1. Gender-specific predictors of vault performance in gymnastics : a machine learning approachDušan Đorđević, Janez Vodičar, Robi Kreft, Edvard Kolar, Miloš Paunović, Saša Veličković, Miha Marinšek, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This study investigated gender-specific predictors of vault performance in gymnastics by applying machine learning techniques to analyse body composition and run-up dynamics. Data were collected from 27 national-level gymnasts (17 female, 10 male) during the Slovenian Cup competition.
The focus on gender-specific predictors stems from fundamental physiological and biomechanical differences between male and female athletes, which influence force production, movement kinematics, and execution mechanics. A deeper understanding of these distinctions enhances the precision of performance modelling and supports the development of targeted, evidence-based training interventions.
Spatiotemporal parameters of the run-up were recorded using the OptoGait system, while body composition was assessed with the Tanita DC-360. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Boosting regression models were used to identify key predictors of vault execution scores. These methods were selected for their ability to reduce dimensionality and capture complex, nonlinear relationships in performance data.
The results revealed clear gender-specific patterns. For female gymnasts, the model explained 74.4% of the variance in execution scores, with Overall Lean Body Mass emerging as the most influential predictor (47.12% relative influence), followed by Overall Contact Phases (25.28%). For male gymnasts, the model demonstrated exceptionally high predictive power, explaining 97.8% of the variance, with Body Fat as the primary predictor (48.44% relative influence), followed by Flight and Contact Dynamics (35.22%).
These findings suggest that training strategies should be tailored to gender-specific needs. For women, emphasis on lean muscle development, stride optimisation, and the coordination of rhythm and timing may be beneficial. For men, managing body fat levels, optimising flight and contact dynamics, and adopting an integrated approach to stride mechanics appear essential.
Given the potential for misinterpretation of body composition metrics, a holistic approach to athletic conditioning is recommended. However, the study’s limitations, including the small sample size and cross-sectional design, warrant cautious interpretation. This research provides a foundation for future investigations into gender-specific factors affecting vault performance. Larger and longitudinal studies are needed to validate these findings and support the development of more precise training interventions.
Keywords: run-up characteristics, body composition, execution score, principal component analysis
Published in DiRROS: 01.07.2025; Views: 385; Downloads: 287
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2. Physical characteristics as indicators of performance in young alpine skiers in Super-GStojan Puhalj, Blaž Lešnik, Črtomir Matejek, Samo Fošnarič, Tjaša Kmet, Jurij Planinšec, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between physical characteristics and performance in young alpine skiers in the Super-G discipline. Methods: A sample of 42 U16 alpine skiing competitors (23 boys and 19 girls) aged 14-15 years participated in the study. The physical characteristics were measured using the Inbody 720 Body Composition Analysis and 3D Body Scan devices. Performance data was obtained from official records of the Ski Association of Slovenia for the 2018/19 U16 competitive season. Variables such as body height, body weight, thigh circumference, waist circumference, chest circumference, shoulder circumference, muscle mass percentage, fat mass percentage, body mass index, and body fat percentage were analyzed. Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between the physical characteristics and Super-G performance. Results: Significant correlations were found between body weight, thigh circumference, chest circumference, muscle mass percentage, and Super-G performance in boys. For girls, waist circumference, chest circumference, and body fat percentage were significantly correlated with performance. The multiple regression model explained 73% of the variance in the boys’ performance and 59% in the girls’, although the model itself was not statistically significant for predicting performance. Conclusion: Physical characteristics, especially muscle mass percentage and body circumferences, are significantly associated with Super-G performance in young alpine skiers. These findings underscore the importance of tailored training programs that consider individual physical characteristics to optimize competitive success in alpine skiing.
