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Geographical, cultural, and socio-economic factors create a different lifestyle. Accordingly, the aim of this research was to identify the differences in anthropometric and fitness characteristics among adolescents living in Montenegro and Kosovo in order to optimize the physical fitness as a consequence of the proactive behavior. Anthropometric characteristics and fitness level measures were assessed by Eurofit testing battery among 600 Kosovar and 600 Montenegrin students, equally distributed by gender. Differences between countries, gender, and age group (13, 14 and 15 years) were assessed with multivariate and univariate analysis of variance. The results showed that Montenegrin students are taller, heavier, and achieve better results in the sit-ups and 20-m endurance shuttle-run tests. Kosovar students achieve better results in the standing broad jump and 10 × 5 m shuttle-run tests. Males achieve significantly better results in all tests, excluding the sit-and-reach test. Statistically significant differences among age groups were found for all variables, regardless gender and country (except for the flamingo and sit-and reach tests). This study is of importance to physical education teachers and curriculum authors to optimize students' proactive behavior based on the identified anthropometric and physical fitness differences between the two countries, age groups, and genders.

Background and Study Aim Since its inception in 1988, the EUROFIT database network has expanded significantly. This expansion has facilitated the use of standardized test batteries to evaluate physical fitness across diverse groups. This study therefore aimed to determine possible differences in EUROFIT scores between rural and urban male children in Kosovo aged 7 to 11 years and to suggest the underlying factors besides the differences. Material and Methods The study involved 500 schoolchildren from Kosovo, both rural and urban, aged between 7 and 11 years. They were equally distributed within the total sample. Measurements were conducted using EUROFIT and anthropometric tests. The results were subsequently analyzed and compared using a Student's t-test. Results The data revealed that urban children have a better starting point, benefiting from greater access to organized physical activities. Their diets, while less healthy, may enhance physical power. The rural environment fosters healthier growth and skill development in boys, particularly before and during the onset of puberty. Conclusions Urban children should maintain their regular organized physical activities throughout the school period. This will help them match their rural peers in terms of motor and functional abilities. However, morphological traits are becoming more similar between these groups as they enter the prepubertal stage. Future studies should investigate potential differences in female samples. They should also extend to other countries and regions to provide a broader perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physical Education Theory & Methodology is the property of OVS LLC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study goal was to determine the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on the total and abdominal adiposity in a sample of children aged 6 to 10. It was hypothesised that high cardiorespiratory fitness would result in lower total and abdominal obesity. The research was conducted on a sample of 1432 respondents where 717 (50.1%) are boys, and 715 (49.9%) are girls aged 6 to 10. The average age of the respondents was 8.72±1.4 years. Three anthropometric measures (body height, body weight and waist circumference) were considered and the body composition was determined by BIA. Body mass index sex - and age-specific cut-off points were used for overweight and obesity definition and children were placed in two groups: overweight/obese and non overweight. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was assessed with the endurance shuttle-run test. Participants were grouped into high and low CRF based on age and sex distributions. The results were statistically analyzed by using t-tests and a χ² test, analysis of covariance, Pearson correlation and hierarchical linear regression. On the basis of the obtained results, one can conclude that children who are overweight or obese and have a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness, have lower body mass index values, lower waist circumference, lower body fat percentage and a higher muscle mass percentage compared to children who are classified in the same BMI category, but have low values of cardiorespiratory fitness. The results of this study suggest that an appropriate level of cardiorespiratory fitness can reduce the threats of obesity among the pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Despite the numerous physical and psychological benefits of physical activity, the prevalence of achieving physical activity recommendations decreases in college students. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the factors that influence physical activity in male and female college students. Methods: A quantitative, transversal research design was used to examine the factors that affect physical activity in male and female Kosovo students. The research was conducted on a sample of 973 (459 males and 514 females) students randomly selected from several faculties of the State University of Kosovo. Participants completed measures of physical activity, perceived benefits/barriers to PA, PA self-efficacy, parental support, peer support, and PA enjoyment. Results: Based on the obtained data, male students perceive a higher level of PA self-efficacy and social support from friends, they perceive more benefits from exercising, less barriers, and enjoy physical activity more. A higher percentage of male students have the recommended physical activity level as compared to female students. With the male students, it is the predictor variables that have statistically significant influences on the physical activity PA self-efficacy (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.22-2.13, p = 0.001) and perceived benefits (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01-1.05, p = 0.003). For female students, a statistically significant influence on the physical activity was presented with the predictor variables of PA self-efficacy (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.17-2.04, p = 0.002), perceived barriers (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-0.99, p = 0.010), and perceived benefits (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01-1.05, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our study results suggest that future studies should develop a school-based program that focus on PA self-efficacy, given that this has the largest influence on college students' PA, because colleges and universities are an appropriate setting to promote sports activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to verify the current status of accuracy in volleyball for the students of the faculty of physical education and sports of the University of Prishtina, all the students have successfully passed the exam in volleyball. Also, another aim was to observe whether there are significant statistical differences between both generations of students. In the study were included 70 students (35 from the second academic year and 35 from the fourth academic year). To achieve the aim, were applied standard tests of accuracy in volleyball, such as the following: overhand pass, underhand pass, as well as underhand serve on the six positions and float (tactic) serve on three positions. From the basic statistical parameters, it has been noticed that grouping of results from the students of forth academic year are more homogenous, and for this group showed that results are better than at students of first year of studying. While, in the variables is noticed that there are changes into the favour of students of fourth academic year, it has also been noticed that standard deviation is smaller with this group, which shows even more homogenous groups, for example, SFIP group 1 mean 21.65 ±6.48 SD, gr.2 mean 23.68 ±5.76 SD. The obtained results from T-test shows significant statistical changes in both applied tests. The best obtained results are a derivate of continuous professional work, as well as result of "selection", due to continuous testing and completion of both exams of hand sports and volleyball as an elective subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the research on the physical activity of students in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina" Kosovo. The purpose of this cognitive study was to diagnose certain aspects of the lifestyle of students, with a particular focus on physical activity and, the difference in sex. The practical aim, however, was an indication of such actions, arising from past experience that would aim at improving lifestyle, and could lead to the elimination or prevention of certain causes of not making movement activity by the students in our country. The research was conducted by the use of diagnostic survey in the group of 120 people aged 18-37, among whom there were 56 girls and 64 boys. The research material was collected in 2014. The research that was carried out shows that the level of wealth (not so much of the family, but of the whole country) may have an impact on the choice of activities taken by the students. Undoubtedly socio-cultural factors and the tradition of social life, which impose certain ways of spending leisure time (particularly in the case of the students) as we can see in the results obtained, where we also found that there is no statistically significant differences between girls and boys. The above observations, taking into account local conditions, should be the starting point for all those who plan introducing changes in physical education systems in my country in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to verify the current anthropometrical status of the pupils of the age 12, as well as to compare it with the standards of raising in accordance with the WHO standards. In the study were included 62 pupils (42 male and 20 female). The anthropometric tests were done in height, weight, biacromial and elbow breadth, subcutaneous adipose tissue at the : suprailiac skinfold; subscapular skinfold; triceps skinfold, as well as the abdominal circumference. The results showed that there was a heterogenic distribution of results, especially in the body weight, where the distribution between the minimal and maximal results is 28-70 kg, with the average 43, 14 ± 9, 78 of standard deviation with the male pupils, while with the female pupils was noticed more homogenous group and the standard deviation was significantly lower than with the female pupils in all variables. The findings show that almost in all measured variables female pupils are more developed at this age, especially the body high, body weight and subcutaneous adipose tissue, while as regards the abdominal circumference and body breadth, the male pupils are more developed. Comparison of symbolic sample of this research with the WHO data shows an approximate trend of raising and development of children which were included in this research, and the difference is as follows: Female pupils age 12, body height=151.97 cm

