SPORTS SCIENCE AND HEALTH

Digital Strategies of Sports Organizations and Youth Engagement in the Function of Developing Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Secondary Data Analysis

Nina Uremović

This paper analyzes how modern digital marketing strategies of sports organizations – including socialfirst content, video formats, real-time communication and multi-channel distribution models – affect youth engagement and the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits. The research is based on contemporary theoretical approaches to physical education and youth sports and examines how digital content can motivate young generations to be more actively involved in sports and recreational activities and to develop positive patterns of health-related behavior.
The empirical part of the paper is based on the analysis of secondary data sources and the application of statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, correlation tests and multiple linear regression. The results show that the model explains approximately 30% of the variance in youth engagement rate (ER). The socialfirst content variable has a statistically significant effect (p < 0.01), while video content and real-time formats show positive, but statistically insignificant coefficients. Datadriven approaches recorded an effect close to the significance level (p ≈ 0.055). Correlation analysis indicates moderate positive relationships between ER and the share of video content (r = 0.365) and real-time format (r = 0.178).
Despite the limitations of a small and partially standardized sample, the findings show a positive trend in encouraging youth engagement through modern digital formats. The contribution of the paper is reflected in connecting digital marketing with modern concepts of physical education and youth health, and in pointing out the potential of digital strategies to contribute to the promotion of sports behavior and active lifestyle.

Differences in Functional Capabilities of Younger and Older Juniors in Water Polo

Senad Bajrić

The research was conducted with the aim of determining the differences in functional abilities between younger (14–16 years) and older juniors (16–18 years) in water polo. The total sample of respondents consisted of 174 respondents from the following water polo clubs: VK “Borac” from Banja Luka, VK “Mladost”, VK “Torpedo” and VK “Invictum” all from Sarajevo, divided into two age categories according to the rules of the Water Polo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sample of variables consisted of nine functional abilities assessed by spirometric parameters in different positions (standing and lying) in the first and sixth seconds before and after the exertion. For all applied functional ability variables, the basic central and dispersion parameters were calculated. To determine the differences in functional abilities between younger and older juniors in water polo, an analysis of the results of the T-test for independent samples was applied. The obtained basic and central dispersion parameters show a normal distribution of all variables in both groups of respondents. The results of the T-test indicate statistically significant differences in five out of nine functional parameters in favor of the older juniors, especially in the air flow in the first and sixth seconds after exertion and the variable “lung age”. The established differences indicate that the age and continuity of the training process have a significant impact on the development of the functional abilities of young water polo players. The obtained results can be useful for a better understanding of the development of ventilation abilities of athletes in the aquatic environment, the process of selection and programming of training loads.

The Impact of Traditional Game-Based Activities on Self-Confidence and Motor Skill Development in Low Vision Children with Disabilities

Devi Catur Winata

This research aims to analyze the effect of traditional games on low vision children with disabilities on their self confidence and motor skill in locomotor movements. Research uses experimental research. The research design used in this study is a factorial design. In this factorial design. This research design uses a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design with a posttest. The sample size was 32 students, obtained through purposive sampling. Purposive. Data on student confidence was collected using a Likert scale questionnaire, and motor skills were assessed using a 1–50 scoring rubric. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design at a significance level of α = 0.05. According to the research results above. centered on these findings, it can be said that ased on the data above, there is an influence of traditional games with a focus on motor skills in children with low vision disabilities on increasing students’ self-confidence in learning. The conclusions of this study are as follows: 1) There is a difference in the effect of Engklek and Galasin games on low-vision students. 2) It is concluded that traditional games have a significant effect on motor skills. 3) Self-confidence significantly affects the motor skills of low-vision students. 4) Traditional games interactively affect the self-confidence of low-vision students. 5) Traditional games have an effect on the motor skills of low-vision students. 6) There is an interaction effect between motor skills and confidence on low-vision students. 7) Traditional games affect the motor skills and confidence of low-vision students.

Parents’ Perceptions of Physical and Health Education in the Experimental All-Day School Program in the Republic of Croatia

Ante Zekanović

The aim of the study was to examine parents’ attitudes toward the effects of the experimental all-day school (CDŠ) program on children’s physical activity and psychosocial well-being, and to evaluate satisfaction with Physical and Health Education (TZK) taught by a master’s-level kinesiologist in classroom teaching. The sample included N = 67 parents, and data were collected via an online questionnaire (Likert 1–5). Measures of central tendency and dispersion, scale reliability (Cronbach α), thematic components (principal components method), and one-sample t-tests relative to the neutral scale value (3) were analyzed. The results show high mean values for all items (M = 4.49–4.67) with negative skewness of the distributions, indicating an extremely positive parental perception. The subscales showed good to excellent internal consistency (α = .78–.84), while the total scale had α = .89. One-sample t-tests show that the means of all items are statistically significantly higher than the neutral value (p < .001), with large effects (Cohen d = 2.39–3.34). In the discussion, the findings are interpreted in relation to existing knowledge about the importance of school-based physical activity for health, mental well-being, and school functioning. In conclusion, parents strongly support CDŠ and the role of the kinesiologist in early school age, with the note that future research should include objective measures of physical activity and a longitudinal design.

Development of a Modified Device of the Manos Reactive Agility Test Instrument for Basketball

Hermanto Hermanto

The study aimed to develop a modified version of the Manos Reactive Agility Test (MRAT) instrument designed specifically for basketball athletes. The original MRAT measured reactive agility through visual stimuli but lacked sports-specific adaptability for the dynamic movement of basketball. The modified device incorporates basketball-specific cues (e.g., change of direction, defensive movement, and court-based stimuli) to improve ecological validity. Using a Research and Development (R&D) approach with the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model, the study involves: A needs analysis through a survey of 44 athletes to identify agility demands. Prototype design that integrates LED light panels and motion sensors for real-time response tracking. Validation by experts in sports science (content validity index≥0.80) and reliability testing (Cronbach alpha>0.93). The results of the trial (n=44 basketball players) showed that the modified MRAT had 90% accuracy in distinguishing elite and novice athletes, compared to 70% for the original MRAT. The device also improved the reliability of the retest (r=0.88 vs. 0.92) and reduced setup time by up to 30%. Modification of MRAT tools based on the needs of basketball athletes has proven to be more valid, reliable, and applicable than the standard version. This modified instrument offers a cost-effective sport-specific tool for assessing reactive agility in basketball, assisting coaches in talent identification and coaching optimization. Future studies may explore its application in other team sports.

Association Between Session RPE and Edwards’ TRIMP as Indicators of Internal Load in Elite Male Basketball Players

Konstantinos Stratakis

Accurate monitoring of internal training load is essential for optimizing performance and minimizing injury risk in elite athletes. Session rating of perceived exertion training load (sRPE-TL) and Edwards’ training impulse (TRIMP) are commonly used methods for quantifying internal training load, yet their relationship in elite basketball remains underexplored. This study examined the association between sRPE-TL and Edwards TRIMP among elite male basketball players during pre-season practice sessions to provide evidence for the convergent validity of sRPE-TL. The sRPE-TL was calculated using session duration and RPE, and Edwards TRIMP was derived from time spent in heart rate zones multiplied by a weighting factor. A strong, statistically significant correlation was found between the variables (r = 0.86, 95% CI [0.82, 0.89], p < .001). Regression analysis indicated that sRPE-TL accounted for 74.2% of the variance in TRIMP (R² = 0.742). Both the slope (p < .001) and intercept (p < .001) of the regression model were statistically significant. Sensitivity analysis using Spearman’s rank correlation confirmed the robustness of the association (ρ = 0.81, 95% CI [0.75, 0.85], p < .001). These findings indicate that sRPE is a convergently valid tool for monitoring internal training load during practices in the pre-season training period in elite basketball, particularly when resource or logistical constraints are present.

Multiculturalism and Physical Activity: Evidence From a Higher Education-Based Intervention

Maria Giovanna Tafuri

In an academic context increasingly characterized by cultural pluralism and technological innovation, the need emerges to develop educational practices capable of integrating the bodily dimension into learning processes. The present study explores the effectiveness of a physical activity intervention designed according to the principles of critical pedagogy, embodied education and intercultural education, with the aim of promoting body awareness and intercultural sensitivity in a university context crossed by increasing cultural heterogeneity and digital transformation. The intervention, lasting twelve weeks with biweekly meetings of two hours each, involved 260 students divided into an experimental group and a control group, subjected to pre- and post-intervention evaluation using the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) and the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ). The results of the statistical analysis showed a significant increase in scores related to both intercultural sensitivity and body awareness in the experimental group compared to the control group, indicating the effectiveness of the body approach in university education. The integration of digital tools has further enriched the path, offering support for the documentation, reflection and monitoring of learning processes. The pedagogical implications of the study indicate the need to rethink university teaching by systematically including body practices and multimodal approaches, capable of combining corporeality, cultural diversity and digital environments. Future research perspectives will have to deepen the adaptability of these models in different training contexts and analyze more extensively the role of the body as a mediator of transformative processes in higher education.

Analysis of Quantitative Changes in Motor Abilities Under the Influence of a Programmed Training Process

Osmo Bajrić

The study was conducted on a sample of 50 female participants—young volleyball players who regularly train at the Volleyball Club “Modriča Novoprom” from Modriča. A set of 18 variables was applied to assess motor abilities, which relatively well cover the motor space. The main objective of the study was to determine partial and global quantitative changes (differences) in motor abilities under the influence of a six-month experimental volleyball training program.
To determine partial quantitative changes (differences) in motor abilities, the paired samples t-test was applied. Global quantitative changes (differences) in motor abilities were determined using canonical discriminant analysis.
The results of the t-test analysis indicate that, under the influence of the six-month volleyball program, statistically significant partial changes (differences) occurred in eight out of the total of eighteen motor ability variables in young female volleyball players. The results of the canonical discriminant analysis show that there were statistically significant global quantitative changes (differences) in the space of motor abilities under the influence of the applied six month volleyball program.
The obtained results may be useful for coaches in volleyball clubs, volleyball schools, as well as physical education teachers, for the purpose of improving the planning and monitoring of training (teaching) processes.

Differences in the Effect of Regular and Specially Programmed Physical and Health Education on the Motor Status of Students

Almir Kalabušić

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the effects of regular and specially programmed Physical and Health Education on the transformation of basic motor and situational–motor abilities of sixth-grade primary school students. In the motor domain, 15 variables were observed, and in the situational–motor domain 6 representative variables were analyzed. The sample included 106 students divided into the control group (53 students) and the experimental group (53 students). Students were male and female, aged 12 ± 6 months. The control group followed the regular curriculum, while the experimental group participated in an intensive program of sports games—basketball, volleyball, and handball. The program lasted one school semester. Descriptive statistical methods showed a normal distribution of data for both motor and situational–motor variables. An independent-samples t-test showed that, initially, the control group had an advantage only in the variable MTAPNO within the motor domain. In the situational–motor domain, the experimental group initially demonstrated better abilities in the variables OKVLS, ORBLZ, and ORVLS. After the implementation of the programs, the final t-test in the motor domain did not record statistically significant differences between the groups. In the situational–motor domain at the final measurement, the experimental group showed higher t-test values for the variables OKVLS, OLPKS, ORBLZ, and ORISE, while the control group had higher t-test values for the variable OKBLK. Conclusion: It cannot be stated with certainty that the specially designed instructional program had a significant effect on improving the motor and/or situational–motor abilities of the students in the experimental group.