Keywords: alpine skiing, Super-G, physical characteristics, young athletes, body composition, performance indicators
Published in DiRROS: 13.03.2025; Views: 507; Downloads: 296
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3. Relationship between Mediterranean diet adherence and body composition parameters in older adults from the Mediterranean regionKaja Teraž, Katarina Puš, Saša Pišot, Ana Cikač, Boštjan Šimunič, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Abstract: In recent decades, the rapid spread of various communication media has led to changes in traditional eating habits. In the Mediterranean region, the classic (Mediterranean) dietary pattern has been lost as a result. This has led to a shift in eating habits towards unhealthy eating patterns, which in turn has resulted in an inadequate distribution of body composition. It is known that, among other things, the number of non-communicable diseases increases with the inadequate distribution of body composition. The aim of our study was to examine the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) of older adults in the Mediterranean region in relation to specific body composition parameters. This study included 521 older adults with a mean age of 69.6 ± 6.3 years. Body composition was measured using the BIA 101 Anniversary device (Akern s.r.l., Florence, Italy) and adherence to the MD was assessed using the MEDLIFE index questionnaire. This study found significant differences in body composition between males and females. The mean adherence to the MD was 17.0 ± 3.3 points among the participants and there was higher adherence in females (p = 0.002, ηp 2 = 0.019). A multiple linear regression was performed to assess the relationship between the body composition parameters and MD. Multiple linear regression models were significant for reactance, fat mass (%), fat-free mass (%), skeletal muscle index, and total body water (%), with specific individual MEDLIFE items such as the consumption of processed meat, meat, white meat, fruit, vegetables, olive oil and limiting snacks between meals. Moreover, promising correlations were found between certain MD characteristics and BIA parameters, but the overall health effects of the MD remain unclear.
Keywords: nutrition, elderly, body composition, healthy ageing, epidemiology
Published in DiRROS: 28.10.2024; Views: 680; Downloads: 466
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4. Monitoring the effect of perioperative nutritional care on body composition and functional status in patients with carcinoma of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary system and pancreasAndrej Gyergyek, Nada Rotovnik-Kozjek, Jasna Klen, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Background. The significance of nutritional care in the management of cancer, particularly in the surgical treatment of abdominal cancer, is increasingly acknowledged. Body composition analysis, such as the Bioelectric impedance assay (BIA), and functional tests, e.g., handgrip strength, are used when assessing nutritional status alongside general and nutritional history, clinical examination, and laboratory tests. The primary approach in nutritional care is individually adjusted nutritional counselling and the use of medical nutrition, especially oral nutritional supplements. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of perioperative nutritional care on body composition and functional status in patients with carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary system, and pancreas. Patients and methods. 47 patients were included, 27 received preoperative and postoperative nutritional counselling and oral nutritional supplements (Group 1), while 20, due to surgical or organisational reasons, received nutritional care only postoperatively (Group 2). The effect of nutritional therapy was measured with bioimpedance body composition and handgrip measurements. Results. Group 2 had a higher average Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS) 2002 score upon enrolment (3 vs. 2 points); however, there was no difference when malnutrition was assessed using Global Leadership in Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. There was a relative increase in lean body mass and fat-free mass index (FFMI) 7 days after surgery in group 1 (+4,2% vs. -2,1% in group 2). There was no difference in handgrip strength. Conclusions. Our results indicate that combined preoperative and postoperative nutritional care is superior to only postoperative nutritional care. It seems to prevent statistically significant lean mass loss 7 days after surgery but not after 14 days or 4 weeks.
