Overweight and obesity have become a global public health concern, with prevalence rising sharply in low- and middle-income countries. This study analysed temporal trends in overweight and obesity among schoolchildren in the largest capital city of Brazil, from 2006 to 2024. Repeated cross-sectional. Schoolchildren aged 6 to 19 years from Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil. A total of 12 646 participants were evaluated. To assess the BMI z-score, standardised body mass and height measurements were used, stratified by sex (male and female) and age group (6-10 and 11-19 years). Temporal trends were assessed using joinpoint regression analysis. Overall, 17·8 % of participants were classified with overweight, and 8·6 % were classified with obesity. The study also found that obesity prevalence was consistently higher among younger age groups compared to adolescents. The results revealed a significant increase in obesity prevalence among girls (annual percentage change (APC) = 5·81 %; 95 % CI = 1·03-10·81; P-value = 0·021) and children aged 6 to 10 years (APC = 5·20 %; 95 % CI = 1·17-9·39; P-value = 0·017), while no significant trends were observed for overweight or for male adolescents or adolescents aged 11 to 19 years. Our findings indicate rising obesity among girls and children aged 6-10 years and support the need for urgency. We recommend targeted action, including implementing mandatory quality physical education and school nutrition standards, enforcing restrictions on marketing to children and prioritising municipal policies that increase access to healthy foods.

The aim of this study was to examine differences in body composition among girls from three European countries (Serbia, Italy, and Spain). Based on age, participants were di vided into two categories: the first group included girls aged 15–19 years, while the second group consisted of those aged 20–24 years. The first group comprised a total of 113 parti cipants (50 from Serbia, 24 from Spain, and 39 from Italy), whereas the second group inclu ded 167 participants (50 from Serbia, 81 from Spain, and 36 from Italy). Body composition was assessed using the InBody 230 device, which enabled the assessment of the following variables: body height, body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, muscle mass percentage, and waist-hip ratio. In the age group 15-19 years, results showed statistically significant differen ces among the countries in body height (p < 0.05) and waist-hip ratio (p < 0.05). In the age group 20–24 years, statistically significant differences were observed in all measured variab les. Overall, the results indicate that differences in body composition among girls from Ser bia, Italy, and Spain are more pronounced in the older age group (20–24 years) compared to the younger group (15–19 years), which is likely a consequence of cultural, lifestyle, and trai ning factors, while also underscoring the importance of monitoring body composition during growth and maturation.

Objective: Growth traits are important economic characteristics in livestock. Genetic polymorphism has great influences on the improvement of goat growth traits. As an important member of the myogenic regulatory factor (MRFs) family, MyoG gene polymorphisms can alter the growth characteristics in goats. In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulation mechanism of the MyoG gene promoter region from the perspective of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and transcription factors. Methods: Genomic DNA sequencing was carried out to detect SNPs in the -1000 bp upstream to 300 bp downstream of the MyoG gene promoter region in 224 Guizhou White goats (Capra hircus), and the genetic parameters of novel SNPs were calculated. The association between SNPs and growth traits, comprising body weight, body length, body height, chest circumference and cannon circumference, were analyzed using one-way ANOVA by IBM SPSS 23.0 software according to the general linear model. Transcription factor binding sites in the promoter region of the MyoG gene before and after mutation were predicted using bioinformatics software programs. Results: Four SNPs, including g.-709C>T, g.-461G>T, g.-377G>T and g.-249G>A, were identified in the 1 246 bp promoter region of the MyoG gene in Guizhou White goats. Based on χ2 test, the g.-709C>T and g.-461G>T loci were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, while two other SNPs were deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in Guizhou White goats. Association analysis revealed that the body weight of those with the CT genotype at the g.-709C>T locus was greater than of those with the CC and TT genotypes in Guizhou White goats (p < 0.05). At the g.-461G>T locus, the body weight of individuals with the GG genotype was significantly higher than that of those with GT genotype (p < 0.01). The body length of individuals with the GG genotype formed by the g.-249G>A locus was significantly higher than that of those with the GA genotype (p < 0.01). Online software programs found that four SNPs within the promoter region of the MyoG gene changed some transcription factor binding sites. Conclusions: Mutations of the MyoG gene promoter region may have a significant regulatory effect on the growth traits of Guizhou White goats. The small sample size may be one of the limitations for this study; nevertheless, these findings could provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the relationship between the four SNPs studied and the growth traits in Guizhou White goats, as well as the promoter function of the MyoG gene.

