The scientific journal SPORTS – SCIENCE AND PRACTICE is an official publication of the College of Sports and Health from Belgrade. It was established in 2009, and it publishes original scientific, professional and review papers, as well as patents from areas analogous with sports and health: - Sports Theory - Methodology - Sports Psychology - Sports Sociology - Sports Training - Biomechanics - Kinesitherapy - Sports Medicine - Recreation - Fitness and Wellness - Management in Sports - Marketing in Sports - School Sports - Preschool Sports The Journal is published online twice a year, in June and December, in Serbian and English.
Visoka sportska i zdravstvena škola - Beograd
SCHOOL-BASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTIONS: EFFECTS ON MOTOR COMPETENCE AND HEALTH-RELATED OUTCOMES IN CHILDREN – A SCOPING REVIEW
Insufficient physical activity and declining levels of motor competence among children represent a significant public health concern. Accordingly, the aim of this scoping review was to map and synthesize the existing evidence on the effects of school-based physical activity and physical education interventions on children’s motor competence, while considering their potential role within a public health framework. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic literature search was carried out across four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar). Two independent reviewers assessed the studies based on predefined eligibility criteria, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. A total of eighteen studies were included in the final review. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool. The majority of the included studies demonstrated positive effects of school-based interventions on motor competence, particularly in the domains of locomotor and manipulative skills. Interventions of longer duration, as well as those characterized by structured and developmentally appropriate activities, also showed positive and more pronounced effects. School-based physical activity and physical education interventions represent an effective public health strategy for improving motor competence and supporting healthy development in childhood. Strengthening the quality and consistency of school-based movement programs may contribute to long-term health benefits and disease prevention at the population level. This scoping review identifies gaps in the existing literature and proposes directions for future research in the field of school-based motor competence interventions.
Marić, D. & Bošković, B. (2025). SPORTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SPORTS CLUB MANAGEMENT, AND SPORTS MANAGERS
This paper systematically reviews the development of the game of Go in Serbia from 2016 to 2025, based primarily on publicly available data from the European Go Database. It provides a descriptive analysis of the current situation with the game of Go in Serbia. The findings indicate that while the number of Go players in Serbia is relatively small compared to some larger European countries in terms of economy and population, it ranks second among the nations of former Yugoslavia, following only Croatia. The cities of Niš, Belgrade, and Kragujevac have seen the greatest development of the game of Go in Serbia. Niš, as the city with the highest level of popularization, already has three elementary schools committed to offering Go as an extracurricular activity. Serbian players are also actively engaged in exchanges with players from neighboring countries and frequently compete in various open tournaments. Moving forward, the development of Go in Serbia should involve continuing to treat schools as a key platform for promotion, which will require collective participation and long-term investment of multiple stakeholders.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS FACTOR IN COPING WITH STRESS AMONG WORKING STUDENTS
Stress is one of the major challenges students face during their education, and it is particularly pronounced among those who study and work simultaneously. Chronic stress can negatively affect work performance, focus, professional efficiency, and academic achievement. Physical activity is recognized in literature as an important protective factor that contributes to the preservation of psychophysical health and may mitigate the negative effects of stress. This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and perceived stress among working students, with a particular focus on the frequency and type of physical activity. The study included 196 participants who were simultaneously students and employed. Perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, the independent-samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicate that most working students are affected by a moderate level of stress, with the most common sources being the balancing of academic and work obligations and a lack of free time. Gender-based analyses showed that women report higher average levels of stress compared to men. Students who engage in regular physical activity exhibit significantly lower levels of perceived stress compared to those who exercise rarely or not at all, with group-based forms of physical activity being associated with lower stress levels. The findings highlight the importance of physical activity as a valuable resource for maintaining the mental health of working students and underscore the need to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors within the student population.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS DETERMINANT OF SATISFACTION WITH LIFE AMONG CADET FOOTBALL PLAYERS
The aim of this transversal research was to examine the possibility of predicting the variables of physical activities, and quality of life in interaction with health, physical self-concept, and physical functioning in the context of explaining the criteria of satisfaction with life in cadet football players. The pertinent sample consisted of 160 participants (M age = 15.74; SD = 1.49). The Satisfaction with Life Scale – SWLS, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – IPAQ-S, the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire – PSDQ, and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) were used to collect data. The findings of the hierarchical regression analysis showed that significant predictors – body mass index, physical exercise, as a segment of body image, and physical functioning predict 20% of the variance of satisfaction with life (p ≤ .05). This suggests that the perception of satisfaction with life in adolescents is more relevant for engaging in physical activities than the level of their physical activities. Also, the variables such as body mass index, physical exercise, along with self-concept of physical appearance and physical functioning are important mediators in explaining the construct of satisfaction with life, so they can be guidelines for identifying the perceived level of this dependent variable in the adolescent sport population in the Republic of Serbia. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are interpreted in accordance with the correlational and multiple linear regression findings of previous empirical studies.
IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES IN SPORTS EVENT MANAGEMENT: ANALYSIS OF SUCCESS FACTORS AND KEY BARRIERS
This paper analyzes the implementation of sustainable (“green”) strategies in sports event management. The objective of the study was to identify the key barriers to successful implementation of these strategies and to formulate recommendations for improving practice. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used, including structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and direct observation. Three sporting events of varying scales held in Serbia in 2023 were analyzed. The implementation of sustainable strategies was found to depend on the size of the event and the available resources. The main obstacles to implementing these strategies were high costs, lack of skilled personnel, and logistical barriers. A positive impact of involving the local community and using digital technologies on the effectiveness of ecological measures was confirmed. The results clearly indicate that organizational capacity and resources are key factors for the successful application of sustainability. The identified barriers suggest the need for a systematic approach, greater institutional support, and continuous staff education. Integrating sustainability into the organization of sporting events requires detailed planning, institutional backing, and education. The recommendations presented in this paper can help organizers to more effectively implement sustainable practices and overcome existing barriers.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS AND VERTICAL JUMP PERFORMANCE IN CADET VOLLEYBALL SELECTION
Volleyball is a team sport played by two teams on a court divided by a net. It is an intense sport that combines vertical and horizontal movements, involving anaerobic energy systems with short recovery periods. The anthropometric characteristics of athletes are a significant prerequisite for successful engagement in a specific sport, influencing athletic performance and being essential for achieving elite sports skills. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between anthropometric parameters and vertical jump performance in female volleyball cadets. A research study was conducted to assess motor abilities and physical characteristics of 40 female volleyball players. Anthropometric parameters, including body height, body mass, body fat percentage, muscle mass percentage, and body mass index, as well as arm span, were measured using appropriate instruments. Motor abilities were evaluated through a vertical jump test using the OptoJump system. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed significant positive correlations between countermovement jump (CMJ) and muscle mass percentage (r=0.588, p<0.001), arm span (r=0.515, p<0.001), body height (r=0.502, p=0.001), and body mass (r=0.342, p=0.031). Muscle mass percentage was identified as a statistically significant predictor (B=1.488, p=0.004), while arm span also showed a significant positive association with CMJ (B=0.095, p=0.002). Conversely, body mass (B=0.233, p=0.146) and body height (B=-0.238, p=0.447) were not statistically significant predictors in this model. The multiple regression analysis results indicate the statistical significance of the model (F=6.667, p<0.001), with a multiple correlation coefficient R=0.660. The findings of this study emphasize the need for a multidimensional approach in training processes, which should include not only physical conditioning but also biomechanical and technical factors.
Importance of Developing Strength Endurance in Archers
Success in archery depends on numerous factors, one of the fundamental ones being an archer's ability to achieve a high level of focus and consistency over an extended period during competitions. This is primarily achieved through one of the four defined aspects of archery — physical fitness, specifically well-designed and tailored strength endurance exercises. The first goal of this analysis is to highlight the extent of exertion, the significance, and the essential need for strength endurance in archers. The second goal is to present a methodology for achieving the necessary level of physical fitness, particularly strength endurance in archers. It is anticipated that by assessing an archer's initial physical fitness level and then applying exercises designed to develop the required strength endurance, including "SPT" (Specific Physical Training) for endurance, strength/force, flexibility, and structure, as well as "modality" exercises, an archer's abilities will be enhanced. This analysis, based on a review of literature and expert opinions, incorporates experience from working with archers, as well as insights from foreign coaches obtained through lectures, seminars, published papers, or books. Based on the exercises and methodology used in this paper, it is assumed that they will contribute to improving an archer’s abilities in the training process, ultimately leading to better performance results.
