SPORTS SCIENCE AND HEALTH https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje <p>Scientific Journal in Sports and Medical-Rehabilitation Science<br /><strong>Izdavač/Published by:</strong> Panevropski univerzitet ’’Apeiron’’ Banja Luka/ Pan-European University ’’Apeiron’’ Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, <strong>http://www.siz-au.com</strong><br /><strong>ISSN:</strong> 2232-8211 (Print) / 2232-822X (Online) /<strong> UDC:</strong> 612, 613, 796</p> Panevropski univerzitet "Apeiron" Banja Luka en-US SPORTS SCIENCE AND HEALTH 2232-8211 Digital Marketing Strategies of Sports Organizations in the Function of Increasing Citizen Participation in Sports and Recreation https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13662 <p>This paper analyzes the effect of modern digital marketing strategies of sports organizations on increasing the involvement of citizens in recreational activities. The focus is on multi-channel content distribution models (OTT and FAST), socialfirst approaches and AI-based personalization. The research is based on secondary data that are standardized and recombined into a simulated dataset of 20 units, which enables the application of basic statistical techniques. Descriptive analysis, Poisson GLM models, and nonparametric tests were applied to assess the impact of digital strategies on digital reach and audience response. The results of the Poisson GLM model show that FAST platforms have the strongest positive effect on the number of views (β = 0.4539; p = 0.0661), while OTT platforms have a moderate, but statistically insignificant contribution (β = 0.337; p = 0.1708). The number of digital channels shows a weak negative effect (β = –0.1123; p = 0.2055). Ttest does not confirm that AI personalization significantly affects the open rate (p = 0.8582). The findings indicate the existence of a positive, but limited statistically substantiated trend in favor of multichannel and FAST distribution models. Limitations arise from a small and simulated sample, which reduces the possibility of generalizing the results. However, the paper contributes to the literature by connecting digital platforms with the potential to increase the information and motivation of citizens in the field of recreational sports. In addition, the results of the research indicate that the effects of modern digital marketing strategies depend on the way they are integrated and optimized, and not exclusively on the number of channels used. Of particular importance is the quality of content and the adaptation of communication to specific target groups, which creates the preconditions for a long-term increase in the participation of citizens in sports and recreation.</p> Nina Uremović Mirjana Landika Vanja Sredojević Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 201 215 10.7251/SSH2602201U Applicability of Motor Assessments in Monitoring Physical Exercise Outcomes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Scoping Review https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13663 <p>A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior as well as difficulties in communication and social interaction is defined as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The specific characteristics observed in children with ASD require carefully selected and methodologically justified instruments for the assessment of motor competence, i.e. the assessment of motor skills and physical abilities. The aim of this study is to broadly examine the application of test procedures (instruments) used by researchers in studies in which physical activity intervention is applied in children with ASD and to analyze the methodological justification of their choice. This scoping review was conducted following a systematic search strategy in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Based on the literature search and eligibility criteria, 34 papers were included in the final qualitative synthesis. The reviewed literature reveals considerable heterogeneity in the selection of instruments, with the most frequently used being the Test of Gross Motor Development-2/3, the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. These instruments primarily asess motor skills, although many studies also include additional measures of physical abilities for which the authors do not provide clear references regarding their source or origin, representing a methodological limitation. This review highlights the need for the development of standardized instruments that assess both motor skills and physical abilities while accounting for the unique cognitive and social characteristics of children with ASD and varying levels of support needs.