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Background and Study Aim The physical demands of the winger position in elite handball require a unique combination of upper body speed and lower body strength. Therefore, identifying the optimal relationship between these two physical characteristics could improve performance for players in this role. This study aims to analyze the relationship between upper body speed capacity and lower body strength in elite handball players specializing in the winger position. Material and Methods The study included 16 elite handball players specializing in the winger position from various teams in the National Handball League (Liga Zimbrilor). Four of these players were members of the Dinamo Bucharest team. Tests for evaluating the explosive strength of the lower limbs included the Squat Jump (SJ), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Counter Movement Jump with Free Arms (CMJb), and the maximum strength test (1RM) in squats. Specific technical training tests included triangular movement, a 30-meter sprint, and long-distance handball throws, focusing on speed and execution technique. Data analysis was conducted using KyPlot 6.0 software. Statistical indicators included median, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and non-parametric Spearman correlation tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The results show no statistically significant differences in lower limb strength between highperformance handball players (HPHP) and those specialized in the winger position (PSW) across various jump and squat tests (p > 0.05). The Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test approached statistical significance (p = 0.084), while the CMJ with free arms (CMJb) and squat strength test did not show significant differences (p = 0.231 and p = 0.789, respectively). In the specific fitness tests, no significant differences were observed in the Triangle Movement test (p = 0.826), the 30-meter sprint (p = 0.404), or the handball throw test (p = 0.147). Correlation analysis indicated that squats and CMJb had positive correlations with improved performance in speed and distance tests, while CMJ showed a negative correlation with technical performance in agility tests. Conclusions The findings suggest that lower limb strength and technical fitness are similar between elite handball players, regardless of specialization. This supports a unified training approach across player roles. However, targeted exercises like squats and CMJb may enhance specific performance aspects. These exercises improve dynamic strength and stability, which can benefit wingers' technical execution and speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Study Aim. In luge sport, the performance of athletes is influenced by a complex combination of general and specific motor skills, which are essential for achieving competitive results on ice tracks. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between general motricity indices and specific motricity indices to develop effective strategies for improving performance in luge events. Material and Methods. The study involved 10 performance athletes practicing luge, selected from the Muscel Sports Club. To assess general motricity, six fitness tests were used: the 4 kg weight throw, 30m sprint, fixed bar pull-ups (10 seconds), barbell bench press, barbell hang clean and 5 consecutive standing long jumps. For specific motricity, the tests included: the luge start on rollers and a ranking system based on the points difference from the best recorded time. According to the relations identified between general and specific indices, strategies for performance improvement were proposed. Data analysis was conducted using parametric statistical tests, specifically Pearson correlation coefficient. Results. The results of the correlation analysis between general motricity indices and luge specific performance indices highlight that, although general motor skills significantly impact on specific performance, explaining 50% of their variability, there are other factors that also have an important contribution. While 66.7% of the correlations are either strongly negative or positive, suggesting a considerable influence, 33.3% of the correlations are weak, indicating that improvements in general motricity do not automatically guarantee better specific performance. Conclusions. The results of the correlation analysis show that although general motor skills have major influence on performance in luge events, a substantial part of their variability remains unexplained. This fact highlights the need for developing a personalized training program that integrates both general motor skills and the specific technique and strategy of the event in order to maximize competitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intense demands encountered in the game of handball are among the factors favoring the occurrence of injuries. Game technique and training strategy can be adapted to optimize the player's physical status. Prevention in performance sports can contribute to increasing the quality of life of the players and increasing the level of performance. The aim of this study is to prove that the morpho-functional asymmetry of the upper limbs in performance handball, can be reduced by applying a prevention program through physical therapy. A number of 33 senior performance athletes from the men's handball team of the Suceava University Club participated in the study. Initial measurements were performed to find