acta academiae olympiquae estoNiae
Transcription
acta academiae olympiquae estoNiae
National olympic committee of Estonia ACTA academiae olympiquae Estoniae Indexed in International Databases of Sportdata and EBSCO Publishing SPORTDiscus with Fulltext VOL. 14 Number 1/2 , 2006 TARTU Editor in Chief ARVED VAIN Dr. Habil. Biol. Faculty of Physics and Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu Tähe 4-203 51010 Tartu Estonia Editorial Board VAHUR ÖÖPIK PhD Faculty of Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu MEHIS VIRU PhD Faculty of Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu REELE REMMELKOOR Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu GUNNAR PAAL PhD The Riigikogu (the Estonian Parliament), Tallinn ULRICH HARTMANN PhD Technical University of Munich, Munich Proofreader MARE VENE, Tartu Contents Olympism practique. Preparation for olympic games Karin Alev, Teet Seene – Effect of endurance training on the character of skeletal muscle kinetics 5 Toomas Karu, Ants Nurmekivi, Jaan Loko, Tõnis Saag – Is strength training in sport centre an aerobic activity? 18 Jaan Ereline, Helena Gapeyeva, Mati Pääsuke – Twitch contractile properties of plantarflexor muscles in Nordic combined athletes and cross-country skiers 25 Arved Vain – The phenomenon of mechanical stress transmission in skeletal muscles 38 M. Vahimets, H. Gapeyeva, J. Ereline, M. Pääsuke, P. Kaasik, A. Vain – Influence of trigenics myoneural treatment on lower extremities’ muscle tone and viscous-elastic properties in young basketball players 49 AS Atlex Kivi 23 51009 Tartu Phone +372 734 9099 Fax +372 734 8915 e-mail: [email protected] CHRONICLES OF THE ESTONIAN OLYMPIC ACADEMY Darja Saar – 46th International Session for young participants 70 ISSN 1406-1287 Information for Contributors 78 Acta Academiae Olympiquae Estoniae Vol. 14 No. 1/2, pp 5–17, 2006 EFFECT OF ENDURANCE TRAINING ON THE CHARACTER OF SKELETAL MUSCLE KINETICS Karin Alev, Teet Seene Institute of Exercise Biology and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu Role of oxidative capacity of muscle fibres in endurance training Olympism practique. Preparation for olympic games Endurance training promotes numerous adaptations in skeletal muscle, including enhancement of fibre oxidative capacity and muscle phenotype transitions. It has been demonstrated that aerobic endurance training leads to metabolic [36] and structural changes not only in slow-twitch (ST) but also in fast-twitch (FT) muscle fibres [15, 31]. Changes in the expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and myosin light chain (MyLC) isoforms are in good agreement with the above-mentioned findings [28]. Endurance training increased the oxidative capacity in the plantaris muscle by 16% and in the extensor digitorum longus muscle by 12%. It has been shown that exercise training in FT fibres causes up-regulation of MyHC IIa and IIx isoforms, whereas the MyHC IIb is down-regulated [10]. Multidirectional changes have also been revealed in the relative contents of MyHC isoforms in different FT muscles if the training volume is increased [29]. These changes might be related to the differences in oxidative capacity of muscles [31]. Until now the question to what extent gene expression of MyHC isoforms is due to genetic predisposition or to the specificity of training remains unanswered [1]. Changes in molecular motor of contractile machinery in endurance training The contractile protein myosin plays an important role in dictating the functional properties of skeletal muscle fibres. Myosin is known to exist as multiple isoforms in skeletal muscle as a result of polymorphic expression of both heavy and light chain components. It is unlikely that the whole variability in contractile machinery during endurance training depends on the content of MyHC isoforms. MyHC isoforms are the main determinants of muscle contraction, but it has been shown there is also some ground to believe that MyLC has a functional significance in the process of adaptation of sarcomeric proteins to the long-lasting exercise. As a myosin molecule is formed by MyHC and MyLC isoforms and the functional significance of both in muscle contraction has been proved, it should be more useful to study the expression of MyHC and MyLC isoforms in parallel during endurance exercise training in order to obtain information about the adaptive pecularities in the contractile machinery. The effect of endurance exercise on the MyHC profile appears to be both muscle specific and dose dependent, increase in the duration of training resulted in a progressive fast-to-slow shift in MyHC composition in rat skeletal muscle [10]. Wahrmann et al. [41] reported obvious fast-to-slow transitions of MyHC and MyLC profiles in rat hindlimb muscles with controlled regimens of endurance training. Edurance training also evokes transition in MyHC isoforms, in most cases transitions are limited to the fast-type subtypes and thus consist of a decrease of the fastest MyHC IIb isoform with attendedant increase in the MyHC IIa isoform [37]. The decrease of MyHC IIb isoforms during endurance training in FT muscles does not necessarily show that in these muscles contractile properties change towards ST as the relative content of MyHC IIa and IId isoforms increases [28]. Rather, these changes show that it is more economical for the FT muscles to perform the exercise. The decrease in slow isoforms both in alkali and regulatory MyLC during endurance training and the increase in MyLC 3f isoforms in FT muscles is at first glance not in logical agreement with changes in the MyHC isoform pattern. However, the stoichiometry of these subunits and their association with each other do not change (MyHC IIb decreased but IId increased and MyLC 3f is associated with both, IIb and IId MyHC to form myosin molecules). This shows that there are no definite adaptational borders between MyHC and MyLC isoforms in FT muscles to the long-lasting endurance exercise [28]. The adaptation process consists of both changes in MyHC and MyLC during aerobic endurance training and MyLC may also be associated with transformation of muscle function [29]. The slowest and fastest MyHC isoforms have a higher sensitivity to the process of degradation. In myopathic FT muscles MyHC IIb isoform is more sensitive to the serine proteinase than other isoforms [30]. Together with the slower synthesis rate [29] this may also explain the decrease in the MyHC IIb isoform in FT muscles during six weeks of endurance exercise. Changes in contractile proteins turnover rate in endurance training As all myofibrillar proteins are in the continuous process of synthesis and degradation, changes in the turnover rate of the main contractile protein, myosin molecule, characterize these renewal processes in the contractile apparatus during the adaptation to the aerobic endurance training. The turn over of MyHC and MyLC isoforms provides a mechanism by which the type and amount of protein can be changed in accordance with the needs of contractile machinery during the adaptation to the exercise training [29]. It has been demonstrated that the turnover rate of MyHC isoforms shows differences between the FT muscles. The turnover rate is faster in FT muscles with a higher oxidative potential. Myosin turnover supports qualitative remodelling of FT muscles, so that the former pattern of MyHC and MyLC isoforms is changing, and the contractile process is better suited to new conditions of long-lasting muscle activity [1]. Changes in the turnover rate of MyHC isoforms in the FT muscles during the adaptation to the endurance training characterize also changes in the myofibrillar apparatus through protein metabolism [28, 29]. The latitude of changes (increase, decrease) in the turnover rate of a certain myosin isoform shows also the significance of MyHC isoforms in the process of adaptation to the endurance training. During endurance training MyHC IIa, IIb, IId, and MyLC 2s and 3f isoforms in FT muscles reflected explicitly the process of adaptation through changes in the relative content of myosin isoforms. When seeking an answer to the question how does the prolonged mechanical activity affect the contractile apparatus in FT muscles, it is expedient to begin with the backbone – the myosin molecule. Although the exact role of MyLC isoforms in FT muscles during the adaptation to the aerobic endurance training is not fully known, changes in the relative content of MyLC isoforms and their relations with the character of training show that they play an important role in the process of modulation of contractile machinery during the increase in the oxidative capacity and more intensive degradation rate of contractile proteins [29, 32]. Simultaneously with increased degradation of contractile proteins, endurance training also increased the degradation rate of MyHC isoforms. The degradation rate of MyHC isoforms increases in spite of the increase in the oxidative potential of the FT skeletal muscle. The decrease in the expression of MyHC IIb isoform in FT muscles is caused by the intensive degradation of the isoform during endurance training, which is probably the main reason for unchanged turnover rate of MyHC IIb isoform in endurance-trained rats [28]. During the adaptation to the long-lasting endurance exercise a decrease in MyHC IIb isoform in FT skeletal muscle points to the transformation of the muscle contractile apparatus in accordance with the increase in muscle oxidative capacity. This adaptational process shows coordination between changes in oxidative capacity and contractile machinery in skeletal muscle during the adaptation to the endurance training first of all in relation to muscle metabolism [29]. Adaptational processes in FT muscles during endurance training show high potential of recruiting these muscles [28]. Role of myosin in the diversity of skeletal muscle fibres The generation of muscle fibre heterogenity is based on the gene regulation through two main mechanisms. 1. Qualitative mechanism – muscle protein (like myosin) may exist in forms, which are similar but not identical (isoforms). Replacement of isoforms represents the frist mechanism generating diversity among muscle fibres 2. Quantitative mechanism – differential expression of the same gene. The proportion of the products of these genes will therefore be modified and new functional or structural features will appear [7]. During muscle development from embryonic till adult stage several myosin isoforms are sequentially expressed. Synthesis of these isoforms is repressed at a given stage of development when they are replaced by the adult isoforms [42]. Myosin plays an important role in dictating the functional properties of skeletal muscle fibres. Myosin is known to exist as multiple isoforms in striated muscle as a result of polymorphic expression of both its heavy and light chain components [12]. At present nine distinct isoforms of the MyHC have been identified in mammalian skeletal muscle, of which four are thought to be expressed in rodent limb muscles [25]. Like the other contractile proteins the MyLC represents a family of isoforms, at least three isoforms of the alkali LC (one slow − LC1s and two fast − LC1f and LC3f) and two isoforms of the regulatory LC − LC2s and LC2f have been identified in rat skeletal muscle. Changes in the expression of MyLC can be included in FT muscle by chronic low-frequency stimulation [9]. Stimulation induces a sequential exchange of fast light-chain isoforms with their slow counterparts. In vitro experiments show, the alterations at the translation process change the pattern of specific mRNAs. Studies of co-existence of MyHC and MyLC isoforms in the same muscle fibre show that MyHC IIa is preferably associated with MyLC 1f, whereas MyHC IIb is favourably associated with MyLC 3f. Early studies of Pette et al. [24] considered that variations in an amount of MyLC 3f in single type II fibres reflected subpopulations of type II fibres. Prolonged endurance training elicits a decrease in the ratio of MyLC 3f to MyLC 1f concurrently with the transformation from type MyHC IIb to MyHC IIa fibres [38]. The possible lower affinity of MyLC 3f for MyHC IIa than MyHC IIb may be related to enhanced degradation of MyLC isoform [30]. In FT muscles stimulated with low frequency, MyLC 3f is related to an increase in the free form on MyLC 3f, concomitant with the replacement of MyHC IIb by MyHC IIa [39]. However, it is uncertain whether or not in all mammalian skeletal muscles such a relationship between MyLC and MyHC isoforms is applicable and maintained with increased or decreased contractile activities since the stimulation-induced changes in the MyLC pattern of rabbit FT muscles vary greatly from those of the rat [9]. Force development and shortening in muscle result from interaction of myosin and actin. In vertebrate muscle fibres, the extent of interaction between actin and myosin is regulated by the concentration of sarcoplasmic Ca2+. Ca2+ regulation of contraction in vertebrate striated muscle is mediated by troponin and tropomyosin whereas striated muscles of various invertebrate species are regulated by Ca2+ binding directly to myosin [22]. Information from the crystal structure of the subfragment 1 (S1) of skeletal muscle myosin suggests that MyLC may stabilize the α-helical neck region of the myosin head [23] so that the force resulting from conformational changes near the active site is transmitted to the rod region of the molecule [26]. It has been shown that the removal of up to 50 per cent of the endogenous regulatory MyLC has little effect on either maximum Ca2+-activated force or stiffness but significantly increases force and stiffness at submaximum levels of Ca2+ of skinned skeletal muscle fibres [14]. In vitro force measurements [35] confirmed the results of Hofmann et al. [14] that the removal of regulatory MyLC has little effect on maximum force. Partial extraction of regulatory MyLC from skinned skeletal fibres indicated that it may be involved in conferring Ca2+ sensitivity on cross-bridge transitions that limit the rate of force development in steadily Ca2+-activated fibres [22]. In fibres containing a mutant myosin regulatory LC having a defective divalent cation binding site, both maximum tension and stiffness were significantly reduced compared to control values [11], suggesting that myosin heads containing regulatory LC that is unable to bind Ca2+ or Mg2+ have a reduced ability to form strongly bound crossbridges. These findings suggest that rather than playing a strictly structural role such as stabilizing the structure of the myosin head, regulatory MyLC may also serve a regulatory role, such as modulating the availability of cross-bridges to bind to actin. Two myosin LCs, one regulatory LC and one alkali LC, stabilize an extended α-helical segment in the hinge region of each MyHC. The MyLCs are necessary for full force development [19]. Removal of either alkali or regulatory LC markedly reduces myosin velocity in vitro motility assay [20]. Like the other contractile proteins, the alkali MyLCs represents a family of isoforms. Five alkali MyLC isoforms have been found in human skeletal muscle: embryonic alkali LC that is mainly expressed in embryonic muscle tissue, a major and minor slow isoform, and two fast isoforms alkali LC1f and LC3f, which are both encoded on the same gene. Alkali MyLC isoforms can bring forward different contractile properties on a given MyHC [27]. The alkali MyLCs are expressed in a fibre-type specific manner. In adult human 10 skeletal muscle, FT fibres contain fast MyLC, whereas ST fibres contain alkali MyLC 1s and variable amounts of the two fast alkali MyLCs [16]. Role of myosin in muscle fibres shortening velocity The MyHC isoform composition of individual muscle fibre is