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2. 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: 125; Prenosov: 0
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3. Health and performance challenges in the era of human enhancement : insights from sport medicine professionalsKe Hu, Mark R. Hutchinson, Emin Ergen, Norbert Bachl, Petra Zupet, Bertrand Fincoeur, Anca Ionescu, Borja Muniz-Pardos, Andrea Petroczi, Yannis Pitsiladis, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background In the pursuit of sporting success, some elite athletes prioritise peak performance over long-term health, frequently resulting in significant and enduring health consequences. The Enhanced Games (TEG) position themselves as a bold experiment in transhumanism, advocating for the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), including methods banned by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), to push the boundaries of human athletic potential. Objectives The aim of this study is to explore the perspectives of sport physicians, sport scientists, physiotherapists and other allied healthcare professionals on treating and supporting “enhanced athletes”, with the view of informing future guidelines. Methods Participants were invited via email and personal contacts within sport medicine communities to complete a brief anonymous survey via QuestionPro™. Descriptive statistics were performed using Excel™ and RStudio™. Results A total of 323 healthcare professionals responded (82% were sport physicians), among whom 74% expressed a willingness to treat acute lesions and/or chronic diseases in “enhanced athletes”. In comparison, a considerable minority (30%) expressed support for assisting athletes in their use of PEDs and methods under medically supervised conditions, with high consistency across professional roles. A relatively high readiness was observed in sport physicians treating acute (77% versus 58%; p < 0.01) and chronic (75% versus 63%; p = 0.11) diseases for “enhanced athletes”. As far as WADA rules and/or national anti-doping laws apply, this support presupposes compliance with the code and the respective national laws to protect physicians from serious professional, legal and personal consequences. Conclusion The preliminary findings align with the broader goal of fostering a sport culture that values both peak performance and the short- and long-term health of all participants. These results emphasise the necessity of implementing professional guidelines and comprehensive support systems designed to safeguard the long-term well-being of all athletes and underscore the urgent need for further research into the impact of TEG on sport and its community.
Ključne besede: sport, health, performance
Objavljeno v RUP: 23.02.2026; Ogledov: 419; Prenosov: 1
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4. 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: 137; Prenosov: 1
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5. 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: 138; Prenosov: 3
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6. Explaining physical activity and self-rated health through motivation and perceived service quality : a structural equation modelVojko Vučković, Klemen Širok, Marta Bon, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: service quality, exercise motivation, physical activity, self-rated health, self-determination theory, SEM, health promotion
Objavljeno v RUP: 21.02.2026; Ogledov: 155; Prenosov: 2
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7. Experiences and perceptions of a 12-week combined exercise and dietary supplement program for individuals with knee osteoarthritis : a qualitative focus group studyTina Čeh, Jernej Završnik, Nejc Šarabon, Mirko Prosen, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background Exercise program and dietary supplements are commonly used in the conservative management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and have both been shown to reduce pain and improve physical function. Combining these approaches may offer additive benefits or introduce specific adherence challenges from the patient perspective. The combination of structured exercise with dietary supplements remains underexplored, especially through qualitative approaches. This study aims to investigate the lived experiences, perceived benefits, challenges, and motivational factors among participants of a targeted exercise program combined with dietary supplementation. Methods A qualitative study design with three focus group was used to explore participants overall experiences, motivational factors, and barriers to participation immediately after program. The sample included 16 older adults with KOA (Kellgren–Lawrence grade 1–3, 14 women and 2 men). Two moderators facilitated each focus group using topic guide. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Six main themes were identified: (1) recognized effects of exercise, (2) motivators and barriers to exercise, (3) group exercise and its impact on daily life, (4) recognized health care limitations, (5) experiences and practices of dietary supplement use, and (6) perspectives on program continuation and expansion. Conclusions Participants’ experiences with the combined exercise and dietary supplementation program for KOA highlighted the importance of social support, professional guidance, and self-motivation. Barriers included physical limitations, time constraints, and psychological challenges, while reported benefits included reduced pain, improved mood, and enhanced social engagement. Participants’ tendency to perceive exercise and supplementation as separate components indicates that, in practice, combined interventions may function as parallel rather than integrated strategies unless explicitly framed and supported as a unified approach
Ključne besede: knee osteoarthritis, exercise program, dietary supplements, qualitative study, physical rehabilitation, patient experience, motivation
Objavljeno v RUP: 21.02.2026; Ogledov: 156; Prenosov: 1