Malićević, S. (2024). Sports Medicine - Selected Chapters
The book “Sports Medicine – Selected Chapters” by Prof. Sead Malićević, PhD is a comprehensive guide covering various aspects of the broad domain of sports medicine. Through six thematic sections, it thoroughly examines key topics essential for athletes, coaches, and medical professionals engaged in safeguarding and improving athletes' health.
The aim of this research was to examine the impact of gender issues on the experiences of male and female athletes in taekwondo, with a special focus on the perception of equality, stereotypes about martial arts, as well as challenges and opportunities for athlete development regardless of gender. The research sample included thirty taekwondo practitioners of both genders from the Taekwondo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, representing five different clubs. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, applying the in-depth interview technique. Based on qualitative coding methods, the final version of the coding tree identified three areas and five categories, with corresponding dimensions of gender issues in taekwondo. The research showed that gender equality and stereotypes in taekwondo are complex and dynamic issues. Although progress has been made in perception and practice, stereotypes still partially influence athletes' experiences, especially those of female athletes. The results indicate that family and community play a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles, while institutional investments and continuous education can further contribute to improving gender equality in this sport.
The Effect of Elastic Band Application in Training Program of Basketball Players
The aim of this review paper is to analyze studies that have examined the impact of using elastic bands in basketball players’ training processes, as well as to provide a practical training program proposal incorporating elastic bands. The sample consisted of studies from electronic scientific databases, with a total of eight studies meeting the required inclusion criteria. The results, presented in tabular form, include descriptive statistics (anthropometric characteristics, sex and age), the duration and details of each training program implemented, and tests used to assess the effects of elastic band application in the selected studies. All analyzed studies confirmed a positive effect of elastic bands on at least one motor ability of basketball players, aligning with the hypothesized outcomes of the respective authors. Consequently, it can be concluded that elastic bands should be integrated into training programs all year round. Their use can be adjusted depending on the phase of the competitive season: from developing maximum force in conjunction with weights during the preseason, through individual application for enhancing maximal movement and running speed, to improving and maintaining specific abilities such as explosive power in jumps and rapid direction changes during the competitive period. Given their broad application, it is recommended that coaches incorporate elastic bands into training programs, ideally alongside weights or independently, in three weekly training sessions. Considering their extensive impact, their application should be tailored to the specific needs of individual athletes.
Analysis of Goals Scored in European Football Championship with Offensive Parameters of Semi Final Teams 2020/2021
The study aims to analyze the characteristics of the goals scored in a sample of 51 games and offensive parameters of teams that reached the semi-finals in a tournament held in 2020/ 2021. The analysis of the data used descriptive statistics i.e., the chi-square test and cross tabulation. The results showed statistically significant difference i.e., data that more goals were scored in the second half (83) than in the first (52), x2=7.119, p<0.01. The highest frequency of goals was in the period of 46–60 minutes (30), then 61-75 and 76-90 minutes (24). As for the types of attacks exercised, the highest frequency of goals was found after organized attacks (44.4%), and set plays i.e., corners, free kicks, penalties, and throws–in (when the ball was out of the line of play) (20.7%), x2=11.636, p<0.01, as well as counter-attacks (34.8%), x2=4.813, p<0.05, while the kicks with inside part of the foot ridge (29.6%) were the most frequent. The influence of the first goal scored in the match in relation to the final winning result is expressed by the value (68.8%). Considering the observed positions in the pitch where the goals were scored, the values presented are (48.9%) for areas of 5-11 and 11 meters, (31.1%) for areas of 11-16 and > 16 meters, and (20.0%) for the area of 0-5 meters, with the addition that the forwards scored 73 goals. The semi-finalists showed a percentage of accurate passes per match, in the range value of (82.5-89.3%). The observed parameters and their significance have pragmatic importance in the population of football experts, researchers, and coaches when determining the success and failure of teams in professional competitions.