the primary determinant its maximal shortening velocity and power output, while the MyLC isoform complement has a modulatory influence in regulating these properties [7]. It is generally accepted that the maximum velocity of shortening correlates with the MyHC isoform, several observations suggest an additional impact of the alkali light chain complement. Several studies sug gest that alkali MyLCs also have a role in determining maximum velocity of shortening [4, 13, 18, 34]. Difficulties in establishing a relation between maximum shortening velocity and myosin isoforms are caused by the preferential association between MyLC 3f and MyHC IIb and between MyLC 1f and MyHC IIa [38]. The question whether the functional significance of variations in the relative concentration of LC3f has been adressed by several authors. The maximum contraction velocity of a single type I fibre is approximately one tenth that of type IIX fibre. The velocity of type IIA fibres is somewhere between those of type I and type IIX. Although the maximum velocity of shortening correlates with both MyHC and alkali MyLC isoforms, several authors suggest an additional impact of regulatory MyLC [17, 21]. In vitro motility assay indicates that the removal of a regulatory LC evokes a pronounced decline in the velocity of actin filaments on myosin [20, 35]. The role of regulatory LC in shortening velocity is supported by a single fibre study on human muscle [17]. A role of MyLC 3 in maximum shortening velocity was suggested by the findings that maximum shortening velocity is higher fibres containing larger amounts of MyLC 3f [4, 7]. The variability of maximum shortening velocity observed in type II fibres is interpreted to be attributable primarily to differences in the alkali MyLC complements. IIB fibres, in fact, could be faster than IIA fibres, not because they contained MyHC IIb, but because they contained larger amounts of MyLC 3f and vice versa [7]. To address this problem, it is necessary to relate maxi- 11 mum shortening velocity to the alkali MyLC ratio in single fibre containing only one known MyHC isoform. The only paper that followed this approach [17] had to deal not only with the inability to separate all three fast MyHC isoforms but also with the problem that the human fast fibres showed coexistence of two of regulatory MyLC isoforms (MyLC 2f and MyLC 2s). Under these circumstances, no relationship between maximum shortening velocity and alkali MyLC ratio was found either in IIA or in IIB fibres. Undetected MyHC co existence and variations in the alkali MyLC isoform ratio might form the basis for the large variability of maximum shortening velocity among fast fibres presumed to contain the same fast MyHC isoform [5, 8, 17]. It seems established that the high variability of maximum shortening velocity in fibres with the same MyHC content can fully account for alkali MyLC composition, that is the higher the MyLC 3f content the greater the maximum shortening velocity [6, 7]. However, in human fibres, the same considerable variability in shortening velocity cannot be satisfactorily explained on the basis of MyLC isoform content. Alkali MyLC and regulatory MyLCs have no or hardly any role in explaining the variability in maximum shortening velocity independently of MyHC isoforms in normal physiological conditions. So far the findings show that it is unlikely that the whole variability in shortening velocity observed in human muscle fibres depends on MyLC content. The wide scattering of the relative concentration of LC3f within fibre types IIB, IID, and IIA indicated the existance of fibres identical by their myosin heavy chain complement, but differing their fast LC-based isomyosins. Differences in the fractional expression or the relative concentration of LC3f are of special interest with regard to the fact that LC3f and LC1f are both encoded by the same gene, although their trancription is under control of two specific promoters. The variable concentration of LC3f within each of the three fast fibre populations points to an independent regulation or to the existence of different thresholds of the two promoters toward a common regulatory signal. In this respect, it is interesting to note that the MyHC isoform, which seems more sensitive to alkali MyLC modulation in the rat, that is MyHC IIb, is not present in human skeletal muscle. This might partly explain why alkali LC has not been shown to significantly affect shortening velocity in human fibres [3]. 12 In some studies, maximal shortening velocity was also affected by the ratio of MyLC 3/MyLC 1f [5, 34]. However, Larsson and Moss [17] found no relationship between MyLC 3/MyLC 1f and in human. In rodent muscle, MyLC 3/MyLC 2f content varied significantly among a population of fibres that expressed only the IIB MyHC isoform and greater values of MyLC 3/ MyLC 2f were associated with increased maximum shortening velocity [4]. The maximal shortening velocity of fast-twitch fibres increase with decreasing LC1f/LC3f ratios. In IIA fibres the LC1/LC3 ratio is higher than in IIB fibres, but it is not entirely clear which subunits determine the contractile characteristics. Thus, although preliminary data showed differences in the unloaded shortening velocity of rabbit tibialis muscle fibres depending on whether they contain IIa or IIb MyHC isoform, these fibres also differed in their LC1/LC3 ratio [34]. It has been shown that the unloaded shortening velocity of rabbit soleus muscle fibres containing both type I and type IIa MyHC isoforms was related to their ratio. Until now it has been impossible to ascribe a role only to the MyLC of mammalian skeletal muscle. Phosphorylation of the regulatory LC alters the force-calcium relationship but has no clear effect on shortening velocity [33, 34]. Most studies have examined the possible role of the two alkali LC heterogeneity of myosin by measuring ATPase activity in vitro. In view of these findings, one may assume that LC3f is characterized by a lower affinity for MyHC I isoform than for MyHC IIa, IId(x), and IIb isoforms. It is likely that in ST fibres are composed solely of MyHC I isoform but the majority of the translated MyLC 3f exists in free form [40]. Although the MyLC does not seem to affect the actin-activated myosin ATPase activity, it has a significant impact on the shortening velocity [21]. This influence is of interest in view of the existence of various isomyosins. The existence of two fast alkali MyLCs (LC1f, LC3f) generates three combinatorial patterns – a MyLC 1 homodimer, a MyLC 1/ MyLC 3 heterodimer, and a MyLC 3 homodimer. Their combination with a pair of regulatory MyLC and a MyHC homodimer results in three electrophoretically distinct isomyosins. Obviously, the number of isomyosins increases in hybrid fibres especially by coexistence of fast and slow MyLC isoforms in combination with MyHC isoforms. 13 References 1. Baldwin KM, Haddad F. Plasticity in skeletal cardiac, and smooth muscle. Invited review: Effect of different activity and inactivity paradigms on myosin heavy chain gene expression in studied muscle. J Appl Physiol 2001, 90: 345–357. 2. Bicer S, Reiser PJ. Myosin light chain isoform expression among single mammalian skeletal muscle fibers: species variations. J of Muscle Res and Cell Motolity 2004, 25: 623−633. 3. Bottinelli R. Functional heterogeneity of mammalian single muscle fibres: do myosin isoform tell the whole story? Eur J Physiol 2001, 443: 6−17. 4. Bottinelli R, Betto R, Sciaffino S, Reggiani C. 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Hofmann PA, Metzger JM, Greaser ML, Moss RL. Effects of partial extraction of light chain 2 on the Ca2+ sensitivities of isometric tension, stiffness, and velocity of shortening in skinned skeletal muscle fibres. J Gen Physiol 1990, 96: 477–498. 15. Hoppler H, Howald H, Conley K, Lindstedt S, Classen H, Vock P, Weibel E. Endurance training in humans: aerobic capacity and structure of skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol 1985, 59: 320–327. 16. Jostarndt K, Puntschart A, Hoppeler H, Billeter R. Fibre type specific expression of essential (alkali) myosin light chains in human skeletal muscles. J Histochem Cytochem 1996, 44: 1141–1152. 17.Larsson L, Moss RL. Maximum velocity shortening in relation to myosin isoform composition in single fibres from human skeletal muscle. J Physiol Lond 1993, 472: 595–614. 18. Li X, Larsson L. Maximum shortening velocity and myosin isoforms in single muscle fibers from young and old rats. Am J Physiol 1996, 270: C352−360. 19. Lowey S, Trybus KM. 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Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 1990, 116: 1–76. 26. Rayment JW, Rypniewski WR, Schmidt-Bäse K, Smith R, Tomchick DR, Benning MM, Winkelmann DA, Wesenberg G, Holden HM. Three-dimensional structure of myosin subfragment-1: a molecular motor. Science 1993, 261: 50–68. 15 27. Schiaffino S, Reggiani C. Myosin isoforms in mammalian skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol 1994, 77: 493–501. 28.Seene T, Alev K, Kaasik P, Pehme A, Parring AM. Endurance training: volume dependent adaptational changes in myosin. Int J Sports Med 2005, 26: 815−821. 29.Seene T, Kaasik P, Alev K, Pehme A, Riso EM. Composition and turnover of contractile proteins in volume – overtrained skeletal muscle. Int J of Sports Medicine 2004, 25: 438–445. 30.Seene T, Kaasik P, Pehme A, Alev K, Riso EM. The effect of glucocorticoids on the myosin heavy chain isoforms’ turnover in skeletal muscle. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2003, 86 (2): 201–206. 31. Seene T, Umnova M. 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The essential light chain is required for full force production by skeletal muscle myosin. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1994, 91: 12403–12407. 36. Viru A, Viru M. Nature of training effect. In: Rarrett W.E., Kirkendale D.T. (eds), Exercise and Sport Science 2000, 67–97. 37. Wada M, Inashima S, Yamada T, Matsunaga S. Endurance training-induced changes in alkali light chain patterns in type IIB fibers of the rat. J Appl Physiol 2003, 94: 923−929. 38. Wada M, Pette D. Relationships between alkali light-chain complement and myosin heavy chain isoforms in single fast-twitch fibres of rat and rabbit. Eur J Biochem 1993, 214: 157–161. 39. Wada M, Katsuta S, Doi T, Kuno S. Favourable associations between the myosin heavy-chain and light-chain isoforms in human skeletal muscle. Pflügers Arch 1990, 416: 689–693. 16 40. Wada M, Okumoto T, Toro K, Masuda K, Fukubayashi T, Kikushi K, Neihata S, Katsuta S. Expression of hybrid isomyosins in human skeletal muscle. Am J Appl Physiol 1996, 271 (Cell Physiol 40): c1250–C1255. 41. Wahrmann JP, Winand R, Riu M. Plasticity of skeletal muscle in endurancetrained rats (I). A quantitative study. Eur J Appl Physiol 2001, 84: 367−372. 42. Whalen R, Sell S, Butler-Browne G, Schwartz K, Bouveret P, PinsetHastrom I. Three myosin heavy chain isozymes appear sequentially in rat muscle development. Nature 1981, 292: 805–809. 17 Acta Academiae Olympiquae Estoniae Vol. 14 No. 1/2, pp 18–24, 2006 IS STRENGTH TRAINING IN SPORT CENTRE AN AEROBIC ACTIVITY? Toomas Karu¹, Ants Nurmekivi², Jaan Loko², Tõnis Saag¹ ¹Vomax OÜ ²University of Tartu, Institute of Sport Pedagogy and Coaching Abstract The examination of athletes with stepwise increasing loads on an ergometer or a treadmill mostly show heart rates on an anaerobic threshold in the range of 160–180 beats per minute, measured with the methods of gas analysis and blood lactate concentration analysis. Persons training strength in sport centres claim that this is a pure aerobic activity, since the heart rate measured with sport tester is usually 120–140 beats per minute. This study aims at providing an analysis of the physiological effects produced in the organism by usually practiced strength-type training programme in a sport centre. The subjects investigated were two individuals who had been training in a fitness centre for a long period of time. Each exercise was performed 10 times; an exercise series comprised a four-fold repetition of this 10-fold exercise. During the whole training session the heart rate of the sportsmen was measured with sport tester, after each series of exercises a fingertip blood sample was taken to measure lactate concentration. After each exercise series the sportsmen were asked to evaluate on a 10-point scale, how difficult it had been for them to perform the series. Conclusion. Strength exercises performed by fitness sportsmen in a sport centre produce a strong acidosis effect, as they are essentially of an anaerobic character. Simultaneously, relatively small changes occur in the heart rate even in the case of a subjectively very strenuous strength training. Key words: strength training, heart rate, lactate, intensity. 18 Introduction The testing of athletes with gradually increasing loads on ergometer or treadmill reveals in most cases heart rate indices on the anaerobic threshold level in the range of 160–180 beats per minute, measured with the methods of gas analysis and blood lactate concentration analysis [1]. Persons training strength in a sport centre claim that this is a pure aerobic activity, since the heart rate measured with sport tester is usually 120–140 beats per minute. Aim and method This study aims at providing an analysis of the physiological effects produced in the organism by a typical strength-type training programme in a sport centre. The subjects investigated were two individuals who had been training in a fitness centre for a long period of time (K. T., aged 25, 183 cm, 82 kg, 4-year sports centre training record, and A. N., aged 40, 173 cm, 88 kg, 11-year sports centre training record). The set of exercises performed on a regular basis included: 1) squat, 2) deadlift, 3) bench press, 4) lat pulldown, 5) standing barbell curl, 6) hanging leg rise. Each exercise was performed 10 times; an exercise series comprised a four-fold repetition of this 10-fold exercise. There were 2-minute intervals between the series and 5-minute intervals between the different types of exercises. It always took about 20 seconds to perform each exercise 10 times. The sportsmen selected loads in accordance with their experience so that an exercise could be done 10 times. During the whole training session (85 minutes), the heart rate of the sportsmen was measured with sport tester (Polar Vantage NV, Polar Electro, Finland); after each series of exercises a fingertip blood sample was taken to measure lactate concentration (Arcray Pro, Japan). After each exercise series the sportsmen were asked to evaluate on a 10-point scale, how difficult it had been for them to perform the series. In addition, the apparent symptoms of either fatigue or being active, and the respective response were registered. Heart rate values were recorded with the Polar interface and software, the final analyses were made with the Karu-Slavin Lactate programme [2]. 19 Results The loads selected by the subjects were the following (selected load / individual load record, kg): A. N.: 1. 140/210, 2. 165/230, 3. 125/180, 4. 72/114, 5. 42/60; K. T.: 1. 80/110, 2. 90/140, 3. 80/110, 4. 60/85, 5. 30/45. The figures below show values obtained from the two individuals by using the Lactate programme. Figure 2. Training data for K. T.; symbols are identical to those in Figure 1. The data for K. T. show a relatively good fitness level, though not as good as that of A. N. Figure 1. Training data for A. N.; symbols: a curve in black – heart rate, a curve upper – computer-simulated continuous blood lactate concentration, horizontal lines – blood lactate concentration scale as 1÷10 from low to high, vertical lines – fingertip blood lactate concentration (marking: bottom – time interval between the start of analysis and test, top – lactate concentration at the moment in mmol/l). 