The aim of this study was to improve skill indicators in female volleyball players of Tirana in Albania, with a real-time training model of 15 min. A total of 30 female volleyball players, aged 13-14 years (13.0±0.6 years), was divided into two teams: the experimental team (N = 15) and the control team (N = 15). The study was conducted from September to December 2023. During this period of time, the experimental team underwent a 15-minute training intervention, 3 times a week, while the control team followed the coach’s standard training program. Participants were subjected to anthropometric measurements, including body height, body weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Subjects were also tested on Squat Jump (SJ), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), 20-cm Drop Jump (DJ), Agility Test, Lateral Change of Direction, T-Test, Shuttle Run Test (10 x 5 m) and Hexagonal Test. The tests were conducted before and after the implementation of the intervention training program. The linear effect of the intervention was statistically significant [F (1,22) = 53.797, p&lt;0.001)], indicating that there is a significant difference across levels of intervention. The findings from this study suggest that the applied methodology is effective in comparing performances, enabling trainers to design real-time training programs for developing specific physical components based on existing conditions.

BackgroundDevelopment of adolescent obesity is associated with substantial health risks and comorbidities and thus represents a major public health concern. This study aimed to examine the associations between dietary behaviours and physical activity with body composition indicators among Slovak adolescents.MethodsWe used data from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in 2022 in Slovakia. The sample consisted of 1225 adolescents (mean age 13.3 ± 1.4; 53.9% boys). The HBSC questionnaire items were used to assess frequency of fruits, vegetables, sweets, soft and energy drinks, breakfast consumption during weekdays, having breakfast with family, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA). Body height (cm) was measured using a SECA 213 portable stadiometer, and body composition was assessed via bioimpedance analysis (InBody 230). Linear regression was used to test associations between dietary behaviours and physical activity variables and body composition outcomes.ResultsMore frequent breakfast eating during weekdays and more frequent sweets consumption were inversely associated with body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), visceral fat area (VFA) and fat-free mass index (FFMI). Higher MVPA was inversely associated with BMI, PBF and VFA but positively associated with FFMI. Greater VPA was associated with PBF and VFA, but inversely associated with FFMI.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that more frequent breakfast consumption and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are associated with favourable body composition parameters in adolescents.

