István Barthalos
57191348570
Publications - 11
A Pilot Study of the Effect of Locomotor and Mechanical Loads on Elite Rowers During Competition Days
Publication Name: Sports
Publication Date: 2025-08-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 8
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
(1) Background: Fatigue impacts neuromuscular performance, especially in endurance sports like rowing. The aim is to explore how continuous workload affects explosiveness and fatigue progression. This study examines acute fatigue during repeated race events by assessing vertical jump height, force output, and subjective fatigue over three consecutive days at the 2024 Hungarian National Rowing Championships. (2) Methods: Nine rowers (five women, four men; mean age 20.17 ± 1.73 years) competed in multiple 2000 m races over three days. Lower limb explosiveness was measured via countermovement jump (CMJ) using a Kistler force plate, pre- and post-race. Heart rate data were recorded with Polar Team Pro®. Subjective fatigue was assessed using the ‘Daily Wellness Questionnaire’. (3) Results: We found a significant difference in the pattern of the medians of the force exerted by males during the jump between the results of the Thursday preliminaries (ThuQMe = 13.3) and the second final (ThuF2Me = −75.5). Women showed no notable changes. (4) Conclusion: Repeated high-intensity races induce neuromuscular fatigue in men, reflected in reduced explosiveness and increased subjective fatigue. Future research should incorporate biochemical markers to deepen the understanding of fatigue mechanisms.
Open Access: Yes
Analysis of the Laboratory and In-Competition Characteristics of Adolescent Motocross (MX) Riders: An In Situ Case Study
Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland
Publication Date: 2024-09-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 18
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Motocross is one of the most popular high-speed motorcycle races, which takes place on a naturally closed track with significant challenges. This study aimed to characterize anthropometric, circulatory, and lower and upper limb muscle properties based on laboratory and race-recorded characteristics. Male competitors (n = 3) aged 14 years (MX) were included in the study. All three boys have national and international experience. Metabolic characteristics (ventilation, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production) and heart rate (HR) were measured in the laboratory while HR and speed were measured while racing. No significant difference was found between the three competitors in terms of HR during the race. In terms of number of sprints (No. sprint) and maximum speed (Speedmax), we found the most successful runner (highest finisher) to have the most sprints and maximum speed. Comparing the metabolic characteristics, it was found that racing was between the respiratory breakpoint (VT1 ) and the respiratory compensation point (RCP), but, in several cases, crossed the anaerobic threshold. While motocross riders are exposed to extreme conditions and high physical demands, in motorsport, victories depend not only on the athlete’s physical abilities but also on several factors such as driving technique, mental effort, equipment efficiency and resistance, race strategy, and team competence.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/app14188232
Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics of Young Elite Hungarian Motocross Riders in Motocross Competitions
Publication Name: Physical Activity Review
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 12
Issue: 1
Page Range: 47-58
Description:
Background: Motocross riders’ performance is highly dependent on the characteristics of the motorcycles and the skills of the riders, and the actual environmental conditions. This study aims to describe the differences in anthropometric and physiological characteristics between internationally ranked adolescent males and nationally ranked motorcross (MX) peer competitors; Methods: Data obtained from young riders (n=14) were divided into internationally ranked G1 (n=5) and - nationally ranked G2 (n=9) young MX riders. We determined body composition and cardiorespiratory variables, and measured heart rate and movement-related data with Polar Team Pro system during the race; (3) Results: Blood lactate concentrations were evaluated before and after the race session. MX riders with an international ranking performed significantly better during both races (R1 and R2 ), which manifested itself in significantly shorter times per lap on average (difference for R1=14.8 s and for R2 =16.7 s, respectively, p=0.017), more laps completed (G1 vs G2 approx.: 11.2: 9.9 laps for R1 and R2 , p=0.019) and points scored (difference: R1 =9.3 pts and R2 =9.0 pts, p=0.014). There were no statistically significant differences in age between the two compared groups (p=0.559) and other anthropometric and physiological characteristics tested, with an exception of muscle mass percent (p<0.001); Conclusions: Current results showed that motocross probably places a heavy burden on riders, who need to be fit enough to maintain their position in the field.
