on School Level, Gender and School Sports Club Membership
The aim of the study was to evaluate adolescent attitudes towards different aspects of sport activities, in relation to school level, gender and membership in a school sports club (SSC).
The Diagnostic Questionnaire for Testing Youth's Attitude towards Physical Education and Sport developed by Strzyżewski (1990) constituted the main research tool. The present paper analyzed responses to 11 selected questions, which reflect attitudes towards sport. Three aspects were studied (1) attitude towards sport as a social phenomenon, (2) attitude towards own participation in sports activities, and (3) attitude towards school sport. The survey was launched in 623 clubs, which were randomly selected from the database of the Polish Ministry of Sport. A total of 2704 correctly filled-in questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis.
Respondents demonstrated positive attitudes towards all three variables of interest. Non-SSC pupils/students were not different towards sport. Such situations were observed among girls from all school levels and only in a small part of the boys. However, based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that school level does not cause significant differences in adolescent attitudes towards sport (p=0.36). The attitudes are influenced by gender (attitude towards own participation in sports activities and attitude towards school sport - p<0.001) and participation in sports club activities (attitude towards sport as a social phenomenon, attitude towards own participation in sports activities, and attitude towards school sport - p<0.001).
Pedometers as a Method for Modification of Physical Activity in Students
Authors: Groffik Dorota , Frömel Karel , Pelclová Jana 
Published: August 2009

Pedometers as a Method for Modification of Physical Activity in Students
Developing the awareness of one's level of physical activity is an important prerequisite to change one's lifestyle into a more physically active and healthy style of living. The aim of the study is to verify the efficacy of pedometers in educational environments and to specify the differences between physical activity in boys and girls aged 17. Twenty seven boys and thirty seven girls from randomly selected classes in two high schools in Katowice, Poland participated in the study. Students wore Yamax SW-700 pedometers for three weeks, continuously recorded data from the pedometers, and used the motivational feedback booklets. The three-week intervention using pedometers was complemented with the IPAQ questionnaire to assess their physical activity during the last seven days.
For statistical analysis, we used basic statistical characteristics, Mann-Whitney test, repeated ANOVA, "effect size" coefficient ω2 (Tolson, 1980), and other partial analysis programs in Statistica 6 and SPSS 15.
Both boys and girls were less physically active on weekend days during the analyzed period. The use of pedometers did not decrease the difference between physical activity on school days and weekend days. No significant differences were found in the average number of steps per day between boys and girls, as well as no significant differences were identified in the interaction of gender vs. school and weekend days.
Additional study is necessary to confirm whether the use of pedometers in physical education classes can help decrease the differences in physical activity between boys and girls.
Evaluation of Tennis Match Data - New Acquisition Model
Authors: Djurovic Niksa , Lozovina Vinko , Pavicic Leo 
Published: August 2009

Evaluation of Tennis Match Data - New Acquisition Model
The purpose of this research was to analyze and interpret the latent (factor) area of a tennis match. The entities in this research make 128 tennis matches played at the 2007 and 2008 Grand Slams hard court surfaces. The variables were created by use of the official statistics kept by the IBM Software - IBM DB2 Universal Database. The original variables were standardized to the number of sets in a match. A factor analysis under a component model was conducted. The number of factors retained, which was determined by the G-K criterion, explained 83.38 % of the total variance. Five significant factors substantiated the hypothesis established in this paper. The first factor named Match Successfulness is determined by the total number of break points; break points won and received points. The second factor named First Serve Significance is determined by the total number of first serves and winning points after the first serve. The third factor named Serve Speed is determined by the average speed of the serve and the fastest serve. The fourth factor named Net Play is determined by the total net approaches as well as the winning points after net approaches which are directly dependent on the total number of serves. The fifth factor named Play Errors is determined by unforced and double-fault errors. Winning matches differentiate from the lost matches by a smaller number of unforced and double-fault errors; considerably better results of the first serve, maximum serve speed and the number of aces scored, high score of total break points and break points won. The facts that do not differentiate winning matches from the lost ones are: first serves total, first serve throw-in, winning points after the first serve, number of net approaches and winning points after net approaches. The classification results show that with a system of 15 variables it is possible to recognize 96.0% of lost and 96.9% of winning matches. The achieved results indicate that the official match statistics with a modified system of 15 selected variables can properly interpret and predict match successfulness. This enables creators of a match observation system to valorize and enhance it with new indices.
Does Pelvic Asymmetry always Mean Pathology? Analysis of Mechanical Factors Leading to the Asymmetry
Authors: Gnat Rafał , Saulicz Edward , Biały Maciej , Kłaptocz Patryk 
Published: August 2009