Parents’ attitudes about motives for enrolling children in preschool institutions and early learning programs

Marica Travar

Based on the most important theoretical and empirical evidence on the importance and benefits of including children in preschool institutions, we conducted a survey on a sample of 334 parents in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) whose children attended a preparatory program in the year before entering school in 2024, with the aim of determining their attitudes about motives for enrolling children in early learning programs. Factor analysis determined that one dominant factor explains 91.26% of the total variance of parental motives for enrolling children in preschool institutions. This research has important implications for educational policymakers and practitioners because the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) is a country in transition in the Western Balkans.

The Influence of Training Facility Management, Injury Risk Perception, and Self-Efficacy on Wushu Technical Performance

Novita Novita

Technical performance in wushu arises from the interplay of psychological factors, training-environment management, and safety perceptions. This study examined the effects of training facility management, injury risk perception, and self-efficacy on technical performance. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational survey included 153 purposively selected participants. Data were collected with 4-point Likert scales. Item validity used Pearson’s product–moment (r_calculated > r_table = 0.159; N = 153), and reliability used Cronbach’s α (0.869–0.963). Multiple linear regression (α = 0.05) in SPSS 25 tested effects. Results: The model was strong and significant (R = 0.833; R² = 0.694; adjusted R² = 0.688; F(3,149) = 112.777; p < 0.001), indicating that 69.4% of performance variance was jointly explained by the three predictors. Self-efficacy showed a positive, substantive effect (B = 0.897; β = 0.805; t = 14.963; p < 0.001) and was the dominant predictor. Training facility management and injury risk perception did not exhibit significant direct effects at the 5% level (B = 0.023; p = 0.665; B = 0.041; p = 0.434). Conclusions: Self-efficacy is the principal lever for improving technical performance, whereas facility quality and risk perception likely act indirectly through session quality, feedback intensity, and a supportive learning climate. Practical implications suggest graded mastery experiences, expert modelling, and criterion-referenced video feedback to strengthen competence beliefs and skill transfer. Limitations relate to the cross-sectional design, which restricts causal inference. Future research should test mediating and moderating pathways via structural equation modelling and multilevel approaches, employ video- or standardised-judge-based assessments for greater objectivity, and adopt longitudinal or experimental designs to map mechanisms more precisely in wushu athletes.

Lower Back Pain, Physical Activity and the Quality of Life

Romana Romanov

Lumbar pain is one of the key problems that affects people with reduced physical activity. This study aims at identifying different frequencies of pain in patients with lumbar syndrome and to determine differences in their quality of life. From a total sample of 202 subjects (93 men and 109 women, mean age 47.5 ± 13.85 years), 3 subsamples of respondents were stratified depending on the frequency of back pain: those with occasional back pain, those with frequent episodes of back pain and those whose episodes of back pain occur very often. The data in the study were collected using a measuring instrument, which is intended to be used for self-assessment of the quality of life. The non-parametric statistical method Chi-squared test was used to determine the differences between groups of subjects. Statistically significant differences (p = 0.00) were identified in three analyzed variables: I can declare that my quality of life is, How would you assess your physical fitness and How often do you walk continuously for 60 minutes, whereby the survey results obtained for the variable assessing the quality of life significantly differ in favor of respondents who only occasionally experience pain compared to the other two groups of respondents who reported frequent or very frequent incidences of back pain. Respondents occasionally affected with lower back pain had a better assessment of their lives, their physical fitness was at a higher level and were shown to be more active when it came to continuous walking for 60 minutes.

Revitalizing Mental Readiness: Mindsport Navigator Application (Minna) to Strive for the Best Performance of Undiksha FC

I Made Satyawan

This study aims to develop the Mindsport Navigator Application (MINNA) as a digital tool to systematically assess and enhance the mental readiness of Undiksha FC athletes. The research was conducted using a development model adapted from Borg and Gall, consisting of ten stages including product design, expert validation, small group trials, large group trials, and final product refinement. The MINNA application integrates three psychological measurement instruments: the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT), Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The results from 60 athletes show that anxiety and stress levels fall into the moderate category, while burnout levels indicate no significant signs of emotional exhaustion. Descriptive analysis reveals varying levels of anxiety and stress, but relatively stable burnout conditions. Correlation analysis indicates a significant positive relationship between anxiety and stress, whereas burnout shows no significant relationship with either variable. Overall, the MINNA application effectively provides personalized psychological assessments and coping recommendations, making it a useful tool for continuous mental monitoring and for supporting optimal athletic performance. The application demonstrates strong potential to be integrated into training programs to maintain athletes’ psychological well-being and enhance performance outcomes.