Level of Involvement of Preschool Children in Physical Education and Sport - Pilot Research Project "Exercise Right, Stay Healthy"
Preschool age is essential for the development of motor skills and the formation of healthy habits. The World Health Organization cautions of the risks of hypokinesia (insufficient physical activity), which can lead to obesity, hypertension, and metabolic diseases. Preschool institutions play an important role in promoting physical activity through organized programs. Research shows that specially designed physical exercise programs improve children's motor abilities, indicating the need for a systemic approach to engaging children in sporting and recreational activities. The project "Exercise Right, Stay Healthy" by the Association for Preschool Sport and Physical Education of Serbia represents one such effort. The subject of this research is parents' perception of the involvement of preschool children in physical education and sport. Accordingly, the main objective of this study is to assess parents' views on their children's participation in physical education and sport. The research was conducted on a sample of 121 parents of children from five Belgrade municipalities (Palilula, Savski Venac, Novi Beograd, Stari Grad, and Voždovac). The results showed that 51.24% of children exercise 1-2 times per week, while 36.36% exercise 3-4 times per week. No statistically significant difference in exercise frequency was observed between boys and girls. Most children possess basic motor skills, such as riding a scooter (76.86%) and a bicycle (39.67%), while activities like swimming (48.76%) and skateboarding (8.26%) are less common. Parents expressed high interest in regularly organized physical exercise in kindergartens, with 95% positive responses. The study emphasized the need for a systemic approach to addressing insufficient physical activity among preschool children.
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Implementation of Telemedicine in Sports Medicine: Digital Approach to Prevention, Diagnosis, and Rehabilitation
Telemedicine has become a key tool in modern healthcare, enabling remote access to medical services. In sports medicine, its application brings significant innovations in the prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of sports injuries. This study examines the effectiveness of telemedicine technologies by analyzing their contributions to the reduction of injury incidence, improvement of diagnostic accuracy, and acceleration of recovery time. The research included a sample of 150 professional and amateur athletes, utilizing wearable devices, activity-tracking applications, and remote consultation platforms. Statistical data analysis demonstrated that telemedicine can reduce injury incidence by 25% and shorten the average rehabilitation duration by 30%. The results also indicate increased athlete satisfaction with treatment, contributing to a faster return to activities. It was concluded that telemedicine offers practical solutions to challenges in sports medicine, particularly in remote areas with limited access to specialized care. However, further research is needed to overcome technical and ethical challenges. These findings provide a foundation for further development of telemedicine platforms tailored to the specific needs of athletes.
Optimization of Sports Injury Treatment through the Application of Artificial Intelligence: Methods for Effective Prevention, Diagnosis and Rehabilitation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being applied in various medical fields, including the treatment of sports injuries. This paper focuses on analyzing the potential of AI technologies to enhance the prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of sports injuries. Through a systematic review of existing studies and technological advancements, key strategies introduced by AI in this field have been identified. The research methodology includes big data analysis, image processing, machine learning, and customized algorithms for prediction and rehabilitation monitoring. Additionally, models for automated injury pattern recognition have been examined, which can significantly contribute to preventative measures and reduce injury incidence. The study results indicate substantial improvements in treatment efficiency, reduced recovery time, and increased diagnostic accuracy, directly facilitating a faster return to sporting activities. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for further integration of AI technologies into sports medicine and the development of tailored AI solutions that address the specific needs of athletes, considering various risk factors and individual training characteristics.
Živanović, N. (2024). FIEP SPECIALIZED MULTI–LINGUAL DICTIONARY, PHYSICAL CULTURE, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, SPORT, PHYSICAL RECREATION. BOOK I
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THE EFFICIENCY EVALUATION OF TAEKWONDO COACHES
The aim of this research was to explore the level of agreement between athletes and taekwondo coaches regarding their efficiency, as well as to investigate the deeper meaning behind coaches' responses regarding their preparation methods for regular training sessions and collaboration with other coaches. The research sample included ten coaches from the Taekwondo Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 265 taekwondo athletes. A quantitative-qualitative research approach was employed. In the quantitative part, research instruments such as a questionnaire for coaches and a five-point Likert scale were used for the assessment and self-assessment of taekwondo coaches' professionalism, along with an interview protocol for coaches. The qualitative part of the research utilized in-depth interview techniques. In line with specific research questions and qualitative coding methods, two areas and four categories with corresponding dimensions of taekwondo coaches' efficiency were identified in the final version of the codebook. The analysis of the obtained results suggests a positive assessment and self-assessment of taekwondo coaches' efficiency, with no significant difference between athletes' assessments and coaches' self-assessments of the given factor. In the qualitative part of the research, insights from coaches' responses revealed that the majority of coaches are efficient and dedicated in their coaching endeavours.