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8. Disease severity affects knee range of motion but not strength deficits in knee osteoarthritis : a systematic review and meta-analysisManca Zupančič Opara, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Objectives: To compare knee range of motion and muscle strength between individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and healthy controls, and to assess how Kellgren–Lawrence grade and measurement protocols affect these outcomes.Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies comparing knee flexion/extension range of motion or flexor/extensor strength between patients with knee osteoarthritis and controls. Risk of bias was assessed with Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Pooled mean and standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses.Results: Thirty studies were included. Compared with healthy controls, individuals with knee osteoarthritis showed significantly reduced knee flexion [MD = 16.30°, 95%CI (11.40, 21.21)] and extension [MD = 4.25°, 95%CI (2.30, 6.19)], with greater flexion loss in advanced KL grades. Knee osteoarthritis participants also demonstrated significantly lower strength across all contraction types: isometric [extensors: SMD = 0.86, 95%CI (0.57, 1.14); flexors: SMD = 0.52, 95%CI (0.30, 0.74)], concentric [extensors: SMD = 1.07, 95%CI (0.65, 1.50); flexors: SMD = 0.77, 95%CI (0.43, 1.12)], and eccentric extensor strength. Strength deficits were consistent across Kellgren–Lawrence grades, knee joint angles, and angular velocities during testing.Conclusions: Individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis present with marked reductions in knee range of motion and strength. While range of motion impairments worsen with disease severity, strength deficits are stable across Kellgren–Lawrence grades and measurement protocols. Given the very low to low certainty of evidence, results should be interpreted with caution. 1 Introduction
Ključne besede: osteoarthritis, knee, arthritis, risk factors, rehabilitation
Objavljeno v RUP: 18.02.2026; Ogledov: 157; Prenosov: 0
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9. High prevalence of probable sarcopenia and its associations with nutrition, cognitive, and physical function in hospitalized patients with Alzheimer’s clinical syndrome : a cross-sectional studyVesna Simič, Nina Mohorko, Polona Rus Prelog, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: Probable sarcopenia, indicated by low handgrip strength, is a prevalent condition among hospitalized older adults and may reflect broader functional and nutritional decline. Methods: We examined differences in nutritional, functional, and cognitive status between Alzheimer’s clinical syndrome (ACS) patients with probable sarcopenia and those without sarcopenia. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 194 hospitalized older adults with ACS. Probable sarcopenia was defined using European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) handgrip strength thresholds. Results: Patients with probable sarcopenia (n = 137) had significantly lower Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), albumin, hemoglobin, and gait speed compared to those without. After age and sex adjustment, MMSE (p = 0.023), GNRI (p = 0.002), hemoglobin (p = 0.022), albumin (p = 0.003), and gait speed (p < 0.001) remained significantly different. In the sex- and age-adjusted multivariable model (adjusted R2 = 0.442), higher nutritional risk (β = 0.26, p = < 0.001), lower MMSE scores (β = 0.17, p = 0.029), polypharmacy (β = −4.20, p = 0.002), and slower gait speed (β = 4.12, p = 0.010) were associated with reduced handgrip strength. In the multivariable binary logistic regression model (adjusted for age and sex), moderate or high nutritional risk and slow gait speed emerged as independent predictors of probable sarcopenia, with OR 5.14 (95% CI 1.34–19.75; p = 0.017) and OR 3.13 (95% CI 1.30–7.52; p = 0.011), respectively. Conclusions: Probable sarcopenia in hospitalized older adults with ACS is highly prevalent and is associated with higher nutritional risk, poorer cognitive and physical function, and polypharmacy; its early recognition may help to guide more targeted nutritional and functional interventions.
Ključne besede: sarcopenia, muscle strength, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive function, gait speed, nutrition risk
Objavljeno v RUP: 25.01.2026; Ogledov: 243; Prenosov: 2
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10. Rate of torque development scaling factor decreased following a 6-week unilateral isometric training using electrostimulation or voluntary contractionsOlivera Knežević Milović, Nejc Šarabon, Amador García Ramos, Nikola Majstorović, Sladjan D. Milanović, Saša R. Filipović, Dragan Mirkov, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study explored the changes in the rate of torque development scaling factor (RTD-SF) and maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) variables following six weeks of unilateral isometric electromyostimulation (EMS) and voluntary (VOL) exercises. Twenty-six physically active participants were randomly assigned to EMS (n = 13) or a VOL group. MVC and RTD-SF of the quadriceps femoris of both legs were assessed before and after training. EMS and VOL exercises had identical frequency (three sessions/week), intensity (60% MVC), volume (40 contractions), and work-to-rest ratio (18 min: 6.25 s of work/20 s of rest). There were no between-group differences for the trained leg with overall increases in maximal torque (Tmax) of ~29% (d = 2.11–2.12), ~13% for RTDmax (d = 0.92–1.10); ~23% for Intercept (d = 0.72–0.78), and reduction in RTD-SF by ~15% (d = 1.01–1.10). In the non-trained leg, significant moderate change was only observed after EMS for RTD-SF which decreased by 12.5% (d = 0.76)
Ključne besede: quadriceps, strength, RTD-SF, RFD-SF, EMS
Objavljeno v RUP: 14.01.2026; Ogledov: 238; Prenosov: 0
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