Goran Sporiš | University of Zagreb, Faculty of Kinesiology (original) (raw)

Papers by Goran Sporiš

Research paper thumbnail of Self-reported confidence, attitudes and skills in practical procedures among medical students: questionnaire study

Collegium antropologicum, 2007

The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of gender, loss of academic year(s), confid... more The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of gender, loss of academic year(s), confidence and attitudes of students on the clinical experience gained by undergraduate education. The survey was conducted during 2004 and 2005 in a sample of 182 students of the 5th and the 6th year at J.J. Strossmayer University School of Medicine in Osijek. The participants were grouped and matched according to their gender, regular studying, the number of time(s) student has performed certain practical medical procedure and the self-confidence arisen by performing one. Furthermore, participants were grouped and compared due to their own assessment of their own practical and theoretical medical knowledge, courses which provide them the least and oppositely--the most practical medical knowledge and their attitude toward current medical faculty curriculum on clinical courses as well as the possibilities of improving them. Fisher's exact test and chi2-test were used to estimate statistica...

Research paper thumbnail of Reliability and Factorial Validity of Agility Tests for Soccer Players

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2010

Sporis, G, Jukic, I, Milanovic, L, and Vucetic, V. Reliability and factorial validity of agility ... more Sporis, G, Jukic, I, Milanovic, L, and Vucetic, V. Reliability and factorial validity of agility tests for soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 24(3): 679-686, 2010-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and factorial validity of agility tests used in soccer. One hundred fifty (n = 150), elite, male, junior soccer players, members of the First Junior League Team, volunteered to participate in the study. The slalom test (ST) sprint 4 3 5 m (S4 3 5) and sprint 9-3-6-3-6-9 m with 180°t urns (S180°) tests had a greater reliability coefficient (a = 0.992, 0.979, and 0.976), whereas the within-subject variation ranged between 2.9 and 5.6%. The mentioned 6 agility tests resulted in the extraction of 2 significant components. The S435 test had the lowest correlation coefficient with the first component (r = 0.38), whereas the correlation coefficients of the other 5 agility tests were higher than 0.63. The T-test (TT) showed statistically significant differences between the defenders and midfielders (p , 0.05) and between the defenders and attackers (p , 0.05). Statistical significant differences were determined between the attackers and defenders in the sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with backward and forward running (SBF) and p , 0.05. It can be concluded that of the 6 agility tests used in this study, the SBF, TT, and S180°are the most reliable and valid tests for estimating the agility of soccer players. According to the results of the study, the TT proved to be the most appropriate for estimating the agility of defenders, the SBF, and S180°for estimating the agility of midfielders, whereas the S4 3 5 test can be used for estimating the agility of attackers. VOLUME 24 | NUMBER 3 | MARCH 2010 | 679 *AVR = average intertrial correlation; ICC = interclass correlation coefficient; a = Crombach's alpha reliability coefficient; CV = coefficient of variation; TT = T-test; SD = standard deviation; ST = slalom test; S4 3 5 = sprint 4 3 5 meter; S90°= sprint with 90°t urns; S180°= sprint 9-3-6-3-9 meters with 180°turns; SBF = sprint 9-3-6-3-9 meters with backward and forward running.

Research paper thumbnail of How reliable are the equations for predicting maximal heart rate values in military personnel?

Military medicine, 2011

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of equations f... more Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of equations for predictitig maximal values of heart rate (HR) iti military persontiel. Methods: Five hundred and nine members of the Croatian Armed Forces (age 29.1 ± 5.5 years; height 180.1 ± 6.6 cm; body mass 83.4 ± 11.3 kg; maximal oxygen uptake [VO^^^^J 49.7 ± 6.9 mL Oj/kg/min) were tested. The graded exercise test with gas exchange measuremetits was used to determinê^2 max ^'^'' niaximum HR (HR_^^^). The analysis of variance was used to determine the differences between the equatiotis to calculate HR^^^. Results: The analysis of variance yielded statistically significant differences between seven HR equatiotis (p < oBs). The values from Stevens Creek's (HR^_^ = 205 -[age/2]) atid Fox and Haskell's (HR^,_^ = 220""age) equations had the highest correlation with the HR^^^ obtained by the graded exercise test. Conclusion: The authors recommend using the HR^^^ values from the Stevens Creek and the Fox atid Haskell equations for the purpose of training, testing, and daily exercise routine in military personnel.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of a 12 Week SAQ Training Programme on Agility with and without the Ball among Young Soccer Players

