This study examined whether young male and female handball players differ in morphological characteristics and somatotype profiles across playing positions. The sample included 124 Slovenian handball players: 68 males (16.85±1.72 years) and 56 females (15.36±1.20 years), grouped as backs, wings, pivots, or goalkeepers. Anthropometric measurements were conducted in accordance with ISAK protocols, and somatotypes were determined using the Heath–Carter method. Positional differences were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the Kruskal–Wallis test, as appropriate. Significant positional differences were observed in both genders. Male pivots were the heaviest (96.44±11.20 kg) and most robust players, exhibiting significantly greater skeletal diameters and limb girths compared with wings, who were the lightest and leanest. Among female players, backs were significantly taller (174.33±5.20 cm) than wings, while goalkeepers demonstrated the highest endomorphic component (5.04±0.95) and the largest thigh girths. A significant effect of playing position on endomorphy was identified in both male (p = 0.006) and female players (p = 0.032). Overall, the results indicate clear position-related morphological tendencies, with notable differences between male and female players.
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine potential differences in body characteristics and motor abilities between young girls enrolled in a volleyball school and those not participating in any organized sports activities. Additionally, the study sought to investigate the relationships between anthropometric and motor parameters. The anthropometric evaluation included three morphological variables: body height (BH), body mass (BM), and body mass index (BMI). For the assessment of motor abilities in girls, a battery of standardized field tests was used, including the following tasks: Plate Tapping Test, Flying 20 m test, Japan Test, 2 kg seated medicine ball throw, Standing Broad Jump, 30-second sit-up test, 30-second squat test, shoulder rotation with stick test, and Side Steps test. The results of the Mann–Whitney U test indicate that volleyball players achieved significantly better results in most of the examined variables (p<0.05), particularly in speed, agility, explosive and repetitive strength, as well as coordination. The effect sizes, which were moderate to very large in most variables, suggest that the observed differences are not only significant but also practically meaningful, representing the outcome of a systematic and continuous volleyball training process. The correlation test revealed a strong relationship between body dimensions and strength-related tests, as well as pronounced interconnections among speed- and agility-related abilities. In contrast, flexibility appears to represent a relatively isolated motor component within the analyzed model. Based on the above findings, it can be concluded that volleyball, as a sports activity, represents an effective model of physical exercise for improving motor abilities and the overall physical development of girls.
The purpose to analyze coach-athlete intimacy, parental support, emotional regulation towards competition anxiety in boxing student athletes with gender as a moderating variable. This type of research is quantitative descriptive, while the number of subjects was 103 athletes (34 female boxers and 69 male boxers) and aged 14 – 18 years. The research utilized a questionnaire as a research instrument and the indicators of this variable were coach-athlete intimacy (closeness, commitment, complementarity), parental support (emotional, instrumental, informative, reward), emotional regulation (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression), anxiety (Cognitive, Somatic, Confidence). Data analysis of this study used Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results of study were coach-athlete intimacy (T = 3.133; p = 0.027), parental support (T = 3.177; p = 0.024), and emotional regulation (T = 3.118; p = 0.008) had an effect on anxiety. Meanwhile, gender moderated the anxiety of boxing student athletes based on coach-athlete intimacy (T = 2.167; p = 0.041), parental support (T = 2.125; p = 0.003), and emotional regulation (T = 2.128; p = 0.037). This study also found that gender acted as a moderating variable, strengthening or influencing the relationship between three main variables and competition anxiety. Future research is expected to utilize a mixed-methods design to explore the qualitative aspects of athletes' interpersonal relationships and emotions in greater depth, as well as to expand the population and encompass various sports.
Accidental drowning is a leading cause of death among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), making aquatic interventions a public health priority. Although clinical benefits are well documented, the literature remains fragmented, often separating child-centered physiological and behavioral outcomes from the socioecological barriers faced by caregivers and instructors. To address this gap, this narrative review synthesizes 21 peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2017 and 2025. Using a dual-lens framework, the review examines both clinical efficacy and community-based implementation. Quantitative evidence shows that structured aquatic programs improve water competence, gross motor skills, and executive functioning. Preliminary findings suggest that these gains may be linked to physiological mechanisms, including increased vagal tone and modulation of inflammatory cytokines [IL-6 and IL-10], which are associated with better sleep regulation and fewer stereotypic behaviors. In contrast, qualitative evidence reveals a serious implementation gap. Although families value aquatic participation as a meaningful activity that reduces parental stress, equitable access remains limited by sensorychallenging pool environments, high costs, and a shortage of autism-informed instructors. Bridging this efficacyimplementation divide requires scalable policy reforms, including task-sharing models in which therapists support mainstream instructors. Larger randomized controlled trials are also needed to strengthen the evidence base and help establish aquatic therapy as an equitably accessible standard of care.
Introduction. In recent years, considerable attention has been devoted to the influence of social media (SM) on the mental and physical health of various age groups. Despite a growing body of research, the specific effects of fitness-related content on social media remain unclear. Problem and Aim. The study aimed to investigate the gender differences and relationship between social media, body image and the intensity of physical activity in university students. Methods. A questionnaire survey (Social media use questionnaire, Body appreciation scale – 2, The International Physical Activity Questionnaire) was used to conduct this research. The sample comprised 314 university students from Slovakia (115 males, 198 females). Results. 1.Male students who follow more fitnessrelated accounts on SM have a more positive body image. 2. Female students who follow more fitness-related accounts on SM have a higher level of PA. 3. Female students who claim that SM motivates them to exercise have a higher level of PA. Conclusion. Our study aspired to bring insight into university students' body image and exercise behaviour in relation to the use of SM and, in particular, fitness-related content. Despite statistically significant findings, the correlation between the variables was found to be weak, thus we assume that there are also other factors affecting these relationships which should be investigated in the future research.
