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Online ISSN:
2406-1379

ISSN:
1821-3480

Volume 17 , Issue 2, (2025)

Published:
16.12.2025.

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Vol 17, No 2 (2025)

Published: 16.12.2025.

Authors in this issue:

Aleksandar Đuričin, Benjamin Wolden, Bojan Rašković, Boris Popović, Borislav Obradović, Dorjana Zerbo Šporin, Dragan Nikolić, Dragan Veličković, Iva Weingerl, Marijana Basta Nikolić, Marko Ubović, Matevž Arčon, Milan Cvetković, Mitchell Wolden, Nachiappan Chockalingam, Nevena Markov, Nikola Jevtić, Paula Abola, Rade Milić, S M Nazmuz Sakib, Samra Pjanić, Theodoros B. Grivas, Vanja Dimitrijević, Vladimir Manojlović, Žiga Kozinc,

04.06.2025.

Original scientific paper

Sport-specific patterns of vascular compression in athletes with entrapment syndrome: A comparative analysis of endurance versus non-endurance athletes

Vascular entrapment syndromes of the lower extremities represent a diagnostic challenge in athletes, with emerging evidence suggesting sport-specific presentations. This study aimed to characterize and compare patterns of vascular compression, anatomical variants, and hemodynamic consequences across different sporting disciplines. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 210 athletes with confirmed vascular entrapment syndrome from a 10-year cohort (2014-2023). Athletes were categorized as long-distance runners (n=87), cyclists (n=71), triathletes (n=24), soccer players (n=19), and other sports (n=9). All participants underwent standardized clinical assessment and vascular imaging during provocative maneuvers. Multivariable analyses and latent class analysis were performed to identify independent predictors and distinct phenotypes. Sport-specific patterns of vascular compression were identified. Long-distance runners exhibited highest compression during plantarflexion (85.7±8.6%), predominantly with Type III gastrocnemius variants (60.9%). Cyclists demonstrated highest compression during knee extension (79.2±11.4%), with predominant Type II variants (49.3%). Soccer players exhibited primarily Type I variants (57.9%) with lower compression severity. Latent class analysis identified three distinct phenotypes: "runner phenotype" (43.8%), "cyclist phenotype" (37.1%), and "low compression phenotype" (19.0%), each with characteristic anatomical, hemodynamic, and clinical features. Sport category remained an independent predictor of compression severity after adjusting for potential confounders (p<0.001). Vascular entrapment syndrome manifests with distinct sport-specific patterns reflecting the interplay between anatomical predisposition and functional demands. The identification of sport-specific phenotypes provides a framework for tailored diagnostic approaches and management strategies. Recognition of these characteristics may enhance diagnostic accuracy, inform individualized treatment, and improve outcomes for affected athletes across diverse sporting disciplines.

Dragan Nikolić, Milan Cvetković, Marijana Basta Nikolić, Boris Popović, Vladimir Manojlović, Aleksandar Đuričin

09.06.2025.

Review scientific paper

Effectiveness of pilates exercise on quality of life in older adult women: A scoping review

This scoping review investigates the effects of Pilates exercise interventions on health and quality of life of older adult women. Through a comprehensive examination of existing literature, this review identified key areas where Pilates has shown to significantly benefit physical capabilities such as strength, balance, and flexibility, alongside mental health improvements, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhanced sleep quality.  Thus, this scoping review emphasizes a possible role of Pilates in addressing age-related physical and psychosocial challenges, and suggests it as suitable low-impact exercise for promoting healthy aging. Despite the methodological heterogeneity among studies, the overall evidence suggests that Pilates may be a valuable component of geriatric healthcare strategies. The findings advocate for further research to expand the evidence and further guiding healthcare professionals in integrating Pilates into exercise prescriptions for older adult women.

Iva Weingerl, Žiga Kozinc, Dorjana Zerbo Šporin

22.06.2025.

