KOSALB International Journal of Human Movements Science

Biomechanical analysis of clinical angle degrees of the lower and upper back at different stages of the functional threshold power (FTP) test in mountain cyclists

Aliye Büyükergün — 2024-06-30

Study aim(s): The aim of the study was a biomechanical analysis of the angular degrees of the hip angle, shoulder angle, clinical hip angle, and clinical shoulder angle at five stages of the FTP test.

Methods: The study includes 8 male mountain cycling athletes aged 14-16 years old. Sample size sufficiency was tested using the G*Power program. Performance measure and evaluation tests; clinical hip angle, clinical shoulder angle, hip angle degree, shoulder angle, and the FTP test-were applied. For the data analysis of the variables, the Kinovea-0.9.4-x64.exe program was used. Repeated Measure ANOVA and Pairwise Comparison Analysis were used.

Results: Differences of the back curves and clinical hip and shoulder angle degrees in different stages of the FTP test were found to be statistically significant between and within groups (p<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant changes in clinical shoulder angle degrees during the different stages of the FTP test or between groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: During the execution of the FTP test, clinical hip and shoulder angles increased, and it was accompanied by back curve increases. To avoid injury risk, back pain, and delayed fatigue, it is necessary to develop flexibility and mobility of the hips and force of the erector muscles.

Effects of Jumping Techniques on Vertical Jump Performance: Professional Volleyball Players (U15)

Alberina Shabani — 2024-06-30

Study aim(s): The study aims to determine the effect of arm swing technique and the elastic force stored in tendon during the eccentric phase of jumping on the vertical jump performance of Volleyball Players (U15).

Methods: Ten U15 women volleyball players from KV Theranda, averaging 157.0 cm in height and 48.8 kg in weight, participated. Participants performed Countermovement Jumps (CMJ) and Squat Jumps (SJ), recorded at 240 fps on an iPhone 13 Pro using My Jump 3 application. Jump heights were calculated from selected take-off and landing frames. Data analysis using SPSS 26 included normality tests and T-tests to compare CMJ and SJ performance, focusing on arm technique and elastic force.

Results: Based on the results, except for strength and power, which showed significant differences (p < 0.05), the analysis revealed a significant advantage for CMJ over SJ in all parameters (p < 0.05). This 70% difference is due to the elastic force in the tendons during the eccentric phase and arm momentum.

Conclusions: Countermovement jumps (CMJ) significantly outperform squat jumps (SJ) due to the elastic force stored in tendons and arm momentum during the eccentric phase, resulting in a 70% performance difference. Cheraghi et al. (2017) emphasized peak power's role in higher jumps. Future research should separately analyze CMJ with and without arm movement to understand their impacts.

Active Learning: Is it possible to learn English while Exercising?

Era Deva — 2024-06-30

Study aim(s): This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative teaching method, "Active Learning: Is it Possible to Learn English while Exercising?", which integrates English language learning with physical exercises for second-grade students. This method seeks to address the current inefficiencies in English-speaking proficiency among youth in Kosovo, despite extensive exposure to English language education.

Methods: An experimental study design will involve randomly selected second-grade students divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group will participate in the "Active Learning" program, integrating English vocabulary and physical activities. In contrast, the control group will receive traditional English language instruction. Both groups will undergo pre- and post-intervention assessments to measure their English language proficiency and physical fitness over a school term. This experimental study is planned for future implementation and targets grade 2 students.

Results: The anticipated outcomes include improved English-speaking proficiency and enhanced physical fitness in the experimental group compared to the control group. The study will analyze the effect size and significance of integrating physical exercises with language learning, highlighting the potential benefits of this interdisciplinary approach.

Conclusions: This study proposes that integrating physical exercises with English language learning can significantly enhance vocabulary acquisition and speaking skills in young learners. The method aligns with WHO recommendations for physical activity and the PYP's interdisciplinary educational approach, offering a holistic development model. This innovative teaching method not only addresses language learning inefficiencies but also promotes physical health, potentially transforming educational practices by creating a new role for educators as English exercise teachers.

Recovery of Left-Hand Mobility After Erb-Duchenne Infantile Paralysis Through Specific Manual Therapy of the Neck: A Case Study

Xhelal Shatri — 2024-06-30

Study aim(s): This study describes a relatively new strategy involving manual therapy adjustment to treat a child diagnosed with OBPP. Our primary goal was to undertake treatment actions addressing the root cause of the pathology. Considering that the main problem of OBPP lies in the cervical region, our treatment focused on the neck instead of the arm, as is common with other therapeutic methods.

Methods: The treatment protocol involved the adjustment of C5, C6, and C7 vertebrae, along with massage and stretching of relevant muscles. Manual therapy sessions were conducted three times a week for two months, focusing on the cervical vertebrae (C5, C6, and C7) and incorporating neck and shoulder muscle stretching exercises taught to the parents.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in the child's arm movement within weeks, progressing to functional use and increased range of motion. By the end of the intensive treatment period, the child demonstrated substantial motor recovery, aligning with the British Medical Council classification.

Conclusion: This case study highlights the effectiveness of targeted manual manipulation in treating OBP by addressing cervical region dysfunctions. The outcomes suggest potential benefits of this approach over traditional arm-focused therapies, warranting further research and consideration in clinical practice.

Bibliometric Analysis of Studies Conducted on Football Fans in Sports Literature

Habibe Gözütok — 2024-06-30

Study aim(s): Football, which occupies a significant place in the sports industry, has become not only an important branch of sport but also a means of entertainment, enjoyment, and communication for people. Football likely has the highest number of fans among all sports. Therefore, the phenomenon of the fan as a sports consumer has become the subject of numerous scientific studies. For these reasons, this study is a bibliometric analysis of articles about football fans.

Methods: For the study, the term “football fans” was entered into the Scopus database, and the data was downloaded on May 17, 2024. This data was analyzed using the R programme. Based on basic information in the relevant literature, the research examined the number of publications, the most frequently used keywords, the countries with the most contributions, the most important journals, and the most productive institutions. The study’s data covers the period from 1973 to 2024.

Results: The study found that 4201 authors have published papers on the topic of football fans. Among these, 707 studies have a single author. The average annual number of citations per article is around 13. The main keywords used in studies in this area are “football”, “human”, “male,” and “sport”. The country contributing the most to the literature is the United Kingdom.

Conclusion: This study's findings are of interest to researchers and practitioners interested in football fan engagement, stakeholders in the sports industry, and those working in the field.