Statistical analysis is a crucial step in all experimental studies, including sport sciences, because inappropriate analysis can lead to erroneous assumptions of performed experiments. Statistical analyses of the training-related data are required to make the training process more efficient. The analyses of various parameters are performed in repeated cycles, requiring appropriate statistical tests. STATISTICA software (version 10) offers a Friedman test for non-parametric analyses of more than 2 groups of repeated measures (which often takes place). Unfortunately, there is no post hoc test to verify which groups decide of the statistical significance of the results. The solution to this problem may lie in the normalization of the data with one of the most popular logarithmic transformations. It allows performing multiple comparisons for the 1-way ANOVA with repeated measures, as well as appropriate post hoc test to precisely determine which group of data is responsible for the statistical significance of the differences.
The aim of the study was to assess selected nutritional behaviors and the level of physical activity of high school students in the West Pomeranian Voivodship. The research included questionnaires regarding the consumption of breakfast, detailing school days and weekends, the amount of vegetables, fruit, sweets and sugary drinks consumed, as well as questions about physical activity during school and extracurricular classes, intensity of exercises and participation of parents in joint sport. Anthropometric measurements were performed including: body weight, height, BMI, fat mass, lean mass, muscle mass. Body composition analysis was based on the bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA). There were many irregularities in the way students were eating: lack of breakfast, too little consumption of vegetables and fruits and frequent consumption of sweets and sugary drinks. Physical activity in the majority of students was at a correct level. Despite the nutritional mistakes made, the average BMI of the tested students was correct.
Angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE) is the most frequently investigated genetic marker in the context of genetic conditioning of athletic predispositions. The product of the gene is a key component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), mainly responsible for the regulation of blood pressure. The main aim of the study was to determine the possible interaction between the ACE I/D polymorphism and endurance athlete status in a group of Polish rowers in comparison with sedentary individuals. 121 male Polish rowers, members of academic sports clubs, and 115 unrelated volunteers, were recruited for the study. The PCR amplification of the insertion (I) or deletion (D) fragment of the ACE gene was performed. Compared with control group, the frequency of the I allele differ significantly from that found in rowers (57.4% vs. 44.3%; P=0.013) and the ACE genotype frequency amongst the whole cohort of rowers (30.6% II, 53.7% ID, 15.7% DD) was also different from expected values (control group 19.1% II, 50.4% ID, 30.4% DD; P=0.017). Our investigation confirms a positive association of the I allele of the ACE gene with endurance athlete status in a group of Polish rowers.
Background: The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism has been associated with an elite athlete status. Several studies have determined that the R allele is connected with power-oriented athletic performance, whereas the nonfunctional XX genotype may give some beneficial effect for endurance performance. The main aim of the study was to determine the possible interaction between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and an endurance athlete status in a group of Polish rowers in comparison with sedentary individuals. Material/Methods: 121 male Polish rowers, members of academic sports clubs, and 115 unrelated volunteers were recruited for the study. Genotyping for the R577X variant was performed by PCR-RFLP. Results: The genotype distribution amongst the rowers (52.06% RR, 38.85% RX, 9.09% XX) was significantly different from that amongst sedentary individuals (RR-33.5%; RX- 49.60%; XX-17,35%; P = 0.024). A significant excess of the R allele was noted in the rowers (71.48%, P = 0.008) when comparing with the controls (60.0%). Conclusions: The obtained results show that the ACTN3 X allele and XX genotype are underrepresented in Polish rowers and they are not advantageous for the endurance-type athletes in the studied population. On the contrary, the R allele seems to be useful for a top-level rower. However, additional studies are needed to clarify this problem.
Rowing is a sport discipline, which requires extreme physical strength and endurance and appropriate aerobic and anaerobic capacity as well. However, when the workout intensity and load is very high, exercise is associated with temporary changes in cellular metabolism and the immune system. The study included one male rower aged 28 years - the highly-skilled and experienced athlete. We determined basic cardiorespiratory fitness measures, complete blood count, and 24 clinical chemistry parameters including relevant biochemical and haematological parameters and matrix metaloproteinases activities. Maximal exercise on the rowing ergometer induced 2-fold increase in absolute counts of all leukocytes subsets. There was observed an increase in C-reactive protein concentrations as well. MMP-9 activity increased 1,3-fold compared to the baseline value. Exhaustive exercise caused significant changes in creatinine and urea serum levels, but the most prominent changes were found in total and direct bilirubin concentrations. Maximal exercise induced also a decrease in the iron and magnesium levels. No changes in ALT, GGT and ALP activity were observed, while increase in CK, AST and LDH activity in post-exercise time and the decrease during the recovery was found. Therefore acute specialized movement on the rowing ergometer is not the cause of muscular damage, but rather indicate efficient adaptation to the physical exercise. Moreover, it seems that maximal exercise induces an inflammatory response characterized by greater count of all subpopulations of leukocytes, elevated levels of CRP and MMP-9 serum activity.
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