Journal of sports science & medicine, 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week conditioning programme involv... more The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week conditioning programme involving speed, agility and quickness (SAQ) training and its effect on agility performance in young soccer players. Soccer players were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental group (EG; n = 66, body mass: 71.3 ± 5.9 kg; body height: 1.77 ± 0.07 m) and control group (CG; n = 66, body mass: 70.6 ± 4.9 kg; body height: 1.76 ± 0.06 m). Agility performance was assessed using field tests: Slalom; Slalom with ball; Sprint with 90° turns; Sprint with 90° turns with ball; Sprint with 180° turns; Sprint with backward and forward running; Sprint 4 x 5 m. Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) between pre and post training were evident for almost all measures of agility, with and without the ball, with the exception being the Sprint with backward and forward running. This suggests that SAQ training is an effective way of improving agility, with and without the ball, for young soccer players and can be included in physical conditioning programmes.

Research paper thumbnail of Biomechanical evaluation of exercises for performing a forward handspring - Case study

Journal of Human Kinetics, 2012

The aim of this study was based on the kinematic parameters, extracted at different stages of per... more The aim of this study was based on the kinematic parameters, extracted at different stages of performing a forward handspring to determine the interconnection of methodological procedures of learning with the final structure of the movement. The respondent is an active competitor with years of experience, elite athlete, many times Croatian champion, and competitor at European, World Championships and the Olympics. The team composed of six gymnastic experts, chose one of the best performances by twelve methodological procedures and the best performance (of six) twoleg forward handsprings basing their choice on a detailed review of recorded material. Assessment of quality of performance was done according to the defined rules prescribed by the regulations (Code of Points). The forward handspring technique consists of four phases based on which 45 space and time kinematic parameters were selected (30 parameters in the phase of hand contact and push-off, 7 in the flight phase, and 8 parameters in the landing phase). By extraction of space and time parameters, there was a differentiation of certain methodological procedures that are the best for learning forward handspring in each phase of its performance. This research indicates that these methodological procedures mostly coincide in space kinematic parameters by which the technique of a forward handspring is described.

Research paper thumbnail of Does SAQ training improve the speed and flexibility of young soccer players? A randomized controlled trial

Human Movement Science, 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week speed, agility and quickness (SAQ... more The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week speed, agility and quickness (SAQ) training program on speed and flexibility in young soccer players. One hundred and thirtytwo soccer players were randomly assigned to experimental (EG; n = 66, mean ± SD: age: 18.5 ± 0.4 years (range 17-19 years); body mass: 71.30 ± 5.93 kg; stature: 177.2 ± 6.5 cm) and control groups (CG; n = 66, mean ± SD: age: 18.6 ± 0.6 years (range 17-19 years); body mass: 70.63 ± 4.87 kg; stature: 175.9 ± 5.7 cm). The experimental group performed SAQ training whilst the control group undertook straight-line sprint training matched for volume and duration. Sprint performance was assessed using 5 and 10 m sprints and a further test including maximal speed, a 20 m sprint. Flexibility was assessed using sit and reach, V-sit and reach, leg lift from supine position and lateral leg lift while lying on the side tests. Sprints over 5, 10 and 20 m did not differ between groups at baseline, but by week 12, the 5 m sprint had significantly improved (P < .05) in the SAQ training group compared to the control group (1.40 ± 0.13 vs. 1.46 ± 0.12 s, respectively) although this improvement had a trivial effect size (ES = 0.15). The 10 m sprint time had improved by 3.3% (P < .01) in the SAQ group with a moderate effect size (ES = 0.66). No significant differences (P > .05) for http://dx.jou rn al homepage: www.elsevier.com /locate/humo v all flexibility tests were found between experimental and control group at baseline and after the training programs. Consequently SAQ training was found to be an effective way of improving sprint time for short distances over 5 and 10 m but not over 20 m (where maximum speed was achieved) or flexibility. These results indicate that SAQ training may be more effective for improving sprint performance for some soccer players but more research is required to determine ideal training methods for improving acceleration and flexibility in young soccer players.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of a Training Program for Special Operations Battalion on Soldiersʼ Fitness Characteristics

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of The Anaerobic Endurance of Elite Soccer Players Improved After a High-Intensity Training Intervention in the 8-Week Conditioning Program