out if there is morpho-functional asymmetry in the shoulder, comparing the dominant limb with the non-dominant one. In this regard, hand grip strength, arm circumference and arm muscle mass were evaluated. In the initial tests, important differences were discovered between the dominant and the non- dominant limb, requiring intervention through physical exercise. An exercise program was implemented to increase upper limb strength and muscle mass over the course of an entire season. Following the final measurements, it was found that the degree of asymmetry between the dominant and the non-dominant limb was reduced, which means that the applied prevention program is a very effective one for balancing the muscles of the upper limbs. Demonstrating the effectiveness of the prevention program on the morpho-functional asymmetry of the upper limb, extensive research is required regarding the benefits of kinetic prophylaxis in performance sports. Other studies can further discover multiple strategies for organizing training sessions and physical therapy programs, in order to create the most effective prophylactic program for handball, but not only. Every sport needs to increase performance, and physical therapy proves itself efficient regarding the prevention of injury for performance players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Judo is one of the most appreciated sports due to its positive influences on children since their formative stages. The research aims to highlight the influence of judo methods on the general physical fitness in 8-10-year-old children who practice judo in the rural area schools. Material and methods. A number of 24 children aged 8-10 years participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: control group (n=12) and experimental group (n=12). Then, 5 general physical fitness tests were administered in both groups. The following tests were used: shuttle run(sec), crunches (reps), push-ups (reps), squats (reps) and standing long jump (SLJ) (cm). Statistical analysis sought to estimate the differences in means between groups at initial testing (IT) and final testing (FT). There were used: t-Test (Assuming Equal Variances), Unpaired Comparison for Means and correlation analysis - the Pearson correlation coefficient. The experimental program was applied in EG throughout the 2020-2021 school year and consisted of physical education lessons with contents selected from judo. The CG students had classes of physical education performed in the traditional way. Results. The comparative analysis of the indices of the general physical fitness test reveals larger differences in the EG at FT - Shuttle test - of the median value (M) between groups, of 1.92 sec. There are significant differences between groups at p<0.001, Crunches test by 10.0 reps (p<0.001), Push-ups test by 11.5 reps (p<0.001), Squats test by 8.00 reps and significant differences at p<0.001. As for the SLJ test, it shows differences of 0.5 cm larger at CG (p>0.05) and of 10.5 cm at EG (p<0.05). Correlation analysis between the general physical fitness indices in CG highlights 20% significant connections at p<0.05 between the indices of Shuttle test with Crunches and SLJ tests. Regarding the results of the correlation analysis in EG, 60% significant connections are recorded, namely 30% at p<0.05 between the indices of Shuttle with Squats tests, Crunches with Squats and SLJ; 20% at p<0.01 between Shuttle with Push-ups and Crunches with Push-ups and at p<0.001 - 10% between Push-ups and Squats. Conclusions. The results of the research confirm the significant differences between the means of the groups. They highlight the estimated connection level between the indices of general physical fitness. The results also prove the effectiveness of applying the judo methods during the physical education lessons for 8-10-yearold students in the rural area schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Adequate and well-structured sports training is essential for the physical development and improvement of athletic performance in junior female handball players. Strength, plyometric and balance training sessions have the capacity to influence various aspects of physical preparation such as muscular strength, endurance, agility and speed. Aims. The aim of the study is to investigate and evaluate the influence of sports training on physical fitness indices in junior female handball players. Methods. The research subjects were 16 female handball players (aged 14-16) from LPS Slatina. The OptoJump Next Platform was used to assess explosive strength and visual reaction in the lower limbs. Four tests were carried out: Squat Jump, Counter Movement Jump, Stiffness and Visual Reaction. Measured indices: jump height (cm), flight time (sec), power (w/kg). Results. The results of the comparative analysis of the conducted tests, including Squat Jump, Counter Movement Jump, Stiffness and Visual Reaction Tests, demonstrated significant improvements in the physical performance of the participants, namely the development of their muscle strength, muscle efficiency and reaction speed. These improvements were highlighted by statistically significant results (p < 0.001) and homogeneity of the group during tests. Conclusions. In conclusion, regular sports training has a significant and positive influence on physical fitness indices in junior female handball players, contributing to the improvement of the performance and general physical endurance required for this demanding sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]