Nikola Utvić

Dr. Nikola Utvić

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 March 2025 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Nikola AksovićNikola Aksović
Nikola Aksović
RARadenko Arsenijević
Radenko Arsenijević
Saša Radoslav BubanjSaša Radoslav Bubanj
Saša Radoslav Bubanj
NUNikola Utvić
Nikola Utvić
LLLjubiša Lilić
Ljubiša Lilić
Gorgan Carmina-MihaelaGorgan Carmina-Mihaela
Gorgan Carmina-Mihaela
(1) Background: Complex training combines weight training and plyometric exercises within one series. This is one of the first systematic reviews to thoroughly investigate the effects of complex training on the motor abilities of male basketball players. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to determine the effects of complex training on the motor abilities of male basketball players; (2) Methods: The study protocol of this systematic review was registered at the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY202520116). Papers published from January 2008 to October 2024 were searched digitally using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, ERIC, and Google Scholar databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines using the PICOS strategy. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) and Physical Therapy Database (PEDro) scale was used to assess the quality of the included randomized and non-randomized control trials, respectively; (3) Results: The results of this study showed that complex training is an effective method for improving the motor abilities of basketball players. Most studies investigating the effects of complex training have focused on explosive strength, where a positive impact has been demonstrated. In addition, studies show the positive effects of complex training on speed, agility, muscle strength, isometric muscle force, and aerobic endurance; (4) Conclusions: The authors of the study recommend that the most effective programs are 10 weeks long and conducted 2–3 times per week, with at least 48 h of recovery between sessions. For the pre-competition period, it is recommended to perform 3–5 sets of one complex pair; 2–12 repetitions of weight training, (70–95% 1RM); and 5–15 repetitions of plyometric exercises which are performed at maximum intensity. Future researchers in the field of basketball are encouraged to compare the effects of complex training in male and female basketball players or to compare the effects among male basketball players based on age (juniors vs. seniors) and competitive level (amateur vs. elite).

11 June 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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NUNikola Utvić
Nikola Utvić
LMLidija Marković
Lidija Marković
RARadenko Arsenijević
Radenko Arsenijević
Nikola AksovićNikola Aksović
Nikola Aksović
BBBojan Bjelica
Bojan Bjelica
TDTatiana Dobrescu
Tatiana Dobrescu
(1) Background: The aim of this study is to investigate whether the application of adaptive sports programs, initially designed for children with disabilities, can have a positive effect on physical fitness and body composition in healthy primary school children; (2) Methods: The sample comprised 80 participants, equally divided by gender (50% male, 50% female), with a mean age of 11.5 (SD = 0.03). They were divided into two groups, an experimental and a control group, with an even gender distribution. The research lasted 12 weeks, with additional classes allocated for the initial and the final measurements. The Eurofit test battery assessed physical fitness; (3) Results: ANCOVA revealed significant group differences in body composition variables within the total sample and gender distribution (p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in handgrip strength (HGR), flamingo balance test (FBL), shuttle run 10 × 5 m (SHR) (p < 0.001), and also hand tapping (HTP) (p = 0.01). Participants in the experimental group outperformed the control group, highlighting the effectiveness of the intervention program. Specifically, boys in the experimental group showed significant improvements in HGR and SHR (p < 0.001), while girls improved significantly in HGR, FBL, and SHR (p < 0.001); (4) Conclusions: The experimental program, which incorporates sports elements for disabled individuals, led to significant improvements in the physical fitness parameters of children.

1 January 2026
Verified
Conference Paper
Open access
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DSDejan Stojković
Dejan Stojković
NUNikola Utvić
Nikola Utvić
Football requires a high level of physical conditioning, and key fitness components directly influence player performance. Aerobic endurance enables players to maintain a high game intensity and recover more quickly, while anaerobic strength is crucial for executing explosive movements, sprints, and direction changes. The aim of this research was to examine the influence of different physical components of fitness-strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility-on the performance of football players. The systematic review was conducted using relevant scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SportDiscus, to encompass the most recent and relevant studies in the field of sports science and football players' physical conditioning. Speed, agility, strength, and explosiveness enhance stability, duels, and shooting accuracy, while flexibility reduces the risk of injuries. Effective training methods include high-intensity interval training (HIIT), sprint training with plyometrics, strength training, small-sided games, and fartlek training. These methods improve aerobic and anaerobic capacity, explosive power, and technical and tactical skills. Core stabilization and flexibility training contribute to injury prevention and optimal movement biomechanics. Further research should focus on individualized training approaches tailored to the specific demands of positional play.