Does Pelvic Asymmetry always Mean Pathology? Analysis of Mechanical Factors Leading to the Asymmetry
Pelvic asymmetry is a phenomenon of dual character. Some describe it in terms of pathology, whereas others report that pelvic asymmetry also occurs in healthy subjects.
A group of 321 subjects showing symmetrical alignment of the pelvis were involved in the study. Different forms of mechanical loads (jumps, resistance exercises of selected muscle groups) were tested for their ability to alter the configuration of the lower girdle. A hand inclinometer was used to measure pelvic asymmetry in standing. Asymmetrical configuration of the pelvis appears frequently as a consequence of mechanical loading of the lower girdle. It was registered in 25.08% of our study group. The greatest capacity to introduce pelvic asymmetry appeared in cases of asymmetrical loads that were applied in a form of so-called ‘mechanical shock’ (i.e., a force with great impulse). From this viewpoint, pelvic asymmetry should be regarded as a physiologic adaptative alteration of the locomotory system to transmission of asymmetrical mechanical loads.
Validity of Mechanical Power Output Measurement at Bench Press Exercise
Authors: Jandaĉka Daniel , Vaverka František 
Published: August 2009

Validity of Mechanical Power Output Measurement at Bench Press Exercise
In sport training and rehabilitation practice, it is usual to use methods of mechanical muscle power output measurement, which are based mainly on indirect force measurement. The aim of this study was to verify the validity of indirect measurement for mechanical muscle power output with bench press exercise. As a criterion of validity, we selected a combination of kinematic and dynamic analyses. Ten men participated in this study. Average age of tested subjects was 28.0 ± 3.4 years. At mechanical power output measurement, these subjects lifted at maximum possible speed loads of 18, 26.5, 39.2 and 47.7 kg. Validity of mechanical power output measurement by means of a method using indirect force measurement was estimated using Spearmen's Correlation Coefficient. Factual significance of differences in average values of power output, force and velocity, measured by a method using indirect force measurement, in comparison to the selected criterion, was evaluated by means of effect of size. Power output measurement method using indirect force measurement showed lower values of force in relation to the criterion in the whole scope of selected loads. Velocity values in the whole scope of selected loads did not show any significant difference between the criterion and the verified method. The mechanical muscle power output measured by the method using indirect force measurement is lower in relation to the criterion, especially in the low scope of loads, where also validity rate was low (R = 0.5).
Effect of Wearing the Cosmed K4b2 Metabolic System on 1 Mile Walking Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Gault Mandy , Clements Richard , Willems Mark 
Published: August 2009

Effect of Wearing the Cosmed K4b2 Metabolic System on 1 Mile Walking Performance in Older Adults
This study examined in older adults the effects of wearing the Cosmed K4b2 metabolic system with face mask during the 1-mile Rockport Fitness Walking Test (RFWT). A randomised cross-over design was used (13 males, 12 females, age: 67±4 (yrs). Walking time, walking speed and final heart rate were recorded and predicted VO2max calculated. Participants had a constant walking speed during the RFWT (P = 0.24) not influenced by wearing the Cosmed K4b2. Using Bland-Altman analysis, bias for walking time, heart rate and predicted VO2max was not significant. The predicted VO2max wearing the Cosmed K4b2 was within 0.05±0.36 L·min-1. Wearing the Cosmed K4b2 metabolic system with face mask did not influence 1-mile walking performance in older adults. This observation allows the Cosmed K4b2 metabolic system to be used during walking tests in older adults to examine metabolic and physiologic adaptations by controlled exercise interventions.
Lactate Threshold (D-Max Method) and Maximal Lactate Steady State in Cyclists
Authors: Czuba Miłosz , Zając Adam , Cholewa Jarosław , Poprzęcki Stanisław , Waśkiewicz Zbigniew , Mikołajec Kazimierz 
Published: August 2009

Lactate Threshold (D-Max Method) and Maximal Lactate Steady State in Cyclists
The Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS) is defined as the highest workload that can be maintained over time where there is a balance between lactate production and lactate clearance. Therefore, determination of this workload is very importance for diagnosis of aerobic capacity and training program design.
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of lactate threshold values determined by the D-max method as related to MLSS in cyclists. The research material included 10 female (body height 167±5.7 cm; body mass 56±4.8 kg; percent body fat 12.3±2.1) and 10 male well-trained cyclists (body height 183.5±4.4 cm; body mass 73.2±4.1 kg; percent body fat 7.9±2.6). The research had two distinct phases, separated by one day of active recovery. During the first phase, progressive tests were carried out to determine lactate threshold and maximal oxygen uptake in each subject. During the second phase, each athlete performed a series of 30-min ergocycle tests, with a fixed workload to establish maximal lactate steady state.
Results showed no significant differences between lactate threshold workload (WRLT), determined by the D-max method, and maximal lactate steady state workload (WRMLSS) in female and male cyclists, expressed in absolute and relative values. Differences between male and female cyclists in absolute and relative values of WRLT, WRMLSS, and WRmax were significant (p<0.05), but in relative values there was a tendency for decreased differences between groups. The oxygen uptake at the lactate threshold and MLSS were significantly (p<0.05) different. Also, a significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in values of heart rate and lactate concentration at the lactate threshold and MLSS. The analysis of changes in lactate concentration, heart rate and oxygen uptake between the 10th and 30th minutes of MLSS, indicates that there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in these values in male and female cyclists. The strong correlation (r=0.97; p<0.05) between WRLT and WRMLSS was found. Also, a significant correlation between (r=0.96; p<0.05) WRMLSS and peak workload during the incremental test (WRmax) (r=0.96; p<0.05) was also observed.
Relationships Between Systolic Time Intervals and Heart Rate During Initial Response to Orthostatic Manoeuvre in Men of Different Age
Authors: Cybulski Gerard , Niewiadomski Wiktor , Strasz Anna , Laskowska Dorota , Gąsiorowska Anna 
Published: August 2009

