2026-03-07T21:03:29Z https://journal.nsa.bg/oai.php

10.37393/JASS.2017.01.1 2017-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Michailov, Michail https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7240-9591 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Lambreva, Stanislava National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Deneva, Diana National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Andonov, Hristo 2017-07-14 2017-07-14 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 1 3 12 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.01.1 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32983/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32983/download/pdf/ The muscles that exert most during sport climbing are the finger flexors followed by elbow flexors (EF). Nevertheless, climbers’ EF strength and endurance have not been tested in an isolated manner and EF endurance has not been assessed at different relative intensities. Purpose: To determine the importance of EF maximal strength and endurance in sports climbing. Methods: Nine male sports climbers and a control group of seven male sports students performed an EF maximal strength (MS) test and four EF endurance tests representing isometric muscle contractions at 90%, 70%, 50% and 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Results: Sports climbers sustained longer than the controls at 70 % (39±11 versus 28±7 s; p=0.044, η2 =0.259) and 50%MVC (57±10 versus 48±6 s; p=0.050, η2 =0.248). The highest effect size was estimated for the force-time integral related to body mass at 70% MVC (107±27 versus 75±18 N.s/kg; p=0.018, η2 = 0.338). The two groups did not differ in MS (313±52 versus 338±55 N; p=0.372) or MS related to body mass (4.6±0.6 versus 4.2±0.8 N/ kg; p=0.623). Climbing ability significantly correlated only with MS related to body mass. The relationship between MS related to body mass and on sight ability was strong (r=0.806, p=0.016). Conclusion: EF strength and endurance appear to be key performance factors in sports climbing. Sports climbing demands a high level of EF endurance during muscle contractions of high intensity. An excessive increase of EF endurance would not necessary lead to a significant improvement in climbing ability. However, higher climbing ability demands increased EF maximal strength. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press rock climbing isometric muscle contraction maximal strength muscle endurance IMPORTANCE OF ELBOW FLEXOR MUSCLE STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE IN SPORTS CLIMBING Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.01.2 2017-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Angelov, Vladimir https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8361-825X National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Tishinov, Ognian https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0609-3386 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Albert, Evald 2017-07-14 2017-07-14 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 1 13 20 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.01.2 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32984/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32984/download/pdf/ Yoga is an ancient system with complex effect on humans. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the different structural groups of yoga exercises on the balance abilities of the practitioners. The object of the research was the balance stability. The subject of the study was the value and frequency fluctuations of COG during the execution of the control balance exercise. A contingent of the study was a group of 25 practitioners. The basic scientific method used for the realization of this research is the method of posturographic analysis. It allows to determine the dynamics of COG. The practical experiment includes measurments after every training impact with various structural groups of yoga exercises. The results concern the movements of the projection of COG. The collected data is presented through tables and graphs. The results reflect the dynamics of the COG during the execution of the balance exercise. Thus, this paper established the effect of the impact of various yogic exercises on the balance stability of the participants. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press postural stability stabilogram analysis posturographic platform balance abilities yoga asana STUDY OF THE BALANCE STABILITY OF YOGA EXERCISES PRACTITIONERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.01.3 2017-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Petrov, Lubomir https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1209-959X National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Alexandrova, Albena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7007-3665 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Lefterov, Evtim 2017-07-14 2017-07-14 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 1 21 30 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.01.3 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32986/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32986/download/pdf/ Contemporary sport induces a serious physical and mental stress in athletes. This could result in lowering of their sports performance. Thus, the evaluation of stress in athletes is an important milestone in their preparation. Establishing levels of stress would allow targeted work by coaches and sports specialists to increase the resistance of competitors to stress. In this regard, the use of non-invasive methods for stress testing is essential. Recently, the use of saliva as a biological research material becomes of increasing interest. The aim of this study was to establish the potential of alpha amylase activity, protein and potassium concentrations in saliva to reflect adequately the degree of stress in athletes. Eleven boxers, participants in the National Championship, took part in the study. Saliva was collected by salivetes three times: 1) one week before the competition, 2) before the draw of lot, and 3) before the first bout. The salivary alpha amylase activity (sAA), protein and potassium concentrations were detected with commercially available kits. The sAA, protein and K+ concentrations rose significantly in stress conditions. The individual values of sAA showed large differences that could be explained by the poly-allelic expression of sAA whose activity depends on the number of alleles (2 to 14) with each individual. All tested indices could serve as indicators for evaluation of stress level in athletes as a high correlation between the protein and K+ and sAA values was found. In order to evaluate the changes in sAA and to compare the individual results between athletes we suggested the sAA to be presented in relative units. The activities, measured in calm conditions long time before a competition could be assumed as a baseline and the coefficient of increase in sAA in a stressful condition could be accepted as a “stress coefficient”. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press noninvasive methods protein concentration potassium concentration saliva salivary alfa amylase sport stress A NEW APPROACH TO INTERPRETATION OF SALIVARY ALFA AMYLASE ACTIVITY CHANGES AS A STRESS INDICATOR Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.01.4 2017-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Vladova, Ina Sakarya University State Conservatory, Sakarya, author Ünlü, Yiğit 2017-07-14 2017-07-14 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 1 31 45 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.01.4 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32990/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32990/download/pdf/ Contemporary professional dance art is close, to a great extent, to sport of excellence. The requirements to performers are constantly increasing and hence the need of properly organised specialised training, including a system of drills, stretching and dance exercise for developing their motor skills. The aim of this empirical study is to establish the need of including a specialised methodology for the development of the motor skills in the dance practice in the Republic of Turkey – strength and flexibility for the dancers of Turkish folk dances. The tasks are: to study the dance practice in the Republic of Turkey and to explore the views of the future dance pedagogues on the implementation of a program in dance training for the development of motor skills. The survey was conducted among dance students of Turkish folk dances with the help of a specially designed questionnaire. Our sustained observations and the analysis of the existing literature show lack of exhaustive research in the field of the dance theory and practice in the Republic of Turkey. There is insufficient data on the existence of a uniform methodology for working in the dance groups for the development of flexibility and strength with the use of specially elaborated programs, including dance exercises. The results of the conducted survey confirm the absence of a unified and purposeful work in this area. At present, in teaching dance, there is not enough emphasis put on the purposeful development of dancers’ motor skills. Given the increasing requirements dancers face, we consider it unreasonable that the scientific achievements not be widely introduced in the pedagogic practice in Turkey. Such discrepancy between theory and practice may have serious consequences – an increased risk of injuries and lasting disabilities, shorter career as a dancer and a debased professional satisfaction. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press dance motor skills strength flexibility ON THE IMPORTANCE AND NEED OF FLEXIBILITY AND STRENGTH REFINEMENT AS AN ELEMENT OF DANCERS’ TRAINING Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.01.5 2017-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Iancheva, Tatiana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9718-6056 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Kuleva, Milena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6467-9644 2017-07-14 2017-07-14 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 1 46 57 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.01.5 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32991/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32991/download/pdf/ A number of scientific studies in the field of sports psychology are aimed at revealing the reasons, factors and conditions, which lead to success. The other side of the problem – how we cope with success – remains underestimated. The effect of the subjective experience of success can lead to different behavior effects - from mobilization and psychic upsurge to self-reassurance, disorganization, and loss of activity. The consequences of success make the researchers examine their connection with different coping strategies. The aim of the present study is to examine how success is defined, how its determinants and consequences are interpreted, and what their connection with the applied coping strategies is. The research was done among 115 athletes, practicing different kinds of sport, divided into groups depending on their gender, age, and qualification. We used: 1) Specially developed scale for surveying the attitude to success; 2) Coping Orientation s to Problems Experienced scale – COPE –1 (Carver et al., 1989), adapted for Bulgarian conditions and optimized for sports practice (Georgiev et al., 2003). Athletes define success mainly as confidence and assertiveness. Mobilization and belief in one’s abilities is dominant. The most important factors for success are good preparation and input efforts. There are some negative consequences with some of the athletes – remissness, insufficient efforts, enhanced emotional reactions. The leading ones are cognitively engaged coping strategies. There are significant differences depending on age, gender, and qualification. The dependences between the researched indexes were given. The obtained results and established regularities direct the attention to possibilities of control and regulation of the negative consequences in the process of preparation with appropriate purposeful, scientifically proven influences, part of which are the coping strategies. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press success cope with success sport coping strategies COPE WITH SUCCESS IN SPORT Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.01.6 2017-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Maznev, Ivan National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Izov, Nikolay https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1362-5291 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nikolova, Milena National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Dimitrova, Antoaneta National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Grigorova-Petrova, Kristin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3191-3788 2017-07-14 2017-07-14 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 1 58 62 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.01.6 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32992/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32992/download/pdf/ Cellulite is a very common problem with women of all ages, and many of them try to solve it using various methods. To evaluate the effect of swimming and physiotherapy on subcutaneous fat in overweight women with female type of adipose deposition. The research was done among 38 women aged between 22 and 48 years, with gynoid accumulation of fat and cellulite II, III-A and III-B classes. For one month, a complex of fifteen procedures was applied every other day. The procedures included a combination of the following methods: free style intermittent swimming for 20 min in a pool, a vacuum massage - 30 min, a lymphatic press massage - 20 min, a manual massage with anti-cellulite creams - 20 min. The combination of exercises for the muscles of the abdominal wall, hip muscles and thighs had to be performed at home daily. Five circumferences and ten skin folds were measured before and after the treatment. We found out that a total of ten skin folds was an integral indicator of the nutritional obesity degree and level of subcutaneous fat. At the end of the study, subcutaneous fat was reduced from 222.4 mm to 209.9 mm (10.34%). The reduction of the skin folds, typical for gynoid type deposition of fat and cellulites, was the most pronounced in the following zones: a fold over anterior superior iliac spine, a fold over the patella, a fold in the popliteal fossa and a fold on the medial side of the cruris. The results of the complex therapeutic approach revealed a reduction in the examined indicators within the first month. It is suitable to apply swimming and physiotherapy in the comprehensive treatment of cellulite with women who have female type of adipose deposition. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press cellulite female type of fat deposition swimming massage techniques PHYSICAL THERAPY AND SWIMMING INFLUENCE ON FEMALE TYPE OF ADIPOSE DEPOSITION AND CELLULITE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.01.7 2017-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Albert, Mariana National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Albert, Evald 2017-07-14 2017-07-14 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 1 63 77 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.01.7 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32993/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32993/download/pdf/ The motivation for conducting the present research is the creation of kinesitherapeutic algorithms adapted to visually impaired student so that they can achieve greater autonomy and activity in motor skills during sports classes. The aim of the study is to develop a kinesitherapeutic program to improve the physical fitness of students with visual impairments during their sports classes. Tasks: To explore the peculiarities of the students’ adaptation to regular physical workload; To analyze the students’ social behavior and attitude within and outside the group; To optimize the methods of teaching sport. The research was done among 105 people (male and female) with major Vision-impaired Masseurs. The Kinesitherapeutic Program included five successive stages: 1. Improving coordination 2. Training proper breathing. 3. Investigating and practicing Chi gon exercise. 4. Learning and applying yoga exercises. 5. Filling in a questionnaire. The survey shows that 82.86% of students believe the kinesitherapeutic program improves their autonomy and locomotion activity, increases their motor skills and physical fitness. The kinesitherapeutic program is applicable to pupils as well as students with visual disturbances with different majors. For the first time, sports classes combine Chi gong and yoga exercises with static-strength workouts and balance exercises to increase physical activity as well as to prevent and treat clinical conditions associated with visual disturbances. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press students with visual disturbances sports classes OPTIMIZATION OF TEACHING METHODS IN SPORTS CLASSES WITH STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.01.8 2017-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Grigorova-Petrova, Kristin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3191-3788 2017-07-14 2017-07-14 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 1 78 83 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.01.8 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32994/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32994/download/pdf/ The respiratory function of patients with stroke becomes worse and may lead to restrictive disorders in ventilation and pulmonary complications. The purpose of this study is to establish the ability to influence respiratory disorders through a feedback breathing device in the acute period after a stroke. The research was done among 59 patients who were monitored in the acute period after an ischemic stroke. They were divided into two groups, exercise group (EG) and control group (CG), according to their consent to perform breathing exercises at home. Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1) and inspiratory capacity (IC) were measured. There were significant differences in the first month in the PEF and IC between the two groups. All spirometric parameters improved in the EG with significant increase in FEV1 and IC. The conducted study and the results indicate that goal-oriented training by incentive breathing device provides informative feedback on inspiration, facilitates cognitive stage, and positively influences inspiratory capacity among patients with acute ischemic stroke. The self-control during breathing facilitates early involvement of the basic principles of motor learning. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press physical therapy stroke breathing exercises GOAL-ORIENTED BREATHING EXERCISES IN ACUTE PERIOD AFTER STROKE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.01.9 2017-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Izov, Nikolay https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1362-5291 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Maznev, Ivan National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nikolova, Milena Faculty of Medical Sciences, GoceDelchev University, Shtip, author Vasileva, Dance 2017-07-14 2017-07-14 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 1 84 90 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.01.9 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32996/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32996/download/pdf/ Aim: This research aims to evaluate the effect of swimming and physiotherapy in a complex treatment of patients with nephrolithiasis treated under sanatorium conditions. Materials and methods: Twenty patients with nephrolithiasis who can swim, were surveyed and all of them were included in the experimental group (EG n=20). They performed swimming and physical therapy. Mean age of EG was 44.1 years. Swimming was not applied to another twenty-eight patients with the same disease, because they cannot swim. They were included in the control group (CG n=28). Mean age of CG was 49.5 years. For the purpose of the research changes in: body weight, vital capacity, abdominal muscle strength and elimination of the concretions visualized by ultrasound imaging were assessed. During their 15-day sanatorium stay, all patients performed daily physiotherapy for half an hour, tourist hikes and in addition patients of EG swam twice daily for 15 min. Results: The results revealed that the applied physiotherapy and swimming significantly improved the monitored indicators. Targeted physical exercises were effective for increasing the effect of balneological treatment, leading to clearly expressed positive changes among patients with nephrolithiasis. Conclusion: The study revealed that the rehabilitation program consisting of therapeutic exercises and swimming benefited the patients of the experimental group. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press nephrolithiasis swimming physiotherapy SPA balneology EFFECT OF SWIMMING AND PHYSIOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH NEPHROLITHIASIS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.02.1 2017-12-15 jass

Department of Biokinetics and Sports Science, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa author Mathunjwa, Musa Department of Biokinetics and Sports Science, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa author Mugandani, Sam Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa author Kappo, Abidemi Bulgarian Union of Physical Culture and Sport, Sofia, Bulgaria author Ivanov, Svetoslav Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa author Djarova-Daniels, Trayana 2017-12-15 2017-12-15 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 3 9 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.02.1 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32950/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32950/download/pdf/ Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare motor abilities in young and adult male South African Taekwondo athletes. To date, knowledge of the motor ability demands of this combat sport is in its infancy. Methodology: Participants were profiled as junior (n = 25, 15.5 ± 2.6 years, 163.0 ± 13.4 cm, 53.3 ± 10.7kg) and senior (n = 20, 23.5±2.5 years, 166.8 ± 7.9cm, 68.6±7.9kg) males from a local Taekwondo (WTF) club in South Africa. Flexibility (sit-and reach), abdominal strength and endurance (60-second sit-ups and 2 minutes push ups), explosive leg power (vertical jump), agility (T-test), aerobic power (20 m bleep test) converted to maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) were measured. Data were analysed with t-test for independent samples and Z-score individual radar plot statistics for each athlete. Results: There was no significant difference in agility between juniors (10.9 ±0.4s) and seniors (12.6 ± 1.2s) (p>0.05). The seniors showed significant (p text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Taekwondo athletes motor ability VO2max Kyorugi Z-score radar plot MOTOR ABILITY PROFILE OF JUNIOR AND SENIOR MALE SOUTH AFRICAN TAEKWONDO ATHLETES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.02.2 2017-12-15 jass

Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia author Stojanović, Nikola Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia author Savić, Zvezdan Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia author Paunović, Miloš Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia author Dumbelović, Dragomir 2017-12-15 2017-12-15 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 10 18 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.02.2 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32951/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32951/download/pdf/ Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine if there are certain relations between maximal isometric strength and competition performance of young kayakers. Methods: This study was conducted with a sample of 25 male young kayakers from the kayak clubs of Serbia and Macedonia, aged 11 ± 1.5 years. Kayakers were divided into two separate groups, group of pioneers aged 11,36 (±1,54), and group of kadets aged 15(±1,58). Kayakers performed three isometric strength tests: hand grip, knee extensor, and lower back extensor. Testing was performed half an hour before the copmetition due to maximal performance, and more importantly test procedures did not have any negative effect on the final performance. Subjects were adviced to produce maximal effort as fast as they can. Correlation analysis was used to process obtained results in STATISTICA 8 for Windows. Results: The overall analysis showed that there was a moderate correlation between all of maximal ismometric strength test results and competition performance among pioneer kayakers, and there was no statistical significant correlation between all of maximal ismometric strength test results and competition performance among kadet kayakers. Discussion and Conclusion: The general objective of this study was to highlight the importance of maximal isometric force production as the contributor of competition performance. But this data should be considered with caution, because the paddeling techniques and anticipation during the race are often the most important parameters of success. However, strength developement should not be ignored while planning the training process. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press kayaking performance force production RELATIONS BETWEEN MAXIMAL ISOMETRIC STRENGTH AND COMPETITION PERFORMANCE AMONG YOUNG KAYAKERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.02.3 2017-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Borukova, Mariana 2017-12-15 2017-12-15 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 19 30 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.02.3 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32952/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32952/download/pdf/ Knowing the age and gender characteristics of children is a prerequisite for the sports pedagogue to manage the different stages of the multi-annual sports training. The complex development of motor skills raises the question of the assessment and control of the specific functional training of the athletes. Permanent control over the level of development of basic motor skills allows coaches to determine the main directions for optimization of the educational and training process and to work more effectively for the development of specific technical and tactical skills of adolescent basketball players. Undoubtedly, one of the main factors of gaming efficiency is the ability of the athletes to materialize their motor potential in rational technical and tactical actions. To the greatest extent, the contribution of each of the indicators studied to the sports performance of an individual or group depends on 3-4 key factors. The disclosure of the factor structure of physical development and the specific work capacity of 14-15-year-old basketball players is of high information value for the optimization of the training process. In the present study, the five identified factors have the largest contribution to the basketball achievement for this age group. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press basketball growing up basketball players optimization educational and training process MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF SPORTS PREPARATION OF 14-15-YEAR-OLD FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.02.4 2017-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Rogleva, Galina National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Iancheva, Tatiana https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9718-6056 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Shopov, Aleksander 2017-12-15 2017-12-15 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 31 41 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.02.4 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32953/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32953/download/pdf/ The ХХV Bulgarian Antarctic expedition on the Livingston isles, which included scientists and alpinists, began in November 2016. The participants’ activities are highly dependent on the extreme conditions they are in. The aim of the present research is to study dynamics of anxiety and perceived stress and to find a relation with the participants’ preferred strategies for coping with stress in highly risky activities in an extreme climatic and social environment. Subject of the study were 21 participants in the ХХV Bulgarian Antarctic expedition, mean age 27 and 70. We have used Bulgarian adaptation of: Spielberger‘s Anxiety Inventory (STAI); Questionnaire for perceived stress (PS-1) and Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced scale – COPE 1. The first two tests were applied before the departure for Antarctica and before the return to Bulgaria. The level of perceived stress in the beginning of the expedition is significantly higher compared to the results obtained in the end of the expedition. Similar results were observed in terms of situational anxiety, which refers to the dynamic mental states. The cognitive engagement coping strategies are the main ones, whereas cognitive and emotional disengagement strategies are the least used. The results from the regression analysis show that the high levels of perceived stress has the biggest impact on the levels of anxiety in participants studied. The present study adds to the understanding the role of anxiety and perceived stress in difficult and challenging missions in extreme conditions in highly risky activities. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press coping strategies risk-taking activity cognitive engagement coping strategies DYNAMICS OF ANXIETY AND PERCEIVED STRESS AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE ХХV ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.02.5 2017-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Dimitrova, Diana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4170-9377 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Vanlyan, Galina https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5816-0128 2017-12-15 2017-12-15 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 42 49 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.02.5 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32958/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32958/download/pdf/ Introduction: There is still conflicting information about the prevalence of EDs with female athletes. The results for different countries and subpopulations of athletes also show large