Effect of glissade-step on kinetic and kinematic variables of stag ring leaps with and without throw-catch of the ball in rhythmic gymnastics

This study focuses on certain characteristics of the jump take-offs in rhythmic gymnastics (RG). Rhythmic gymnasts always perform their jumps with the same preferred run-up technique, proceeded by a chassé-step in most of the cases. The overall idea was to analyse other step-techniques that could be performged on one-leg, which could prepare jumps. The aim of this study was to compare kinetic and kinematic variables between three-stag ring leaps with and without throwing-ball, performed using the glissade-step as a preparatory phase for take-off with one-leg these were as follows: glissade stag ring leap without-ball (GSWB), throw-ball glissade stag ring leap (TBGS) and glissade throw-ball stag ring leap (GTBS). Seven members of the Tunisian RG national team took part in this study. The technical elements were recorded in 2D using two-cameras on a specially designed floor carpet where a force-plate was integrated. The results showed that the three-leaps had significant impacts on the performance variables, especially on the force, the velocity and the flexibility. The GTBS was the most effective leap as the throw took place during the jump, which has increased its technicality and the applied physical variables, the vertical force, the rate of force development, the horizontal and vertical velocities and displacements.

Reliability and criterion-related validity of a new repeated agility test

The study aimed to assess the reliability and the criterion-related validity of a new repeated sprint T-test (RSTT) that includes intense multidirectional intermittent efforts. The RSTT consisted of 7 maximal repeated executions of the agility T-test with 25 s of passive recovery rest in between. Forty-five team sports players performed two RSTTs separated by 3 days to assess the reliability of best time (BT) and total time (TT) of the RSTT. The intra-class correlation coefficient analysis revealed a high relative reliability between test and retest for BT and TT (>0.90). The standard error of measurement (<0.50) showed that the RSTT has a good absolute reliability. The minimal detectable change values for BT and TT related to the RSTT were 0.09 s and 0.58 s, respectively. To check the criterion-related validity of the RSTT, players performed a repeated linear sprint (RLS) and a repeated sprint with changes of direction (RSCD). Significant correlations between the BT and TT of the RLS, RSCD and RSTT were observed (p<0.001). The RSTT is, therefore, a reliable and valid measure of the intermittent repeated sprint agility performance. As this ability is required in all team sports, it is suggested that team sports coaches, fitness coaches and sports scientists consider this test in their training follow-up.

Jumping performance profile of male and female gymnasts

AIM

The aim of this study was to establish a more precise jumping performance profile of elite gymnasts than that published in previous studies.

METHODS

Seventy-six elite male and female competitive gymnasts and 91 moderately active subjects volunteered for the study. The jumping tests performed on a contact mat were: squat jump (SJ) with progressive loads of 0%, 25%, 50 %, 75% and 100% of body mass, counter-movement jump (CMJ), and counter-movement jump with arm swing (CMJA). The parameters used to assess the jumping performance were flight time (FT, ms), FT normalized to body mass (FTbm, ms/kg), estimated elastic component (EC) and arm participation (AP). In SJ, the overload with respect to body mass had a negative impact on reliability in all of the subgroups that were analysed. When overloads were above 50% of body mass in SJ, reliability was poor. Therefore, overloads should not be used with sedentary young females. Gymnasts carry out a large number of jumps from very young ages, which may explain their high jump reliability (ICC>0.91).

RESULTS

We used FT to estimate the F-v curve through SJ with overloads. The curves for male gymnasts and their controls were practically identical. However, when FT was normalized to body mass (FTbm), the F-v curve showed the advantage of female gymnasts in particular over their control group when overloads were above 50%. Larger, more significant (P<0.001) differences between gymnasts and their control groups were observed in CMJ and CMJA, with FTbm instead of FT. The combination of poor SJ and good CMJ performances explains why the EC was higher in gymnasts than in controls (+27%).

CONCLUSION

The better AP of the gymnasts (+79%) may be due to better arm strength conditioning and segmental coordination. EC and AP can be considered a suitable complementary parameter of jumping performance in gymnasts.

Influence of family history of NIDDM on basal metabolic rate in sedentary and active women

AIM AND METHODS

The influence of family history of non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) on basal metabolic rate (BMR) has been investigated in 116 voluntarily women: 25 sedentary and 34 athletes without a family predisposition to type 2 diabetes (FH-); 21 sedentary and 15 athletes with a second degree predisposition to NIDDM (FH+); 10 sedentary and 11 athletes with a first degree predisposition to NIDDM (FH++).