20 From the point of view of heart rate data, the most difficult exercises were squat and deadlift since they accelerated the heart rate by 50–60 beats. The heart rate level observed before the repetition was recovered within 2 min. The pre-repetition level for both subjects was about 120 beats and at this level was formed the subjective readiness for performing the next repetition. For example, subjective difficulty in performing deadlift was associated with ratings 6, 7, 7, 8 for K. T. and 8, 8, 9, 9 for A. N. The last two marks in each of the series were always between 7–9 for both subjects. Lactate concentration values were the following: for K. T. 6.8 – 8.8 – 9.7 – 11.1 – 8.0 – 8.3; the average being La 9.1 mmol/l; for A. N. the respective values were 8.9 – 18.8 – 14.8 – 13.3 – 16.0 – 8.3; average La throughout the training session being 14.0 mmol/l. Thus both sportsmen were experiencing a strong acidosis during the whole training session. Since the level of 4.0 mmol/l is generally accepted as the anaerobic threshold of La concentration [3], from the point of view of blood La concentration, the training can be considered a highly anaerobic one. Surprisingly no apparent symptoms 21 of fatigue were observed: the subjects were active and cheerful throughout the training session and no perspiration was significant. The only exception was the deadlift series, following which lasting deep breathing was apparent during the intervals. It is noteworthy that the two subjects displayed differences in lactate concentration in case of performing different exercises. A. N. had the highest La concentration during deadlift, while the same level of La for K. T. was marked during lat pulldown. Anaerobic threshold heart rate value for K. T. in the standing position (160 beats/min) was higher than in the horizontal position (141 beats/min). This can be associated with higher heart rate maximal values while performing the related type of exercises. Comparison of the La intensity during the first two and the successive four exercises reveals significant differences in the character of La regulation. The loads increased progressively during the first two exercises and were relatively stable in case of the successive ones. When performing strength exercises, it is important to consider the per centage of the selected load with respect to the individual record load of a certain exercise. In this study, the following percent data were obtained: Table 1. Percents of loads used by persons investigated from their personal best results Person Squat Deadlift A.N. K.T. 66 72 70 64 Bench press 69 72 Lat pulldown 63 70 Standing barMean bell curl 70 67,6 66 68,6 The table shows that relative percentages compared to the individual record of the two subjects were nearly equal. However, comparison of the absolute values of the selected loads and the percent of K. T.’s selected loads with respect to A. N.’s selected loads yielded the following results: 22 Table 2. Percents of personal best results of athlete K. T. from best A. N. result Person Squat Deadlift A.N. K.T. % 140 80 57 % 165 90 54 % Bench press 125 80 64 % Lat pulldown 72 60 83 % Standing barbell curl 42 30 71 % Sum 540 340 62 % The results show that A. N. achieved a higher fitness level than K. T. The average heart rate during the training session for A. N. and K. T. was 119.5 and 130.5 beats/min, respectively. Thus, it can be suggested that though A. N. used higher loads, his training load with respect to the maximum is comparable to that of K. T. The analysis of the anaerobic threshold for the two subjects made with the Lactate programme on the basis of the given loads showed that the results for A. N. and K. T. were 121 and 161 beats/ min, respectively. If the selected loads had been relatively equal, it would have been possible to conclude that K. T. had a better aerobic capacity, since his anaerobic threshold was higher and the range of lactate regulation was lower. As a matter of fact, the absolute loads selected by A. N. were almost twice as high as those selected by K. T.; the same can be said about blood lactate concentration during the whole training. It can be concluded that A. N. is better prepared for work with maximum loads at the anaerobic zone, has a larger amount of fast muscle fibres and a higher lactate tolerance. In case of strength exercises heart rate analyses performed without the measurement of lactate concentration do not provide the adequate picture of the training intensity. Lactate concentration values of the two sportsmen obtained in the course of the training session were more than 2–3 times higher than anaerobic threshold values. This observation implies that the measurement of strength training intensity is complicated, especially if strength exercises are involved in endurance training. Although following strength exercises the blood lactate concentration remains above 6–7 mmol/l and pH below 7.0, sportsmen are capable of continuing their training session [4]. These authors have noted that though blood La level can be used as reference for supervising endurance training, its connexion to changes in the muscle cells is not exactly known. The mea 23 Acta Academiae Olympiquae Estoniae Vol. 14 No. 1/2, pp 25–37, 2006 surements of La characterize the La regulation level of an individual well, even if made only during one training session. Yet they can be administered only for elite athletes because of the complexity of the tests. Summary Strength exercises used by fitness sportsmen in sport centre produce a strong acidosis effect, as they are essentially of an anaerobic character. Simultaneously relatively small changes occur in heart rate even in case of subjectively strenuous power training, which may be misleading for both the coach and the sportsmen. Intensive strength training compared to endurance training seems to be easy, judging by heart rate indices. Adequate evaluation of strength training intensity can be obtained only by measuring blood lactate concentration or by asking sportsmen to give subjective evaluation of intensity rating on a 10-point scale. References 1. Hollmann W, Hettinger T. Sportmedizin. ����������������������� Grundlagen für Arbeit, Training und Präventivmedizin. Schattauer, ��������������������������������� Stuttgart, NY., 2000. 2. Karu T, Slavin G. Sports software Lactate. User’s Guide. Tartu, 2005. 3. McArdle WD, Katch FD, Katch VL. Exercise Physiology. Fourth edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1996. 4. Wilmore JH, Costill DL. Physiology of Sport and Exercise. Human Kinetics, Champaign, Il, 1994. Twitch contractile properties of plantarflexor muscles in Nordic combined athletes and cross-country skiers Jaan Ereline, Helena Gapeyeva, Mati Pääsuke Institute of Exercise Biology and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Tartu Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare twitch contractile properties of skeletal muscles in male athletes who train power and endurance simultaneously (Nordic combined athletes) and athletes who train endurance (cross-country skiers). To determine the contractile properties of plantarflexor muscles during isometric twitch, the posterior tibial nerve in popliteal fossa was stimulated by supramaximal square wave pulses of 1-ms duration. Twitch peak force (PF), contraction (CT) and half-relaxation (HRT) times were measured. The percentage increase in twitch PF after maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of 5-s duration in relation to resting twitch was taken as an indicator of postactivation potentiation (PAP). Twitch PF:MVC force ratio was also calculated. Nine Nordic combined athletes and 12 cross-country skiers aged 19–26 years participated in the study. Twitch PF and PF:MVC did not differ significantly in Nordic combined athletes and cross-country skiers. Nordic combined athletes had a significantly (p < 0.05) greater PAP as compared to cross-country skiers. Cross-country skiers had a significantly (p < 0.05) greater CT and HRT compared to Nordic combined athletes. Twitch contractile properties of plantarflexor muscles did not differ (PF, PF:MVC) markedly in athletes who train power and endurance simultaneously in comparison with athletes who predominantly train endurance. Long-term simultaneous power and endurance training induced increase in twitch potentiation capacity and the shortening of contraction and relaxation times of plantarflexor muscles. Key words: human plantarflexor muscles, muscle force, isometric contraction, twitch contraction. 24 Introduction It is well known that exercise training can induce different adaptation processes in the neuromuscular system through changes in the neural control as well as morphology of the skeletal muscles. Several longitudinal studies have shown structural muscle modifications, such as changes in contractile proteins expression [18], and neural adaptations, such as alterations in motor units activation [8] or decreased antagonist co-contraction [5] after the performance of different training programmes. Nevertheless, to analyze human long-term training adaptations, preferentially cross sectional studies have been used. Some of these experiments have focused on analyzing the differences in neuromuscular system of power-trained and endurance-trained athletes [15, 16, 20], illustrating that systematic exercise training tends to induce specific adaptation processes of neuromuscular system in relation to the type of physical activity performed. The measurement of twitch contractile properties of athlete’s muscles has been used for the analysis of specificity adaptation of the neuromuscular system to various types of systematic training [2, 24, 29]. By using electrically evoked supramaximal isometric twitch characteristics, the contractile properties of human skeletal muscles can be determined independently from the control and activation by the nervous system. Twitch contractile properties have been shown to differ in heavy resistance-trained athletes compared to sedentary subjects [28] and in power-trained athletes compared to endurance-trained athletes and sedentary subjects [20, 25]. Previous studies performed in our laboratory indicated that power training induces a more evident increase of force-generating capacity and speed of contraction and relaxation in plantarflexor muscles than endurance training [25]. Similar results have been obtained by other authors [1]. However, no studies have investigated twitch contractile properties of skeletal muscles in athletes who combine power and endurance training simultaneously as is the case with Nordic combined athletes. Twitch contraction force is increased after a brief maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). This enhancement is called post-activation potentiation (PAP) [4, 21]. The most accepted mechanism underlying PAP is a phos phorylation of myosin regulatory light chains during the conditioning cont- 26 raction, which renders actin-myosin more sensitive to Ca2+ in subsequent twitch [9, 31, 32]. Only one cross-sectional study has been surveyed in which PAP has been assessed in endurance-trained athletes [12]. The results showed that twitch PAP for the muscles trained was greater in power and endurance-trained athletes than only endurance-trained athletes, suggesting that the enhanced PAP in endurance athletes was more likely the result of training adaptations than genetic endowment. Nevertheless, little it is known about the influence of simultaneous power and endurance training on twitch potentiation capacity of human skeletal muscles. The purpose of this study was to compare the electrically evoked twitch contractile characteristics of skeletal muscles at rest and PAP of twitch force in elite male athletes, who train power and endurance simultaneously (Nordic combined athletes) and athletes who train predominantly endurance (cross-country skiers). Plantarflexor muscles which are involved in many working and sports activities, including power and endurance events, were tested. Material and Methods Subjects. Three groups of subjects were studied: Nordic combined athletes (n = 9) and cross-country skiers (n = 12). The athletes were members of Estonian national teams. Their training experience was 7–11 years. All subjects were informed of the procedures and the purpose of the study and their written informed consent was obtained. The study carried the approval of the University Ethics Committee for human studies. The anthropometric characteristics of the subjects are presented in Table 1. 27 Table 1. Anthropometric data, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force of the plantarflexor muscles and MVC force relative to body mass (MVC force:BM) in athletes (mean ± SE) Variables Age (ys) Height (cm) Body mass (kg) Body mass index (kg⋅m-2) MVC force (N) MVC force:BM (N⋅kg-1) Groups Nordic combined athletes (n = 9) 22.1 ± 1.1 179.3 ± 1.3 70.2 ± 1.5 21.1 ± 0.3 1112 ± 39 15.7 ± 0.3 Cross-country skiers (n = 12) 24.1 ± 1.2 179.9 ± 1.8 72.2 ± 1.4 22.1 ± 0.4 * 1041 ± 26 * 14.3 ± 0.4 * * p < 0.05 compared with Nordic combined athletes Testing procedures. During the experiment the subjects were seated on a custom-made dynamometer chair with the dominant leg (usually the right leg) flexed 90 deg at the knee angle and mounted inside a metal frame [22]. The foot was strapped to an aluminium foot plate. The inclination of the foot could be altered by rotating the footplate about an axis that corresponded to that of the ankle joint, i.e. the medial malleolus. The ankle was dorsiflexed to 20 deg. This angle was associated with maximal voluntary and stimulated torques and presumably corresponded to the “optimal” muscle length [27]. The kneecap and front side of the thigh were held down by an adjustable pad. Torques acting on the footplate were sensed by a standard strain-gauge transducer connected with the footplate by rigid bar. The electrical signals from the straingauge transducers were amplified and displayed with a special amplifier. The system was linear from 10 to 1600 N. The point of application of force to the footplate was located on articulation regions between the metatarsus and ossa digitorum pedis. The force signals were sampled at the frequency of 1 kHz and stored on a hard disk for further analysis. To determine the contractile properties of the plantarflexor muscles during isometric twitch, the posterior tibial nerve was stimulated through a pair of 2 mm-thick, self-adhesive surface electrodes (Medicompex SA, Ecublens, 28 Switzerland). Prior to attaching the stimulating electrodes, electrode gel was applied to the contact surface, and the underlying skin was prepared by shaving, sanding and rubbing with isopropyl alcohol. The cathode (5 x 5 cm) was placed over the tibial nerve in popliteal fossa and anode (5 x 10 cm) was placed under the posterior-medial side of the thigh. Supramaximal square wave pulses of 1-ms duration were delivered from an isolated voltage stimulator Medicor MG-440 (Budapest, Hungary). The evoked compound action potential (M-wave) of the soleus muscle was recorded using bipolar (20 mm interelectrode distance) electromyogram (EMG) electrodes (Beckman miniature skin electrodes). The electrodes were placed longitudinally on the belly of the soleus muscle after the skin was cleaned using alcohol swabs and abraded lightly with fine sand paper. As a reference electrode a self-adhesive surface electrode (Medicompex SA, 5 x 10 cm) was placed over the proximal part of the triceps surae muscle between the stimulating and recording electrodes. The EMG signals were amplified and displayed using a standard Medicor MG-440 (Budapest, Hungary) preamplifier with the frequency band ranging from 1 Hz to 1 kHz. These signals were sampled at 1 kHz. On reporting to the laboratory, the subject sat resting for about 25 min before the dominant leg was placed in the apparatus. The rest period minimized any potentiation effect from walking to the laboratory. A maximal resting twitch was elicited by delivering a series of single stimuli of increasing intensity until theplateau of M-wave amplitude was obtained. During isometric twitch recording the stimulus intensity varied from approximately 25 V to supramaximal in increments of 50% (130–150 V). Firstly, three supramaximal isometric twitches of the plantarflexor muscles were elicited. Two minutes after the last resting twitch was recorded, the subjects were instructed to make a MVC for 5 s and then to relax. Postactivation twitch was elicited within 2 s after the onset of relaxation. Two minutes after the postactivation twitch was recorded, subjects performed three isometric MVCs of the plantarflexor muscles. The joint position was the same as for previous twitch measurements. The subjects were instructed to push the footplate as forcefully as possible for 2–3 s. Strong verbal encouragement and visual feedback were used to motivate the subjects. The greatest force of the three maximal efforts was taken as the isometric MVC force. Two-minute rest periods were allowed between trials. Skin temperature of the tested muscle group was continuously controlled and maintained at 35 ºC with an infrared lamp. 29 The following characteristics of resting isometric twitch were calculated: peak force (PF) – the highest value of isometric force production; contraction time (CT) – the time to twitch maximal force; half-relaxation time (HRT) – the time of half of the decline in twitch maximal force. The percentage increase in postactivation twitch PF in relation to resting twitch was taken as an indicator of PAP. Twitch PF was expressed as a ratio to MVC. The MVC force was calculated in relation to body mass of the subjects. Statistics. Data are means and standard errors (± SE). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Scheffe post hoc comparisons were used to test for differences between groups. Pearson correlation was used to observe the relationship between PAP of twitch force, and resting twitch CT and HRT. A level of p < 0.05 was selected to indicate statistical significance. Table 2 provides the correlation coefficients between twitch PAP, and resting twitch CT and HRT in Nordic combined athletes and cross-country skiers. In cross-country skiers twitch PAP correlated negatively (p < 0.05) with resting twitch CT (r = –0.66, p < 0.05). No significant correlations (p > 0.05) were found between twitch PAP and time-course characteristics of resting twitch in Nordic combined athletes. Results The body mass of Nordic combined athletes and cross-country skiers did not differ significantly (Table 1). The body mass index (BMI) was significantly less in Nordic combined athletes compared with cross-country skiers (p < 0.05) (Table 1). Nordic combined athletes had a significantly (p < 0.05) greater MVC and MVC force relative to body mass as compared with crosscountry skiers. Table 2. Correlation coefficients between postactivation potentiation (PAP) of twitch peak force (PF) and resting twitch contraction (CT) and halfrelaxation (HRT) times in Nordic combined athletes (NCA) and crosscountry skiers (CCS). PF CT HRT * p < 0.05 30 NCA 0.47 0.36 0.14 PAP CCS 0.51 – 0.66 * 0.34 Figure 1. Twitch peak force (PF) (A) and peak force related to maximal voluntary contraction force (PF:MVC) (B), and postactivation potentiation (PAP) (C) in Nordic combined athletes (NCA, n = 9) and cross-country skiers (CCS, n = 12). Mean ± SE * p < 0.05 Twitch PF and PF:MVC did not differ significantly in the measured groups (Fig. 1A, 1B). Nordic combined athletes had greater (p < 0.05) twitch PAP compared with cross-country skiers (Fig. 1C). Twitch CT and HRT were 31 shorter in Nordic combined athletes (p < 0.05) compared with cross-country skiers (Fig. 2). Figure 2. Twitch contraction time (CT) (A) and half-relaxation time (HRT) (B) in Nordic combined athletes (NCA, n = 9) and cross-country skiers (CCS, n = 12). Mean ± SE * p < 0.05 Discussion To investigate whether long-term simultaneous power and endurance training induces differences in electrically evoked twitch contractile characteristics of plantarflexor muscles in comparison with long-term endurance training, elite Nordic combined athletes and cross-country skiers were compared. The main findings of this study were that: (1) twitch contractile properties (PF, PF:MVC) of plantarflexor muscles did not differ significantly in Nordic combined athletes and cross country skiers; (2) Nordic combined athletes had higher twitch PAP and shorter resting twitch CT and HRT compared to cross-country skiers. It has been hypothesized that Nordic combined athletes have a greater evoked twitch force-generating capacity in plantarflexor muscles than crosscountry skiers. Nordic combined includes two different sports events – ski jumping and cross-country skiing – and the athletes must combine strategies of both disciplines into one training schedule. Training in Nordic combined 32 requires special explosive-type strength (power) exercises in combination with endurance exercises for lower extremities. Higher twitch PF in powertrained athletes compared to endurance-trained athletes and sedentary subjects has been previously reported [16, 20, 25]. Several factors can contribute to the increase twitch force in power-trained athletes’ muscles. High level power-trained athletes have a greater number of fast twitch fibres in their muscles than endurance trained athletes [6]. Some studies have shown selective hypertrophy of fast twitch fibres after systematic strength/power training [1, 21]. It has also been suggested that longitudinal power training causes changes in excitation-contraction coupling and contractile apparatus of the muscle fibres which can affect their force generating capacity [7]. However, contrary to our hypothesis, no significant differences were observed in twitch PF between Nordic combined athletes and cross-country skiers. In this regard, several concurrent training studies have shown simultaneous strength/power and endurance training inhibiting muscle force production capacity when compared with strength/power training alone [17]. This could partly explain the similarly evoked twitch force observed in Nordic combined athletes and cross-country skiers. One indicator of muscle contractile properties is the twitch:tetanus ratio. MVC force is similar to maximal force of tetanically evoked contractions in human muscles [3] and therefore we calculated twitch PF:MVC force ratio. Nordic combined athletes did not have any significant differences in twitch PF:MVC force ratio compared to cross-country skiers, suggesting higher voluntary muscle activation capacity. In fast muscles, the twitch:tetanus ratio is smaller compared with slow muscles [10]. It has been suggested that the smaller twitch:tetanus ratio in power-trained athletes can be related to a larger cross-sectional area in their muscles [19]. The isometric twitch force production can be enhanced by preceding contractile activity, such as occurs with PAP. The results of the present study showed that twitch PAP was ��������������������������������������������� significantly�������������������������������� greater in Nordic combined athletes than cross-country skiers. ���������������������������������������������� Our previous studies indicated greater twitch PAP in plantarflexor muscles in power-trained athletes (sprinters and jumpers) compared to endurance-trained athletes (long-distance runners) and sedentary subjects [23, 25, 30]. Hamada et al. [12] observed that the magnitude of twitch PAP was increased in endurance and strength-trained athletes in comparison 33 to sedentary subjects only for the trained muscles, suggesting that PAP enhancement could be explained by specific neuromuscular adaptation induced by training.��������������������������������������������������������������� Power training can enhance twitch PAP by increased ability to activate the muscles during MVC used induce PAP. Increased ability to activate high threshold motor units consisting of fast-twitch muscle fibres should increase twitch PAP because fast-twitch fibres show greater PAP than slowtwitch fibres [11, 26]. PAP ������������������������������������������������������� is often associated with a shortening of twitch CT and HRT [11, 12]. In the present study twitch PAP was significantly negatively correlated with resting twitch CT in cross-country skiers, whereas no significant correlations were observed between PAP and time-course characteristics of resting twitch in Nordic combined athletes. It was hypothesized that in endurance athletes the correlation between PAP and twitch CT is predominantly influenced by training adaptations in slow-twitch muscle fibres [11]. Nordic combined athletes had significantly shorter resting twitch CT and HRT compared to cross-country skiers. Our previous studies indicated shorter CT and HRT in power-trained athletes (sprinters and jumpers) and endurance-trained athletes (long-distance runners) compared to sedentary subjects with no significant differences between the measured athletes’ groups [24]. On muscle fibres level the time course of isometric twitches is probably highly dependent on the kinetics of excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms, including intracellular calcium movements [13, 14]. The shortened twitch contraction and half-relaxation time of Nordic combined athletes muscles noted in the present study indicates increased efficiency in sarcoplasmatic reticulum function. Conclusions Long-term simultaneous power and endurance training induced increase in twitch potentiation capacity, and the shortening of contraction and relaxation times of the plantarflexor muscles, while endurance training alone did not induce these changes. Twitch PAP was related to resting twitch CT in cross-country skiers, whereas no significant relationship between PAP and 34 time-course characteristics of resting twitch was observed in Nordic combined athletes. References 1.Alway SE, MacDougall JD, Sale DG, Sutton JR, McComas A.J. Functional and structural adaptations in skeletal muscle of trained athletes. J Appl Physiol 1988, 64: 1114–1120. 2. Alway SE, MacDougall JD, Sale DG Contractile adaptations in human triceps surae after isometric exercise. J Appl Physiol 1989, 66: 2725–2732. 3. Bigland-Ritchie B, Johnson R, Lippold OCT, Smith S, Words JJ. Changes in motoneuron firing rates during sustained maximal voluntary contractions. J Physiol Lond 1983, 340: 335–346. 4. Brown IE, Loeb GE. Postactivation potentiation – a clue for simplifying models of muscle dynamics. Amer Zool 1998, 38: 743–754. 5. Carolan B, Cafarelli E. Adaptations in coactivation after isometric resistance training. J Appl Physiol 1992, 73: 911–917. 6. Costill DL, Fink WJ, Pollock ML. Muscle fiber composition and enzyme activities of elite distance runners. Med Sci Sports 1976, 8: 96–100. 7. Duchateau J, Hainaut K. Isometric or dynamic training: differential effects on mechanical properties of a human muscle. J Appl Physiol 1984, 56: 296–301. 8. Enoka RM. Neural adaptations with chronic physical activity. J Biomech 1997, 30: 447–455. 9. Grange RW, Vandenboom R, Houston ME. Physiological significance of myosin phosphorylation in skeletal muscle. Can J Appl Physiol 1993, 18: 229– 242. 10. Hainaut K, Duchateau J. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and voluntary exercise. Sports Med 1992, 14: 100–113. 11. Hamada T, Sale DG, MacDougall JD, Tarnopolsky MA. Interaction of fibre type, potentiation and fatigue in human knee extensor muscles. Acta Physiol Scand 2003, 178: 165–173. 12. Hamada T, Sale DG, MacDougall JD. Postactivation potentiation in endurance-trained male athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000, 32: 403–411. 13. 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J Struct Biol 1998, 122: 139–148. 37 Acta Academiae Olympiquae Estoniae Vol. 14 No. 1/2, pp 38–48, 2006 THE PHENOMENON OF MECHANICAL STRESS TRANSMISSION IN SKELETAL MUSCLES Arved Vain Institute of Experimental Physics and Technology, University of Tartu, Estonia Abstract The nature of the mechanical stress transmission in the skeletal muscle in the motion of living organism is of principal importance. It forms the basis for understanding the mechanics of the contraction process, effective usage of the biomechanical properties of muscles and also muscular tone estimation. Available publications describing biomechanical models of the skeletal muscle support the concept, that the transmission of mechanical stress in skeletal muscle takes place along myofilaments and at the ends of the myofilaments via special binding agent to tendons. This hypothesis has been heavily criticized during late years. In accordance with the new biomechanical model of the skeletal muscle the movement of the crossbridges in the process of contraction of the skeletal muscle creates a radial force, which causes the increase of the perimeter of the muscle. So there should exist a latency period between the skeletal muscle perimeter increase and the formation of the contraction force in muscles at their steady state length. The existence of this latency period in case of some m. triceps surae of rabbits has been established experimentally. It is concluded that in the contraction of skeletal muscle the perimeter increase belongs to the fundamental causes, not to the results of muscle contraction. The mechanical stress transmission from sarcomere to tendon takes place via complex transmission of longitudinal and radial components of the force generated by the myofilament cross-bridges. The radial component is transmitted via muscle envelopes, the longitudinal component via costamere network to the muscle envelopes. Key words: skeletal muscle, mechanical stress transmission, biomechanical properties. 