1. Prehrana - podporni steber učinkovitostiKaja Teraž, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: Pravilno uravnotežena prehrana vojakov pomeni ustrezen energijski vnos, ki vsebuje optimalno razporeditev makro- in mikrohranil. Je nujno potrebna za krepitev zdravja, preprečevanje bolezni in okužb, odpravljanje poškodb in vzdrževanje telesne temperature. Vojaška populacija je po spolu, starosti in zadolžitvah heterogena ter opravlja fizično in kognitivno različne poklicne naloge. Prehranski načrti v vojski morajo tako izpolnjevati različne potrebe po energiji in posamičnih hranilih. Posledice neustrezne prehrane vojakov so lahko previsoka telesna masa, zmanjšana imunska odpornost, podaljšano okrevanje po bolezni in poškodbi in oslabljena telesna zmogljivost. Neustrezen vnos specifičnih hranil, kot so beljakovine, železo, kalcij in vitamin D, pripomore k poslabšani regeneraciji vojakov, kar hkrati vpliva na povečano možnost pojavnosti poškodb. Potrebe po energiji in hranilih se dodatno spreminjajo glede na različne zunanje dejavnike, kot so okoljske temperature in nadmorska višina. Na višji nadmorski višini energijske potrebe narastejo predvsem zaradi hipoksije, dodatne opreme in oblačil vojakov. Prehrana na terenu je pogosto otežena tudi zaradi prenosa živil s seboj, saj ta v nahrbtniku predstavljajo dodatno težo, ki jo morajo prenašati vojaki. Zato se priporoča, da vojaki uživajo energijsko bogatejšo hrano, ki pa ima pogosto nizko vrednost vitaminov in mineralov. Hkrati je treba biti pozoren na zadosten vnos beljakovin, saj lahko negativno dušikovo/beljakovinsko ravnovesje spodbudi izgubo mišične mase. V ekstremnih okoljskih pogojih je treba zagotoviti tudi ustrezno hidracijsko stanje s pitjem vode ter dodajanjem soli in/ali sladkorjev in/ali škroba. Ustrezna prehrana je tako ključnega pomena za optimalne čustvene, kognitivne in fizične zmogljivosti vojaka in mora biti skrbno prilagojena zadolžitvam posameznika
Keywords: hranila, dopolnila, hidracija, aktivnost na terenu, uravnotežena prehrana, vojaki
Published in DiRROS: 19.05.2025; Views: 363; Downloads: 234
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2. Prevalence of sarcopenia among Slovenian older adults and associated risk factorsKatarina Puš, Saša Pišot, Uroš Marušič, Manca Peskar, Kaja Teraž, Miloš Kalc, Helena Blažun Vošner, Peter Kokol, Jernej Završnik, Boštjan Šimunič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Sarcopenia is a multifaceted condition affecting between 10 and 16% of the global population, and although multiple classification algorithms exist, no prevalence has been reported for a representative sample of the Slovenian population. Furthermore, multiple behavioural factors, such as malnutrition, physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle and lower cognitive function, can contribute to the risk of sarcopenia. This study aims to: a) determine sarcopenia prevalence among Slovenian older adults according to different classification algorithms, b) compare the agreement among the algorithms and c) evaluate the relationship between proposed risk factors and sarcopenia. Methods: 654 participants (≥60 years, 30.4% males) have been classified into sarcopenia groups according to eight algorithms, and agreement (Fleiss K) between them was calculated. Additionally, age, sex, nutritional status, physical activity, sedentary levels and cognitive function were assessed as sarcopenia risk/protective factors. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia according to EWGSOP2 was 4.1%, ranging from 2.1% to 15.3%, when classified by all eight algorithms. Overall agreement between algorithms was weak (K=.429; 95% CI .414 to .444) with 0.6% of participants classified as sarcopenic by all eight algorithms. Adequate nutrition and physical activity were identified as protective factors, while age, lower cognitive function and sedentary lifestyle were considered risk factors. Conclusion: Sarcopenia prevalence among the Slovenian general population was lower than in the global population. We can conclude that different sarcopenia algorithms lead to a different prevalence of sarcopenia. It is of great importance to be cautious when comparing prevalences among studies and to further validate the classification algorithms.
Keywords: sarcopenia, prevalence, epidemiology, classification algorithms, risk factors
Published in DiRROS: 03.03.2025; Views: 536; Downloads: 293
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3. Frequency of physical activity-related injuries among adolescents : an umbrella reviewKerrtu Toivo, Peter Bakalár, Mari Leppänen, Jari Parkkari, Ensar Abazović, Boštjan Šimunič, Kaja Teraž, Marta Malinowska-Cieślik, Jaroslava Kopčáková, Aurel Zelko, Agnieszka Michalska, Dagmar Sigmundova, Rado Pišot, Armin Paravlić, 2025, review article Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this umbrella review was to investigate the frequency of physical activity-related injuries (PARI) among adolescents. Our secondary objective was to describe the available reviews of injuries in three settings: organized sports, leisure time physical activity (PA), and school physical education (PE). Methods: We conducted an overview of reviews consistent with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines on the frequency of physical activity related injuries in adolescents. Results: We identified 19 systematic reviews with at least moderate quality to include in the review. We were not able to pool data from reviews and conduct meta-analysis due to heterogeneity of injury definitions, exposure times, and sample demographics. All reviews included studies of injuries sustained in organized sports, and injury incidence was higher during matches than training. No systematic reviews were found focusing on leisure time or school-based PA injuries. Conclusion: High-quality research is essential to understand the frequency of various types of physical activity related injuries among adolescents in organized sports, PE, and leisure time activities to develop more effective prevention strategies.