BackgroundThis study assesses intra- and interobserver reliability in measuring femoral torsion on repeated computed tomography (CT) scanograms and explores variability across training levels and patient characteristics.MethodsPatients from 2001 to 2017 with femur fractures who underwent multiple CT scanograms were included. Measurements were performed by an orthopaedic traumatologist, two orthopaedic residents (PGY-5 and PGY-3), and a musculoskeletal radiologist. Intraobserver reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and interobserver reliability using repeated measures ANOVA. Correlations between measurement variability and body mass index (BMI), age, height, gender, and laterality were evaluated using Pearson’s coefficient.ResultsTwenty-nine patients with unilateral uninjured femurs were analyzed. Interobserver analysis revealed significant differences in femoral torsion (p = 0.006) and length (p = 0.019). Intraobserver reliability showed strong agreement in femoral torsion (ICC 0.620–0.950) and length (ICC 0.992–0.999), but moderate to poor agreement in femoral neck axis (ICC 0.394–0.627) and posterior condylar axis (ICC 0.561–0.665). Femoral length measurements were the most consistent across all reviewers. Higher BMI correlated with increased variability in femoral torsion measurements (r = 0.378; p = 0.048). No significant correlation was found for age (p = 0.110), height (p = 0.363), gender (p = 0.610), or laterality (p = 0.830).ConclusionThese findings highlight the reliability of CT scanograms to assess femoral length and torsion when done by the same physician. Although moderate to poor agreement in femoral neck axis and posterior femoral condyle axis, overall femoral torsion was found to be highly reliable. Reliable measurement of native femoral torsion in patients with a higher BMI may be difficult. To ensure reliable measures of femoral torsion, the same clinician should evaluate all pertinent studies for an individual patient.Level of evidenceLevel III Retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to analyse 18-year changes in dominant handgrip strength and assess sexual dimorphism in this trait among a group of participants from the Cracow Longitudinal Growth Study (KLGS) born between 1970 and 1972. The study was conducted twice—in 2004 (age 32–34) and in 2022 (age 50–52)—among a group of 84 participants (35 women and 49 men).Handgrip strength was measured using the JAMAR dynamometer, and basic somatic characteristics were also calculated: body mass, body height, BMI (Body Mass Index) and upper limb circumference. The degree of sexual dimorphism was determined using the Mollison Index.The results showed a significant decrease in mean gripstrength over the 18-year period—by nearly 3 kG in women and over 4 kG in men—with a simultaneous increase in body mass and BMI in both groups. High stability of individual differences in grip strength was found (r ≈ 0.65), meaning that individuals who were stronger at age 32 remained relatively stronger at age 50. Sexual dimorphism, while still evident, was slightly weakened. In women at age 50, the best correlate of grip strength was forearm circumference, while in men, it was body height.The obtained results confirm that handgrip strength is a stable indicator of strength potential in adulthood, and its decline is a natural part of the aging process. The relationships between strength and somatic characteristics change with age and differ among women and men.

ABSTRACTBackgroundDespite the known impact of steroid therapy on growth after kidney transplantation (KTx), steroids remain widely used in pediatric KTx recipients. Evidence on the effect on linear growth at minimal doses of steroids (6 mg/m2 or 0.2 mg/kg/day) is limited. This study evaluated whether low doses of steroid therapy are associated with post‐transplant growth failure.MethodsSingle‐center retrospective cohort study. In total, 44 pediatric KTx recipients from 2005 to 2024 were collected. Differences in Z‐Score and height before 6 months and after 6 and 12 months of KTx were assessed using Friedman rank tests. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the longitudinal effect of steroid therapy on growth outcomes.ResultsThe mean age at KTx was 11 years (SD ± 3.8). Median prednisolone doses at 3 and 6 months after KTx were 0.23 (p25–75: 0.18–0.41) and 0.21 mg/k/day (0.14–0.28), respectively. The mean‐height Z‐score improved from −2.35 (SD ± 1.30) to 1.82 (SD ± 1.23) one year post‐KTx. The percentage of patients with short stature (height Z‐score ≤ −2SD) decreased from 65.1% at baseline (KTx) to 54.8% and 52.3% after 6 and 12 months, respectively. In multivariable analysis, time follow‐up and age at KTx were associated with post‐transplant growth. Steroid therapy shows a trend to reduce body height, but the interaction was not significant.ConclusionThis single‐center study found that pediatric KTx recipients receiving low‐dose steroid therapy showed post‐transplant improvements in height and Z‐scores. Notably, the use of low‐dose steroids did not significantly impair growth, although a slight downward trend in Z scores was noted.

This one labour it investigate impact and connectivity between motor vehicles anthropometric tests measures and measures on the bodily composition where the swimmers adolescents from different adults categories . The research includes 70 participants (35 male and 35 female), divided in three adults groups: wound adolescence (10–12 years), middle adolescence (13–16 years) and late adolescence (17–19 years). Six anthropometric measures (body height, weight, arm span, seat height, foot length and body mass index), two body composition assessment variables (percentage of fat and muscle mass) and two motor tests (critical speed) were applied of swimming and long jump).The results show significant differences between the age groups in all analyzed parameters. Older swimmers show greater physical maturity, with better performance on motor tests and better body composition. Anthropometric measures, such as body height and arm span, also increase with age, reflecting biological and training effects. The percentage of fat decreases significantly, while the percentage of muscle mass increases in older age categories. These findings emphasize the specific training needs of swimmers at different stages of adolescence and highlight the importance of a personalized approach in sports selection and preparation. The paper makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the complex relationship between physical characteristics and performance in young swimmers.

