Physical Education and Sport Through The Centuries

PILATES MODALITY AND WELL-BEING: A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS IN WOMEN

2025-12-20T00:02:23+00:00

Due to the everyday life stress, many individuals seek to enhance their quality of life (QoL) through physical activities that engage the whole body. Among the increasingly available techniques, the Pilates method stands out as a therapeutic and preventive model with the potential to improve QoL. The aim of this study was to examine and compare socio-demographic characteristics and QoL of women practicing Mat Pilates (MP, n=38) and Reformer Pilates (RP, n=38), aged 21–67. The analyzed baseline characteristics included age, anthropometric indicators (body height, body mass, BMI), age at menarche and menopause, duration of a single training session, and perceived exertion according to Borg’s scale. Additionally, socio-demographic factors (education level, employment, marital and living status, number of children, menstrual status, use of tobacco, alcohol or illicit substances) and Pilates-related variables (training frequency and length of practice) were collected. QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, which evaluates four domains—physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment—as well as overall perception of QoL and general health. The data were analyzed (descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann Whitney U test) using SPSS 26.0. The obtained results showed statistically significant between-group differences (p>0.05) only in participants’ age and perceived exertion. Nevertheless, RP participants showed slightly higher QoL scores in the physical health domain (16.48±1.90 vs. 15.93±1.94), environment domain (14.33±2.30 vs. 14.09±1.96), and overall perceptions of QoL and general health (15.42±2.54 vs. 15.05±2.36). MP participants, however, scored marginally higher in psychological health (15.75±1.96 vs. 15.32±2.73) and social relationships (15.33±2.03 vs. 15.19±2.85). Overall, both groups expressed satisfaction with their QoL, with the highest levels noted in the physical health domain and the lowest in the environment domain, which encompasses financial resources, safety, health and social care, home environment, transport, etc. These findings across socio-demographic factors and QoL domains suggest that both forms of Pilates are equally accessible and beneficial forms of mind–body training among adult women.

APPLYING DANCE-BASED ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND CREATIVITY IN PRESCHOOLERS – PILOT STUDY

2025-12-16T22:19:13+00:00

Creative movement and dance-based activities are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for supporting motor development and creativity in early childhood. However, empirical evidence documenting their impact in preschool settings remains limited. This study examined the effects of a structured dance-movement program on physical activity levels and movement creativity in preschool children, and compared outcomes between children with and without previous dance experience. A total of 100 children aged 3–4 years participated in a single-session dance-movement intervention lasting 50 minutes, delivered in six preschool institutions in the city of Ružomberok (Slovakia). Children were categorized into two equivalent groups: those with prior dance experience (n = 50) and those without such experience (n = 50). Physical activity (PA) and creativity (CR) were assessed using systematic direct observation during 10-minute pretest and posttest movement sequences. Two independent raters evaluated each child using a 10-point scale. Data were analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and repeated-measures ANOVA. Inter-rater reliability was high across all measures (ICC = .60–.91). Significant improvements were observed from pretest to posttest in both PA and CR for all children (p < .01). Additionally, children with prior dance experience consistently scored higher in both domains compared with their non-experienced peers. The dance group demonstrated greater overall movement variety, rhythm responsiveness, and creative expression. A brief, structured dance-movement program effectively enhanced physical activity and creative motor expression in preschool children. Prior dance experience further amplified these outcomes. These findings support the integration of dance-based activities into early childhood education.

SPORT PARTICIPATION, SOCIAL MEDIA USE, AND MENTAL HEALTH OF SERBIAN ADOLESCENTS

2025-12-27T21:09:46+00:00

Adolescents today encounter numerous challenges to their physical and mental well-being, particularly due to insufficient physical activity and intensive social media use. The aim of this study was to examine differences between students who engage in sports and those who do not. Indicators included self-rated health, life satisfaction, frequency of psychosomatic complaints, and the risk of social media use. The sample consisted of 1,761 students (843 males) from the 5th and 7th grades. About 72% participated in organized sports, and over half had been active for more than three years. Overall, 61% rated their health as excellent and 31% as very good, while 70% reported high life satisfaction. The most common psychosomatic complaints were nervousness (56%), irritability (43%), and sleep problems (35%). YouTube was the most frequently used platform (90%), followed by Viber, TikTok, and Snapchat. Regarding problematic social media use, 39% were at moderate risk, and 55% were not at risk. Compared to their non-athletic peers, student-athletes demonstrated better self-rated health, higher life satisfaction, fewer psychosomatic symptoms, and a lower likelihood of problematic social media use.