</p> Doris Šavija Romana Romanov Dušan Stupar Igor Beretić Denis Balbekov Iva Škrbić Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 216 225 10.7251/SSH2602216D Comparing Dichotomous and Polytomous Instruments in Cdm-Based Swimming Technique Assessment https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13664 <p>Assessing complex motor skills across physical performance domains poses distinct methodological challenges for applying the Cognitive Diagnostic Model (CDM), particularly regarding the response format of observational instruments. This study compared inter-rater reliability, model fit, diagnostic specificity, and criterion validity between dichotomous and polytomous instruments for assessing front crawl technique. A total of 280 physical education students from Universitas Negeri Surabaya participated. The dichotomous instrument (10 items, three attributes: Arm Action, Body &amp; Leg, Breath &amp; Synchronization) was adapted from the Crawl Technique Observation Sheet and analyzed using GDINA. The polytomous instrument (20 items, four dimensions) was analyzed using pGDINA with a three-attribute Q-matrix, after Body Position and Leg Action were mapped into a single Body &amp; Leg attribute based on biomechanical justification, structural equivalence, and sample adequacy. The dichotomous instrument showed higher inter-rater reliability (Fleiss’ κ = 0.663) than the polytomous instrument (ICC = 0.538), with a Classification Accuracy of 0.924 and higher validity against swimming speed (ρ = 0.507 vs. 0.288). The polytomous instrument produced higher diagnostic entropy (2.362 vs. 1.568 bits) and a more even latent profile distribution (largest profile 40.7% vs. 62.5%), indicating better diagnostic specificity. Cross-instrument profile consistency was low (Cohen’s κ = 0.370), with 31.4% of borderline students classified differently by both instruments. A trade-off emerged: the dichotomous instrument excelled in reliability, classification accuracy, and criterion validity, whereas the polytomous instrument excelled in diagnostic depth, confirming that CDM applications in motor skill assessment face challenges distinct from cognitive education contexts.</p> Fifukha Dwi Khory Ali Maksum Suroto Suroto Setiyo Hartoto Taufiq Hidayat Bayu Budi Prakoso Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 226 234 10.7251/SSH2602226K Comparison of the Effects of a 6-Week FIFA 11+ Program and Harmoknee on Jumping Ability Improvement in Amateur Female Football Players https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13665 <p>Jumping is one of the movements in soccer that supports the technique in this sport. Jumping ability is used to win aerial duels and avoid opponent tackles. Research testing the effectiveness of the FIFA 11+ and HarmoKnee warm-up programs in improving jumping performance in female soccer players is still limited. This study aims to analyse the effect of FIFA 11+ and Harmoknee exercises on physical performance parameters, especially on the jumping performance of female amateur soccer players. This study used an experimental approach with participants divided into two experimental groups. The sample consisted of 24 female amateur soccer players. The standing long jump test data collection instrument was used. The data analysis technique for hypothesis testing used a paired t-test, and to compare the two exercises, an independent t-test. The results showed that there was an effect of the FIFA 11+ and HarmoKnee warm-up programs on jumping performance, with a significant effect (p = 0.000 &lt;0.05). There was no difference in the effect of the two exercises on jumping performance (p = 0.963&gt;0.05), but the effect size was found to be greater in FIFA 11+ than in Harmoknee. It was concluded that the FIFA 11+ warm-up method had a slightly superior effect on improving jumping performance compared to HarmoKnee in female soccer players. However, both the FIFA 11+ and HarmoKnee warm-ups can be effectively implemented during the general preparation period of a periodized training program. Practitioners or physical trainers need to consider incorporating these programs into daily sessions during the preparation period.</p> Eggy Nur Arfiansyah Ahmad Nasrulloh Sigit Nugroho Sumaryanti Sumaryanti Ahmad Abdullah Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 235 240 10.7251/SSH2602235A Differences in Flexibility Between Urban and Rural Elementary School Children: A Pilot Study https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13666 <p>Flexibility is an important component of health-related physical fitness in childhood and may be influenced by both biological and environmental factors. The aim of this pilot study was to compare flexibility levels in younger school-aged children attending urban and rural elementary schools and to explore potential sex-related differences. The sample consisted of 60 children aged 6–10 years (30 urban and 30 rural pupils; equal numbers of boys and girls). Flexibility was assessed using five standardized motor tests: Sit and Reach, Shoulder Mobility, Trunk Rotation with Stick, Deep Squat, and Wide Straddle Sit with Elbows on the Floor. An overall flexibility index was calculated as the sum of ordinal scores across all tests. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and effect-size analysis (Cohen’s d) were applied. Children attending the urban school achieved better results across all assessed flexibility tests. Statistically significant differences were observed in the Sit and Reach Test and the Wide Straddle Sit Test (p &lt; 0.05). The largest between-group difference was found for the overall flexibility index (Cohen’s d = 0.95), indicating better overall flexibility among urban children. Girls demonstrated more favourable flexibility outcomes than boys across all assessed tests. The findings suggest that flexibility outcomes may differ between children attending urban and rural schools; however, due to the pilot nature of the study and the absence of controlled variables, the results should be interpreted with caution.