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4. Myotonometric assessment of achilles tendon and gastrocnemius stiffness in recreationally active young adults : reliability, impact of sex, and links to linear sprintMatic Sašek, Petra Brnelić, Žiga Kozinc, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study examined the relationship between passive Achilles tendon (AT) and gastrocnemius (GAS) stiffness, measured by myotonometry, and 40-m sprint performance across acceleration and maximal velocity phases, while accounting for sex differences. Twenty-one student athletes (10 males, 11 females) underwent bilateral passive stiffness assessments of the AT and GAS using MyotonPRO, followed by 40-m sprint testing with 10, 20, 30, and 40 m splits. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV). Sex differences were examined with independent t-tests. Partial correlations controlling for sex were used to assess associations between passive stiffness and sprint performance. Passive stiffness and sprint variables demonstrated excellent within-session reliability (ICC = 0.95–0.99; CV < 5%). Males showed significantly greater passive GAS stiffness bilaterally (p = 0.006–0.049) and faster sprint times at 30 m (p = 0.040) and 40 m (p < 0.001), while passive AT stiffness did not differ significantly between sexes. Partial correlations indicated that greater passive AT stiffness in both legs was associated with faster sprint times at 10 m (r = -0.46 and -0.58, p = 0.008 and 0.043) and 20 m (r = -0.49 and -0.58, p = 0.008 and 0.029). No associations were observed at 30 m or 40 m, nor between passive GAS stiffness and sprint performance. Myotonometry provides reliable measures of AT and GAS stiffness. Greater passive AT stiffness is associated with faster acceleration sprint performance independent of sex.
Ključne besede: stiffness, muscle, tendon, sprint
Objavljeno v RUP: 06.04.2026; Ogledov: 214; Prenosov: 9
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5. Effects of foot strengthening exercises with or without a toe spacer on hallux alignment, foot mobility, and balance : a randomized controlled trialSara Gloria Meh, Miha Pešič, Žiga Kozinc, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening and orthotic devices such as toe spacers are commonly used to improve foot alignment and function. However, evidence regarding the combined effects of strengthening exercises and interdigital spacers remains limited. Objective: To examine whether adding a silicone toe spacer to a foot strengthening exercise program provides additional benefits compared with exercise alone. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: University biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Twenty-five healthy adults (mean age 23.8 ± 1.3 years) without lower limb injury or neurological disorders were randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups. Interventions: Participants performed a six-week foot strengthening program (22 sessions). One group performed exercises alone, while the second group performed the same exercises while wearing a silicone interdigital toe spacer. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was hallux valgus angle. Secondary outcomes included active and passive hallux range of motion (ROM), ankle dorsiflexion ROM (weight-bearing lunge test), navicular drop, and postural stability during single-leg stance assessed using center-of-pressure (CoP) measures. Results: Both groups demonstrated improvements over time in hallux valgus angle (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.361), active hallux range of motion (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.545), and ankle dorsiflexion (p < 0.001). However, no significant between-group differences were observed for the primary outcome or most secondary outcomes. A significant time × group interaction was observed only for passive hallux range of motion (p = 0.040, η2 = 0.170), indicating greater improvement in the exercise-only group. Navicular drop and postural stability variables did not change significantly. Conclusions: A six-week foot strengthening program improved hallux alignment, hallux mobility, and ankle dorsiflexion in healthy adults. The addition of a silicone toe spacer did not provide additional short-term benefits compared with exercise alone.