INFLUENCE OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON ALPINE SKIING SKILL ACQUISITION IN CHILDREN

2025-12-16T20:25:03+00:00

Regular participation in physical activity is widely recognized as a catalyst for developing the motor prerequisites necessary for specialized sports skills. This study specifically investigated the impact of regular, organized physical activity on fundamental alpine skiing skill acquisition in school-aged children. Materials and methods: Twenty children (9 girls, 11 boys; age 9.25 ± 1.65 years) were divided into physically active (n = 10) and inactive (n = 10) groups based on their participation in organized sports. Participants were assessed using a battery of ski school-validated tests for fundamental skiing skills, including dynamic balance, turning control, gliding stability, coordinated uphill movement, and the ability to edge the skis. Due to the nonparametric nature of the data, a Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the performance of the two groups. Results. Statistical comparisons revealed no significant differences in age, height, weight, or body mass index between the active and inactive groups. Most importantly, physically active children demonstrated significantly superior performance in all fundamental skiing skill assessments (p values ranging from 0.001 to 0.007). Specific tests showing significant differences included the Forward Tandem Walking Test, Turning on Skis Test, Sliding Steps Straight Test, and Uphill Sidestep on the Slope Test. Conclusions. These findings emphasize the beneficial role of physical activity in developing skiing-related motor skills and improving alpine skiing performance in school-aged children.

HEART RATE VARIABILITY–GUIDED RECOVERY STRATEGIES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON PERFORMANCE AND INJURY RISK IN ELITE YOUTH FOOTBALL PLAYERS

2026-04-04T16:59:34+00:00

This randomized controlled study investigated the efficacy of heart rate variability (HRV)-guided recovery on physiological, physical, and injury outcomes in elite youth football players. Thirty male players (age: 17–19 y; height: 183 ± 4 cm; body mass: 75 ± 6 kg) from a National Division club were assigned to HRV-guided recovery (HRV-GR; n = 15) or traditional recovery (TR; n = 15) over an eight-week, thrice-weekly training program. HRV-GR adjustments were individualized based on daily LnRMSSD, while TR followed standardized recovery routines. Primary outcomes included autonomic function (LnRMSSD, HRR), metabolic recovery ([La]), neuromuscular performance (CMJ, SJ), aerobic capacity (Yo-Yo IR1), and repeated sprint ability (RSA). Session RPE and non-contact injuries were also monitored. HRV-GR produced significantly greater improvements than TR in LnRMSSD (+18%; d = 1.02), HRR (+15%; d = 0.88), and post-exercise [La] reduction (−22%; d = 0.95). Neuromuscular performance gains were also higher in HRV-GR (CMJ +12%, SJ +10%; d = 0.80–0.85), alongside superior Yo-Yo IR1 distance (+14%; d = 0.90) and RSA maintenance (fatigue index −11%; d = 0.78). Session RPE decreased in HRV-GR despite equal external loads (−9%; d = 0.70). Injury incidence was reduced (2 vs. 7 cases in TR). These results indicate that HRV-guided recovery enhances parasympathetic reactivation, metabolic clearance, and neuromuscular readiness, translating into superior high-intensity intermittent performance and lower injury risk. Individualized HRV monitoring offers a practical, evidence-based approach to optimize training adaptation and mitigate fatigue in youth football.

PHYSICAL LITERACY SUPPORT FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD: DEVELOPING MOTIVATION, AUTONOMY, AND EXERCISE LITERACY ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

