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INVESTIGATION ON THE IMMUNOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Views:1554Introduction: Effects of physical activity on immune functions may largely depend on the type of activity, its intensity and duration. However, little information is available regarding the immunological effects of sporting activities in older ages.
The aim of our study was to examine the changes in a wide spectrum of lymphocyte subtypes after a period of regular workout among healthy women of different ages.
Methods: In our study, we enrolled 16 elderly women (between ages of 60-75 years) formerly not engaged in regular physical activity, who took part in lightweight conditioning gymnastic exercise program. Eight young athletes and 26 young adults with sedentary lifestyle served as controls. The percentages of peripheral NK, NKT cells, T and B lymphocyte subtypes were determined by flow cytometry based on the staining of extracellular markers and intracellular cytokines.
Results: Lymphocyte subgroups did not differ between the groups of young athletes and young adults with sedentary lifestyle. However, in elderly women, levels of NKT cells were lower, while ratios of T helper / T cytotoxic cells were higher compared to younger individuals. At the end of exercise program, in elderly women, percentages of naive B cells decreased, while levels of switched-memory B cells increased. Furthermore, proportions of Th2 cells increased, while levels of immunosuppressive CD4+CD127-CD25bright Treg cells decreased as the result of regular exercise.
Conclusion: Differences observed after lightweight exercise programs reflect a presumably enhanced immunoreactivity and increased ability for immune responses in older ages.
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AN EXAMINATION OF SPORT MENTAL TOUGHNESS AMONG INTERNATIONAL AND HUNGARIAN BASKETBALL PLAYERS
Views:465In our research, we compared the mental results of Hungarian basketball players to international averages. We examined the degree of mental toughness of the athletes who filled out the SMTQ questionnaire, whether they are motivated to achieve success, and whether they maintain their self-confidence (even despite occasional failures). Our goal was to indicate Hungarian athletes' mental strengths and weaknesses, thus helping the athletes' preparation. The aggregate mental toughness scores indicated that Hungarian basketball players are above the international average. Still, in terms of control, it is below average in certain age groups. The adult age group (over 18 years of age) is recommended to develop autonomy and responsibility and maintain self-control. It is necessary to improve the influence of their behavior, emotions, and self-regulation. Confidence scores assume that respondents believe in themselves and their successes. They have a positive attitude and a failure-averse attitude. Endurance results will likely be goal-oriented athletes who do not give up and can maintain their motivation.
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MAXIMIZING JUMP PERFORMANCE: THE ROLE OF PLYOMETRICS IN YOUTH FOOTBALL TRAINING
Views:570Vertical jump training is a fundamental method for the physical conditioning of athletes. The synergy of motor skills exhibited during such movements substantially contributes to achieving motor acts and actions with higher performance indices. In football, vertical jumping, like other specific factors, is an essential element that can determine the outcome of a match. Football players need to be physically prepared to handle any complex situations that may arise during a game.
Our study aims to evaluate the impact of plyometric training on vertical jump height performance in young football players.
A total of 16 subjects, U11 football players, were randomly assigned equally into a PL group (N=8), which followed a plyometric training routine for 6 weeks, and a control group (N=8), which followed the routines set by the club team's coach. They were evaluated in two phases – an initial and a final phase – using Optojump testing equipment. The results obtained were compared using statistical and mathematical methods of descriptive analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality distribution, and the Independent Samples T-test.
Additionally, Levene's test was used to analyze the type of variances in the distributions.
Our study confirmed that a customized plyometric training routine can significantly improve vertical jump performance, considering age-specific characteristics.
Our investigations suggest that integrating this type of training into the subjects' routines can bring significant benefits to the development of motor skills, specifically to young football players, offering exciting perspectives for optimizing their performance in the long term.