1. Changes in gait and postural control after 10-day bed rest and 30-day recovery : Elektronski virLuka Šlosar, Manca Peskar, Boštjan Šimunič, Rado Pišot, Marco Vincenzo Narici, Uroš Marušič, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background Prolonged bed rest is a well-established model for studying the effects of immobility on functional performance, especially gait and postural control. Understanding how these functions deteriorate and recover across age groups is essential for developing targeted rehabilitation strategies. Research question How does a 10-day horizontal bed rest affect gait performance and postural control in young and older adults, and to what extent do these effects differ by age? Methods Following a multistage screening process from a large pool of healthy male volunteers, ten older men (68.5 ± 2.6 years) and ten young men (22.9 ± 4.7 years) completed 10 days of horizontal bed rest in a controlled laboratory setting, followed by a standardized 30-day recovery program. Postural control and gait speed assessed under self-selected and brisk walking conditions were measured before bed rest, immediately after, and following a 30-day recovery program. Results Following bed rest, self-selected walking speed did not differ significantly from baseline in either group. In contrast, brisk walking speed significantly decreased in older (−11.4%, p < 0.05) and young adults (−9.9%, p < 0.05), with both groups returning to baseline values after recovery. Postural control deteriorated significantly in older adults (-15.5%), whereas no significant difference from baseline was observed in young adults. After baseline adjustment, postural control showed a significant group effect both after bed rest (η² > 0.244) and post-recovery (η² > 0.395). Significance The findings reveal clear age-related differences in responses to inactivity and recovery. Older adults experienced greater impairments and slower restoration of balance, indicating heightened vulnerability to functional decline during periods of immobilization. These findings underscore the age-dependent impact of bed rest and the importance of tailored rehabilitation strategies. Ključne besede: aging, physical inactivity, mobile body imaging, functional decline Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.04.2026; Ogledov: 401; Prenosov: 343
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3. Prevalenca sarkopenije in povezani dejavniki tveganja v Sloveniji : raziskovalni podatki, obravnavani v doktorskem deluKatarina Puš, Miloš Kalc, Saša Pišot, Kaja Teraž, Jure Urbanc, Matej Kleva, Uroš Marušič, Manca Peskar, Luka Šlosar, Boštjan Šimunič, 2026, zaključena znanstvena zbirka raziskovalnih podatkov Povzetek: Podatkovni niz vsebuje anonimizirane presečne podatke, zbrane pri 654 starejših odraslih (≥ 60 let) iz Slovenije. Podatki so bili pridobljeni v okviru presečne raziskave, usmerjene v razvrščanje sarkopenije in analizo mišičnih značilnosti. V podatkovni niz so vključeni demografski podatki (starost, spol), antropometrične meritve ter rezultati meritev mišične jakosti, telesne zmogljivosti in telesne sestave. Mišična jakost je bila ocenjena z merjenjem jakosti stiska pesti in testom petkratnega vstajanja s stola. Telesna zmogljivost je bila ocenjena s hitrostjo hoje in testom vstani in pojdi. Podatki o telesni sestavi in mišični masi so bili pridobljeni z električno bioimpedančno analizo in vključujejo pusto telesno maso, skeletno mišično maso, apendikularno skeletno mišično maso ter indekse, prilagojene telesni višini. Kontraktilne lastnosti skeletnih mišic so bile ocenjene s tenziomiografijo treh mišic spodnjih okončin, pri čemer so bili zabeleženi parametri zakasnitvenega časa, časa kontrakcije, radialnega premika in hitrosti kontrakcije. Dodatni podatki vključujejo prehransko stanje (Mini Nutritional Assessment), gibalno aktivnost in sedentarne navade (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) ter kognitivne funkcije (Test povezovanja – del A in B). Preiskovanci so bili razvrščeni v skupine glede na več diagnostičnih algoritmov sarkopenije (EWGSOP, EWGSOP2 in njegove različice, SDOC, IWGS in FNIH). Podatki so bili zbrani po standardiziranih protokolih, anonimizirani in opremljeni z metapodatki, kar omogoča njihovo ponovno uporabo v skladu z načeli FAIR. Ključne besede: sarkopenija, analiza mišičnih značilnost, mišična jakost, telesna sestava, telesna zmogljivost, telesna masa, gibalna aktivnost, sedentarne navade Objavljeno v DiRROS: 03.02.2026; Ogledov: 520; Prenosov: 475
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4. Influence of selected cognitive performances on musculoskeletal injury occurrence in adult male professional Slovenian PrvaLiga football players in a prospective cohort studyF. Giesche, Manca Peskar, Luka Šlosar, Boštjan Šimunič, Rado Pišot, Uroš Marušič, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Evidence suggests athletes with lower baseline cognitive performance are at higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This prospective cohort study investigates basic and executive cognitive functions in predicting injuries in 78 professional male football (soccer) players from four Slovenian f irst league teams. Data were collected during the 2018/2019 winter break, and injuries recorded in the second half of that and the 2019/2020 season. Cognitive functions assessed by computerized tests (PsyToolkit) included psychomotor vigilance (simple, choice reaction time) and visuospatial memory (Corsi-block-tapping-test), while pen-and-paper tests assessed motor speed, visual scanning, and executive functions (TMT; Delis-Kaplan-Executive-Function-System). Forty-two players sustained at least one musculoskeletal injury (9 contact injuries), 36 remained injury-free. Logistic regression analyses indicated that none of the cognitive measures significantly influenced injury occurrence (p > 0.05). However, non-significant