Studia sportiva

Gender-Specific Analysis of Anthropometric Measures and Motor Performance in School-Aged Children

Farjana Akter Boby, Manisha Badhan — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This research investigates the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and motor performance in school-aged children, addressing a significant gap in existing literature. A sample of 250 students (130 boys and 120 girls) aged 12 to 16 years from four schools in the Dhaka Region was analyzed using stratified random sampling. Different anthropometric measures included body height, mass, BMI, and various limb dimensions, whereas motor performance was evaluated through different tests i.e. hand tapping, sit and reach, standing long jump, and agility tasks. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS V26, employing normality test, independent samples t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The results showed significant gender differences, with girls showing greater measurements in several anthropometric parameters, while boys outperformed girls in strength-based tasks like the standing long jump. Conversely, girls excelled in flexibility tests. The correlation analysis emphasised that specific anthropometric measures, such as leg and arm length, positively influenced motor performance, whereas a higher BMI negatively impacted agility and endurance. The study accentuates the importance of couture physical education programs to individual anthropometric profiles, considering gender disparities and specific physical attributes, to enhance motor performance among school-aged children. This research contributes valuable insights for the development of effective physical education strategies.

An Innovative Model of Physical Education Teaching Based on Audio Visual Media to Minimize Bullying Cases in School

Muhammad Fadillah, Mashud, Syamsul Arifin — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This research aims to explore the effect of an innovative model that integrates the Numbered Head Together (NHT) cooperative model with an audiovisual media-based reciprocal teaching style in minimizing bullying behavior of grade VIII students of SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Banjarbaru. The method used was a quasi-experiment with a pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 58 students were divided into two groups: experimental and control. The pretest showed quite high bullying behavior, which was then intervened for four weeks. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that the experimental group experienced a significant decrease in the bullying dimension, while the control group did not show any significant changes. The paired sample t-test shows the Sig value of 0.000 (P < 0.05) in the experimental group, indicating a significant difference before and after the intervention. In contrast, the control group did not show a significant difference (Sig. 0.772 > 0.05). However, the results of the independent sample t-test did not show a significant difference in value (Sig. 0.08 > 0.05). However, the results of other observations and statistical analyses strengthen the effectiveness of this intervention in creating a more inclusive learning environment. These results confirm that the application of a cooperative learning model with an audiovisual media-based reciprocal approach is effective in reducing bullying behavior in the school environment. This research makes an important contribution to the development of bullying prevention strategies among adolescents.

Diagnosis of kinematic parameters of running stride and acceleration of U13 and U15 basketball players using Optojump Next device

Peter Mitašík, Iveta Cihová, Julián Smoliga, Vladimíra Trulíková, Miroslav Vavák — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The aim of our study is to substantiate and confirm the importance of the level of running stride parameters and explosive power of the lower limbs of young basketball players in achieving acceleration speed. The research population consisted of U13 (n = 11) and U15 (n = 16) players who have been participating in a regular specialized training program for at least 2 years. Testing was conducted using the Optojump next device in the 15 m acceleration race. The literature refers to the 1st and 2nd running steps as key. In our study, we focused on the evaluation of the first 6 running steps. We performed 3 vertical jump protocols (CMJ (counter movement jump), CMJ- free arms and SQ (squat jump)) to determine the level of explosive power of the lower limbs. We observed a significant relationship between the level of acceleration velocity and CMJ (p < 0.05, r = -0.610), CMJ-free arms (p < 0.05, r = -0.728) in the U13 category. In the U15 category, a significant relationship was found in CMJ (p < 0.01, r = - 0.720), CMJ-free arms (p < 0.01, r = - 0.688) and SQ (p < 0.01, r = - 0.872). In the U13 category, we observed a significant relationship between the level of acceleration speed at 15 m and pad contact time in the 4th (p < 0.01, r = 0.740) running stride. Running stride length was not significant with acceleration speed level in the U13 category. In the U15 category, we observed a significant relationship between the level of acceleration speed at 15 m and the contact time with the mat in the 1st (p < 0.05, r = 0.619), 3rd (p < 0.01, r = 0.709), 5th (p < 0.01, r = 0.783) and 6th (p < 0.05, r = 0.593) running stride. Running stride length in relation to acceleration velocity was not significant in either running stride in the U15 category.

