Physical Education and Sport Through The Centuries (E-Journal)
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TO THE GLORY OF GOD: TWO DECADES OF SWIMMING FOR THE HOLY CROSS IN VLASOTINCE
Get PDFThe Epiphany swimming for the Holy Cross in Vlasotince, southern Serbia, has become a respected spiritual and sporting tradition that embodies Orthodox Christian faith and local identity. While the practice has long existed in major Serbian cities, its revival and continuous celebration in Vlasotince since 2006 represent a unique case of localized religious heritage. This paper offers a retrospective and comparative historical analysis of all Epiphany swimming events held in Vlasotince between 2006 and 2025. The research is based on a combination of local archival sources (Власина – информативни билтен општине Власотинце), the publication Богојављење у Власотинцу – уз Божју помоћ за Часни крст 2005–2016, regional news coverage, and oral accounts provided by journalists employed at the Cultural Center of Vlasotince. Several photographs published in Спортски журнал were also consulted as part of the documentation process. The findings reveal a steady increase in participation, from 13 swimmers in 2006 to 118 in 2024, alongside notable milestones such as the first female participant in 2011 and the first female winner in 2015. These changes illustrate growing inclusivity and symbolic evolution within the tradition. While the study is limited to one municipality and relies on retrospective sources, it constitutes the first scholarly attempt to document and analyze this religious and cultural manifestation in southern Serbia. It also highlights the need for broader academic engagement with local religious customs that are at risk of fading from collective memory
SEX-BASED MULTIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF EXPLOSIVE POWER IN HANDBALL PLAYERS
Get PDFIn this cross-sectional study, we quantified sex-based differences in explosive power among 32 second-division handball players (17 women, 15 men). Participants completed five field-based tests of explosive power: 20-m sprint (S20 m), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), seated medicine-ball throw (SMBT), and supine medicine-ball throw (SUMBT). Descriptive statistics (minimum, maximum, and mean differences) were visualised using box-and-whisker plots, and data normality was confirmed with the Shapiro–Wilk test. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance indicated that sex explained 86% of the combined variance across all tests (Wilks’ λ = 0.141, F(5, 26) = 31.7, p < 0.001). Follow-up univariate analyses revealed statistically significant differences in every test (p < 0.001) with large effect sizes (partial η² = 0.46–0.82). Men outperformed women by 27% in the SUMBT and 22% in the SMBT, achieved 31% higher CMJ values, completed the S20 m 21% faster, and recorded 9% longer SLJ distances. These results demonstrate substantial sex disparities in whole-body power, upper-body power, lower-body power at the sub-elite level. Emphasising upper-body throwing exercises, vertical jump training, and short-distance sprinting in women’s conditioning programmes may yield significant performance gains and provide evidence-based benchmarks for talent development
EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING ON MUSCLE STRENGTH IN OLDER ADULTS: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Get PDFTo investigate the effect of resistance training on muscle strength in older adults. The systematic review aims to summarise and synthesise the evidence about the effect of resistance training program (using both machines, elastic band, free weights exercises) on muscle strength in older adults. Major electronic database were searched (Pubmed, Google Scholar, Web of science). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized interventional studies explored the effects of resistance training in older adults (i.e., 65 of age and older) on muscle strength were included in the review. 4622 studies were identified, and after duplicates were removed, 2219 studies remained. 2195 records were removed due to the abstract not meeting the inclusion criteria. 24 full-text articles were assessed further, and 17 of the articles were identified as meeting the criteria for inclusion. Seventeen studies remained and were included in this review. Resistance training in the elderly (>65 years) increases muscle strength by increasing muscle mass and by improving the recruitment of motor units, and increasing their firing rate. Muscle mass can be increased through training at an intensity corresponding to 60% to 85% of the individual maximum voluntary strength. The present review showed an effect of resistance training on muscle strength. We found that older adults can increase muscle strength by participating in resistance training program. Review suggests that RT has a positive effect on muscle strength in older adults
