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Prof. Damir Sekulic
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Poljička cesta 35, 21000 Split, Croatia

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0 Agility
0 Test Development
0 strength and conditioning
0 Training effects
0 Doping in sports

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Doping in sports

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Journal article
Published: 05 August 2021 in Biology
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Vitamin D level is known to be a factor potentially influencing physical fitness, but few studies have examined this phenomenon among youth athletes. We aimed to evaluate the associations of vitamin D levels (as measured by 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations—25(OH)D) with various physical fitness and motor performance tests in youth football (soccer) players. This cross-sectional study included a total of 52 youth soccer players (15.98 ± 2.26 years old) from Southern Croatia. The participants were evaluated at the end of the winter period and data were collected of anthropometric measures (body mass and body height), vitamin D status (25(OH)D levels), physical fitness tests (sprints of 10 and 20 m, 20 yards test, the countermovement jump, the reactive strength index (RSI)) and motor performance tests (the soccer-specific CODS, the soccer-specific agility, and static balance). Among the studied players, 54% had 25(OH)D insufficiency/deficiency, showing a lack of 25(OH)D is widespread even in youth athletes living at a southern latitude. The 25(OH)D level was correlated with sprint 20 m, 20 yards tests, and RSI, showing a greater role of 25(OH)D in physical fitness tests where energetic capacity is essential than in sport-related motor performance tests where skills are crucial. Our results support the idea that vitamin D can play a determinant role in physical fitness tests with a clear physiological component, but is not crucial in motor performance tests related to specific sports where skills are a key component. Future studies should investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the performance in physical fitness and motor performance tests among youth athletes.

ACS Style

Barbara Gilic; Jelena Kosor; David Jimenez-Pavon; Josko Markic; Zeljka Karin; Daniela Domic; Damir Sekulic. Associations of Vitamin D Levels with Physical Fitness and Motor Performance; A Cross-Sectional Study in Youth Soccer Players from Southern Croatia. Biology 2021, 10, 751 .

AMA Style

Barbara Gilic, Jelena Kosor, David Jimenez-Pavon, Josko Markic, Zeljka Karin, Daniela Domic, Damir Sekulic. Associations of Vitamin D Levels with Physical Fitness and Motor Performance; A Cross-Sectional Study in Youth Soccer Players from Southern Croatia. Biology. 2021; 10 (8):751.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Barbara Gilic; Jelena Kosor; David Jimenez-Pavon; Josko Markic; Zeljka Karin; Daniela Domic; Damir Sekulic. 2021. "Associations of Vitamin D Levels with Physical Fitness and Motor Performance; A Cross-Sectional Study in Youth Soccer Players from Southern Croatia." Biology 10, no. 8: 751.

Journal article
Published: 22 July 2021 in Symmetry
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Although functional asymmetry is very common and normal in professional athletes, the better interlimb symmetry between dominant and nondominant sides (bilateral symmetry) could contribute to successful performance in basketball. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of bilateral symmetry of the one-leg jumping and agility performances in differentiating basketball players according to their (i) playing position (guards, forwards, and centers) and (ii) performance levels (first division vs. second division). The participants were 102 professional male basketball players, with all members of the teams competing in the two highest national divisions at the moment of testing (height: 194.92 ± 8.09 cm; body mass: 89.33 ± 10.91 kg; 21.58 ± 3.92 years of age). Performance levels (first division, N = 58 vs. second division, N = 44) and playing positions (guards, N = 48; forwards, N = 22; centers, N = 32) were observed as dependent variables. We measured one-leg jumping capacities (running vertical jump and lay-up vertical jump), basketball-specific preplanned agility (CODS), and basketball-specific reactive agility (RAG), all executed on dominant and nondominant sides. Accordingly, the bilateral symmetry of jumping and agility was calculated by calculating the ratio of the corresponding performances on the dominant and nondominant sides. Factorial analysis of variance (performance levels × positions) indicated that the bilateral symmetry of one-leg jumping differentiated players according to their playing position, with better bilateral symmetry among guards (F-test = 6.11 (medium effect size) and 5.81 (small effect size), p< 0.05 for lay-up and running-jump symmetry, respectively). Performance levels significantly differed in the bilateral symmetry of lay-up jump, with better symmetry for first-division players (F-test = 10.11 (medium effect size), p< 0.001), which was mostly influenced by significant differences among guards. Playing positions and performance levels did not differ in bilateral symmetry of the CODS and RAG. The study reveals the importance of bilateral symmetry of the sport-specific performance in differentiating playing positions and performance levels in basketball. Further studies in other multidirectional sports and other sport-specific performances are warranted.

ACS Style

Sime Versic; Miran Pehar; Toni Modric; Vladimir Pavlinovic; Miodrag Spasic; Ognjen Uljevic; Marin Corluka; Tine Sattler; Damir Sekulic. Bilateral Symmetry of Jumping and Agility in Professional Basketball Players: Differentiating Performance Levels and Playing Positions. Symmetry 2021, 13, 1316 .

AMA Style

Sime Versic, Miran Pehar, Toni Modric, Vladimir Pavlinovic, Miodrag Spasic, Ognjen Uljevic, Marin Corluka, Tine Sattler, Damir Sekulic. Bilateral Symmetry of Jumping and Agility in Professional Basketball Players: Differentiating Performance Levels and Playing Positions. Symmetry. 2021; 13 (8):1316.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sime Versic; Miran Pehar; Toni Modric; Vladimir Pavlinovic; Miodrag Spasic; Ognjen Uljevic; Marin Corluka; Tine Sattler; Damir Sekulic. 2021. "Bilateral Symmetry of Jumping and Agility in Professional Basketball Players: Differentiating Performance Levels and Playing Positions." Symmetry 13, no. 8: 1316.