Original scientific paper

Influence of sociodemographic variables on patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options for Parkinson's disease

Patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) experience motor and non-motor symptoms that decrease their quality of life. The non-pharmacological management of PD is imperative to improve the quality of life for patients with the disease. Non-pharmacological management options such as exercise, medical, and surgical interventions can improve function and independence in patients with PD. Many non-pharmacological management options target specific symptoms commonly associated with PD. The Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP) model was adapted to develop a questionnaire that assesses patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options for PD. The questionnaire consisted of 11 questions. To assess the relationship between sociodemographic variables and patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options likelihood-ratio chi-squared, Spearman's correlation, simple logistic regression, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed on the collected data. Six hundred and forty-one participants completed the questionnaire. For patients (n = 492) and practitioners (n = 149), the most widely known non-pharmacological management option was regular exercise, and the least-known was subthalamotomy. Compared to patients, practitioners were more likely to have knowledge of most non-pharmacological management options (OR 1.73 - 7.36). Higher education level (OR 3.10 - 10.96), younger age (OR 0.09 - 0.32), geographical location (North America OR 0.05 - 0.49, Europe OR 2.24), employment status (OR 4.81 - 12.02), and sex (OR 0.59) had a significant relationship with patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options. Practitioners were more likely to have knowledge of most non-pharmacological management options for PD compared to patients. Several sociodemographic variables impacted one's ability to identify non-pharmacological management options in both populations. Increasing patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options could improve the care and quality of life of patients with PD.

Paula Abola, Benjamin Wolden, Mitchell Wolden

12.07.2025.

Original scientific paper

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on recovery from fatiguing exercise

This study investigates the potential benefits of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy for recovery following a fatiguing exercise protocol in recreational athletes. Despite growing interest in PEMF therapy for athletic recovery, few studies have evaluated its effects across a wide range of performance and recovery measures, particularly among recreationally active individuals. This study is the first-ever investigation to examine the effects of PEMF therapy on recovery from fatiguing exercise across multiple performance outcomes, including maximal strength, power, vertical jump height, and muscle soreness, in a sample of recreationally active college-aged individuals. Thirty participants (mean age: 23.7 ± 3.7 years; 19 males, 11 females) were randomly assigned to one of three recovery conditions: PEMF therapy (n=10), placebo (n=10), or control (n=10). The fatigue protocol used in this study was the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT1), designed to induce neuromuscular fatigue. Recovery was assessed through quantitative measures of performance (peak power, peak cadence, vertical jump, and isometric strength) and qualitative measures of muscle soreness. No statistically significant differences were observed between the recovery groups in terms of performance outcomes. However, PEMF therapy did show trends toward improved recovery, particularly in peak power at 24-, 48-, and 72-hours post-exercise, and was the only group to show consistent reductions in muscle soreness. These findings underscore the need for further research in this area and suggest that PEMF therapy may offer marginal recovery benefits, particularly for perceived recovery and power restoration. This study addresses a crucial gap in the scientific literature by providing empirical evidence on the efficacy of PEMF therapy for recreational athletes, suggesting potential applications in non-elite athletic populations, though further research is required to confirm its mechanisms and long-term effects.

S M Nazmuz Sakib

18.07.2025.

Review scientific paper

The impact of hormonal contraceptives on skeletal muscle hypertrophy

Female reproductive hormones such as progesterone and estrogen play an important role in the body as they orchestrate functions of numerous cells including skeletal muscle cells. Onset of menses marks the beginning of reproductive life, whereas menopause marks its cessation. We distinguish three phases of the 28-day menstrual cycle namely follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases. The follicular phase is characterised by marked increases in estrogen, which triggers ovulation. During this phase, estrogen peaks, whereas progesterone levels are low. Following ovulation, the luteal phase commences marked by high progesterone levels and reduced estrogen. Indeed, these periodic fluctuations in reproductive hormones may affect rates of muscle protein synthesis and hence hinder sought adaptations such as skeletal muscle hypertrophy in female athletes. With the introduction of hormonal contraceptives, female athletes were able to have ameliorate the negative effects of the menstrual cycle by reducing menstrual cramping and bleeding. Hormonal contraceptives are constituted of a single or multiple synthetic hormones namely estrogen and progestin. Nevertheless, the impact of hormonal contraceptives on skeletal muscle hypertrophy remains elusive. In this review, we aim to present the potential implications of hormonal contraceptives on skeletal muscle hypertrophy.

Nevena Markov, Matevž Arčon

28.07.2025.

Review scientific paper

Service quality in football: A systematic review

This systematic review analyses the existing research on service quality in football academies, focusing on its impact on user satisfaction and loyalty. Several factors can influence user satisfaction in football academies. Some of them are: academy infrastructure, quality of training, expert and professional staff, location and environment of the academy, status and reputation of the academy, levels of competition, as well as prospects in terms of career progression and career management in youth football. All of these factors contribute to better service and directly influence the increase in user satisfaction and loyalty, i.e., future members of the academy. For this reason, it is necessary to analyse the existing research on this topic to understand the measurement of service quality and the impact it has on the value and satisfaction of athletes. This systematic review aims to investigate service quality and to analyze the current state and factors that influence quality in the management of football academies. For this research, the electronic databases Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched to find relevant articles on this topic. The following inclusion criteria were applied during the search: only topics related to service quality, scientific papers covering the field of management, papers written in English, papers published from 2009 to the present, and full-text papers available. The results of the selected studies for this research showed that service quality is a key factor in achieving a high level of user loyalty towards a football academy.

