The effect plyometric training with active-passive recovery for 8 weeks on performance physical abilities male judo athletes

Background and Study Aim. Judo is a popular sport with dynamic characteristics and requires high physical abilities to achieve achievement. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of plyometric exercises with active-passive recovery for eight weeks to improve the physical ability of male judo athletes. Material and Methods. This study used an experimental method. A total of 36 male judoka participated as samples and were randomly divided into three groups. The plyometric experimental group with active recovery (21.8±1.78 years, 1.70±0.06 m, 71.1±13.5 kg), plyometric experimental group with passive recovery (21.7±2.53 years, 1.71±0.06 m, 63.8±10.1 kg), and the control group (21.4±2.30 years, 1.72±0.05 m, 67.4±7.76 kg). The training program was conducted for eight weeks with a frequency of 3 times/week. The experimental group was treated with plyometric training after warm-up, judo training, and post-exercise active-passive recovery intervention. The control group continued regular judo training. The statistical analysis procedure used the ANOVA test to determine the difference and comparison of the pre-test and post-test mean values in the control and experimental groups with a significance level (p<0.05). Results. The results showed differences in the average value of experimental and control groups found significant to the VO2Max endurance and leg power. Meanwhile, no significant difference occurred in left and right grip strength, flexibility, and speed. Conclusions. The study concluded that plyometric training with active-passive recovery positively affects male judoka's VO2max endurance and leg power.

The effect of score types on total score in trampoline gymnastics: Example of the European Championship in Sochi 2021

Background and Study Aim. Trampoline gymnastics has a versatile scoring system that has evolved and become more complex over the years. This study aimed to find the effect of the difficulty (D), execution (E), time of flight (TOF), and horizontal displacement (HD) scores on the total score in male and female trampoline gymnasts. Material and Methods. The results of the first round in the qualification round in the individual senior category of the 27th European Championships in Trampoline Gymnastics were used for evaluation. Multiple regression analysis (the enter method) was performed to build a model between the total score and D, E, TOF, and HD scores. Results. According to multiple regression analyses, respectively E, TOF, D, and HD scores were predictors of the total score in the men’s first routine, and D, E, TOF, and HD in the men’s second routine (p<0.05). Although women have the same ranking as the men of the second routines, respectively E, D, TOF, and HD scores were predictors of the first routine (p<0.05). Conclusions. The results show that the E score is critical for the first routines and the D score is critical for the second routines. The fact that the first and second routines were constructed with different strategies as per the competition rules may have caused this result. By reminding coaches and athletes of the fact that the types of scores can affect each other, it can be suggested that they adjust their target scores according to the type of routine and the stage and type of competition.

Social representations of physical education teachers concerning the game: a qualitative study in Chile

Background and Study Aim. The objective of this research was to determine the social representations of the game in physical education teachers belonging to the Chilean educational system, searching for the sense and meaning given by the educators to the game aspect. Material and Methods. The study sample consisted of 14 physical education teachers, who were chosen by the convenience sampling method. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the participants, maintaining gender equity. The analysis of the data obtained was by means of content analysis and the NVivo 11 program was used to process the data. Results. Our research indicates that of the categories analyzed, the highest was the role of the game (22.29%), demonstrating the relevance given by teachers to the game in the development of meaningful learning. On the contrary, the category characteristics of the game (17.42%), describe how teachers visualize the contributions of play at the educational level, in this sense, the role of the game goes beyond motor contributions, but also provides tools for social and cognitive development. Conclusions. For the teachers, the game promotes autonomous and proactive actions of the students, which will be beneficial to understand that playfulness in education implies not to put in contradiction the rational and emotional faculties. This comprehensive view is called full attitude, and it is a relevant step toward the understanding of the game from a complex perspective. In this area, it is evident that, in the social representations of the participating teachers, the game constitutes a natural environment in which children develop, where the physical education teacher should create an environment that facilitates the game, facilitating the expression of autonomy, freedom, creativity, and playfulness.