This paper presents the results of the research on the physical activity of the school youth in Kosovo, in different stages of socio-economic development and, therefore, of different possibilities and conditions in terms of leisure and mobility. The purpose of this cognitive study was to diagnose certain aspects of the lifestyle of young people aged 13-16 from Kosovo, with a particular focus on physical activity. The practical aim, however, was an indication of such actions, arising from past experience, that would aim at improving lifestyle, and could lead to the elimination or prevention of certain causes of not making movement activity by the youth of Kosovo. The research was conducted by the use of diagnostic survey in the group of 300 people aged 13-16, among whom there were 152 girls, 148 boys. The research material was collected in 2012. The research that was carried out shows which forms of leisure time activities are taken by the youth. Undoubtedly the socio-cultural factors and the tradition of social life, which impose certain ways of spending leisure time (as can be seen particularly in the case of the Kosovo youth) are also here of great importance. The above observations, taking into account local conditions, should be the starting point for all those who plan introducing changes in physical education systems in Kosovo in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Students' moral development is one of the main educational goals of physical education curricula. Aim of Study. This study is an attempt at identifying what attitudes toward sportsmanship behavior are held by young adolescents from post-communist countries. Material and Methods. The sample included data from 547 boys and girls, aged 13-15, selected from schools in Poznan (Poland), Kustandil (Bulgaria), and Pristina (Kosovo). The study concerned sportsmanship dilemmas in three areas of moral development: judgment, reasoning, and intentions. The level of moral development was determined using the Horrocks Prosocial Play Behavior Inventory. Results. No significant effect was found in moral judgment, reasoning, and intentions between the teenagers from the examined countries. Conclusions. The findings suggest that the level of moral development of students in the three countries is similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

57 pupils, aged 14-15 years, 22 girls and 35 boys were involved in this study. The aim of the study was to verify if there are differences between girls and boys in anthropometric and motor parameters, as well as to determine the impact of the physical education program in improving motor skills or not, within a school year, with two hours per week, as it was approved by the Kosovo Ministry of Education. Besides the program of physical education with two hours per week, additional hours are included in the athletics competitions: short and medium length running, competition on three sports games: Football, Basketball and Volleyball; five days swimming, and five day skiing within the regular school year. Both measurements were performed on eight variables: two of them were anthropometric and six of them motor variables: height, weight, sit and rich test, push-ups, standing long jump, sit ups, back extension and running in 60 meters. Initial measurements were made at the beginning of the school year. All variables were compared with the final measurements at the end of the school year to the same variables. Trough Canonical discriminant analyses were proved that there were positive changes in favor of the final measurements of motor skills in both sexes as a result of the physical education program. There were also differences between girls and boys in both measurements, except for body weight and flexibility in which variables do not have any important changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Education. Physical Training. Sport / Ugdymas. Kûno kultûra. Sportas is the property of Lithuanian Sports University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents the results of the research on the physical activity of school youth in three European countries (Poland, Bulgaria, Kosovo) which are at different stages of socio-economic development and, therefore, of different possibilities and conditions in terms of leisure and mobility. The purpose of this cognitive study was to diagnose certain aspects of the lifestyle of young people aged 13-16 from Kosovo, Bulgaria and Poland, with a particular focus on physical activity. The practical aim, however, was an indication of such actions, arising from past experience that would aim at improving lifestyle, and could lead to the elimination or prevention of certain causes of physical inactivity by the youth of the countries surveyed. The research was conducted by the use of a diagnostic survey of a group of 524 people aged 13-16, among whom there were 88 people from Bulgaria, 136 people from Poland and 300 people from Kosovo. The research material was collected in 2012. The research that was carried out shows that the level of wealth (not so much of the family, but of the specific country) may have an impact on the choice of activities chosen by the youth. Undoubtedly socio-cultural factors and the tradition of social life, which impose certain ways of spending leisure time (as can be seen particularly in the case of the Bulgarian and Kosovar youth) are also of great importance. The above observations, taking into account local conditions, should be the starting point for all those who plan to introduce changes in the physical education systems in each of these countries in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining of two different youth groups in terms anthropometric variable measured