BackgroundKnowledge on the frequency of malocclusion and associated factors allows planning adequate financing in public health care systems for both preventive and treatment measures. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malocclusion in Polish adolescents (from West Pomeranian region) and perform an analysis across a spectrum of factors, including BMI, parental age and education, maternal smoking during pregnancy, gestational age and Apgar at birth, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, eruption age of deciduous teeth, eruption age of permanent teeth, lingual frenulum and frequency of dental appointments.MethodsThe study included 738 children aged 12–13 years subjected to a written interview with the parents and a clinical examination by a specialist in orthodontics or pedodontics.ResultsDistal occlusion was found in 22.09%, deep bite was found in 19.92%, dental crowding was observed in 19.51%, crossbite—in 6.23%, anterior open bite—in 1.63%, mesial occlusion in 2.30%, dental spacing—in 2.71%, and scissor bite in 0.68%.The prevalence of malocclusion did not statistically significantly differ between the sexes. A higher proportion of adolescents without malocclusion were children of parents with a higher education level and they visited the dentist more frequently than adolescents with malocclusion. No statistically significant difference was found referring to gestational age at birth, delivery (cesarean or natural), birth weight, Apgar score, maternal smoking during pregnancy, breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Adolescents with malocclusion had fewer permanent teeth erupted. A short lingual frenulum was more prevalent in teenagers with malocclusion. Body height was identified as significant in logistic regression—each additional cm of height resulted in a 3% decrease in malocclusion odds.Conclusion1. Malocclusion is highly prevalent among Polish adolescents.2. Factors associated to malocclusion in adolescents are: parents’ level of education, frequency of dental appointments, short tongue frenulum, number of permanent teeth erupted and body height.3. Gender, body mass index, feeding practices in infancy, pregnancy and birth condition (Apgar, method of delivery and mother smoking while being pregnant) have no association to malocclusion in 12–13 years old adolescents.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-025-06887-2.

Background/Objectives: Diet and physical activity are key lifestyle behaviours associated with sleep quality, yet their combined and sex-specific associations remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the associations between dietary behaviours and sleep quality among university students and assessed whether physical activity formed part of an indirect statistical association between these variables, with sex considered as a moderator. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 students (199 males, 219 females) from the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences. Body height and body mass were measured using standard anthropometric procedures. Sleep quality (SQ) was registered with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), dietary habits were assessed with the Questionnaire of Eating Behaviours (QEB) and physical activity (PA) was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data-driven feature-selection methods were applied to identify dietary behaviours associated with sleep quality, which were combined into a Synthetic Dietary Behaviour Index (SDBI). A moderated mediation model, adjusted for body mass index (BMI), was then used to examine the statistical associations between dietary behaviours, physical activity, sleep quality, and sex. Sleep quality was modelled as a continuous PSQI score in mediation analyses, while the dichotomised PSQI category was used only for feature selection. Results: Machine-learning feature selection identified nine dietary behaviours statistically associated with sleep quality. Unfavourable behaviours—fast food, fried meals, sweetened beverages, energy drinks and alcohol—were linked to poorer sleep, whereas vegetables, curd cheese and wholegrain bread were associated with better sleep. Poor sleep was more prevalent among females (45.2% vs. 14.6%, χ2 (1) = 65.4, p < 0.001). The mediation model indicated that physical activity formed part of a statistically significant but modest indirect association between dietary behaviour and sleep quality, with sex moderating the IPAQ → PSQI path (β = −0.45, p = 0.006). Indirect associations were significant for both sexes but stronger among females (males: β = 0.032, p = 0.021; females: β = 0.102, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Unfavourable dietary patterns and lower physical activity were statistically associated with poorer sleep quality, with a stronger indirect statistical effect observed among females. These findings support the relevance of integrated, sex-sensitive lifestyle approaches addressing both dietary behaviours and physical activity, while acknowledging the cross-sectional nature of the data.

