Discobolul Vol. 4//2024

Triathlon is a sport that combines three different disciplines: swimming, cycling and running. Athletes have to cover varying distances in each discipline and move quickly from one to the next, making triathlon an extremely demanding sport. This research aims to develop and implement a training program with athletic means in order to optimize the strength capacity of triathletes. This papersought to identify statistically significant differences between the results recorded by the participants, i.e. the performance of athletes at the beginning and end of the study, following an experimental intervention. The present research was carried out with the participation of 3 male athletes, aged between 20 and 36 years (m = 26), from the triathlon sports branch, with over 4 years of competitive experience, competitor in the National Championship. Strength evaluation was conducted using the Optojump system in the case of the participants who performed one test: Left and Right Leg Jumps (5 jumps). Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed significant differences between the initial and final results for explosive strength, indicating that the improvements were not random but were due to the experimental intervention. The training program had a significantly positive impact on the participants' strength capacity and overall performance.

The purpose of this study is to determine the fluctuation in the number of swimmers participating in the national competitive system between 2012 and 2021. Additionally, the paper aims to identify the age group with the highest dropout rate. We conducted a thorough analysis of the Romanian Swimming and Modern Pentathlon Federation’s databases within the Ministry of Sports for the years 2012 to 2021. This analysis focused on the number of annually registered swimmers and participants in the national competitive system across the following age categories: children, cadets/juniors/youth, and seniors. The study reveals a decline in the number of participants in swimming competitions, particularly among senior athletes. This decline can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, academic pressures, lack of support and resources, and evolving interests and priorities. These factors collectively contribute to the challenge of retaining athletes in the sport as they progress from junior to senior swimming categories. The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had profound consequences for communities worldwide, prompting extensive restrictions across various sectors, including sports. Notably, major decisions by international governing such as FINA (International Swimming Federation) have resulted in the postponement or cancellation of significant swimming events. Additionally, the unprecedented decision by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics to July 23 - August 8, 2021, reflects the severity of the situation.

Carpal tunnel syndrome has long been considered a pathology requiring surgical intervention. Over the years, therapeutic management has become increasingly complex, with improvements observed in patients benefiting from orthopedic, surgical, ergotherapeutic and physiotherapeutic treatments, tailored to individual possibilities. The objective of this case study is to observe whether individualized and adapted kinetic treatment based on specific, nonspecific and comprehensive means, succeeds in optimizing the results within the QuickDASH-Score for a 64-year-old patient following surgical intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome. The QuickDASH analyses physical function, pain and other symptoms associated with various types of upper limb musculoskeletal pathologies and disorders. The initial evaluation score was 47 points, with the physiotherapy program carried out over a six-months period. The main objectives included pain, edema, and inflammation control; enhancing joint range of motion within physiological limits in affected areas; preventing muscle-tendon retractions; and fostering independence in daily activities. The final evaluation had 32 points, signifying a 15-point improvement and achievement of the objective, resulting in enhanced quality of life. Physiotherapy in carpal tunnel syndrome is a meticulously applied treatment that alleviates specific symptoms. It's crucial to educate patients on how physiotherapy contributes to full functional recovery, as premature ending can have significant adverse effects on quality of life.

Quality of life means different things to different people, according, also, to the area of application. The aim of the research was to capture the quality of life experienced by young athletes, according to gender, sport performance, and related to the type of sport practiced. 116 athletes participated in the research, practicing individual and team sports. Starting from the Quality of Life Inventory developed by Michael B. Frisch, fifteen life domains were measured. After applying the t test for independent samples, no gender-related differences were observed in terms of perceived quality of life. However, athletes practicing individual sports were significantly more satisfied by their work and creativity (manifested in daily activities), and, also, regarding love and children (as life domains), compared to athletes practicing team sports. Using one-way analysis of variance, the experienced life quality according to the practiced type of sport (football, other team sports, striking combat sports, respectively other individual sports) was examined. Furthermore, data analysis emphasized that athletes with international results express significantly higher levels of satisfaction regarding their self-esteem in life domains such as love and children, compared to athletes who attain local or regional performances. Additionally, they exhibit significantly greater satisfaction with their creativity in daily activities but express less satisfaction with their community, compared to athletes achieving national-level sports results. The findings provide important data to coaches, multi-disciplinary team members and parents on the areas of quality of life that athletes are currently more or less satisfied with. In-depth interviews with athletes are necessary to better understand the differences observed.

From the category of musculoskeletal disorders, lumbar pathology registered a 50% increase between 1990 and 2019, directly correlated with an age decrease for the onset of symptoms among patients diagnosed with lumbar pain. Consequently, we are witnessing a younger population experiencing lumbar pain and at times, functional disability. According to statistical analysis, the economic impact of low back pain (LBP) in highly industrialized countries produces costs of up to 134 billion dollars annually. In this context, the appropriate therapeutic approach of LBP becomes a factor of major interest. This review uses 137 primary articles and specialized literature published between 2010-2022. Article selection was based on keywords and focused on comparing the effectiveness of William's and McKenzie's exercises. As the two rehabilitation programs are founded on different principles - William's therapy emphasizes flexion exercises while McKenzie's therapy focuses on extension exercises - patient assessment was conducted using evaluation scales. The evaluation employed the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (OSLBPDI), and the Short Form 36 (SF 36). The comparative analysis revealed modified scale scores following completion of the therapeutic protocol: 50-65% reduction in pain, 10-40 % increase in flexibility, and significant improvement in mental state. Based on these findings, an advancement in the patient’s condition can be observed for both William’s and McKenzie protocols. Nonetheless, the reviewed articles underscore the importance of selecting and adapting the therapeutic approach to the characteristics of lumbar pain.

Given the premise that dance is an activity suitable for integration in Physical Education and Sport classes, we aimed to test this by implementing teaching projects incorporating elements of Street Dance. Similar to other sports, which rely on motor skills and actions, only in this case mostly performed to music, Street Dance can bring countless benefits to a person's life. Whether we are talking about psychomotor or cognitive skills, the literature argues that dance can be a valuable tool for improving them. Considering the novelty that Street Dance represents, and its ongoing evolution, coupled with the increasing attraction of young people to this dance style, we considered this research to be beneficial. The study was carried out in a secondary school in Bucharest, Sector 3, and the 17 participants were 8th grade students. As part of the research, we used the RCMV computerized test, which helped us to investigate the reactivity, hand-foot coordination and vigilance of the subjects. Also, creativity was explored through a test consisting of geometric figures, adapted by Mihaela Roco. The statistically significant differences (Wilcoxon test was used) allow us to say that the improvements achieved are not random, but are also due to the exercise programme intervention.