38 Introduction The mechanism of the mechanical energy generation and transmission to the bone levers is one of the most complicated phenomenons of the functioning of skeletal muscle. This mechanism is a complicated one, as the force transmission must be guaranteed even in case the skeletal muscle involved in the process has partial mechanical injuries. At present many important facts concerning the structure of skeletal muscles are known, also several probable pathways of mechanical stress transmission, but up to the moment there does not exist any conceptual understanding, covering all the aspects of this complicated phenomenon. In the present study an attempt has been made to establish the role of the helica of the collagen filaments situated in the endo-, peri- and epimyseum of the muscle in the process of the mechanical stress transmission from sarcomere to tendon. As a rule the studies in the field of the skeletal muscle biomechanics have been based on the model of the muscle by Hill. In the model the collagen filaments, passing directly over into tendons, are presented as a parallel elastic element (Fig. 1a). Fig. 1. Biomechanical models of skeletal muscle. a – the traditional accepted model of skeletal muscle, b – the new model. If the conclusion is based on the hypothesis, stating that the mechanical stress evoked in a sarcomere is transmitted in the longitudinal direction inside the myofibril from the force-generating sarcomere to its serial neighbour, then in the process of muscle shortening the stiffness of endo-, peri- and epi39 myseum should decrease in comparison with their stiffness in the steady state of the muscle. The experimental data of studies dealing with the problem prove the situation to be vice versa. The freguency of oscillation measured by myometer [3, 7, 15, 16] of muscle envelopes increases with the increase of contraction force (Fig. 2). case of the muscle envelope stress increase. To test this hypothesis an experimental study (with docent E. Hietanen) was carried out at the Laboratory of clinical physiology of the University of Turku. The natural oscillation frequency of muscles was measured by myometer [3, 7, 15, 16] and the intramuscular pressure using the invasive wick catheter method by Stryker [1]. The results of the experiments are presented in Fig. 3. Fig. 2. Dependence of the muscle natural oscillation frequency on the load magnitude. So it can be supposed that part of the force generated in sarcomere is transmitted to tendon via collagen helica of endo-, peri- and epimyseum. In favour of this hypothesis there exist several results of experimental studies. In their original experiment Street and Ramsey [11] established, that the sarcolemma transmits the active contraction force to the tendon. The experiments by Fields [2] proved, that the mechanical properties of the sarcolemma are sufficient for it to be a means for transmitting mechanical stress to tendon. The results of Maughan and Godt [8], who established, that “... the radial force per thick filament was 1.2·10-9 N and the longitudinal force per thick filament 1.4·10-10 N...” are thought-provoking. Still more clear evidence in favour of the active part of endo-, peri- and epimyseum in the process of muscle contraction present the studies by Kirby et al. [6], Jerosch [4], Järvholm et al. [5], who established, that the process of muscle contraction takes place simultaneously with adequate intramuscular pressure changes. It is clear, that the intramuscular pressure increase can take place only in 40 Fig. 3. Dependence of intramuscular pressure and muscle oscillation frequency on the load applied to the muscle. On the basis of the above-mentioned the hypothesis can be stated, that the muscle perimeter increase observed in the process of muscle contraction is not a result of the myofilament sliding process, but, on the contrary, appears to be its fundamental cause. The results of the in vivo experiments [12], where the force, generated by m. biceps brachii was recorded synchronically with the perimeter of the muscle, show, that the muscle perimeter increase precedes the muscle force appearance for a time interval from (86 ± 10) to (202 ± 19) ms, depending on the type and speed of muscular contraction. In accordance with the new biomechanical model of skeletal muscle (Fig. 41 1b) the perimeter increase belongs to the origins, not to the results of muscle contraction. In the present study the results of our recent experiments using electro stimulation to cause contraction of the specimens of rabbit’s m. triceps surae with simultaneous recording of the changes in muscle length, perimeter and diameter are analysed. Methods The experiments were carried out using the specimens of m. triceps surae of 16 full-grown rabbits (average weight 3.933 kg). The experiment layout included three inductive displacement probes, perimeter probe and the electrodes used in electrostimulation. The layout made it possible to give the specimen an initial statical load (see Fig. 4). The displacement probes were used to record the length changes of tendo calcanei, the muscle length and diameter increase. Experimental Immediately before placing in the experimental apparatus the specimen was held in physiological NaCl solution for 15 minutes. After fixing it in the experimental apparatus the specimen was loaded with the load of 10 N for 10 seconds. After that the specimen was submitted to electrostimulation procedures (AC current 20 mA, cyclically – contraction for 4 s, pause 4 s). The results were recorded using the pattern: 100 samples per secunde, 12 contractions with the load of 2 N and 15 contractions with the load of 12 N (see Fig. 5). Fig. 5. Perimeter and length changes during muscle contraction. Results and discussion Fig. 4. Experiment layout. 42 In accordance with the new biomechanical model of the skeletal muscle [12, 13] the movement of the cross-bridges in the actin-myosin complex in the process of contraction of the skeletal muscle creates a radial force, which causes the increase of the perimeter of the fibre, bunch of fibres and the 43 muscle as a whole. The perimeter increase precedes the muscle contraction for (17.46 ± 1.50) ms (see Fig. 5). This fact indicates that the stress generated in a sarcomere is not transmitted from one sarcomere in series to another only, but the radial force component, evoked in the process of the circular movement of cross-bridges in the contraction process, is transmitted via the stress of muscle envelopes, evoked by the skeletal muscle perimeter increase, through the collagen helica, which pass directly over into tendon, to the tendon. As can be understood from the very thorough review of the possible force transmission pathways from actomysin to tendon by Patel and Lieber [10], the conclusion of the possibility of lateral force transmission is quite convincing. It can be supposed that if in the process of this lateral force transmission the costameres should transmit the force not to the stressed collagen helica in endo-, peri- and epimyseum, such a force transmission process would have very small effectivity. In accordance with the new biomechanical model of the skeletal muscle the role of the radial component of the cross-bridge force is more important than that of the longitudinal component at the initial moment of the contraction process (see Fig. 6). Fig. 6. Time dependence of muscle length, diameter and perimeter in muscle contraction process, using the load of 12 N. 44 But as at the beginning of the contraction process in result of the radial movement of the cross-bridges in relation of the myofilament the stress of muscle envelopes and the intramuscular pressure increase are initiated [5], after what to the muscle contraction forces via the focal adhesion sites the longitudinal component of the cross-bridges elasticity force is added, the universality of the phenomenon can be clearly understood. If the skeletal muscle performs active work not only in the contraction process, but also in the eccentric regimen, the transition from the latter to the concentric regimen and vice versa being the normal working regimen of skeletal muscles.The above-presented interpretation of the phenomenon of mechanical stress transmission also gives explanations to many contraversities of the muscle model by Hill. For example in case of radial force transmission it is understandable that the myofilament length cannot increase in the process of contraction. In other way, the pulling stress of the myofilament is significantly smaller than the pulling stress of collagen fibres in the muscle contraction process. Also the transmission of mechanical stress at the connection of myofilament to tendon does not take place. In addition it is a wellfounded remark by Patel and Lieber [10], that “...if myofibrils are interconnected as described above, how is a new myofibril inserted? The answer is not clear, but must involve the remodelling of the intermediate filament network between adjacent myofibrils”. The phenomenon of the cross-bridge force radial component, increasing the muscle perimeter, evidently makes it possible to give the answer to the above-presented question. Also it is not necessary to assume any more that muscle fibres generate force along all their length and that this force is transmitted only in series to the muscletendon junction. Patel and Lieber [10] state, that “...detailed measurements of muscle fiber lengths within intact whole muscles have revealed the seemingly paradoxical result that, in many muscles, fibers do not extend from one tendon plate to the other ... This raises the general question as to how muscle fiber contractile force is transmitted to an external tendon, which may be quite a distance away from the fiber insertion site. In other words, the concept that all muscle fibers are arranged in bundles and transmit force along their length to the end regions, where they insert onto major tendon plates, is no longer tenable”. 45 To explain the dependence of the force evoked in the collagen helix of muscle fibre on the length of sarcomere in contraction and stretching caused by external force a corresponding computer simulation study was performed. The results of the computer simulation show that in accordance with the new model [12, 13] of skeletal muscle the strain of collagen fibres in contraction process is determined (see Fig. 7) by the perpendicular component FE┴ and during the stretching by an external force FE by the longitudinal component FE║ [14]. the muscle envelopes, using the mechanisms of perpendicular as well as lateral force transmission. As a conclusion from the above mentioned discussion, efficiency of the mechanical stress transmission from the sarcomere to bone levers depends on skeletal muscle tone and biomechanical properties of muscle envelopes – stiffness and elasticity. Acknowledgements The study has been carried out at the Department of Forensic Medicine of the University of Helsinki and has been supported by prof. A. Penttilä and prof. E. Vuori References Fig. 7. Dependence of the muscle fibre element elasticity force FE on the length of the element L. Conclusions The mechanical stress generated in the actin-myosin complex of the sarcomere of skeletal muscle is transmitted from its generation place to tendon via the collagen helica, situated in the endo-, peri- and epimyseum of the muscle. The radial component of the force, generated by the cross-bridge, causes the muscle perimeter increase, which stresses the above-mentioned muscle envelopes and then, after a short latency period, the muscle shortening process begins. The radial and longitudinal forces evoked by the crossbridges take part in it and are transmitted to the collagen helica, situated in 46 1. Bourne RB, Rorabeck CH. Compartment syndromes of the lower leg. Clin Orthop 1989, 240: 97–104. 2. Fields RW. Mechanical properties of the frog sarcolemma. Biophysical J 1970: 462–479. 3. Gavronski G, Veraksits A, Vasar E, Maaroos J. Evaluation of viscoelastic parameters of the skeletal muscles in junior triathletes. Physiol Meas ��������������� 2007, 28: 625–637. 4. Jerosch J. Intrafasciale Druckmessungen in der Tibialis anterior – Lage in Abhangigkeit von Korperlage und Gelenkstellungen. Biomed ����������������������� Techn 1989, 34: 9, 202–206. 5. Järvholm V, Palmerud G, Herberts P, Hogfors C, Kadefor R. Intramus cular pressure and electromyography in the supra���������������������������� spinatus muscle at shoulder abduction. Clin Ortop 1989, ������������������� 245: 102–109. ������������� 6. Kirby RL, Marlow RW, MacLeod DA, Marble AE. The effect of locomotion speed on the anterior tibial intramuscular pressure of normal humans. J Biomechanics 1988, 21 (5): 357–360. 7. Korhonen RK, Vain A, Vanninen E, Viir R, Jurvelin JS. Can mechanical myotonometry or electromyography be used for the prediction of intramuscular pressure? Physiol Meas 2005, 26: 951–963. 47 Acta Academiae Olympiquae Estoniae Vol. 14 No. 1/2, pp 49–68, 2006 8. Maughan DW, Godt RE. Radial forces within muscle fibers in rigor. J Gen Physiol 1981, 77 (1): 49–64. 9. Monti RJ, Roy RR, Hodgson JA, Edgerton VR. Transmission of forces within mammalian skeletal muscles. Journal of Biomechanics 32, 1999: 371–380. 10. Patel TJ, Lieber RL. Force Transmission in Skeletal Muscle: from Actomyosin to External Tendons. In: Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews. Baltimore, Philadelphia, Hong Kong, London, Munich, Sydney, Tokyo: Williams & Wilkins 1997, 25: 321–363. 11. Street SF, Ramsey RW. Sarcolemma: transmitter of active tension in frog skeletal muscle. Science 1965, 149: 1379–1380. 12. Vain A. On the Phenomenon of Mechanical Stress Transmission in Skeletal Muscles. Tartu: Tartu University Press 1990. 13. Vain A. A New Biomechanical Model of the Skeletal Muscle. In: Abstracts Second World Congress of Biomechanics. Amsterdam: 1994, I: 87. 14. Vain A, Kaljuvee A. Dependence of the Force Evoked in the Collagen Helix of Muscle Fibre on the Length of Sarcomere in Contraction and Streching. In: Book of Abstracts XVIth Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics. University of Tokyo 1997, 245. 15. Vain A. Method and Device for Recording Mechanical Oscillations in Soft Biological Tissues. US Patent No. 6132385, 2000. 16. Vain A, Viir R. A New Diagnostic Technique for Peripheral Spinal Muscle Stiffness Measurements. In: Brock M., Schwartz W., Wille C., eds. First Interdisciplinary World Congress on Spinal Surgery and Related Disciplines. Berlin: Monduzzi Editore 2000, 807–811. 48 INFLUENCE OF TRIGENICS MYONEURAL TREATMENT ON LOWER EXTREMITIES’ MUSCLE TONE AND VISCOUS-ELASTIC PROPERTIES IN YOUNG BASKETBALL PLAYERS M. Vahimets1,2, H. Gapeyeva1,2, J. Ereline1,2, M. Pääsuke1,2, P. Kaasik1, A. Vain3 Institute of Exercise Biology and Physiotherapy, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, 3 Institute of Experimental Physics and Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia 1 2 Abstract The training load in basketball has sharply increased, imposing bigger demands on the neuromuscular system of athletes. ����������������������� A structured programme of warm-up exercises can prevent knee and ankle injuries in young people practising sports. Trigenics �������������������������������������������������� Myoneural Treatment (TMT) combined with Eastern manual medicine and modern neurophysiology is based upon a neurological rather than mechanical model of treatment. The procedures involve synergistic, simultaneous application of three treatment techniques that strongly facilitate neurological pathways involved with muscle relaxation and pain reduction – neurogenics (reflex neurology), myogenics (mechanoreceptors manipulation), autogenics (biofeedback). One of the possibilities for influencing athletes’ skeletal muscles and increase neuromuscular efficiency is the application of Trigenics treatment system. The aim of the present study was to estimate the influence of Trigenics treatment system on lower extremities muscles tone and viscous-elastic properties in young basketball players. Six young male basketball players of Estonian national team aged 15.3 ± 0.5 (mean ± SE) year (BMI 21.7 ± 2.3) participated in the study.