trends were observed for the TMT ratio score (p = 0.065, OR = 1.64), reflecting cognitive flexibility, and for TMT-A (p = 0.05, OR = 0.60), reflecting visual scanning. Specifically, players with lower cognitive flexibility showed a 64% increase in the odds of sustaining an injury, while better visual scanning performance was associated with a 40% reduction in injury odds. No significant association was found between basic or executive cognitive functions and musculoskeletal injuries in professional male football players. However, a non-significant trend suggested that lower cognitive flexibility may be associated with increased injury risk. These findings underscore the need for larger studies to better clarify the role of executive functions in assessing injury risk in football. Ključne besede: neurocognitive testing, cognitive-motor tests, sports injury, risk screening Objavljeno v DiRROS: 08.09.2025; Ogledov: 717; Prenosov: 486
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5. Addressing the paradox of rest with innovative technologiesRado Pišot, Uroš Marušič, Luka Šlosar, 2025, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: The paradox of rest lies in its dual nature: essential for recovery yet potentially harmful when prolonged. Prolonged physical inactivity (PI) significantly contributes to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Studies show nearly a third of adults worldwide were insufficiently active in 2022, with the economic costs of PI projected to reach INT$520 billion by 2030. Bedrest models have illuminated the rapid onset of insulin resistance, general functional decline and muscle atrophy associated with PI, particularly in hospitalised older adults. Innovative technologies, such as extended reality (XR), offer promising solutions for mitigating the effects of PI and can enhance non-physical rehabilitation techniques such as motor imagery and action observation. These technologies provide immersive, personalised therapeutic experiences that engage multiple senses, transforming passive recovery into an active process and addressing both the physical and cognitive consequences of inactivity. Results of bedrest study showed significant preservation of muscle mass, improved strength and enhanced insulin sensitivity in the intervention group compared to controls. These findings highlight the potential of XRbased strategies in addressing structural and functional declines during inactivity. As part of the Interreg VI-A Italia-Slovenija project X-BRAIN.net, advanced XR-equipped active rooms were developed to aid post-stroke rehabilitation in acute care settings. XR technologies, particularly VR, have shown promise in providing dynamic and adaptable therapeutic environments that facilitate early and targeted interventions. Future advancements focus on integrating XR with brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and synchronised visual-haptic neurofeedback, enhancing sensorimotor cortical activation and improving rehabilitation outcomes. Comprehensive multimodal approaches, including nutritional, physical and non-physical interventions, are emerging as effective strategies to personalise and optimise patient recovery. Ključne besede: physical inactivity, functional and cognitive decline, rehabilitation, extended reality, multimodal interventions Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.03.2025; Ogledov: 919; Prenosov: 631
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6. Validation of the Slovenian version of the Movement imagery questionnaire for children (MIQ-C) : a measurement tool to assess the imagery ability of motor tasks in childrenLuka Šlosar, Katarina Puš, Uroš Marušič, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Purpose: The ability to perform motor imagery has been shown to influence individual athletic performance and rehabilitation. Recent evidence supports its potential as a training tool to improve motor skills in children. Although there is a standardized assessment of the imagery abilities in Slovenian-speaking adults, there is currently no validated instrument for use with Slovenian children. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct a linguistic validation study of the movement imagery questionnaire for children (MIQ-C). Methods: A total of 100 healthy children (mean age 10.3±1.3 years; 50 female) were assessed with a Slovenian version of the MIQ-C at Day 1 and Day 8. Inter-day agreement was examined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct validity and internal consistency were assessed using a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and exploratory – confirmatory factor analysis, respectively. Results: The test-retest ICC were very high for all three scales examined (ICCKI=0.90; ICCIVI=0.92; ICCEVI=0.90). Excellent internal consistency (up to 0.90) was found for kinaesthetic and both visual imageries. Confirmatory analysis confirmed a three-factorial structure of the MIQ-C. Conclusions: The Slovenian version of the MIQ-C proved to be highly reliable and valid in assessing children’s motor imagery abilities, and as such for use with Slovene-speaking children. Moreover, this standardized instrument can be a helpful tool in training and rehabilitation practice with children aged 7-12 years. Ključne besede: questionnaires, linguistic validation, mental practice, imagery ability Objavljeno v DiRROS: 20.11.2024; Ogledov: 1017; Prenosov: 996