Open Access: Yes
Randomized controlled resistance training based physical activity trial for central European nursing home residing older adults
Publication Name: Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
Publication Date: 2016-10-01
Volume: 56
Issue: 10
Page Range: 1249-1257
Description:
Background: Nursing home residing older adults often experience fear of sickness or death, functional impairment and pain. It is diffcult for these older adults to maintain a physically active lifestyle and to keep a positive outlook on life. This study evaluated the changes in quality of life, attitude to aging, assertiveness, physical ftness and body composition of nursing home residing elderly through a 15-week organized resistance training based physical activity program. METHODS: Inactive older adults living in a state fnanced nursing home (N.=45) were randomly divided into two intervention groups and a control group. Both intervention groups were assigned to two physical activity sessions a week, but one of these groups also had weekly discussions on health and quality of life (Mental group). Data on anthropometric measures, ftness performance, as well as quality of life and attitudes to aging survey data were collected. due to low attendance rate 12 subjects were excluded from the analyses. Statistical analysis included paired Samples t-tests and repeated Measures analysis of Variance. RESULTS: Both intervention groups signifcantly improved their social participation, and their upper-and lower-body strength scores. Also, subjects in the Mental group showed improvement in agility ftness test and certain survey scales. No positive changes were detected in attitude towards aging and body composition measures in any groups. The post-hoc results suggest that Mental group improved signifcantly more than the control group. coNcluSioNS: regular physical activity with discussions on health and quality of life made a more meaningful difference for the older adults living in nursing home than physical activity alone. Due to the fact that all participants were in?uenced by the program, it is suggested to further explore this area for better understanding of enhanced quality of life.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: DOI not available
Specific heart rate values of 10-12-year-old physical education students during physical activity
Publication Name: Journal of Physical Education and Sport
Publication Date: 2016-09-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 3
Page Range: 800-805
Description:
Students who participate in well-planned and structured physical education (PE) lessons engage in significantly higher levels of physical activity than children who do not. Heart rate monitoring a useful tool to help both students and teachers understand the efficiency of the physical activity. The purpose of this study was to analyze primary school children’s body compositions and heart rates when performing different types of physical activities (gymnastics, mixed activities, ball games, athletics, and games). The sample included 10-12-year-old primary school boys (N=46) and girls (N=63) from the university’s cooperating school. To estimate their body compositions, standard anthropometric techniques were used. Polar RS400 heart rate monitors were used to monitor the heart rate of each child during the main parts of different types of physical education lessons. There were no differences between the genders for the body composition or for the maximal heart rate values in the different PE content areas. The lowest heart rate was recorded during gymnastics (148 beat*min-1), and the highest values were detected during the game activities and athletics (164.60 and 163.83 beat*min-1. For the mixed activities and ball games, the heart rates ranged between 154.06 and 156.52 beat*min-1. Physical activities that result in higher heart rate values required a greater contribution and adaptation of the cardiovascular system. However, activities that elicit a lower heart rate likely focus more on skill learning and acquisition. This data can be used as a resource for physical education teachers when planning and structuring PE classes.
Open Access: Yes
Stress-Induced “Immediate” Lactate (iBLC) Response Differences in Pubertal and Young Adult Soccer Players
Publication Name: Sports
Publication Date: 2025-11-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 11
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: High-intensity physical activity elicits acute physiological responses across the metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, immune, and neuromuscular systems. During recovery, multiple processes act to restore homeostasis and functional capacity. The aim of this study was to examine age- and position-related differences in cardiovascular and metabolic responses among youth soccer players. Methods: A total of 147 male academy soccer players were assessed, divided into four age groups (U15, U16, U17, U18/U19) and four playing positions (defenders, midfielders, forwards, goalkeepers). Results: Significant anthropometric and physiological differences were observed between age groups. Body height and weight increased progressively with age (p < 0.05), while body fat percentage was lower in younger compared to older cohorts (p < 0.001). Relative muscle mass did not differ significantly between groups. Absolute aerobic capacity (VO2 max) was higher in U17–U19 compared to U15–U16 (p < 0.001). Heart rate at anaerobic threshold (HRAT) and maximal heart rate were greater in the younger groups (p ≤ 0.005). Immediate blood lactate (iBLC) and ΔiBLC were significantly higher in U15–U16 compared to U17–U19 (both p < 0.001). Position-specific analysis revealed higher iBLC in U15 defenders compared to U18/U19 defenders (p < 0.01), whereas no positional differences were observed in relative VO2 max. Conclusions: These results are due to a carefully designed training program and frequent individual training sessions.
