Tomislav Krističević’s research while affiliated with University of Zagreb and other places

Following the changes in basic anthropological characteristics of the young gymnast can help coaches to recognize how the process of training influence the growth and development of gymnasts. This also can be useful in the specialization of specific apparatus. The aim of this investigation was to find the differences in weight and height between young female gymnasts. The sample consisted of 26 female gymnasts: 10 years old who are competing at different levels – compulsory (16) and free (10) programs. Compulsory program training was three times per week, each lasting two hours. Training in the free program lasted two and a half-hour five times per week. K-S test was used for testing the normality of distribution. Differences between height and weight are calculated by ANOVA at the level of statistical significance of p<0.05. Results show that there is a statistically significant difference in height and weight between categories. Girls from the compulsory program are taller and heavier than girls in free program. The free program is the hardest program and physically more demanding for execution than a compulsory program. It seems that the bigger volume of training influences height and weight. Keywords: artistic gymnastics, anthropological characteristics, children

Ostvarivanje sportaša kao vrhunskog u sportskoj gimnastici započinje od najranije dobi. Kako gimna-stika pripada skupini bazičnih sportova s obzirom na kretne strukture i sprave potrebna je kvalitetna fi-zička pripremljenost vježbača u svim dobnim kategorijama s posebnim naglaskom na snagu muskulatu-re cijeloga tijela, koordinaciju, fleksibilnost i ravnotežu. Trenažni proces u gimnastici počinje rano, često već u predškolskoj dobi djeca s predispozicijama za gimnastiku kreću s organiziranim vježbanjem. Uče-nje elemenata je dug proces i obično je podijeljen u nekoliko faza sve dok se ne postigne idealna tehnika izvedbe (Lacordia, Godoy, Vale, Sposito-Araujo, & Dantas, 2011). Pošto je za sportsku gimnastiku speci-fična rana specijalizacija i sudjelovanje na natjecanjima neizostavni su visoko intenzivni treninzi. Stoga je važan pristup više faktorskog treninga i kondicioniranja koji koristi koncept periodizacije kako bi sezonu podijelili na dijelove (pripremni, natjecateljski i prijelazni period) i osigurali postizanje vrhunca sportske forme u odgovarajućem vremenu (Bompa, 1999; Brooks, 2003; Fleck, 1999). Većina trenera planira trenin-ge prema natjecanjima te tako određuje ciljeve i zadatke. U mlađim dobnim kategorijama u "C" programu sezona natjecanja započinje u ožujku i traje do lipnja, nakon čega slijedi pauza kroz srpanj, kolovoz i ru-jan, te slijedi drugi natjecateljski period koji traje od listopada do prosinca. Intenzitet treninga se poveća-va (povećanjem broja izvedenih vježbi na spravama) kako se približava natjecanje ali se i smanjuje (sma-njenjem broja izvedenih vježbi) neposredno prije natjecanja (Patel, McGregor, Fawcett, Bekker, Williams, Williams, & Cumming, 2020). Intenzitet treninga razlikuje se s obzirom na dob i rang natjecanja. Primje-rice postoje razlike u opterećenju treninga gimnastičarki na nacionalnoj i međunarodnoj razini na gredi i tlu gdje su gimnastičarke međunarodnog ranga bile izložene većoj učestalosti i intenzitetu treninga (Burt, Naughton, Higham, & Landeo, 2010). Rački & Šolja (2015), proučavali su promjene u motoričkim sposob-nostima kod početnica "C" programa tijekom šest mjeseci. Živčić Marković, Ćavar i Sporiš (2012) istraži-vali su promjene u motoričkim sposobnostima pod utjecanjem gimnastičkog treninga u djevojčica od pet i šest godina. Malo je istraživanja provedeno na periodizaciji treninga mlađih dobnih kategorija. Stoga je cilj ovoga istraživanja utvrditi razlike u motoričkim sposobnostima i znanjima na početku i na kraju pri-premnog perioda u kadetkinja "C" programa ženske sportske gimnastike. METODE RADA UZORAK ISPITANIKA Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 11 gimnastičarki gimnastičkog kluba "Trešnjevka" u dobi od 8 godina, kategorija kadetkinja "C" programa ženske sportske gimnastike. Inicijalno testiranje je prove-deno na početku pripremnog perioda (siječanj). Finalno mjerenje provedeno je na kraju pripremnog peri-oda (ožujak), prije natjecanja. Gimnastičarke su u periodu od siječnja do ožujka pohađale treninge tri puta tjedno po dva sata. Tijekom prva dva tjedna pripremnog perioda provedena je bazična kondicijska pripre-ma, sadržajima za razvoj opće pripremljenosti organizma. Treninzi tijekom bazične pripreme bili su veli-kog volumena ali niskog intenziteta. Treći, četvrti, peti i šesti tjedan pripremnog perioda bio je usmjeren na specifičnu kondicijsku pripremu koja je karakterizirana umjerenim do velikim volumenom i visokim Izvorni znanstveni rad