twenty years ago and now is the goal of this research. The testing sample has been defined as a sample taken out of the researched middle school students such from Gymansium 'Zenel Hajdini' Middle School of Economy 'Marin Barleti' and Middle Technical School 'Mehmet Isai' from Gjilan. In this sample 263 female students have been included aged 18 (six months older or younger). Out of the same number of students of male gender aged 18 (six months older or younger) form the same middle schools in the same measuring conditions, an investigation has been done in 1991 by the same author. Twelve anthropometric variables have been used. The T-test has been applied in order to certify weather it does or does not exist difference between the groups' measures done in 2011 and the group of students in 1991. Considering the arithmetic average results of each variable the results are quite obvious particularly with the first group measured in 2011. The biggest difference has bee noticed with the measures in terms of body length, extremities and measures for assessing body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the relationship within the segments, and establish the correlation between the functional and motor areas may be important for programming load both in education and in sports and recreation. For this reason we set goals and work this year. The main objective of this research is to determine association and motor characteristics impact on functional ability (physical work capacity). The sample is defined as a sample of 263 respondents drawn from the population of secondary schools: Gymnasium Zenel Hajdini; Marin Barleti and Mehmet Isai in city of Gjilan. Nine tests were used to estimate motoric capabilities and a test of functional capacity of aerobic-type (physical work capacity). To determine the relation between the predictor (motor) variables and criterion variables (physical working capacity - PWC170) it is prepared the regression analysis of the manifest space. Analyses were made to the program SPSS 12.0 for Windows. The connection of the entire system of variables static relative strength with a score of Physics working capacity (PWC170) on a bicycle ergo meter as aerobic type variable explains the coefficient of multiple correlations, which is RO 0.394. Regression analysis indicates that the better results on a bicycle ergo meter will have respondents who score better in tests of static relative strength of the leg (at the test isometric muscle contraction quadriceps thighs) and static tests of the relative strength of arm and shoulder area (at the test of isometric contraction triceps muscle circumference). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this research based on socio-metric test results, to show the relations between domestic basketball players and visitors basketball players within Trepça basketball Club from Mitrovica. The research has been made based on a sample of Kosovo Superleague in basketball, in fact with the basketball players of Trepça from Mitrovica during 2008/09. Based on this sample 16 basketball players aged 19 to 30 have been included. Relevant data about this research have been collected through a questionnaire (Paranosic and Lazareviq, 1975). Based on the socio-metric results we can come to the conclusion that there is a different socio-metric structure in the team. There are individuals who were different from the others in the team based on positive evaluation (+) so-called "star" in the team, who were the domestic players as well as individuals who were negatively (-) evaluated, so-called "the negative stars", who represent a weaker relation in the team, and the were the visitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The sense of empowerment that comes from good health based on an ability to manage daily challenges is something that needs to be developed and supported from childhood into adulthood. This early empowerment may help to maintain a healthy lifestyle of young people, especially in places which have recently suffered severely from high social tension and stress., Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the associations of sense of coherence (SOC), physical activity (PA), and the role of gender and age in young adolescents from Kosovo. A total of 1296 adolescents aged 13-16 years from randomly selected schools in the seven major municipalities of Kosovo participated in the study in 2014. SOC was determined with a short version of a SOC-13 questionnaire with its three components: manageability (SOC-Ma), meaningfulness (SOC-Me), and comprehensibility (SOC-Co). The level of PA was determined with a Physical Activity Screening Measure. The associations were examined by a three-way hierarchical regression., Results: The analyses indicated that young Kosovar boys with strong SOC were characterized by a higher level of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). There was no such effect in girls. Interactional effects were noticed for Kosovar boys for meaningfulness and comprehensibility sub-components of SOC and the level of MVPA. Strong meaningfulness was associated with higher MVPA. For girls, we showed differentiation according to age groups, we noticed that older adolescent girls with strong meaningfulness also had higher MVPA. No significant associations were found in the two other sub-components of SOC., Conclusions: The association between global SOC, gender and age indicated the interactions with the level of MVPA. People with higher SOC are characterized by a higher level of MVPA, but the relation is gender sensitive. This versatility should be taken into account in planning future PA intervention, specifically in societies with high ethnical and religious strains.