Training Plan Elements as Predictors of Exercise Motivation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Stefan Janković

Motivation is a key determinant of sustained engagement in physical exercise; however, the influence of training plan elements on specific motivational dimensions remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to examine the influence of training plan elements on motivation to exercise. A two-month cross-sectional study was conducted on a total sample of 1,087 participants from fitness centres in the Banja Luka region. Two sets of variables were applied: the first set, a self-developed questionnaire, was used to describe training plan elements such as training level, training mode, training structure, prescribed training plan, training type, training breaks, training frequency, and training volume, including the personal variable of gender; and the second set consisted of the EMI-2 questionnaire (Markland & Ingledew, 1997). The EMI-2 scale comprises 14 subscales: Social Recognition, Health Pressures, Competition, Weight Management, Affiliation, Challenge, Appearance, Stress Management, Ill-Health Avoidance, Nimbleness, Enjoyment, Strength and Endurance, Revitalisation, and Positive Health. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the predictive influence of training plan elements on the EMI-2 subscales. Overall, training type and training mode emerged as consistent positive predictors, whereas training level and structure functioned as a negative predictor, highlighting the complex and multidirectional relationship between training plan elements and exercise motivation.

The Effect of the Return Board Tool on Improving Backhand Topspin Skills in Table Tennis Athletes

Teguh Santosa

One of the challenges in table tennis training, particularly at the youth athlete development level, is the limited time and training media. This study aims to determine the effect of using a return board on improving backhand topspin skills in table tennis athletes. The method used was a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest group design. The research subjects were 12 youth-level table tennis athletes from a club in Solo. The data collection instrument was a backhand topspin skill test validated by experts. Data analysis using the paired sample t-test showed a significant improvement in backhand topspin ability after training with the return board (p = 0.001 < 0.05). These findings indicate that the return board can be an effective training tool for improving backhand topspin technique.

The Effect of Small-Sided Games as a Contextual Training Method on Shooting Accuracy and Physical Activity Enjoyment in Futsal Extracurricular Participants

Yahya Eko Nopiyanto — 2026-06-13

Student enthusiasm for futsal continues to increase, but has not been accompanied by a contextual training model to enhance shooting accuracy and enjoyment of physical activity. This study aimed to investigate the impact of small-sided games on shooting accuracy and enjoyment of physical activity in futsal extracurricular participants. A quasi-experimental method with a one-group pretest and posttest design was used to achieve the research objectives. Participants in this study were 20 futsal extracurricular at State Senior High School 10, Bengkulu City, selected using a purposive sampling technique. All participants participated in the intervention for 4 weeks, with a frequency of 4 sessions per week, and a duration of 60 minutes per session. The shooting accuracy test was used to determine shooting accuracy, and the physical activity scale was used to determine players’ physical activity during small-sided games. SPSS software version 22 was used to analyze the research data. Paired sample t-tests revealed that small-sided games significantly improved shooting accuracy and enjoyment of physical activity, with Cohen’s d indicating contributions of 66.67% and 27.45%, respectively. It can be concluded that this contextual training method is efficacious in improving shooting accuracy and enhancing the enjoyment of physical activity among young futsal players. Small-sided games training is recommended as a practical approach to simultaneously improve shooting accuracy and enhance enjoyment in high school futsal players.

