Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov. Series IX: Sciences of Human Kinetics

The Impact of Sprint Kayak Training Techniques on Preparation for Slalom Kayak Competitions

Claudiu Babos Molnar — Wed, 15 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of sprint kayak training techniques on preparation for slalom kayak competitions. The method involved an experimental group and a control group, subjected to different training regimens for six months. The results showed significant improvements in agility, strength, and slalom techniques in the experimental group. The conclusion highlights that incorporating sprint kayak techniques into slalom training can significantly enhance athletes' performance. These findings provide valuable guidance for optimizing training in slalom kayaking.

Possible Correlations between Strength and Leg Stability in Adolescents

P.F. Trofin, A.V. Rusu, A.E. Murariu, A.M.M. Nistor — Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to measure the relationships established between the strength and stability of the lower limbs in adolescents from the eastern region of Romania. The study included 29 girls and 18 boys. Handgrip strength and explosive leg strength were measure. Stability was determined using the Y-Balance test. There is a relationship between the left limb index and countermovement jump with arm swing in boys (r = -0.49; p < 0.05). Both groups recorded significant correlations only between the Y coefficients of the lower limbs (r = 0.60; p < 0.001), and the Y coefficient of the left limb and the Y score (r = 0.62; p < 0.001). In the adolescents evaluated by us, strength and stability have non-significant relationships.

Proprioceptive Training Study for the Optimization of the 110 M. Hurdles Technique

S. Alecu, D. Ionescu-Bondoc, A. Onea, F.B. Waer — Wed, 15 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Proprioceptive training represents a contemporary dimension in athletic preparation, yielding significant performance enhancements for athletes around the globe. Our study aims to quantify the technical performance of the hurdle step via biomechanical analysis. This involves measuring kinematic parameters and their association with the enhancement of coordination abilities, derived from tailored proprioceptive training. By analyzing kinematic parameters and implementing a specialized motor program, we can enhance coordination abilities and rectify technical mistakes. This leads to improved grouping of the lower limbs, quicker transitions, as well as more stable and effective landings. Such improvements optimize the movement path of the body’s center of gravity towards the hurdle plane and ensure optimal spatial-temporal alignment for subsequent strides between hurdles.

Correlations between Aggression and Explosive Force of Adolescents in the North-Eastern Part of Romania

M.A. Coteata, D.G. Iacob — Wed, 15 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study aims to test the correlation between aggressiveness, evaluated with 2D:4D test, and the explosive force of 45 adolescents aged 15-19 years. The 2D:4D ratio has been determined, as well as the height of squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and CMJ with arm swing (CMJ-AS), using Just Jump. Correlations were found between the ratio of the two hands, both among girls (p=0.003) and boys (p=0.002). Compared to girls, boys had strong connections between the 2D:4D of the right hand with SJ (p=0.008), CMJ (p=0.006), CMJ-AS (p=0.012) and the average height of the 4 consecutive jumps (p=0.016). Our hypothesis is confirmed, and there are correlations between 2D:4D ratios of both hands and jumps protocols.

The Effects of Neuromuscular Training in the Maintenance of Fitness in Volleyball Players During the Junior Period

A.M. Cojocaru, M. Cojocaru — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The paper wants to present the importance of performing neuromuscular training in order to permanently maintain a form of high fitness throughout the competitive period. The aim of this work was to verify the effects of training on neuromotor variables in young volleyball athletes at different times of the program. The hypothesis of the study starts from the fact that further investigation together with the realization and application of a training program, will contribute to the achievement of training fitness during competitive periods. The outcomes of implementing this training regimen with young female volleyball players underscore the suitability of engaging in competition during their initial phase.

