Zsolt Szakály
57225296972
Publications - 12
Selection criteria in the talent identification of triathlon
Publication Name: Physiology International
Publication Date: 2025-06-20
Volume: 112
Issue: 2
Page Range: 118-137
Description:
Triathlon is a very complex sport, as the athlete has to master the characteristics of three sports (swimming, cycling and running), and the tasks of coaches are increased by the need to get the most out of all three. This sport improves endurance, has a positive effect on muscle development, movement coordination, breathing, and circulation. For talent identification factors determining the performance in triathlon are essential (physiological, anthropometric, psychosocial and tactical factors). Scientific literature concerning performance in triathlon sport is rather scarce. Although there are some studies in this field, there is little comprehensive literature analyzing training of youth athletes. The aim of our research was (i) to conduct a targeted literature review of the body composition and performance of youth triathletes and (ii) comparing results with those of elite adults, (iii) determining factors playing a prominent role in the selection and performance of triathletes. The results of our research reveal that factors like the appropriate competition age (approx. 28-30 years for both sexes), anthropometric parameters (it is necessary to take into account the distance the athlete covers) and performance criteria (the most important is VO2 max) are essential for successful selection and subsequent success. In the world of triathlon constant regulatory changes and the need to adapt new competitive demands necessitate keeping our knowledge up to date.
Open Access: Yes
Change of total body water dependent on age and nutritional status
Publication Name: Orvosi Hetilap
Publication Date: 2024-10-27
Volume: 165
Issue: 43
Page Range: 1694-1699
Description:
Introduction: A healthy fluid balance is necessary to maintain normal vital functions. Detecting the amount of body water is important both in clinical practice and in sports in assessing dehydration and/or fluid overload. Among the methods used to determine the amount and distribution of body water, devices operating on the principle of bioelectrical impedance are becoming more common. Their use is simple, fast and the results obtained are reliable. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the relative body water content changing dependent on age in men and women of normal weight, overweight and obese, using a device that works on the principle of bioelectrical im¬pedance. Method: The data of a total of 2,354 persons between the ages of 7 and 81 are included in the study conducted with the InBody 720 type device. Normal body weight, overweight and obesity were determined using the body mass index. Results: There were significant differences between gender in body weight, body mass index between normal weight and overweight/obese participants in all age groups. The differences between relative body water content of men and women in normal body weight are significant in all age groups. The averages have not changed until the 3rd age group (21-50 years), then decreased in the 4th age group (above 51 years) in the normal body weight men. In thecase of normal body weight women, the averages decreased linearly dependent on age. The relative body water con¬tents in overweight/obese subjects were significantly lower by gender and age group than the averages of those with normal body weight. The relative water contents in overweight/obese men and women have not changed dependent on age. Discussion: Although bioelectrical impedance method is less commonly used, it is suitable for measuring total body water content. The reliability of the data obtained by the method is confirmed by more and more studies in the case of people of normal body weight, overweight and obese people as well. Conclusion: The bioelectrical impedance procedure can help prognosis and diagnosis in many areas. After presenting our data, we hope that our study will contribute to the spread of the bioelectrical impedance method.
Open Access: Yes
Body compositions characteristic in male manual workers: age as a central factor
Publication Name: Orvosi Hetilap
Publication Date: 2023-01-22
Volume: 164
Issue: 3
Page Range: 96-103
Description:
Introduction: Morbidity and mortality statistics show a shift in the morbidity structure in Hungary. Those diseases have become increasingly common that are related to lifestyle. Detecting health risk factors across different age, gender and other groups is therefore a priority. Objective: The purpose of the study is to present anthropometric variables related to the health status of male physical workers by age groups and to identify critical age stages. Method: Male manual workers (n = 179) were recruited on a voluntary basis. Body composition was assessed using the Inbody 720 instrument. Measured and calculated characteristics included body mass index, relative muscle and fat mass, waist-to-hip ratio and visceral fat. The age dependence of the variables is presented by linear regression analysis, and the relationship between variables was characterized by correlation coefficients. Results: A significant number of anthropometric variables are not within the healthy range. All of the variables show age dependence, but no critical age or age range could be identified. The relationship between the anthropometric methods is significant. Discussion: A large number of male manual workers, regardless of age, can be identified as having a body composition that poses a clear health risk. Conclusion: Complex workplace health promotion programs should be launched to reduce the risk. These should include active and health-conscious lifestyles for all age groups.
Open Access: Yes
Spatial spread of pandemics – Spatial relations of the five wave of the Covid-19 pandemic on the example of Győr-Moson-Sopron County
Publication Name: Statisztikai Szemle
Publication Date: 2023-01-01
Volume: 101
Issue: 8
Page Range: 739-755
Description:
Many disciplines deal with the analysis of the spread of epidemics (or pandemics). Spatial relations and regional inequalities are the determining variables of the intensity, extent and severity of the spread of an epidemic, so it is essential to investigate epidemics from a regional perspective. Mathematical, statistical, network, and spatial simulation models can be used in spatial analysis for investigating the spread of epidemics. In this study, statistical methods are used as a basis. A possible way to reduce the severity of epidemics – be it health or economic effects – is to slow down the intensity of the spread. To this end, we carried out the retrospective study and examined the Győr-Moson-Sopron county during the period when the pandemic caused by the Covid-19 coronavirus was most intense in our country, just as it was in most countries of the world, too.
