1. Enhanced paper grip test for foot strength assessment in healthy young adults : test–retest reliability and comparison with handgripNenad Nedović, Stevan Jovanović, Danilo Vujičić, Vladimir Gapić, Žiga Kozinc, 2026, original scientific article Keywords: strength, power, thumb, measurements
Published in RUP: 11.01.2026; Views: 60; Downloads: 0
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2. Targeting pediatric obesity through gender-specific nutritional strategies : insights from dietary intake and food sourcesTadeja Jakus, Breda Prunk Franetič, Tamara Poklar Vatovec, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity remains a major global health challenge influenced by poor dietary patterns and excessive energy intake. Understanding gender-specific nutritional deviations may improve the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to evaluate differences in energy and nutrient intake between boys and girls with overweight or obesity status and to identify the main food sources contributing to these differences. Methods: Data from a total of 180 participants (83 boys, 97 girls; 7–18 years) attending the national obesity intervention program Camp My Challenge was analyzed. Anthropometric parameters and dietary intake were assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (OPKP). Intakes were compared with Slovenian dietary reference values (DRVs). Group differences were tested using ANOVA, t-tests, and Pearson correlations (p < 0.05). Results: Boys exhibited higher body mass (79.9 ± 22.6 kg vs. 69.2 ± 19.1 kg; p = 0.001) and BMI (30.8 ± 4.8 kg/m2 vs. 28.5 ± 4.4 kg/m2; p = 0.001). Mean energy intake was 2543 ± 1138 kcal/day, exceeding DRV by 16% (t = 3.31, p < 0.001). Girls exceeded energy requirements by 24.5% vs. 5.4% in boys (p = 0.019). Boys consumed significantly more total fat (106 ± 61 g vs. 85 ± 47 g; p = 0.014), saturated fatty acids (34 ± 20 g vs. 27 ± 13 g; p = 0.011), protein (119 ± 63 g vs. 98 ± 41 g; p = 0.008), and sodium (3628 ± 2086 mg vs. 2852 ± 1520 mg; p = 0.005). Girls showed higher sugar intake (208% vs. 166% of DRV; p = 0.032), mainly from sweet foods (24%) and fruit (26%), whereas beverages—predominantly isotonic drinks—accounted for 27% of boys’ sugar intake. Sugar intake correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.305, p = 0.002) and fat mass (r = 0.272, p = 0.007) in girls. Sodium intake exceeded DRV sixfold in both sexes. Conclusions: Marked sex-specific dietary disparities exist among children with obesity. Interventions should target high sugar and energy intake in girls and excessive fat, sodium, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in boys to enhance the efficacy of pediatric obesity management.
Keywords: childhood obesity, nutrition, dietary, sex-specific
Published in RUP: 10.01.2026; Views: 74; Downloads: 0
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3. Evaluating motor deficits in multiple sclerosis using jump and hop tests : a review of current evidenceEva Žura, Adis Burzić, Erik Paulin, Žiga Kozinc, 2025, review article Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that often leads to subtle motor impairments even in early stages. Traditional clinical assessments may fail to detect these early deficits. Jump and hop tasks, requiring complex neuromuscular coordination, have emerged as promising functional assessments in neurological populations. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the use of jump- and hop-based assessments to evaluate motor performance in people with MS (pwMS). A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted in April 2025. Studies were included if they involved pwMS, used jump or hop tasks, and reported performance, kinetic, or kinematic outcomes. Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Countermovement jumps (CMJ) were most frequently used and consistently detected motor deficits in pwMS, including reduced flight time, jump height, and power output. Single-leg CMJ tests identified asymmetries correlated with disability scores. Bipedal hops revealed impaired coordination and anticipatory control. One study assessed motor fatigability through repetitive jumping, while another evaluated the patient experience of sensor-based jump testing. Jump and hop assessments provide potentially sensitive, non-invasive tools for detecting early motor impairments in MS. They offer potential for improving clinical monitoring and guiding individualized rehabilitation strategies.
Keywords: multiple sclerosis, balance, jumps
Published in RUP: 07.01.2026; Views: 92; Downloads: 1
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4. The impact of hormonal contraceptives on skeletal muscle hypertrophyNevena Markov, Matevž Arčon, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Female reproductive hormones such as progesterone and estrogen play an important role in the body as they orchestrate functions of numerous cells including skeletal muscle cells. Onset of menses marks the beginning of reproductive life, whereas menopause marks its cessation. We distinguish three phases of the 28-day menstrual cycle namely follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases. The follicular phase is characterised by marked increases in estrogen, which triggers ovulation. During this phase, estrogen peaks, whereas progesterone levels are low. Following ovulation, the luteal phase commences marked by high progesterone levels and reduced estrogen. Indeed, these periodic fluctuations in reproductive hormones may affect rates of muscle protein synthesis and hence hinder sought adaptations such as skeletal muscle hypertrophy in female athletes. With the introduction of hormonal contraceptives, female athletes were able to have ameliorate the negative effects of the menstrual cycle by reducing menstrual cramping and bleeding. Hormonal contraceptives are constituted of a single or multiple synthetic hormones namely estrogen and progestin. Nevertheless, the impact of hormonal contraceptives on skeletal muscle hypertrophy remains elusive. In this review, we aim to present the potential implications of hormonal contraceptives on skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
Keywords: hormonal contraceptives, estrogen, progesterone, muscle hypertrophy, menstrual cycle, resistance training
Published in RUP: 07.01.2026; Views: 110; Downloads: 13
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