61. 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: 983; Prenosov: 13
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62. 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: 910; Prenosov: 4
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63. 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: 847; Prenosov: 8
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64. 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: 983; Prenosov: 10
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65. 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: 824; Prenosov: 7
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66. Vibration perception threshold as a method for detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy : a systematic review of measurement characteristicsDanijela Ribič, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), leading to sensory loss, balance disturbances, and an increased risk of ulcers and amputations. Early screening is crucial, and devices for measuring vibration perception threshold (VPT) play an important role in the timely detection and management of this condition. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of VPT measurement devices in individuals with DM. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in four databases, including studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of VPT measurement devices in patients with type 1 or type 2 DM, with VPT compared against reference standards for DPN, including nerve conduction studies (NCS) and clinical diagnosis. Cross-sectional and case–control studies were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Appraisal of Reliability (QAREL) tool and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies. Results: Eighteen studies were analyzed. Most studies demonstrated moderate sensitivity and specificity and an acceptable level of reliability, with results varying according to technical and methodological factors. Conclusions: VPT measurement devices appear to be useful screening tools for detecting DPN; however, their diagnostic accuracy and reliability are not uniform and largely depend on technical and methodological factors. Standardized threshold values and measurement procedures, along with further research comparing the effectiveness of different protocols, are needed to improve clinical utility.
Ključne besede: vibration perception threshold, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, screening test, quantitative sensory testing, diagnostic validity
Objavljeno v RUP: 14.01.2026; Ogledov: 1047; Prenosov: 8
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67. Effects of different lifting strategies during resistance training on lower body function in untrained adult women : a comparison between 6-weeks of 10% velocity loss and standard resistance trainingMatic Sašek, Hana Golob, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction: This study investigated whether velocity-based resistance training provides additional benefits to lower limb performance compared to standard exercise execution. Methods: Twenty untrained adult women (37–55 years) were randomly assigned to two resistance training groups to perform resistance training with three sets of four lower body exercises per week for 6 weeks. The number of repetitions and lifting velocity differed between the groups. One group performed lower body exercises with maximal intent and a 10% velocity loss threshold termination (VB10%; n = 10), while the other group performed 10 repetitions at a standard 1:2 s concentric:eccentric tempo (STD; n = 10). The number of repetitions was recorded during the sessions. Before and after the intervention, power, muscular endurance and dynamic stability of the lower limbs were assessed using the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and power (MPP) at 70% one-repetition maximum in the squat and deadlift, the Y-balance test (YBT) and the 30-second sit-to-stand test (STS), respectively. A two-way analysis of variance was used to assess the effects of time, group, and their interaction. Results: The difference between 10 repetitions in the STD and repetitions in the VB10% was assessed using a one-sample t-test. Both groups significantly improved MPP, MPV, YBT and STS [mean difference (MD) ≥5.4%; effect size (ES) ≥0.6]. Although 2.5–2.7 less repetitions were performed in VB10%, the improvements in MPP and MPV were slightly greater (ES ≥ 1.2 vs. ≥ 0.8). Conversely, STS and YBT improved more in STD (ES ≥ 0.4 vs. ≥ 1.0). Discussion: Regardless of the lifting method used, the training intervention improved lower limb power, muscular endurance and dynamic stability, indicating that resistance training is an effective strategy for enhancing these capacities in untrained adult women. Using 10% threshold may be a more time-efficient strategy for improving lower-limb power in this population and could represent a promising approach for mitigating early declines in power over time.
Ključne besede: adult women, dynapenia, muscle performance, power, powerpenia, resistance training, strength, velocity loss
Objavljeno v RUP: 14.01.2026; Ogledov: 1178; Prenosov: 14
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68. 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, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: strength, power, thumb, measurements
Objavljeno v RUP: 11.01.2026; Ogledov: 892; Prenosov: 18
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69. Targeting pediatric obesity through gender-specific nutritional strategies : insights from dietary intake and food sourcesTadeja Jakus, Breda Prunk Franetič, Tamara Poklar Vatovec, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: 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.
Ključne besede: childhood obesity, nutrition, dietary, sex-specific
Objavljeno v RUP: 10.01.2026; Ogledov: 999; Prenosov: 11
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70. Evaluating motor deficits in multiple sclerosis using jump and hop tests : a review of current evidenceEva Žura, Adis Burzić, Erik Paulin, Žiga Kozinc, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: 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.
Ključne besede: multiple sclerosis, balance, jumps
Objavljeno v RUP: 07.01.2026; Ogledov: 910; Prenosov: 4
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