Repeated Sprint Ability Demands in U16 to U19 Highly Trained Handball Players Concerning Playing Position.

The aim of the study was to determine anaerobic capacity and characterize changes in repeated sprint ability (RSA) within youth elite handball players. For this study, 142 male athletes (17.1 ± 0.9 years) were recruited from a handball sports high school and performed the RSA test on a cycle ergometer, including five 6 s all-out efforts separated by 24 s passive breaks. Maximal (Pmax) and mean (Pmean) power, highest (Wmax), and total work (Wtot) as well as power (Pdec) and work (Wdec) decrement were measured. Significant differences in RSA were noted in relation to age (greater values of Pmax, Pmean, Wtot, Wdec, and Pdec in U19 than U17 as well as greater values of Pmax, Wtot, Wmax, Wdec, and Pdec in U19 than U16 (p < 0.05)) and playing position (wing players had greater Wtot than pivot, 269 vs. 243 (J/kg) (p < 0.05), and wing players differed significantly in absolute and relative power from athletes of other positions). RSA depends on playing position and age in groups of youth handball players and the RSA test can be helpful in the selection of athletes for a playing position. The article introduces normative values for elite youth handball players, empowering coaches in the evaluation of anaerobic abilities and selection.

Factors affecting the outcomes of direct pulp capping using Biodentine.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of factors with regard to the treatment outcome of direct pulp capping using Biodentine (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France), in permanent teeth in which the pulps were exposed during caries removal. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, 112 teeth with deep carious lesions underwent direct pulp capping. The patients were followed up at 2-3 months and 1-1.5 years with a routine examination on both recall visits. Periapical radiographs were taken at 1-1.5 years. Lack of patient complaints, positive reactions to cold and electric testing, no sensitivity to percussion, and no widening of the periapical ligament indicated success. The Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis. The significance level was P = .05. RESULTS: Eighty-six teeth were available for 1-1.5 years follow-up. The overall success rate was 82.6%. Only age had a significant effect on the pulpal survival rate: the success rate was 90.9% in patients younger than 40 years and 73.8% in patients 40 years or older (P = .0480). Sex, initial or secondary caries treatment, occlusal or cervical/proximal caries, delayed placement of permanent filling, tooth position, and arch type did not influence the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A patient's age influenced the outcome of direct pulp capping using this new calcium silicate cement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Asymptomatic vital permanent teeth with cariously exposed pulp can be treated successfully by direct pulp capping using Biodentine.

Indirect Methods of Assessing Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Rowers: Practical Implications for Evaluating Physical Fitness in a Training Cycle.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of indirect methods of assessment of VO2max for estimation of physical capacity of trained male and female rowers during a training cycle. A group of 8 female and 14 male rowers performed the maximal intensity test simulating the regatta distance (a 2 km test) and a submaximal incremental exercise test on a rowing ergometer. The suitability of the indirect methods of predicting VO2max during the training cycle was evaluated by performing the tests twice: in females at an interval of five months and in males at an interval of seven months. To indirectly estimate VO2max, regression formulas obtained for the linear relationship between the examined effort indices were utilized based on 1) mean power obtained in the 2 km test, and 2) submaximal exercises after the estimation of PWC170. Although the suitability of the two indirect methods of assessment of VO2max was statisticaly confirmed, their usefulness for estimation of changes in physical fitness of trained rowers during the training cycle was rather low. Such an opinion stems from the fact that the total error of these methods (range between 4.2-7.7% in female and 5.1-7.4% in male rowers) was higher than the real differences in VO2max values determined in direct measurements (between the first and the second examination maximal oxygen uptake rose by 3.0% in female rowers and decreased by 4.3% in male rowers).