2026-04-01T21:41:20+00:00

This paper brings together evidence from three complementary studies – those with Physical Education (PE) teachers, personal training clients and high-level personal trainers (PTs) - to examine how Physical Literacy (PL) is currently supported from childhood to adulthood, leveraging exercise literacy as a valuable new component. PL includes the motivation, confidence, physical competence and knowledge needed to sustain meaningful physical activity across the lifespan. In Serbia, however, PE teachers’ philosophies and classroom practices appear misaligned. Qualitative findings show that although teachers value wellbeing, enjoyment and long-term habit formation, lessons largely remain traditional and performance focused, dominated by teacher-led instructional formats. Opportunities for autonomy, creativity and student-centred learning are limited, restricting pupils’ development of self-directed capabilities that support lifelong activity. In adulthood, PL is expressed differently. A cross-sectional survey of personal training clients and qualitative interviews with high-level Serbian PTs indicate that adults rely heavily on psychosocial support, flexible coaching approaches and a mix of intrinsic and extrinsic motivating factors. Clients value relational qualities, professional dedication and the trainer’s ability to individualise the process without unnecessary demands. Consistent with evidence that effort often precedes motivation, trainers reported that early, manageable successes are crucial for building confidence and adherence. The synthesis of the three studies highlights a fragmented developmental pathway and highlights the need for a lifespan-aligned approach to PL in Serbia, supported by curriculum reform, improved teacher preparation and strengthened professional development for PTs with the introduction of ‘exercise literacy’ concept.

MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY AND NEUROMUSCULAR REGULATION IN ELITE SPRINT ORIENTEERING: A HIGH-RESOLUTION COMPETITION CASE ANALYSIS

2026-04-23T11:32:01+00:00

Sprint orienteering requires rapid accelerations, repeated directional changes, and sustained high-intensity locomotion under cognitive load, yet mechanical efficiency and neuromuscular regulation during elite competition remain insufficiently explored. The aim of this study was to examine mechanical efficiency and neuromuscular regulation in elite sprint orienteering across different competition contexts. A high-resolution case-study design was applied, analyzing second-by-second wearable biomechanical data from two elite male orienteers across three sprint competitions each (national and European Championship events). Ground contact time (GCT), leg spring stiffness (LSS), mechanical variability, drift patterns, and power–stiffness coupling were evaluated using time-based segmentation to assess fatigue-related mechanical responses and competition-specific adaptations. International races, particularly the Knock-Out Sprint format, were characterized by shorter ground contact times in both athletes, indicating enhanced reactive force application. Leg spring stiffness remained relatively stable across competitions, suggesting preserved elastic energy regulation despite reduced contact time. Distinct athlete-specific patterns emerged in mechanical variability, drift behavior, and power–stiffness coupling, highlighting divergent neuromuscular strategies under competitive stress. These findings indicate that sprint orienteering performance is influenced not only by physiological intensity but also by fatigue-related mechanical regulation. The small sample size and reliance on wearable-derived estimates limit generalizability. Practically, high-resolution biomechanical monitoring may support individualized performance profiling and training prescription. The originality of this study lies in its second-by-second competition analysis of mechanical efficiency in elite sprint orienteering.

GENDER AND AGE DIFFERENCES IN SOCIAL FEAR AMONG YOUNG SWIMMERS 5-8 YEARS

2026-04-12T20:51:39+00:00

This study examined social phobia levels among 72 children (54.17% males) aged 5-8 years enrolled in structured swimming programs at Al-Wefaq Sports Club, analyzing gender and age-based differences. A validated social phobia scale exhibited strong psychometric properties. Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests confirmed non-normal distributions (p < 0.05), justifying non-parametric analyses using SPSS v28. Mann-Whitney U tests revealed no significant gender differences (U = 599, p = 0.613), while Kruskal-Wallis tests showed no age group differences (H = 0.191, p = 0.984). Mean ranks were comparable across males (37.64), females (35.15), and age groups (5yo: 38.13; 6yo: 35.41; 7yo: 37.31; 8yo: 35.98). Findings suggest exploring environmental/psychological factors using mixed-methods, conducting longitudinal studies to track developmental trajectories, and comparing swimmers versus non-swimmers to isolate sport-specific effects.

SEX-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL FITNESS COMPONENTS AMONG YOUNG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2026-05-12T21:04:39+00:00

The aim of this study was to examine sex-related differences in fitness components among young school-age children. A total of 138 children (72 boys and 66 girls; mean age 9.08 ± 0.67 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Body composition, motor abilities, and cardiorespiratory parameters were assessed using standardized field-based tests. Differences between boys and girls were analyzed using the independent samples Student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney U tests, depending on data distribution. The results revealed that boys had significantly higher muscle mass percentage, faster sprint times, better agility, greater explosive power of both the lower and upper limbs, higher aerobic capacity, and lower resting heart rate compared to girls (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in body height, body mass, body mass index, body fat percentage or blood pressure parameters. These findings indicate that sex-related differences in multiple fitness components are evident already in early school age, providing important insight into the early emergence of distinct physical fitness profiles between boys and girls.