</p> Sona Jandova Jana Hajkova Viktorie Lautnerova Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 241 246 10.7251/SSH2602241J Effects of an adapted physical activity program integrated with applied behavior analysis in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a pilot study https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13667 <p>Adapted Physical Activity (APA) represents an area of growing interest within rehabilitation pathways for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as it enables the integration of motor, behavioural, and socio-relational dimensions within structured educational contexts. The present pilot study aims to examine the functional impact and ecological validity of an APA protocol integrated with the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Twenty participants diagnosed with ASD, aged between 3 and 17 years, took part in the study and were involved in a 10-week training programme. Outcome assessment was carried out using a mixed observational design, integrating caregivers’ perceptions collected through a post-intervention questionnaire and systematic observations conducted by ABA practitioners using a structured checklist. The results highlight an overall positive impact of the intervention, with significant improvements in motor functioning, active participation, and emotional and behavioural regulation. The findings suggest that APA integrated with ABA constitutes an ecologically valid and potentially effective intervention for promoting adaptive skills in individuals with ASD, confirming the central role of movement within integrated rehabilitation pathways.</p> Giuseppe Giardullo Giuseppe Di Lascio Emanuele D’Angelo Manuele Taleb Luca Molinaro Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 247 254 10.7251/SSH2602247G Effects of Different Group Fitness Programs on Body Composition and Functional Capacity https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13668 <p>Group fitness programs are widely used as non-pharmacological interventions for improving body composition and functional capacity in women. However, limited evidence directly compares the effectiveness of different group exercise modalities under identical experimental conditions.Objective: To compare the effects of Zumba, women’s fitness, and Pilates programs on body composition and aerobic capacity in adult women. A total of 101 healthy women were assigned to four groups: Zumba (n = 23), women’s fitness (n = 31), Pilates (n = 26), and control (n = 21). Experimental groups participated in supervised training programs three times per week for 12 weeks (60 min/session), while the control group maintained habitual activities. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and aerobic capacity was estimated through the UKK 2-km Walk Test. Mixed-design ANOVA and Cohen’s d effect sizes were used to evaluate intervention effects. Significant group × time interactions were observed for all analyzed variables (p &lt; 0.01). The Zumba group achieved the greatest reductions in body weight (-4.4 kg) and body fat percentage (-4.9%), alongside the largest increase in VO₂max (+6.3 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). The fitness group also demonstrated significant improvements in body composition and aerobic capacity, although to a lesser extent. Pilates produced moderate but significant improvements, while the control group showed negligible changes. Effect size analysis revealed large effects for Zumba in body fat reduction (d = 1.09), body water percentage (d = 1.21), and VO₂max (d = 1.46). Women’s fitness showed large effects for VO₂max (d = 1.01), whereas Pilates generated small-to-moderate effects across variables. All three exercise programs positively influenced body composition and functional capacity in women. However, Zumba produced the most pronounced improvements in reducing adiposity and enhancing aerobic fitness, suggesting that high-volume aerobic group exercise may represent the most effective strategy for improving health-related fitness in adult women.</p> Bojan Bjelica Slavko Dragosavljević Sara Lučić Tijana Perović Ranka Perućica Dženana Imamović Turković Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 255 262 10.7251/SSH2602255B Enhancing Short-Pass Performance And Engagement Through 5 V 5 Small-Sided Games in Young Football Athletes https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13669 <p>This study aimed to examine the impact of 5v5 small-sided games on the short-pass performance and engagement of young football athletes aged 13 to 15. The study employed a one-group pretest and posttest design, consisting of 30 young football athletes. Every participant in the study underwent a six-week intervention consisting of three sixty-minute sessions per week. Each session began with a warm-up, followed by a ten-minute passing technique drill and a thirty-minute small-sided game with new rules to engage all participants. The research data was analyzed using an independent sample t-test. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in short-pass performance following the intervention (t = -20.694, df = 29, p &lt; 0.001). In addition, engagement levels showed a statistically significant increase (t = -13.861, df = 29, p &lt; 0.001) across all measured dimensions. These findings indicate that the 5 vs 5 small-sided games training program is effective in enhancing both short-pass performance and engagement. In conclusion, small-sided games can serve as an effective and practical training strategy to simultaneously develop skill performance and engagement. Practically, coaches can incorporate 5 vs 5 small-sided games into training sessions to simultaneously enhance short-pass performance and increase athletes’ engagement.</p> Yahya Eko Nopiyanto Ipa Sari Kardi Cahyo Wibowo Ibrahim Ibrahim Nur Fathanah Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 263 269 10.7251/SSH2602263N Evaluation of Forehand and Backhand Technique: An Experimental Study of Training Effectiveness in Table Tennis https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13670 <p>Various techniques in the game of table tennis are studied in depth to improve the performance of athletes. The research focuses on the analysis of aspects of the game such as technical skills, biomechanics, and the level of effectiveness. This study was to look at the effectiveness of forehand and backhand skills in table tennis games. This research is included in the type of ex post facto research, where the measurement or testing of forehand and backhand hitting skills in table tennis games is carried out on students who have participated in table tennis lectures for 16 meetings, with a total of 24 participants. The learning process was conducted through structured sessions, ensuring that all participants received equal opportunities for practice using adequate facilities. Skill assessment was administered after the completion of the instructional program. Data analysis involved testing the normality of the data distribution, followed by the application of both parametric and non-parametric statistical approaches to compare forehand and backhand performance. The findings revealed that forehand performance tended to follow a normal distribution, while backhand performance showed slight deviations from normality. However, the results from both statistical approaches consistently indicated that there was no significant difference between forehand and backhand skills. Visual analysis further supported these findings, showing that forehand data aligned more closely with the expected distribution pattern, whereas backhand data demonstrated minor irregularities. In conclusion, beginner students exhibit relatively balanced development of forehand and backhand skills following structured learning. These findings suggest that the instructional approach applied in the learning process is effective in promoting proportional skill acquisition. The study emphasizes the importance of balanced technical training in early stages of learning and highlights the need for further research to explore additional factors that may influence skill development in table tennis.</p> Agus Gumilar Eko Purnomo Burhan Hambali Yogi Akin Nuryadi Nuryadi Jajat Darajat KN Mudjihartono Mudjihartono Tri Martini Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 270 276 10.7251/SSH2602270G Impact of Sporting Events on Destination Tourism Offer: Case study of Pannonian Challenge and DOBRO World Cup https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13671 <p>This paper analyses the impact of sporting events on a destination’s tourism offer, with a particular focus on the city of Osijek and two international events: the Pannonian Challenge and the DOBRO World Cup. The study is grounded in the theoretical framework of sport and event tourism, which highlights the role of events in generating tourism demand, strengthening destination image, and extending the tourism season. The empirical part of the research is based on the analysis of secondary data on tourist overnight stays generated by events held in Osijek during 2023, as well as on tourism statistics on arrivals and overnight stays recorded during the week of the international gymnastics competition DOBRO World Cup in April 2025. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were applied to examine the relationship between domestic and international tourism demand and to assess the tourism effects of sporting events. The results indicate that sporting events generate a significant level of tourism demand, with the analysed events producing a total of 28,214 overnight stays in 2023. The structure of tourism demand shows a relatively balanced relationship between domestic and foreign tourists, suggesting an increasing internationalisation of tourism associated with events. A strong positive relationship between domestic and foreign overnight stays was also identified, indicating that event attractiveness simultaneously influences both tourism markets. Furthermore, the analysis of the DOBRO World Cup shows that foreign tourists record a longer average length of stay compared with domestic visitors. The findings highlight the importance of sporting events as strategic tourism products and underline the need to integrate them into destination tourism development and management strategies.