Relationships Between Systolic Time Intervals and Heart Rate During Initial Response to Orthostatic Manoeuvre in Men of Different Age
An analysis of transient changes in physiological parameters in response to the standardized tests could be used to evaluate the efficiency of the regulatory processes. Relationships between systolic time intervals and heart rate following the action of standing up from the supine position were investigated in 41 healthy men, aged 20 to 59 years, classified into three groups: (22 to 26 yrs, n=14), (33 to 49, yrs, n=13) and (51 to 59 yrs, n=14). The protocol consisted of the following sequence: laying down (20 minutes) - standing up (8 minutes). Ejection time, pre-ejection period, electromechanical systole, heart rate and the length of R-R intervals were continuously calculated using automatized impedance cardiography and electrocardiogram. The ratio of ejection time to pre-ejection period in young men was significantly higher in comparison with the other groups. The ratio of ejection time to the length of R-R interval increased with age in supine position and after standing up when R-R interval was maximal. It was suggested that changes of ejection time to pre-ejection period during the orthostatic manoeuvre are rather the result of balance between heart rate and hemodynamic factors, than solely related to heart rate.
The Recovery Phase Following a Triple Iron Triathlon
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Vinzent Tristan , Kirby Steve , Knechtle Patrizia , Rosemann Thomas 
Published: August 2009

The Recovery Phase Following a Triple Iron Triathlon
The purpose of this case study was to investigate the recovery phase in a single athlete after a Triple Iron Triathlon involving 11.4 km swimming, 540 km cycling and 126.6 km running. Total body mass, body fat and skeletal muscle mass using the anthropometric method as well as total body water using bioelectrical impedance analysis were determined pre race, after the race and every 24 hours until complete recovery. Parameters of hydration status (urinary specific gravity, hematocrit and plasma sodium) and skeletal muscle damage (plasma urea) were measured at the same time. After finishing the race within 42 hours, total body mass was decreased and total body water was increased. Over the following 6 days, prior to returning to pre race values for plasma volume and total body water, body mass reached a peak value on day 3, plasma volume on day 2 and total body water on day 1. Clinically visible edemas of the feet persisted until day 4. Six days after the race, body mass was reduced by 2.1 kg, skeletal muscle mass by 0.6 kg and fat mass by 0.7 kg. An increase in both blood urea and urinary output post race between days 3 and 6 suggested an impairment of renal function immediately post race due to skeletal muscle damage and manifesting clinically observed edemas. For practical application, athletes, coaches and physicians should anticipate that performing such an ultra-endurance race can lead to considerable edemas of the lower limbs during the recovery phase.
Comparison of Division II College Offensive and Defensive Football Players' Upper Body Strength Across One Repetition Maximum Test and The NFL-225 Test
Authors: Agbuga Bulent , Slovak John , Konukman Ferman , Yilmaz Ilker 
Published: August 2009

Comparison of Division II College Offensive and Defensive Football Players' Upper Body Strength Across One Repetition Maximum Test and The NFL-225 Test
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of predicting actual one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press strength from the National Football League (NFL) 225-test in college football players. Forty-one Division II college football players participated in this study. Participants' upper body strength scores were expressed relative to body weight and results were compared across both tests. Mayhew et al. equation was used to predict 1RM. A repeated measures ANOVA and one-way ANOVA was used to compare the groups. The present study found that the Mayhew equation overestimated relative upper body strength of college football players, while high degree of reliability was found between the actual 1RM and the NFL-225 tests [Wilks λ = 0.43, F (1,40) = 53.07, p = 0.000, Eta-squared = 0.57] and the correlation between these two tests was very high (r = 0.94, p<0.001). The present study also found that defensive players were stronger than offensive players when scores were expressed relative to body weight. The finding of this study indicates that the NFL-225 test's applicability may not be identical for all college players. This study elucidates some of the difficulties associated with predicting 1RM. However, while it is difficult to predict 1RM, testing using sub-maximal loads are far less time consuming especially when they involve a large number of athletes. The results of this study should facilitate coaches in choosing the most appropriate strength testing procedure for their programs.