Journal article
Published: 25 June 2021 in Medicina
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There is an evident lack of research simultaneously investigating endurance training (ET) and resistance training (RT) with regard to their potential influence on fitness and health status in young women. This study aimed to determine the effects of RT and ET three times a week over an eight-week period on anthropometric/body composition indices, blood pressure (BP), and muscular fitness in apparently healthy young women who participated in a self-preferred program. The sample of participants comprised 57 young healthy women (23.9 ± 3.08 years, 165.5 ± 5.8 cm, 66.8 ± 7.2 kg) divided into ET (n = 18), RT (n = 19), and non-exercising (C) (n = 20) groups. The variables consisted of anthropometric/body composition indices (body mass, BMI, body fat, and lean body mass), muscular fitness variables (lower body strength, upper body strength, abdominal strength, dynamometric force, and flexibility), and cardiovascular parameters (resting heart rate and systolic and diastolic BP). A pre- and post-testing design, with factorial analysis of variance for repeated measurements (ANOVA: Group × Measurement), including a consecutive post hoc test, was applied. The ANOVA indicated a similar improvement in body composition (increase in lean body mass and decrease in body fat percentage), resting heart rate, and flexibility in both of the exercise groups, with no significant changes in the C group. RT improved the participants’ strength and force capacities to a greater extent than ET. BP showed a trend of improvement in both of the training groups, but without statistically significant pre- to post-changes. Correlation analysis calculated with variables of pre- to post-differences (VDs) indicated poor associations between VDs, indicating relative independence of the obtained effects for the different variables in each training group. Although this investigation comprised apparently healthy young women, numerous positive changes indicated the efficacy of both programs in a relatively short period of time. While the participants in this study self-selected training programs, the evidenced positive effects can be at least partially related to this fact.

ACS Style

Sime Versic; Kemal Idrizovic; Gentiana Ahmeti; Damir Sekulic; Matej Majeric. Differential Effects of Resistance- and Endurance-Based Exercise Programs on Muscular Fitness, Body Composition, and Cardiovascular Variables in Young Adult Women: Contextualizing the Efficacy of Self-Selected Exercise Modalities. Medicina 2021, 57, 654 .

AMA Style

Sime Versic, Kemal Idrizovic, Gentiana Ahmeti, Damir Sekulic, Matej Majeric. Differential Effects of Resistance- and Endurance-Based Exercise Programs on Muscular Fitness, Body Composition, and Cardiovascular Variables in Young Adult Women: Contextualizing the Efficacy of Self-Selected Exercise Modalities. Medicina. 2021; 57 (7):654.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sime Versic; Kemal Idrizovic; Gentiana Ahmeti; Damir Sekulic; Matej Majeric. 2021. "Differential Effects of Resistance- and Endurance-Based Exercise Programs on Muscular Fitness, Body Composition, and Cardiovascular Variables in Young Adult Women: Contextualizing the Efficacy of Self-Selected Exercise Modalities." Medicina 57, no. 7: 654.

Brief report
Published: 05 June 2021 in Healthcare
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It was established that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in decreased physical activity levels, potentially leading to reduced physical fitness. The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on fitness indices in adolescents. We observed high school adolescents (33% girls; aged 15–17 years) divided into two cohorts. The first cohort (control; n = 48) included adolescents who were in school during the 2018/2019 year, while the second cohort (lockdown; n = 66) was observed during the school year 2019/2020 when COVID-19 lockdown measures were imposed. Variables included body height, body mass, BMI, sit-ups, and the 600 m dash. Both cohorts were tested at the beginning and at the end of the observed school years. A factorial analysis of variance for repeated measurements evidenced an improvement in sit-ups and the 600 m dash in the control, and a decrease of the same capacities in the lockdown cohort. In the lockdown cohort, a decrease in muscular fitness was more evident in boys than in girls. No differential changes between cohorts were evidenced in anthropometrics. Results suggest that the COVID-19 lockdown negatively influenced muscular fitness status in adolescents, especially in boys.

ACS Style

Mirela Sunda; Barbara Gilic; Ivan Peric; Anamarija Jurcev Savicevic; Damir Sekulic. Evidencing the Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Imposed Lockdown Measures on Fitness Status in Adolescents: A Preliminary Report. Healthcare 2021, 9, 681 .

AMA Style

Mirela Sunda, Barbara Gilic, Ivan Peric, Anamarija Jurcev Savicevic, Damir Sekulic. Evidencing the Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Imposed Lockdown Measures on Fitness Status in Adolescents: A Preliminary Report. Healthcare. 2021; 9 (6):681.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mirela Sunda; Barbara Gilic; Ivan Peric; Anamarija Jurcev Savicevic; Damir Sekulic. 2021. "Evidencing the Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Imposed Lockdown Measures on Fitness Status in Adolescents: A Preliminary Report." Healthcare 9, no. 6: 681.

Journal article
Published: 11 April 2021 in Healthcare
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Endurance training (ET) has multiple beneficial effects on cardiovascular health (CVH), but there is an evident lack of knowledge on differential effects of various types of ET on indices of CVH in women. The aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of two different types of ET on changes in indicators of CVH in apparently healthy adult women. The sample included 58 women (24 ± 3 years; height: 165 ± 6 cm, mass: 66.7 ± 7.2 kg, BMI: 24.3 ± 2.5 kg/m2, at baseline) divided into one control non-exercising group (n = 19), and two exercising experimental groups (EE). The first EE participated in choreographed aerobic-endurance training (CAT; n = 19), while the second participated in treadmill-based endurance exercise (TEE; n = 20) during the experimental protocol (8 weeks, 24 training sessions). The testing included pre- and post-exercise protocols and measures of anthropometric/body composition indices, lipid panel, and endurance capacity. Two-way analysis of variance for repeated measurements with consecutive post hoc analysis was applied to the “group” and “measurement” variables. The main significant ANOVA effects found for measurement, and “Group x Measurement” interaction (p < 0.05) were found for all variables but body height. The EE induced positive changes in lipid panel variables, anthropometric/body-build status, and endurance capacity. However, TEE improved endurance capacity to a greater extent than CAT. The results suggest that that the optimal exercise intensity and self-chosen type of physical-activity may result in positive effects on indices of CVH, even in women of young age and good health status.

