Structured and purposeful physical activity has demonstrated significant effects on personality traits and behaviors among offenders, especially in reducing maladaptive behaviors. The European Prison Rules strongly advocate for all prisoners to have regular access to organized sports and physical education. This systematic review aims to emphasize the role of physical activity in enhancing inmates’ ability to control aggression, which in turn boosts their chances of successful social reintegration and lowers the risk of recidivism by improving self-esteem and locus of control. The review included eight relevant studies sourced from scientific platforms, analyzing research published between 2000 and 2023. The studies targeted both adult and young male and female inmates, regardless of their ethnicity, all of whom participated in structured physical education and sports programs within a prison environment. These programs varied in terms of physical activity, focusing on resistance and strength training, and were consistently associated with reduced aggression, improved self-esteem, and other benefits directly related to life in detention. Through the redirection of aggressive impulses and the enhancement of self-esteem and locus of control, physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing and reducing the harmful consequences of aggressive behavior in incarcerated populations. Keywords: physical activity, sports, prison, aggression control, self-esteem, locus of control

The purpose of this research was to analyze how we can improve the space–temporal orientation ability with the help of physical exercises in physical education and sports lessons. In total,148 children between the ages of 8 and 11 participated in this study (M = 9.70; SD = 0.79). They were subjected to three tests, which measured general intelligence (Raven Progressive Matrices) and space–temporal orientation skills (Piaget-Head test and Bender–Santucci test). The tests were carried out both in the pre-test and in the post-test period. In the case of participants in the experimental group, a specific program was applied for a period of 12 weeks. The results showed that general intelligence level was identified as a predictor of spatial–temporal orientation (beta = 0.17, t = 2.08, p = 0.03) but only for the Piaget-Head test. Similarly, no differences between children’s age groups were identified in any of the spatial–temporal orientation test scores. However, children in the “+9” age category had higher scores on the intelligence test compared to younger children (77.31 vs. 35.70). In conclusion, the intervention program had a positive effect on spatial orientation skills.

Background: The use of pre-workout supplements has surged among fitness practitioners, with various ingredients purported to enhance performance and recovery. This study aims to explore the potential link between pre-workout supplement consumption and aggression, as well as the correlation between the Big Five personality traits and aggression levels. Methods: The sample comprised 62 male fitness practitioners aged 20–55 years, divided into two groups: 32 pre-workout consumers and 30 non-consumers. Participants were assessed using the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Results: The results indicated no statistically significant differences in aggression levels between the supplement users and the control group. However, notable personality differences were observed, with pre-workout users showing lower Neuroticism and higher Agreeableness and Conscientiousness compared to non-users. Correlation analyses revealed a significant positive relationship between Neuroticism and all forms of aggression, while Agreeableness and Conscientiousness were negatively correlated with aggression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that personality traits may play a more substantial role in moderating aggression among pre-workout users than the supplements themselves. Further research is needed to clarify the potential long-term effects of pre-workout supplementation on aggression and personality dynamics.

Artistic gymnastics include a series of artistic elements where the joints’ mobility represents an essential factor for the accuracy of the execution in both beam and floor routines. The reduced mobility is responsible for the occurrence of compensatory movements. This type of repetitive and long-term compensations can damage the joints involved in execution of an accurate switch leap element. The aim of the study was to analyze the compensatory mechanisms due to reduced mobility in the hip joint that can occur during the execution of a switch leap. 6 female gymnasts (8-10 years) from C.S.S.1 Timisoara have been analyzed when they executed switch leap on the floor. The kinematic analysis was carried using inertial sensors for movement tracking technology. The evaluated parameters were: leg separation angle (LSA), lateral pelvic tilt (LPT) and pelvic rotation (PR). The data revealed a LSA of 137.5± 2.239° which corresponds to the second level of penalty (0.30 points). The compensatory movements were revealed by the level of LPT and pelvic rotation. Depending on the front leg, the compensatory tilt, represented by the elevation of the hip joint, was found on the right or left part accordingly. Regarding the pelvic rotation, this is performed in the backward direction on the same part with the tilt. The kinematic analysis of the switch leap element provides supplementary data that can be taken into consideration by the gymnasts and coaches during the training period in order to reduce the risk of injuries and the risk of falling from the beam.

Introduction: Understanding the mechanisms leading to the development of spatial and temporal skills is a topic of current interest, especially since they can predict academic performance. Objectives: The objective of this study was to improve space orientation skills with the help of specific exercises. Material and methods: 148 children aged between 8.1 and 11.9 years participated in this study (M= 9.70; SD= 0.79). They were subjected to 2 tests that measure spatial orientation skills (the Piaget Head Test and the Bender Santucci Test). The samples were applied both in the pre-test and post-test period. The participants in the experimental group underwent a specific program for a period of 12 weeks. The participants in the control group did not benefit from any manipulation of this variable. Results: The results showed that there is a statistically significant difference between the control group and the experimental group as recorded by the Piaget Head post-test results (M-W=2166.0, p=0.02). Moreover, differences were also recorded in the age categories, for both samples. Children aged between 10.6-11.9 years registered significantly higher scores, compared to the others (p.008/p.013). There were also differences between gender categories, but they were not significant. Conclusions: In conclusion, the intervention program had the expected effect.

CrossFit is an emerging trend that has captured the attention of many studies in recent years. Despite the high number of research papers covering different aspects of the sport, the motivation of participants in CrossFit competitions remains a topic that is not talked about enough. The purpose of this study is to analyze how competition influences the motivation of CrossFiters. We applied a questionnaire who contains a number of 27 items on a 5-point Likert scale to observe how the participants’ motivation influences their view on the competition. The results indicate that all four variables used to define the motivation of competitors (enjoyment to compete, self-perception, challenges, CrossFit community) are significant, while loss of motivation is not a significant factor. Regarding gender, there is a significant difference between the groups in terms of CrossFit community perception (p 0.05). In conclusion, competitive experience plays a crucial role in self-perception, competitive satisfaction, and appreciation of the CrossFit community. Keywords: enjoyment, self-perception, challenge, community