Ključne besede: foot, orthosis, thumb
Objavljeno v RUP: 26.03.2026; Ogledov: 426; Prenosov: 8
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8. Comparison of vertical jump performance between the Maasai, track and field athletes, and non-athletes : a cross-sectional studyPetra Robnik, Jaffu Chilongola, Eunice Kombe, Žiga Kozinc, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The Maasai are known for their unique customs, including dancing, singing, and jumping. The tribe’s traditional jumping rituals, performed by young warriors called ‘Morani,’ demonstrate their strength and skill through repetitive hops, often lasting several hours. These jumps are comparable to the countermovement jumps (CMJ) of elite Western athletes. This study compared different types of jumps (CMJ), squat jump (SJ) and repetitive hops) among three groups: (a) Maasai (n = 30), (b) Slovenian high-jump athletes and sprinters (n = 20), and (c) non-athletes in Slovenia (n = 20). Participants were male, aged 16–35. The My Jump 2 app was used to measure jump height. Results showed that during CMJ, the Maasai averaged 38.1 cm ± 7.3 cm; athletes 52.46 cm ± 9.07 cm; non-athletes 33.72 cm ± 7.22 cm. In the SJ, the Maasai averaged 35.87 cm ± 6.59 cm; athletes 49.74 cm ± 7.3 cm; non-athletes 32.57 cm ± 6.21 cm. For repetitive hops, the Maasai averaged 36.2 cm ± 7.75 cm; athletes 35.93 cm ± 5.98 cm; non-athletes 20.98 cm ± 7.07 cm. Athletes showed higher jump heights in CMJ and SJ compared to the Maasai (p < 0.001, d = 1.28; p < 0.001, d = 2.00) and non-athletes (p < 0.001, d = 2.29; p < 0.001, d = 2.53). However, in repetitive hops, the Maasai performed similarly to athletes (p = 0.991, d = 0.04), while non-athletes had significantly lower results (p < 0.001, d = 2.05). These findings suggest that the Maasai’s cultural practices enhance musculoskeletal adaptation from an early age, emphasizing that proficiency is greatest in regularly practiced tasks, such as repetitive jumps and hops.
Ključne besede: Maasai, athletes, jumps
Objavljeno v RUP: 01.03.2026; Ogledov: 540; Prenosov: 5
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9. Effects of physiotherapeutic interventions for reducing arthrogenic muscle inhibition in chronic ankle instability : a systematic reviewDanijela Bec, Špela Skubic, Žiga Kozinc, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is characterized by recurrent ankle sprains and neuromuscular deficits, including arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI), which impairs motor control. Physiotherapeutic interventions targeting neural excitability may help mitigate AMI and improve function. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions in modulating neural excitability and reducing AMI in CAI. Methods A systematic search of six databases identified studies examining the effects of physiotherapy interventions on spinal (H-waves/M-waves (H/M) ratio) and corticospinal excitability (transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) outcomes) in CAI. Quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results Thirteen studies investigated proprioceptive training, manual therapy, taping, cryotherapy, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS), electrotherapy, and dry needling. Prolonged balance training, cryotherapy, and atDCS showed the most consistent effects. Conclusion atDCS, manual therapy, cryotherapy, electrotherapy and balance training may help reduce AMI in CAI, but further studies with larger samples and long-term follow-ups are needed.
Ključne besede: rehabilitation, physical therapy, ankle instability, arthrogenic inhibition
Objavljeno v RUP: 23.02.2026; Ogledov: 356; Prenosov: 6
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10. Differences in physical function across dementia subtypes and cognitive decline : a cross-sectional studyKristina Batič, Žiga Kozinc, Polona Rus Prelog, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Cognitive impairment significantly affects physical function in dementia patients, but variations across dementia types and levels of cognitive decline remain unclear. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 874 patients (80.75 ± 8.00 years; 60.4% female) with different dementia types and cognitive impairment levels. Six physical function tests were admisterd: the De Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI), 6-minute walking test (6MTW), 10-meter walking test (10MWT), hand grip strength (HGS), 30-second chair stand (30sSTS), and the timed “Up & Go” test (TUG). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The Mild Cognitive Imapirment (MCI) group outperformed Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) and Vascular Dementia (VaD) on DEMMI, 30sSTS and HGS (p < 0.001, η² = 0.012 to 0.052). Differences in the 6MWT were significant in ANOVA but disappeared after adjusting for sex and age (p = 0.066). Severe cognitive impairment was linked to significantly lower physical performance across all measures (p < 0.001, η² = 0.037 to 0.064). Physical function profiles vary by dementia type and cognitive decline level, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address specific physical challenges.
Ključne besede: dementia, cognitive decline, physical function
Objavljeno v RUP: 22.02.2026; Ogledov: 365; Prenosov: 4
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