Discobolul Vol. 2//2023

Anthropometric features can influence physical performance in pre-adolescent basketballers. On rare occasions, scientific literature has assessed anthropometric changes in performance for this age group. The study aimed to identify the relation between body measurements and skilled-body performance in junior basketballers. The study sample consisted of 60 players from basketball academies in the United Arab Emirates for the sports season 2020-2021. The average age was 14-16 years, with height ranging from 160 to 170 cm. Anthropometric measurements included body mass, length (total/upper/lower body, arm/leg), circumferences (chest/ humeral/ calf circumferences), and shoulder width. Skilled-body performance tests included front shot/ side shot/ free throw/ wall scrolling/ ballrunning test, and vertical jump. Equipment used included an electronic balance for weight (in kilograms) and a measuring tape (in centimetres). After collecting the data, using the SPSS statistical program, and the Person correlation for different length, width, and circumferences measurements, results indicated that there were statistically significant links between front, side, and free throw shot with body measurements. Also, the study found a relationship between wall scrolling and ball running speed tests, and measurements of mass, upper body/ arm length, chest/ calf circumferences, and shoulder width. Anthropometric measurements were very important for skills and body tests. In conclusion, anthropometric traits were found to significantly contribute to the skills and performance of preadolescence players. Trainers are recommended to consider these traits when selecting junior basketball players. It is also recommended that similar studies be conducted with different age groups and genders to compare and generalize the results to basketball union.

The assumptions underlying the current direction of research have been determined by both the decreasing level of the football game in the investigated age group and the failure to exploit the impressive skills that a child aged 8-10 years is able to develop as a result of proper training. In our country, the current game of football for children aged between 8 and 10 years does not focus on the development of their creativity and coordination skills, but predominantly on the systematic tactical game following various predefined play routes. Taking into account the above, we consider it imperative to optimise the coordination skills of young players. The purpose of this research is to improve the level of coordination skills in a team of children aged 8-10 years through means specific to the game of football. During the research, two assessments were performed to determine the level of coordination skills by using the Agility T-Test (BlazePod technology) and Adams Test, which are specific for the assessment of these qualities. The research includes 42 male players aged between 8 and 10 years, as members of two football clubs, namely FC Chelsea Bucharest and FC Tineretul Bucharest. The research methods used are: documentation, experiment, recording, conversation, mathematical statistics and graphical representation. The statistically significant differences allow us to say that the improvements achieved are not random but are also due to the exercise programme intervention. As regards the T-Test specific to coordination skills, an improvement of 0.12 sec is noted for the experimental group and an improvement of only 0.05 sec for the control group.

Mastication and swallowing disorders as well as the presence of sialorrhea are some of the severe consequences that often accompany motor disorders in children with cerebral palsy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of applying instrumental facial massage procedures and neuromotor stimulation techniques on orofacial muscles and structures and global motor control in order to improve oral motor functions (mastication and swallowing), reduce sialorrhea and increase the level of motor development. The present study included 10 participants (6 girls and 4 boys) aged 8-10 years diagnosed with cerebral palsy, spastic tetraplegia form with severe orofacial dysfunction. Children were assessed to determine their level of neuromotor development using the GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System) Scale, muscle tone (pathological hypertonia) by means of the Modified Ashworth Scale, mastication and swallowing impairments through the Likert Scale, and sialorrhea using the Thomas-Stonell and Greenberg Scale. The research participants were applied a programme consisting of instrumental facial massage procedures and neuromotor stimulation techniques performed 4 times a week. Statistical results highlighted that the application of instrumental facial massage procedures and neuromotor stimulation techniques within the classic protocol for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy proved to be effective in the case of the 10 participants, their scores improving at the end of the research compared to those recorded at the beginning of the study.

Regarding the process of development of young athletes, our primary focus is their health. It is widely recognized that a significant injury can slow down the process of development in the best-case scenario, or prematurely end an athlete’s career, in the worst-case scenario. The nature of football introduces a heightened risk of injuries due to its dynamic and unpredictable characteristics. In order to optimize our efforts in the process of preventing these injuries, we believe that the best practice is to understand the pillars on which performance in football is based, and adapt our training plans and sessions to address particular weaknesses. The two pillars that need our full attention are strength and balance. To pinpoint the vulnerabilities of young athletes, we employed two devices to measure both balance and strength in each athlete. A total of two tests were conducted for each athlete, measuring maximal power in the lower body, dynamic balance from one foot to the other, limb asymmetry in terms of muscle strength, and dynamic balance. The study confirmed that neuromuscular control has a key role in the effective utilization of power by the athlete, as in the dynamic balance test, football team B used less power and recorded (at the same time) a lower limb asymmetry score than team A.

The curriculum at the American International School of Bucharest (AISB) centres around the principle of teamwork, serving as the foundation for this study. This research aims to be presented, examined, and refined to engage students actively and emotionally in the instructional process. Essential elements contributing to achieving the proposed objectives involve the use of experimental methods, emphasizing teamwork principles, and creating an environment rooted in safety, trust, engagement, and cooperation. The study assumes that the quality of the teaching process is enhanced through the application of internationally-used strategic games, validated by the perspectives of students, parents, and teachers. We find it appropriate to consider the views of parents, who believe that physical education class is extremely important for both the balanced development of children and its positive effect on their mental health as a result of exercising on a daily basis. A comparative study was conducted between a sample of Romanian middle school children and a sample of AISB students, revealing a multitude of effects induced by internationally-utilized strategic games, including the development of social skills, elimination of stress and intellectual fatigue, improvement of motor skills, and increased knowledge about different sports. These games also promote teamwork, involve all students in learning, and instil an understanding of game rules and sports competition, fostering respect for teammates and opponents. Additionally, strategic games contribute to socialization, fun, relaxation, all within a backdrop of maintaining a positive attitude.