Open Access: Yes
Comparison of the results of bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) and the anthropometry (Drinkwater-Ross & Parizkova) method in young elite athletes
Publication Name: Journal of Physical Education and Sport
Publication Date: 2023-01-01
Volume: 23
Issue: 1
Page Range: 247-254
Description:
BACKGROUNDː The literature provides relatively few and incomplete studies on comparisons of body composition measurement procedures, especially when related to sport experience, gender and age. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast the applicability of the bioelectric impedance (BIA) and the fourcomponent anthropometry (Drinkwater-Ross) methods among young athletes. METHODSː 142 school-aged competitive athletes (nmale =71; nfemale =71, Mage =11.72±2.33) from a suburb in Hungary participated in the study. Data collection included standard Drinkwater-Ross anthropometric fractionation (bone mass, muscle and fat mass, and residual mass, estimated by equations) and bioelectrical impedance analysis with measured muscle mass (SMM_Inbody) and body fat percentage (PBF%Inbody) methods. In order to better understand the higher standard correlations of the methods, Parízkova percentage of body fat (Parízkova BF%) was also included in the analysis. Data analysis was performed by gender and age range. RESULTSː According to the data, it seems that the muscle mass estimated by BIA (SMM Inbody) is higher than the Drinkwater-Ross estimation (eMM) both in males and females and in each age-group. Also, muscle mass is overestimated, meanwhile body fat% (PBF% Inbody) is underestimated by BIA compared to Parízkova BF%. However, our results show significant correlations (0.60.9, p<.001) between estimated fat mass and muscle mass in all cases (eMM, eFM); similarly, the estimated body fat percentages in all cases were strongly correlated (Parízkova BF% and PBF% Inbody). CONCLUSIONSː Correlational analyses proved that estimation of body fat mass, muscle mass, and percentage of body fat by BIA measurement are closely associated with both Drinkwater-Ross anthropometric fractionation and Parízkova. Our findings suggest that the (BIA) predictive performance is equally appropriate as other reference techniques (e.g. Drinkwater-Ross, Parízkova) in the case of young athletes. Consequently, both the device (bioelectrical impedance device) and the ease of use of the results make for a truly user-friendly and scientifically supported procedure.
Open Access: Yes
The new way of triathlon preparation in youth athletes
Publication Name: Journal of Physical Education and Sport
Publication Date: 2022-10-01
Volume: 22
Issue: 10
Page Range: 2589-2597
Description:
The aim of our research was to find a way, based on international experience, to examine the training method that can be successfully used in youth age groups, and as a consequence, to increase the effectiveness of the sport of triathlon. In Hungary, the methods of preparing the younger age group (10-18 y) are not yet uniform. Hungarian triathletes do not dominate at the international level, neither in the junior age groups nor in the elite field. Two basic methods "fight" each other in Hungary, the so-called "threshold" training (training at the anaerobic threshold), the effectiveness of which has been proven by numerous studies in various sports. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of “Polarized” (Pol) and “Threshold” (TR) training in youth ages (15-18y). Male youth triathlete subjects taking part in systematic training (n=10, n(Pol) =5; n(TR)= 5) were studied. Performance (time), physiological data from spiroergometry (vita maxima) tests and anthropometric features were measured in this longitudinal study (3 years). Performance improvement, relative oxygen uptake (rVO2max ) and aerobic time significantly increased (p<0.05) in Pol group, while differences of their anthropometric features did not change significantly during the research. No significant changes were found in any parameters of TR group. There were no significant differences of anthropometric and cardiovascular (Heart Rate) characteristics between the two groups in any assessment. The differences of rVO2max and relative aerobic capacity at the anaerobic threshold were significant in the Pol group (p<0.05) at the second and third measurements. Performance improvement and time in aerobic zone increased more in the Pol group than in the TR group (p<0.05). The Pol training method proved to be more effective than the TR training of the studied group.
Open Access: Yes
Home Office, Health Behavior and Workplace Health Promotion of Employees in the Telecommunications Sector during the Pandemic
Publication Name: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publication Date: 2022-09-01
Volume: 19
Issue: 18
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Our study aims to present the perception and experiences of employees at a large multinational telecommunications company in Hungary working in home offices, as well as their health behavior and the workplace health promotion during the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 outbreak. The sample consisted of the full sample of highly skilled employees at a large telecommunication multinational company (N = 46). Throughout the analysis, tests for homogeneity of variance were followed by a MANOVA test to compare the groups’ means by gender, age, and job classification. The results clearly show that in the short term, workers’ mental health did not deteriorate, they do not argue or fight more with their partners and are no more depressed or irritable than before. Workers are less likely to think of ways to be more effective at work than in a home office. Similarly, they do not think that employers have more expectations than before the pandemic. Our research shows the assumption about home workers being less efficient or less diligent in their daily work to be false. A supportive and flexible employer approach to health-conscious employees will be an essential aspect in the future.