ACS Style

Kemal Idrizovic; Gentiana Ahmeti; Damir Sekulic; Ante Zevrnja; Ljerka Ostojic; Sime Versic; Natasa Zenic. Indices of Cardiovascular Health, Body Composition and Aerobic Endurance in Young Women; Differential Effects of Two Endurance-Based Training Modalities. Healthcare 2021, 9, 449 .

AMA Style

Kemal Idrizovic, Gentiana Ahmeti, Damir Sekulic, Ante Zevrnja, Ljerka Ostojic, Sime Versic, Natasa Zenic. Indices of Cardiovascular Health, Body Composition and Aerobic Endurance in Young Women; Differential Effects of Two Endurance-Based Training Modalities. Healthcare. 2021; 9 (4):449.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kemal Idrizovic; Gentiana Ahmeti; Damir Sekulic; Ante Zevrnja; Ljerka Ostojic; Sime Versic; Natasa Zenic. 2021. "Indices of Cardiovascular Health, Body Composition and Aerobic Endurance in Young Women; Differential Effects of Two Endurance-Based Training Modalities." Healthcare 9, no. 4: 449.

Journal article
Published: 27 February 2021 in Medicina
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Background and Objective: Although smoking and the physical activity level (PAL) are important determinants of health status in adolescence, there is a lack of information on the relationship between smoking and PAL in early adolescence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gender-specific relationship between smoking and PAL in 14-to-16-year-old adolescents. Materials and Methods: The sample included 650 adolescents (337 girls, 14.7 ± 0.5 years at first testing wave) from Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the first testing wave, participants were tested using structured questionnaires. Second testing was commenced after approximately 20 months (16.4 ± 0.6 years). The variables were age, gender, socioeconomic status, living environment, cigarette smoking (predictors), and PAL (criterion). Predictors were measured at the first wave, and criterion at the first-wave and second-wave. Results: For girls, smoking was negatively correlated to PAL at the first-wave (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.55–0.95) and at the second-wave (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.71–0.96). No significant association between smoking and PAL was found for boys. Results suggest that adolescent boys and girls do not follow the equal trajectories when it comes to relationships between smoking and PAL. Conclusions: In developing promotional public health actions related to a decrease of smoking and increase of PAL, a gender-specific approach is highly recommended. Further studies analyzing the cause–effect relationship between consumption of other types of psychoactive substances and PAL in this age group are warranted.

ACS Style

Dora Maric; Antonino Bianco; Ivan Kvesic; Damir Sekulic; Natasa Zenic. Analysis of the Relationship between Tobacco Smoking and Physical Activity in Adolescence: A Gender Specific Study. Medicina 2021, 57, 214 .

AMA Style

Dora Maric, Antonino Bianco, Ivan Kvesic, Damir Sekulic, Natasa Zenic. Analysis of the Relationship between Tobacco Smoking and Physical Activity in Adolescence: A Gender Specific Study. Medicina. 2021; 57 (3):214.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dora Maric; Antonino Bianco; Ivan Kvesic; Damir Sekulic; Natasa Zenic. 2021. "Analysis of the Relationship between Tobacco Smoking and Physical Activity in Adolescence: A Gender Specific Study." Medicina 57, no. 3: 214.

Research article
Published: 14 February 2021 in Research in Sports Medicine
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Aerobic performance is considered an important determinant of match running performance in soccer, but studies have rarely investigated this issue in top-level players. This study examined the possible associations between direct measures of aerobic performance and match running performance in elite soccer players. Aerobic performance was tested at the beginning of the season in laboratory settings. The match-running performance was measured by a global positioning system over a competitive half-season for a total of 82 match performances in professional players from Croatia (age: 23.76 ± 2.64; body height: 181.62 ± 7.09 cm; body mass: 77.01 ± 6.34 kg) and clustered as central player (n = 57) and side player (n = 25) performance. No significant differences in aerobic performance were noted between central and side players. The anaerobic threshold was correlated with high-speed running (19.8–25.1 km/h), sprint running (>25.1 km/h), and high-intensity running (>19.8 km/h) among side players (r = 0.52, 0.53, and 0.59, respectively; p < 0.01). For central players, the aerobic threshold was correlated with the total distance covered, low-intensity running (<14.3 km/h), and distance covered in the zone of running (14.4–19.7 km/h) (r = 0.47, 0.49, and 0.39; p < 0.01, 0.01, and 0.03, respectively). Conditioning for central players should include activities with intensities corresponding to aerobic thresholds, while conditioning of side players should be focused on the development of anaerobic thresholds.

ACS Style

Toni Modric; Sime Versic; Damir Sekulic. Does aerobic performance define match running performance among professional soccer players? A position-specific analysis. Research in Sports Medicine 2021, 29, 336 -348.

AMA Style

Toni Modric, Sime Versic, Damir Sekulic. Does aerobic performance define match running performance among professional soccer players? A position-specific analysis. Research in Sports Medicine. 2021; 29 (4):336-348.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Toni Modric; Sime Versic; Damir Sekulic. 2021. "Does aerobic performance define match running performance among professional soccer players? A position-specific analysis." Research in Sports Medicine 29, no. 4: 336-348.

