The aim of this research is to determine the effects of proprioceptive training on the improvement of agility skills in dance sport fitness conditioning. Proprioceptive training is realized throughout tasks that include the establishing and maintaining various positions on balance boards of different dimensions, working surfaces and platforms. 38 male and female competitive dancers divided into an experimental and control groups. The experimental group took part in a proprioceptive training program over a period of 12 weeks (3 x 30 minutes per week). The control group (at the same time as the experimental) had regular sport dance training. At the beginning and at the end of the experiment, agility skills were measured by means of three different agility tests: Side steps, Figure '8' with bending and Agility in the air. Statistically significant differences among the groups in the final measurement (p= .00) generally show a positive effect of the proprioceptive training program on the improvement of agility skills with the experimental group, especially in tests Figure '8' with bending and Side steps. Such findings could encourage the use of proprioceptive training model in daily dance classes due to its potential to improve dancers' agility skills. Therefore, the use of a proprioceptive training model, as an innovative approach in individual and group dance fitness conditioning is recommended.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the physiological parameters indicative of cardiorespiratory fitness obtained during the 30-15 intermittent fitness (30-15_IFT) test and the multistage laboratory treadmill endurance (TR) test differ. Nineteen elite handball players were recruited for the current study and assigned in a cross-over manner to one of two tests to be performed 48 h apart at each visit to the testing facility. The results showed that VO_2max (percentage difference [PC] = 6.1%; p = 0.004) and maximal running velocity (V) (PC = 19.4%; p < 0.001) were significantly higher for the 30-15_IFT test than that obtained during the TR test. Furthermore, the onset of blood lactate accumulation was shown to be significantly higher for all measures considered to predict it during 30-15_IFT compared to TR as follows: VO_2max (PC = 12.6%; p = 0.001), running speed (PC = 33.9%; p < 0.001), and maximal heart rate (PC = 7.5%; p < 0.001). The current study highlights the importance of sport-specific testing, particularly for measuring individual cardiorespiratory fitness in elite handball players, as TR may underestimate crucial variables used for both diagnostics and training prescription.

The first objective of the investigation was to design a valid and reliable tool in order to identify the best practices concerning a program for children and adolescents. Secondly, we wanted to assess the construct validity of the scale and the correlation between the reactions of the questionnaire respondents and specific variables of decision factors and to provide the specialists in the field with such a measurement tool based on the presence of these factors. Thirdly, we aimed to identify the decision factors when choosing a camp for minors in Romania (e.g., Richmond et al., 2019; Richmond et al., 2023). Materials and method: The research study involved 139 parents/guardians whose child/children was/were enrolled in a summer camp program. In order to assess the internal consistency of the proposed questionnaire items, Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of validity was applied. To understand the reactions of those who filled out the close-ended questionnaire, we used exploratory factor analysis, extraction method, principal component analysis, and rotation method (i.e., Oblim with Kaiser Normalisation). SPSS version 20 was used to conduct the statistical analysis of the data. Results: The 17-item scale demonstrated an Alpha coefficient of validity of 0.61, indicating a good level of reliability and supporting the validity and consistency of this version of the scale. Principal component factor analysis grouped the variables into six distinct factors. Moreover, the factor analysis revealed various barriers perceived by parents or guardians when deciding whether to enrol their child in such a program.

Each individual achieves ease in performing a particular skiing element if he/she uses the multitude of available movement activities purposefully and harmoniously. Alpine skiing requires highly developed aerobic and anaerobic capacities, as well as high level of motor skills, which primarily include strength, explosiveness, agility, balance, flexibility and coordination. Group fitness programs are the most widespread form of sports recreation, and they have a positive effect on the transformation of the functional abilities of the organism and changes in body composition.This research was conducted 14 male participants aged 20-21, second-year students, with aim to determine whether the level of physical fitness can be improved by applying a group fitness program, which would open up the possibility of applying group fitness programs as sports and recreational activities in preparation for the implementation of alpine skiing lessons, but also as a program to increase the physical fitness of older populations for recreational alpine skiing. The fitness program used in this study was authored by Jim Stoppani, a 12-week program based on the concept of periodization and the concept of microcycles, and aimed to increase strength, increase muscle mass and reduce body fat. Statistic analysis showed that program has positive effects on morphological characteristics, functional abilities and motor abilities essential for alpine skiing.

Introduction: Rhythmic gymnastics has been recognized as an Olympic sport for women since 1984, distinguished by its emphasis on grace, flexibility, and the artistic integration of music and apparatus. Historically perceived as a female-exclusive discipline, this perception has been shaped by prevailing societal constructs of masculinity, which prioritize strength, competitiveness, and emotional restraint. However, an increasing number of countries are now promoting male participation in rhythmic gymnastics, thereby challenging traditional gender norms. Within a socially rigid framework, sport continues to play a pivotal role in constructing and reinforcing gender identities, often presenting masculinity and femininity as natural and complementary categories. Aim: The aim of this study is to identify the level of acceptation of male’s rhythmic gymnastics by the younger generation through female students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, who are studying this sport in their first year. Methods: The study was conducted on 101 female students of Physical Education and Sport Faculty from Timisoara. The questionnaire survey method was used in this research. This was developed specifically for this study and distributed to female students for complete to all four specializations. Results: The questionnaire reveals growing acceptance of male rhythmic gymnastics. When asked “Do you practice any sport?”, responses were nearly split: 49.5% said “Yes” and 50.5% “No.” A majority (63.4%) believe the sport isn’t exclusive to women and support male inclusion in training, education, and competition. If they were PE teachers, 76.2% of female students would teach rhythmic gymnastics to boys. Moreover, 79.2% think the Romanian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation should officially introduce the discipline. Regarding boys performing in tights, 66.3% were unbothered, 18.8% were enthusiastic, 12.9% indifferent, while only 2% expressed discomfort. Conclusion: The results indicate a clear shift toward greater inclusivity and gender diversity in rhythmic gymnastics. The openness to formalizing male participation, integrating the discipline into boys’ education, and embracing cultural change reflects evolving attitudes among the younger generation. The predominance of positive responses and minimal resistance suggest meaningful progress in challenging traditional gender norms. However, to strengthen the relevance and impact of these findings, further research is needed to explore broader perspectives and long-term implications.