Hand grip strength (HGS) serves as a multifaceted and critical parameter within the domain of motor function and is widely recognized as a pivotal aspect in the comprehensive evaluation of the development of school-aged children. The aim of the research was to determine the values of HGS, the trend of changes and differences between boys and girls aged 11-14 years from Bosnia and Herzegovina. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 585 students. The subsample was divided into 307 boys (11y = 81; 12y = 87; 13y = 77; 14y = 62) and 278 girls (11y = 66; 12y = 83; 13 y =79; 14y = 50). Hand muscle strength was measured using the method of isometric dynamometry in laboratory conditions, with a standardized test - Hand grip (according to the American Society of Hand Therapists). The force achieved during the maximum hand grip (dynamometry) was measured with a digital hand dynamometer CAMRY-EH101, USA. Statistically significant differences between male and female respondents were confirmed (for age 12, T = -2.651, p<0.009; for age 13, T =-5.178; p<0.000; for age 14, T =-7.124; p<0.000). In both sexes, the dominance of the strength of the right (dominant) hand than left (non-dominant) hand is evident. The study confirmed a positive trend of strength development in both sexes, as well as gender differences in the HGS test between children aged 12 to 14 years.

Abstract:  In informal circles there can still be found division of sport according to criterion of sex, therefore we have so called "male" and "female" sports. Reasons for this division can be found in different places but it seems that gender (in) equality, which was particularly pronounced in the past, is the foundation of this understanding of sports. Tradition observes sport as "male" activity in which certain anthropological dimensions, such as body constitution or muscle strength determine success, dominantly, where participation of women in such activities becomes pointless, unnecessary and irrelevant, because they have "weaker body constitution". This approach and understanding of sport lead to the opinion that historically speaking, women in all aspect of social development didn't have equal rights in doing physical activities and sport, in general, although their needs for movement were and still are on the same level as men's. The goal was to use a descriptive method to analyze and define certain gender differences in the area of anthropological dimensions (morphology, cardiovascular system, functional abilities, body composition, somatic changes during life, ...) on the basis of which certain recommendations were given for physical activity and the training process of women. Playing sports and physical exercise are important for women's health, physical fitness and physical appearance and improve their quality of life. It can be concluded that physical activity has an extremely good and positive effect on the psychophysical state of the female organism and numerous health benefits compared to women who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Background and Study Aim. Tabata training is getting more and more popular these days. Based on interval training offers metabolic booster that causes major benefits for reducing body fat storage.  It is an interval training protocol which is a cardio workout for fat loss. The aim: this study was to examine the effects of a specific 16-week Tabata intervention program on body fat reduction in inactive healthy women. Material and Methods. A non-randomized controlled trial with 2x2 statistical design was provide in this study. The research was conducted on a sample of 49 women (aged 30 to 45) employed in the administrative sector, with more than 6h of sedentary tasks in their habitual working day. It included one experimental group–EG (Tabata program, n=24) and one control group–CG (without physical activities, n=25) and two moments of evaluation: (Initial) at baseline and (Final) after 16 weeks of post intervention period. The body composition parameters and body circumference in each group was recorded. All body composition parameters were measured using a Body composition analyser (Tanita BC-418MA III). Results. The results revealed that there was statistical significance difference after Tabata training program (TTP) in EG for body composition parameters (Mean±SD) for Body mass index (kg/m²) = 22.11±2.59kg/m²; p=0.04, ES=0.07); Fat tissue (%) =25.97±4.72; p=0.03, ES=0.08) and Fat tissue (kg) =17.52±5.11; p=0.02, ES=0.10). Furthermore, there were statistical significance difference in upper-arm circumference (24.95±2.31, p=0.00, ES=0.16) and waist circumference (75.93±7.18, p=0.02, ES=0.10). The control group did not achieve significant differences in the final measurement. Conclusions. Tabata training exercise program (4 months) has been shown to be beneficial for reducing body fat in healthy inactive women

Background and study aim. Group fitness programs are a form of programmed physical exercises with the aim of improving health, aesthetic appearance, satisfying the motivation to preserve health and reduce body weight. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an experimental cardio fitness program on the morphological status of female subjects aged 21.5 ± 3.5 years. Material and methods. The experimental program was implemented over a period of three months (12 weeks), with a weekly frequency (3 x 20-60 min). Initial and final measurements were performed and Body weight, Body fat percentage, Body fat mass, Free fat mass, Body muscle mass, Body mass index and Basal metabolism rate were analyzed. All test subjects have their doctor's confirmation that they are healthy and can undergo training loads in a planned and clearly defined cardio program. Results. The exercise program on cardio equipment caused changes in all body composition parameters between the initial and final measurements t-test (except for muscle mass). The total average Body weight at the initial-final measurement (66.45 vs. 64.70kg; t= 5.225, p<0.000), which represents a difference of -1.75kg after the program. Conclusions. The assumption is that a controlled and monitored program with a special focus on nutrition would lead to even more precise results on the effects on body composition. Continuous application of the content of this program throughout the entire one-year macrocycle with a higher weekly frequency would certainly give even more significant results.