ASSESSMENT OF STRIDE LENGTH AND FREQUENCY AT DIFFERENT RUNNING SPEEDS FOR MEN AND WOMEN
Success in running depends on numerous factors, with two of the most important being stride length and stride frequency. The first goal of this study is to assess the differences in stride length and stride frequency between men and women at different running speeds. The second goal is to examine the correlation between the morphological characteristics of men and women with stride length and stride frequency. This study involved two groups of 37 recreational runners (22 men and 15 women). The participants ran on a treadmill, wearing two portable Prosense accelerometers on each ankle. The protocol included 10 minutes of running, consisting of 3 minutes of warming up at 8 km/h, one minute of running at 8, 10, 12, and 14 km/h (used for further analyses), and 3 minutes of running at 8 km/h. The main variables used were stride length and stride frequency. The results showed that women had a higher stride frequency than men at almost all running speeds (p < 0.05), but there was no difference in stride length between men and women. Additionally, men showed strong and statistically significant negative correlations between height and stride frequency (r >-0.59<-0.66), as well as low to moderate positive correlations between height and stride length (r >0.17<0.46). Among women, low to moderate negative correlations between height and stride frequency (r >-0.28<-0.43) were found, along with low to moderate positive correlations between height and stride length (r >0.34<0.52). The results of the study, as well as the modern technology used in this paper, would significantly improve the training process for recreational runners.
MORE LIKES, MORE CLIMBING: AN INVESTIGATION OF CLIMBERS’ INTENTION TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SELF-PROMOTION
Building on Ajzen’s (1991; 2013) Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study aimed to investigate the predictors of social media use among climbers globally. It focused on factors such as attitude, subjective norm, and intention, examining their impact on climbers’ self-promotion across various social media platforms. The research encompassed activities spanning from natural environments to competitive sports climbing, emphasizing the evolving role of social media in these contexts. Employing a correlational research design, the study explored how TPB variables influence climbers’ engagement with social media for self-promotion within the climbing community. A sample of 142 climbers from 21 countries participated in an online survey, selected through purposeful and convenient sampling methods. All respondents confirmed their use of social media platforms for self-promotion, with Instagram emerging as the primary platform of choice. This research contributes to understanding the intersection of psychological factors and social media behavior among climbers, shedding light on how attitudes, social norms, and intentions shape online self-presentation in adventure sports. By examining these dynamics, the study provides insights into what drives climbers’ digital interactions and their implications for broader trends in sports communication and community engagement. Moreover, this study found that female climbers have a higher intention to use social media for self-promotion compared to male climbers.
THE FACTORIAL STRUCTURE OF SPORTS INTEREST IN ADOLESCENTS
The aim of this empirical study was to examine the latent structures of adolescents’ interest in sports. The pertinent sample included (N = 144) male high school seniors from Valjevo, of average age 18.05 ± 1.82. The adapted version of the PS2 Questionnaire about Interests in Sports (Prot and Bosnar, 1999) was applied in this transversal research. The maximum mean value of the scores on the PS-2 questionnaire was noted in the preference for auto and motorcycle racing (M = 3.72), and the minimum one in gymnastics (M =1.10). Five main components were extracted by analyzing the main components (PCA) based on the Guttman-Kaiser criterion, with 6.91% of the total variance explained. The extracted five-factor structure of the latent dimensions was interpreted as: outdoor sports, combat sports and martial arts, fundamental and artistic sports, ball and racket sports, and precision sports. The linear correlations of the isolated common factors are statistically significant (p ≤ 0,05), move in positive direction and are of low or moderate intensity, and that shows that the isolated latent variables are not independent, but that there is a relevant overlap between them. The preference of sports interests in the five-factor structure of adolescents is oriented towards “male” and partly towards “neutral” sports which points to the relevance of gender stereotypes in sports. This study also deals with the practical implications of the relevance of the isolated five-factor structure of sports interest in adolescents. This transversal research contributes to the existing literature and empirical data on this rarely examined phenomenon in Serbian sports population.