Acute and Delayed Postactivation Performance Enhancement of a Portable Flywheel Isoinertial Device Versus Traditional Resistance Protocol on Countermovement Jump Performance

Julián Enrik Smoliga, Peter Mitašík, Miroslav Vavák — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute and delayed effects of two postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols on countermovement jump (CMJ) height without arm work. 16 strength-trained male participants from various team sports performed, in a single-group, non-synchronous crossover experiment, two different PAPE protocols: traditional resistance using free weights (TR) and resistance generated using an isoinertial flywheel device (FW). Familiarization sessions were conducted prior to the protocols. The TR protocol resistance was set at power maximum (P_max) determined through diagnostic series of progressive loading. The FW protocol used an encoder to set resistances, and the resistance with the highest P_max in concetric phase was selected. Each protocol consisted of 3 sets of 6 repetitions with a 2-minute rest interval. CMJ height was measured at baseline, 6 minutes, and 24 hours after the both PAPE protocols. The CMJ height significantly increased at 6 minutes after FW protocol (p < 0.01) and after TR protocol (p < 0.05) but did not significantly increase after 24 hours after both protocols (p < 0.05). In conclusion the FW and TR protocol showed significant increases after 6 minutes but not after 24 hours in CMJ height. This suggests that FW and TR protocol can be a effective method for acutely inducing CMJ height improvements but not after 24 hours.

Changes in Velocity Decrement at Different Phases of a 30-Meter Resisted Sprint

Daniel Marčan, Adam Lipčák, Marián Škorik, Petr Tomek, Tomáš Kalina — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Resisted sprint training is one of the most studied methods for developing speed capabilities, especially for elite-level athletes. While traditional sled training relies on a fixed load based on the percentage of body mass, recent research suggests that resistance based on velocity decrement (V_dec) may be a more practical option. This study examines whether V_dec at a given resistance remains consistent or varies across different phases of a 30 m sprint. Twelve male participants with a speed-focused training history were involved in this study. Participants performed 30 m sprint trials, with time splits recorded at 10 m intervals (0–10 m, 10–20 m, 20–30 m) and additional segmental analysis for distances 0–20 m, 10–30 m and the entire 0–30 m sprint. Each participant completed two repetitions at five different resistance levels provided by a cable-driven motorised resistance system (1080 Sprint). The analysis of horizontal force-velocity-power parameters showed moderate variation in force generation of the subjects, with an average theoretical maximal force of 6.33 ± 0.85 N/kg and a relatively consistent maximal velocity of 9.39 ± 0.42 m/s. The study revealed a statistically significant difference in % V_dec (p ≤ 0.05) across different sprint phases, with higher resistance leading to increased differences in the individual phases of the run. Segmental analysis showed a greater % V_dec as sprint distance increased across all resistance levels. These findings highlight the need for a deeper understanding of resisted sprint training for more effective speed development.

Public Funding and Elite Success in Czech Team Sports: A Penalized Logistic Regression Approach

Martin Vyroubal — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

International sporting success is widely regarded as a symbol of national prestige and effectiveness in sport policy, motivating many countries to allocate significant public funding to elite and youth sport programs. However, the direct impact of such investments on competitive outcomes remains ambiguous, particularly in the context of team sports where success is infrequent and influenced by multiple factors. This study examines the relationship between public funding and international sporting success in the Czech Republic, focusing on four major team sports: football, basketball, ice hockey, and volleyball. Using a panel dataset aggregated across Olympic cycles (2010–2013, 2014–2017, and 2018–2022) and applying a penalized logistic regression model, we assess whether higher investments in national representation and youth development increase the probability of achieving top 8 placements at major international tournaments. This study aims to evaluate the extent to which public funding for national representation and youth development contributes to elite sporting success, measured by top 8 placements in international competitions. The analysis reveals that, despite considerable financial support, neither national representation nor youth development funding demonstrates a positive association with elite success. These findings raise critical questions regarding the design and strategic targeting of public investment policies in sport and contribute to the broader discourse on the efficiency of resource allocation in sport systems.

Initial study on Hand Grip Asymmetry in Lebanese Adults: An Advanced Model Integrating Maximal and Explosive Strength

Zahi Andraos — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This study introduces a refined model of hand grip asymmetry tailored to the Lebanese population, incorporating both maximal strength (Fmax) and explosive strength (RFDmax). Unlike previous models that primarily focused on maximal strength, this dual-parameter approach provides a more comprehensive assessment of hand grip asymmetry, offering insights into functional health and injury risk. Given the absence of prior data on this population, the model establishes baseline asymmetry thresholds to support clinical evaluations and performance assessments.

A total of 393 healthy adults (241 males, 152 females) from various Lebanese regions underwent hand grip assessments measuring Fmax and RFDmax for both the dominant (DH) and non-dominant hands (NDH). Asymmetry levels were computed separately for handgrip strength and handgrip explosive strength, and participants were classified into four asymmetry groups: low (0–10%), moderate (10.1–20%), high (20.1–30%), and very high (>30%) based on asymmetry percentage thresholds.

