Background and purpose This study investigates the influence of pedagogical qualification on the teaching of gymnastics in primary education, focusing on Slovak teachers’ instructional practices, resource utilization, and perceptions of teaching difficulty. Gymnastics is a foundational component of physical education (PE), promoting critical motor skills such as coordination, balance, and strength. Despite its benefits, gymnastics is often perceived as a difficult subject to teach, largely due to gaps in teacher training. Material and methods An online survey was completed by 1 189 actively employed primary school teachers across Slovakia during the 2023/2024 school year. Respondents were grouped by pedagogical background: 52.23% held preschool/elementary education qualifications, while 47.77% had alternative pedagogical training such as PE specialization. Results Results showed that “Gymnastics/Dance” was rated as the second most challenging thematic unit by both groups, with 28.18% of preschool/elementary-qualified teachers and 34.54% of other-qualified teachers selecting it, following “Health/Fitness” (38.49% and 37.18%, respectively). Although differences were not statistically significant (χ ²(3) = 7.56, p = 0.055), they highlight widespread difficulty with gymnastics instruction. Apparatus use was similarly high in both groups, with 66.34% of preschool/elementary-trained and 66.20% of other-qualified teachers reporting use of traditional gymnastics equipment. However, significant differences were observed in broader equipment use (χ²(3) = 12.84, p = 0.005), where 23.35% of preschool/elementary-trained teachers reported using both traditional and non-traditional tools compared to 17.96% of other-qualified teachers. Perceptions of facility adequacy also varied significantly (χ²(3) = 9.86, p = 0.018), with more critical ratings from preschool/ elementary-trained respondents. Conclusions These findings suggest that pedagogical training influences teaching diversity, expectations, and perceived support in gymnastics education. The study highlights the need for more robust, practice-focused training in gymnastics during teacher preparation, as well as improved access to equipment and facilities to support high-quality instruction.

This paper aims to determine whether there is a difference in anthropometric, morphological characteristics, and motor abilities, between boys and girls at the age of 13-15 years. The study included 95 subjects of which 49 were boys (51.6%) and 46 girls (48.4%), with mean age girls 14.14 and boys 14.40 years. The sample comprised students who belong to the urban area of the City of Tešanjka. The sample of variables in this study consisted of 15 tests of motor abilities and 10 morphological characteristics (body height, body mass, body mass index, etc.). This paper aims to determine whether there are differences in anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities between boys and girls aged 13-15 years. The results obtained in this study were compared with those of previous research, and the conclusions reached through a summary analysis were explained. Boys were taller and heavier at the age of 14. The results show that boys achieved statistically better results in most tests compared to girls of the same age. Keywords: anthropometric characteristics, motor abilities, gender differences, age of fourteen

(1) Background: This case study analyzed the successful performances of female gymnasts in the finals of the 39th and 40th World Cup in Maribor (SLO). The aim was to identify variations in their execution of the Clear Hip Circle to Handstand (CHCH) on uneven bars based on kinematic parameters. (2) Methods: This study involved elite female gymnasts from the 39th (n = 5, age: 17 ± 6 months) and 40th (n = 8, age: 17.5 ± 6 months) World Cups, totaling 13 gymnasts. Kinematic analysis was performed on 15 successful routines using the Ariel Performance Analysis System (Ariel Dynamics Inc., San Diego, CA). The analysis focused on 16 anthropometric reference points and 8 body segments, including the body mass center of gravity (CG). The main reference points analyzed were the hip joint, the shoulder joint, and the CG along the xy-axes. Trajectory, velocity, angle, and angular velocity of the hips and shoulders were calculated. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to assess the relationships between the kinematic variables. (3) Results: High intercorrelations between the reference points along the xy-axes (0.81–0.99) and optimal movement velocity were found. Dispersed results were observed for kinematic parameters of angle (0.10–0.16) and angular velocity of the hip joints (0.60–1.00), with similar dispersions for shoulder joints (0.51–1.00). Three distinct techniques were identified: (1) stretched body with minimal hip joint flexion throughout; (2) extended body with a short, quick hip joint extension during shoulder movement; and (3) hyperextension in the hip joint. (4) Conclusions: The kinematic analysis revealed three different performance styles of the CHCH among finalists. These variations in technique do not affect the success of the performance. This research contributes to a better understanding of the technique but does not prefer one style over another.

The aim of this research was to examine the relationship between absolute and relative lower extremity strength and the efficiency of gymnastics vault performance. Thirty healthy, physically active male students (age: 20.84 ± 0.99 years; height: 179.46 ± 5.91 cm; body weight: 73.88 ± 6.43 kg) from the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education participated in the study. Absolute lower extremity strength was assessed by measuring the maximum load lifted (in kg) during a back squat (1RM). Relative lower extremity strength was calculated by dividing the estimated 1RM back squat by the participant's body weight (1RM/BW). Two types of vaults—the squat through (ST) and the front handspring (FHS)—were used to evaluate vault performance efficiency. Three criterion variables were applied: (d1) distance from the springboard in front of the vault, (d2) distance of landing beyond the vault, (d1 - d2) the difference between d1 and d2, and (pt) overall vault performance rating. The results showed statistically significant and strong correlations between both absolute and relative lower extremity strength and the variables measuring vault performance efficiency. The strongest correlations were observed for (d1), followed by (d2), (pt), and (d1 - d2). These findings can serve as guidelines for developing both absolute and relative lower extremity strength, which may lead to improved performance in gymnastics vaults.

Abstract The preschool years are characterized by additional physical development changes, enhanced motor abilities, and strengthened movement apparatus in the kid. The feet undergo morpho-functional changes at that period, particularly between the ages of 3 and 6, which result in the development of their longitudinal and transverse arches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the actual causes of foot deformity and its degree of severity in preschool-aged children, as well as the distinction in deformity representation between the sexes. The "Institution for preschool education" kindergarten "Aladin" in Tuzla is the focus of this study, which involves 74 children of both sexes, ages 3-6, were measured in 2023. Foot deformities are equally present in girls and boys. Deformities in boys are particularly pronounced: pedes recti 21 (56.8%), pedes planovalgi 6 (16.2%), while in girls: pedes recti 20 (54.1%), pedes excavati 8 (21.6%). With the Chi-square test, we determined the statistical significance of the presence of foot deformities between the sexes. By looking at the size of the chi-square (Pearson Chi-Square) 5.964a and Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) .544 tells us that there is no statistically significant difference in the representation of foot deformities between the sexes and that these deformities are equally represented. Because foot deviations can lead to problems kindergarten kids' foot arches need to be continuously monitored. This allows for timely intervention and the adoption of suitable treatment procedures to avoid the development of deformities. Keywords: children, preschool strature, foot, deformity, gender.

Alpine skiing is a sport and recreational physical activity which requires fine postural control to maintain balance in challenging conditions. Theoretically, balance dominates in alpine skiing, but coordinated action of the whole body of the skiers is equally important. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of experimental short-term program of intensive training of alpine skiing techniques to postural stability (on Biodex Balance System) of students. The sample is divided into an experimental (31 students, age 21.4±1.0 and body height 180.7±6.3 cm) and control group (34 students, age 20.6±0.8 and body height 180.3±6.8 cm). The results of ANCOVA within variables for the evaluation of postural stability show statistically significant effects of the applying experimental program in all applied variables at the level of significance p=.000. From the mean value results (M) it is obvious that the experimental group achieved better results compared to the identical tests applied to the control group. The results of this research show that learning to ski can improve the ability to maintain balance, especially if it is conducted under the expert supervision of a ski instructor, which can have the effect of reducing the risk of injury.

Abstract The aim of the research was to examine the effects of isokinetic training on knee stabilizer strength, and whether this increases the efficiency of performing basic gymnastics vaults. A total of 60 respondents, students of the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education (average age 19.7±1.5 years, weight 75.3±2.9 kg, height 179.8±6.7 cm) were included. The subjects were divided into two groups, experimental (EG) (n=30) and control (CG) (n=30). As part of the 12-week program, the experimental group (EG) in addition to exercises within the regular classes at the university had an additional concentric isokinetic training 3 times a week on the Biodex System 3 dynamometer, while the control group (CG) only had exercises within the regular classes at the university. The results showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between (EG) and (CG), both, in increasing the strength of the knee stabilizers and in the performance of gymnastics vaults, and the strength of the knee extensors and flexors in favor of (EG). It can be concluded that the additional isokinetic training resulted in a greater increase in strength, but also a better performance of gymnastics vaults.

Background: It is crucial to evaluate children’s motor coordination and strength to identify possible motor deficits on the right or left side of the body. However, whether a distinction exists in children aged 3–6 must be clarified. The goal of the current research was to investigate the differences in motor skills between preschool boys and girls, dominant and non-dominant hands or legs, in children of preschool age. (2) Methods: The present study was conducted on a sample of children (boys, n = 52; girls, n = 52; age range, 3–6 years). Three motor tests evaluated on both sides of the body served as the sample of factors used to measure athletic performance. Leg tapping (15 s), hand tapping (15 s), and a maximal hand grip strength (HGS) test kg. (3) Results: The study’s findings show no statistically significant variations in preschool boys’ and girls’ motor skills. Preschool girls had better results in the right leg tapping than preschool boys t (98) = 2.08; p ≤ 0.04. We found a significant difference between genders aged 3–4, 4–5, and 5–6 years. No correlation was found between the girls’ three variables and age. A small but significant positive correlation was found between dominant hand tapping and age r2 (52) = 0.21; p ≤ 0.01, dominant leg tapping and age r2 (52) = 0.20; p ≤ 0.01 and dominant HGS and age r2 (52) = 0.17; p ≤ 0.01. No noticeable differences were identified when comparing the dominant side with the non-dominant side in each group. The results show that most children prefer to use their right hand and right leg as their dominant sides. (4) Conclusion: The authors of this study focus on the functional (frequency of movements) and dynamic (differences in muscle strength between body sides) elements of asymmetry. Future studies should examine the influence of morphology on performance with the dominant or non-dominant body side.

The World Health Organization (WHO) released guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behav-iour, and sleep for children under 5 years of age in 2019. In response to these guidelines, this study aimed to determine the proportion of preschool children (ages 3-5 years) who met the WHO guidelines. The time spent in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep were objectively measured using accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3x-BT). Screen time and sleep quality were assessed via parent questionnaire. Focus groups were con-1 ducted with parents and childcare staff to determine the feasibility of the protocol. The results showed that only 23% of the children met all three guidelines, and compliance rates varied for each guideline. The physical activity time guideline was met by 64% of children, the sleep duration guideline was met by 74% of children, and the screen time guideline was met by 53% of children. Only a low proportion of children met the WHO guidelines. The methods and devices used in this pilot study proved to be feasible and this has paved the way to conduct the main SUNRISE study in Bosnia and Herzegovina.