RESEARCHING PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS – HOW ESPORTS PLAYERS COMPARE TO ATHLETES
The primary aim of the paper is to conduct research on the personality traits in esport players and athletes, in addition to confirming differences in personality between the two examined groups. The research has been conducted on 67 (N=67) examinees, 30 of whom are semi-professional or professional esports players who participate in state-level and regional-level competitions. The remaining 37 examinees are the highest-ranked athletes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. T-test, a type of inferential statistic, has been used to determine statistical differences in disposition between the arithmetic means of the two groups, using the BFI-44 (α=0.78) measuring instrument. It has been anticipated that esports players would be ranked lower on Extraversion (E), Agreeableness (A), and Conscientiousness (C), but higher on the Neuroticism (N) and Openness (O) dimensions compared to athletes. The research indicates that four of the five hypotheses have been confirmed – on the scale of Extraversion (E) with significance levels of p=.000 (p<0.0001); Agreeableness (A) showing p=.002 (p<0.01); Neuroticism (N) showing p=.042 (p<0.05); and Conscientiousness (C) showing significance levels of p=.004 (p<0.01) The fifth hypothesis was not confirmed on this sample. The results gathered on this sample could significantly contribute to understanding the differences between esports players and athletes.
Role of Sport in Promotion of Education at Catholic University of Notre Dame in South Bend, USA
This paper investigates the value of the Notre Dame University football program for its educational marketing and finances. A strong interdependence between economy, politics, mass media, and sport caused an exceptional popularity of football in the USA. The University of Notre Dame, Indiana was one of the first to adjust to this trend by revitalising its football program which was established as a part of its developmental strategy as early as in 1887. A hypothesis that the popularity of football was successfully used not just for the promotion of education, but also for the further development of the University of Notre Dame has been analysed through the case study methodology. This analysis concludes that the University of Notre Dame boosted its prestige by using its football program as a promotional tool to become one of the highest-ranking research institutions on the national level. On the other hand, this case study confirms that there is no conflict between religious dogma and evidence-based science if they walk together toward the progress, i.e. if their common goal is to set people free.
MOVEMENT BEHAVIOURS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
The World Health Organization (WHO) released guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep for children under 5 years of age in 2019. In response to these guidelines, this study aimed to determine the proportion of preschool children (ages 3-5 years) who met the WHO guidelines. The time spent in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep were objectively measured using accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3x-BT). Screen time and sleep quality were assessed via parent questionnaire. Focus groups were conducted with parents and childcare staff to determine the feasibility of the protocol. The results showed that only 23% of the children met all three guidelines, and compliance rates varied for each guideline. The physical activity time guideline was met by 64% of children, the sleep duration guideline was met by 74% of children, and the screen time guideline was met by 53% of children. Only a low proportion of children met the WHO guidelines. The methods and devices used in this pilot study proved to be feasible and this has paved the way to conduct the main SUNRISE study in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF ADOLESCENTS OF DIFFERENT SEXES BETWEEN 12 AND 15 YEARS OLD ON DIFFERENT DAYS OF WEEK
Achieving the recommended daily level of physical activity (PA) in adolescent boys and girls helps improve their cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy body weight, and promote mental health. The purpose of our study was to determine whether there were statistically significant differences between boys and girls aged 12 to 15 years with respect to age and amount of PA on different days of the week. The sample included 606 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students from four Slovenian elementary schools who participated in the study by completing a questionnaire (IPAQ; International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 2006). We used a quantitative research approach and the method was causal-non-experimental. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine whether the data were normally distributed at a statistically significant level of risk (p > 0.05). Because of the non-normal distribution of the variables (p < 0.001), the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used to determine statistically significant differences between genders, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine statistically significant differences between age groups. Boys were statistically significantly more active than girls on all days of the week except Wednesday (Mon.: p=0.018; Tues.: p=0.001; Thurs.: p=0.020; Fri.: p=0.015, Sat.: p=0.012; Sun.: p=0.001). Significant differences in PA levels between seventh-, eighth-, and ninth- graders occurred only on Sundays (p<0.001), with PA levels changing with student age. The study's findings that adolescent boys are statistically significantly more active than girls raise concerns about gender differences in PA participation during this critical developmental period. Such differences may contribute to long-term health consequences and perpetuate gender inequalities in overall fitness and well-being. The observed differences in PA between boys and girls during adolescence highlight the need for targeted interventions and strategies to promote and improve PA among girls. Addressing the underlying factors that contribute to lower activity levels among girls is essential to promoting a more equitable and inclusive approach to PA promotion.