Serum levels of testosterone (ST) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are generally associated with atherosclerosis in male patients over 50 years with critic iliac stenosis (TASC II A and B) and cardiovascular disease with significant changes in HDL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In addition to the standard therapy, combined medicamentous therapy and adequate model of exercise are also important factors as medicines can improve HDL levels and primary bypass and endovascular potency impacting positively on improvement of ST or it can be the following testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) comprising cardiovascular disease prevention and vascular treatment as adjunct therapy options after endovascular and vascular surgical procedures. The aim of the study is to identify the association between HDL and ST after surgical and endovascular intervention on the iliac segment (TASCII A and B), as well as cardiovascular risk factors with modified medium activity (MET) <6 with short interval increase over >6 (MET), with total duration of 30–60 minutes. It also attempts to remodel a patient behavioral pattern, optimize ST levels and link them to outcomes and patency of vascular procedures on the iliac segment. Materials and methods. 108 selected male patients with cardiovascular disease combined with metabolic syndrome and critical iliac artery stenosis (TASC II A and B) were examined during 2014–2018, 4 years after invasive and minimal invasive treatment (54 patients were treated with surgical Dacron reconstruction and 54 patients – with endovascular treatment on short segment of critical iliac artery stenosis (TASC II A and B). Results. In the total population, no difference was observed in changes of constraint-induced movement therapy between the standard exercise group and the control one after 4 years from baseline. However, there was no significant interaction between the effect of exercise trainings and primary bypass potency within 4 years. Conclusions. Primary effects of endovascular procedure and Dacron bypass revascularization raise the risk of elevated testosterone levels after 4 years of group training but does not provide adequate answers to questions as to whether higher levels of ST have any major influence on primary bypass potency preventing further progression of cardiovascular disease and general symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerosis. However, exercise and TRT can be potential adjunctive therapeutic options for a future supporting postsurgical and endovascular illiac treatment in cardiovascular patients with low testosterone levels.

Purpose. To select recommendations on the use of physical culture means for students of future teachers, it is necessary to identify their functional features and genetically determined properties of the nervous system. Purpose: to reveal the relationship between the performance of the nervous system, orthostatic test and professional specialization of students of pedagogical universities. Material and methods. Students from 9 different faculties of Ukraine's leading pedagogical institute took part in the study. The total number of subjects was 841 people. Soon the reactions were determined by the program "Psychodiagnostics". Orthostatic reactions were determined by the results of heart rate in the supine position and in the standing position. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using Duncan's method to determine the influence of teaching faculty on test performance. A correlation analysis of testing indicators and ranks of faculties was carried out using the Tau-b Kendall method. Results. Students of all experimental faculties were divided into 4 groups according to the number of errors in the choice reaction test based on the results of variance analysis (Duncan method). Faculties were divided into ranks from the first to the fourth. A significant negative correlation of the rank of the faculty according to the indicator of the strength and speed of nervous processes with the heart rate in the standing position (p<0.05) and the difference between the heart rate in the standing and lying positions (p<0.01) was revealed. Conclusions. Physical exercises should be applied according to the professional characteristics and personal inclinations of the students, who were divided into 4 groups according to the indicators of reaction speed and orthostatic test. For students of the faculties of primary education and preschool education (1st group), we recommend using mobile and sports games. For students of humanities and natural sciences faculties (2nd group), any physical exercises that require an average manifestation of all physical qualities are suitable: dances, gymnastics, sports games, martial arts. Students of the Faculty of Arts (3rd group) are suitable for physical exercises that require high concentration of attention for a long time, for example, cyclical exercises. We recommend that students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports (4th group) continue to improve in their chosen sport, while also studying other sports.

Endurance-type disciplines (running, cycling, biathlon) define the cyclic structure of an athlete's movements, which, in addition to functional parameters, also includes an adequate fitness profile. Based on the detection, analysis and evaluation of these parameters, it is possible to define the fitness profile of the competitors as well as possible mutual differences. The current case study analyzes the fitness profile of competitors of three different disciplines (middle and long distances, cycling, ski biathlon) of top-level competitors, members of national teams. The study was conducted: Uroš Gutić (UG) - runner middle and long distances, member of AK "Sarajevo" and the BIH athletic national team; Milan Milivojević (MM) – cyclist, member of Cycling club "Borac" Čačak (Serbia), and the member Serbian national team; Stefan Lopatić (SL) – ski biathlete, member SK "Romanija" Pale, and BIH national team. A total of 12 parameters were measured to assess the fitness profile (repetitive strength, explosive strength, speed and agility). The results recorded considerable homogeneity of the sample with mutual differences. In addition to mutual differences, all study participants are characterized by an extremely good fitness profile, as shown by the measurement results.  Article visualizations: