Discobolul Vol.3//2025

Female soccer sport is gaining popularity in some parts of South Africa. However, the dietary and anthropometric profiles of these athletes remain unknown. A correlational study design was conducted to evaluate the dietary and anthropometric profiles of 45 female soccer athletes in the Mankweng township. Ethical approval was obtained from the Turfloop Research Ethics Committee while athletes gave consent in a written form before participation in the study. The multiple 24-hour-recall Questionnaires were used to collect the dietary intake of the participants. Weight and height were measured to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) using the electronic scale and stadiometer respectively, while body fat percentage (BF%) was measured using the bioelectrical impedance scale. Dietary data were loaded into SAMRC Food Finder (e-version) and the mean nutrient intake was considered. All data were then analysed descriptively through the SPSS (v-28) software. Pearson’s coefficient correlation tests were conducted and a p-value of 0.05 was a criterion on which variables were significant to each other. Results were compared to recommendations. The majority - 64% and 53% had optimal BMI (22.7±3.0kg/m2) and BF% (24.0±6.0%) respectively. All athletes consumed energy (26.5±6.0kcal/kg/day) and CHO (4.0±1.0 g/kg/day) suboptimally while half or more consumed protein (1.2±0.1g/kg/day) and fat (0.6±0.2g/kg/day) optimal. Dietary practices before training complied with sports nutrition recommendations while those during and after training deviated. BMI correlated (p0.05) with macronutrient intake. Anthropometric and dietary profiles also correlated (p0.05) with some sociodemographic characteristics. The dietary practices of female soccer athletes were imbalanced while their anthropometry was optimal.

Proper posture contributes to increased self-confidence and supports the development of social relationships through a heightened awareness of one’s body. These aspects are increasingly relevant in the context of face-to-face interactions. As part of this study, we conducted anamnesis and carried out physical evaluations - including anthropometric and somatometric assessments - in collaboration with the medical staff of participating schools. For the somatoscopic analysis, we used the Global Postural System 400 (GPS) to identify two-dimensional spinal deficiencies related to static posture, body dynamics, and balance. For about a quarter of the subjects evaluated (24.8%) no spinal deficiencies were identified. For the remainder (75.2%), lordosis is the most common spinal deformity, followed by kyphosis and scoliosis. The chi-square value of 12.496 with 3 degrees of freedom (df) and a significance level of p = 0.006 indicates a statistically significant difference between the distribution of spinal deficiencies and gender. The Cramér’s V value of 0.333 suggests a moderate association between gender and the type of spinal deficiency. The distribution of body weight categories based on BMI shows that 64.6% of participants fall within the normal weight range, which is a positive outcome for the majority. These findings highlight the importance of cultivating healthy habits - such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and intentional breaks during extended use of digital devices - as essential strategies for supporting the physical and mental well-being of middle school students.

A sports coach should value clear communication, effective motivational techniques, having the ability to enhance self-efficacy and reduce anxiety in their athletes. In sports, the manifestation of unconscious (automatic) aggression can be observed in various contexts, ranging from personal relationships to professional settings. The underlying motivations for implicit aggression are complex and multifaceted, often stemming from a combination of personal insecurities, unresolved conflicts, and social dynamics. The aim of the study was to explore the unconscious/automatic aggression of novice coaches and, also, the relation between implicit aggression and coaches’ level of involvement in their own professional growth. Also, gender-related differences were explored (in sports coaches) taking into consideration unconscious aggression. The study involved 47 novice coaches from various sports disciplines. To assess unconscious (implicit) aggression an Implicit Associations Test (IAT) was applied. Kendall Tau-B correlation was used to verify if there is a significant association between IAT scores and coaches’ level of involvement in their professional growth. It seems that a higher level of unconscious aggression (Aggression associated with Others, not with Self) is linked with more hours (per week) dedicated for professional growth. Also, the gender-related differences in terms of unconscious aggression were explored, in the case of novice coaches. Independent sample t test emphasized no gender-based differences taking into consideration coaches’ unconscious/automatic aggression.

The study assesses and compares the results obtained after applying a classical rehabilitation program and a modern rehabilitation program based on the integration of isokinetic systems to patients recovering from arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The research involved 30 participants who were divided into two groups: one group followed a traditional rehabilitation program using proprioceptive exercises to restore range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength, and the other integrated isokinetic dynamometry (Biodex System 4 PRO) for personalized knee rehabilitation. The results showed that the group benefiting from the modern rehabilitation program achieved significantly greater improvements in muscle strength, joint stability and neuromuscular coordination, especially in terms of quadriceps peak torque and flexor-extensor muscle balance. Statistical analysis confirmed that the modern rehabilitation program provided faster and more consistent progress, demonstrating higher functional scores and reduced variability compared to the classical approach. However, the traditional program proved to be more effective in restoring relative hamstring strength. These findings highlight the advantages of isokinetic-based rehabilitation for the optimization of post-ACL recovery and support the need for individualized rehabilitation protocols. The study suggests that computerized dynamometry should be integrated into ACL rehabilitation programs to improve functional outcomes and reduce the risk of re-injury. Further research should explore their long-term benefits and impact on readiness for return to sports activity.

Adolescence, is a crucial period of physical development and growth. During this time, the body undergoes significant changes in composition, metabolism, hormones, and organ system maturation, as well as nutrient deposit establishment. These changes may impact future health. In terms of nutrition, adolescence is also a critical time for establishing a lifelong relationship with food, particularly with regards to the connection between diet, exercise, and body image. During adolescence, individuals face challenges related to time management due to school, training, work, and social commitments. Peers become increasingly influential in shaping an adolescent's behaviour, including their eating habits. Additionally, fluctuating emotions can also be a feature of this period. The aim of our paper is to scientifically demonstrate, through a research conducted over a period of one year, the influences that the use of physical education exercises, in conjunction with the administration of natural products (spirulina and safflower oil) has on the physical development of middle school students. By analyzing the obtained data, we try to determine the correlation between the independent variable and certain somatic and functional indices of physical development. In conclusion, using natural products has a visible and significant effect on the parameters of the Aeroscan measurements.