Training Model Designed to Strengthen and Improve the Pass for Juniors 10 – 12 Years

S. Teris, I.I. Lakotos, V. Koronas — Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is represented by the theoretical and methodical elaboration of a material intended for continuous use by coaches and teachers working with groups of juniors aged between 10 and 12 years. We propose an intervention in the training plan, starting with the study of specialized literature in the field of football and aiming to improve the methodology for teaching specific means but also the evaluation process of a model to be used. Also, the intervention in the training plan has as a general objective the consolidation of the procedures and technical elements specific to the football game, but also the development of all motor qualities. The study is based on collaboration with coaches in this area who work with children aged 10 to 12 years, the goal being to conduct a theoretical analysis of the content of the passing game, to model the content of the training, and to verify the effectiveness of a model intended to strengthen and perfect the passing game at the aforementioned age.

Use of Information Technology in Physical Education Lesson

Alina Petruta Turcanu — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The use of new technologies in physical education requires teachers to have a set of knowledge and skills that would favor the use and capitalization of new technologies in the didactic activity. These modern technologies, used in the physical education lesson, represent one of the most complex forms of integration of informal education into formal education. Contributing to the efficiency of the researched study, the use of these information technologies in the teaching-learning-evaluation process achieves the diversification of didactic strategies, allowing the student access to various structured information, presented in different ways of visualization. Technology has enough potential to simplify effective physical education instruction and provide teachers with key information. In this study, I aimed to use information technology in physical education classes to increase the performance of learning sports skills in physical activities among primary school students, respectively the 4th grade.

Comparison of Unsupervised Learning Algorithms for Clustering Cuban Citizens using a Lifestyle Questionnaire

S. Torres, D. Alonso, N. Martinez, S. Merced — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study uses information technologies to analyze the lifestyles of Cubans. Cluster analysis is used to identify similarities in habits and lifestyles. Clustering results are compared using K-Means, DBSCAN, and HDBSCAN algorithms. Principal Component Analysis is applied to visualize the dataset. Internal validation metrics are defined to evaluate the performance of the algorithms. The results indicate that K-Means provides better clustering for this dataset.

Determining the Relationship between Lower Limbs Strength Parameters and Balance in 5-8-Year-Old Children Practicing Dance

D. Chilom, A. Mateescu, C. Mihaiu, C. Moga, M.F. Grigore — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper aims to determine the relationship between parameters of lower limb strength and balance in 5-8-year-old children practicing dance. Methods. So, an exploratory study was organized with a group of 24 children aged 5-8 years from the National Palace of Children of Bucharest. Tests used: Test 1 (15 jumps free arms), Test 2 - static balance (SB), Test 3 – lateral dynamic balance (LDB) and Test 4 vertical dynamic balances (VDB). Parameters: performance, front and back inside (LDB), left and right inside (VDB), avg. deviation. In this regard, establishing the relationship degree between lower limb strength parameters and balance in 5-8-year-old dancers depends on the number of negative correlations, especially between average deviation parameters.

Functional Performance Testing to Evaluate Stretching Programs for Sprinters and Jumpers

T. Marinova, D. Popova-Dobreva — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Flexibility is a crucial element for success in various sports, notably in athletics, especially for runners and jumpers. Inadequate flexibility heightens the risk of strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal issues. This article forms part of a project aimed at devising warm-up and cool-down stretching routines. The study population is adolescent athletes. The following assessment methods are used: Trunk Power Test (Backward Overhead Medicine Ball Throw); Lower Extremity Power Tests (Vertical Jump; Standing Long Jump); Upper Extremity Power Test (Seated Shot-Put Medicine Ball Throw); Sprint Test (30 Meter Flying Start). Conclusion. The warm-up program is designed to facilitate dynamic muscle engagement and prepare the body for activity. Meanwhile, the relaxation program focuses on enhancing muscle and tendon flexibility; thereby decreasing the risk of overuse injuries and improving overall lower extremity resilience. Determining the influence of various stretching programs on speed-power metrics will aid in adjusting training protocols and enhancing competitive performances.