variations due to various reasons including intercultural differences, eating habits and behaviors. Purpose: The aim of this first for Bulgaria study was to examine the prevalence of eating disorder attitudes and behaviors among Bulgarian female athletes and to estimate how eating disorders vary across the nature of the sport and level of proficiency. Methods: A total of 363 female athletes, aged between 12-25 years participated in the study. All participants completed an anonymous paper-based EDE-Q and provided information about their age, sports experience, participation in competitions and competitive level. The subjects were divided into groups according to the type of sport (aesthetic and non-aesthetic) and level of participation (non-competitive, low and high competitive level). Results: There were no differences between the athletes in the subgroups with respect to any of the EDE-Q subscales. On the basis of pre-established cutoff score of 4 on EDE-Q scales and the presence of pathological eating behavior we found the same prevalence rate of eating disorder with female athletes in both aesthetic sports (33.3%) and non-aesthetic sports (31.8%). Although the tendency of increasing the incidents with DE was observed, the statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the three groups with respect to the level of participation. Conclusion: This study found a relatively high prevalence of abnormal eating patterns with Bulgarian female athletes, as measured by EDE-Q. Eating disorder behavior is a prerequisite for increased risk of mental eating disorders and serious health problems. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press disorder eating female athletes EDE-Q prevalence rate EATING DISORDERS WITH FEMALE ATHLETES: IMPORTANCE OF THE KIND OF SPORT AND LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.02.6 2017-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Stefanova, Dorothea National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Petrova, Borislava 2017-12-15 2017-12-15 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 50 62 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.02.6 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32959/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32959/download/pdf/ The Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) is the most commonly used test for the assessment of anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity of athletes. The well-known parameters recorded during the WAnT routine procedure, in our opinion, could be subjected to additional analysis generating substantial additional physiological data. The aim of this study was to develop a new, easy to set up method estimating the relationship between the contribution of the anaerobic and aerobic energy systems in athletes performing WAnT. A parallel registration of WAnT parameters and the oxygen consumption breath by breath was done. Thus, the indicators for the activity of the aerobic and anaerobic systems, ensuring the physical effort in each segment (in seconds) of the test, were calculated. The proposed method was introduced and applied to twelve soccer players, 14 years of age; height 164,7±8,0 cm; body weight 50,7±9,2 kg; maximal heart rate 195,7±7,0 bpm; maximal oxygen uptake 58,1±9,9 ml.kg-1. Participants were tested twice, before and after 5 months specialized training program focussed on the improvement of speed/power and endurance. Statistically significant progress was found in: Total power output by 16,4%; O2 deficit by 32,4%; O2 deficit/O2 excess by 80,3% in favor of the deficit. It was established that the differences in the calculated physiological parameters during the performance of the WAnT before and after the fivemonth training program are more pronounced compared to the ergometric ones, especially with regard to the participation of each system in energy processes. The results indicate that the proposed physiological parameters are of high sensitivity and reflect strong associations with the metabolic changes in response to the training modalities. The method is easy to implement, allowing quick analysis of the individual results and its application in exercise physiology laboratories and the sports practice could be beneficial. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Wingate Anaerobic Test oxygen uptake oxygen deficit power output WINGATE ANAEROBIC TEST: ADDITIONAL PHYSIOOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.02.7 2017-12-15 jass

University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa author Mugandani, Sam Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa author Djarova-Daniels, Trayana 2017-12-15 2017-12-15 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 63 67 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.02.7 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32960/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32960/download/pdf/ Exercise is known to cause considerable changes in leucocyte counts and functions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exercise on leukocyte counts in athletes of different sporting codes during the competition time of the season. Forty-two university athletes voluntarily participated in the study, rugby players, male soccer players, female soccer players and female netball players. Blood samples were collected and analysis for whole blood count was done in Lancet laboratory, Richards Bay, RSA. Data were analyzed using unpaired t-test for treatment independent samples. It is noteworthy to point out the higher levels of leucocytes in the netball players than in female soccer players (6.8 ± 1.24 X 109 /L and 6.11 ± 1.28 X 109 /L respectively). The lymphocyte levels were also higher in the netball players than in female soccer players (2.60 ± 0.58 X109 /L and 2.16 ± 0.49 X109 /L respectively). There were also higher levels of leucocytes in the male soccer players compared to the male rugby players (6.26 ± 1.97X109 /L and 5.46 ± 0.99 X109 /L respectively). The lymphocyte levels were higher in the soccer players than in the rugby players (2.17 ± 0.36 X109 /L and 1.85 ± 0.32 X109 /L respectively), but the differences were not significant at p< 0.05. The changes in leucocytes could