Background and Study Aim. Biomechanics is a fundamental component of Kinesiology, offering critical insights into the mechanics of human movement. As the demand for comprehensive educational programs in Kinesiology grows, understanding the role and effectiveness of biomechanics within these programs becomes increasingly important. The aim of the study is to investigate and highlight the role and importance of biomechanics in the context of higher education, with an emphasis on the discipline of Kinesiology. Material and Methods. This study involved 71 students from the Department of Physical Education and Sport at Pitești University Center. It included 43 students specializing in Physical Education and Sport (PES) and 28 in Sports and Motor Performance (SMP). The research utilized the university's e-learning platform to monitor teaching and evaluation activities within the Kinesiology discipline. The evaluation of fundamental Kinesiology knowledge was assessed through various indicators. Google Forms-Questionnaire sought to gauge student opinions on the thematic content of Biomechanics as applied to Kinesiology and to evaluate the teaching staff. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis Test was employed to analyze differences in means across the groups. Results. The study revealed a diverse interest in sports across the Physical Education and Sport (PES) and Sports and Motor Performance (SMP) programs. Soccer, basketball, and handball were the most popular among students. Comparative analysis of academic performance showed no significant differences between the groups in various assessments (p>0.05). The overall student feedback on the "Fundamentals of Biomechanics of Physical Activities and Sports" course was predominantly positive. Over 50% of the students rated it as very good. Areas for improvement in teaching methods were also identified to enhance the academic experience. Conclusions. This study highlights the effective integration of biomechanics within the Kinesiology discipline at the higher education level. Findings suggest that well-structured educational programs can enhance students' understanding and application of biomechanics. This contributes positively to their academic and professional development in sports sciences. Continuous curriculum assessment and refinement are crucial for maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of such programs.

Purpose. To study the efficiency of readaptation of the functional capabilities of special unit servicemen with prolonged hypodynamia caused by neuromuscular system damage during long-term rehabilitation. Material & Methods. A study was conducted on 30 special unit servicemen, aged 25±1.6 years, who required immediate readaptation of their functional capabilities caused by prolonged hypodynamia lasting 45±4.7 days. The study participants were divided into three groups (10 people in each). Members of the first group were instructed to follow standard physical therapy protocols during the initial 70-day phase of their long-term rehabilitation. Participants in the second and third groups followed experimental training models for readapting functional capabilities. The heart rate variability (HRV) method was used to assess the adaptive and compensatory responses of the special unit servicemen to stress stimuli throughout the study. Results. All study participants showed high tension in heart rhythm regulation following the previous rehabilitation. In response to test loads, sympathetic regulation activity increased, and the central mechanism of sinus rhythm control was enhanced in special unit servicemen. The HRV indicators observed in the group of military personnel showed no changes after 70 days of following standard long-term rehabilitation protocols. In response to the test load, there was a shift in the vegetative balance towards sympathetic regulation due to the weakening of the high-frequency spectrum of the heart rhythm power. In members of the other two groups who followed experimental training models, an increase in vagal influence on the sinus node was observed. The results after the load showed a shift in autonomic balance toward parasympathetic regulation, indicating the activation of short-term adaptation processes. The most significant functional readaptation was observed in special unit servicemen who combined isolated exercises with high-intensity training under creatine phosphokinase energy supply conditions. Conclusions. The results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed system for restoring the functional capabilities of special unit servicemen experiencing hypokinesia caused by peripheral neuromuscular system damage during long-term rehabilitation. The use of standard physical therapy protocols in long-term rehabilitation is ineffective for the readaptation of functional capabilities in special unit servicemen. The proposed mechanism, which maximally engages synergistic muscle groups while minimizing the load on injured agonists and avoiding additional stabilizer activity, enables selective muscle fatigue without disrupting adaptation. Applying this combined approach, integrating isolated exercises from power fitness and MMA, effectively enhances the readaptation of special unit servicemen during long-term rehabilitation.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of foam rolling and traditional stretch treatments on physical performance and self-perceived fatigue in youth football players. Methods: The sample of participants consisted of 20 youth football players from the Serbia Under-17 league. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups, the Foam group (age: 16.6 ± 1.5 years) or the Stretch group (age: 16.9 ± 1.0 years), with each group consisting of 10 participants. The first measurement (I) was conducted before the match; then, the football players played the match, which was followed by the second measurement (II), and afterward, the groups performed their foam and stretch activities. The third measurement (III) was conducted 2 h after the recovery interventions, and the fourth measurement (IV) was conducted 24 h after the match. Players were tested for the following: linear sprints at 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m, squat jumps (SJs), countermovement jumps (CMJs), and arm-driven countermovement jumps (ACMJs). Participants also completed self-assessment questionnaires on fatigue (Hooper scales) and perceived exertion (Borg scales). Results: A 2 × 4 split-plot ANOVA revealed that there were no differences between the foam rolling and stretching treatments in any parameter of physical performance or self-perceived fatigue. However, a separate within-group analysis showed that the Foam group achieved significantly better sprint times in the third and fourth measurements (2 and 24 h post-match, respectively) compared to measurements taken immediately after the football match. Regarding self-perceived parameters, foam rolling reduced fatigue and stress at 2 and 24 h post-match. On the other hand, the stretching treatment only affected the stress parameter, which was reduced 24 h after the football match. Conclusions: These findings indicate that although there were no significant differences between treatments, foam rolling demonstrated certain advantages compared to stretching. Specifically, foam rolling may offer benefits in enhancing subjective recovery and reducing perceived exertion in young football players. However, these conclusions should be interpreted with caution, as the study was cross-sectional and involved a small sample of young football players.