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in anaerobic endurance in elite First-league so... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in anaerobic endurance in elite First-league soccer players throughout 2 consecutive seasons, in 2 phases, with and without high-intensity situational drills. Eighteen soccer players were tested before and after the 8-week summer conditioning and again in the next season. The measured variables included 300-yard shuttle run test, maximal heart rate, and maximal blood lactate at the end of the test. During the first phase of the study, the traditional sprint training was performed only 2 3 weeks and consisted of 15 bouts of straight-line sprinting. In the second year the 4 3 4 min drills at an intensity of 90-95% of HRmax, separated by periods of 3-minute technical drills at 55-65% of HRmax were introduced. Statistical significance was set at P # 0.05. The traditional conditioning program conducted during the first year of the study did not elicit an improvement in anaerobic endurance as recorded in the 300-yard shuttle run test. After the intervention, the overall test running time improved significantly (55.74 6 1.63 s vs. 56.99 6 1.64 s; P , 0.05) with the maximal blood lactate at the end of the test significantly greater (15.4 6 1.23 mmolÁL 21 vs. 13.5 6 1.12 mmolÁL 21 . P , 0.01). As a result, this study showed some indication that situational high-intensity task training was more efficient than straight-line sprinting in improving anaerobic endurance measured by the 300-yard shuttle run test.

Research paper thumbnail of A new method for assessing squash tactics using 15 court areas for ball locations

Human Movement Science, 2014

Tactics in squash have typically been assessed using the frequency of different shot types played... more Tactics in squash have typically been assessed using the frequency of different shot types played at different locations on the court either without reference to other relevant information or on the basis of the preceding shot. This paper presents a new squash specific method for categorizing court locations in which the ball was played, a novel techniques for assessing the reliability of this method and presents typical shots responses in these new areas controlled for preceding shot as well as the time between shots and the handedness of the players. Twelve games were viewed using the SAGIT/Squash software and 2907 shots viewed a second time from a video image taken from behind the court with an overall agreement of 88.90% for the court location data and 99.52% for shot type. 3192 shots from 9 matches from the 2003 World Team Championships were analyzed in SAGIT/Squash. In the court areas analyzed between 2 and 7 shot responses were predominant suggesting tactical patterns were evident. This was supported by differences evident between shot responses played from the two back corners where the backhand side was characterized by a predominance of straight drives whereas straight and crosscourt drives were played on the forehand side. These results tended to confirm that tactics i.e., consistent shot types, are played although these are only apparent when factors that determine shot selection http://dx.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of maternal exercise during pregnancy on abnormal fetal growth

Croatian Medical Journal, 2013

Aim To assess the effect of maternal physical activity during pregnancy on abnormal fetal growth.

Research paper thumbnail of Reliability of the Serbian version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for older adults

Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the International Physi... more The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for older adults in Serbia. Six hundred and sixty older adults (352 men, 53%; 308 women, 47%; mean age 67.65±5.76 years) partici pated in the study. To examine test-retest reliability, the participants were asked to complete the IPAQ on two occasions 2 weeks apart. Moderate reliability was observed between the repeated IPAQ, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.53 to 0.91. The least reliability was established in leisure time activity (0.53) and the most reliability in the transport domain (0.91). Men and women had similar intraclass correlation coefficients for total physical activity (0.71 versus 0.74, respectively), while the biggest difference was obtained for housework in men (0.68) and in women (0.90). Our study shows that the long version of the IPAQ is a reli able instrument for assessing physical activity levels in older adults and that it may be useful for generating internationally comparable data.

Research paper thumbnail of How to Measure Muscular Endurance in Children: A New Approach

The aim of this study was primarily to determine the reliability and factor validity of four musc... more The aim of this study was primarily to determine the reliability and factor validity of four muscular endurance tests, and secondly, to identify gender differences in muscular endurance tests. For this purpose, a new muscular endurance test was constructed for pupils aged between seven and eight (CROCO). The research was done on a sample of 71 pupils aged between seven and eight (35 girls and 36 boys), their body height being 129.2±1.3 cm for boys and 127.1±1.4 cm forgirls, body weight 29.3±7.2 kg for boys and 27.1±6.5 for girls. According to the results, all tests have shown a good levelof reliability and factor validity. Also, the present study confirmed the expected gender differences (p£0.05). In all muscular endurance tests, the boys were slightly better than girls (p£0.05). The authors recommend the implementation of the CROCO test and other muscular endurance tests used in this study, both for the implementation in the primary school
curricula and in sports because of these tests’ satisfactory level of reliability and factor validity. The school curricula
need to be adjusted to the age and gender differences of children in order to promote positive health behavior from the earliest age on the one hand, and on the other to be able to objectively measure muscular endurance.
Key words: muscular endurance, testing, children

