Physical Education and Sport Through The Centuries (E-Journal)
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SPORTING LIFE AS A VISUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY: THE ROLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN MEMORY, IDENTITY, AND EMOTION
This paper seeks to explore sports photography as more than a technical means of documentation—as a medium through which personal memories, emotions, bodily experiences, and athletic identity are formed. The analysis adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from psychology, phenomenology of the body, cultural studies, and sport science. Special attention is given to the role of photography in triggering personal memory and affective responses among active and former athletes, as well as to understanding photography as a visual "memory book" of the sporting life. Two forms of communication within sports photography are considered: mediated communication, which involves the interaction between the athlete and the photojournalist, and immediate communication, in which the photographer intuitively and precisely responds to the unfolding of movement. The paper also investigates the role of the photojournalist as an active interpreter of sporting events, whose photographs shape how the public perceives sport. A central focus is the concept of photography as a psychophysical reactivation of the former self, especially significant for former athletes who, through photographs, relive intense moments from their careers. Examples from sports practice and authorial photography illustrate theoretical concepts and show that sports photography represents a unique synthesis of motion, emotion, memory, and visual art. The paper concludes that sports photography is not merely a document of reality, but a dynamic space in which sporting life is preserved, affectively recognized, and re-experienced through visual representation
THE EFFECT OF DIRECTED MOTOR EDUCATION ON THE MOTOR PROFILE OF CHILDREN WITH MILD INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
This study aims to identify the effect of directed motor education on improving the motor profile of children with mild intellectual disabilities through the application of a directed motor program based on the principles of adapted motor education. The experimental method was applied using a design with an experimental and a control group. The sample consisted of twenty-six (26) children aged between six and seven years, equally divided into two homogeneous groups. The experimental group participated in a directed motor education program that included twenty-four (24) instructional units, at a rate of two sessions per week, focusing on developing the components of the motor profile (balance, agility, and coordination). The results revealed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in favor of the experimental group in all studied motor variables, confirming the effectiveness of directed motor education in improving basic motor abilities among children with mild intellectual disabilities. The study recommends the generalization of such programs in specialized institutions, as they contribute to the development of motor performance and the psychological and social integration of this group
POSITION-SPECIFIC BODY COMPOSITION DIFFERENCES IN ELITE HANDBALL ATHLETES
This study aims to analyze position-specific body composition differences among elite handball athletes. A descriptive methodology was employed, involving a sample of 19 players from the Algerian national elite league team, WA Ain Touta. The sample was divided into five playing positions: goalkeepers (3), center backs (4), wings (6), backs (4), and pivots (2). The InBody770 device was used to measure various body composition parameters with high precision. The results revealed statistically significant differences in skeletal muscle mass, and intracellular and extracellular water levels across playing positions. Pivots showed the highest values in several metrics compared to other positions, such as wings and backs. However, no significant differences were observed in fat percentage, body mass index, or visceral fat. These findings highlight the influence of playing position on body composition in elite handball players, emphasizing the importance of tailored physical conditioning programs for each position
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY COMPOSITION AND PHYSICAL FITNESS AMONG 13-YEAR-OLD ADOLESCENTS
This study aimed to examine sex differences in physical fitness and body composition, and to explore the relationship between body composition and physical fitness among 13-year-old adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 adolescents (42 girls, 38 boys; mean age 13.47 ± 0.28 years) from an urban primary school in Niš, Serbia. Physical fitness was assessed using the Eurofit battery: Sit-and-Reach, Standing Long Jump, Handgrip Strength, 30-Second Sit-Ups, 10×5 m Shuttle Run, and the 20-Meter Shuttle Run. Body composition was measured via bioelectrical impedance (body fat percentage - BF%) and skinfold caliper (sum of five skinfolds - Σ5SF). Independent t-tests, Pearson correlations, and multiple regressions were performed separately by sex. Boys significantly outperformed girls in muscular strength, explosive power, speed, and aerobic capacity (p < .001), while girls had higher flexibility (p = 0.035) and BF% (p < .001). Σ5SF and BF% were negatively correlated with most fitness tests, especially shuttle run, long jump, and sit-ups. BMI showed weaker and inconsistent associations but was positively linked to handgrip strength, particularly in boys. Regression analyses identified Σ5SF and BF% as stronger predictors of physical fitness outcomes than BMI, with sex-specific patterns. Excess adiposity adversely affects physical fitness in adolescents, with stronger predictive value for BF% and skinfolds than for BMI. These findings support the use of direct body composition measures and emphasize the need for sex-sensitive approaches in adolescent fitness monitoring and physical education