Open Access: Yes
Primitive reflexes as behavioral biomarkers of cognitive aging: associations with physical activity and resilience—a pilot study
Publication Name: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 17
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Introduction: Primitive reflexes (PRs) are brainstem-mediated automatic responses that typically disappear in early life, but may reappear in older age, which may be associated with neurodegenerative processes. But the presence of PRs in cognitively healthy adults has not yet been sufficiently explored. The relationship between PRs and cognitive functioning (COG) may be influenced by modifiable factors such as physical activity (PA) and psychological resilience. This cross-sectional observational pilot study aimed to investigate the mediating and moderating role of physical activity and resilience in the association between primitive reflexes and cognitive functioning in older adults. Methods: A total of 30 older adults (mean age 73.4 ± 6.9 years; 80% female) living in residential care facilities were assessed. PRs were evaluated using standardized neurological protocols, COG was measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination, PA with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and resilience with the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. Moderation and mediation models were tested using Hayes’ PROCESS macro, controlling for age and BMI. Results: A higher number of primitive reflexes was strongly associated with lower cognitive functioning [COG (r = −0.904, p < 0.001)]. Physical activity showed a significant mediating effect in this association, indicating that more active older adults exhibited better cognitive performance despite the presence of primitive reflexes. Resilience, although correlated with both cognition and physical activity, did not show a mediating or moderating effect. Discussion: These findings highlight primitive reflexes as potential behavioral biomarkers of cognitive aging, and underscore the importance of physical activity as a protective factor that may buffer against neurocognitive decline.
Open Access: Yes
Long-Term Performance Trends and Benchmark Progression in Elite Men’s Swimming Across Five Olympic Cycles (2008–2028)
Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland
Publication Date: 2026-03-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 5
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Over the past two decades, Olympic swimming performance has improved. However, less attention has been given to the evolution of Olympic Qualification Time (OQT) standards. This retrospective observational study analyzed event-specific qualification standards for all male pool swimming events. Data were extracted from publicly available documents and competition reports. Descriptive statistics, percentage change calculations, Pearson correlation analysis, and paired-sample t-tests between Olympic cycles from 2008 to 2028 were performed. For 2028, the OQTs were defined as the 14th fastest entry time from the 2024 Olympic Games. Across all events, the mean cumulative reduction in OQTs between Beijing 2008 and Los Angeles 2028 was 2.86 ± 0.54%, corresponding to an average proportional decrease of 0.6% per Olympic cycle, with trend analysis confirming statistical significance (p < 0.001). Event-level analysis revealed the greatest tightening in the 100 m breaststroke (−3.74%) and 100 m butterfly (−3.25%). When grouped by distance, sprint events (50–100 m) showed the strongest overall tightening (−3.57%), followed by middle-distance (200–400 m, −2.08%) and long-distance (800–1500 m, −2.45%). When grouped by stroke, butterfly (−3.28%) and freestyle (−3.20%) showed the largest decrease, whereas individual medley (−2.29%) demonstrated the smallest decrease. A strong positive correlation was observed between OQT tightening and Olympic performance improvement across events (r = 0.74). These findings indicate that OQTs have become demanding and broadly aligned with elite performance progression, providing applied benchmarks for coaches and performance staff.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/app16052341
Differences in Physical Performance and Body Composition Between National and Non-National Youth Female Handball Players
Publication Name: Sports
Publication Date: 2026-03-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 3
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Performance differences between female youth handball players selected for national teams and non-selected peers are often linked to strength, speed, and power. This study aimed to compare the conditioning capacities and body composition of national and non-national youth handball players. The sample included 36 female players (17.13 ± 1.75 years), 18 national and 18 position-matched non-national players. Anthropometry, sprint and change in direction ability, vertical jump, upper- and lower-body strength, aerobic capacity, and body composition were assessed using standard tests and bioimpedance analysis. For normally distributed variables, an independent-samples t-test was applied, while for variables that did not meet the normality assumptions, the Mann–Whitney U test was used. Cohen’s d was used to assess effect size. National team players showed significantly greater jump height (p < 0.001, d = 1.408), higher relative peak power (p < 0.001, d = 1.644), and faster 20 m sprint times (p = 0.004, d = −1.037). No significant differences were found in body composition or the other measured parameters, although a moderate Yo-Yo IRL1 effect size suggests a potential practical advantage in aerobic capacity for national team players. These results indicate that explosive power and linear speed are key discriminators for youth national-team selection.
