Dietary supplements and medications in elite sport--polypharmacy or real need?

The aim of this study was to describe qualitatively and quantitatively dietary supplements (DS) and medication use in elite athletes. Athletes (n=912; age 23.9 ± 6 years; 72% male) reported medications and DSs taken within 3 days before doping control. We analyzed data collected from 2006 to 2008, identified and classified substances. Total of 74.6% athletes reported use of at least one substance, 61.2% took DS (3.17 per user) and 40.6% took medications. Among users, 21.2% reported the use of six and more different products, and one took 17 different products at the same time. Majority of medication users took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) (24.7%), and 22.2% used more than one NSAID. We found no gender differences in DS use (P=0.83). Individual sport athletes used more DS (P<0.01). Our study showed widespread use of DS and drugs by elite athletes. Consumption of DS with no evident performance or health benefits, demonstrated the need for specific educational programs focused on DS use. Amount, quantity and combination of the reported products raised concern about the risk of potential side effects.

A simple and reliable step-test for indirect evaluation of aerobic capacity.

Substantial data confirm the benefits of physical activity, but it is necessary to prescribe exercise correctly in regard to aerobic capacity of each patient. When undertaking investigation of a great number of people, it is necessary to apply a simple, fast, reliable and inexpensive test. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a new step-test in physically active subjects. Thirty-eight male athletes (mean age 16.6 +/- 0.3 years) and 38 nonathletes of the same age, underwent Astrand cycle-ergometer test and a new ergometric step-test. In the ergometric step-test a fixed workload (W) of 12 kJ was used, whereas the bench height (h in cm) was determined according to body mass of each subject (h = W/2.g.n) (W = workload in kJ; BM = body mass in kg; n = step rate, 25 steps + min-1). The step-test lasted 6 minutes. Values of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) were determined using a nomogram, according to workload and heart rate (HR). Comparing data concerning VO2 max in Astrand and step-test, no significant differences were observed in either group: athletes (3505.6 +/- 784.7 vs. 3294.9 +/- 653.4 mL.min-1 for the step-test; p > 0.05) and in nonathletes (2563.3 +/- 469.3 vs. 2471.8 +/- 353.6 mL + min-1; p > 0.05). In our opinion our new, modified ergometric step-test is a test with high degree of validity and can be used as an easy and fast procedure instead of Astrand test which is most frequently used for indirect evaluation of aerobic capacity.

[Standards of physical fitness in Yugoslav military personnel]. / Norme fizicke pripremljenosti u Vojsci Jugoslavije.

With the aim to develop the standards of aerobic capacity as one of the basic elements of physical fitness of the military personnel, the authors worked out an original method, based on determination of energy requirements for different military activities, and on WHO principle for estimation of working capacity. According to the data on application of these standards in the group of 176 officers in the Yugoslav Armed forces, shown in the paper, even 53.4% og the officers have the aerobic capacity less than required for the duties they perform. Comparing their standards to those used in some other armies, the authors point out the validity of the same and an imperative to be introduced into Yugoslav Armed forces.

[Evaluation of physical fitness in military personnel using the 1600 meter running test]. / Procena fizicke pripremljenosti pripadnika vojske primenom testa trcanja na 1600 metara.

Validity of 1600 m running test in estimation of physical fitness of Yugoslav Army personnel was examined through the degree of correspondence between the results achieved in the test and the values of maximum oxygen consumption. The coefficients of linear correlation between these two indices are not statistically significant, and amount to -0.36 (in 87 cadets) and -0.14 (in 114 officers). The authors conclude that 1600 m running test is not a valid measure of endurance, as an element of physical fitness of military personnel and they elaborate the reasons of its unreliability.

[Frequency of positive ergometric findings in officers of the Yugoslav Army with subjective heart problems]. / Ucestalost pozitivnih ergometrijskih nalaza kod staresina Vojske Jugoslavije sa subjektivnim tegobama u predelu srca.

Ergometric testing was performed in 96 officers of the Yugoslav Army, aged 30-59, with subjective troubles in the heart region and normal findings obtained by routine diagnostic procedures. In 36 examined officers (37.5%) ergometric finding was normal. In the rest of them, four different types of abnormal reactions of the cardiovascular system to exercise were recorded: myocardial ischemia (48.3%), abnormal reaction of blood pressure (24.1%), abnormal heart rates (16.1%) and extrasystoles (11.5%). The statistically significant correlation was found between subjective troubles in the heart region and positive ergometric findings.