Research paper thumbnail of Self-reported confidence, attitudes and skills in practical procedures among medical students: questionnaire study

Collegium antropologicum, 2007

The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of gender, loss of academic year(s), confid... more The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of gender, loss of academic year(s), confidence and attitudes of students on the clinical experience gained by undergraduate education. The survey was conducted during 2004 and 2005 in a sample of 182 students of the 5th and the 6th year at J.J. Strossmayer University School of Medicine in Osijek. The participants were grouped and matched according to their gender, regular studying, the number of time(s) student has performed certain practical medical procedure and the self-confidence arisen by performing one. Furthermore, participants were grouped and compared due to their own assessment of their own practical and theoretical medical knowledge, courses which provide them the least and oppositely--the most practical medical knowledge and their attitude toward current medical faculty curriculum on clinical courses as well as the possibilities of improving them. Fisher's exact test and chi2-test were used to estimate statistica...

Research paper thumbnail of Reliability and Factorial Validity of Agility Tests for Soccer Players

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2010

Sporis, G, Jukic, I, Milanovic, L, and Vucetic, V. Reliability and factorial validity of agility ... more Sporis, G, Jukic, I, Milanovic, L, and Vucetic, V. Reliability and factorial validity of agility tests for soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 24(3): 679-686, 2010-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and factorial validity of agility tests used in soccer. One hundred fifty (n = 150), elite, male, junior soccer players, members of the First Junior League Team, volunteered to participate in the study. The slalom test (ST) sprint 4 3 5 m (S4 3 5) and sprint 9-3-6-3-6-9 m with 180°t urns (S180°) tests had a greater reliability coefficient (a = 0.992, 0.979, and 0.976), whereas the within-subject variation ranged between 2.9 and 5.6%. The mentioned 6 agility tests resulted in the extraction of 2 significant components. The S435 test had the lowest correlation coefficient with the first component (r = 0.38), whereas the correlation coefficients of the other 5 agility tests were higher than 0.63. The T-test (TT) showed statistically significant differences between the defenders and midfielders (p , 0.05) and between the defenders and attackers (p , 0.05). Statistical significant differences were determined between the attackers and defenders in the sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with backward and forward running (SBF) and p , 0.05. It can be concluded that of the 6 agility tests used in this study, the SBF, TT, and S180°are the most reliable and valid tests for estimating the agility of soccer players. According to the results of the study, the TT proved to be the most appropriate for estimating the agility of defenders, the SBF, and S180°for estimating the agility of midfielders, whereas the S4 3 5 test can be used for estimating the agility of attackers. VOLUME 24 | NUMBER 3 | MARCH 2010 | 679 *AVR = average intertrial correlation; ICC = interclass correlation coefficient; a = Crombach's alpha reliability coefficient; CV = coefficient of variation; TT = T-test; SD = standard deviation; ST = slalom test; S4 3 5 = sprint 4 3 5 meter; S90°= sprint with 90°t urns; S180°= sprint 9-3-6-3-9 meters with 180°turns; SBF = sprint 9-3-6-3-9 meters with backward and forward running.

Research paper thumbnail of How reliable are the equations for predicting maximal heart rate values in military personnel?

Military medicine, 2011

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of equations f... more Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of equations for predictitig maximal values of heart rate (HR) iti military persontiel. Methods: Five hundred and nine members of the Croatian Armed Forces (age 29.1 ± 5.5 years; height 180.1 ± 6.6 cm; body mass 83.4 ± 11.3 kg; maximal oxygen uptake [VO^^^^J 49.7 ± 6.9 mL Oj/kg/min) were tested. The graded exercise test with gas exchange measuremetits was used to determinê^2 max ^'^'' niaximum HR (HR_^^^). The analysis of variance was used to determine the differences between the equatiotis to calculate HR^^^. Results: The analysis of variance yielded statistically significant differences between seven HR equatiotis (p < oBs). The values from Stevens Creek's (HR^_^ = 205 -[age/2]) atid Fox and Haskell's (HR^,_^ = 220""age) equations had the highest correlation with the HR^^^ obtained by the graded exercise test. Conclusion: The authors recommend using the HR^^^ values from the Stevens Creek and the Fox atid Haskell equations for the purpose of training, testing, and daily exercise routine in military personnel.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of a 12 Week SAQ Training Programme on Agility with and without the Ball among Young Soccer Players

