Effect of training on physiological and biochemical variables of soccer players of different age groups

To find out the effect of training on selected physiological and biochemical variables of Indian soccer players of different age groups. A total of 120 soccer players volunteered for the study, were divided [n=30] into 4 groups: [i] under 16 years [U16], [ii] under 19 years [U19], [iii] under 23 years [U23], [iv] senior [SR]. The training sessions were divided into 2 phases [a] Preparatory Phase [PP, 8 weeks] and [b] Competitive Phase [CP, 4 weeks]. The training program consisted of aerobic, anaerobic and skill development, and were completed 4 hrs/day; 5 days/week. Selected physiological and biochemical variables were measured at zero level [baseline data, BD] and at the end of PP and CP. A significant increase [P<0.05] in lean body mass [LBM], VO [2 max], anaerobic power, grip and back strength, urea, uric acid and high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]; and a significant decrease [P<0.05] in body fat, hemoglobin [Hb], total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG] and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] were detected in some groups in PP and CP phases of the training when compare to BD. However, no significant change was found in body mass and maximal heart rate of the players after the training program. This study would provide useful information for training and selection of soccer players of different age groups

Complaints arising from a mismatch between school furniture and anthropometric measurements of rural secondary school children during classwork

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>The present investigation aimed to evaluate the extent of mismatch between different dimensions of school furniture and the respective anthropometric measures of school children. Assessment of health problems as well as postural pattern among the school children while attending their classes in relation to the classroom furniture was the other aim of this study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>For this purpose, 621 male school children (age range 10-15 years) were selected at random from rural secondary schools (n = 20) in nine districts in the state of West Bengal, India. The subjective evaluation of health problems of the school children was made by questionnaire technique. Postural analysis of the children during classwork was made by video-photographic method as well as direct observation method. Anthropometric measures of the school children were taken by an anthropometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>School children suffered from various discomforts/problems during classwork because of the school furniture. Anthropometric dimensions of the school children were found to increase with age, but most of the dimensions of the school furniture in different grades (V to X) remained more or less the same. The school children were found to change postures frequently while using such classroom furniture.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Mismatches between the dimensions of school furniture and body dimensions might be the reason for the occurrence of discomfort/problems in various parts of school children's bodies. It can be concluded that an ergonomic intervention is required to redesign the classroom furniture for school children of different age groups in order to reduce furniture-related health complaints.</p>