IMPACT OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND JUMPING ABILITY ON BLOCK JUMP HEIGHT
This study investigated the combined impact of morphological characteristics and jumping ability on block jump height in volleyball. A sample of 28 elite male volleyball players, age 16.43 ± 2.47 years, was assessed using a battery of tests that measured nine variables, three of each category: anthropometry was evaluated via body height (BH), body mass (BM), and standing reach (REACH); jumping ability was evaluated via countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJA), and squat jump (SJ); block jump height was evaluated via two-foot jump block (BJTF), slide step jump block (BJSS), and crossover step jump block (BJCS). Descriptive statistics confirmed that the players’ values aligned with normative data for their age group, and the assumption of normality of distribution was supported. Factor analysis revealed unidimensional constructs for anthropometry (explaining 74.46% of variance), jumping performance (95.69%), and block jump height (97.62%). A backward regression analysis demonstrated that both the anthropometry and jumping performance factors were significant predictors of block jump height (R² = 0.855, p < .01), with jumping performance exhibiting a slightly greater influence. These findings suggest that while both morphological characteristics and jumping ability are important, the capacity for explosive movement may be more critical for successful blocking in volleyball. Future research should consider larger and more diverse samples to further validate these results and refine training strategies aimed at enhancing block performance
STRATEGIES FOR THE RECOVERY OF LIA-TYPE KNEE INJURIES IN SKIERS, BY SPECIFIC MEANS OF KINETOTHERAPY
Background: In the present study we analyze the methods of postoperative recovery of knee mobility, as it is known that the most common type of trauma that can occur in skiers after practicing winter sports is the LIA. Method: We conducted a case study on an athlete, more specifically the concrete way of recovery of knee mobility as well as the psychological implications of surgery until full recovery. Results: From the data collected it appears that the knee mobility recovery program we proposed was successful, moreover there were no psychological aspects that could influence the speed of full recovery and the resumption of training at full capacity in a relatively short time. Conclusions: At the end of the recovery program, a constantly positive evolution during the treatment was observed, which meant that at the end of the treatment the subject was able to resume his sports activity, gradually integrating into the specific activity
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF TRAINING WITH ADDITIONAL LOAD ON MOTOR FITNESS AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ATHLETES
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training on motor fitness and morphological characteristics of combat sports athletes — judokas and jiu-jitsu practitioners. The sample consisted of 40 participants (20 judokas and 20 jiu-jitsu athletes) who attended an eight-week experimental program with four training sessions per week. The resistance training program was performed at an intensity of 80% of each athlete’s individual maximum capacity. Motor fitness was assessed using tests for squats, sit-ups, standing long jump, forward bend on a bench, and the 10×5 m shuttle run, while morphological variables included measurements of body mass, arm, thigh, chest, and waist circumference. The results showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in most motor fitness tests in both groups, indicating a positive impact of the resistance training program. Jiu-jitsu athletes achieved better results in trunk strength and flexibility tests (sit-ups and forward bend), whereas judokas were superior in explosive strength and speed tests (squat, standing long jump, and 10×5 m shuttle run). Although some changes in morphological parameters were recorded, the differences between groups were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that resistance training has a positive effect on the motor abilities of combat sports athletes, although specific adaptations depend on the nature of each sport. The results provide a basis for designing targeted training programs in accordance with the demands of individual combat disciplines
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHOT VELOCITY AND GOAL-SCORING PERFORMANCE IN COMPETITIVE GOALBALL