Results indicated that males demonstrated approximately 44% greater hand grip strength (Fmax) and 47% higher RFDmax than females across both hands (p < 0.001). A dominant hand advantage was observed, with a 6.9% higher Fmax in males and a 7.9% difference in females (p < 0.001). While overall asymmetry did not differ significantly between genders, females exhibited slightly higher asymmetry in RFDmax. Notably, explosive strength asymmetry was more pronounced than maximal strength asymmetry, suggesting it may serve as a stronger indicator of neuromuscular control and injury risk.

This model serves as a key reference for understanding hand grip asymmetry in the Lebanese population, establishing normative benchmarks that may aid in health risk identification and functional assessments. Future research should explore age-related trends and cross-population comparisons to further evaluate the impact of hand grip asymmetry on performance and health outcomes.

Comparative Analysis of Game-Related Parameters and Team Performance Across European Men's Volleyball Leagues

Sara Aščić, Marin Marinović, Danijela Kuna, Mijo Ćurić, Iva Šklempe Kokić — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Game-related parameters play a direct role in distinguishing between winning and losing volleyball teams, directly influencing league rankings. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the impact of serve, reception, attack, and block parameters on higher and lower-quality leagues, while also examining their influence on league rankings. METHODS: Data from men’s volleyball matches in higher-quality leagues spanning from 2012/13 to 2022/23 seasons in Italy, Poland, and Turkey, and matches in lower-quality leagues spanning from the 2018/19 to 2022/23 seasons in the Czech Republic and Belgium, were analysed, totalling 820,769 points. The study compared league rankings across all leagues and evaluated serve, reception, attack, and block parameters for effectiveness and errors. RESULTS: Higher-quality leagues demonstrated a significantly greater number of points won through attacks (p=0.00), perfect reception (p=0.00), and errors during the reception (p=0.00), as well as a lower number of points, won through serving (p=0.03), attacking errors (p=0.00), and points won through blocking (p=0.00) compared to lower-quality leagues. No significant differences were observed in serving errors (p=0.82). When comparing league rankings, statistically significant differences were found in the number of points won through serving (p=0.00), points won through attacking (p=0.00), points won through blocking (p=0.00), reception errors (p=0.00), and attacking errors (p=0.00). CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the nuanced relationship between skill execution, tactical decisions, and competitive level, emphasizing the distinct performance strategies employed by higher-quality and lower-quality leagues. Expanding future research to include additional leagues and performance variables will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing team success.

Opponent and Real-Time Analysis in Soccer: A Game Theory-Informed Practice

Spyridon Plakias, Dionysios Plakias, Anna Tsiakiri — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Modern soccer is a strategically complex sport where decision-making occurs under conditions of uncertainty, both before and during matches. This narrative review explores the integration of game theory into opponent and real-time analysis in soccer, highlighting its potential to optimize tactical decision-making and team performance. By examining existing research and presenting an applied game-theoretic scenario, the review bridges the gap between theoretical strategic models and their practical applications in soccer. Opponent analysis, enriched by performance indicators, playing styles, and qualitative pattern recognition, offers nuanced insights for pre-match preparation. Real-time analysis, supported by AI-driven systems and tracking technologies, enables dynamic tactical adjustments and informed in-game decisions. The review also discusses the challenges and limitations of implementing game-theoretic principles in the complex, uncertain, and emotionally charged context of soccer. Despite these limitations, the synthesis of opponent analysis, real-time decision-making, and game-theoretic reasoning reflects a broader evolution in soccer toward data-informed, yet human-centered, performance enhancement. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrating game-theoretic models with intuitive coaching expertise and empirical validation to support smarter, more adaptable, and strategically aware soccer teams. Future applications should focus on refining these frameworks and embedding them into practical coaching environments to optimize tactical planning and in-game adaptation.

Integration of Mental Education through Sports to Improve Personal Resilience of Adolescents in Elementary, Junior and Senior High School Students

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This study investigates the effectiveness of integrating mental education through sports at the elementary, junior, and senior high school levels as an approach to enhancing adolescent personal resilience. The primary objective of this research is to assess the impact of sports on improving mental resilience across different educational stages (elementary, junior high, and senior high school) to determine which level experiences the most significant improvement. The study employs an experimental research design with multiple treatments and a control group, using a pretest-posttest format. The findings indicate that the integration of mental education through sports significantly enhances student resilience at all educational levels. Specifically, the Paired Samples Test revealed notable improvements in resilience, with average differences between pretest and posttest scores of -19.191 for elementary school, -46.070 for junior high school, and -16.205 for senior high school. The results from junior high school students exhibited the most substantial effect, as evidenced by the highest t-value of -96.677 and the smallest standard deviation (4.015), suggesting data homogeneity. All test results were statistically significant (p < 0.001), confirming that mental education through sports has a positive influence on student resilience, with the most pronounced effect observed in junior high school students.