Improving the means and methods of training of young fencers aged 9-11 years

Background and Study Aim. Training of motor actions of young athletes requires consideration the peculiarities of the sensitive period of their development. An important component of the training program is the use of training tools that do not harm the health of young athletes. The purpose of the study is to identify the dynamics of physical training and provide an assessment of technical and tactical techniques of fencers (sword) aged 9-11 years under the influence of the author's program. Material and methods. The study involved young fencers (n = 20; age 9-11 years). The study lasted one academic year. The training was held in the gym of the children's and youth sports school "Wave" (Kharkiv, Ukraine). Athletes were divided into two uniform groups: control group (n = 10) and experimental group (n = 10). Classes were held according to the author's program 4 times a week for 2 hours. A survey of trainers of trainers (n = 12) and experienced fencers (n = 30) was conducted. Parents of children agreed to participate in the study. The following tests were used: “Standing Long Jump Test (Broad Jump), cm”; “4x9 m Shuttle test, sec.”; "Hits into the target, 30 sec. points"; "Simulation exercises of a simple fencing combination, sec.". The program "Microsoft Excel" Data Analysis, SPSS was used. The level of reliability is selected p <0.05. Results. Significant changes in the indicators of the control group were obtained: “Standing Long Jump Test (Broad Jump), cm”, (p <0.05); in the test "4x9 m Shuttle test, sec." (p <0.05); both tests have assessment of technical and tactical techniques (p <0.01). In the experimental group, all tests showed positive changes (p <0.01). In comparison of two groups with each other in the tests "Standing Long Jump Test (Broad Jump), cm", "4x9 m Shuttle test, sec." and " Hits into the target, 30 sec. points" there were positive statistically significant changes (p <0.05). In the test "Simulation exercises of a simple fencing combination, sec." no significant changes occurred (p˃0.05). Conclusions. It is recommended to take into account the effects of exercise on the health of young athletes when designing a fencing training program.

The effect of menstrual cycle on anaerobic power and jumping performance

Background and Study Aim. There has been a significant increase in the participation levels of women in competitive sports in recent years. This has contributed to the increase of research on women's participation in sports and their health. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the menstrual cycle on anaerobic power and jumping performance. Material and Methods. In this study, 15 female athletes between the ages of 18-24, who have a regular menstrual cycle for the last 6 months Wingate Anaerobic Power Test and Active Jumping Test applied to athletes during their menstrual phases (second day of the menstruation period) and follicular phases (14th day of the menstruation period). In the statistical analysis of the data, descriptive analyses of test measurements of athletes were calculated as mean and standard deviation. Whether there is a significant difference between the measurements taken on two different days was analyzed using the t-test in dependent groups. Results. It was determined that the anaerobic power and active jump performances of the participants had an effect on peak power, fatigue index and active jump performance between day 2 and day 14 values. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between these values (p<0.05). Conclusions. This situation can be explained as a result of the hormonal changes in the menstrual period of the athletes and the effects of psychological factors specific to this period.

Ankle range of motion and dynamic balance in recreational Sepak Takraw players with and without ankle injury - a comparative study

Background and Study Aim. Sepak Takraw (ST) is considered Malaysia's national sport, and the nature of this sport requires players to be sufficiently acrobatic. Therefore, players were expected to jump and regain their balance, challenging their dynamic balance (DB). Nonetheless, range of motion (ROM) is closely related to balance. Hence, this study aimed to compare recreational ST players' ankle ROM and DB differences with and without ankle injuries. Material and Methods. The cross-sectional study in which 30 participants were assigned purposively according to players with an ankle injury (n=15) and without ankle injury (n=15) based on the position statement of the International Ankle Consortium (IAC). One time ankle Range of Motion and Dynamic balance was measured using a universal goniometer and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), respectively, for both groups. Results. Independent T-test was performed to identify the significant differences (p<0.05) of SEBT and ROM between the non-injured leg and injured leg within the injured group to the non-injured group. Ankle eversion and dorsiflexion between the injured and non-injured groups did not show any significant difference with p=0.35 & p=0.53, respectively. As for SEBT, only posteromedial and medial of the injured leg did not show a significant difference p>0.05. All other ankles ROM and the SEBT score demonstrated a statistically significant difference p<0.05. Conclusions. ROM and DB training/rehabilitation should be incorporated to all the injured group ST sports players regardless of which leg is affected to optimize ankle function and the game performance.

The influence of motor skills on the short sprint results

Background and Study Aim. The curriculum of physical education in high schools is based on learning motor skills, as well as their development in sports sections, where the 100-meter sprint dominates. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of motor skills on the 100 m running results. Material and Methods. The research was conducted on a sample of 80 high school students in Novi Pazar and Kraljevo, aged 16 and 17 years (± 6 months). 12 variables were used to assess motor skills, three variables each: explosive power, segmental speed, repetitive power, and flexibility (standing long jump), triple jump, five jumps. For estimating segmental speed: foot tapping, hand tapping, foot tapping on the wall. For the assessment of repetitive power: lifting the torso on the Swedish bench, mixed pull-ups, squats. To assess flexibility: deep bench press, twine, stick twist. Results. Results were obtained to confirm that there is a positive influence of motor skills on the 100 m sprint results at the level of (p=.000). The results in the 100 m sprints are statistically significantly dependent on the motor skills that manifest segmental speed and explosive power. Variables (standing long jump, foot tapping on the wall and foot tapping) have a statistically significant effect on the criterion variable of the 100 m sprint. Conclusions. Recommendation to future researchers would be to conduct a study over a longer period of time with the aim of examining the biomechanical factors that determine the success in sprint, is the production of force in the phase of sprint acceleration and sprint deceleration.

