While there are numerous data on the skeletal muscle fiber type composition in adults, especially athletes, little is known about the changes in fiber type composition and contractile properties during maturational growth in children. Using noninvasive tensiomyography, we measured contraction time (Tc), an indirect estimate of the myosin heavy chain I (MHC-I) proportion, to assess the longitudinal changes of the biceps brachii (BB), biceps femoris (BF), vastus lateralis (VL), and erector spinae (ES) muscles in 53 boys and 54 girls. The children were 9 years at the start of the study and returned for 5 follow-up measurements until the age of 14 years. The ES has the shortest and the BF has the longest Tc. The VL and ES of boys have shorter Tc than those of girls. When applying the relationship between proportion of MHC-I and Tc established in adults to children’s TMG data, we found a slow-to-fast transition in the VL between, at least, the ages of 6 to 10 years, when it stabilized to adult proportions. Regular participation in sports was associated with a faster BF, but not in the VL. Our data represents a first non-invasive indication of the developmental changes in muscle fiber type composition in children.
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 1539519684We patented a diagnostic tool for assessment of skeletal muscle contractile properties. The method is based on isometric Tensiomyography and Muscle contraction sensors allowing assessment of muscle properties during dynamic movement. This is a key method to be used in safe return to sport when dynamic movement during actual sport performance could be assessed to check if the injured site is avoided or used in sports actions.
F.32 International patent
COBISS.SI-ID: 11177300Invited speech presented main project results after 12 months. We presented sport injury epidemiology in three sports (football, basketball and gymnastics) with prediction model for thigh injuries in football and ankle sprains in basketball players.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 2601683We accredited international FIFA medical centre of excellence (one of 50 worldwide) with Universtiy of Maribor - Institute of sportsmedicine (an ARRS project partner). Both laboratories are installed in Sport Arena Bonifika Koper, approx 200m2 with state-of-the-art equipment to follow prevention and rehabilitation of sport injuries, focused on football (FIFA) or any sports (Olympic reference sports medicine therapeutic centre).
D.05 Laboratory accreditation
COBISS.SI-ID: 256251392In the invited expert lecture, we presented the project plan and preliminary results (two pilot projects of the Sports Foundation), which led to the design of the ARRS project. We presented in more detail the course of treatment of sports injuries, the epidemiology of injuries and the problem of re-injuries. The lecturer also touched on the new guidelines for the treatment of cartilage injuries in the joint, the good and bad sites of various techniques to make it easier for athletes to make their choice.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 6160447