Open Access: Yes
Seasonal Analysis of Match External Load in Hungarian Second-Division Professional Football Across Three Competitive Seasons Using GPS-Derived Match-Average Data
Publication Name: Sports
Publication Date: 2026-04-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe seasonal trends in match-average External Load (EL) variables across three (2022/23, 2023/24, 2024/25) consecutive competitive seasons in a Hungarian professional second-division soccer team (Gyirmót FC Győr), using the Catapult Vector S7 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Specifically, Average Distance (AD; m), Average Player LoadTM (PL; AU), and Acceleration–Deceleration Efforts (>2 m·s−2) (ADE) were examined. The study aimed to provide descriptive reference values and characterize seasonal variation in match EL demands within a professional second-division context. Methods: A descriptive seasonal comparison was conducted based exclusively on aggregated match average EL values. The unit of analysis was the match, with each match contributing one aggregated value per variable derived from players who completed the full match. A total of 94 matches were included (2022/23: N = 38; 2023/24: N = 29; 2024/25: N = 27); matches with red cards were excluded. EL data were collected using a 10 Hz Catapult Vector S7 GNSS. Results: The median AD decreased continuously from the 2022/23 season (10.210 m) to the 2024/25 season (9.795 m). The median PL decreased from 1002 (2022/23 and 2023/24) to 846 in the 2024/25 season. The median ADE decreased from 220.8 (2022/23) to 199.0 (2024/25). Conclusions: Lower values were observed across match EL variables, with the most pronounced reduction in PL. These findings provide descriptive reference values and may support the interpretation of seasonal variation in match EL demands in professional second-division soccer.
Open Access: Yes
Aerobic Capacity, Body Composition, and Ventilatory Thresholds in Youth Endurance Athletes: Physiological Characteristics of Hungarian Junior Triathletes
Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland
Publication Date: 2026-05-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 9
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Limited data are available regarding the physiological profile of youth triathletes. The aim of this study was to characterize the physiological and body composition profile of Hungarian youth triathletes and to examine the relationships between anthropometric characteristics and aerobic performance indicators. Forty-one youth triathletes (20 females and 21 males; age: 15.8 ± 1.7 years), members of the Hungarian national development squad, participated in the study. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were assessed using standardized procedures and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Aerobic performance was evaluated using a graded cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill with breath-by-breath gas analysis. Male athletes demonstrated higher body height, body mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass compared with females (p < 0.05). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing revealed high aerobic capacity, with mean VO2 max values of 73.2 ± 5.4 mL·kg−1·min−1 in males and 63.1 ± 5.0 mL·kg−1·min−1 in females. The second ventilatory threshold occurred at approximately 82–86% of VO2 max. Strong positive correlations were observed between anthropometric parameters and absolute oxygen uptake (mL·min−1), particularly for fat-free mass, skeletal muscle mass, and body surface area (r = 0.83–0.95). However, these relationships are influenced by body size and were weaker or inverse when relative oxygen uptake (mL·kg−1·min−1) was considered. Regression analyses further indicated that body composition variables, especially fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass, were positively associated with aerobic performance, while body fat percentage was not a significant predictor when body size and sex were controlled. These findings are based on cross-sectional associations and should be interpreted as descriptive reference data for this population rather than predictive criteria. The results contribute to the characterization of physiological and anthropometric profiles in youth triathletes and may support future research and athlete monitoring.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/app16094449
