AbstractAim: The aim of this study was to determine and analyse the relations between anthropometric parameters, red blood cells’ (RBC) variables and cardio-physiological parameters in healthy and physically active children and adolescents.Material and Methods: In this study 625 subjects, (410 males and 215 females; age span 8 to 18 years) underwent body composition analysis (Matiegka method), blood analysis and ergometry testing (Bruce protocol).Results: In both groups, body height and weight were positively correlated with RBC variables. In female group almost all correlations between RBC variables and body components were insignificant. In boys all absolute body mass components showed positive correlations with RBC variables with notice that body fat mass had lowest correlation coefficient. Body fat percent (BF %) did not show any correlation with RBC variables in both gender groups. In boys BF % had moderate negative correlation with aerobic performance: exercise time (ET) and VO2max (rs = -0.41 and rs = -0.39). Lean body components showed weak positive correlations with ET and VO2max. RBC count did not show significant correlation with any cardio-physiological parameter in both groups. Haematocrit and haemoglobin showed weak positive correlations with VO2 max and general endurance (exercise time). In girls all correlations between cardio-physiological and RBC variables were insignificant. The relationship between all body components and all cardio-physiological variables in girls were statistically insignificant.Conclusions: Our findings revealed that there are some expected positive correlations between lean body mass components, aerobic performance and RBC variables in boys, while in girls such relations were not noticed.

Physiological adaptations to various types of prolonged and intensive physical activity, as seen in elite athletes from different sports, include changes in blood pressure (BP) response to acute exercise. Also, functional polymorphisms of the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) and alfa-actinin-3 (ACTN3) genes are shown to be associated with BP parameters changes, both in athletes and sedentary population. In this study, an Alu insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism in ACE gene, as well as nonsense mutation in the gene encoding ACTN3 have been scored in 107 elite Serbian athletes classified according to their sporting discipline to power/sprint (short distance runners/swimmers), endurance (rowers, footballers, middledistance swimmers) or mixed sports (water polo, handball, volleyball players). Presence of nonfunctional allele in ACTN3 is associated with significantly increased maximal systolic BP (SBPmax, p = 0.04). Athletes with Alu insertion in ACE had significantly (p = 0.006) larger decline of systolic BP after 3 minutes of recovery (SBPR3), calculated as the percentage of maximal SBP response during exercise stress testing. Concomitant presence of non-functional variant in ACTN3 gene decreased this beneficiary effect of ACE mutation on SBPR3. Long term enrollment in power/sprint sports significantly increased resting diastolic BP (DBPrest: 74 mmHg) and SBPmax (197 mmHg) and improved SBPR3 (74.8%) compared to enrolment in endurance (72 mmHg; 178mmHg; 81.1%) and mixed sports (69 mmHg; 185 mmHg; 80.0%). Lack of the effect of genotype by sport interaction on BP parameters suggests that the long-term effects of different disciplines on BP are not mediated by these two genes.

AimThe variety of individual basketball position shows that the determination of certain parameters such as aerobic and anaerobic threshold metabolic testing method helps to improve some parameters and sport performance.Basketball is a sport that requires a certain level of skills at both the individual and group level.This is a sport in which there is a constant change of rhythm, requiring a high level of aerobic power(because it allows training that lasts longer and on an elite level) as well as anaerobic power but also incorporates muscle strength, endurance and flexibility.The aim is to determine the ergospirometric parameters (VO2 max, levels of aerobic and anaerobic threshold) using one of the modified protocols for testing to assess current level of physical fitness and training prior to entering the competition season.MethodsThe total number of participants is 68 players (junior teams of Serbia), 15 to 18 years of age, body weight (range 66.3 kg/110.7 kg), body height (range 180 cm/213 cm), BMI (range 18.17/26.8 kg m-²).Ergospirometric parameters were examined in our laboratory for functional diagnostic:VO2max (ml/min/kg), HR VAT (RER ∼ 1), HR AT, RER max, AT HR (% HRmax) and compared among players of same and different team position.The test of maximum oxygen consumption was performed using a Treadmill T200 Cosmed, usingmethod breath by breath pulmonary gas exchange (O2, CO2 and Quark CPET, COSMED).To assess VO2max we used Shvartz E. Reinbold RC (1990) tables for an adequate age (grades 1 to 7, as required by the tables).ResultsMaximum oxygen consumption by player position shows that it is the largest in positions 1 and 2 (as shown in the chart). VO2 (ml/min/kg) ranges between 44.55 - 52.85 (the highest in the point guard position (1), slightly lower for shooting guard (2), small forward (3) and power forwards (4) and the lowest in the centres (5).ConclusionBy determining VO2max metabolic testing methods come to the conclusion that the players are currently estimated as follows:• moderate/average/good (grade 3 to 5 per Shvartz E.Rainbold RC) between the ages of 15 and 17 years• good/excellent (grade 4 to 5 per Shvartz E.Rainbold RC) at 18 years and by playing position, they are estimated by the following marks:4 to 5 position point guard and shooting guard3 to 5 at the small forward and power forwards position2 to 4 at the centre position as the current and real value of positions that are played in the national team (keeping in mind the characteristics of the sport).Assessment of current level of physical fitness and training of basketball players shows that junior player fitness level can be categorised based on position on the team but also can be improve with professional training approach. Future studies should explore possibility of individual approach in relation to the requirements of the position they have in the team.