������������ Their ����� training load was 6 h per week and duration of sports training 7.0 ± 1.7 years. Six TMT procedures were performed twice per week on training-free days. 49 The tone (characterized by frequency of muscle oscillation at rest) elasticity (characterized by logarithmic decrement of oscillations’ damping) and stiffness of lower extremities’ muscles (m. tibialis anterior, m. gastrocnemius c. meiale, m. rectus femoris, m. biceps femoris c. longum) were evaluated bilaterally using myometer Myoton-3 (MultiScan mode, 20 measurements in each area) and software Myoton elaborated at the University of Tartu. The method of myometry is based on dosed impact on muscle belly, after which a muscle as viscous-elastic structure replies with damped oscillation. The areas for measurements (the middle part of muscle belly) were identified by manual palpation at muscle contraction. Tone characteristics were estimated at rest before first and after six TMT procedures. After the application of TMT procedures the significant change (p ����� < 0.05) ���������������������������������������������������������������������� of muscle tone, elasticity and stiffness was found in the majority of subjects for above listed muscles. Significant decrease of tone and stiffness (p < 0.05) ��� of m. gastrocnemius was found as compared with data before procedures extending over 21% in some subjects. Greater improvement ����� (p < 0.05) of ������������������ elasticity for m. gastrocnemius was noted in athlete 3 (33 and 13% for right and left leg, respectively). Significant decrease of muscle stiffness was found in the majority of subjects for studied muscles. Keywords: myometry, elasticity, stiffness, athletes Introduction The musculoskeletal system enables us to act out and express our human existence and it is the greatest energy user in the body, as well as one of our primary sources of pain, discomfort and disability, whether localized or general, referred or reflex, acute or chronic. For the purpose of accuracy, a comprehensive term can be used to describe all lesions of the musculoskeletal system – osseous and soft tissue – and this term is somatic dysfunction [4]. The central nervous system (CNS) plays significant role in optimizing the selection of muscle synergies to produce movement [14]. Muscles work as force couples to produce force, dynamically stabilize, and reduce force efficiently. The CNS recruits the appropriate muscles in a synergy during speci- 50 fic movement patterns [8]. Optimum posture enables the development of high levels of muscle strength and neuromuscular efficiency. Muscle strength permits the neuromuscular system to perform dynamic, eccentric, isometric and concentric actions in a multi-planer environment [10]. Neuromuscular efficiency is the ability of the neuromuscular system to allow agonists, antagonists and synergists to work together to reduce force, stabilize and produce force efficiently [10]. When the muscular, articular and neural systems are activated during functional movements, the cumulative information from all structures is sorted out by the CNS (sensorimotor integration) [7]. The training loads in basketball have sharply increased, imposing bigger demands on the neuromuscular system of athletes. High training loads influence the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and can be followed by the elasticity and the tension of muscles being decreased, thus increasing the danger of injury. A structured programme of warm-up exercises can prevent knee and ankle injuries in young people practising sports. Preventive training should therefore be introduced as an integral part of youth sports programmes [15]. If the muscles are shortened or lengthened beyond the optimum length, the amount of tension that the muscle is able to generate decreases [18]. Trigenics Myoneural Treatment (TMT) system combined by Eastern manual medicine and modern neurophysiology is based upon a neurological rather than mechanical model of treatment and is�������������� applied in a similar manner to the work of Travell and Simons [20]. The principles of reciprocal inhibition [18] are applied to allow deeper access into the muscle with reduced pain and resistance. Using the inverse myotatic reflex [8], muscles are then lengthened to re-establish healthy neuromusculoskeletal dynamics and prevent further injuries. The procedures involve synergistic, simultaneous application of three treatment techniques that strongly facilitate neurological pathways involved with muscle relaxation and pain reduction – neurogenics (reflex neurology), myogenics (mechanoreceptors manipulation), autogenics (biofeedback). One of the possibilities is to influence sportsmen’s skeletal muscles and increase neuromuscular efficiency using TMT. The aim of the present study was to estimate the influence of TMT procedures on lower extremities muscles tone and viscous-elastic properties in young basketball players.� 51 Methods Subjects. Six young male basketball players of the Estonian national team (U-16) aged (mean ± SE) 15.3 ± 0.5 years with BMI 21.7 ± 2.3 kg·m-2 participated in the study.������������������������������������������������������ Their training ����������������������������������������������� load was 6 h per week and duration of sports training 7.0 ± 1.7 years. ���������������������������������������� Six TMT procedures were performed twice per week on training-free days. The �������������������������������������������� tone and elasticity of muscles of lower extremity (m. tibialis anterior, m. gastrocnemius c. mediale, m. rectus femoris, m. biceps femoris c. longum) were evaluated at rest bilaterally by Myoton-3 and software Myoton. Myometry. Myometer Myoton and the method of myometry were elaborated at the University of Tartu by A. Vain in 1979 [21, 23, 25]. The working principle of the device is based on the dosed impact on muscle belly, after which muscle as viscous-elastic structure replies with damped oscillation. The muscle tone is characterized by frequency of muscle oscillation [Hz] at rest �������������������������������������������������������������������������� (or at relaxation)�������������������������������������������������������� . The muscle elasticity, i.e. ������������������������������� the ability of the muscle to restore its initial shape after contraction, is ����������������������������� characterized by logarithmic decrement of oscillations’ amplitude damping [22, 24]. Stiffness of muscle characterizes the ability of tissue to restore its shape after removing of external force acting on muscle. T������������������������������������������������ he mass of the testing end of Myoton-3 ������������������ (Fig. ��������� 1) is 20 g and the kick time of testing end during all measurements was 15 ms. Four muscles of lower extremities were tested bilaterally: foot dorsal flexor (m. tibialis anterior), foot plantar flexor (m. gastrocnemius c. mediale), knee flexor (m. biceps femoris c. longum), knee extensor (m. rectus femoris). The muscle tone characteristics were evaluated at rest using MultiScan mode of myometer performing 20 measurements in each area before the first and after six TMT procedures.����������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� The area for measurements (the middle part of muscle belly) was identified by manual palpation at muscle contraction [9]. The testing end of myometer was placed on previously palpated muscle belly. The points for measurements were marked symmetrically for muscles of right and left body side. While registering the tone characteristics of foot dorsal flexor and knee extensor muscles, the subject was in supine position; in case of foot plantar flexor and knee flexor muscles measurements the subject was in prone position (Fig. 2). Data were analysed using software �������� Myoton��. 52 Figure 1. Myoton-3 – device for the measurement of muscle tone, elasticity and stiffness. Figure 2. Testing of muscle tone and viscous elastic properties of lower extremity muscles using Myoton-3; A – m. tibialis anterior, B – m. gastrocnemius c. mediale, C – m. rectus femoris, D – m. biceps femoris c. longum. 53 Trigenics Myoneural Medicine. An appealing aspect of Trigenics is that it functions also as active resistance exercise, involving direct therapeutic interaction between the patient and the registered Trigenics practitioner (instructor).�������������������������������������������������������� The three main components used in Trigenics facilitate neurological pathways involved with muscle relaxation and pain reduction while localized pressure is applied to the TMT: ������������������������ neurogenics (reflex neurology), myogenics (mechanoreceptor manipulation), autogenics (biofeedback). In the present work the following TMT ���������������������������� procedures have been used: muscle test, strengthening and lengthening procedures. Muscle tests were performed before procedures [9]. ���� M. tibialis anterior. Muscle test: patient is in supine position, knee extended, with foot resting off the end of the table. The foot is dorsiflexed and inverted. Pressure is applied by the instructor on the involved foot from the medial/superior side, the patient attempting to evert and plantarflex the foot [9]. Strengthening procedure: patient is in supine position. The legs are extended along the table with the feet hanging off the end of the table. Instruc tor stands near the foot facing cephalad (Fig. 3A, B). The furthest hand from the involved side makes a thumb contact on the muscle, supporting hand supports the involved foot by placing the hand on the plantar surface and is positioned to resist ankle plantarflexion. The patient will first evert, then fully plantarflex the foot. The instructor will lightly resist this movement, yet allowing full range of motion. Lengthening procedure: patient is in supine position, legs are in the same position ������������������������������������������������������������������ (Fig. 3C, D).����������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������� Instructor������������������������������������������ stands in the same way as in case of the strengthening procedure, supporting hand is placed on the dorsum of the foot, across the metatarsals and brings the foot into plantarflexion and eversion to begin the procedure. The patient will attempt to dorsiflex and invert the foot and ����������������������������������������������������������������� instructor������������������������������������������������������� will resist this movement, allowing for minimal range of motion. M. gastrocnemius caput mediale. Muscle test: the involved leg is flexed at the knee by 110° with the foot resting on the table. The lower leg is internally rotated to test the medial head of the muscle. �������������������������� Instructor���������������� is standing on the involved side, the furthest hand is placed on the knee to stabilize it, the other hand cups the calcaneus on the involved side. Pressure is applied with this hand to extend the knee along the horizontal plane of the table. 54 Figure 3. Strengthening (A – start, B – finish) and lengthening (C – start, D – finish) TMT procedures for m. tibialis anterior. Strengthening procedure: patient is in prone position, knee flexed by 90° (Fig. 4A, B).������������������������������������������������������������������ Instructor ����������������������������������������������������������������� is���������������������������������������������������� standing at the foot of the table, the nearest arm reaches under and around the patient’s foot and ankle, so that the dorsum of the foot rests against the forearm. The patient dorsiflexes and inverts the ankle while lightly extending the knee allowing the patient to extend the knee to a relatively small degree. Lengthening procedure: patient is in prone position, knee fully extended, the foot resting off the end of the table �������������������������������������� (Fig. 4C, D).������������������������� Instructor�������������� ������������������������ supports the patient’s foot so that the plantar aspect of the foot is resting against the distal thigh of the ����������������������������������������������������������������� instructor������������������������������������������������������� . The patient attempts to plantarflex the ankle by pushing against the i����������������������������������������������������������� nstructor�������������������������������������������������� ’s supporting leg, contracting the muscle approximately for 5–6 seconds. Instructor�������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ allows minimum range of motion. 55 placed against the shin and brings the knee of the involved side into maximum flexion, instructor wrapping the fingers of both hands (if possible) under the involved leg. The forearm of the proximal arm can be used to hold down the pelvis. The hand that is most distal is also used as a supporting hand, lifting the knee off the table to extend the involved hip. The patient attempts to flex the involved hip by pushing the knee towards the table. Simultaneously, patient is also asked to extend the involved leg by pressing the foot and lower leg against instructor������������ ���������������������� ’s shoulder. Figure 4. Strengthening (A – start, B – finish) and lengthening (C – start, D – finish) TMT procedures for m. gastrocnemius. M. rectus femoris. Muscle test: patient is in supine position, leg is flexed at the hip by 30°, lower leg is in neutral position or internally rotated by approximately 45°. Instructor�������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ is standing on the uninvolved side, the cephalad hand supports the anterior aspect of the ilium, the other hand is placed on the anterior aspect of the patient’s distal tibia. Pressure is applied with this hand straight down, in the sagittal plane. Strengthening procedure: patient is in supine position (Fig. ������������������ 5A, B).����� The hip and knee on the involved leg are flexed. Instructor�������������������� ������������������������������ is standing on the involved side of patient, the hand nearest to the table is placed on the knee of the involved leg. I��������������������������������������������������������� nstructor������������������������������������������������ maximally flexes the patient’s hip by bringing the knee up towards the chest with the supporting hand.� Lengthening procedure: patient is in prone position, lying on the involved side of the table, uninvolved leg is hanging off the side of the table ������ (Fig. 5C, D).����������������������������������������������������������������������� The uninvolved leg is fully flexed and patient is trying to place the foot flat on the floor. The involved leg is flexed at the knee by 90°. Instructor ����������� is�������������������������������������������������������������������������������� standing on either side of the patient. The shoulder closest to the patient is 56 Figure 5. Strengthening (A – start, B – finish) and lengthening (C – start, D – finish) TMT procedures for m. rectus femoris. M. biceps femoris c. longum. Muscle test: patient is in supine position. The involved leg is flexed at the knee approximately 100° and the tibia of the involved leg is externally rotated. Instructor�������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ is standing at the foot of the table, facing cephalad. The furthest hand from patient is placed on the knee of the involved leg to stabilize it, the other hand cups the calcaneus passing under the foot. Pressure is applied with this hand to extend the knee, along the horizontal plane of the table. 57 Strengthening procedure: patient is in prone position, the knee of the involved side is flexed by about 110° (Fig. �������������������������������������������� 6A, B).������������������������������� ������������������������������ Instructor�������������������� is standing on the involved side, caudal hand is used to support the involved leg on the dorsum of the foot and ankle. Patient’s leg is brought into flexion with some external rotation as a starting position. The patient is asked to extend and slightly internally rotate the leg by moving the foot down and in toward the floor. Lengthening procedure: patient is in prone position, the hip is maximally flexed and the knee is slightly bent �������������������������������������������� (Fig. 6C, D).������������������������������� ������������������������������ Instructor�������������������� is standing on the involved side with the calf or ankle of patient’s foot placed on the shoulder of instructor��������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������� . Patient attempts to extend the hip by pushing the entire leg forward. During the contraction, the knee will also extend fully. Following the contraction phase, the ���������������������������������������������������� instructor������������������������������������������ brings the involved leg into further flexion. Figure 6. Strengthening (A – start, B – finish) and lengthening (C – start, D – finish) TMT procedures for m. biceps femoris. All TMT procedures for four muscles were performed initially on the right and then on the left body side. The duration of TMT procedures for one athlete was 15 minutes. 