Journal article
Published: 29 January 2021 in Healthcare
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Children’s health behaviors are highly influenced by their parents and family. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the parental/familial factors associated with physical activity levels (PALs) among older adolescents. The participants were 766 adolescents, who were prospectively observed at baseline (when they were 16 years of age), at first follow-up measurement (FU1; 17 years of age), and second follow-up measurement (FU2; 18 years of age). Sociodemographic factors (age, gender, socioeconomic status, and sport participation) and parental/familial variables were evaluated at baseline. PALs (evidenced by the Physical-Activity Questionnaire-for-Adolescents) were prospectively evidenced at baseline, FU1, and FU2. Factorial analysis of variance for repeated measurements showed a significant decrease in PALs during the study course (F = 83.05, p < 0.001). Sport participation and male gender were significant predictors of PALs at baseline, FU1, and FU2. Logistic regression, controlled for sport participation and male gender, evidenced paternal education as a significant predictor of baseline PALs. Parental conflict was a significant predictor of PALs in all three testing waves. The significant influence of paternal education on the children’s PALs existed from younger adolescence until the age of 17 years. The association between parental conflict and PALs developed in older adolescence. These results should be used in the development of specific and targeted interventions aimed at the improvement of PALs and a reduction of sedentarism in youth.

ACS Style

Damir Sekulic; Dora Maric; Sime Versic; Ante Zevrnja; Admir Terzic; Natasa Zenic. Familial and Parental Predictors of Physical Activity in Late Adolescence: Prospective Analysis over a Two-Year Period. Healthcare 2021, 9, 132 .

AMA Style

Damir Sekulic, Dora Maric, Sime Versic, Ante Zevrnja, Admir Terzic, Natasa Zenic. Familial and Parental Predictors of Physical Activity in Late Adolescence: Prospective Analysis over a Two-Year Period. Healthcare. 2021; 9 (2):132.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Damir Sekulic; Dora Maric; Sime Versic; Ante Zevrnja; Admir Terzic; Natasa Zenic. 2021. "Familial and Parental Predictors of Physical Activity in Late Adolescence: Prospective Analysis over a Two-Year Period." Healthcare 9, no. 2: 132.

Journal article
Published: 19 January 2021 in Diagnostics
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Background: Due to its association with the risk of falling and consequent injury, the importance of agility is widely recognized, but no study so far has examined the different facets of agility in an untrained/clinical population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability, validity, and correlates of newly developed tests of non-planned agility (NPA) and pre-planned agility (PPA) in an untrained/clinical sample. Methods: The sample comprised 38 participants older than 40 years (22 females, age: 56.1 ± 17.3 years, height: 170.4 ± 10.8 cm, mass: 82.54 ± 14.79 kg) who were involved in a rehabilitation program following total knee arthroplasty and knee arthroscopy. Variables included age, gender, type of surgery, history of fall, anthropometrics/body composition, and newly developed tests of NPA and PPA. Results: The results showed the high inter-testing- (ICC >0.95, CV 0.96, CV 50 yrs. vs. r = 0.58 and 0.59, p < 0.001) and body fatness (Pearson’s r = 0.64 and 0.66, p < 0.001) were negatively correlated, while the lean body mass (Pearson’s r = 0.70 and 0.68, p < 0.001) was positively correlated with PPA and NPA. The NPA and PPA were highly correlated (Pearson’s r = 0.98, p < 0.001). Conclusions: We found that the proposed tests are reliable when evaluating agility characteristics in an untrained/clinical population after knee arthroplasty/arthroscopy. Further evaluation of the specific validity of the proposed tests in other specific subsamples is warranted.

ACS Style

Ivan Peric; Miodrag Spasic; Dario Novak; Sergej Ostojic; Damir Sekulic. Pre-Planned and Non-Planned Agility in Patients Ongoing Rehabilitation after Knee Surgery: Design, Reliability and Validity of the Newly Developed Testing Protocols. Diagnostics 2021, 11, 146 .

AMA Style

Ivan Peric, Miodrag Spasic, Dario Novak, Sergej Ostojic, Damir Sekulic. Pre-Planned and Non-Planned Agility in Patients Ongoing Rehabilitation after Knee Surgery: Design, Reliability and Validity of the Newly Developed Testing Protocols. Diagnostics. 2021; 11 (1):146.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ivan Peric; Miodrag Spasic; Dario Novak; Sergej Ostojic; Damir Sekulic. 2021. "Pre-Planned and Non-Planned Agility in Patients Ongoing Rehabilitation after Knee Surgery: Design, Reliability and Validity of the Newly Developed Testing Protocols." Diagnostics 11, no. 1: 146.

Journal article
Published: 16 December 2020 in Children
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The positive effects of dance on health indices in youth are widely recognized, but participation in dance is accompanied with a certain risk of injury. This prospective study aimed to investigate injury occurrence and to evaluate the possible influences of specific predictors on the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems and injuries in adolescent dancers. Participants were 126 dancers (21 males; 11–18 years), who were competitors in the urban dance, rock and roll, and standard/Latin dance genres. Predictors included sociodemographic factors, anthropometric/body build indices, sport (dance) factors, and dynamic balance. The outcome variable was injury status, and this was evaluated by the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC). Predictors were evaluated at baseline, and outcomes were continuously monitored during the study period of 3 months. During the study course, 53% of dancers reported the occurrence of a musculoskeletal problem/injury, and dancers suffered from an average of 0.72 injuries over the study period (95% CI: 0.28–1.41), giving a yearly injury rate of 280%. Gender and dance styles were not significantly related to the occurrence of injury. Higher risk for injury was evidenced in older and more experienced dancers. Dynamic balance, as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), was a significant protective factor of injury occurrence, irrespective of age/experience in dance. Knowing the simplicity and applicability of the SEBT, continuous monitoring of dynamic balance in adolescent dancers is encouraged. In order to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems/injuries in youth dancers, we suggest the incorporation of specific interventions aimed at improving dynamic balance.

