Papers on Anthropology

Analysis of body build and physical abilities of volleyball players aged 10–12 years

Raini Stamm — 2024-12-31

The aim of the study was to analyse the body build and physical abilities of 10–12-year-old volleyball players in order to identify the most promising young volleyball players in Estonia. The following research tasks were set: to find the anthropometric variables and physical abilities tests results of young volleyball players based on age classes and individually, to establish the body build types of young volleyball players based on a 5 SD height-weight classification, to find statistically significant differences in body build types in individual anthropometric variables and physical abilities tests, and to give an assessment to the results of the physical abilities tests and indicators of height, arm reach, body type, wrist circumference and lower leg circumference to find in which indicators volleyball players exceed the mean results of their age group. In total, 232 young volleyball players participated in the study – 118 players in the first measurement session and 114 players in the second measurement session. The following physical abilities tests were used in the study: hand grip test, reaction test, T-test, 5-0-5 run test, jump height tests (with and without arm swing) and step frequency test. The measured anthropometric variables were height, weight, arm reach, fat percentage, amount of fat, lower leg, wrist and waist circumferences. For data analysis, the Microsoft Excel program was used. To compare the mean results of the groups, Student’s t-test was used. The results revealed that there were differences in both boys and girls between 10- and 12-year-olds and in some cases also between 11-year-olds and 12-year-olds in almost all anthropometric variables and physical ability test results. Older volleyball players received better results. Regarding the differences between the measurement sessions in the results of physical abilities tests and anthropometric variables, no definite pattern was formed that the results would improve in all age groups and sexes. This could be caused by the fact that not exactly the same volleyball players participated in both measurement sessions. When the volleyball players were divided into body build classes based on a 5 SD height-weight classification, it was revealed that statistically significant differences between classes occurred in all anthropometric characteristics. In physical ability tests, the results improved statistically significantly in the direction from small to medium and large classes and were always better in leptomorphs than in pycnomorphs. The players who exceeded the mean results of their age group in the results of the physical ability tests and based on certain body composition indicators received points for being promising. By adding up the points, the potentiality score was formed. Players in each age group whose score was higher than the mean score of their age group were considered more promising. We are of the opinion that, for Estonia to be successful compared to other countries in a sport like volleyball, we need to direct our resources to the search and development of young talents, because, with such a small population, we should not overlook a single young person who is a potential player of the national team.

Weekly ankle lunge test screening might help prevent ankle injuries

Mati Arend — 2024-12-31

Previous studies have indicated that almost 80% of injuries in track and field athletes affect the lower limb which makes injury prevention in this area so important. Therefore, it is important to constantly monitor the condition of athletes’ musculoskeletal system during pre-season to prevent injuries and to maximize performance. To screen athletes, we performed an ankle lunge test along with injury registration during 15 weeks of the autumn training period. The tests were carried out on twelve semi-professional track and field athletes (seven male and five female) from one training group.

Nine of the twelve athletes suffered an injury to their lower extremity during the study period and five of them sustained an ankle or foot area injury. Changes in ankle dorsiflexion compared to the pre-study and on a week prior to the injury were indicators for ankle or foot area injury, especially when the measurement was outside standard deviations.

In conclusion, weekly screening by ankle lunge test and comparing the test results to the standard deviation of the previous average values may predict which athletes have an increased risk of ankle overuse injuries.

Expression of LHCG receptor in the mouse vulva

Helen Zirnask — 2024-12-31

The elevated serum LHCG concentrations have been detected between 40 and 70 years both in male and female. In previous studies LHCG receptor was detected in the mouse and human penis both in corpus cavernosum penis and corpus spongiosum penis. There is no information about the expression of LHCG receptor in the vulva up to now. The aim of present study is to investigate the expression of the LHCG receptor in the mouse vulva tissue to see, if the LH effects can be possible in vulva.

12 Balb/c mice (7–8 weeks old) were used as donors of normal vulva tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used for the detection of the LHCG receptor.

Positive immunoreaction for LHCG receptors was detected in the epithelial cells in all layers of the mouse vulva epithelium, in the epithelial cells of the gland ducts and in the interstitial cells of subepithelial connective tissue.

The high postmenopausal gonadotrophin concentrations could have direct effects on the vulvar tissue, if there are receptors for them. LHCG receptors were detected in the different cell types in the mouse vulva. It could be possible that the higher serum LH concentrations both in aging male and female could have direct effects on the spongious tissue both in the individual and his/her partner. Further studies are indicated.

Dialogues in the health care system of the Kom

K. Grace Kom — 2024-12-31

Since time immemorial, diseases have evolved along with human physical, mental, and technological changes. The perception of diseases has also changed over time. As society evolved due to socioeconomic and political forces and with the introduction of new belief systems and ideas along with the traditional method of treating diseases during the colonial period, different knowledge systems of proper healthcare emerged. This paper aims to study the different perceptions of disease in Kom society and the conflicting dialogues in defining, managing and treating diseases. The study was conducted among the Kom tribes of Manipur, using an interview method with key informants. With exposure to different knowledge systems, i.e., indigenous ethnic practice, Christian faith healing and modern medical science, the people’s health care system is found to be engaged in a complex dialogue within the three health systems. The practice of medical pluralism often creates conflicts within the health care system of the people and leads to health inequality. Proper awareness of disease regarding its cause, cure and prevention is most necessary in the light of their knowledge gain to avoid further conflict within the health care system of the Kom.

Commentary on “Skeletal pathological conditions of Lithuanian mummies” (Papers on Anthropology XXIII, 1, 2014, pp. 118–126)

Dario Piombino-Mascali — 2024-12-31

Commentary on “Skeletal pathological conditions of Lithuanian mummies” (Papers on Anthropology XXIII, 1, 2014, pp. 118–126)