This study tried to assess the effect of the implementation of the PE curriculum by specialist PE teachers on children's physical development and physical fitness. 146 classes from 66 Slovenian primary schools were assigned to quasi-test (71) and quasi-control (75) groups. Data from the SLOFIT database was used to compare the differences in physical fitness and development between groups of children whose PE lessons were delivered by specialist PE teachers from the second grade onwards. Specialist PE teachers were more successful than generalist teachers in achieving greater improvement of children's physical fitness, but no differences were observed in physical development of quasi-test and quasi-control group.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4195505
The aim of this study was to compare the aetiology of neuromuscular fatigue following maximal sprints of different distances. It was hypothesized that increasing the distance would modify the type of peripheral and induce central fatigue. 11 subjects performed 100-, 200- and 400-m sprints on a motorized instrumented treadmill. Single maximal sprints of 100-400 m did not alter sarcolemmal excitability but induced progressive and substantial low-frequency fatigue and a slight reduction in neural drive with increasing sprint duration. Despite altered single or paired stimulations, MVC strength loss was detected only after the 400 m.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4084657
We investigated the changes in constant velocity spring-mass behavior after high intensity sprint fatigue in order to better interpret the results recently reported after ultra-long distance (ULD) exercises. Our hypothesis was that after repeated sprints (RS), subjects may likely experience losses of force such as after ULD, but the necessity to modify their running pattern to attenuate the overall impact at each step (such as after ULD) may not be present. Eleven male subjects performed four sets of five 6-s sprints with 24-s recovery between sprints and 3 min between sets, on a sprint treadmill and on a bicycle ergometer. The analysis revealed that the changes in running mechanics observed after ULD are likely not related to the decrease in strength capabilities, but rather to the necessity for subjects to adopt a protective running pattern.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4084401
In the light of the subjective theories of pre-school teachers and their assistants, the problem of children spending quality time in kindergartens and the associated acceptance of a lifestyle by pre-schoolchildren was highlighted. By identifying differences in opinions, attitudes and habits in the pre-school teachers and their assistants on some factors, such as what constitutes quality time, it was concluded that pre-school teachers need to have a greater influence on the orientation of the playgroup and stricter criteria in the evaluation of the current situation than the pre-school teachers' assistants. The results of the research point to the necessity to transform the subjective theories, which have their basis in the entire educational process. Therefore, it is proposed for preventive physical/sporting activity programs to be incorporated in the existing education programs for future pre-school teachers and teacher's assistants. Furthermore, it is proposed that the offer of continuing education seminars be expanded and that playgroups broaden their sports and recreation programs for parents, children and staff. The authors also suggest that playgroups offer sports and recreation for parents, children and staff. This integrated approach would help transform the subjective theories, which in turn influence the orientation of pre-school teachers and their assistants in the physical activity of children.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4194225
The proportion of overweight children and adults has been growing rapidly in recent years in many European and other countries. The survey examined excess weight and obesity in a population of Slovenian boys and girls aged seven through eighteen from 1991 to 2011 with the use of an annually repeated cross-sectional study of data from the SLOFIT fitness evaluation system. The BMI cut-off points of the International Obesity Taskforce were used to identify excess weight and obesity. During 1991–2011 period, excess weight and obesity have become clearly more prevalent in Slovenian children. The proportion of excess weight and obesity is more obvious in boys than in girls, especially among adolescents, although the increase has been similar in both sexes (overweight boys 13.3% in 1991 vs. 19.9% in 2011; overweight girls 12.0% vs. 17.2%; obese boys 2.7% vs. 7.5%; obese girls 2.1% vs. 5.5%). In recent years, the prevalence of excess weight and obesity among 9- to 13-year-old boys and 8- to 12-year-old girls is around two to three times higher than at the age of eighteen. Also notable is a high rate (around 4%) of obese girls and boys at the ages 17 and 18 in 2011, which is approximately two times higher than in previous years, while the rate of excess weight and obesity among 7-year-old children of both sexes is the same (among those overweight) and a little lower (among those obese) compared with 2006.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4264369