ACS Style

Damir Sekulic; Dasa Prus; Ante Zevrnja; Mia Peric; Petra Zaletel. Predicting Injury Status in Adolescent Dancers Involved in Different Dance Styles: A Prospective Study. Children 2020, 7, 297 .

AMA Style

Damir Sekulic, Dasa Prus, Ante Zevrnja, Mia Peric, Petra Zaletel. Predicting Injury Status in Adolescent Dancers Involved in Different Dance Styles: A Prospective Study. Children. 2020; 7 (12):297.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Damir Sekulic; Dasa Prus; Ante Zevrnja; Mia Peric; Petra Zaletel. 2020. "Predicting Injury Status in Adolescent Dancers Involved in Different Dance Styles: A Prospective Study." Children 7, no. 12: 297.

Journal article
Published: 10 December 2020 in Sports
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Running performances (RPs) are known to be important parameters of success in football (soccer), but there is a lack of studies where RPs are contextualized regarding applied tactical solutions. This study aims to quantify and analyze the differences in position-specific RPs in professional football, when games are played with three defensive players (3DP) and four defensive players (4DP). The participants here include professional football players (M ± SD, age 23.57 ± 2.84 years, body height 181.9 ± 5.17 cm, body mass 78.36 ± 4.18 kg) playing at the highest competitive level in Croatia. RPs were measured by global positioning system and classified into four groups based on playing positions: central defenders (CD; n = 47), wide defenders (WD; n = 24), midfielders (MF; n = 48), or forwards (FW; n = 19). Analysis of variance and discriminant canonical analysis are used to identify differences between 3DP and 4DP tactical solutions in terms of the RPs for each playing position. The number of accelerations and decelerations most significantly contributed to the differentiation of 3DP and 4DP among MFs (Wilks λ = 0.31, p < 0.001), with higher occurrences with 3DP. For CDs, total distance, and high-intensity running were higher in 3DP (Wilks λ = 0.66, p < 0.001). No multivariate differences were found for FW and WD players in terms of the RPs between 3DP and 4DP tactical formations. The characteristics and differences shown in this study may provide useful information for coaching staff regarding changing in-season tactical formations. Additionally, the results are useful for optimizing training programs for football players with different playing positions. When changing from 4DP to 3DP tactical formations, WDs training programs should include more of high-intensity running, while MFs training programs should be more based on short intensity activities (accelerations and decelerations).

ACS Style

Toni Modric; Sime Versic; Damir Sekulic. Position Specific Running Performances in Professional Football (Soccer): Influence of Different Tactical Formations. Sports 2020, 8, 161 .

AMA Style

Toni Modric, Sime Versic, Damir Sekulic. Position Specific Running Performances in Professional Football (Soccer): Influence of Different Tactical Formations. Sports. 2020; 8 (12):161.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Toni Modric; Sime Versic; Damir Sekulic. 2020. "Position Specific Running Performances in Professional Football (Soccer): Influence of Different Tactical Formations." Sports 8, no. 12: 161.

Journal article
Published: 02 December 2020 in Healthcare
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Parental/familial factors are important determinants of the physical activity level (PAL) in children and adolescents, but studies rarely prospectively evaluate their relationships. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in physical activity levels among adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina over a two-year period and to determine parental/familial predictors of PAL in early adolescence. A total of 651 participants (50.3% females) were tested at baseline (beginning of high school education; 14 years old on average) and at follow-up (approximately 20 months later). The predictors included sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender) and parental/familial factors (socioeconomic status of the family, maternal and paternal education, conflict with parents, parental absence from home, parental questioning, and parental monitoring). Physical activity levels were evidenced by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A; criterion). Boys were more active than girls, both at baseline (t-test = 3.09, p < 0.001) and at follow-up (t-test = 3.4, p < 0.001). Physical activity level decreased over the observed two-year period (t-test = 16.89, p < 0.001), especially in boys, which is probably a consequence of drop-out from the sport in this period. Logistic regression evidenced parental education as a positive predictor of physical activity level at baseline (OR [95%CI]; 1.38 [1.15–170], 1.35 [1.10–1.65]), and at follow-up (1.35 [1.11–1.69], 1.29 [1.09–1.59], for maternal and paternal education, respectively). Parents with a higher level of education are probably more informed about the importance of physical activity on health status, and thus transfer this information to their children as well. The age from 14 to 16 years is likely a critical period for maintaining physical activity levels in boys, while further studies of a younger age are necessary to evaluate the dynamics of changes in physical activity levels for girls. For maintaining physical activity levels in adolescence, special attention should be paid to children whose parents are less educated, and to inform them of the benefits of an appropriate physical activity level and its necessity for maintaining proper health and growth.

ACS Style

Dora Maric; Ivan Kvesic; Ivana Kujundzic Lujan; Antonino Bianco; Natasa Zenic; Vlatko Separovic; Admir Terzic; Sime Versic; Damir Sekulic. Parental and Familial Factors Influencing Physical Activity Levels in Early Adolescence: A Prospective Study. Healthcare 2020, 8, 532 .

AMA Style

Dora Maric, Ivan Kvesic, Ivana Kujundzic Lujan, Antonino Bianco, Natasa Zenic, Vlatko Separovic, Admir Terzic, Sime Versic, Damir Sekulic. Parental and Familial Factors Influencing Physical Activity Levels in Early Adolescence: A Prospective Study. Healthcare. 2020; 8 (4):532.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dora Maric; Ivan Kvesic; Ivana Kujundzic Lujan; Antonino Bianco; Natasa Zenic; Vlatko Separovic; Admir Terzic; Sime Versic; Damir Sekulic. 2020. "Parental and Familial Factors Influencing Physical Activity Levels in Early Adolescence: A Prospective Study." Healthcare 8, no. 4: 532.