Study on the Assessment of the Level of Skill and Coordination of Higher Education Students

C.G. Catuna, I.M. Butu, C. Plastoi, A.S. Teodorescu, C.C. Teusdea — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The research was conducted in the first semester of the academic year 2023-2024, the subjects tested were students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport of “Spiru Haret” University of Bucharest. They gave their consent to participate in tests on the evaluation of skills in handball, gymnastics, and tennis classes. So in gymnastics, they performed circle throws and fixed-point ball throws over time, with correct execution being appreciated. The throws with the two objects were made with both hands, starting with the handy hand, with a break between trials. In tennis, our subjects had 10 balls thrown to them by the teacher and had to perform the long forehand crosscourt shot in the hatched areas (as the first trial) and the long backhand crosscourt shot in the hatched areas (the second trial). For handball, we opted in this experimental study for two individual trials of moving with two balls in dribbling over a distance of 10m, dribbling simultaneously (trial 1) and alternately (trial 2), and a partner passing trial (distance 3-4m, 30seconds) simultaneously with (trial 3).

The Importance of Neuropsychomotor Development Between 0-2 Years

I.M. Fintina, B.N. Stark — Wed, 15 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present research wanted to demonstrate and support the importance of the neuropsychomotor development in optimal conditions of a non-disabled child in the first 2 years of life as well as the importance of the intervention through a series of stimulation techniques, methods and movement games. In order to carry out the research, a series of initial, intermediate and final tests were used to see the evolution in the age stages. The tests used were: evaluation of physical development, evaluation of archaic reflexes, evaluation of pre-tension, evaluation of balance, Denver Test- evaluation of slowing of internal development and Portage Test - evaluation of chronological and biological age of the child. Following the application of the therapeutic techniques and methods, the objectives set either at the general level or at the level of each stage have been met to a satisfactory extent.

Indicators to Evaluate Base Running in Baseball, First Category from Mayabeque

H.G. Jose Luis, M.S. Jose Francisco, V. P. Mercedes — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In the last seasons of the National Series there has been a loss of the possibilities in the base run by the first category Baseball players. In order to solve this problem, it is proposed as an objective: to develop indicators to evaluate the running of bases in the first category baseball team of Mayabeque. Theoretical methods Historical-logical, Inductive-deductive, Analysis-synthesis, the review of documents, observation of training units and games, the statistical results of the games in front of different teams, surveys, interviews and the measurement with the use of the HUMAN technique to detect the main deficiencies related to the race and other important factors of the base run was decisive to achieve the necessary effectiveness during the competitive exercise. The metrics demonstrate a solid framework and methodological foundation for evaluating base running performance. Validation was conducted using specific criteria, which confirmed their effectiveness in improving performance during training and competition.

Contributions Regarding the Improvement of Specific Physical Training in 14 – 16 Year-Old Handball Players

V. Dabuleanu, G. Simion, I. Mihaila, L. Mihailescu, C. Popescu — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

By carefully watching the handball games both in the domestic championship and the games from the World and European Championships, we come to the conclusion that great performances are only achieved by teams that have a very good physical training, so implicitly a general and specific motor ability excellently doubled by a preparation on training factors: technical, theoretical, tactical and psychological. The choice of plyometric exercises must imitate handball skills, to maximize the strengthening of the muscles that trigger the movement and, in certain cases, to generate "motor memory", consolidating the technical skills involved.

Determining the Relation of Lower Limbs Strength Indices in 12-13-Year Old Soccer Players

B.A. Pana, I. Mihaila, I. Mihai, G. Trandafirescu, V. Potop — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The paper aims to determine the relation of the indices of lower limbs strength in 12-13-year-old soccer players. Methods. Therefore, exploratory research was conducted within the CS Otopeni, soccer department, with a group of 26 children aged 12-13 years. The strength of lower limbs was tested by means of Opto Jump Next system. Specific tests used: Test 1, CMJ (flight time and height), test 2, Squat jumps (SJ) (flight time, height) and test 3, Jumps 15 sec (number of jumps, contact time, flight time, power, pace and RSI). The relation between the measured indices was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient (KyPlot). Determining the relation between lower limbs strength indices of soccer players aged 12-13 highlights differences between the evaluated parameters and their degree of correlation.