Rade Milić

16.08.2025.

Review scientific paper

A systematic review entrepreneurial competence of sports students for entrepreneurship after graduation

Recently, entrepreneurship has become increasingly attractive to sports and physical education students. As a result, many students recognize entrepreneurship as an opportunity for career development and the achievement of professional goals. This study examines the entrepreneurial preparedness of sports and physical education students, revealing significant gaps in essential business skills despite high entrepreneurial interest. The findings highlight the need for enhanced educational programs to better equip graduates for successful entrepreneurial endeavors. Based on previous research, to analyze the readiness and understanding of entrepreneurship among students, assess their entrepreneurial capabilities, and evaluate their level of competence in running their own business. The following academic databases were used for literature search: Scopus (158 sources) and Web of Science (104 sources). A total of 262 references were found. After removing duplicates, 234 references remained. The following inclusion criteria were applied: 1. Articles published since 2010; 2. Studies written in English; 3. Research focused on the topic of entrepreneurship in sports and student entrepreneurship. The results of this study indicate that entrepreneurship in sports faces significant challenges, including limited employment opportunities and a lack of essential entrepreneurial skills among students. These challenges hinder the development of successful entrepreneurial initiatives in the sports sector, as students often lack adequate training in the areas of starting and managing a business. Moreover, the job market in sports offers relatively few employment opportunities, further complicating students' ability to find jobs or start their own entrepreneurial projects in this specialized field.

Marko Ubović

07.09.2025.

Original scientific paper

User satisfaction through improvements of the sports information system in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina

This study examines user satisfaction with the upgraded eSavezi sports information system of the Provincial Secretariat for Sports and Youth, Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (APV). The 2024–2025 upgrade introduced advanced search, multi-format data export, faster processing, expanded cloud storage, a universal cost management module, standardized financial planning, program consolidation, and centralized document upload. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 5–20, 2025, with 257 provincial sports association administrators (~12% coverage). Data were collected via an online five-point Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics.Results indicate high satisfaction with all features, particularly data export, storage capacity, and administrator support. All eight hypotheses were confirmed, demonstrating the system’s contribution to operational efficiency, transparency, and digital transformation in sports administration.

Dragan Veličković

16.12.2025.

Original scientific paper

The Effect of Schroth Exercises and Orthotic Bracing on Changes in Sagittal Balance and Sagittal Index in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Introduction: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by lateral curvature, vertebral rotation, and sagittal imbalance. It affects 2–4% of adolescents, predominantly females (7:1 ratio). Progressive deformity can cause respiratory dysfunction, chronic pain, and psychosocial distress. Developing effective conservative treatments remains a major challenge in orthopedic rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined Schroth therapy and 3D-Chêneau bracing in managing AIS, focusing on sagittal alignment, postural control, and functional improvement. Material and Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted with 60 adolescents (mean age 13.3 ± 1.6 years) diagnosed with AIS (Cobb angle 20°–47°). The intervention consisted of two phases: an intensive 3-week supervised Schroth exercise program (21 sessions) followed by continued home exercises combined with a custom 3D-modified Chêneau brace. Assessments were performed at baseline, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Primary outcomes included sagittal balance (mm) and sagittal index (mm), evaluated by standardized plumb-line analysis. Results: After six months, significant improvements were observed in sagittal alignment (p < 0.001). Sagittal balance increased toward the physiological reference (~20 mm), indicating improved postural symmetry and trunk stability. Sagittal index values reflected curve-specific and localization-dependent adaptations, particularly in thoracic deformities. Conclusion: Combined Schroth therapy and 3D-modified Chêneau bracing effectively enhanced sagittal spinal alignment in adolescents with AIS. This integrated conservative approach demonstrated measurable improvements in physiological balance and postural organization, supporting its role as a functional, noninvasive intervention for AIS management.

Nikola Jevtić, Vanja Dimitrijević, Bojan Rašković, Samra Pjanić, Theodoros B. Grivas, Nachiappan Chockalingam, Borislav Obradović