Keywords: physical activity-related injuries, sports injuries, adolescence, frequency, prevalence, incidence
Published in DiRROS: 22.01.2025; Views: 668; Downloads: 348
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4. Subjective assessment of sedentary behavior between theory and practice : pilot study using the “Sedentary meter”Ana Cikač, Kaja Teraž, Saša Pišot, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Although sedentary behavior (SB) is still an under-researched area, some studies have shown a significant association between prolonged sitting and an increased risk of mortality, due to various causes, independent of physical activity. Despite the health risks, there are currently no specific guidelines for individuals to self-assess their SB. A pilot observational study was conducted as part of the “Knowledge for Health” event. A short online quiz “Sedentary meter” was developed, consisting of a pictorial scale to help event participants assess their daily sedentary time and to promote a better understanding of the associated health risks. The quiz questions were formulated based on the WHO definition of SB. The participants’ task was to subjectively estimate the amount of sedentary time in various types of SB on a typical day. The results obtained for SB could then be immediately compared with the figurative scale based on the WHO guidelines. The analysis confirmed SB (533.0±224.7 min/day) in all age groups, although possible differences according to the type of SB were noted. Despite statistically non-significant differences, those between age groups may indicate the extent to which SB can be individualized. The differences between age groups may indicate the importance of considering SB which can be targeted based on each age group's daily routine. The simple tool for accessing SB raised awareness of which specific type of SB accounts for the majority of participants' daily sedentary time. The self-critical acceptance of the “poor results” across all age groups shows the effectiveness of the initiative in raising awareness of SB issues.
Keywords: sedentary behavior, self-assessment, pilot study
Published in DiRROS: 12.12.2024; Views: 626; Downloads: 379
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5. Initial glutathione depletion during short-term bed rest : pinpointing synthesis and degradation checkpoints in the γ-glutamyl cycleFilippo Giorgio Di Girolamo, Filippo Mearelli, Mariella Sturma, Nicola Fiotti, Kaja Teraž, Alja Ivetac, Alessio Nunnari, Pierandrea Vinci, Boštjan Šimunič, Rado Pišot, Gianni Biolo, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Hypokinesia triggers oxidative stress and accelerates the turnover of the glutathione system via the γ-glutamyl cycle. Our study aimed to identify the regulatory checkpoints controlling intracellular glutathione levels. We measured the intermediate substrates of the γ-glutamyl cycle in erythrocytes from 19 healthy young male volunteers before and during a 10-day experimental bed rest. Additionally, we tracked changes in glutathione levels and specific metabolite ratios up to 21 days of bed rest. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the internal standard technique, we observed a 9 ± 9% decrease in glutathione levels during the first 5 days of bed rest, followed by an 11 ± 9% increase from the 5th to the 10th day, nearly returning to baseline ambulatory levels. The cysteinyl-glycine-to-glutathione ratio, reflecting γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase activity (a key enzyme in glutathione breakdown), rose by 14 ± 22% in the first 5 days and then fell by 10 ± 14% over the subsequent 5 days, again approaching baseline levels. Additionally, the γ-glutamyl cysteine-to-cysteine ratio, indicative of γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase activity (crucial for glutathione synthesis), increased by 12 ± 30% on day 5 and by 29 ± 41% on day 10 of bed rest. The results observed on day 21 of bed rest confirm those seen on day 10. By calculating the ratio of product concentration to precursor concentration, we assessed the efficiency of these key enzymes in glutathione turnover. These results were corroborated by directly measuring glutathione synthesis and degradation rates in vivo using stable isotope techniques. Our findings reveal significant changes in glutathione kinetics during the initial days of bed rest and identify potential therapeutic targets for maintaining glutathione levels.
Keywords: antioxidant, muscle unloading, glutathion turnover, γ-glutamyl cycle, gamma-glutamyl cycle
Published in DiRROS: 21.11.2024; Views: 750; Downloads: 1543
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6. 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, original scientific article Abstract: 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.
Keywords: muscle contractile properties, balance, injury prevalence, training adherence
Published in DiRROS: 18.11.2024; Views: 783; Downloads: 440
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9. 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: 669; Downloads: 464
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10. The abdominal adiposity index (a body shape index) predicts 10-year all-cause mortality in elderly active non-obese subjectsAlessio Nunnari, Filippo Giorgio Di Girolamo, Kaja Teraž, Nicola Fiotti, Boštjan Šimunič, Filippo Mearelli, Rado Pišot, Gianni Biolo, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Background/Objectives: A Body Shape Index (ABSI), which accounts for waist circumference relative to mass and height, shows a robust association with mortality risk. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of ABSI as a predictor of 10-year all-cause mortality in physically active, non-obese elderly individuals. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 159 volunteers (94 women, aged 60–80 years), recruited in the frame of the “Physical Activity and Nutrition for Great Ageing” (PANGeA) Cross-border Cooperation Program Slovenia–Italy 2007–2013, and followed for 10 years. Baseline characteristics included anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and cardiovascular fitness tests (VO2max). Statistical analyses (Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier survival) were conducted to examine the relationship between ABSI and mortality. Results: During the 10-year follow-up, 10 deaths (6.7%) were recorded. ABSI (adjusted for age, smoking, comorbidities, and therapy) was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio = 4.65, p < 0.001). Higher ABSI scores were linked to reduced VO2max (r = −0.190, p = 0.017) and increased systolic blood pressure (r = 0.262, p = 0.001). An ABSI-based predictive model showed strong discriminatory power (AUROC = 0.91). Conclusions: ABSI is a reliable predictor of 10-year mortality in active, non-obese elderly individuals and may improve risk stratification in clinical practice.
Keywords: ABSI, a body shape index, body shape, fre fat mass, sarcopenia, prognostic index, elderly, mortality
Published in DiRROS: 16.10.2024; Views: 962; Downloads: 677
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