Evaluating the Impact of a Physical Activity-Based Behavior Modification Program on Health-Related Fitness in Obese School Boys

Nita Bandyopadhyay, Surajit Majumder, Tuhin Das — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Obesity and overweight have become critical global public health concerns, contributing to the rising incidence of lifestyle-related diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, type 2 diabetes, hormonal imbalance, and hypertension. Early intervention through sustainable lifestyle practices is therefore essential. In developing countries, the prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing due to unhealthy dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles, highlighting the need for innovative management strategies. This randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of a physical activity–oriented behavior modification program on health-related fitness (HRF) components in obese children. A total of 40 participants (aged 10–13 years) were selected from 432 screened children from West Bengal, India, according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to an Experimental Group (EG, n = 20) and a Control Group (CG, n = 20). The EG completed a 12-week intervention comprising (a) Physical Activity Sessions (PAS) four days per week (40–65 minutes/day) and (b) Nutrition Education Sessions (NES) once per week (30 minutes). The CG received no intervention. The selected dependent variables, HRF components—cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, body composition, muscular strength, and muscular endurance—were assessed pre- and post-intervention using standardized tools. Data normality was verified using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and ANCOVA was employed to analyze baseline and post-intervention outcomes, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The EG showed significant improvements across all HRF variables compared with the CG (p < 0.00001). These findings demonstrate that school-based behavior modification programs are highly effective in enhancing HRF components in obese school boys, promoting improved physical fitness and encouraging long-term adherence to active lifestyles.

Analysis of Kata Performances in Top Level Events: Athletic and Technical Score

Radovan Hadža, Dušana Augustovičová, Rastislav Štyriak, Michal Hrubý — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

BACKGROUND: The World Karate Federation introduced for a very first-time the new scoring system consisting of technical and athletic score, applied from 2019 in kata competitions. PROBLEM AND AIM: The aim of our study was to identify differences in performances of top-level karatekas comparing mean: a) scores between genders, b) score differences across categories and c) rounds, d) scores required to pass to next round, e) to win medal match across categories under new scoring system applied in most important karate kata events. METHODS: We obtained 2478 individual kata point lists performances of 2021 Karate 1 events. RESULTS: Male competitors received significantly higher average athletic and total scores than female competitors (p<.001 resp. (p<.036). Athletes in older age categories scored higher than those in younger ones (p<.05 – p<.01) and the same applies to the medallists (p<.001). Scores also increased significantly from round to round (p<.001). In 2021, the average score required to win a medal match was 25.51 ± 1.03. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight score differences based on gender, age category, and competition round. These findings can help athletes assess their current performance level in comparison to top-level competitors.

Sport and Physical Activity as Part of the Healthy Lifestyle

Jitka Buriánková — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This article explores sport and physical activity as key components of a healthy lifestyle, focusing on their sociological, cultural, and behavioral dimensions. Drawing on William C. Cockerham’s health lifestyle theory, it emphasizes the interplay between structure and agency in shaping individual health behavior. Physical activity is interpreted not only as a biological or preventive practice but also as a socially and culturally conditioned phenomenon that reflects broader inequalities. A quantitative research method was employed, based on questionnaire surveys. Batteries focusing on sport and physical activity were included as part of an omnibus survey. Using data from two large-scale population-based surveys conducted in 2013 and 2023, the paper analyzes trends in sports participation in the Czech Republic across age, gender, and educational levels. The findings indicate a significant correlation between physical activity and higher education, younger age, and subjective social status, while gender differences appear less pronounced. In addition to empirical insights, the paper discusses the role of the body in contemporary society, the influence of sedentary lifestyles, and the potential of sport for social integration and psychological well-being. The concept of an "active lifestyle" is addressed as a multidimensional construct that includes both biological engagement and social participation. The article concludes that promoting physical activity should be seen as both a public health goal and a tool for social inclusion, requiring systemic support and cultural change.

Outdoor Adventure Education as a Vehicle for Social and Emotional Learning in Physical Education: A Curriculum-Based Review and Conceptual Contribution

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Outdoor Adventure Education (OAE) has become an increasingly relevant pedagogical approach to support Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in physical education. This article presents a curriculum-based conceptual review developed within the Erasmus+ project OutAdvEd, which connects six European institutions in a joint effort to promote holistic learner development through OAE. Based on a rapid review of 19 empirical and review studies published since 2010, the article examines the benefits, pedagogical strategies, and curricular implications of integrating OAE into physical education. The analysis is guided by two theoretical frameworks: the OECD model of social and emotional competencies and a four-dimensional curriculum structure focusing on goals, content, methods and classroom management. The findings indicate that OAE can effectively foster SEL-related competencies such as emotional regulation, collaboration, leadership and resilience, provided that implementation is supported by clear objectives, experiential methods and inclusive facilitation. The article concludes with a proposed model for integrating OAE into physical education and teacher education, along with practical recommendations for curriculum development and educational policy.