Open Access: Yes
The role of purpose in life as reflected in the indicators of body composition, fitness and quality of life in women working in the social sector
Publication Name: Orvosi Hetilap
Publication Date: 2021-07-01
Volume: 62
Issue: 27
Page Range: 1089-1098
Description:
Introduction: Professionals working in the social sector typically do significant overwork in rather unfavourable working conditions. Although the purpose in life is proved to determine the areas of career, health awareness, and the quality of life, the latter has not yet been confirmed among social workers. Objective: The purpose of this research is to demonstrate body composition and fitness status as well as the quality of life of female employees (n = 127) at a social institution, furthermore the decisive role purpose of life plays in these indicators. Method: Data were collected through questionnaires, tests, body composition analyses, and fitness status tests, and were assessed by t-test, analysis of variance and regression analysis. Results: Body composition of the participants indicates a generally overweight status, while fitness status, quality of life, and purpose of life are within the acceptable range, however, all with notable range values. Those with a higher-level purpose of life demonstrate better fitness indicators and higher quality of life. In terms of body composition, fitness, and quality of life, only a minor difference was found between those who do intellectual and physical type of work. Those who took sick leave demonstrated a lower level of fitness and quality of life compared to those who did not take any sick leave. Body composition and fitness status have proven to deteriorate with age. Conclusion: Previous research findings can be confirmed by stating that neither the body composition and fitness indicators, nor the quality-of-life level of social workers are optimal. The determining role of purpose in life has been proven in substantial aspects in this study. One of the focus areas of enhancing purpose in life is the workplace, where major positive impacts can be achieved in terms of the physical and mental health, well-being, and work performance.
Open Access: Yes
Effect of a five-week beta-alanine supplementation on the performance, cardio-respiratory system, and blood lactate level in well-trained rowing athletes: A double-blind randomized pre–post pilot study
Publication Name: Journal of Physical Education and Sport
Publication Date: 2020-09-01
Volume: 20
Issue: 5
Page Range: 2501-2507
Description:
Intense exercise by top-level athletes significantly lowers the pH of muscle and blood, which leads to fatigue. Beta-alanine (BA) supplementation can increase carnosine levels in skeletal muscle, which can delay a decrease in pH in the muscles. Previous studies have shown that multiple doses of BA supplementation were effective for people of different physical fitness and age. The purpose of this double-blind, randomized, controlled study is to investigate the effect of a five-week BA supplementation on well-trained, experienced rowing athletes at approximately the median dose of previous studies, which determined that 50 mg day−1 kg−1 of body weight was an effective daily dose. Two groups were formed in the spiroergometric study. One group received BA supplementation, while the control group did not. Five weeks after the first test (T1), the second test (T2) occurred, and the blood lactate levels were measured before and after the tests (Pre[La-]b ; Post[La-]b ). The maximum mean values of different physiological load parameters showed no significant difference. In the BA group, the mean lactate level was significantly lower after the T2 measurement (Post[La-]b ) compared to those of T1 (P = 0.01) and the control group, i.e., T1 (P = 0,008), T2 (P = 0,028). The mean time and performance of the second measurement of the BA group increased [T1 = 582,7 ± 88,2 (s); T2 = 636,4 ± 106,6 (s)] but the result is not significant. In summary, the five-week dose of 50 mg day−1 kg−1 of body weight, which is 3.845 day−1 for the group average, lowers the blood lactate levels after the tests (Post[La-]b ) but does not increase the athlete's performance. For well-trained athletes, during a five-week supplementation, it is not advisable to lover the value below 4–6 g day−1 with the dietary supplement to achieve an ergogenic effect.
Open Access: Yes
Psychological and anthropometric characteristics of a Hungarian Elite Football academy's players
Publication Name: Physical Culture and Sport Studies and Research
Publication Date: 2017-03-01
Volume: 73
Issue: 1
Page Range: 15-26
Description:
Due to the fact that neither physical nor physiological and anthropometric differences in adolescents can serve as definitive differentiating factors in terms of choosing successful and non-successful players, coaches are encouraged to focus more on thepsychological characteristics ofyoung players. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine football players' psychological skills in an elite football academy as related to age and position. Every young player at one of the most successful football academies in the country participated in this study (N=119, M=16.44±1.17). The sample was divided into four age groups according to the championship system (U16, U17, U18, U21), and into specific football positions (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and striker). Basedonthe results, the young academy football players had a low level ofamotivation (1.45±0.68), a high level of extrinsic motivation (5.96±0.64), and can be characterized with a higher level task (4.02±0.62) than ego orientation (3.01±0.62). All of the results for coping skills were in the mid-range (M=3.00-3.41). There were no differences in motivation, perceived motivational climate, and coping among the football players regarding their positions. However, there were significant differences among the age groups in perceived motivation and coping skills. Older players were more egooriented and had a higher level of peaking under pressure, while younger players demonstrated higher level task, ego, and coach ability levels. Football coaches need to focus less on positions and more on age differences when dealing with motivation, perceived motivation, and coping.
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