Traditionally used methods for kinematic analysis of alpine skiing has limitations regarding data collecting and data processing. Also, analysis of measured parameters, interpretation, and implementation in practice are postponed. Therefore, aim of this paper was to determine differences in the performance of slalom turns between three conditions using a relatively new technology that allows fast data collecting and analysis. Twenty kinematic variables were analysed for each turn (both the left and right) and 26 turns were executed in each condition. All turns were performed by a national skiing demonstrator. Differences were determined by MANOVA (F=71.3; p=.00). Tukey's post-hoc test showed that the turns performed on the ski simulator differed in every variable from the turns performed in other two condition, and the free skiing turns differed from the corridor turns in the following variables: hip joint angle of abduction of the right leg in the left turn, p=.00; distance of the projection of the centre of mass relative to the right foot in the left turn, p=.00; hip joint angle of flexion of the left leg in the left turn, p=.02; hip joint angle of abduction of the left leg in the left turn, p=.01; distance of the projection of the centre of mass relative to the left foot in the left turn, p=.00; knee angle of flexion of the left leg in the right turn, p=.04). The kinematic parameters obtained using the XSENS suit during slalom turns performed on the ski simulator and ski slope suggested significant differences in the position of the lower extremities, which might be important for situational efficiency and technical performance. Our results can be used to improve the alpine skiing technique. They suggest more precise relations between space parameters, such as body position and the angles between different body segments during a slalom turn. Methodology of research and technology used could contribute to the development of new scientific approaches in biomechanical research of top-level sports.

The ability to differentiate the elite from nonelite athletes is not clearly defined. We investigated level differences in speed, change of direction speed (CODS), and reactive agility in a group of trained adolescent soccer players. A total of 75 adolescent male soccer players (aged 14-19 years) were recruited. The players were grouped based on the level of play to elite, sub-elite, and amateur players. Players were tested for 5-, 10-and 20-m sprints, CODS, and reactive agility tests (RAT). Elite players had faster reaction movement time during RAT with live opponent stimuli (p ≤ 0.01) compared to sub-elite and amateur players. Moreover, elite players showed a faster time during light stimuli (p ≤ 0.01) but only compared to amateur players. The times for 5-m and 10-m sprint groups did not differ (p > 0.05). The results demonstrated that the skilled players (elite and sub-elite) performed better in reactive agility tests, speed, and COD speed compared to amateur players. Additionally, we can conclude that total and reaction time in the agility test with live opponent stimuli can be a significant factor that differentiates between adolescent soccer players considering their level.