Study Regarding the Muscle Strenght After Breast Cancer Surgery

O. Baltag, M. Apostu, R. El-Bsat, C. Predescu — Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A number of 2.09 million breast cancer cases are diagnosed annually, according to the latest Wolrd Heath Organization reports. The treatment can lead to multiple side effects, that negatively impact the quality of life, such as: decreased shoulder mobility and strenght of the upper limb, chronic pain, anxiety, depression. The present paper is a study case aimed to identify the effects of an individualized low-intensity exercises program practiced in order to increase the upper limb strenght. We included in this study 25 female subjects (n=25), aged between 33 and 70 years old, who underwent radical mastectomy and received chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Study on the Weight of Jumping Exercises in the Development of Explosive Force in Volleyball Players

B.I. Cojocaru, G.A. Cosma, F. Voinea, L. Ciupitu — Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We highlighted aspects related to the different ways of using jumps to achieve goals aimed at developing explosive force in female volleyball players. We administered a questionnaire to 64 volleyball players registered with different teams in the Romanian championship to determine their opinions regarding the importance of jumping exercises in the development of explosive strength in volleyball players. The data presented in the research results highlight the fact that some types of jumps are used in a greater proportion in the parts of training intended for the development of explosive force, compared with other types of jumps. Referring to the type of strength pursued as a training goal, we found that the weight of the use of jumps is different, with a significant increase in their use in the parts of training aimed at speed strength/explosive strength.

Managing Fan Relationship after a Doping Scandal

Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We all have idols in sports. People who make us wonder how they managed to become the best in their field. But there are also athletes who resort to novel and forbidden methods to skip training while trying to reach the top. What is doping and why is it banned in sports? The present paper offers a brief description of the doping phenomenon, a small review of the most famous doping cases in the history of sports, the consequences of such failure and how it influences the athlete's life, and finally a short study related to this phenomenon.

Football Game and Tactical Training

Ionel Caius Drula — Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Versatile players are an essential part of modern football, which no longer allows us to talk about attacking or defensive players but rather players with complex talents who can manage any circumstance the game demands. The results of the study demonstrate how important it is for teachers to be involved in helping students learn the best teaching techniques in order for them to become proficient soccer players. To advance game models in the areas of technical procedures and tactical behavior that enhance the activity of those involved in the field and provide them with a good opportunity to analyze a football game, this article need to compare the differences that manifest themselves in the organization of the teams.

Effect of Plyometric Exercises on Balance Ability for Ashihara Karate Practitioners

Daniel Mocioaca — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This research adopts a predictive approach to forecast the evolution of events. Ashihara Karate is a contemporary, full-contact fighting style that emphasises Sabaki, utilising the opponent's footwork and attacking techniques to gain an advantage by positioning oneself in the opponent's "blind" spot. Maintaining balance is often essential for mastering situations that require quick and rational action, and it also holds great value in preventing accidents. Purpose: This study aims to highlight statistically significant differences in improving dynamic balance capacity for the lower limbs after implementing a programme that includes plyometric exercises. Methods: Twenty performance athletes from the Sen Craiova Sports Club aged between 20 and 35 participated in this study. The dynamic balance capacity was assessed using the Y-Balance platform (Functional Movement, 2016), a dynamic test performed in a single-leg stance requiring strength, flexibility, central control, and proprioception. Results: A comparison of the descriptive statistics obtained with the Y-Balance platform from the initial and final tests reveals significant positive differences in favour of the experimental group that underwent plyometric exercises during training.