26 February 2025
Verified
Report
Closed access
Nikola AksovićNikola Aksović
Nikola Aksović
RARadenko Arsenijević
Radenko Arsenijević
Saša Radoslav BubanjSaša Radoslav Bubanj
Saša Radoslav Bubanj
NUNikola Utvić
Nikola Utvić
LLLjubiša Lilić
Ljubiša Lilić
Gorgan Carmina-MihaelaGorgan Carmina-Mihaela
Gorgan Carmina-Mihaela
INPLASY202520116 Enhancing Motor Abilities in Basketball Players through Complex Training: A Systematic Review Keywords: Team Sport; Motor Skills; Male Basketball Players; Complex Training; Explosi…

29 June 2025 in SPORTS, MEDIA AND BUSINESS
Verified
Journal Article
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RARadenko Arsenijević
Radenko Arsenijević
LTLazar Toskić
Lazar Toskić
NUNikola Utvić
Nikola Utvić
LMLidija Marković
Lidija Marković
Milan MarkovicMilan Markovic
Milan Markovic
Veroljub StankovićVeroljub Stanković
Veroljub Stanković
The aim of this study was to examine the validity of two types of OMRON body composition analysers (BF 511 and VIVA) in comparison with the InBody 270 body composition analyser, in karatekas. The measurements were performed during the summer national camp of the FUDO-KAN Karate Federation, and the sample of subjects included 20 men and 27 women (Age = 16 ± 5.99 years; Body height = 158 ± 14.13 cm; Body mass = 51 ± 17.29 kg), and the following body composition variables were used: body mass (BM), body fat percentage (%BF) and skeletal muscle mass percentage (%SMM), which were estimated using all three body composition scales. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and the coefficient of determination (r2) were used to determine the validity of both OMRON body composition analysers. A high correlation of BM InBody with BM OMRON (BF 511 – r 0.99, r2=0.99; VIVA – r=0.99, r2=0.99), %BF InBody with %BF BF 511 (r=0.92, r2=0.84), and %BF InBody with %BF VIVA (r=0.63, r2=0.40), %SMM InBody with %SMM BF 511 (r=0.68, r2=0.46) were observed. The results obtained indicate that there are certain deviations, especially when it comes to assessing skeletal muscle, when compared with the InBody 270 body composition scale.

1 January 2025
Verified
Conference Paper
Open access
PDF file
DBDragana Babović
Dragana Babović
NUNikola Utvić
Nikola Utvić
AJAleksandar Joksimović
Aleksandar Joksimović
DJDina Joksimović
Dina Joksimović
BCBorisav Cicović
Borisav Cicović
Veroljub StankovićVeroljub Stanković
Veroljub Stanković
This study examines the motor abilities of upper elementary school students, focusing on differences across age groups within the context of physical and developmental education. Physical development and motor abilities are critical multidimensional concepts that play an essential role in the growth and well-being of children. Through this research, we seek to monitor, evaluate, and understand the diverse motor skills that emerge during this pivotal growth phase, specifically among students aged 11 to 15. The sample consists of students from the upper grades of elementary school, assessed using a series of standardized motor tests designed to measure parameters such as explosive leg strength, static arm and shoulder strength, repetitive strength, and sprinting speed. The findings reveal significant differences in motor abilities across grades, reflecting the impact of biological maturity, gender, and developmental stages on physical capability. These differences are particularly evident in strength, speed, and endurance metrics, highlighting the need for age-specific physical education programs. By examining variations in motor skills, this study underscores the importance of personalized training and development approaches to support optimal growth, motor skill acquisition, and overall physical health in children. This research contributes to a broader understanding of how targeted physical education can foster motor development and help educators and coaches adapt programs to meet the diverse needs of growing children.