The present study aimed to investigate whether recreational volleyball organized as small-sided games could improve fitness and health profiles of middle-aged men after 10 weeks of training. Twenty-four healthy men aged 35-55 were randomized in a small-sided recreational volleyball group (RV = 12; age: 44.7 ± 6.34 years; body mass index: 25.85 ± 1.74) and control group (CON = 12; age: 42.9 ± 8.72 years; body mass index: 25.62 ± 1.48). The RV group carried out a volleyball training program, whereas the CON group continued their daily life activities during this period. The participants in the RV group performed 2/3 training sessions of 90 min per week. Results from a repeated measure ANOVA indicated a significant group × time interaction for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (F = 6.776, p = 0.016, partial ƞ 2 = 0.235) and for resting heart rate (F = 11.647, p = 0.002, partial ƞ 2 = 0.346) in favor of the RV group. No significant changes were observed for body weight, body mass index, and diastolic blood pressure. Results for physical fitness indicated a significant interaction for Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test-level 2 (F = 11.648, p = 0.003, partial ƞ 2 = 0.380), with no significant changes in both groups for handgrip strength. Recreational small-sided volleyball can be an effective training modality to stimulate a decrease in LDL cholesterol and resting HR with small improvements in cardiovascular fitness. Recreational volleyball played only two times per week shows positive cardiovascular fitness and health-related adaptations, which may contribute to the reduction of the risk of developing lifestyle diseases.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the cluster association of behavioral risk factors with the presence of chronic diseases. Little is known of how these behaviors, presented as a cluster, are associated with chronic disease/s in young adults. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the behavioral risk factors (BRFs) clusters associations with the presence of chronic diseases. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 2100 university students (50.4% of women) were recruited from 8 randomly selected faculties in the City of Zagreb. The measurement protocol was conducted from September to November 2017. To assess the number of BRFs and chronic diseases, we used structured questionnaires. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associations between BRFs and chronic diseases. RESULTS: From the total sample, 9.3% of participants reported to have some kind of chronic diseases. In univariate model, logistic regression showed that having 2 (OR=2.63 ; 95% CI 1.59-4.34), 3 (OR=3.79 ; 95% CI 2.14-6.71) and ≥4 (OR=7.69 ; 95% CI 3.05-19.39) BRFs was associated with chronic diseases. After the adjustments for gender, self-rated health, sleep quality, socio-economic status, psychological distress and location of birth, having 2 (OR=2.34 ; 95% CI 1.41-3.87), 3 (OR=2.88 ; 95% CI 1.60-5.18) and ≥4 (OR=4.91 ; 95% CI 1.85-13.05) BRFs remained associated with chronic diseases. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that more BRFs are associated with a greater likelihood of having chronic diseases. Thus, special policies aiming to prevent ‘risky’ behaviors are warranted.

The aim of this study was to compare differences in run-up velocity between Handsprings, Tsukahara and Yurchenko entry on vault. A sample consisted of 48 jumps performed on vault, 19 Handsprings, 17 Tsukahara and 12 Yurchenko entry on vault. Data were collected on a World Cup competition held in Osijek, 2017. Run-up velocity was measured by speed radar gun (Stalker ATS, S PRO II). Descriptive statistic was calculated for all variables and differences in run-up velocity were determined by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test at the level of statistical significance at p<.05. Average run-up velocity at Handspring entry was 8,06 m/s, Tsukahara, 8,06 m/s and Yurchenko entry on vault table was 7,66 m/s. ANOVA showed that exist statistical significant differences in run-up velocity between handspring and Yurchenko and between Tsukahara and Yurchenko entry. The results of this study indicated that different entry on vault table has different run-up velocity, which will help coaches and scientists to improve the vault technique.

The Proceedings Book is consisted of 134 abstracts and full papers written by more than 420 authors from 36 countries. Topics of the World Congress of Performance Analysis of Sport XII are: sports performance, analysis of referees, coaching process, coach behaviour, biomechanics, analysis of technique, technical eff ectiveness, tactical evaluation, patterns of play, neuromotor control, movement in sport, motor learning and feedback, work rate, physical demands, performance analysis technology, analysis of elite athletes and teams, eff ectiveness of performance analysis support, performance analysis in health and senior sport, performance analysis in youth sport, observational analysis of injury risk, technology and performance analysis systems, gymnastics & dance, doping, nutrition and supplementation infl uence on performance. Papers and abstracts that will be presented at the Congress are intended for sports scientists, kinesiologists, coaches, athletes and others interested in any aspect of performance analysis of sport. We are especially proud that Soccer day is the part of this year’s Congress. Soccer day is organised in cooperation with Croatian Football Federation and it will be a great opportunity to analyse the World Cup 2018 held in Russia and other aspects of performance analysis in soccer