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7. The effectiveness of neuromuscular training warm-up program for injury preventionin adolescent male basketball playersArmin Paravlić, Peter Bakalár, Katarina Puš, Saša Pišot, Miloš Kalc, Kaja Teraž, Luka Šlosar, Manca Peskar, Uroš Marušič, Boštjan Šimunič, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This study evaluated the effects of a neuromuscular training (NMT) warm-up program on injury incidence,neuromuscular function, and program adherence, maintenance and acceptance in adolescent basketballplayers. A total of 275 players from 20 Slovenian teams (15 ± 1.7 years of age), were randomized into anintervention group (IG, n=129) and a control group (CG, n=146). Over three months, the IG incorporatedNMT into their warm-ups, while the CG followed their usual practice. Measurements of body anthro-pometry, muscle contractile properties, and balance were taken before and after the intervention. Also,the injury incidence, training adherence and maintenance were reported. Both groups showed improvedbalance, with no significant difference between them. However, IG demonstrated reduced delay times inspecific muscles, indicating improved neuromuscular function. Injury prevalence proportion (%) duringthe whole study period was higher in the control group compared to intervention (IG: 10.9% vs. CG:23.3%), and incidence rate. Moreover, the incidence rate ratio for sustaining an injury was 2.6 on average(ranging from 0.88 to 7.07 for tendon and muscle injuries, respectively), indicating significantly lowerinjury risk in IG than CG. These findings highlight the effectiveness of NMT warm-ups in reducing injuryrisk and enhancing neuromuscular function, emphasizing the value of structured injury preventionstrategies in youth sports. Ključne besede: muscle contractile properties, balance, injury prevalence, training adherence Objavljeno v DiRROS: 18.11.2024; Ogledov: 1457; Prenosov: 842
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9. Developmental trajectories of motor imagery in relation to physical fitness in children aged 7 to 14 years : a ǂ1-year follow-up studyLuka Šlosar, Katarina Puš, Uroš Marušič, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Motor imagery (MI) is fundamentally linked to the motor system. It improves motor learning and optimizes motor actions without physical execution, highlighting its unique role in rehabilitation programs and motor performance. Understanding the developmental trajectories of MI and the factors influencing its variability across ages could enable more effective, age-specific strategies for pediatric rehabilitation. This study assessed 65 children aged 7 to 14 years at two time points 1 year apart. MI ability was assessed using the Movement Imagery Questionnaire for Children, and physical fitness was evaluated using the SLOfit testing battery. Among the three perspectives assessed; internal visual imagery (IVI), external visual imagery (EVI), and kinesthetic imagery (KI), KI was unique in not correlating with age at both time points. The development of MI perspectives varied between athletes and non-athletes, with non-athletes showing a decline in IVI compared with athletes. This differential was further evidenced by significant differences in KI between the groups at the second assessment, with a similar trend observed at the first assessment. Of the physical fitness tests, only the 600-m run correlated consistently with KI at both assessments. Our findings suggest that regular participation in sports significantly affects KI performance, highlighting the importance of sports participation for the development of MI abilities in children. Future research should examine additional assessment points in different age groups and sport experience to better understand the development of MI and its potential implications for pediatric rehabilitation. Ključne besede: motor imagery, physical fitness, childhood development, pediatric rehabilitation Objavljeno v DiRROS: 28.10.2024; Ogledov: 1383; Prenosov: 764
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10. Enhancing balance in Parkinson’s disease patients : a comprehensive literature review on the efficacy of exercise in an enriched environmentAna Ponebšek, Friderika Kresal, Luka Šlosar, 2023, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Various physiotherapeutic methods and approaches play a significant role in the
treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease, including the use of enriched environments. Virtual reality (VR) as a type of enriched environment has the potential to create
multiple sensory experiences and feedback, influencing various aspects of the patient’s
information processing and response. The suitability for home use and the considerable impact on motivation highlight its advantages over alternative approaches. The
objective of this review is to investigate the impact of VR-based exercise on balance
outcomes among individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The inclusion criteria consisted Parkinson’s disease. The comparable improvements in balance observed between the
experimental and control groups signify the potential effectiveness of VR-based exercises. This underscores the encouragement for further development in this technology,
particularly focusing on fully immersive VR environments, which may yield superior
effects in enhancing balance among individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of exercise in a VR
environment on individuals’ static and dynamic balance outcomes. In order to gather
relevant studies, we conducted a comprehensive search across three databases. From a
dataset of 625 records, we conducted a comprehensive full-text screening based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. This process resulted in the inclusion of 14 RCTs
in our review. The emerging evidence regarding exercising in a VR environment does
not definitively prove its superiority over standard exercise routines. However, studies
have demonstrated that both the experimental and control groups showed comparable improvements in enhancing static and dynamic balance among individuals with Ključne besede: virtual reality, Parkinson's disease, balance, rehabilitation Objavljeno v DiRROS: 16.04.2024; Ogledov: 1308; Prenosov: 806
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