Hrvoje Podnar

Effectiveness of interventions for reducing non-occupational sedentary behaviour in adults and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background No systematic reviews of the effectiveness of interventions for reducing non-occupational sedentary behaviour are available. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of interventions for reducing non-occupational sedentary behaviour in adults and older adults. Methods An electronic search of nine databases was performed. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) and cluster RCTs among adults testing the effectiveness of interventions aimed to reduce non-occupational sedentary behaviour were considered for inclusion. Two review authors independently screened studies for eligibility, completed data extraction and assessed the risk of bias. Results Nineteen studies that evaluated multicomponent lifestyle interventions, counselling or education, television (TV) control devices and workplace interventions were included. Evidence from the meta-analyses suggested that interventions can reduce leisure sitting time in adults in the medium term (−30 min/day; 95% CI −58 to –2), and TV viewing in the short term (−61 min/day; 95% CI −79 to –43) and medium term (−11 min/day; 95% CI −20 to –2). No significant pooled effects were found for transport sitting time, leisure-time computer use and longer term outcomes. No evidence was available on the effectiveness of interventions for reducing non-occupational sedentary time in older adults. Conclusions The findings of this systematic review suggest the interventions may be effective in reducing non-occupational sedentary behaviour in the short to medium term in adults. However, no significant effect was found on longer term outcomes. The quality of evidence was, however, low to very low. No evidence was available on the effectiveness of non-occupational interventions on reducing sedentary time in older adults. Further high-quality research with larger samples is warranted.

Urban and Rural Fitness Level: Comparison between Italian and Croatian Students:

The goal of this study was to investigate the differences in physical fitness in relation to urban or rural living environment and between two countries: Italy and Croatia. Over 14,000 students were tested during physical education (PE) lessons. Croatian students were taller and heavier than Italian students, with women achieving better results in flexibility. Urban students were fitter in abdominal strength than rural students. Age seemed to be the major factor influencing the performance. This studys results indicate a trend: urban students performed “indoor” tests better than rural students; the opposite may be true for rural students. Living environment, socio-economic-status, or cultural correlation differences could be decreased during school experiences. Thus, PE programs could train all people toward an adequate, age-based fitness level.

Is School Type Associated with Objectively Measured Physical Activity in 15-Year-Olds?

The main aims of this study were: (1) to determine the objectively assessed physical activity (PA) patterns in urban 15-year-old male and female adolescents according to school type and (2) to assess the differences in PA between school days and weekend days. In this cross-sectional study, participants were 187 secondary-school male and female adolescents (61.4% females) attending grammar and vocational schools. Patterns of PA were objectively evaluated using a multi-sensor body monitor for 5 consecutive days. Confounders assessed included biological age, socio-economic status, sum of 4 skinfolds, maximal temperature and the amount of rainfall. Males and females from grammar schools achieved higher total daily energy expenditure (TEE) and active energy expenditure (AEE) compared to their peers from vocational schools (TEE: 50 ± 12 kcal/kg/day vs. 47 ± 12 kcal/kg/day, p = 0.02; AEE: 23 ± 5 kcal/kg/day vs. vocational = 21 ± 6 kcal/kg/day, p = 0.04). No differences in time spent in light (LPA), moderate (MPA) or vigorous (VPA) physical activity were noted between the two groups (p = 0.16–0.43). Next, a significant decline in TEE and MPA between school days and weekends was observed (p< 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively), while VPA remained the same throughout the week (p = 0.76). Weekly patterns of PA did not show differences by school type or gender (p for interactions = 0.21–0.50). In addition, significantly lower amount of MPA was accumulated during weekends compared to school days, resulting in lower TEE, regardless of school type or gender. Policies and strategies on PA in adolescents should focus vocational schools and weekend days.

Preparation program of the youngest Top 100 tennis player: the training concepts and principles

Preparation Program of the Youngest Top 100 Tennis Player: The Training Concepts and Principles Conditioning preparation plays a key role in tennis. Typical microcyles and training session examples, together with main concepts and principles, are shown and explained in this paper. A very comprehensive array of anthropological and blood– producing system measures is also presented. Immediately after the preparation period, the young female tennis player achieved the greatest success in her career by playing in the finals of WTA tournament in Tashkent, Uzbekistan achieving the best placement in her career by becoming one of the worlds top 100 female tennis players, and being the youngest one among them.

Effects of linear and daily undulating periodized resistance training programs on measures of muscle hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Periodization is an important component of resistance training programs. It is meant to improve adherence to the training regimen, allow for constant progression, help in avoiding plateaus, and reduce occurrence and severity of injuries. Previous findings regarding the effects of different periodization models on measures of muscle hypertrophy are equivocal. To provide a more in-depth look at the topic, we undertook a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of intervention trials comparing the effects of linear periodization (LP) and daily undulating periodization (DUP) resistance training programs on muscle hypertrophy. Materials and Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) and Open Access Theses and Dissertations (OATD). Results The pooled standardized mean difference (Cohen’s d) from 13 eligible studies for the difference between the periodization models on muscle hypertrophy was −0.02 (95% confidence interval [−0.25, 0.21], p = 0.848). Conclusions The meta-analysis comparing LP and DUP indicated that the effects of the two periodization models on muscle hypertrophy are likely to be similar. However, more research is needed in this area, particularly among trained individuals and clinical populations. Future studies may benefit from using instruments that are more sensitive for detecting changes in muscle mass, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.