58 Statistics. Data are mean and SD. Data were analysed using Myoton (mean and SD) and MS Excel XP software. Changes of data after TMT procedures were calculated in percentage, where characteristics of tone, elasti city and stiffness before the first procedure were accepted as 100%. The ���� level of p < 0.05 was selected to indicate statistical significance. Results Different individual changes of muscle tone, elasticity and stiffness of lower extremity muscles were established for right and left body side in young basketball players, using the myometer. Both legs of the studied 6 athletes were tested before the 1st and following six TMT procedures (total of 12 legs). Changes of muscle tone after six TMT procedures are shown on Fig. 7. Significant increase (p < 0.05) of muscle tone of m. rectus femoris (Fig. 7A) was noted for 3 legs (athlete 1, 4 and 6) and decrease (p < 0.05) also for 3 legs (athlete 3, 4 and 6). For two athletes the effect of TMT procedures differed on the muscles of right and left side (athlete 4 and 6). Greater decrease of tone was found in the athlete 4 and 6 (by 10 and 11%, respectively), and increase in athlete 6 (17%). Significant increase (p �������������������������� < 0.05) ��������������� of the tone of m. biceps femoris (Fig. 7B) was observed for 4 legs (in athlete 3 for both legs; athlete 4 and 6) and increase (p ��������������������������������������������������������������������� < 0.05) for ���������������������������������������������������������� 2 legs of the athlete 5. Greater decrease of tone was noted in athlete 5 (9%) and increase in athlete 3 (12%). Following the application of six TMT procedures, the significant de crease (p �������������������������������������������������������������������� < 0.05) ��������������������������������������������������������� of muscle tone was found in the majority of subjects for m. gastrocnemius (for 6 legs) (������������������������������������������ Fig. 7C)���������������������������������� . Significant decrease (p ����������� < 0.05) of the tone of m. gastrocnemius was found as compared with data before procedures – e.g., for right leg it was 19% in athlete 4 and 33% in athlete 3. In two athletes decrease of tone was significant for both legs (athlete 2 and 4). Greater increase of tone was noted in athlete 6 (18%). After six TMT procedures the tone of m. tibialis anterior significantly decreased (p �������������������������������������������������������������������� < 0.05) for ��������������������������������������������������������� 3 legs (athlete 1, 4 and 6) and increased ����������� (p < 0.05) 59 for 3 legs (athlete 4, 5 and 6) (Fig. ����������������������������������������������� 7D)�������������������������������������� . Greater decrease of tone was in the athlete 6 (7%) and increase in athlete 5 (11%). was observed in one athlete (6, 26%) (Fig. 8A). Significant increase (p < 0.05) of decrement (worsening of elasticity) for m. rectus femoris was noted in 4 legs (athlete 2 and 3), maximal increase 21% (in athlete 2). Significant decrease (p < 0.05)������������������ of ����������������� decrement for m. biceps femoris was noted� for 5 legs (in athlete 4 for both legs; athlete 1, 5 and 6) and s����������������������� ignificant increase (p < 0.05) for 3 legs (in athlete 2 for both legs; athlete 5) (Fig. 8B). ����������������� Greater increase of decrement was noted in athlete 2 (30%) and decrease in athlete 4 (30%). Significant decrease (p ���������������������������� < 0.05) of ����������������� decrement for m. gastrocnemius was noted in 2 legs (athlete 3) and increase ��������������������������������������� (p < 0.05) ���������������������������� in 4 legs (athlete 1, 4 and 6) (Fig. �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8C)����������������������������������������������������������������� . Greater increase of decrement was noted in athlete 4 (33%) and decrease in the athlete 3 (31%). Changes in elasticity were greater in athlete 3 for m. gastrocnemius (improving 33% and 13% for right and left leg, respectively). Significant decrease ���������������������������� (p < 0.05) ����������������� of decrement for m. tibialis anterior was noted in 3 legs (left leg of athlete 1, 4 and 6) and increase (p ���������������� < 0.05) in ����� 3 legs (for both legs of athlete 2 and left leg of the athlete 5) (Fig. ������������������� 8D).��������� Greater increase of decrement emerged in athlete 2 and 6 (20%, and in athlete 2 it was noted for both legs). Decrease in this parameter was found in athlete 4 (23%). Figure 7. Tone of lower extremities’ muscles (characterized by frequency of muscle oscillation at rest [Hz]). A – m. rectus femoris, B – m. biceps femoris caput longum, C – m. gastrocnemius caput mediale, D – m. tibialis anterior. Changes of elasticity of muscles after six TMT procedures are shown on Fig. 8. Decrease (p < 0.05) of decrement (improving of elasticity of muscle) 60 61 Changes of stiffness of muscles after six TMT procedures are shown on Fig. 9. After application of six TMT procedures the significant decrease of muscle stiffness was found in the majority of subjects for studied muscles. Figure 8. Elasticity of lower extremities’ muscles (characterized by logarithmic decrement of oscillations’ amplitude damping). A – m. rectus femoris, B – m. biceps femoris caput longum, C – m. gastrocnemius caput mediale, D – m. tibialis anterior. 62 Figure 9. Stiffness of lower extremities’ muscles. A – m. rectus femoris, B – m. biceps femoris caput longum, C – m. gastrocnemius caput mediale, D – m. tibialis anterior. 63 Significant decrease �������������������������������������� (p < 0.05) ��������������������������� of stiffness was noted for m. rectus femoris in 5 legs (in athlete 3 for both legs; athlete 2, 4 and 5) and increase ����������� (p < 0.05) in 3 legs (athlete ������������������������������������������������������������ 1����������������������������������������������������������� , 4 and 6) (Fig. 9A). Greater ������������������������������������� decrease occurred in athlete 4 (9%) and increase in athlete 6 (19%). Significant decrease (p ���������������������������� < 0.05) of ����������������� stiffness for m. biceps femoris was observed in 3 legs (athletes 3–5) and increase (p �������������������������������� < 0.05) ��������������������� in 2 legs (athlete 2 and 3) (Fig. ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 9B).����������������������������������������������������������� Greater decrease was found in athlete 4 (6%) and increase in athlete 2 (5%). Significant decrease (p ���������������������������� < 0.05) ����������������� of stiffness for m. gastrocnemius was found in all studied legs of all athletes (except of left leg of 6th subject) (Fig. 9C)����������������������������������������������������������������� . Greater decrease was found in athlete 4 (15% and 14% for right and left leg, respectively). Stiffness of m. tibialis anterior decreased significantly (p ���������������� < 0.05) in 7 legs (athlete 1, athletes 3–6) and increased (p < 0.05) in one leg (left leg of athlete 2) after six TMP procedures (Fig. 9D). Greater ������������������������������ decrease of stiffness was noted in athlete 4 (16% for right leg) and increase in athlete 6 (4%). Discussion The subjects of the present study were young basketball players at the age of 15. Proper development of muscles is crucial for daily musculoskeletal stability and any athlete’s performance, particularly those who participate in power sports. Basketball is definitely one of them. This study demonstrated that the majority of subjects had significantly higher tone of muscles before TMT procedures than after them. The reason for this may be inadequate or insufficient muscle care. After six procedures the tone and stiffness of muscles decreased in some cases by 33% (athlete 3). TMT is for athletes a good alternative with a considerable potential, accelerating the rehabilitation process. Any kind of muscle manipulation is beneficial for young athletes’ muscle care. From TMT point of view, it is important for any athlete to possess structural efficiency. Studies by Shambaugh et al. [17], Power et al. [16], Watson [27], and Cowan [6] indicated that deficiencies in posture are important 64 predictors of specific types of sport injury. Watson [27] noted that posture evaluation must be quantitative, precise and carefully carried out if it is to be of value in the prediction of sport injury. Furthermore, the athlete must also possess functional efficiency, which permits the neuromuscular system to perform functional tasks with the least amount of energy and will create the least amount of stress on the kinetic chain. Many authors have demonstrated significant correlation between the biomechanical characteristics and the working capacity of CNS [1, 26]. The biomechanical characteristics play a great role in elastic deformations and energy recuperation processes because the muscles are stretched out prior to entering their basic phases [3, 12]. The ���������������������������������� energy recuperation mechanism of elastic deformations is the most effective. It has been shown in track and field events like running, jumps and throws [2, 11]. Prevention and intervention of injury have become focal points for researchers and clinicians. Before these studies can be used, the risk factors for injury must be clearly established [28]. Many injury risk factors, both extrinsic (those outside of the body) and intrinsic (those from within the body), have been suggested [19, 28]. Extrinsic risk factors include the level of competition, skill level, shoe type, use of ankle tape or brace and playing surface. Intrinsic risk factors include age, sex, previous injury and inadequate rehabilitation, aerobic fitness, body size, limb dominance, flexibility, limb girth, muscle strength, imbalance and reaction time, postural stability, anatomical alignment, and foot morphology. Messina et al. [14] found a greater number of injuries occurring during games than in the training period in a prospective study of 1863 male and female high school basketball athletes. A reportable injury was one that resulted in any time loss from participation, an incident that necessitated a consultation with a doctor, or one that involved the head or face. The ankle and knee were the most commonly injured body parts in both boys and girls. In the present study, the changes of elasticity were observed in athletes after six TMT procedures. Decrement ������������������������������������������������ characterizes muscle elasticity, i.e. the ability of the muscle to restore its initial shape after contraction. The lower the decrement, the better are the elasticity of muscle and the ability of contraction. This study indicated improvement of muscle elasticity in the 65 majority of subjects, but not in all cases. The individual choice of the duration and techniques of manipulations must be applied for athletes’ muscle care to attain maximal positive effect. Of sports injury cases recorded at Iowa Junior Olympics in 1985, 34% required attention only from coaches, 46% were referred to local physicians, and 20% were referred to specialists [13]. This study found that out of patients who sought Western medical help, 17% required treatment from orthopaedic surgeons to correct or treat outstanding injury and 74.6% were treated by orthopaedic doctors or physical therapists. More than half of patients sought treatment from Eastern medicine, including traditional massage (64%), acupuncture (58%), and Chinese treatment applications (65%). The completely different medical approaches of the Eastern and Western medicine are widely accepted by elite athletes and coaches. Mainstream Western medicine doctors should not overlook the traditional Eastern medicine, and they should learn more about these alternative treatment methods and apply them effectively. If Western doctors can work together with Eastern traditional doctors, we can improve our medical network [5]. Conclusions After six Trigenics Myoneural Treatment procedures significant decrease of tone and stiffness of m. gastrocnemius was noted in the majority of young basketball players as compared to the pre-therapy condition. Thus the improvement of the functional condition of muscular tissue occurred. The measurement of muscle tone characteristics is an additional tool for the observation of neuromuscular system condition of athletes and for the individualisation of procedures for increasing their effect. 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Sport injuries related to flexibility, posture, acceleration, clinical defects and previous injury in high level players of body contact. Sport. Int J Sports Med, 2001, 22: 222–225. 28. Williams JGP. Aetiologic classification of sports injuries. Br J Sports Med 1971, 4: 228–30. 68 CHRONICLES OF THE ESTONIAN OLYMPIC ACADEMY Acta academiae olympiquae Estoniae Vol. 14 No. 1/2, pp 70–77, 2006 46th International Session for young participants Darja Saar Abstract The International Olympic Academy (IOA) with its headquarters and educational centre in ancient Olympia, Greece, is the centre of Olympic education. IOA has five basic educational programmes, as well as three additional specialized Olympic educational programmes for different key groups in sport. One of the basic IOA Olympic education programmes includes the arranging of International Sessions for young participants. The two-week annual session, traditionally held in June or July, is designed as an introduction to Olympism and the Olympic movement. The IOA brings together a large international group of young people who are primarily students, Olympic athletes, people active in sport and teaching, or engaged in their respective National Olympic Committees or National Olympic Academies. The aim of the IOA is to educate, but more importantly, to motivate young people to use the experience and knowledge gained during the session in promoting the Olympic ideals and educating others in their respective countries (www.ioa.org.gr). Introduction The 46th International Session for young participants took place in Olympia from 19 June to 3 July, 2006. There were more than 220 participants, aged from 20 to 35 years, representing 99 countries all over the world who could attend 13 lectures during the session. Most of the lecturers were members of the International Olympic Committee or well-known researchers in the field of Olympism and sport. The main theme of the particular session was Olympism, the narrower subject being sport and ethics. It is a specific feature of the IOA Sessions for young participants that they include lectures, questions-and-answers sessions, group discussion meetings, reports presen70 ted by participants, field trips to archaeological sites and museums, and performing independent research in the library. Lectures and questions-and-answers sessions Heated discussions took place during the session and it was attempted to reach common understanding and appropriative solutions for today’s issues in the field of sport ethics. The first lecture of the session was delivered by Mr Richard W. Pound (Canada), member of the International Olympic Committee, Chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency on the subject “The fight against doping in sport”. The report was focused on the structure of the doping-fighting system in the world and measures to reduce the number of doping cases in sport. The lecturer stressed the necessity of changing public attitude in the related matter and placing more value on fair play and the fight against doping in sport. After each lecture the participants could ask questions to be answered by the lecturer. The Estonian