Journal article
Published: 03 November 2020 in Heliyon
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The aim of this study was to identify associations between aerobic fitness (AF) and game performance indicator (GPI) in elite football. Participants were professional football players (males, n=16; age: 23.76 ± 2.64; body height: 181.62 ± 7.09 cm; body mass: 77.01 ± 6.34 kg). AF testing was conducted by direct measurement and included VO2max, running speed at aerobic threshold (AeT), and running speed at anaerobic threshold (AT). The GPI were collected by the position-specific performance statistics index (InStat index). The players were observed over one competitive half-season, resulting in 82 game performances, grouped according to the positions in game: defenders (n = 39), midfielders (n = 32) and forwards (n = 11). VO2max was not found to be a good discriminator of AF among different playing positions. AeT (F-test = 26.36. p=0.01) and AT (F-test = 7.25, p=0.01) were highest among midfielders, and lowest among forwards. No correlations were found between AF and GPI. This study confirmed that AeT and AT are better indicators of AF than VO2max in football players at different playing positions. The lack of associations between AF and GPI was discussed with regard to calculation of InStat as a GPI.

ACS Style

Toni Modric; Sime Versic; Damir Sekulic. Aerobic fitness and game performance indicators in professional football players; playing position specifics and associations. Heliyon 2020, 6, e05427 .

AMA Style

Toni Modric, Sime Versic, Damir Sekulic. Aerobic fitness and game performance indicators in professional football players; playing position specifics and associations. Heliyon. 2020; 6 (11):e05427.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Toni Modric; Sime Versic; Damir Sekulic. 2020. "Aerobic fitness and game performance indicators in professional football players; playing position specifics and associations." Heliyon 6, no. 11: e05427.

Journal article
Published: 03 September 2020 in Children
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Parental and familial factors influence numerous aspects of adolescents’ lives, including their physical activity level (PAL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in PAL which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to evaluate influence of sociodemographic and parental/familial factors on PAL levels before and during pandemic in adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sample included 688 adolescents (15–18 years of age; 322 females) who were tested on two occasions: in January 2020 (baseline; before the COVID-19 pandemic) and in April 2020 (follow-up; during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown). Variables included PAL (measured by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents–PAQ-A) as well as sociodemographic-, parental-, and familial factors. A significant decline in PALs was recorded between baseline and follow-up (t-test: 11.88, p < 0.001). Approximately 50% of adolescents underwent sufficient PAL at baseline, while only 24% of them were achieving sufficient PAL at the time of follow-up measurement. Paternal education was positively correlated (OR (95%CI): baseline: 6.63 (4.58–9.96), follow-up: 3.33 (1.19–7.01)), while familial conflict was negatively correlated (baseline: 0.72 (0.57–0.90), follow-up: 0.77 (0.60–0.99)) with PALs before and during the pandemic. This study highlights the importance of the parent–child relationship and parental/familiar support in promoting physical activity both during regular life and during crises and health challenging situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.

ACS Style

Barbara Gilic; Ljerka Ostojic; Marin Corluka; Tomislav Volaric; Damir Sekulic. Contextualizing Parental/Familial Influence on Physical Activity in Adolescents before and during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Analysis. Children 2020, 7, 125 .

AMA Style

Barbara Gilic, Ljerka Ostojic, Marin Corluka, Tomislav Volaric, Damir Sekulic. Contextualizing Parental/Familial Influence on Physical Activity in Adolescents before and during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Analysis. Children. 2020; 7 (9):125.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Barbara Gilic; Ljerka Ostojic; Marin Corluka; Tomislav Volaric; Damir Sekulic. 2020. "Contextualizing Parental/Familial Influence on Physical Activity in Adolescents before and during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Analysis." Children 7, no. 9: 125.

Journal article
Published: 26 August 2020 in Medycyna Pracy
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Background: Reaching an appropriate physical activity level (PAL) in adolescence is an important public health problem. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with PAL and changes in PAL in late adolescence. Material and Methods: The sample involved 411 adolescents (201 girls) who...

ACS Style

Damir Sekulic; Jelena Rodek; Tine Sattler. Factors associated with physical activity levels in late adolescence: a prospective study. Medycyna Pracy 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Damir Sekulic, Jelena Rodek, Tine Sattler. Factors associated with physical activity levels in late adolescence: a prospective study. Medycyna Pracy. 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Damir Sekulic; Jelena Rodek; Tine Sattler. 2020. "Factors associated with physical activity levels in late adolescence: a prospective study." Medycyna Pracy , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 09 June 2020 in Applied Sciences
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The COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing implemented shortly after influence physical activity levels (PALs). The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the changes in PAL and factors associated with PALs among Croatian adolescents while considering the impact of community (urban vs. rural living environment). The sample included 823 adolescents (mean age: 16.5 ± 2.1 years) who were tested on baseline (from October 2019 to March 2020; before COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia) and follow-up (in April 2020; during the COVID-19 pandemic and imposed rules of social distancing). Baseline testing included anthropometrics, physical fitness status, and evaluation of PALs, while follow-up included only PALs (evaluated by a standardized questionnaire through an internet application). The results showed a significant influence of the living environment on the decrease of PAL, with a larger decrease in urban adolescents. Logistic regression showed a higher likelihood for normal PALs at baseline in adolescents who had better fitness status, with no strong confounding effect of the urban/rural environment. The fitness status of urban adolescents predicted their PALs at follow-up. The differences between urban and rural adolescents with regard to the established changes in PALs and relationships between the predictors and PALs are explained by the characteristics of the living communities (lack of organized sports in rural areas), and the level of social distancing in the studied period and region/country.

