Studia sportiva

The Effect of Parkour Concept on Functional Mobility in Older Adults

2024-04-25T11:50:40+02:00

Introduction: One of the limiting factors in the quality of life of seniors is the increased risk of falls. According to the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH), falls occur naturally most often in daily activities. Many types of physical activity have already been tested in relation to fall prevention. We come up with a new type of exercise, modified parkour for older adults. Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of the Parkour concept on functional mobility in older adults. Patients and Methods: Twenty older adults without cognitive or neurological deficits (> 26 points in the MoCa test) completed a 10-week exercise program. The program included the practice of overcoming obstacles of various shapes and sizes and the practice of fall techniques under the guidance of an instructor. The level of functional mobility was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG 1), the Timed Up and Go test Cognitive, and the Timed Up and Go test manual (TUG 3) and functional reach test (Reach) before and after completing the exercise program. Results: Although participants in the parkour intervention program showed good results in the reach test before starting it, they were able to improve significantly. The effect of the parkour concept is not statistically significant for the functional mobility measured by the TUG tests. The difference is small by Cohen’s effect size (d = 0.22 and d=0.26). There was a slight improvement in the functional mobility test without another task (TUG1) and the modified test with another movement task (TUG3). There was no significant change in the modified cognitive test (TUG2). Conclusion: Modified parkour is a new activity that requires more scientific research. For this age group, we consider a positive improvement in any part of physical fitness.

Effect of Different Strength Training Modalities on Maximal Strength and Power in Semi-Professional Football Players

2025-01-31T22:03:10+01:00

The study provides an innovative perspective on comparing two training modalities of strength training to evaluate the effectiveness in enhancing maximal strength and power of lower limb strength. Our study aimed to examine the effects of eccentric and concentric strength training on the development of maximal lower-limb strength and power in semi-professional football players. The study involved 28 players (age 21.7 ± 2.1 years, body height 180.1 ± 4.6 cm, body weight 75.9 ± 7.2 kg) divided into eccentric (ECC), concentric (CON), and control (CONTR) groups. The eight-week training intervention targeted the knee extensors and flexors. Knee flexor strength was developed using the lying leg curl machine, and knee extensor strength using the seated leg extension machine. The concentric group trained with the maximal effort method, while the eccentric group applied the 2/1 eccentric method. The results showed significant improvements in maximal strength of the extensors (CON +19.4%, p < 0.001, d = 1; ECC +19.42%, p < 0.001, d = 0.89) and improvements, but not significant (p = 0.11, η_p² = 0.16), of the flexors (CON +12.81%, ECC +12.14%) of the knee joint. No significant improvement in power (p = 0.11, η_p² = 0.16) was observed, measured by standing broad jump performance. These findings highlight the specificity of training adaptations, where improvements in maximal strength may not directly translate into enhanced power. The study emphasizes the importance of both training modalities due to their sport-specific benefits for football, such as acceleration, changing direction, positive effects on muscle architecture, and injury prevention.

Grit and Competence among Swimming Coaches in the Philippines

2024-11-21T22:49:34+01:00

The concept of grit has been understudied in the local literature in the Philippines compared to other international nations. Furthermore, studies that focused on grit to swimming coaches has not yet been documented. In this regard, this research probes the dynamic relationship between grit and competence among swimming coaches (n=207) of Central Luzon Philippines, aiming to analyze the impact of these key factors on coaching effectiveness and athlete development. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to gather data from a diverse sample of experienced swimming coaches in the Region. Quantitative measures will assess coaches' levels of grit through the Grit Scale and self-perceived competence through the Coaching Competency Scale, while qualitative insights will provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced and strategies employed in the demanding field of swimming coaching. As hypothesized, results from this research revealed that Grit influences Coaching Competency (F(3, 203) = 20.251, p <.001). However, Ambition did not register a significant relationship to Coaching Competency (β = .141, t = .889, p = .375). Coaches are very willing and highly enthusiastic in sharing the knowledge and skills to their swimmers towards improving their athletic abilities. Amidst adversities, coaches defined their resiliency in developing strategies to cope. Central Luzon coaches share their vision to their athletes towards achieving their goals through motivational strategies towards productive transformation. Lastly, coaches share the importance of serving as a role model towards improving motivation, game strategies, technique and character building of swimmers. Results of the study may be used to formulate programs for further enhancements on coaches’ grit and competencies. It is recommended to conduct parallel researches to other regions in the Philippines and other nations.

The Dualistic Model of Passion Mediates between Coach-Athlete Relationship and Motivation among Collegiate Athletes

2024-10-15T09:40:51+02:00

Despite extensive research in coach-athlete relationship and motivation in sports, there is a notable gap in the literature on the interaction of passion in the relationship between these two key components in sports context. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of passion in sports between coach and athletes’ relationship and motivation among collegiate athletes. A sample of 408 student athletes comprised of 60.5 % male (n=246) and 39.5% female (n= 161) completed a packet of questionnaires on coach-athlete relationship (commitment, closeness, and complementarity), passion (harmonious and obsessive), and athletes' sports motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic). The IBM SPSS 20.0 PROCESS analysis revealed that harmonious and obsessive passion partially mediated the coach-athlete relationship dimensions (commitment, closeness, & complementarity) and both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Results imply that student-athletes who cultivate a positive relationship with their coaches exhibit a greater level of passion in sports, which in turn enhances their athletic motivation. The findings provide empirical evidence on the significance of sports passion have foster a strong connection between athletes and coaches, as well as its impact on athletes' motivation in sports setting.

The Transformation of the Sokol Sports Complex in Brno

2024-12-16T14:04:20+01:00

This article examines the historical evolution and transformation of the Sokol's multi-functional sports complex at the Brno Reservoir. Originally conceived in the 1930s by the Sokol Brno I unit, the complex was envisioned as a comprehensive sports and recreational facility that would advance the physical education ideals of the Sokol movement. Over time, the complex experienced significant changes driven by political, social, and economic forces, including periods of neglect and revival. Today, it remains operational, offering a diverse range of sports and recreational activities, however very different from the original intentions, while preserving its legacy as a cultural and social landmark in the Brno region.

The aim of this study is to analyze the historical development of the complex, assess key political, social, and economic influences on its transformation, and evaluate its contemporary role in Czech physical education and sports traditions.

The study draws on a thorough historical analysis of primary sources, including archival documents, meeting records, and contemporary periodicals, supplemented by secondary literature on Sokol's history. Methodologically, the study employs chronological reconstruction, qualitative analysis of socio-political influences on the development of the complex, and comparative analysis to identify patterns and discrepancies in the historical record. The findings reveal that the complex functioned not only as a recreational hub but also as a symbol of resilience and community spirit, especially during periods of adversity under Nazi occupation and the Communist regime.

The article concludes by examining the post-1989 restoration of the complex, emphasizing its ongoing role in preserving Czech cultural and physical education traditions.