This paper investigates the anthropometric differences between adolescent swimmers and non-swimmers in different age categories (10–12, 13–16 and 17–19 years), in order to identify the effects of regular sports training on physical development. 140 subjects were included, divided equally into two groups: swimmers and non-swimmers. Six anthropometric parameters were evaluated: body height, body weight, arm span, seat height, foot length and body mass index (BMI).The results show that adolescent swimmers have greater values of parameters such as arm span and foot length, especially in older categories, which reflects specific physical adaptations to swimming. Also, swimmers maintain a healthy body mass index, suggesting a positive impact of regular training. The differences become more pronounced with age, emphasizing the importance of sports training for the optimization of physical development. These findings provide important guidelines for sports selection, creating individualized training programs and supporting the healthy development of young athletes. Future research should expand the understanding of the long-term effects of sports training on the physical and psychological characteristics of youth.

Basketball is a highly popular and complex sport classified as a monostructural activity. Various anthropometric parameters determine elite performance achievement in basketball. Morphological characteristics and motor abilities have been established as the most significant predictors of basketball success. Consequently, this study aimed to determine the in&amp;#64258;uence of longitudinal dimensionality on explosive strength in young basketball players. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the impact of longitudinal dimensionality on the explosive strength of young basketball players. The sample comprised 15 cadet-level basketball players (age: 15.8 &amp;plusmn; 0.6 years; body weight: 77.86 &amp;plusmn; 8.37 kg; body mass index: 23.99 &amp;plusmn; 1.01 kg/m&amp;sup2;). The set of measurement instruments included four variables for assessing explosive strength: Standing Long Jump (LJ), 20-Meter Sprint (RUN20m), Medicine Ball Throw from Supine Position (TMBL), and Medicine Ball Throw from Seated Position (TMBS); and five variables for measuring longitudinal dimensionality: Body Height (BH), Forearm Length (FL), Upper Arm Length (UAL), Lower Leg Length (LLL), and Upper Leg Length (ULL). The impact of longitudinal dimensionality on explosive strength in young basketball players was assessed using linear regression. Statistical analyses were conducted using the IBM SPSS Statistics software (Version 20). Linear regression analysis confirmed a statistically significant impact of longitudinal dimensionality on the explosive strength of young basketball players.

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of intercostal nerve block (INB) for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) with associated costal pain.MethodsWe reviewed clinical data from patients with thoracic OVCF and costal pain admitted to our hospital between January 2021 and January 2024. Patients were divided into an observation group, receiving percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and INB, and a control group, receiving PVP alone. Baseline data, intraoperative parameters, deformity improvement (anterior vertebral body height [AVH] and local Cobb angle), and clinical symptom improvement (visual analog scale [VAS] scores for back and costal pain) were compared between the groups. Risk factors for residual costal pain within the control group were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine threshold values for the identified risk factors.ResultsThe study included 305 patients, 150 in the observation group and 155 in the control group. The groups were statistically comparable in baseline data. Compared with the control group, the observation group had a longer operative time (40.7 ± 5.5 vs. 32.4 ± 3.8 min, p < 0.001) and required more intraoperative C‐arm fluoroscopies (30.4 ± 6.3 vs. 21.5 ± 3.9, p = 0.034). Intraoperative bleeding was similar between groups. Both groups showed similarly significant improvements in AVH, local Cobb angle, and thoracic back pain VAS scores one day postoperatively and at the final follow‐up. The respective costal pain VAS scores in the control and observation groups were as follows: preoperatively, 7 (6, 8) and 7 (6, 7); one day postoperatively, 4 (2, 5) and 2 (1, 2); and at the final follow‐up, 1 (1, 2) and 1 (0, 2). Univariate analysis within the control group identified disease duration, fractured vertebral body width, reduced intervertebral foramen area, and cortical breakdown of the vertebral body’s posterior wall as risk factors for residual costal pain. Multivariable analysis confirmed disease duration as an independent risk factor for residual costal pain, with an area under the curve of 0.863. The threshold for self‐resolution of costal pain was established at 15.5 days, with a sensitivity of 93.9% and a specificity of 70.0%. Costal pain relief was strongly correlated with disease duration (r = 0.518, p < 0.001).ConclusionsOVCF‐related costal pain can be effectively alleviated by PVP combined with INB; however, INB lengthens operative time and increases radiation exposure. PVP alone can relieve costal pain in patients with a disease duration of ≤ 15.5 days; otherwise, concomitant INB is recommended.