RESULTS

The results showed that family history on type 2 diabetes is strongly related to sedentary in women with significant high body weight values and an increased fat mass. There was no significant difference in the body parameters among the athletes groups, confirming the protective role of regular physical activity on these parameters. Analysing basal energy expenditure showed that sedentary FH++ women had a significant increase in BMR in absolute values; however there were no differences in BMR when reported to body weight and body fat-free mass. In contrast, the FH++ athletes group had lower BMR (absolute values) than the sedentary group. No differences were found in the relative BMR either. By comparing the recorded BMR of the groups with the theoretical values, it has been shown that the FH++ athletes had a reduced increase in BMR with respect to the other groups. The FH- athletes showed a higher energy turnover compared to the other women and relative to predicted values.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that family history of type 2 diabetes has an important influence on the phenotype of women and it can be associated with significant metabolic and anthropometric modifications in young healthy subjects. It may also account for changes in the body composition and basal metabolic rate alterations in subjects with a predisposition to type 2 diabetes, by reducing the metabolic basal output expected in active subjects.

Pediatric urolithiasis in Tunisia: a multi-centric study of 525 patients

PURPOSE

To investigate retrospectively the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, and method of treatment of childhood urolithiasis, a major urological problem in Tunisia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of 525 children with urolithiasis treated in Tunisia between 1990 and 2004 were reviewed in a multi-centric study with regard to age at diagnosis, sex, history, and physical, laboratory, and radiologic findings. Metabolic evaluation when performed included serum electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, 24-h urine collection for calcium and creatinine, and a sodium nitroprusside test for cystine. In all cases urine specimens were sent for culture.

RESULTS

The stone was located in the upper tract in 420 (80%) and lower tract in 105 children. Of the urine cultures, 40% were positive. Metabolic investigation was performed in 201 patients and was normal in 170 (84%). Urinary stasis secondary to a urinary tract anomaly that led to the formation of stones was found in 77 patients. Stones were treated by surgery (80%), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) (5%) and ureteroscopic extraction (4%), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed in 10 patients (2%). The stone passed spontaneously in 9% of cases.

CONCLUSION

The use of ESWL and endourological methods of treatment for childhood urolithiasis must be generalized, with open surgery being reserved for particular and complex cases.

[Evolution of the physiological profile of gymnasts over the past 40 years. A review of the literature]

Authors illustrate the evolution of the physiological profile of gymnasts over the past 40 years. Gymnasts are demonstrating increased anaerobic power. Maximal power output measured by the Wingate test in high level male gymnasts is currently between 12 and 14 W x kg(-1). Female gymnasts show maximal power between 10 and 12 W x kg(-1). In spite of an increase in the number of training hours, they have a low aerobic aptitude. It is still adequate and sufficient for their practice. Maximal heart rate values measured during gymnastic exercises have mirrored technical and acrobatic demands of increasing difficulty. Currently, exercise heart rates exceed 190 beat x min(-1) as compared to 135 to 151 beat x min(-1) in the seventies. Measurement of higher blood lactate values suggests that anaerobic glycolysis has increased in importance. Glycolytic contributions differ between apparatuses. Data from energy cost studies demonstrate that gymnastics energy demands are greater now than in the seventies.

[Abdominoscrotal hydrocele]

The abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is a rare variant of hydrocele of the tunica vaginalis with fluid accumulation into the abdominal cavity passing through the inguinal canal. The etiology of ASH is not clear. The positive diagnosis depends on the clinical data (hydrocele + abdominal mass). It is confirmed by means of echography and or by TDM. The treatment is surgical complete resection of the vaginalis with ligation of the peritoneal cavity. This report concerns the observation of a huge ASH, so far described in a literature review. We try to distinguish the diagnostic and therapeutic elements of this exceptional pathology.

[Urachal cyst. Report of 3 cases]

The authors report three cases of cyst of the urachus, one of which was complicated by infection. This diagnosis is only rarely established clinically. The current performance of ultrasonography allows very precise analysis of the anterosuperior surface of the bladder, which may reveal the diagnosis. The authors discuss the problems raised by cysts of the urachus and emphasize the importance of clinical history, physical examination and complementary investigations, particularly CT which should allow the diagnosis of this disease, which needs to be treated surgically.

[Results of the treatment of renal lithiasis by percutaneous nephrolithotomy: apropos of 115 cases]

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to analyse the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), which was recently introduced into Tunisia, in order to determine its place among the treatment options for renal stones.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Our retrospective study was based on 115 consecutive PCNL procedures performed between April 1994 and November 1997. The stone was a single pelvic stone in 13 cases, lower caliceal in 15 cases, lower pyelocaliceal in 28 cases, partial staghorn in 20 cases, total staghorn in 16 cases and multiple pyelocaliceal in 23 cases. In our series, ultrasound lithotripsy constitutes the procedure of choice for renal stone fragmentation.

RESULTS

A good result was obtained immediately in 67% of cases. This figure is lower than that published in the literature because of the complexity of the stones and the high failure rate due to the learning curve, involving 6 members of the team. In the case of failure, the procedure was converted to conventional surgery under the same anaesthetic in 20 patients. Residual stones, observed in 23 patients, were successfully treated by extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in 79% of cases. By combining PCNL and ESWL, the good result rate was 80%. The mortality rate of this series was 0.8% and the morbidity rate was 7.5%. Complications were generally rare and often minor.

