1. Alterations in muscle contractile properties, structure, and function during 10-d bed rest, postrecovery, and after COVID-19 lockdownBoštjan Šimunič, Fabio Sarto, Martino V. Franchi, Elena Monti, Rado Pišot, Marco Vincenzo Narici, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: We aimed to identify early tensiomyography alterations in six muscles during a 10-d bed rest (BR10), followed by a 30-d recovery period (R+30), and to compare these changes with those observed after the 50-d COVID-19 lockdown in 10 healthy males (22.9 ± 5.0 yr). Methods: Tensiomyography and muscle thickness (assessed by ultrasound imaging) were assessed at baseline, during bed rest, at BR10, R+30, and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Additional assessments included vertical jump performance (force plate), body composition (bioimpedance), physical activity (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire), and lower back pain (VAS). Results: By BR10, participants experienced a 1.9% body mass loss, a 3.8% increase in fat mass, and a 2.4% reduction in muscle mass. Although anthropometric parameters returned to baseline by R+30, fat mass increased again by 3.9% postlockdown. Jump height declined by 10.1% at BR10, returned to baseline at R+30, and remained stable thereafter. Muscle thickness decreased by 7.0% in the vastus lateralis at BR10 and by 10.1% postlockdown. Tensiomyographic amplitude increased in five leg muscles before BR10, recovered at R+30 and increased again after postlockdown, whereas a reduction was observed in the erector spinae within the first 48 h, coinciding with reported lower back pain. In the erector spinae, both delay and contraction time decreased during BR10 and postlockdown, whereas contraction time of the biceps femoris increased before BR10 and remained elevated postlockdown. Conclusions: The observed post COVID-19 lockdown alterations in tensiomyographic parameters followed the same trend as those induced by bed rest, albeit with smaller magnitude. These findings support the utility of TMG as a sensitive and noninvasive method for monitoring muscle responses across different disuse paradigms.
Ključne besede: atrophy, disuse, skeletal muscle, tensiomyography, ultrasound
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 21.08.2026; Ogledov: 181; Prenosov: 172
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2. Development of general expertise factor and analysis of its relation to decision-making behavior of gymnastics coachesEdvard Kolar, Saša Veličković, Rado Pišot, Maks Tušak, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Introduction: Coaches may be regarded as highly qualified professionals in elite sport, possessing extended experiences, specialized tertiary education and domain-specific credentials, which designate them as experts in their particular sport discipline. They are a central figure in the development of an athlete’s results. In the present study, we developed the concept of the General Expertise Factor (GEF) and investigated the associations between the level of expertise of gymnastics coaches and certain demographic and professional characteristics, as well as their decision-making (hereinafter DM) behavior. Methods: To reveal the structure of the DM style, a general DM style questionnaire was used, to which questions on the demographic and professional characteristics were added. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to identify the correlations, and multiple regression analysis was employed to examine causal associations between measured parameters. In addition, ANOVA was used to detect differences in all measured parameters between groups of coaches defined according to different expertise criterions. Results: The results indicated that development of GEF is based on the premise that expertise in a particular field is multidimensional, whereby dimensions or criterions of domain-specific explicit knowledge, experience, and confirmed results must be simultaneously achieved for an individual coach to be recognized as an expert of the highest rank. Statistically significant differences between individual expert groups of coaches were found for all three selected expertise criteria. Moreover, the comparation of the resulting quality groups of coaches according to their average DM behavior reviled that the groups differ significantly in the use of rational DM style, with rationality in DM consistently increasing in line with the increasing competence or expertise of the representatives of each quality group. Conclusions: Based on the findings we can conclude that the developed GEF well stratifies gymnastics coaches into different levels of competence and expertise and that rationality is one of the important factors that, together with knowledge, experience and achieved success, represents a defining element of coaching expertise. The developed GEF model was also checked for compliance with other, already established theories and models in the fields of expertise and DM, where a high level of consistency was found.
Ključne besede: gymnastics, decision-making behavior, demographic characteristics, expertise, gymnastics coaches, professional characteristics
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.08.2026; Ogledov: 184; Prenosov: 113
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3. Mediterranean diet adherence, body composition, and recovery outcomes in hospitalised COVID-19 patients : a mixed-methods studyKaja Teraž, Boštjan Šimunič, Rado Pišot, Saša Pišot, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of nutritional and lifestyle factors in recovery from severe illness, yet their role in post-hospitalization rehabilitation remains insufficiently understood. Methods: This study investigated the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, body composition, and recovery-related outcomes in individuals following severe COVID-19 using an explanatory mixed-methods design. Thirtynine patients were assessed at hospital discharge and after 8 weeks of unsupervised rehabilitation in a single-centre prospective cohort study conducted in Slovenia (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04860206, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04860206). Results: Quantitative analyses showed a significant increase in fat-free mass over time and positive associations between fat-free mass and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Qualitative findings further revealed that individuals with higher adherence demonstrated structured routines, adaptive coping strategies, and greater psychosocial resilience during recovery. Discussion: Together, these findings suggest that adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern, alongside related lifestyle behaviors, may support favorable body composition and enhance recovery processes following severe illness. This study provides an integrated perspective on physiological and behavioral determinants of recovery, highlighting the potential of nutrition-based approaches in post- COVID-19 rehabilitation.
Ključne besede: body composition, clinical nutrition, COVID-19 rehabilitacija, dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, Mediterranean diet, mixed-methods, rehabilitation
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 30.06.2026; Ogledov: 249; Prenosov: 194
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4. 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: 449; Prenosov: 441
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5. Mental - and temporal - demand NASA - task load Index scores correlate with decreases in irisin serum levels in healthy individuals subjected to 10-day bed restPatrizia Pignataro, Uroš Marušič, Roberta Zerlotin, Angela Oranger, Manuela Dicarlo, Clelia Suriano, Paolo Taurisano, Rado Pišot, Boštjan Šimunič, Marco Vincenzo Narici, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background Bed rest (BR) is a widely used analogue of space flight that aims to replicate microgravity conditions, such as immobilization and a lack of sensorimotor stimuli. In a previous BR study, we evaluated the changes in irisin serum levels, a myokine produced mainly by skeletal muscle that exerts pleiotropic effects on several organs, including the brain. Objective Here, we evaluated whether the decline in circulating irisin concentrations during 10 days of horizontal BR correlated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Methods NASA-TLX was obtained from young healthy participants at the end of the BR protocol. It is a self-report measure of task load that includes six subscales: mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration. Each subscale score was correlated with the decline in serum irisin levels measured while participants were supine. Irisin decline was calculated as the difference between levels on the first day of BR (BR0) and the last day (BR9). Results Our results show a significant positive correlation between irisin decline and both mental demand and temporal demand, whereas correlations with the remaining subscales showed a positive association with irisin decline but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion These findings suggest that reduced irisin levels are associated with increased perceived mental demand and time pressure (temporal demand) during BR. Because temporal demand can exacerbate high mental activity in a state of cognitive overload, maintaining higher circulating irisin levels could represent an effective countermeasure to improve the cognitive performance of participants during future BR studies and may help astronauts manage mental and temporal pressure during space missions.
Ključne besede: bed rest, microgravity, irisin, cognitive performance, NASA-TLX indeks
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.04.2026; Ogledov: 310; Prenosov: 213
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7. Analyses of the development and challenges of parkour coaches’ education in EuropeEdvard Kolar, Rado Pišot, Saša Veličković, Ana Cikač, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Purpose: Parkour historically developed as an urban community “lifestyle” move-ment that relied mainly on informal teaching and training methodologies. With formal institutionalization, parkour has transitioned into more formalized structures, includ-ing established training academies, coaching certifications, and competitive events. This article presents a structured literature review with the aim of providing an over-view of the historical, philosophical/ideological, organizational/institutional, and edu-cational aspects of parkour coach education and knowledge development in Europe. Based on the review, key challenges for future development are also highlighted.Method: For the purposes of a structured literature review, the search and selection process followed the general principles of the PRISMA 2020 statement as a framework, rather than a formal systematic review protocol. Google Scholar was chosen as the pri-mary search platform. Following the initial screening and analysis, 12 relevant sources were included in the in-depth review. In addition to the literature review, online sources from professional international sports organizations involved in education, training, and certification of parkour coaches were also examined. Findings: It can be noted that parkour in Europe is still predominantly developed and understood as a “lifestyle” urban activity with the gradual parallel formation of an institutional, formal sports discipline, which is reflected in the intra-organizational and philosophical-ideological conflict between participants and (opinion) leaders of parkour. These conflicts are also evident at the level of training/education of parkour coaches and instructors.Conclusions: Recognizing and respecting parkour’s roots as a self-organized cul-ture is essential if institutionalization is to enhance rather than diminish the discipline’s diversity, creativity, and authenticity.