BackgroundDental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting children worldwide, yet they are largely preventable through modifiable factors such as diet and oral hygiene. This study aimed to examine the associations between dietary intake, oral hygiene practices, anthropometric measurements, and dental caries in children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Bursa, Türkiye, between 1 October 2023 and 20 February 2024 with 210 children aged 5–12 years. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic factors, oral hygiene, and a food frequency questionnaire related to dental health. Body weight and height were measured, and dental examinations were performed by a trained dentist using DMFT/dmft indices.ResultsMean DMFT and dmft scores were 0.9 ± 1.3 and 3.9 ± 2.8, respectively. Children who brushed their teeth had significantly lower caries scores (p < 0.001); brushing twice daily was associated with lower dmft scores (p < 0.001). Caries scores did not differ significantly by body mass index (p > 0.05). Higher DMFT scores were associated with citrus fruits (β = 0.322, p < 0.001), white bread (β = 0.423, p < 0.001), and fruit juice (β = 0.050, p < 0.05) consumption. Higher dmft scores were linked to chocolate (β = 0.286), biscuits, cookies, and cakes (β = 0.448), chips (β = 0.179), and carbonated soft drinks (β = 0.789) (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese results highlight the importance of promoting healthy eating and proper oral hygiene to prevent childhood dental caries and suggest that early oral health status may have broader implications for long-term systemic health, warranting further longitudinal investigation.

This study aimed to compare the Tanner-Whitehouse II (TW2) method with the more contemporary methods, Tanner-Whitehouse III (TW3) and FELS, to determine their relevance and accuracy in the current Cuban context, among school athletes playing basketball and beach volleyball. The sample included 44 young athletes (22 male and 22 female), aged 11 to 15 years, representative of a multi-ethnic population, predominantly of African ancestry and mestizo backgrounds. Each X-ray was evaluated three times, using each method, with the two closest values averaged to determine the final result. Additionally, anthropometric variables such as body mass and height were measured following the methodology of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Results showed a high level of agreement between TW2 and TW3, indicating that both methods are interchangeable despite modifications made to TW3 to account for secular growth trends and ethnic diversity. TW3 exhibited greater precision during intermediate stages, while FELS showed a tendency to overestimate skeletal maturity in athletes nearing final development, with greater variability in its estimates. Although the sample size limits the generalization of the findings, the results align with international studies, emphasizing the importance of validating these methods in local contexts. This study provides a basis for optimizing sports evaluation and selection strategies in Cuba.

.The present study assessed the influence of perinatal growth restriction on subsequent body build until nine years old invery-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs). Growth restriction was defined as being born small for gestational age (SGA) or extrauterine growthrestriction (EUGR) if born at term. Two hundred and eighty-three VLBWIs were divided into four groups according to their history of SGA orEUGR. Variations in z-scores of body height (zHT) and obesity index (OI), as well as the prevalence of short stature, underweight, andoverweight were evaluated from six to nine years old. As a result, zHT increased significantly, but OI did not change. In contrast, theprevalence of underweight and overweight significantly increased, but short stature did not change. A comparison of the four groupsdemonstrated that EUGR may be associated with short stature and underweight regardless of SGA status. SGA, but not EUGR, may be a riskfactor for being overweight. The prevalence of abnormal body builds without SGA or EUGR seemed to be similar with standard prevalence ofJapanese children. In conclusion, perinatal growth restriction, especially EUGR had a significant influence on subsequent body build untilnine years old.