Strategies for Olympian Athletes: Engaging Fans During the Four-Year Interim Period

A. Hasaan, M. Fisne, K. Akgul — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This research investigates the stretegies by which Olympic athletes can engage with and connect to fans during the four-year interval between Olympic Games. Fifteen professionals from media, marketing, and academia participated in qualitative interviews. The insights from experts underscored several vital strategies, including crafting and distributing content on social media; increase exposure through mass media; engaging in and covering various sporting events; establishing partnerships with brands; sharing personal aspects of their lives; and organizing fan clubs and events.

Establishing the Relationship of Static And Dynamic Balance Parameters in 10-12-Year-Old Soccer Players

B. Oprea, L.E. Mihailescu, F. Cojanu — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of the paper is to establish the relationship between static and dynamic balance parameters in young soccer players aged 10-12. Methods. An exploratory study was organized with a group of 10-12-year-old soccer players of the School Sports Club no. 1 of Bucharest. The bipedal balance was assessed using the Sensamove Mini Board. The relationship of the static and dynamic balance parameters was determined with the Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Tests applied: Test 1 - static balance (SB), Test 2 – lateral dynamic balance (LDB), and Test 3 - vertical dynamic balance (VDB). Measured parameters: performance, front and back inside (LDB), left and right inside (VDB), left and right avg. deviation. The assessment results highlighted the level of balance development in 10-12-year-old soccer players and the correlations between their parameters.

Contemporary Components Connected to the Evolution of Football

Lucian Constantin Panescu — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Romanian football is deeply ingrained in the national culture and is heavily impacted by public life. It is also generally recognized as a social phenomena in many different contexts. Moreover, the sector has historically been linked to certain political and ideological stances, which add to the extremely antagonistic environment. The purpose of this research is to conduct a longitudinal study of Romania's own coefficients and examine the statistical findings about the evolution of domestic clubs in Europe in relation to past performances, rather than comparing Romania's coefficients with those of other nations. The results indicate that integrating stakeholders and developing new ties can increase industry trust.

Characteristics of Vestibular Ability Development in 6-10-Year-Old Female Gymnasts

D. Petran, G. Toma, V. Jurat, A. Eshtaev — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper focuses on the vestibular ability characteristics of 6-10-year-old gymnasts. Methods. Thus, exploratory research was conducted within the CSM Arad, with 25 gymnasts aged 6-10 years, divided into two groups: A (6-7 years, n=10) and B (8-10 years, n=14). The Opto Jump Next system was used for testing the march in place (running in place with eyes open and eyes closed) in 10 sec. 17 parameters were measured (number of steps, contact time, flight time, pace, cycle, jumping point, tendency, and used area). The differences in the means of group A show higher values in Jumping Point (L, R) and in group B – number steps, pace (L, R), Tendency, and Used Area. All these results highlight the characteristics of vestibular ability development in 6-10-year-old gymnasts.

Methodical Contributions Regarding the Improvement of Physical Training in U16 Female Volleyball Players

L. Rada, E.L. Amzar, I.I. Niculescu — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Physical training in volleyball, with a focus on juniors, raises the development of new training methods as a very important issue, meant to expand the body's functional possibilities. The game of volleyball has a team character, a trait that entails the need for collective effort, aimed at achieving the goal - victory. The victory of the team can only be achieved if the ratios between the motor qualities, the height of the players, and the overall effectiveness of the team are optimized in the two fundamental phases: attack and defense. A selection of the means applied in physical training must be made in accordance with the technical needs imposed by the sports branch, in order that the muscle groups involved in the achievement of specific movements to be well prepared, and the technical-tactical actions can be performed at their maximum potential.

Persistence of Practicing Sports Among Young People: A Comparative Evaluation

I.E. Sandu, M. Dragomir — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In the current context, young people face an increasingly limited availability of time to manage all the activities they propose, and this temporal restriction also influences their habits regarding physical activity and practicing sports. The benefits that physical activities have on the mental health of young people are manifested in various aspects, such as reducing stress, improving self-esteem and the quality of sleep. Considering these aspects, a research was proposed with the aim of evaluating the existence of significant differences in the ability of young people to maintain a habit of exercise, particularly dance, either in a dance class or in the comfort of their own home.