Ključne besede: sport, parkour, coaches, education, training, institutionalization, formalization
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 26.02.2026; Ogledov: 403; Prenosov: 247
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8. Dribble deficit as an effective measure of dribbling ability independent of sprinting performance in professional female handball playersLjubomir Pavlović, Anja Lazić, Nedim Čović, Rado Pišot, Milan Petronijević, Zoran Milanović, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between linear and change-of-direction sprinting performance with dribbling performance and Dribble Deficit in professional female handball players. Methods: Eleven professional female handball players (mean age: 21.12 ± 4.34 years; body height: 171.59 ± 4.52 cm; body weight: 66.29 ± 5.73 kg) participated in the study. Each participant completed several linear (sprint over 10, 20, and 30 m) and change-of-direction tests (slalom test, zig-zag test, 505 test), first without the ball (sprinting performance) followed by ball dribbling (dribbling performance). Dribble Deficit was calculated indirectly as the time difference between the best trial while dribbling minus the best trial without dribbling. Results: A large to very large correlation was observed between the linear sprint and dribbling performance (r = 0.53–0.78), as well as between change-ofdirection sprinting performance and dribbling performance (r = 0.66–0.88). The study also showed a moderate to perfect relationship between linear dribbling performance and Dribble Deficit (r = 0.46–0.93), and a large relationship between change-of-direction dribbling performance and Dribble Deficit (r = 0.54–0.55), while the relationships between linear sprinting performance and Dribble Deficit (r = −0.51–0.21) and between change-ofdirection sprinting performance and Dribble Deficit (r = −0.14–0.26) were small and non-significant. Conclusion: In summary, Dribble Deficit reflects dribbling ability independent of sprinting ability and refines its application for practical use in assessing dribbling skills in female handball players.
Ključne besede: dribbling, technical proficiency, team handball, agility, movement
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 07.01.2026; Ogledov: 610; Prenosov: 323
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9. Continuous intergenerational play for neuroplasticity : the NeuroPlay ProjectRado Pišot, Uroš Marušič, 2025, drugi sestavni deli Povzetek: This case study compared the acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on vascular and microva-scular function in a healthy male subject (age: 34 yrs; body mass index: 25.82 kg/m2). Key vascular parameters were assessed, including augmentation index (AIx), ca-rotid-femoral and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (cfPWV, baPWV), flow-mediated slowing (FMS%), and tissue saturation index (TSI) recovery slope. HIIT induced a greater reduction in baPWV (mean difference [MD]: 0.9 m/s) and a higher increase in FMS% (MD: 8%) compared to MICT, indicating more favourable changes in periphe-ral arterial stiffness and endothelial function. Additionally, the reoxygenation slope for TSI was more pronounced after HIIT, suggesting improved microvascular recove-ry. Interestingly, AIx increased following MICT (MD from baseline: 11%) but slightly decreased after HIIT (MD from baseline: −5%). These findings suggest that exercise intensity plays a critical role in determining vascular adaptations, with HIIT showing superior acute benefits
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.09.2025; Ogledov: 711; Prenosov: 399
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10. Physical activity and screen time in preschool children in CroatiaVesna Brumnić, Sanja Šalaj, Rado Pišot, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This research investigates how disparities in physical activity and screen time among preschoolers can be influenced by parental education and involvement, as well as the involvement of the extended family in child-rearing. The study involved 231 parents who provided information about their children from the three (out of four) re-gions in Croatia. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in children’s screen time based on the parents’ educational level (p<0.000) and involvement in joint physical activity (p<0.000). No differences were found in the children’s screen time or physical activity depending on the involvement of extended family members (grandpar-ents). Less screen time does not automatically mean higher levels of physical activity in preschool children. It is essential to determine the factors that influence physical activ-ity in preschool children and the time they spend in front of screens
Ključne besede: preschool children, family, screen time
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.09.2025; Ogledov: 720; Prenosov: 452
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