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(1) Background: This study aimed to examine whether an experimental acrobatics curriculum, conducted three times a week, could lead to greater improvements in specific components of motor fitness—coordination, balance, agility, and speed—compared to the standard physical education program; (2) Methods: The research was conducted over a 16-week period and included 50 seventh-grade students, divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 25) and a control group (CG, n = 25). The experimental group participated in a program of acrobatics and skipping twice a week, while the control group followed the standard physical education curriculum. Motor skills tests were administered before and after the intervention using standardized methods; (3) Results: Results from the ANCOVA analysis showed significant improvements in flexibility, coordination, balance, and agility in the experimental group, with large effect sizes, confirming the effectiveness of the acrobatics and skipping program. However, the impact on speed was variable, indicating the need for specific exercises to improve this ability; (4) Conclusions: The findings are consistent with previous research, highlighting the superiority of specialized acrobatic exercises in enhancing overall motor performance in adolescents. Further research is needed to optimize acrobatics and skipping programs for maximum benefits in the development of motor skills and physical education.

This study investigated gender-specific predictors of vault performance in gymnastics by applying machine learning techniques to analyse body composition and run-up dynamics. Data were collected from 27 national-level gymnasts (17 female, 10 male) during the Slovenian Cup competition. The focus on gender-specific predictors stems from fundamental physiological and biomechanical differences between male and female athletes, which influence force production, movement kinematics, and execution mechanics. A deeper understanding of these distinctions enhances the precision of performance modelling and supports the development of targeted, evidence-based training interventions. Spatiotemporal parameters of the run-up were recorded using the OptoGait system, while body composition was assessed with the Tanita DC-360. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Boosting regression models were used to identify key predictors of vault execution scores. These methods were selected for their ability to reduce dimensionality and capture complex, nonlinear relationships in performance data. The results revealed clear gender-specific patterns. For female gymnasts, the model explained 74.4% of the variance in execution scores, with Overall Lean Body Mass emerging as the most influential predictor (47.12% relative influence), followed by Overall Contact Phases (25.28%). For male gymnasts, the model demonstrated exceptionally high predictive power, explaining 97.8% of the variance, with Body Fat as the primary predictor (48.44% relative influence), followed by Flight and Contact Dynamics (35.22%). These findings suggest that training strategies should be tailored to gender-specific needs. For women, emphasis on lean muscle development, stride optimisation, and the coordination of rhythm and timing may be beneficial. For men, managing body fat levels, optimising flight and contact dynamics, and adopting an integrated approach to stride mechanics appear essential. Given the potential for misinterpretation of body composition metrics, a holistic approach to athletic conditioning is recommended. However, the study’s limitations, including the small sample size and cross-sectional design-warrant cautious interpretation. This research provides a foundation for future investigations into gender-specific factors affecting vault performance. Larger and longitudinal studies are needed to validate these findings and support the development of more precise training interventions. Ta raziskava je raziskovala napovedne dejavnike uspešnosti preskoka v telovadbi ločeno po spolu z uporabo tehnik strojnega učenja za razčlenitev telesne sestave in dinamike zaleta. Podatki so bili zbrani pri 27 osebah (17 žensk, 10 moških) med tekmovanjem za pokal Slovenije. Poudarek na napovednih dejavnikih uspeha po spolu izhaja iz temeljnih fizioloških in biomehaničnih razlik med moškimi in ženskami, ki vplivajo na proizvodnjo sile, kinematiko gibanja in mehaniko izvedbe. Globlje razumevanje teh razlik povečuje natančnost modeliranja uspešnosti in podpira razvoj ciljno usmerjenih, na dokazih temelječih vadbenih posegov. Prostorsko-časovni parametri zaleta so bili zabeleženi s sistemom OptoGait, medtem ko je bila telesna sestava ocenjena z napravo Tanita DC-360. Za prepoznavo ključnih napovednih dejavnikov rezultatov izvedbe preskoka sta bila uporabljena razčlenitev glavnih sestavin (PCA) in model Boostingove regresije. Ti metodi sta  bili izbrani zaradi njihove sposobnosti zmanjšanja razsežnosti in zajemanja zapletenih, nelinearnih odnosov v podatkih o uspešnosti. Rezultati so razkrili jasne vzorce, ki se točno ločijo op spolu. Pri telovadkah je model pojasnil 74,4 % spremenljivost v rezultatih izvedbe, pri čemer se je kot najpomembnejši napovedovalec izkazala celotna pusta telesna masa (47,12 % sorazmernega  vpliva), sledililo je  trajanje opore (25,28 %). Pri telovadcih je model pokazal izjemno visoko napovedno moč, saj je pojasnil 97,8 % variance, pri čemer je bila telesna maščoba najpomembnejši napovedovalec (48,44 % sorazmernega vpliva), sledila pa sta dinamika leta in opore (35,22 %). Te ugotovitve kažejo, da bi morale biti strategije vadbe prilagojene potrebam posameznega spola. Za ženske je lahko koristen poudarek na razvoju puste mišične mase, optimizaciji korakov ter skladnosti ritma in časa. Za moške se zdi bistveno obvladovanje ravni telesne maščobe, izboljšanje dinamike leta in opre ter sprejetje celostnega pristopa k mehaniki korakov. Glede na možnost napačne razlage meritev telesne sestave je priporočljiv celosten pristop k stanju telesne priprave. Vendar pa omejitve raziskave, vključno z majhno velikostjo vzorca in presečno zasnovo, zahtevajo previdno razlago. Ta raziskava zagotavlja osnovo za prihodnje raziskave dejavnikov, ločeno po spolu, ki vplivajo na uspešnost preskoka. Za potrditev teh ugotovitev in podporo razvoju natančnejših vadbenih ukrepov so potrebne obsežnejše in večletno spremljanje.

