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Physical capacity of athletes is an important element of success in sports achievements. Aerobic capacity has been accepted as its major component. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) has been regarded by majority of authors as the best indicator of aerobic capacity of an organism, and at the same time, the best indicator of an athlete's physical capacity. The aim of the investigation was to analyze the aerobic capacity as an indicator of physical capacity of athletes, differences in their aerobic capacity with regard to the kind of sport they are practicing, as well as the differences obtained when compared to physically inactive subjects. The investigation included the determination of absolute and relative VO2max in the total of 66 male examinees. The examinees were divided into two groups of active athletes (football players (n=22) and volleyball players (n=18) of different profiles, while the third group of non-athletes served as control group. Maximal oxygen uptake was determined by performing the Astrand 6 minute cycle test. Peak values of VO2 max were recorded in the group of football players (4,25+/-0,27 l/min), and they were statistically significantly higher (p<0,001) compared to other examined groups. In the group of volleyball players the oxygen uptake was 3,95+/-0,18 l/min, while statistically significantly lower values were reported in the group of non-athletes compared to the groups of athletes (p<0,01). A similar ratio of VO2 max values was also shown by the analysis of values expressed in relative units. Our results showed that peak values of VO2 max were obtained in football players, and that football as a sport requires higher degree of endurance compared to volleyball. Having considered the morphological and functional changes which are the consequence of the training process, it can be concluded that VO2 max values are statistically significantly higher in the groups of athletes compared to the group of non-athletes.

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Objective: The aim of this study is to estimate and compare the effects of low-level laser therapy and interferential current therapy in patients with complex regional pain syndrome type I. Material and Methods: Prospective randomized clinical research, including 45 patients with post-traumatic unilateral complex regional pain syndrome type I, treated at the Clinical Center Nis from December 2004 to January 2007. Low-level laser therapy and kinesitherapy were applied in group A (n=20), whereas group B (n=25) was treated with interferential current and kinesitherapy. For assessment of the therapeutic effect, the following parameters were tested: pain intensity was determined by visual analog scale, figure-of-eight measurement was used to determine the circumference of the affected part of the extremity, and range of motion of the affected joint was measured by a standard goniometer. Results: Statistically significant differences were obtained for all tested parameters in both groups, but the difference was greater in group A compared to group B (p<0.05). Conclusion:The results of this study show that both physical procedures are effective in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome type I, but the efficiency of laser therapy is statistically significantly higher compared to interferential current therapy.

Heterotopic ossification represents one of the most frequent complications following any type of hip arthroplasty. However, disagreement exists regarding the clinical significance of heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study evaluated the effect of different grades of heterotopic ossification on range of hip motion, pain, and the clinical outcome in patients after THA. The study included 198 patients with primary THA because of unilateral hip osteoarthritis, followed for a minimum of 1 year after THA. Diagnosis and classification of heterotopic ossification according to Brooker was achieved on anteroposterior radiograph of the hips 1 year postoperatively. The clinical outcome was assessed at 1-year follow-up with the use of the Harris hip score. Pain was assessed as the pain component of the Harris hip score. Hip range of motion was measured passively in the lying position with a goniometer and recorded in degrees according to the method suggested by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1988. The incidence of heterotopic ossification was 47% and the incidence of severe ossification was 11%. The severe heterotopic ossification significantly reduced clinical outcome, overall range of hip motion and certain components such as flexion, abduction and external rotation, but had no significant effect on pain, while the lower degree of ossification did not significantly influence the clinical outcome, hip motion and pain. This study has shown that only severe heterotopic ossification is of clinical significance.