ACS Style

Natasa Zenic; Redha Taiar; Barbara Gilic; Mateo Blazevic; Dora Maric; Haris Pojskic; Damir Sekulic. Levels and Changes of Physical Activity in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Contextualizing Urban vs. Rural Living Environment. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 3997 .

AMA Style

Natasa Zenic, Redha Taiar, Barbara Gilic, Mateo Blazevic, Dora Maric, Haris Pojskic, Damir Sekulic. Levels and Changes of Physical Activity in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Contextualizing Urban vs. Rural Living Environment. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (11):3997.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Natasa Zenic; Redha Taiar; Barbara Gilic; Mateo Blazevic; Dora Maric; Haris Pojskic; Damir Sekulic. 2020. "Levels and Changes of Physical Activity in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Contextualizing Urban vs. Rural Living Environment." Applied Sciences 10, no. 11: 3997.

Journal article
Published: 15 May 2020 in Sustainability
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Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global authorities have imposed rules of social distancing that directly influence overall physical activity in populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trends of changes in physical-activity levels (PALs) in adolescents and factors that may be associated with PALs among the studied boys and girls. Methods: Participants in this prospective study comprised 388 adolescents (126 females; mean age: 16.4 ± 1.9 years) from southern Croatia who were tested at a baseline (before the imposed rules of social distancing) and at a follow-up measurement (three weeks after the initiation). Baseline testing included anthropometric variables, variables of fitness status (done at the beginning of the school year), and PALs. At the follow-up, participants were tested on PALs. PALs were evaluated over an online platform using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Results: A significant decrease of PALs was evidenced for the total sample (t-test = 3.46, p < 0.001), which was primarily influenced by a significant decrease of PALs in boys (t-test = 5.15, p < 0.001). The fitness status (jumping capacity, abdominal strength, aerobic endurance, and anaerobic endurance) was systematically positively correlated with PALs at the baseline and follow-up among boys and girls, with the most evident association between aerobic and anaerobic endurance capacities and PALs. Correlations between anthropometric and fitness variables with changes in physical activity (e.g., the difference between baseline and follow-up PALs) were negligible. Conclusions: Differences in PAL changes between genders were probably related to the fact that PALs among boys were mostly related to participation in organized sports. Correlations between baseline fitness status and PALs indicated the importance of overall physical literacy in preserving PALs in challenging circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic observed here.

ACS Style

Damir Sekulic; Mateo Blazevic; Barbara Gilic; Ivan Kvesic; Natasa Zenic. Prospective Analysis of Levels and Correlates of Physical Activity during COVID-19 Pandemic and Imposed Rules of Social Distancing; Gender Specific Study among Adolescents from Southern Croatia. Sustainability 2020, 12, 4072 .

AMA Style

Damir Sekulic, Mateo Blazevic, Barbara Gilic, Ivan Kvesic, Natasa Zenic. Prospective Analysis of Levels and Correlates of Physical Activity during COVID-19 Pandemic and Imposed Rules of Social Distancing; Gender Specific Study among Adolescents from Southern Croatia. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (10):4072.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Damir Sekulic; Mateo Blazevic; Barbara Gilic; Ivan Kvesic; Natasa Zenic. 2020. "Prospective Analysis of Levels and Correlates of Physical Activity during COVID-19 Pandemic and Imposed Rules of Social Distancing; Gender Specific Study among Adolescents from Southern Croatia." Sustainability 12, no. 10: 4072.

Articles
Published: 29 April 2020 in Research in Sports Medicine
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This study evaluated dynamics of testosterone, cortisol and alpha-amylase during a handball match in high-level male players. Ten male professional players (24.1 ± 3.1 years, 188.2 ± 6.4 cm, 94.6 ± 9.6 kg) were tested on salivary-testosterone, -cortisol and -alpha-amylase levels before (prematch), at halftime, and immediately after the game. Analysis of variance for repeated measurements (ANOVA) with consecutive post-hoc analyses and effect-size differences were calculated to identify differences between measurements. The associations among biomarkers were determined by Pearson’s product moment correlation (Pearson’s r). The ANOVA indicated significant differences in testosterone (F: 14.31, p < 0.01; significant post-hoc differences between prematch and remaining two measurements), and alpha-amylase (F: 9.78, p < 0.01; significant post-hoc differences between all measurements). Significant correlations were evidenced between: (i) alpha-amylase- and testosterone-changes during 1st halftime (Pearson’s r: 0.81, p < 0.01), and (ii) alpha-amylase- and cortisol-changes during 2nd halftime (Pearson’s r: 0.76, p < 0.05). The results indicated specific dynamics of biomarkers during the handball match, with significant increase in alpha-amylase during the entire match and significant increase in the testosterone level during the first half of the match. Further studies are needed to evaluate the associations between real-game performance and changes in hormonal responses.

ACS Style

Nikola Foretic; Zoran Nikolovski; Irena Peric; Damir Sekulic. Testosterone, cortisol and alpha-amylase levels during a handball match; analysis of dynamics and associations. Research in Sports Medicine 2020, 28, 360 -370.