</p> Tvrtko Galić Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 277 289 10.7251/SSH2602277G The Influence of Explosive Strength, Isokinetic Potential, and Stability on the Performance Success of the Uchi-mata Throw Technique in Students https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13672 <p>The aim of this study was to determine the influence of explosive strength, isokinetic muscle potential, and stability on the success of performing the Uchi-mata throwing technique in students (n = 57) from the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Sarajevo, who were systematically introduced to judo for the first time through the teaching process. The predictor variables included indicators of explosive strength (countermovement jump—CMJ, squat jump—SJ, and countermovement jump with arm swing—CMJFA), isokinetic peak torque of relevant muscle groups at 30°/s and 60°/s, and stability indices (overall stability index—BOSI, anteroposterior stability index—BAPSI, and mediolateral stability index—BMLSI). The criterion variable was defined as the first principal component extracted from the ratings of three expert evaluators. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that explosive strength alone was not a statistically significant predictor (R² = .093, p = .155), whereas the full model (explosive strength + isokinetic potential + stability) explained 62.4% of the variance in performance success (R = .79, R² = .624, p = .007). Significant partial predictors were peak torque of plantar flexion in the dominant ankle (β = −1.044, p &lt; .001), elbow extension of the dominant arm (β = −0.668, p = .007), and the overall stability index (BOSI). These findings indicate that technical proficiency in Uchi-mata among novice students is not determined by general explosive strength, but rather by the functional integration of specific maximal force and postural stability within a properly acquired biomechanical movement pattern. The results have practical implications for planning and programming judo instruction in the initial stages of learning, with an emphasis on developing specific isokinetic strength and stability.</p> Merima Merdan Amel Mekić Safet Kapo Berina Turković-Malkić Dženana Imamović Turković Husnija Kajmović Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 290 296 10.7251/SSH2602290M An Examınatıon of the Effect of Socıoeconomıc Status on Young People’s Partıcıpatıon in Sport https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13673 <p>This meta-analytical study examined the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on organised sport participation among young people aged 6–18 years. Following the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, six eligible studies published between 2010 and 2025 were synthesised. The random-effects model indicated that higher SES significantly increased both the likelihood (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.32–2.22) and duration of participation (SMD = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.07–0.32). Moderate heterogeneity (I² = 64.3%) reflected contextual variability across studies. Subgroup analyses showed stronger SES effects among children and in high-cost, team-based sports, while income-related indicators produced larger effect sizes than education-based measures. Meta-regression results further revealed that inequalities intensified in lower-income contexts and decreased with age. Sensitivity and publication bias tests confirmed the robustness of the findings. Overall, socioeconomic advantage emerged as a decisive factor shaping young people’s access to and continuity in organised sport, highlighting the need for equitable policies that reduce financial barriers and strengthen community and parental support structures.</p> Gokhan Acar Kayhan Serin Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 297 304 10.7251/SSH2602297A Bibliometric Mapping of Gamification Research in Education: A Scopus-Based Study (2016–2025) https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13674 <p>This study aims to map the development of research on gamification in education using a bibliometric approach. Data were obtained from the Scopus database using the keywords “gamification” and “student,” which yielded 793 documents. After screening based on inclusion criteria, namely the 2016–2025 time frame (756 documents), restriction to journal articles (434 documents), and English-language articles (396 documents), 396 final articles were analyzed. The analysis was conducted in three main stages: Scanning Phase, Curating Phase, and Analyzing Phase. The analysis stage was carried out with the help of VOSviewer software to map publication trends per year, distribution based on journals, subject areas, institutions, countries, keywords, and patterns of collaboration between authors. The results of the study show that publications on gamification in education have continued to increase over the past decade, with the largest contributions coming from the fields of social sciences, computer science, and