INFLUENCE OF PREVIOUS MOTOR EXPERIENCE ON ATTITUDES ABOUT SERVICE-LEARNING AMONG STUDENTS
Service-Learning (SL) as a growing innovative pedagogical model, has recently become more popular in higher education area dedicated to physical activity. Since physical education (PE) students are oriented toward society, it is extremely important for them to develop a sense of connection and responsibility toward society during their studies. This research was carried out on a sample of 58 students of a PE study program, aged between 20 and 22. The first step of the research was to determine six different groups of students using the poly-structured interview about their previous motor experience while considering the type of activity, the length of time engaged in a certain activity and the level of motor skills. Six investigated groups were formed according to their dominant previous motor activity: artistic and aesthetic activities, society-oriented recreational activities, self-directed recreational activities, team sports, individual sports, and martial arts. In order to determine the students’ perception of SL Benefits, the SELEB questionnaire was used. The original 27 items generated for the SELEB scale that measure the benefit categories were divided into six categories: civic responsibility, interpersonal skills, leadership ability, ability to apply knowledge, general life skills and critical thinking. One-way Analysis of Variance was used to analyse the differences in investigated groups defined by previous motor experience on SL attitudes among students. The results showed significant differences between groups in SL experience (F5,52 = 3,19; p=0,014). The highest value on the SELEB scale was recorded in the group with dominant artistic and aesthetic activities, and the lowest value on the SELEB scale was recorded in a group with dominant previous experience in individual sports. Significant differences were determined with the post-hoc Tukey HSD test between groups with minimal previous experience in individual sports and groups with dominant previous experience in society-oriented recreational activities, team sports, and artistic/aesthetic activities.
Burnout syndrome is a consequence of accumulated stress, caused by excessive engagement, both in the physical and mental (psychological) domains. It is characteristic of many professions, especially professions that involve direct work with people (healthcare, education, army, etc.), and in sports it is almost inevitable. The two most common reasons that cause burnout syndrome are: setting hard-to-achieve goals or unrealistic deadlines and trying to meet other people's (imposed) expectations. In both cases, endurance limits are pushed, which leads to burnout and has consequences for the entire human body and psychophysical health. We live in a harsh age where it is not enough to be successful, the demand is to be the best. This ultimatum is particularly prominent in sports. Athletes are distinguished from others by discipline, perseverance, persistence, focus on the goal (victory), sacrifice and responsibility. Top fitness and top results are always expected from them. The question arises: Is it even possible to achieve top results and avoid the burnout syndrome? In addition to the analysis of causes, symptoms and consequences, the paper seeks an answer to this question.
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EUROPEAN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2020/2021: ANALYSIS OF GOALS SCORED AND EVALUATION OF STATISTICALLY PARAMETERS IN MATCHES
The aim of the study was to analyse the characteristics of goals scored in the tournament in terms of a specific way of evaluation. Based on a sample of 51 matches and the participation of 24 national teams, this study is based on the personal observation of the researcher, that is, the analysis was based on watching the matches live via domestic cable channels, as well as on the UEFA official YouTube channel. A two-way analysis of variance between groups was used to process one part of the data. A total of 142 goals were scored. The fixed factor showed the highest prevalence of goals scored in the period of 45-60 minutes (30), while the fixed factors included the types of attacks and the number of goals scored: (80) continuous attacks (mean value = 53.7 minutes), (13) fast attacks (59.5 minutes), (14) counter-attacks (55.7 minutes) and (35) set plays or interruptions (51.8 minutes). One final touch was evaluated (80 or 65.6%), as well as two touches (17 or 13.9%). The highest number of hits (37) was achieved with the inside of the foot (mean value = 53.5 minutes) compared to (27) when hitting the ball with the header (54.4 minutes) and (21) when kicking the ball with the middle part of the foot ridge (49.5 minutes). Most goals were scored with the right foot (66 or 46.5 %), i.e. (90) goals were scored within sixteen meters (outside the box) (54.1 minutes). The first goal provided value (33 or 64.7 %) of the final victory in the match. The obtained results point out to the coaches that they should focus on quick attacks and counter-attacks that consequently lead to scoring goals. Attention must also be paid to more ball strikes with the outside of the foot and the outside part of the foot ridge.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN QUALITY OF LIFE AND EXERCISE MOTIVATION OF ADOLESCENTS OF AVERAGE AND INCREASED BODY MASS