A Narrative Review on the Motivational Factors And Benefits of Using Crossfit Elements in the Training of Combat Sports (Judo and Sambo)

C. Stanciu, V. Ene-Voiciulescu — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The scientific research on using CrossFit in combat sports like judo and sambo lacks evidence, prompting further investigation. This paper aims to analyze existing literature on CrossFit and combat sports. We conducted searches in Web of Science and Scopus databases using keywords like CrossFit, benefits, motivation, training, and workout, focusing on judo and sambo. We found 101 relevant results and conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA model. Integrating CrossFit into training improves physical fitness, enhances sports performance, aids injury management, and impacts athletes' psychological well-being, including satisfaction, self-esteem, and community belonging.

Case Study on the Role of Neuromotor Re-Education Methods in the Treatment of Charcot Marie-Tooth Disease

C.E. Stoica, G.S. Lupu — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The isolated Charcot disease occurs in young people and has a motor onset, being a touch of motor cells, anywhere in the cerebrospinal axis. The paper is a case study of a subject diagnosed with Charcot Marie-Tooth disease. The physical therapy intervention aimed to apply elements of neuromotor re-education methods over a period of nine months. The results reveal that combining neuromotor re-education methods contributes to improving muscle elasticity and capsuloligamentous structures, thus preventing the formation of dysfunctional positions, and induces voluntary motor activity in the affected muscles, thus improving muscle imbalances specific to pathology.

Aerobic Endurance Development in 13 and 14 Year-Old Swimmers

C. Tartalranu, D. Ortanescu — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In the specialized literature, physical effort is considered a request of the body above the rest level, a stimulus applied in order to adapt. Sporting physical effort determines the modification of homeostasis, stabilizing it in a certain period of time, at a higher level. In swimming, the effort capacity depends on the capacity to capture, transport and use oxygen. From an energetic and biochemical point of view, the swimmers' effort falls into the predominantly aerobic type. Directing the effort in the training session is the key to success in sports performance as well as the longevity of the individual in performance sport. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the methods used in training have the intended effectiveness.

Representing the Importance of Olympic Values in the Personality Structure of Young People Today

R. Popescu, A. Oltean — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to gain a higher level of understanding of the Olympic concept. We wanted to emphasize the representation of Olympic values in the personality structure of today's young people. The subjects of the study are the university's clients, in the last year of the bachelor's cycle. A total of 54 subjects were included in this study. Therefore, this paper wants to support the steps of strengthening and continuing the introduction of Olympic values in education as the main element of the value system.

Pain Management in Patients With Lumbar Pain Syndrome Through Combined Physical and Kinetic Therapies

S. Toma, G. Toma, C.I. Neagoe, R. Rabolu — Mon, 27 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of associating various means of electrotherapy and kinesiotherapy in patients with low back pain. The study included 30 patients, diagnosed with low back pain syndrome, who underwent a complex treatment of physical therapy and kinesiotherapy associated with drug treatment. A questionnaire based on a series of standard questions, marked with 0-5 points, ranging from no pain and reduced functionality to intense pain and functional impairment, was used to quantify the intensity of pain and limitation of functionality due to pain. Data centralization, analysis, and comparison allowed us to identify the dynamic evolution of the monitored parameters so that after the application of associated therapies we found that if at the beginning of the treatment the majority of patients 70% (21 cases) were in severity class I established on the basis of the scores obtained by the patients in the questionnaire applied, at the end of the treatment only 13.3% (4 cases) remained in severity class I. In conclusion, the use of electrotherapy ensures the rapid achievement of optimal local conditions in the affected structures, removing the algesic component and thus preparing them for the kinetic program, thus creating a perfect symbiosis between the two methods of recovery of patients with low back pain syndrome.