Keywords: abdominal cancer, nutritional status, body composition
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 796; Downloads: 275
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5. EditorialBoštjan Šimunič, 2022, preface, editorial, afterword Keywords: kinesiology, body fat, weigh, body mass, body composition, monitoring, methods
Published in DiRROS: 03.03.2023; Views: 1140; Downloads: 598
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6. Sarcopenia, obesity, and their association with selected behavioral factors in active older adultsKaja Teraž, Miloš Kalc, Manca Peskar, Saša Pišot, Boštjan Šimunič, Rado Pišot, Primož Pori, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: The number of obese people in the world is increasing, as is the number of sarcopenic people among the older adults. Although both states are concerning, they can be positively influenced by selected behavioral factors such as adequate nutrition and physical activity. We were interested in the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in active older people and the influence of behavioral factors on this phenomenon. Methods: The study included 38 older adults (21 women) with a mean age of 75.3 ± 5.0 years. Sarcopenic parameters were determined with different tests: Handgrip Test, Chair Stand Test, Gait Speed, Timed Up and Go Test, and Short Physical Performance Battery. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Physical activity level was measured using accelerometers, and nutritional status was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment and MEDLIFE Index questionnaire. Results: Of all included active participants (the average number of steps per day was 8,916 ± 3,543), 47.4% of them were obese. Of all included women, 52.4% were obese. Sarcopenic obesity was found in three (7.9%) participants. Nutritional status correlated with strength of lower extremities and physical performance tests (gait speed, Timed Up and Go Test and Short Physical performance battery). Higher number of steps per day positively correlates with physical performance. Discussion: Interestingly, we did not find any correlation between the main obesity parameter such as percent body fat or body mass index (and thus sarcopenic obesity) and any of the selected behavioral factors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, or dietary habits). In conclusion, reaching the recommended levels of physical activity in older adults may not be sufficient to prevent the occurrence of obesity and sarcopenic obesity.
Keywords: aging, physical activity, nutrition, healthy lifestyle, body composition, sarcopenia
Published in DiRROS: 02.03.2023; Views: 1518; Downloads: 829
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7. Impact of sedentarism due to the COVID-19 home confinement on neuromuscular, cardiovascular and metabolic health : physiological and pathophysiological implications and recommendations for physical and nutritional countermeasuresMarco Vincenzo Narici, Giuseppe De Vito, Martino V. Franchi, Antonio Paoli, Tatiana Moro, Giuseppe Marcolin, Bruno Grassi, Giovanni Baldassarre, Lucrezia Zuccarelli, Gianni Biolo, Filippo Giorgio Di Girolamo, Nicola Fiotti, F. Dela, Paul L. Greenhaff, Constantinos Maganaris, 2020, original scientific article Keywords: COVID-19, sedentarism, neuromuscular system, cardiovascular system, glucose homeostasis, body composition, nutrition, exercise
Published in DiRROS: 18.12.2020; Views: 2394; Downloads: 677
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8. Nutritional intake of Slovenian semi-professional handball playersKaja Teraž, Cécil J. W. Meulenberg, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: Aim: Handball is a highly popular team sport, both in Slovenia and globally. The performance during team sport matches is influenced by numerous factors, amongst others there is nutrition whose influence is lesser known, particularly since diet is often uncontrolled. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether Slovenian handball players, on basis of their anthropometric data and nutritional recommendations, have adequate nutritional intakes of energy and macronutrients.
Methods: Two Slovenian handball teams with male and female players (17 males and 9 females) who are part of the 1A national league, were assessed through a 7-day food diary to define their nutritional intake in three different conditions for males (on their training days, match days and days off) and in two conditions for females (on their training days and days off). Basal anthropometric data were measured by standard methods and the body composition by a bioelectrical impedance scale. The results were statistically analysed with IBM SPSS programme, using the repeated measures ANOVA model.
Results: Both female and male handball players show insufficient amounts of energy intake, based on the most recent nutritional intake recommendations for team sports. Moreover, the intake of carbohydrates is too low for both female and male handball players, and the intake of fat is too high.
Conclusion: The analysis of the initial nutritional intake and the comparison with the recommendation shows that the male handball players do not have an optimal diet with proper intake of both energy and macronutrients. The energy intake is insufficient also in female players. Adjusting the nutritional intake in a way to make it more balanced and tuned to the training schedule, would support a better health and performance.
Keywords: energy intake, macronutrients, nutrition, body composition, handball, team sport
Published in DiRROS: 17.12.2020; Views: 2326; Downloads: 1201
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