participants of this session stressed that in addition to changing the public attitude, it is important to admit public responsibility for doping in sport. For a long time sport has been much more than the competition of amateur athletes. In sport countries and their sport systems compete with each other. Athletes feel pressurized by the National Olympic Committee, the national federation of the sport event, sponsors and the government, so in order to achieve better results and win medals they can be tempted to use doping. Better results in the fight against doping in sport can be achieved by enforcing sanctions against national federations and Olympic committees rather than penalties to single athletes. At present sport institutions are not motivated to contribute to anti-doping activities. The lecture of Dr Alexander Kitroeff (Greece), Professor in the Department of History at Haverford College, USA “Fair play versus competing to win and Coubertin’s thought” was dedicated to the problems of fair play in modern sport. The continuous increase in the role of business practices, money and corporate sponsorship in sport sometimes unintentionally and at times inevitably creates a mentality among athletes and fans that 71 can be summed up as “winning at all costs”. This trend distorts the basic element of sport that can be described as sportsmanship or the spirit of fair play [1]. The lecturer explained his perception of fair play definition, stressing the importance of the principle of respect for the game. In the opinion of Dr Kitroeff, a victory without honour, without the observance of fairness on and off the field is antithetical to the purpose of sport (ibis). Today the majority of sport observers are pessimistic about promoting fair play principles in sport and the success of fair play campaigns launched by the organizations of Olympic movement. The lecturer presented several examples of the most infamous fair play violations in modern sport. Dr Kitroeff also gave an overview about Coubertin’s understanding of fair play and the solution to the particular problem. Coubertin suggested that the preserving of fair play depended on acknowledging the idea of amateurism. Dr Angela Schneider, Associate Professor at the University of Western Ontario (Canada) provided the audience in her lecture “Fair play as respect for the game” with an overview about fair play in sport, based on the principles of respect for the game. She presented basic ideas of motivating athletes to respect the game, rules and traditions of sport and Olympic movement. Dr Schneider highlighted the implications of viewing fair play as respect for the game on two levels: the personal level of an individual athlete, and the institutional level. On the personal level, the respect for the game influences the action during the competition, attitude to the opponents, and one’s commitment to the game. The concept of fair play as respect for the game also has implications for actions and decisions on the level of policy [2]. It can be concluded that creating fair play values on the individual level is not sufficient without creating the institutional structure to support athletes’ respect for the game by making decisions which refer to the best interests of the game concerned. Dr Schneider also shared her experience of launching the Canadian programme “True Sport” for fair play in sport promotion. The lecture of Dr Kostas Georgadis, Associate Professor at the University of Peloponnese, Dean of the International Olympic Academy (Greece) “The Olympic education programme of the ATHOC 2004 and the Hellenic Ministry of Education” dealt with the Olympic education programme for young people and children that was implemented in Greece during 2000–2004 72 in connexion with the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Athens in 2004. The audience was provided with the programme background, objectives and keygroup data, as well as the overview about similar educational programmes conducted in the past and the basic concepts of Olympic pedagogy. The main slogan of the Greek Olympic education programme in 2000–2004 “Be aware, participate, learn, create” [3] pointed to the main aims of the project: providing information about Olympic Games, promoting understanding of the ideals of Olympism, enhancing the level of physical education in schools, strengthening the related contribution by volunteers. Participants of the session also got information concerning the educational materials used in the programme and the process of the programme implementation. During the participants-lecturer discussion, the Estonian participants stressed the necessity for educational programmes aimed at top-level athletes, coaches and officials, motivating their general awareness about the Olympic movement and values of Olympic philosophy. The author of this article presented to the audience some typical answers of athletes to the question “What are the Olympic Games for you?” The answers were the following: the opportunity to become famous, rich and get a high position in the society. In the author’s opinion, the athletes who have answered in this way are certainly far away from Coubertin’s Olympic movement values. Mr Sylvain Paillette (France) delivered in his lecture “Looking for the identity of the Paralympic movement” a report on the Paralympic movement activities in recent years, the related problems and plans. The lecturer raised the issue of admitting the importance of the Paralympic movement and inclusion of athletes with disabilities in sport. According to his opinion, the Olympic and Paralympic movements are still separate and serve different aims, whereas the Olympic values seem to be more preserved in the Paralympic movement than in the Olympic movement, because of the commercialisation of the latter. Mrs Laurel Brassey-Iversen (USA) in her lecture on the subject “Programmes of Olympic education” shared with the audience her experience in educating children in the field of Olympism and giving practical advice concerning the organization of school Olympic Games and different educational activities. The lecturer stressed that conducting educational activities requires personal initiative and passion for promoting Olympic values, ra- 73 ther than extensive financial resources as could be imagined in the beginning. Via educating children it is possible to enhance the awareness of their parents as well about the Olympic movement and values of Olympism. Dr Kostas Kartalis, Professor at the University of Athens (Greece) delivered in his lecture “Ethical and social values of the Olympic games” a report on the organization of Olympic Games 2004 in Athens. The main topic of the lecture was the philosophy and the main principles of infrastructure rebuilding and reorganization in Athens as the Olympic venue. During the preparations for Olympic Games 2004, the Athens transportation system was totally transformed and several new social objects like sport halls and other facilities for public use emerged in the city. The most unpleasant thing that the organizers of the Olympic games in Athens had to deal with was the considerable increase of expenditures for ensuring the security of Games participants after 11 September events in the USA. The lecture of Mr Spyridon Maragkos (Greece) on the subject “The ath letes of the Olympic games – ‘captives’ to biological and moral factors” was dedicated to the psychosomatic dependencies of athletes participating in the Olympic games. The desire to win can have a negative influence on athletes, causing physical dependency on the use of endogenous and exogenous substances as an adjustment of the nervous system to the expected result, as well as mental dependency as a behaviour syndrome, characterized by compulsive and repetitive changes in the lifestyle. Mrs Paquerette Girard-Zappelli, Special Representative of the Inter national Olympic Committee Ethics Commission (France) lectured on the subject “The Ethics Commission and the Olympic movement”, providing the audience with the overview about the activity of the International Olympic Committee Ethics Commission. Dr Lamartine DaCosta, Professor at the Gama Filho University (Brazil) showed in the lecture “Sport and poverty” the extent of work to be done in including the poorest part of the society in sport. The lecturer highlighted the importance of the inclusion process, since sport is first of all a tool for improving the quality of social life. Sport is definitely related to the functioning of the society and cannot be treated solely as a sector of entertainment economy. 74 The lecture by Mr Sam Ramsamy, member of the International Olympic Committee (South Africa) on the subject “Sport and ethics” provided the audience with an overview about the basic ethical problems in modern sport. There are numerous unanswered questions in this field, and it is important to imbue the youth who are in need of decent role models, with the principles of fair play and justice. We should teach youth to win with humility and accept defeat with dignity, also encouraging the team spirit. The lecture by Mrs Anita L. DeFrantz, Member of the International Olympic Committee (USA) on the subject “Women in sport: gender equality and gender identity” was dedicated to the problems of the inclusion of women in sport, especially the participation of females in sport as athletes and officials. The lecture by Mr Urs Lacotte, Director General of the International Olympic Committee (Switzerland) on the subject “The Olympic movement” provided the audience with the survey of everyday activities, structure, and main principles of the International Olympic Committee. Group discussions All session participants were distributed into10 English-speaking and 2 French-speaking groups. Each group had 15–20 members, including 1–2 coordinators, secretary and reporters. All discussion groups got similar questions. In addition, groups were free to choose one optional issue or make up their own question. Cycle A Question 1: What does Olympism mean to you? Do you think that the values of Olympism could form the basis of pedagogy? Question 2: Does doping contradict the ethical values of sport? Question 3: What are the ethical dilemmas that athletes face today? Question 4: What is the role of Olympic education? Cycle B Question 1: In the fight against poverty, what role could sport play? Question 2: Can sport contribute to shaping ethical behaviour? 75 Question 3: How could leaders (athlete, coach, official or administrator) promote gender equity across all aspects of sport? Question 4: What should be the relationship between the Paralympic movement and the Olympic movement? Optional Questions Question 1: Discuss the ethical and legal considerations which should govern the management of sport. Question 2: Discuss ethics in the media – the role and duties of sports journalists. Question 3: What is the Olympic ideal threatened by? Discuss the ways in which the Olympic movement could deal with these threats. Question 4: What is ethics and in what way is it related to sports? References 1. Kitroeff A. “Fair Play” versus Competing to Win and Coubertin’s Thought, 46th International Session for Young Participants, 2006. 2. Schneider A. Fair Play as Respect for the Game, 46th International Session for Young Participants, 2006. 3. Georgiadis K. The Olympic Education Programme of the ATHOC 2004 and of the Hellenic Ministry of Education, 46th International Session for Young Participants, 2006. Conclusions We would like to sincerely thank the International and Estonian Olympic Academies for the opportunity to attend the Session for Young Participants. For young people who are interested in promoting Olympic movement and sport, attending the session was a good chance to better understand the Olympic movement values and the related topical problems, as well as participate in the process of finding solutions for them. The two weeks that were spent in the company of high-ranking members of the International Olympic Committee, sport researchers and Olympic movement enthusiasts were most valuable. The participation in discussions, answering questions and learning from the experience of others motivate you much more than anything else for analyzing situations, finding concrete solutions and doing one’s best in promoting Olympism and its values in one’s own country. 76 77 INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS The Acta Academiae Olympiquae Estoniae (AAOE) annual issue since 1993 has the aim to promote the philosophy of Olympism and the scientific foundation for the Olympic movement. From the year 2002 two issues of the AAOE per year are publicated. Papers published in the AAOE may cover a wide range of topics on the principles of Olympism, including, but not limited to: • review papers on the training of Olympic athletes, • sport philosophy, sociology, methodology and training, • application of the principles of Olympism, • history of Olympic Movement and sport, • physical activity of children and adolescents. Only original papers not publicised previously are acceptable for contribution. They are reviewed by the editors and, when appropriate, sent to outside editorial consultants. The AAOE is referred to in the international database of Sportdata. Submit manuscripts in two copies and on a floppy disc to: Arved Vain, Editorial Board, Acta Academiae Olympiquae Estoniae, Jakobi 5-112, 51014 Tartu, ESTONIA; e-mail addresses are: [email protected] and arved. [email protected]. Direct contact with editorial staff via arved.vain@ut. ee is also recommended, one copy of the paper should be sent via e-mail to this address, as this way technical problems demanding direct contact with the authors can be solved in a more operative way. The deadlines for accepting manuscripts for the next issues of the AAOE are May and October. Manuscripts. Articles ordinarily may not exceed 10 printed pages. Manu scripts should be submitted in English, typewritten, double-spaced and with broad margins. Articles should be divided into: abstract including 3–5 key words, introduction, material and methods, results, discussion, acknowledgements (if any) and references. ress, including postcodes, of the author responsible for correspondence and offprints should be stated. The Abstract page. The Abstract (not exceeding 150 words) is the summary of the paper. References. The references should contain only authors cited in the text, be numbered using Arabic numbers and listed on a special page in alphabetical order. References must be written in the standard format approved by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Citations in the text should refer to the number of the references, placed in square brackets. Example of references: 1. Journal article 2. Book chapter 3. Textbooks Tesch PA, Karlsson J. Muscle fiber types and size in trained and untrained muscles of elite athletes. J Appl Physiol 1985, 59: 1716–1720. Sale DG. Neural adaptation to strength training. In: Komi PV, ed. Strength and Power in Sports. Blackwell, London, 1992, 249–265. Åstrand PO, Rodahl K. Textbook of Work Physiology, 3rd edn. New York: McGraw Hill, 1986. Tables. Tables should be typed on separate sheets with self-explanatory heading. Figures. The Figures are meant to clarify the text, but their number should be kept to minimum. They must be identified with a label on the back, which indicates the number, author’s name and the top. Details must be large enough to retain clarity after size reduction. Figure legends must be typed on a separate page at the end of the manuscript. The title page of the manuscript should contain a concise informative title, the authors’ full names, the names (in English) of departments and institutions to be attributed and their city of location. The name and postal add- 78 79