(1) Background: This study aimed to examine the differences in the kinetic energy of the body’s center of mass between successful and unsuccessful attempts at transitioning from a basket to a handstand on the parallel bars. Special attention was given to the analysis of kinetic energy as a key factor in the efficient execution of this complex element. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of 10 successful and 10 unsuccessful attempts performed by an elite gymnast (a multiple-medalist in World and European Championships). All attempts and kinematic data were recorded and analyzed using high-frequency cameras (300 Hz) and the Ariel Performance 3D video system, respectively. Successful and unsuccessful performances were compared using a paired-sample t-test. (3) Results: Significant differences in kinetic energy were observed in the first part of the anti-gravitational phase of movement between successful and unsuccessful attempts. Successful attempts demonstrated a more favorable position at the beginning of this phase, allowing better utilization of accumulated kinetic energy—a higher position of the feet and hips, and a smaller shoulder joint angle at the moment the shoulder passed through the lower vertical. (4) Conclusions: Successful attempts in gymnastics are characterized by better biomechanical optimization and efficient kinetic energy use, achieved through an earlier entry into the second phase of movement with optimal body positioning, leading to greater peripheral and angular velocities crucial for performance.

The aim of this study was to identify technical errors in artistic gymnastics, with comparative kinematic analysis of two gymnasts of different levels of success. The sample for comparative kinematic analysis consisted of ten attempts basket to handstand performed without technical errors by top gymnast and ten attempts performed with technical error by the middle-class gymnast. Kinematic analysis was performed with the help of 3-D video system for the APAS kinematic analysis, using a model with 17 points and 15 segments. Statistical significance of obtained mean differences between the two groups of attempts was determined using t-test for independent samples. Obtained results indicated that attempts performed flawlessly have significant greater speed of center of body gravity, point of hips and peak of feet; center of gravity of body is further away from the axis of rotation, and position of hang under is achieved with a greater angle in shoulder joint, and smaller in the hip joint; phase of front swing in hang under is realized with higher extension speed in hip joint and with expressed anti – flexion in the shoulder joint. All the above stated contributes to leave bars much later and again reach for with stretched arms, and thus there were no errors in the execution. Obtained information about the differences in performing between top gymnast and middle class gymnast have contributed to the identification of technical errors during execution and represents very important step in detection and elimination of them, generally in artistic gymnastic, not only for the specified element. Cilj raziskave je bil ugotoviti tehnične napake pri orodni telovadbi z uporabo kinematične analize dveh telovadcev različnih stopenj uspešnosti. Vzorec merjencev sta predstavljala dva merjenca (en vrhunski in en srednjega razreda), ki sta vsak izvedla deset točev iz stoje na rokah v stojo na rokah, ob tem jih je vrhunski telovadec izvedel brez napak, telovadec srednjega razreda pa z napakami. Narejena je bila 3D kinematična analiza vseh prvin s pomočjo APAS sistema, kjer smo spremljali 17 telesnih točk in 15 segmentov. Značilnost razlik smo preverjali s t-testom za neodvisne vzorce. Dobljeni rezultati kažejo, da imajo dobre izvedbe večjo hitrost težišča telesa, bokov, vrh stopal; prav tako je težišče telesa bolj oddaljeno od osi vrtenja, in v vesi vznosno je kot v ramenih večji ter kot v bokih manjši, ter ob prehodu iz vese v oporo je hitrost iztegovanja v bokih in ramenih večja. Vse omenjene spremenljivke vplivajo, da preide telovadec v brezoporni del kasneje in v ponovni prijem pride s stegnjenimi rokami, kar pomeni izvedbo brez napake. Pridobljeni rezultati o razlikah med dobrimi in slabimi izvedbami so navodilo vaditeljem, na kaj morajo biti pozorni pri prvini, prav tako pa je to tudi splošni napotek, kako naj se določijo tehnične napake.   Keywods: toč nazaj, bradlja, kinematične značilnosti.