The main aim of this transversal study was to examine the relevant differences between the constructs of quality of life and exercise motivation among male and female adolescents of average and increased body mass. The sample included high school students from Valjevo (N = 337). The average age of the participants was M = 16.53 years (SD = .38). Two measuring instruments were used: The Exercise Motivations Inventory-2 (EMI-2) and The Kidscreen Questionnaire -27 (TKQ). The results of the Cronbach's alpha suggested that the questionnaires used in the research have satisfactory level of reliability and internal consistency, and are valid for assessing adolescent population in Serbia. The research has shown that there are internal and external motives for adolescents’ exercise motivation, and that the male adolescents more favourably perceive the quality of life. Statistically significant gender differences were found, there was higher level of the evaluation of the TKQ construct among male adolescents than female adolescents which is the consequence of a more substantial view of physical well-being, pleasant feelings and moods, good family and social environment, as well as the ability to organize and arrange free time. It was also found that participants with average body mass prefer the perception of own physical activity and health more than their peers with increased body mass. Male adolescents do physical exercise for enjoyment, challenge, competition, strength and endurance, as well as for social reasons (factors such as belonging to a group, pressure, and acceptance), whereas female participants are more willing to exercise in order to control their body mass. The results of the Mann–Whitney U test revealed relevant gender differences: adolescents with average body mass are more likely to exercise because they enjoy the activity, while adolescents with increased body mass are more stimulated by the possibility of body mass regulation (p ≤ .01). This research discussed practical implications of the results on creating the motivation for exercise and quality of life among adolescents of both sexes with normal and increased body mass (BM).
Based on all available information, there has been a great expansion of organic food production and sale, both globally and in Serbia. It is estimated that this expansion results from buyers’ belief that organic food is tastier and/or healthier, more nutritious, that it contains less pesticides, preservatives, additives, thaat it does not contain any genetically modified components, etc. However, which of these beliefs are facts, and which are misconceptions? In the absence of studies dealing with the issue of organic food in Serbia, we rely on the results of studies conducted in the world, primarily in countries where the production and sale of organic food has a decades-long tradition. Most studies covered by this review refer to the presence of pesticides in organic food and they all unequivocally established that organic food contains significantly lower amounts of pesticides than conventionally produced food. In terms of other aspects of health safety, it was found that organic food has significantly lower values or absence of antibiotics, growth hormones and factors, genetically modified components as well as artificial preservatives and additives. Some of the research that was conducted to confirm the claim that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally produced food, established that some foods have more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, numerous studies did not confirm these conclusions, but rather found that there is no significant difference between the content of the mentioned ingredients in organic and conventional food. Which of the above is true will be confirmed by some future, fully objective studies.
EFFECTS OF SELF-MASSAGE WITH FOAM ROLLER ON FLEXIBILITY AND OTHER MOTOR SKILLS – LATEST RESEARCH REVIEW
During the past decade, self-massage of the muscular fascia using a foam roller (FR) has become an increasingly common way of supplementing traditional methods of soft tissue treatment, while both professional and recreational athletes use it as a tool for warm-up and/or post-training relaxation. Considering the relevance of this topic among researchers, coaches, and physiotherapists, the aim of this this paper is to present a narrative review with the systematization of the latest research on the effects of foam rolling on motor skills. Publication search was conducted using the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. The following keywords were used in the search: foam rolling, self-myofascial release, fascia, and muscle soreness. The selection of papers was based on the following criteria: 1) publications written in English and published in the period 2019-2022, and 2) original scientific papers focused on examining the effects of soft tissue massage using FR on the range of motion (ROM), motor abilities (strength, power, speed, balance and others), acute muscle pain, and delayed muscle soreness. Recent research results confirm earlier findings that FR can have short-term, positive effects on flexibility and ROM, while findings regarding the effects on muscle strength, explosive power, and balance are equivocal. In addition, it has been noted that this type of treatment can delay the onset of fatigue, and alleviate the painful sensitivity of muscles after intensive work-out. Although foam rollers have been in use for a long time both in sports and in rehabilitation, due to the heterogeneity of methods applied in related studies, there is still no official recommendation on the optimal way of applying these tools (treatment duration, pressure and cadence, i.e. the frequency of vibration if such a roller is used).