Introduction: The level of Motor Competence (MC) in children and adolescents has become a reliable predictor of healthy behaviors throughout life. A deficit in MC is associated with coordination difficulties and lower adherence to physical activity. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between fat mass and motor coordination performance in children and adolescents. Methods: A non-probabilistic sample of 103 participants (62.13% male) aged 10 to 14 years from a public school was evaluated using the lateral jumping task (LJ) from the Köperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK). Body mass, height, and waist circumference (WC) were also measured. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, Pearson-based correlations, t-test for independent samples and coefficient of determination (p=0.05) were applied. Results: Significant differences were found between sexes in terms of fat mass (FM) and motor coordination (LJ), favoring boys (p=0.01). The coefficient of determination indicated a weak association in boys (R²=0.028) and a moderate one in girls (R²=0.124). WC showed a weak relationship in boys (R²=0.020) and a moderate relationship in girls (R²=0.133). Overall, FM and WC had a greater impact on girls than on boys. Conclusion: An inverse relationship was found between fat mass and motor competence, with weak characteristics in boys and moderate in girls. These findings suggest that higher body fat levels may be associated with poorer motor performance, particularly in girls.

BACKGROUNDThis research aimed to compare the surgical data and the clinical and radiological results of patients who underwent open posterior versus percutaneous posterior instrumentation for burst-type spinal fractures in the thoracolumbar junction.METHODSThis study included 73 patients; 43 underwent open posterior instrumentation, and 30 underwent percutaneous posterior instrumentation. Perioperative parameters included the time between fracture and surgery, duration of surgery, perioperative blood loss, fluoroscopy duration, and total length of hospital stay. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Preoperative, postoperative, 7th-day, and last follow-up values were analyzed. Radiological evaluation included the anterior vertebral body height ratio (AVBHR) and Cobb angle.RESULTSFluoroscopy time was significantly longer in the percutaneous surgery group than in the open surgery group (12.77±1.89 minutes vs. 4.33±1.24 minutes; p<0.001). Hospitalization time was significantly longer in the open surgery group (3.79±1.53 days vs. 2.13±0.76 days; p<0.001). VAS scores differed significantly between the open and percutaneous surgery groups on the 7th postoperative day (p=0.02) and at the last follow-up (p=0.02). Similarly, lower ODI scores were observed in the percutaneous group compared to the open surgery group on the 7th postoperative day and at the last follow-up (p<0.001). Regarding radiological outcomes, significant postoperative improvements were achieved in both groups in terms of AVBHR, but differences in the Cobb angle in the sagittal plane were not statistically significant (p=0.07).CONCLUSIONAccording to the results of this study, the percutaneous surgery group showed significantly better improvement in VAS and ODI scores on postoperative day 7 and at the final follow-up. Similar postoperative improvements were achieved in both groups in terms of AVBHR and sagittal Cobb angle.

Background: Football is a sport that requires a high level of technical, tactical, and motor skills, with particular emphasis on agility, speed, explosive strength, and flexibility. The development of these abilities depends on biological maturity, training experience, and individual factors, which affect player performance across different age categories. Purpose: The aim was to examine and compare the level of motor abilities between football players of FC GOŠK Gabela (Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina) in the junior (U19) and senior (U25) age categories, focusing on key elements such as agility, speed, explosive and repetitive strength, as well as flexibility. Method: The sample consisted of 22 players from the same club, divided into two groups by age category: 11 juniors (U19) (body height = 181.56 ± 5.74 cm; body weight = 73.29 ± 6.40 kg; BMI = 22.21 kg/m²) and 11 seniors (U25) (body height = 184.98 ± 5.97 cm; body weight = 77.35 ± 5.70 kg; BMI = 22.55 ± 0.38 kg/m²). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and differences between groups were determined using an independent t-test for small samples. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Mean Difference and 95% Confidence Intervals were also calculated to further assess the significance and effect size of the detected differences (Cohen’s d). Results: Seniors achieved significantly better results in agility tests (Illinois and Zig-Zag tests) and the 60-meter sprint, while differences in other tests were statistically insignificant (p &gt; 0.05). Differences in upper body explosive strength (medicine ball throw) and flexibility were not significant, although seniors showed slightly better average values. Conclusion: The obtained results indicate that biological maturity and longer training experience significantly influence the improvement of motor abilities, especially agility and speed over longer distances.