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN MUSCLE STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY, AND 50-METER FREESTYLE SWIMMING TIME
Get PDFThis study examined how land-based strength and flexibility relate to 50 m sprint performance in 12 competitive swimmers. Cadet swimmers (n = 7) averaged 13.3 ± 0.49 years of age, 167.0 ± 5.19 cm in height, and 58.7 ± 16.5 kg in body mass; junior swimmers (n = 5) averaged 15.4 ± 0.55 years, 176.0 ± 7.33 cm, 64.2 ± 5.81 kg, and 8.20 ± 1.64 years of training. Pearson correlations revealed that sprint time was moderately negatively associated with push-ups (r = –.38), sit-ups (r = –.63), and long jump (r = –.62), less so with shoulder flexibility (r = –.31), and essentially unrelated to sit and reach (r = –.03). Because long jump and shoulder flexibility were highly collinear (r = .78; VIFs > 7), shoulder flexibility was excluded from regression. An AIC-based stepwise model retained only age-group and sit-up performance, explaining 50% of variance in sprint time, F(2, 9) = 4.50, p = .044. Although the overall model was significant, neither predictor reached individual significance. These results underscore the multifactorial nature of swim speed and suggest that composite land-based assessments, rather than isolated field tests, offer more stable, interpretable sprint performance indices. Future research should employ larger, longitudinal designs and integrate water-based biomechanical measures
PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS AMONG WORKING WOMEN AND ITS IMPACT ON THEIR SELF-ESTEEM
Get PDFThe study aimed to investigate the differences in psychological stress and self-esteem between working women in education (teachers) and working women in healthcare (nurses). Additionally, it sought to understand the relationship between psychological stress and self-esteem among working women. A questionnaire was developed by the researchers to measure psychological stress, alongside a self-esteem questionnaire prepared by Abdel Raouf Ahmed Suleiman Talal in 2009. The sample size consisted of 78 teachers and 52 nurses. After verifying the scientific foundations of the research tools and conducting appropriate statistical analyses, significant statistical differences were found between working women in education (teachers) and those in healthcare (nurses) in terms of psychological stress, favoring the working women in education (teachers). Furthermore, significant statistical differences were also identified in self-esteem, favoring the working women in healthcare (nurses). Additionally, a statistically significant inverse correlation was found between psychological stress and self-esteem among working women in both education (teachers) and healthcare (nurses)
THE EFFECT OF SWIMMING ON SPINAL POSTURE: A CASE STUDY: THE EFFECT OF SWIMMING ON POSTURE
No full textThe objective of this study was to apply adapted swimming techniques to assess their impact on the sagittal plane posture of the spine in juvenile participants.
Clinical Summary: A 10-year-old boy has been diagnosed with a hyperkyphotic malalignment of 58° in the thoracic region and a hyperlordotic malalignment of 58° in the lumbar region of the sagittal plane of the spine. Diagnostic assessment utilized a non-invasive photometric method employing the Formetric 4D System by Diers, Germany. The individual's physical activity is limited, participating only in routine physical education classes at school. The diagnosis follows the Cobb method for measurement.
Intervention and Outcomes: The participant engaged in a tailored program featuring modified swimming techniques conducted in water for a period of 16 weeks, with sessions held three a week lasting 45 minutes each. Throughout the treatment, the participant was assigned to perform six distinct exercises over a 100-meter distance. Following the completion of the intervention, the measurement indicated a reduction in the kyphotic curve angle to 48° as per the Cobb method. Similarly, in the lumbar region, the lordotic curve angle decreased to 41°.