This study aimed to explore the relationships between shot velocity, isometric handgrip strength, flexibility, and goal-scoring performance in goalball athletes under real competitive conditions. The sample included male players (n = 15; age range: 19–44 years) who participated in the International Men’s Goalball Tournament “Vytautas the Great LIONS Club Cup” in Vilnius, Lithuania (May 24–26, 2019). Shot velocity was recorded live during matches using a RADAR1 device across three throwing types (low, medium, and thigh-high). Isometric grip strength was assessed using a Lafayette 78010 hand dynamometer, and flexibility was evaluated with the Sit-and-Reach test. Goal-scoring data were extracted from official match statistics. The results showed moderate, but statistically non-significant, positive correlations between shot velocity and goal-scoring performance across all throw types (r = 0.33–0.36), suggesting a potential trend where faster throws may be associated with increased offensive effectiveness. In contrast, isometric grip strength and flexibility demonstrated weak or negligible correlations with both shot speed and scoring, indicating limited predictive value for these isolated physical metrics. These findings suggest that technical execution and perceptual-motor coordination may play a more critical role in goalball offense than raw muscular strength or static flexibility. Coaches should prioritize integrated training approaches that develop throwing mechanics, decision-making under auditory cues, and functional mobility. Future research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to further investigate the biomechanical and perceptual contributors to scoring performance in goalball
SELF-EFFICACY AND MANIFESTATION OF MOTOR SKILLS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Self-efficacy is defined as the belief in the ability to successfully perform a certain task. The effect of self-efficacy in children is an important factor in their emotional and social development (Koranjac, 2021). Self-efficacy, as well as the understanding of emotions in children, is influenced by many factors such as gender, age, intelligence, and the manifestation of certain abilities through the form of motor and functional abilities. Adding to their importance, the manifestation of self-efficacy in the form of social, academic, and emotional components also contribute greatly to the manifestation of certain motor abilities. This paper dealt with precisely this issue, namely how much these characteristics of children's self-efficacy can contribute to their motor development. The sample consisted of 159 respondents, 80 males (tv 138.31+/-6.92, tt 32.52+/-6.16) and 79 females (tv 140.29+/-7.94, tt 34.76+/-7.36), of whom 79 were from the city and 80 from the suburbs, and 80 were in the third grade and 79 in the fourth grade of primary school. The research was conducted using the Self-Efficacy Questionaire for Children in three areas: academic (which refers to the perceived ability to cope with learning and school material, and to meet school expectations), social (which refers to the perceived ability to relate to peers and perseverance) and emotional (which refers to the perceived ability to cope with negative emotions) (Muris, 2001). While motor abilities were analyzed using the Eurofit battery of tests (Hadžikadunić, M., Hadžikadunić, A., & Avdić, 1987). After analyzing the results, no difference was observed between the subjects in the results of the self-efficacy questionnaire in relation to the sex of the subjects (social t=0.78 sig.=0.43, academic t=0.76 sig.=0.44, emotional t=0.40 sig.=0.68), age (social t=-1.87 sig.=0.06, academic t=-1.65 sig.=0.09, emotional t=-0.72 sig.=0.47) and place of residence (social t=-0.69 sig.=0.54, academic t=0.43 sig.=0.66, emotional t=0.15 sig.=0.87). However, a difference was observed in all Eurofit tests in subjects who had better results in certain components of self-efficacy. All results were processed with the statistical program SPSS version 20
VARIATIONS IN IMMUNE FATIGUE AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AMONG AMATEUR SOCCER PLAYERS DURING FASTING
This study examines the impact of Ramadan fasting on immune fatigue and physical performance in amateur soccer players. Ten male players (22.8 ± 3.5 years) from the Wilaya of Bejaia participated in this longitudinal study. Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) were assessed as markers of muscle damage and systemic inflammation. Explosive muscle power was evaluated using Squat Jump (SJ) and Countermovement Jump (CMJ) tests. Data were collected before, during, and after Ramadan. CRP levels significantly decreased during fasting (p = 0.000, effect size = 0.75), suggesting anti-inflammatory effects. However, CPK levels showed no significant changes (p = 0.279, effect size = 0.35), indicating minimal muscle damage. SJ (p = 0.937, effect size = 0.12) and CMJ (p = 0.426, effect size = 0.22) performances remained stable, suggesting fasting did not impair explosive muscle power. These findings highlight Ramadan fasting’s potential immune benefits without compromising performance, given proper training and nutrition. Future studies should examine training intensity, dietary habits, and compare amateur with professional athletes to better understand physiological adaptations. Larger sample sizes are recommended to improve generalizability