Journal of sports science & medicine, 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week conditioning programme involv... more The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week conditioning programme involving speed, agility and quickness (SAQ) training and its effect on agility performance in young soccer players. Soccer players were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental group (EG; n = 66, body mass: 71.3 ± 5.9 kg; body height: 1.77 ± 0.07 m) and control group (CG; n = 66, body mass: 70.6 ± 4.9 kg; body height: 1.76 ± 0.06 m). Agility performance was assessed using field tests: Slalom; Slalom with ball; Sprint with 90° turns; Sprint with 90° turns with ball; Sprint with 180° turns; Sprint with backward and forward running; Sprint 4 x 5 m. Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) between pre and post training were evident for almost all measures of agility, with and without the ball, with the exception being the Sprint with backward and forward running. This suggests that SAQ training is an effective way of improving agility, with and without the ball, for young soccer players and can be included in physical conditioning programmes.

Research paper thumbnail of Biomechanical evaluation of exercises for performing a forward handspring - Case study

Journal of Human Kinetics, 2012

The aim of this study was based on the kinematic parameters, extracted at different stages of per... more The aim of this study was based on the kinematic parameters, extracted at different stages of performing a forward handspring to determine the interconnection of methodological procedures of learning with the final structure of the movement. The respondent is an active competitor with years of experience, elite athlete, many times Croatian champion, and competitor at European, World Championships and the Olympics. The team composed of six gymnastic experts, chose one of the best performances by twelve methodological procedures and the best performance (of six) twoleg forward handsprings basing their choice on a detailed review of recorded material. Assessment of quality of performance was done according to the defined rules prescribed by the regulations (Code of Points). The forward handspring technique consists of four phases based on which 45 space and time kinematic parameters were selected (30 parameters in the phase of hand contact and push-off, 7 in the flight phase, and 8 parameters in the landing phase). By extraction of space and time parameters, there was a differentiation of certain methodological procedures that are the best for learning forward handspring in each phase of its performance. This research indicates that these methodological procedures mostly coincide in space kinematic parameters by which the technique of a forward handspring is described.

Research paper thumbnail of Does SAQ training improve the speed and flexibility of young soccer players? A randomized controlled trial

Human Movement Science, 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week speed, agility and quickness (SAQ... more The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week speed, agility and quickness (SAQ) training program on speed and flexibility in young soccer players. One hundred and thirtytwo soccer players were randomly assigned to experimental (EG; n = 66, mean ± SD: age: 18.5 ± 0.4 years (range 17-19 years); body mass: 71.30 ± 5.93 kg; stature: 177.2 ± 6.5 cm) and control groups (CG; n = 66, mean ± SD: age: 18.6 ± 0.6 years (range 17-19 years); body mass: 70.63 ± 4.87 kg; stature: 175.9 ± 5.7 cm). The experimental group performed SAQ training whilst the control group undertook straight-line sprint training matched for volume and duration. Sprint performance was assessed using 5 and 10 m sprints and a further test including maximal speed, a 20 m sprint. Flexibility was assessed using sit and reach, V-sit and reach, leg lift from supine position and lateral leg lift while lying on the side tests. Sprints over 5, 10 and 20 m did not differ between groups at baseline, but by week 12, the 5 m sprint had significantly improved (P < .05) in the SAQ training group compared to the control group (1.40 ± 0.13 vs. 1.46 ± 0.12 s, respectively) although this improvement had a trivial effect size (ES = 0.15). The 10 m sprint time had improved by 3.3% (P < .01) in the SAQ group with a moderate effect size (ES = 0.66). No significant differences (P > .05) for http://dx.jou rn al homepage: www.elsevier.com /locate/humo v all flexibility tests were found between experimental and control group at baseline and after the training programs. Consequently SAQ training was found to be an effective way of improving sprint time for short distances over 5 and 10 m but not over 20 m (where maximum speed was achieved) or flexibility. These results indicate that SAQ training may be more effective for improving sprint performance for some soccer players but more research is required to determine ideal training methods for improving acceleration and flexibility in young soccer players.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of a Training Program for Special Operations Battalion on Soldiersʼ Fitness Characteristics

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of The Anaerobic Endurance of Elite Soccer Players Improved After a High-Intensity Training Intervention in the 8-Week Conditioning Program