Conclusion: The conservative treatment, incorporating modified swimming techniques, contributed to a decrease in the angles associated with postural irregularities in the sagittal plane of the spine. These findings underscore the necessity for additional research involving a more extensive participant pool to validate further the favorable impact of the implemented program on postural deviations in both the thoracic and lumbar regions of the sagittal plane in juvenile individuals
RESEARCH ON THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF COMBAT ARCHERY IN CHINA
Get PDFThis article collects and reviews online materials, employing methods such as logical analysis and inductive reasoning to examine the development status and existing issues of combat archery in China, while proposing corresponding strategies. The study reveals that combat archery faces challenges in its development, including insufficient market awareness, a lack of management mechanisms, and a disorganized competition system. Accordingly, recommendations are put forward: at the cultural level, emphasis should be placed on deep integration with traditional archery culture; at the management level, an association should be established to standardize the development of the sport; at the promotion level, a multi-tiered competition system should be constructed, and innovative cooperation models should be adopted to introduce social capital
COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF ISO-INTENSITY HIIT PROTOCOLS WITH EQUAL WORK-TO-REST RATIOS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN AMATEUR FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Get PDFThis study aimed to compare the effects of three high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols with a fixed 1:1 work-to-rest ratio but differing interval durations (15s, 30s, and 60s) on physiological and physical performance in amateur football players. Thirty-six male participants (mean age: 20.65 ± 2.0 years) were randomly assigned to one of the three groups and completed a six-week training program. Performance and physiological measures included blood lactate concentration, heart rate recovery (HRR), heart rate variability (HRV), lactate clearance rate, countermovement jump (CMJ), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), and fatigue index. All groups exhibited significant improvements (p < 0.05), with the 60s-HIIT group showing the most substantial gains in aerobic capacity (+21% Yo-Yo IR1), neuromuscular performance (+14% CMJ), and metabolic recovery (−38% blood lactate). Effect sizes ranged from moderate to very large (Cohen’s f = 0.33–0.65), and significant correlations were found between HRR and fatigue index (r = −0.45), and between CMJ and Yo-Yo IR1 (r = 0.68). These findings suggest that longer-interval HIIT with matched work-to-rest ratios is a highly effective strategy for enhancing both metabolic efficiency and athletic performance in amateur football players
ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF SWIMMING TRAINING ON THE 400M FREESTYLE TEST
Get PDFSwimming and water exercise are effective methods for improving physical fitness, endurance, and swimming technique. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of swimming training on the results of the 400-meter freestyle test (choice of stroke or style), focusing on changes in time, technique selection, and differences in progress between beginner and advanced swimmers. Swimming represents a complex physical activity that involves the interaction of technical execution, endurance, and energy efficiency. A swimmer's effectiveness often depends on the ability to coordinate biomechanical factors and physiological adaptations, such as improved aerobic capacity, efficient oxygen usage, and enhanced movement patterns. The study included 19 participants who attended a structured swimming program once a week for 8 months. The program was designed to include exercises for improving technique, endurance, and speed, as well as targeted work on optimizing energy expenditure. Results showed that participants improved their average swimming time by 5.9% after completing the program. The analysis also revealed changes in swimming technique preferences, with more participants adopting more economical techniques, such as front crawl and a front crawl-breaststroke combination, after the training. The study confirmed that beginner swimmers achieved greater progress compared to advanced swimmers, which can be attributed to the greater adaptability of those with less prior experience. However, due to the small sample size, statistically significant differences between the groups could not be confirmed. The findings of the study emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to swimming training, encompassing both physiological and biomechanical aspects. Further research could expand insights by examining longer time periods, different age groups, or the use of various tools, providing a more in-depth understanding of the long-term effects of swimming training
INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CARDIAC AUTONOMIC MODULATION AND RESTING HEART RATE IN YOUTH ACROSS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS
Get PDFObjective: This study aimed to Explore the relationship between cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) and resting heart rate (HRR) in children and adolescents, focusing on how physical activity levels influence autonomic regulation and cardiovascular health.
Methods: A total of 134 children and adolescents participated in this study. CAM and HRR were assessed using Polar heart rate monitors, and physical activity levels were evaluated using the Rider questionnaire. The relationship between CAM and HRR, stratified by physical activity levels, was analysed using linear regression adjusted for sex, age, and somatic maturation.
Results: Insufficiently active individuals exhibited a significant inverse relationship between high HRR and lower HRV indices, including RMSSD (β = -0.125), SDNN (β = -0.142), SD1 (β = -0.176), and SD2 (β = -0.114). In contrast, physically active individuals showed a weaker relationship, with only the SD1/SD2 index (β = -0.006) significantly associated with HRR. These findings suggest that regular physical activity preserves autonomic balance and reduces cardiovascular risk.
Conclusions: High resting heart rate is associated with reduced cardiac autonomic modulation in insufficiently active children and adolescents, while physical activity mitigates this relationship. These results underscore the importance of promoting physical activity in youth to enhance autonomic regulation and prevent future cardiovascular diseases. Future research should explore longitudinal and mechanistic insights to further elucidate these relationships