Comparison of thigh muscle activations in single leg exercises: bench squat, step-up, airborne lunge

Background and Study Aim. Single leg exercises have some advantages in terms of time, practice and energy costs. However, the activation values that occur in different single leg exercises can be used for training planning. The aim of this research was to examine the thigh muscle activation values during three different single leg exercises. Materials and Methods. Ten healthy male volunteers who were students of the faculty of sports sciences participated in the study. In the study, the EMG ampilitude values of the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), semitendinosus (SEM) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were examined during Step-up, Bench Squat and Airborne Lunge exercises. At the same time, Quadriceps (VM+VL): Hamstring (SEM+BF) ratios were determined. Results. Significant differences were detected in all thigh muscles in the ascent and descent phases (p<0.05). While the greatest activation for the quadriceps group was seen in the airborne lunge, the greatest activation for the hamstring group was detected in the bench squat. A statistically significant difference was found in terms of exercise practices in the quadriceps: hamstring (Q:H) ratio (F(2,18)=12.282, p=.003). It was seen that the most balanced exercise was bench squat (Q:H=2.55), and the most unbalanced exercise (agonist dominant) was airborne lunge (Q:H=5.51). Conclusions. The findings show that the exercises examined can be selected depending on the purpose of the training. While bench squats can be preferred for more balanced co-activation the airborne lunge can be preferred for dominant knee extensors.

Effect of different training models on motoric and swimming performance in prepubescent swimmers

Background and Study Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different training programs on the improvement of motoric and swimming performance prepubescent swimmers. Material and Methods. Forty-five children between the ages of 9 -11 years with at least 2 years of training experiences, participated in the study. Three different [(1) dry-land with elastic resistance band group + swimming (ERB); (2) dry-land without elastic resistance band (DL) + swimming and (3) swimming group (SG) with swimming training alone] training group were formed. And a 12-week training program was implemented thought the study. Biceps, chest, waist, hip, thigh body circumference measurements were taken from all participants. Vertical jump (VJ), flexed-arm strength (FAS), speed, upper body strength (UBS), Standing horizontal jump (SHJ), flexibility, aerobic endurance (AE), balance, and 50 m freestyle swimming (FS) score were tested on the participants. As statistical analysis, normality and homogeneity of variance assumption were checked (Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests, respectively). A non-normal distribution was found. The values of each variable were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and median. The training effects within the groups were evaluated using analyses of Friedman for repeated measures and the level of significance was set at p<0.05 for all tests. Results. There was a significant difference in SHJ, UBS, FAS, speed, and FS score among the assessment times 1-3 and 1-4 in both of ERB and DL training groups (p<0.05). ERB and DL training were significantly effective compared to the SG on VJ, FAS, speed, UBS, and freestyle swimming performance (p<0.05). Conclusions: The study findings showed that DL training more effected relatively on motoric performance.

The level of physical activity of university students in Slovakia during COVID - 19 pandemic

Background and Study Aim. COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has affected several areas of human and public life. The implementation of the restrictions affects free movement, leading to limited physical activity (PA) level. The main aim of the study was to determine the level of PA of university students in Slovakia during COVID–19 pandemics. Material and Methods. The sample consisted of 3128 university students. Data was obtained from students from three universities with different specializations. A questionnaire about lifestyle with questions about physical activity was used. The questionnaire was distributed using online communication systems of universities. The online questionnaire was answered by 3128 students. Results. Analyzed data were obtained from 3128 students. The results indicate that 38% of all students exercise 3-4 times per week, while 41% exercise 1-2 times per week, and 21% do not exercise at all, or exercise 1-2 times per month. Found weak positive correlation (r=0,337) was between the exercise frequency and perception of well-being, and a very weak positive correlation (r=0,187) between the exercise frequency and stress intensity. A moderate positive correlation was found between the perception of health and life energy (r=0,579). A moderate positive correlation was observed between the perception of health and physical strength (r=0,579). Conclusions. COVID-19 restrictions have been associated with the reduction of physical activity of the students. To avoid the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, it is necessary to promote activity among university students.