CONCLUSION

PCNL occupies an important place in the treatment of renal stones. The results depend on the site, size and number of stones and on the operator's experience.

[Results of BCG in the treatment of pTa and pT1 bladder tumors. Evaluation of a long protocol using 75 mg of Pasteur strain BCG]

OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of a protocol of intravesical BCG therapy using 75 mg of Pasteur strain BCG with 2 years of maintenance treatment, and a follow-up of up to 60 months.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

189 patients treated by transurethral resection (TUR) for a pTa (N = 80) or pT1 (N = 109) bladder tumour were included in the study. The local and general safety was excellent. We retrospectively compared this series to a group of patients treated by TUR alone (N = 42) another group treated with TUR and Mitomycin C (MMC) (N = 81). The 3 groups were statistically comparable.

RESULTS

At 48 months, 62% of patients treated with BCG were recurrence-free, versus only 18% for patients treated with TUR alone and 38% for patients treated with TUR and MMC (p = 0.001). At 42 months, 11% of pT1 tumours treated with BCG had progressed to invasive carcinoma, and this progression occurred during the first 18 months in every case. In comparison, this progression was observed in 25% of pT1 tumours treated by TUR alone and 21% of tumours treated with TUR and MMC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms the efficacy of our BCG protocol ro reduce the potential for recurrence and progression of superficial bladder tumours, despite reduction of the dose to 75 mg. It also suggests the superiority of BCG compared to MMC in terms of recurrence and progression.

[Urinary fistula after transplantation: eleven cases]

OBJECTIVES

To specify the anatomical features of urinary fistulas and to evaluate the results of percutaneous and surgical treatment of post-transplantation urinary fistulas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

11 urinary fistulas were observed after 160 renal transplantations, corresponding to an incidence of this complication of 6.8%. Urinary fistulas were treated percutaneously in three cases and surgically in eight cases. THE FOLLOWING COMPLICATIONS WERE OBSERVED DURING SURGICAL TREATMENT: extensive necrosis of the urethra in four cases, rupture of the sutures in two cases, a punctate pelvic fistula in one case.

RESULTS

The incidence of fistula was 5.8% for Leadbetter reimplantation and 8.1% for Lich-Gregoir extravesical reimplantation. We obtained one success in three patients treated percutaneously and one death and seven successes out of eight patients treated surgically. We performed ureteropelvic anastomosis with the native ureter in the case of extensive necrosis of the ureter (4 cases), a new reimplantation in three cases and suture of the pelvic fistula in one case.

CONCLUSION

More than one half of post-transplantation urinary fistulas observed in our department are secondary to ischaemic necrosis of the ureter. We emphasize the value of preservation of the ureteric blood supply during organ harvesting. Post-transplantation urinary fistulas must be treated surgically, as soon as possible, to avoid infectious complications.

[The treatment of ureteroceles complicated by calculi]

In a series of 13 adults with calculi in ureteroceles, 10 cases underwent endoscopic meatotomy associated with endoscopic lithotripsy. In 2 bulky ureteroceles with calculi, the authors performed excision of the ureterocele and reimplantation of the ureter. In one case, the authors successfully performed extracorporeal lithotripsy. The authors obtained good results in all cases. Endoscopic meatotomy with lithotripsy is a very useful procedure for treatment of small or medium sized ureteroceles with calculi in adults.

Vaginal leiomyoma: the female prostate

We report one case of vaginal leiomyoma revealed by dysuria operated with success. Our observation are discussed with the review of the literature data.

[Pyogenic abscess of the psoas]

11 cases (7 primary and 4 secondary) of pyogenic psoas abscesses are reported. In all cases Staphylococcus aureus was isolated on blood culture or pus drained under ultra-sonographic control. US is very useful for diagnosis and the follow up of psoas pyogenic abscesses. Percutaneous aspiration and drainage of psoas abscesses under ultrasonographic control combined to antibiotherapy is an effective therapeutic procedure. Our experience suggests that antibiotherapy alone is an effective therapy of presuppurative pyogenic psoas abscesses and even in collected and non complicated primary psoas abscesses.

[Analytical study of 80 cases of lithiasic cholangitis]

A retrospective study of 80 cases of lithiasic cholangitis treated between 1970 and 1982 demonstrated that cholangitis represents 45 p. 100 of the clinical manifestations of stones in the main biliary tract and 6.5 p. 100 of biliary surgery. This complication mainly affects female patients (3 out of 4 cases) and charcot's triad is the form that is most frequently encountered (81.25 p. 100 of cases). External drainage of the main biliary tract by Kerr's drain was performed in 32,5 p. 100 of cases and internal bypass operations in the remainder (A.B.D. : 36,15 p. 100, sphincterotomy : 32,25 p. 100). Mortality has reached 11,25 p. 100, including over half of the cases by cholangitis of uremic origin.