IMPACT OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MOTOR SKILLS WHEN PERFORMING GYAKU TSUKI

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to determine the influence of morphology on karate characteristics and basic motor skills for the criterion variable counter-punch (gyako zuki) in boys, after a two-year training program. Methods A system of 25 variables (12 morphological, 12 motor, and one situational (gyako zuki)) was applied in a sample of 82 karatists, aged 10 to 14 years. Data were processed using regression analysis. Results Body weight had a statistically significant influence on the criterion variable in the initial measurement, as well as on the triceps and back skinfolds in the final measurement. In the motor space, semi-squat endurance had a significant impact on both initial and final measurements. In the reduced system, triple jump, half-squat endurance, and long jump impacted the initial measurement, while the 30-second torso lift, hyperextension on the bench, and semi-squat endurance impacted the final measurement. Conclusion From the data obtained, it can be concluded that the counter-punch (gyako zuki) performance results were better in participants with higher body weight, longer arms, less subcutaneous upper arm and back fat, greater static and explosive power in the lower limbs, and greater hamstring and spine flexibility. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies – Investigating the results.

A Model for Determining the Effect of the Wind Velocity on 100 m Sprinting Performance

This paper introduces an equation for determining instantaneous and final velocity of a sprinter in a 100 m run completed with a wind resistance ranging from 0.1 to 4.5 m/s. The validity of the equation was verified using the data of three world class sprinters: Carl Lewis, Maurice Green, and Usain Bolt. For the given constant wind velocity with the values + 0.9 and + 1.1 m/s, the wind contribution to the change of sprinter velocity was the same for the maximum as well as for the final velocity. This study assessed how the effect of the wind velocity influenced the change of sprinting velocity. The analysis led to the conclusion that the official limit of safely neglecting the wind influence could be chosen as 1 m/s instead of 2 m/s, if the velocity were presented using three, instead of two decimal digits. This implies that wind velocity should be rounded off to two decimal places instead of the present practice of one decimal place. In particular, the results indicated that the influence of wind on the change of sprinting velocity in the range of up to 2 m/s and was of order of magnitude of 10^-3 m/s. This proves that the IAAF Competition Rules correctly neglect the influence of the wind with regard to such velocities. However, for the wind velocity over 2 m/s, the wind influence is of order 10^-2 m/s and cannot be neglected.

Predicting the future of sports organizations

The current crisis of sport in Serbia justifies its prediction of real potential future of sport organizations. Sample of respondents (N=277) was divided in two subsamples: 113 professional persons involved in the management of sports clubs ("experimental" sample) and 164 individuals ("control" sample). The results of structural analysis showed that experimental sample based its vision on the staff as a determinant of the system, which is providing creativity as a characteristic of the organizational culture of the club. Control subsample of respondents could indicate some characteristic variables to predict the future of clubs, but can't say a clear prediction system based on a long sequence of reasoning. We can conclude that the mentioned two sub-samples are differerent in terms of the ability to orient to predict the future of their clubs on the basis of assessment of the key variables that shape the future scenarios.

Clinical case series of nine patients with tuberculousmeningitis in the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, AP Vojvodina, Serbia 2001-2010

AIM

To determine immediate risk factors of developing tuberculous meningitis, to assess the practical importance of clinical signs and findings in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) when opting for the specific therapy, and to predict the outcome of disease in relation to the beginning of treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective clinical case series of nine patients with tuberculous meningitis who were treated from April 2001 until November 2010 at the Department of Infectious Diseases in Novi Sad, Serbia was presented. Data of patients' medical records and presentation of clinical and laboratory features, neuroradiologicalfindings and outcome were used.

RESULTS

The factors of immediate risk/predisposition for the development of tuberculous meningitis were found in two (22.2%) patients. The duration of symptoms prior to admission was 9 days on average (from 3 to 20 days). The most frequent symptoms on admission were headache and fever in eight (88.9%) patients, whereas two patients (22.2%) were presented with stiff neck and photophobia. Consciousness was preserved in six patients (66.7%), two patients were somnolent and one was in coma. Two(22.2%) patients had concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis. Neuroradiological signs of the disease were present in two patients.

CONCLUSION

The duration of symptoms before admission, clinical examination and CSF analysis can be helpful in identifying patients who are at high risk of developing tuberculous meningitis.