Study purpose. To study the peculiarities of correlation between the maximum strength development and quantity of kicks in MMA using load regimes of different intensity and energy supply. Materials and methods. 75 athletes aged 19±0.7 practicing MMA for 4±0.8 years were examined and divided into 3 groups. During 12 weeks, group 1 athletes used low-intensity (Rа=0.53) load regime, group 2 – medium-intensity (Rа=0.65) and group 3 – high-intensity (Ra=0.72). The control of attacking kicks (front kick, reverse side kick, roundhouse kick) quantity with maximum force until full muscle fatigue for 20 s allowed to check special training. The level of strength training was evaluated by estimating the maximum strength development (1 RM) indicators. Non-parametric methods of mathematical statistics were used for data processing. Results. The indicators of special training showed the greatest increase by an average of 13.2% in group 3 athletes during 12 weeks. In the other two groups, the dynamics of the controlled indicator was 3.2 times smaller for a similar period of time. The maximum muscle strength indicator increased by 41.9% in group 3 athletes compared to the initial data. These changes are on average 1.5 times higher than the results recorded in athletes of groups 1 and 2. Despite the revealed growth of strength and special training indicators in MMA athletes, there was no strong correlation between them in any research group. Conclusions. Using high-intensity load regime in conditions of anaerobic-alactate mode of energy supply allowed achieving the greatest results in strength and special training indicators. However, the study did not show correlation between the increase in maximum strength development and quantitative indicators of attacking kicks. Further research will be focused on searching for more informative markers for assessing the training of athletes in MMA and adaptation processes using biochemical control methods.

Purpose. To evaluate the changes in circumference sizes of bodybuilders using machine and free weight exercises in conditions of different load regimes at the stage of specialized basic training. Methods. 64 bodybuilders aged 20±1.2 years were divided into 4 study groups. The stage of specialized basic training lasted 12 weeks. Group 1 and 2 participants used free weight and machine exercises in conditions of medium-intensity training load (Rа=0.58). Group 3 and 4 athletes performed the same exercises in conditions of high-intensity training load (Ra=0.71). The changes in circumference measurements (shoulder, hip and shin) were recorded every 30 days. Non-parametric methods of mathematical statistics were used in the study. The results. Using free weight exercises in the regime of high-intensity loads (Rа=0.71) contributed to the greatest increase in the body circumference (by 4.9%) compared to the initial data. The smallest increase in the controlled indicators (by 1.8%) was found in athletes using machine exercises in the regime of medium-intensity loads (Ra=0.58). Performing free weight exercises in different load regimes led to more than double increase in the body circumference measurements. The dependence of the controlled indicators dynamics on the load regimes was observed when using machine exercises. The dynamics of body circumference depends on the features of the training load regimes but not on the type of exercises. Conclusions. At the stage of specialized basic training in bodybuilding, the use of high-intensity training loads (Ra=0.71) was the main factor that affected the accelerated increase in body circumference of athletes. Combination of machine strength exercises with high-intensity loads allowed achieving the most pronounced adaptive changes.

Purpose To study the peculiarities of adaptive and compensatory reactions in mature women after prolonged hypokinesia using various kinesiological models of the neuromuscular system readaptation. Material and methods 52 women of mature age (39-46 years) after long-term (6-7 years) hypokinesia took part in the study. Group A used a kinesiological model based on free weight exercises with changes in kinematic and dynamic characteristics. Group B used a model based on machine exercises. The following methods were used to monitor adaptation processes: bioelectrical impedance analysis, anthropometry, testing of strength capabilities, biochemical blood analysis (cortisol and creatinine concentration). Results The dynamics of the studied indicators differed significantly between the groups using the proposed kinesiological models for 12 weeks. Thus, the fat-free and body cell mass indicators were 5 times higher in group A women compared to group B participants. The body fat mass decreased by 5 times in group A participants. The circumference measurements reduced in all participants, but in group A the rate of change was 1.8 times faster. The level of strength growth was almost the same in all study participants; it fluctuated within 10-25% compared to the initial data. The cortisol concentration in the blood serum increased only in group B during all stages of control. At the end of the research, the cortisol level did not change in response to stress in the women of group A, which indicates increasing of their resistance level. The basal level of creatinine grew by 4% in group A women after 12 weeks of training, but it did not change in group B participants. These changes indicate an accelerated growth of muscle mass in group A women. Conclusions Pronounced adaptive changes occurred in women of mature age after prolonged hypokinesia in case of using the kinesiological model of the neuromuscular system readaptation with free weight exercises. Applying this model helps to increase the functional capabilities of the body, to strengthen the level of resistance to a stress stimulus, and to improve the morphometric parameters of the body.