Differences in Situational-Motor Abilities of Young Water Polo Players

Senad Bajrić — 2026-06-13

The research was carried out with the aim of determining the differences in situational-motor abilities between younger (14-16 years) and older juniors (16-18 years) in water polo. The total sample consisted of 174 participants from the following water polo clubs: VK “Borac” from Banja Luka, VK “Mladost”, VK “Torpedo” and VK “Invictum” all from Sarajevo, divided into two age categories according to the rules of the BiH Water Polo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Twelve variables specific to water polo were used to assess situational-motor abilities in the treated sample of subjects. To assess situational-motor abilities in the examined sample, twelve variables specific to water polo performance were applied. For all applied variables, basic central and dispersion parameters were calculated. To determine differences in situational-motor abilities between younger and older junior players, an independent samples T-test was used. The calculated basic and central dispersion parameters show a normal distribution for most variables in both groups of young water polo players. The obtained T-test results show statistically significant differences between the groups in variables that directly determine offensive efficiency and ball handing in favor of older juniors: goals scored (SMGS), goals from play (SMGFP), ball handing 3x5m (BH3x5M) and ball speed (BALLSP) at the level of statistical significance (p<0.05). In the remaining variables, no statistically significant differences were found, indicating a similar level of situational-motor abilities in both groups. The results suggest that longer training experience and greater age contribute to higher situational efficiency in water polo performance. Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for targeted training of younger juniors toward the development of speed, coordination, and technique in executing offensive elements, thereby enabling a more effective transition to older categories. The obtained results may assist coaches in implementing more effective selection, diagnostics and planning of individualized training process for young water polo players.

Relationship Between Morphological Characteristics and Motor Abilities in Children

Danijel Stokanović — 2026-06-13

Understanding the relationship between motor abilities and anthropometric characteristics in children of younger school age is of considerable importance for the physical education teaching process. Contemporary physical education programmes do not always adequately address the individual needs and abilities of every child. Therefore, the planning and implementation of physical activities should be based on age-specific characteristics, with careful consideration of exercise intensity and workload. The sample consisted of 122 pupils (66 boys and 56 girls), aged 7 years (±0.5 years), from the Elementary School “Janko Veselinović” in Šabac, Serbia. Standardised anthropometric instruments adapted for assessing the morphological characteristics of younger school-aged children were used. Motor abilities were evaluated using the test battery developed by Bala, Stojanović, and Stojanović (2007). The results indicated that children with optimal body height and body weight achieved better performance in motor ability tests. Conversely, excessive body weight negatively affected the execution of tasks requiring coordination, flexibility, strength, and speed. The findings suggest a significant relationship between morphological characteristics and motor abilities in younger school-aged children. It can be concluded that body composition and physical fitness directly influence the development of children’s motor abilities.

Sensory and motor neurones and spinal reflexes: a narrative review

Stefan Janković — 2026-06-13

Neurones are specialised, polarised cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals, underpinning both simple reflexes and complex motor behaviours. Sensory (afferent) neurones relay peripheral information to the central nervous system (CNS), while motor (efferent) neurones convey commands to skeletal muscles. Interneurones within the spinal cord integrate these signals, enabling coordinated motor output. The spinal cord’s dorsal, ventral, and lateral horns support sensory processing, motor execution, and the integration of ascending and descending pathways. Spinal reflexes are rapid, stereotyped responses mediated by organised neural circuits. Monosynaptic reflexes, such as the myotatic (stretch) reflex, involve direct sensory–motor communication, regulated by γ-motoneurones and reciprocal inhibition to maintain muscle length and tone. Polysynaptic reflexes, including the flexor withdrawal reflex, engage interneurones to coordinate synergistic and antagonistic muscle activity, adapting to limb posture, stimulus location, and contextual factors. The inverse myotatic reflex, mediated by Golgi tendon organs, safeguards muscles and ligaments by modulating force during contraction. These reflexes employ reciprocal, non-reciprocal, presynaptic, and recurrent inhibitory mechanisms, collectively ensuring precise, adaptable, and stable motor control. A detailed understanding of sensory and motor neurone organisation and spinal reflex dynamics is essential for elucidating human movement, informing clinical assessment, and guiding neuromuscular rehabilitation.