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in anaerobic endurance in elite First-league so... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in anaerobic endurance in elite First-league soccer players throughout 2 consecutive seasons, in 2 phases, with and without high-intensity situational drills. Eighteen soccer players were tested before and after the 8-week summer conditioning and again in the next season. The measured variables included 300-yard shuttle run test, maximal heart rate, and maximal blood lactate at the end of the test. During the first phase of the study, the traditional sprint training was performed only 2 3 weeks and consisted of 15 bouts of straight-line sprinting. In the second year the 4 3 4 min drills at an intensity of 90-95% of HRmax, separated by periods of 3-minute technical drills at 55-65% of HRmax were introduced. Statistical significance was set at P # 0.05. The traditional conditioning program conducted during the first year of the study did not elicit an improvement in anaerobic endurance as recorded in the 300-yard shuttle run test. After the intervention, the overall test running time improved significantly (55.74 6 1.63 s vs. 56.99 6 1.64 s; P , 0.05) with the maximal blood lactate at the end of the test significantly greater (15.4 6 1.23 mmolÁL 21 vs. 13.5 6 1.12 mmolÁL 21 . P , 0.01). As a result, this study showed some indication that situational high-intensity task training was more efficient than straight-line sprinting in improving anaerobic endurance measured by the 300-yard shuttle run test.

Research paper thumbnail of A new method for assessing squash tactics using 15 court areas for ball locations

Human Movement Science, 2014

Tactics in squash have typically been assessed using the frequency of different shot types played... more Tactics in squash have typically been assessed using the frequency of different shot types played at different locations on the court either without reference to other relevant information or on the basis of the preceding shot. This paper presents a new squash specific method for categorizing court locations in which the ball was played, a novel techniques for assessing the reliability of this method and presents typical shots responses in these new areas controlled for preceding shot as well as the time between shots and the handedness of the players. Twelve games were viewed using the SAGIT/Squash software and 2907 shots viewed a second time from a video image taken from behind the court with an overall agreement of 88.90% for the court location data and 99.52% for shot type. 3192 shots from 9 matches from the 2003 World Team Championships were analyzed in SAGIT/Squash. In the court areas analyzed between 2 and 7 shot responses were predominant suggesting tactical patterns were evident. This was supported by differences evident between shot responses played from the two back corners where the backhand side was characterized by a predominance of straight drives whereas straight and crosscourt drives were played on the forehand side. These results tended to confirm that tactics i.e., consistent shot types, are played although these are only apparent when factors that determine shot selection http://dx.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of maternal exercise during pregnancy on abnormal fetal growth

Croatian Medical Journal, 2013

Aim To assess the effect of maternal physical activity during pregnancy on abnormal fetal growth.

Research paper thumbnail of Reliability of the Serbian version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for older adults

Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the International Physi... more The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for older adults in Serbia. Six hundred and sixty older adults (352 men, 53%; 308 women, 47%; mean age 67.65±5.76 years) partici pated in the study. To examine test-retest reliability, the participants were asked to complete the IPAQ on two occasions 2 weeks apart. Moderate reliability was observed between the repeated IPAQ, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.53 to 0.91. The least reliability was established in leisure time activity (0.53) and the most reliability in the transport domain (0.91). Men and women had similar intraclass correlation coefficients for total physical activity (0.71 versus 0.74, respectively), while the biggest difference was obtained for housework in men (0.68) and in women (0.90). Our study shows that the long version of the IPAQ is a reli able instrument for assessing physical activity levels in older adults and that it may be useful for generating internationally comparable data.

Research paper thumbnail of How to Measure Muscular Endurance in Children: A New Approach

The aim of this study was primarily to determine the reliability and factor validity of four musc... more The aim of this study was primarily to determine the reliability and factor validity of four muscular endurance tests, and secondly, to identify gender differences in muscular endurance tests. For this purpose, a new muscular endurance test was constructed for pupils aged between seven and eight (CROCO). The research was done on a sample of 71 pupils aged between seven and eight (35 girls and 36 boys), their body height being 129.2±1.3 cm for boys and 127.1±1.4 cm forgirls, body weight 29.3±7.2 kg for boys and 27.1±6.5 for girls. According to the results, all tests have shown a good levelof reliability and factor validity. Also, the present study confirmed the expected gender differences (p£0.05). In all muscular endurance tests, the boys were slightly better than girls (p£0.05). The authors recommend the implementation of the CROCO test and other muscular endurance tests used in this study, both for the implementation in the primary school
curricula and in sports because of these tests’ satisfactory level of reliability and factor validity. The school curricula
need to be adjusted to the age and gender differences of children in order to promote positive health behavior from the earliest age on the one hand, and on the other to be able to objectively measure muscular endurance.
Key words: muscular endurance, testing, children