KOSALB International Journal of Human Movements Science

Examination of Gait and Balance Parameters Between Genders

Türker Bıyıklı — 2024-12-20

Study aim(s): This study aimed to examine the relationship between dynamic balance and gait parameters, focusing on gender differences. Specifically, it sought to determine the presence of asymmetry between the right and left side in dynamic balance control among healthy individuals, as well as to explore the influence of age, gender, and anthropometric characteristics on dynamic stability. Additionally, the study examined the relationship between dynamic balance and spatial-temporal gait parameters.

Methods: The study population consisted of 66 volunteers (33 female, 33 male participants), all leading sedentary lifestyle. The average age of the female participants was 30.58±6.275 years, while that of the male participants was 30.39±4.899 years. Participants first completed a sociodemographic form. Following this, a static balance test was performed using the D-Wall apparatus in a bipedal stance, both with eyes open and closed. The test was conducted three times, with the mean value recorded. Afterward, participants rested passively for five minutes before the commencement of the gait analysis. In the initial phase of the investigation, a walking analysis was conducted barefoot at a velocity of 4.0 km/h (SCX version) on the Walker View device. During a one-minute trial at this speed, the following variables were recorded for one minute at 4.0 km/h: lower extremity trunk, hip, and knee flexion range of motion; stride lengths, cadence, and contact times. The collected data were then analyzed using an independent t-test.

Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) was 21.77±1.071 kg/m² for women and 24.08±2.246 kg/m² for men. A significant difference was identified in the trunk flexion range of motion (ROM), favoring men, and in eyes-open static bipedal balance, favoring women (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the remaining parameters (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The results demonstrated significant discrepancies between male and female participants in trunk flexion ROM, where men outperformed women, and in eyes-open static balance, where women outperformed men. These findings indicate that gender is an important factor to consider in dynamic balance and gait assessments.

Effects of Balance Training on Unstable Grounds in Kinesiophobia After ACL Injury

Ayşenur Kurt — 2024-12-20

Study aim(s): It has been observed that post-injury pain following an ACL injury leads to a decline in functional status and leads to kinesiophobia, which limits movements and activity. Our study aimed to examine the effects of an anterior cruciate ligament injury on kinesophobia in athletes recovering from an ACL injury.

Methods: A total of 191 athletes participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: an exercising (97 people) and a non-exercising (94 people) group. The Tampa Kinesophobia Scale (TSK) was used to determine the athletes’ kinesophobia levels. For data analysis, a T-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey test for post-hoc analysis were used. The data were analyzed using the licensed SPSS 26 program.

Results: The study found a significant difference in kinesophobia levels between the exercising group (37.34±5.73) and the non-exercising group (39.29±5.51) following ACL injury (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences in kinesophobia were observed concerning gender, age, sports history (except within the exercise group, p < 0.05), ACL surgery, or the injured knee (except within the exercise group, p < 0.05) (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that engaging in exercise after an ACL injury may help reduce kinesophobia levels. However, factors such as gender, age, sports history, ACL surgery, and the injured knee do not seem to significantly affect kinesophobia, except within the exercise group. This highlights the potential importance of exercise in recovery, regardless of demographic or injury-related variables.

Transforming Theoretical Knowledge into Practical Coaching Expertise in University-Level Artistic Gymnastics

Ilker Kirişci — 2024-12-20

Study aim(s): The study aims to assess the transfer ratio of theoretical knowledge to practical application among sports science students during artistic gymnastic lessons.

The study sample included 47 second-grade students (37 girls and 10 boys) from the coaching, exercise, management, recreation, and enabled people’s department within the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Istanbul Gelisim University.

Methods: The analyses of the student's practical scores consist of Practical Routine (PR: 25%), Assistance in Gymnastics (AG: 15%), and Learning Steeps (LS: 15%). The student's theoretical scores were evaluated based on General Performance (GP: 10%), Physical Preparation (PP: 15%), Theoretical preparation (THP: 10%), and Technique evaluation (TE: 10%). To ensure result validity, overall scores from online education were also tested. SPSS 26 programs were used for the data analysis, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and canonical correlation analyses.

Results: The study revealed a significant correlation between students’ overall scores and both theoretical (p<0.05, r=0.497) and practical (p<0.05, r=0.920) knowledge. The correlation coefficient of the GS to the practical and theoretical variables was determined as follows: PR (r=0.686), AG (r=0.799), LS (r=0.799), GP (r=0.720), PP (r=0.685), (r=0.scores), and TE (r=0.511).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that, while practice shows a limited ability to explain theoretical knowledge, theory tends to explain practical knowledge more effectively in the first canonical variable.

Successful Aging in the Republic of Kosovo

Burim Peli — 2024-12-20

Study aim(s): This study aims to deepen the understanding of successful aging in the Republic of Kosovo by identifying the key factors affecting individuals' physical and mental health from their sixth decade of life onward. Data were collected using a comprehensive questionnaire that explored both the challenges and the facilitators influencing the aging population.

Methods: The study was conducted between June 30 to August 15, 2024, in Peja and Pristina. The participants consisted of elderly individuals aged 60 and over. A total of 101 people who met the inclusion criteria were selected. These criteria included being 60 years or older, having the ability to communicate, no significant hearing or vision impairment, no mental health problems, and willingness to participate in the study.

Results: Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software 24.0, using tests such as ANOVA and Mann-Whitney to assess relationships between variables. Factor analysis identified three key dimensions of successful aging (55% of the variance); Healthy Lifestyle, Adaptive Coping, and Engagement with Life. Participants showed a strong tendency to maintain independence, physical and mental health, and social relationships. However, additional support is needed in areas such as environmental control and challenge-coping. Descriptive statistics showed agreement rates of 66.92%, 62.37%, and 76.24% for the three dimensions, respectively.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of further research with diverse sample groups to better understand elderly perceptions of successful aging and life satisfaction, ultimately informing targeted health interventions.

The Effects of Snus Use on The Psycho-Physical Performance of Elite Soccer Players

Artina Rexhepaj — 2024-12-20

Study aim(s): This paper aims to examine and analyze the impact of Snus use in sports, with a particular focus on football players. It explores the effects of Snus on health and athletic performance, delving into its physiological impact and contributing to discussions on sports ethics. Given the rising use of Snus in football, this study seeks to provide a broader understanding of its influence on physical, psychological, and social aspects.

Methods: This study is a systematic review conducted following the PRISMA model standards. The initial search yielded 2657 papers from PubMed and 654 from Scopus. Through a rigorous elimination process based on PRISMA criteria, the selection was narrowed down to 17 papers from PubMed and 7 from Scopus for analysis.

Results: The reviewed literature indicates that Snus use in sports poses risks to athletes’ health, including addiction, cardiovascular disease, and oral health issues. While some players use Snus to enhance concentration and manage stress, studies reveal that it offers no lasting benefits. Additionally, its use may set a harmful example for young athletes. Therefore, sports organizations must promote health awareness and educate athletes about these risks.

Conclusion: Although some athletes use Snus for concentration and stress management, there is no solid evidence of actual performance benefits. Moreover, its use carries serious health risks, including addiction, cardiovascular issues, and oral health damage. In conclusion, more detailed studies are needed to understand its long-term effects. Notably, Snus is banned by WADA.