Setting and participants This research included 32 mail professional players divided in two groups, water polo (n1=15, age 25.95±3.60 years old, body height 192.70±3.76 cm, body weight 100.80±5.84 kg) and volleyball (n2=17, age 24.53±3.80 years old, body height 198.44±4.97 cm, body weigh 91.47±9.84 kg). The research was conducted in the laboratory for functional diagnostic in the National Institute of Sport in Belgrade. Methods Measurement of respiratory parameters was performed using a Cosmed spyrometer Pony graphic. Results By applying the T test on two small independent samples we didn't notice statistically signifi cance difference in respiratory parameters between elite national water polo and volleyball teams. On the level of statistic signifi cance p<0.001 we spotted a difference in body height (water polo 192.70±3.76 cm vs volleyball 198.44±4.97 cm) and body weight (water polo 100.80±5.84 kg vs volleyball 91.41±9.84 kg). Conclusions We observed no signifi cant differences in static and dynamic respiratory parameters among the participating senior water polo and volleyball players. We conclude that after complete biological development, it is not possible to infl uence most respiratory parameters studied.

IntroductionSelection in individual sports is conditioned by certain morphological characteristics. In basketball are selected individuals who tallest in his class (age group). Water polo is a sport that is characterised by high aerobic endurance. The differences in anthropomorphic parameters among young athletes could be influenced by the biological development itself or they could appear under the impact of the training stimulus that is characteristic for a certain type of sport.AimThe aim of this study was to show the differences in anthropomorphic parameters, absolute oxygen consumption (VO2) and relative oxygen consumption (VO2/kg) between senior national water polo and basketball selection.MethodsThe research includes 32 selected professional players, members of national team, divided in two groups: water polo (W)(n1 = 15, aged 26.62 ± 4.24 years), basketball (B)(n2 = 17, aged 23.84 ± 1.96 years). The research was conducted in the laboratory for functional diagnostic Serbian Institute of Sport and Sports Medicine. Subject underwent physical exam, maximal progressive ergospirometry test on a Treadmill T200 Cosmed (methods Breath by breath, Quark CPET, Cosmed Pulmonary Function Equipment (VO2max, VO2 max/kg)) was used in order to complete the examinations of the cardio - respiratory system. In total, 23 measurements were performed, per every single player, within the anthropomorphic examinations (Mateigka, Jackson/Pollock, Durnin/Womersley). Student’s T-test was used for comparison of measured parameters.ResultsThe comparison of measured parameters between water polo and basketball players showed that the water polo players have the high statistically significant bigger BMI (W 27.15 ± 1.53 vs. B 25.03 ± 1.61kg/m2), chest circumference (W 112.07 ± 5.88 vs. B 104.41 ± 6.2 cm), forearm circumference (W 30.77 ± 0.98 vs. B 29.41 ± 1.34 cm)(p < 0.01 for all) and statistically significant bigger upper arm circumference (W 35.33 ± 1.53 cm vs. B 33.68 ± 1.85 cm)(p < 0.05). Basketball player highly statistically significant higher (W 192.7 ± 3.76 vs. B 200.65 ± 6.55 cm)(p < 0.01), have statistically significant bigger thigh circumference (W 61.47 ± 1.90 vs. B 63.73 ± 3.36 cm), upper arm skin fold (W 7.23 ± 2.01 vs. B 9.2 ± 2.92 mm), abdominal skin fold (W 13.1 ± 4.48 vs. B 17.59 ± 6.44 mm),% of body fat (Mateigka) (W 13.47 ± 2.35 vs. B 16.75 ± 4.24%)(p < 0.05 for all) and have high statistically bigger thigh skin fold (W 10.33 ± 1.85 vs. B 13.97 ± 4.11 mm),% of bone (Mateigka) (W 14.15 ± 1.10 vs. B 15.1 ± 0.74%), VO2 (W 3874.69 ± 382.75 vs. B 4916.82 ± 402.26 ml/min), VO2/kg (W 39.11 ± 4.64 vs. B 49.05 ± 3.85 ml/min/kg)(p < 0.01 for all).ConclusionThis study confirms the hypothesis that long-term engagement in sports activity leads to some morphological changes in athletes. Basketball players have highly statistically significantly bigger absolute and relative oxygen consumption then water polo. Basketball players are highly statistically significantly taller, have a highly statistically bigger thigh skin fold, bone per...