Development and recognition of new gymnastics element is subjected to the evaluation of difficulty and structural complexity of the skill. The authority over the procedure lies with the Technical Committee of International Gymnastics Federation (FIG TC) and thus the classification of an element is a result of the subjective perception of its members. The present article pursued two goals. First, a method of biomechanical modelling was used to present a new gymnastics element “Dimic” on parallel bars. Second, as the element “Dimic” was evaluated with the same difficulty and placed in an identical position as “Bilozerchev” element in the Code of Points tables, the accuracy of the evaluation was tested by comparing kinematical characteristics of both elements. Measured subject was a gymnast AD, who for the purpose of the study performed both elements. Kinematic analysis was performed with the help of APAS 3-D video motion analysis system, using a model with 17 points and 15 segments. A comparison of kinematic characteristics (movement of body centre of gravity and the supporting left hand, the amount of rotation around the longitudinal axis) revealed significant differences in a non-support phase of elements both in structural characteristics and the difficulty of the execution of the skills. It can be concluded that the placement of the “Dimic” skill in the Code of Points seems incorrect. A method used in the study could in future be used in order to more adequately place new skills into the Code of Points. Razvoj in priznavanje novih prvin  je predmet ocenjevanja moške tehnične komisije FIG glede na zahtevnost prvine. Pri tem člani komisije upoštevajo predvsem svoje znanje in tudi subjektivne občutke o težavnosti prvine. Za razvoj prvine »Dimic« je bila uporabljena metoda biomehanske modeliranja. Člani tehnične komisije so prvino  »Dimic ocenili z enako težavnostjo kot prvino \"Bilozerčev\". Narejena je bila 3D kinematična analiza obeh prvin, ki jih je izvedel isti telovadec. Kinematična analiza je bila narejena z APAS sistemom, telo je predstavljal model s 17 točkami in 15 segmentov. Primerjava kinematičnih značilnosti (gibanje telesa težišča in opora z levo roko, količino vrtenja okoli vzdolžne osi) je pokazala velike razlike v brezopornem delu tako v strukturnih značilnosti in zahtevnosti izvedbe od telovadčevih spretnosti. Glede na rezultate je mogoče sklepati, da je ocena težavnosti prvine »Dimic« napačna v primerjavi s prvino »Bilozerčev« in bi morala biti ocenjena kot težja prvina.

The quality of the young people who form the basis of the university student population of the new century is very important as they represent our future world leaders. Childhood and adolescence is a precursor to a mature, adult identity, and young people may make leisure time choices that are marked by indecision, hesitation, experimentation and failed attempts or rejections. That leisure activities contribute immensely to the individual's mental and physical wellbeing is now generally well accepted, but not all over the world sport has the same strong importance. The present research has been developed to understand student's leisure activities from five countries, focusing on a sport activity in 'every-day spare time' and sport as a motive for travelling. The data has been collected through a computer assisted web questionnaire (CAWI) at the universities of five different countries, which are Slovenia, Poland, Greece, Taiwan R.O.C. and Mexico. The data were analysed using binary logistic regression. The results show differences between students from diverse cultural regions in choosing the activity in their spare time and their motives for travelling. Results shows that students from Slovenia (32.1%) and Poland (18.2%) were most likely to participate in sport as a spare time, although spending time on the Internet/PC remain the main 'activity' of the majority of students regardless of the country of origin. In addition, students typically do not see sports activity as a significant motive for traveling (4.3%), which could be a warning for sport tourism destinations and the future development of sport tourism.

Molecular surveillance was widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic to detect rapidly emerging variants and monitor the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within communities. In 2021, the Czech COVID-19 Genomics Consortium (COG-CZ) was set up to coordinate a new SARS-CoV-2 molecular surveillance network. In the Czech Republic, molecular surveillance employed whole genome sequencing (WGS) and variant discrimination polymerase chain reaction (VD-PCR) on samples collected through passive, active and sentinel surveillance. All WGS data was uploaded to GISAID and the PANGO lineages used by GISAID were compared to the main variants determined by VD-PCR. To assess the effectiveness and reliability of the gathered data in adapting pandemic responses, the capabilities and turnaround times of the molecular surveillance methods are evaluated. VD-PCR results were available within 48 h of sample collection for 81.5% of cases during the Delta/Omicron transition. WGS enabled the detection of low-frequency novel variants in infection clusters. WGS surveillance showed there was community spread of AY.20.1, a variant that gained novel mutations within the Czech Republic. Molecular surveillance informed the implementation of public health measures; temporal comparisons of restrictions and outcomes are described. Further areas for improvement have been identified for monitoring and managing future pandemics.