AMA Style

Nikola Foretic, Zoran Nikolovski, Irena Peric, Damir Sekulic. Testosterone, cortisol and alpha-amylase levels during a handball match; analysis of dynamics and associations. Research in Sports Medicine. 2020; 28 (3):360-370.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nikola Foretic; Zoran Nikolovski; Irena Peric; Damir Sekulic. 2020. "Testosterone, cortisol and alpha-amylase levels during a handball match; analysis of dynamics and associations." Research in Sports Medicine 28, no. 3: 360-370.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Reactive agility (RAG) and change of direction speed (CODS) are important determinants of success in football (soccer), but there is an evident lack of information on reliable and valid football-specific testing procedures which will be applicable in defining sport-specific RAG and CODS in youth players. This study evaluated reliability and construct validity of newly developed tests of football-specific RAG (FS_RAG) and CODS (FS_CODS), which involved the ball kicking football technique. Additionally, factors associated with FS_RAG and FS_CODS were evaluated. The participants were youth football players (n = 59; age: 13.40 ± 1.25 years) divided according to their age into U13 (11–12 years of age; n = 29), and U15 (13–14 years of age; n = 30) categories. Additionally, performance levels (starters [first-team] vs. non-starters [substitutes]) were observed in each age category. The dependent variables were newly developed FS_RAG and FS_CODS tests. The independent variables were sprinting capacities over 10 and 20 meters (S10M, S20M), countermovement jump (CMJ), the reactive strength index (RSI), and a generic CODS test of 20 yards (20Y). The newly developed FS_CODS and FS_RAG were observed as dependent variables. Results showed appropriate intra-testing and inter-testing reliability of the FS_RAG and FS_CODS, with somewhat better reliability of the FS_CODS (ICC=0.82 and 0.79, respectively). Additionally, better reliability was evidenced in U15 than in U13 (ICC: 0.82–0.85, and 0.78-0.80 for U15 and U13, respectively). Independent samples t-test indicated significant differences between U13 and U15 in S10 (t-test: 3.57, p < 0.001), S20M (t-test: 3.13, p < 0.001), 20Y (t-test: 4.89, p < 0.001), FS_RAG (t-test: 3.96, p < 0.001), and FS_CODS (t-test: 6.42, p < 0.001), with better performance in U15. Starters outperformed non-starters in most capacities among U13, but only in FS_RAG among U15 (t-test: 1.56, p < 0.05). Multiple regression calculations indicated nonsignificant association between independent and dependent variables in U13 (FS_CODS: 19%, FS_RAG: 21% of the explained variance, both p > 0.05), but independent variables explained significant proportion of both dependent variables in U15 (FS_CODS: 35%, FS_RAG: 33% explained variance, both p < 0.05). The study confirmed the applicability of newly developed tests in distinguishing studied age categories of players. Results indicate that superiority in all studied fitness capacities is translated into performance level in U13. Meanwhile, FS_RAG seems to be important determinant of quality in U15.

ACS Style

Ante Krolo; Barbara Gilic; Nikola Foretic; Haris Pojskic; Raouf Hammami; Miodrag Spasic; Ognjen Uljevic; Sime Versic; Damir Sekulic. Agility Testing in Youth Football (Soccer)Players; Evaluating Reliability, Validity, and Correlates of Newly Developed Testing Protocols. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 294 .

AMA Style

Ante Krolo, Barbara Gilic, Nikola Foretic, Haris Pojskic, Raouf Hammami, Miodrag Spasic, Ognjen Uljevic, Sime Versic, Damir Sekulic. Agility Testing in Youth Football (Soccer)Players; Evaluating Reliability, Validity, and Correlates of Newly Developed Testing Protocols. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (1):294.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ante Krolo; Barbara Gilic; Nikola Foretic; Haris Pojskic; Raouf Hammami; Miodrag Spasic; Ognjen Uljevic; Sime Versic; Damir Sekulic. 2020. "Agility Testing in Youth Football (Soccer)Players; Evaluating Reliability, Validity, and Correlates of Newly Developed Testing Protocols." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 1: 294.

Journal article
Published: 02 December 2019 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Doping is recognized as one of the most important problems in sports, but a limited number of studies have investigated doping problems in youth athletes. This study aimed to evaluate doping tendency (potential doping behavior (PDB)) and correlates of PDB in youth age swimmers. The participants were 241 competitive swimmers (131 females; 15.3 ± 1.1 years of age, all under 18 years old). Variables included predictors and PDB (criterion). Predictors consisted of sociodemographic factors (gender and age), sport-related variables (i.e., experience in swimming and sport achievement), variables explaining coaching strategy and training methodology, consumption of dietary supplements (DS), knowledge about doping, and knowledge about sports nutrition and DS (KSN). In addition to the descriptive statistics and differences between genders, a multinomial regression using PDB as the criterion (negative-, neutral-, or positive-PDB, with a negative-PDB as the reference value) was calculated to define associations between predictors and criterion. With only 71% of swimmers who declared negative-PDB results indicated an alarming figure. Boys with better KSN were more negatively oriented toward positive-PDB (OR: 0.77, 95%CI: 0.60–0.95). In girls, lower competitive achievement was evidenced as a risk factor for neutral-PDB (OR: 0.39, 95%CI: 0.24–0.63). Also, higher neutral-PDB (OR: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.81–0.96) and positive-PDB (OR: 0.90, 95%CI: 0.83–0.99) were identified in girls who began with intensive training in younger age. Because of the alarming figures of PDB, there is an evident need for the development of systematic antidoping educational programs in youth swimming. In doing so, focus should be placed on girls who began intensive training at an earlier age and those who did not achieve high competitive results.

ACS Style

Dorica Sajber; Dora Maric; Jelena Rodek; Damir Sekulic; Silvester Liposek. Toward Prevention of Doping in Youth Sport: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Correlates of Doping Tendency in Swimming. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 4851 .

AMA Style

Dorica Sajber, Dora Maric, Jelena Rodek, Damir Sekulic, Silvester Liposek. Toward Prevention of Doping in Youth Sport: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Correlates of Doping Tendency in Swimming. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (23):4851.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dorica Sajber; Dora Maric; Jelena Rodek; Damir Sekulic; Silvester Liposek. 2019. "Toward Prevention of Doping in Youth Sport: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Correlates of Doping Tendency in Swimming." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 23: 4851.