education. The most cited articles emphasize that gamification has a positive impact on motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes, although its effectiveness is highly dependent on the design of gamification elements, the learning context, and the characteristics of individual learners. Several studies also highlight the novelty effect, which is the strong impact of gamification at the beginning but less sustainable in the long term. This study concludes that gamification is an effective learning strategy when applied selectively, adaptively, and integrated with other pedagogical approaches. Recommendations for further research include exploring the long-term impact of gamification through longitudinal studies and developing a more systematic gamification design framework tailored to the needs of learners.</p> Alfroki Martha Ismira Ismira Nova Hayati Jeki Haryanto Yuriszulmi Yuriszulmi Meria Ultra Gusteti Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 305 315 10.7251/SSH2602305M Evaluating the Influence of Aerobic Exercise on Body Composition in Adolescents: A Systematic Review https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13675 <p>Aerobic exercise is beneficial for adolescents, according to studies. There is still little precise data, though, for young people and adolescents. This study’s objective was to thoroughly examine and compile the most recent data regarding how aerobic exercise impacts adolescents’ body composition. Google Scholar, PubMed, Mendeley, Web of Science, SCIndeks, Science Direct, and KOBSON databases were searched to find relevant information. Studies published between 2011 and April 2026, longitudinal design, English language, participants between the ages of 10 and 20, and results pertaining to body composition were the inclusion criteria. Sixteen papers in all satisfied the eligibility criteria and were incorporated into the final analysis. The results consistently show that aerobic exercise improves pupils’ body composition. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of aerobic exercise in modifying body composition among student populations and offer a helpful platform for future research.</p> Mima Stanković Josefina Đuzel Mislav Lozovina Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 316 323 10.7251/SSH2602316S High-Protein Sports Snack Formulations and Their Impact on Muscle Strength and Musculoskeletal Health: A Systematic Review https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13676 <p>Optimal muscle strength is crucial for athletic performance, and adequate protein intake plays a crucial role in supporting muscle synthesis and increasing muscle strength. This systematic literature review aims to analyze the scientific evidence regarding the development of high-protein formulations (sports snack bars) and their impact on muscle strength in athletes. This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines by searching scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct from 2019. The keywords used were “sports snack,” “high-protein formulation,” “muscle strength,” and “athlete nutrition.” Inclusion criteria were experimental studies involving athletes consuming protein-based (sports snack bars), with outcomes measuring muscle strength. Results: A total of 18 eligible studies were identified. The majority of formulations used whey protein, soy isolate, casein, or plant proteins enriched with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and functional ingredients such as creatine and omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies reported significant increases in muscle strength (6–15%) after 4–8 weeks of consumption. Formulations containing ≥20 g of protein per serving and a balanced carbohydrate-to-protein ratio were consistently associated with increased muscle power output, reduced muscle fatigue, and improved recovery markers. Conclusion: High-protein sports snack formulations show substantial potential to increase muscle strength in athletes when optimized with high-biological-value protein sources and functional bioactive compounds. Further research is recommended to develop standardized formulations tailored to specific athletic needs and training phases.</p> Wilda Welis Darni Darni Maidawilis Maidawilis Erpita Yanti Rully Effendi Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 324 328 10.7251/SSH2602324W The Importance of Landing Biomechanics in Injury Prevention in Artistic Gymnastics: A Systematic Review https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13677 <p>Landing movements in floor gymnastics expose athletes to high mechanical loads that substantially increase the risk of lower extremity injuries. Biomechanical analysis has been widely used to identify risk factors associated with injury; however, the available evidence remains fragmented, with inconsistent findings across kinematic, kinetic, and neuromuscular parameters. A comprehensive synthesis of biomechanical landing characteristics specific to floor gymnastics is lacking. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize biomechanical evidence on landing mechanics in floor gymnastics and to identify key biomechanical factors associated with injury risk to inform injury prevention strategies. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus following PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies examining biomechanical aspects of landings in floor gymnastics were included. Extracted data were categorized into kinematic, kinetic, and neuromuscular variables, and methodological quality was assessed using a standardized assessment tool. The reviewed studies consistently identified high vertical ground reaction forces, excessive knee valgus angle, reduced hip and knee flexion, and inadequate eccentric control during landing as key biomechanical risk factors for injury. However, substantial heterogeneity in landing tasks, measurement protocols, and analytical methods limits comparisons between studies. Few studies examined multi-joint interactions or directly linked biomechanical findings to injury prevention interventions. Conclusions. This review provides the first integrated synthesis of landing biomechanics specific to floor gymnastics by mapping kinematic-kinetic risk factors and highlighting the absence of a standardized assessment framework and intervention-oriented research. Biomechanical analysis is crucial for understanding injury mechanisms in floor gymnastics landings. Future research should adopt standardized multidimensional biomechanical models and longitudinal or intervention-based designs to translate biomechanical evidence into effective injury prevention programs.</p> Zulbahri Zulbahri Rully Effendi Liliana Puspa Sari Ika Endah Puspita Sari Andra Rizky Putra Randi Kurniawan Abdul Aziz Purnomo Shidiq Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 329 335 10.7251/SSH2602329Z The Potential Application of Neck-Head Cooling During Matches as a Thermoregulatory Strategy to Optimize Badminton Athletes’ Performance: A Scoping Review https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13678 <p>As a high-intensity intermittent sport, badminton requires rapid physiological recovery strategies between intervals to prevent performance decline due to accumulated thermal stress. Practical cooling methods that can be applied on the court are crucial to maintaining athletes’ consistency in competition. The purpose of this study was to analyze the potential application of the neck-head cooling method as a thermoregulation strategy to optimize the recovery and performance of badminton athletes. A scoping review design was used in this study with guidelines adopting PRISMA-ScR. A search of articles from the Scopus and PubMed databases yielded a total of 663 articles, of which 11 were eligible and relevant for analysis. The review focused on the impact of the intervention on the participants’ physiological parameters, physical performance, and perceptual performance. The literature synthesis showed that the application of neck-head cooling facilitated recovery, as indicated by an increase in time to exhaustion and a faster decrease in heart rate. This effectiveness was predominantly mediated by perceptual mechanisms, through a decrease in RPE and an increase in thermal comfort, rather than a significant physiological decrease in core body temperature. The neck-head cooling method is recommended as an efficient and practical psychophysiological strategy for badminton athletes to delay systemic fatigue and maintain peak performance stability, even though it does not directly contribute to improving physical and technical performance.</p> Muhammad Labib Siena Ar Rasyid Agus Hariyanto Oce Wiriawan Afif Rusdiawan Dewangga Yudhistira Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 336 344 10.7251/SSH2602336R The Effect of the Basketball Program on the Transformation of Motor Skills of Ten-Years Old School Children https://doisrpska.nub.rs/index.php/sportskenaukeizdravlje/article/view/13679 <p>The goal of the research is to determine the effects of the basketball program on the transformation of the motor skills of children in the younger grades of elementary school. The research was conducted in the period from the beginning of September to the end of December 2022 in Kraljevo (Republic of Serbia). The research sample included 40 participants. A battery of seven tests was used to assess motor skills: obstacle course backward, standing long jump, 20-meter running with a flying start, hand plate tapping, wide-angled seated forward bend, lifting the trunk for 60 s and bent-arm hang. At the beginning of the research, an primarily measurement was performed (“initial” measurements). After a period of 16 weeks, the children’s motor abilities were re-measured (“final” measurements). Statistical data processing included the calculation of descriptive statistics of variables, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test and the t-test of dependent samples. The programmed transformation training plan included basketball training. Based on the obtained results, it is possible to conclude that the four-month basketball program, which consisted of two sessions per week lasting 45 minutes, along with regular physical education classes of three hours per week, influenced the improvement of results in tests used to assess motor skills.</p> Gordana Glišović Copyright (c) 2026 2026-10-26 2026-10-26 35 2 345 354 10.7251/SSH2602345G