be a result (among other things) of the removal of dead cells related to exercise stress and trauma. It was expected, considering the levels of physical contact, that the leucocyte counts and the lymphocytes in particular were going to be higher among female netball players and male soccer players. The athletes’ results for the measured blood parameters were within the health norms. These findings could be related to the less intensive training protocols and lower levels of physical contact and stress in players from the students teams compared to the professional players text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press athletes exercise stress leucocytes lymphocytes DIFFERENCE IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF SELECTED BLOOD VARIABLES AMONG ATHLETES DURING A COMPETITION PERIOD Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.02.8 2017-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Dimitrova, Evgeniya National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nikolov, Dimitar 2017-12-15 2017-12-15 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 68 75 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.02.8 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32962/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32962/download/pdf/ Spinal deformities are a major demographic health issue among the adult population all over the world. Surgeons are often very conservative in the treatment of adult scoliosis because of the complication rates associated with the surgeries. A prerequisite to surgical interventions is usually failure of all appropriate conservative care. There is currently a lack of consensus on the most efficient conservative treatments for adult scoliosis. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of two different methods of exercise-based therapies on the treatment of adult idiopathic scoliosis. The research was done among 62 patients with scoliosis (10.93°Cobb) and back pain. They were randomly divided into two groups, depending on the physiotherapy (PT) protocol. To evaluate the effect of physiotherapy we used the posture assessment, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, muscle strength test and Functional Rating Index (FRI). The control group – CG (n=37) performed a conventional physiotherapy program, including symmetrical exercises for the trunk muscles, lower and upper limbs, while the experimental group – EG (n=25) performed PT program, additionally including spinal mobilization, muscle energy technique, and postural therapy. The results after 6 months of treatment revealed a statistically significant improvement in the following parameters in the EG: the posture correction, pain index (according to VAS), muscle strength hand quality of live (p < 0.01). In the control group these results did not improve significantly. Conclusion: The combined use of spinal mobilization and postural therapy applied in the EG appears more effective than the conventional physiotherapy program used in the treatment of adult scoliosis. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press adult scoliosis idiopathic scoliosis physiotherapy PHYSIOTHERAPY METHODS FOR PATIENTS WITH ADULT SCOLIOSIS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2017.02.9 2017-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Stefanov, Lachezar National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Ivanov, Ivan National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Aleksieva, Daniela 2017-12-15 2017-12-15 2017 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 1 76 81 2017 10.37393/JASS.2017.02.9 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32963/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32963/download/pdf/ Cycling is a sport that integrates man‘s physical condition and the technical parameters of the cycle. The position of the body in relation to the cycle is particularly important for obtaining results of this physical activity. Together with the other factors determining the right upright posture saddle height is also important. We studied the relationship between the Monark 618-E cycle ergometer saddle height and mechanical effectiveness when pedalling. For this purpose, we chose the Wingate cycle ergometer anaerobic test. We studied 8 men volunteers, aged between 19 to 25 years, all of them students at the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski” in Sofia, with major - cycling coach. The research demonstrates that the lower height of the saddle compared to the one recommended in the “Heel” method, leads to lower mechanical effectiveness of pedalling in terms of W/kg body weight. This affects both the maximal and the average power of pedalling, with statistical significance of 99% determined by Mann-Whitney non-parametric test. Relative to the literature discussed, the study presents new evidence of the height of the cycle saddle for mechanical pedaling effectiveness. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Wingate Anaerobic Test Saddle Height Mechanical Effectiveness Maximal Power RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MECHANICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF PEDALLING AND THE CYCLE ERGOMETER SADDLE HEIGHT Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.01.1 2018-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Miladinov, Ognyan National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Velin, Vladimir 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 1 3 13 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.01.1 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32964/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32964/download/pdf/ The drop jump is a frequently used and widely examined training exercise aimed at the development of one of the most important qualities in sports with speed-strength character – the explosive power. The common options for execution of this exercise suppose the general development of the explosive power of the lower limbs without taking into consideration the kinematics and dynamics related to a certain kind of sport or sports discipline. The main aim of the research is to reveal reliable interdependencies of kinematic and dynamic parameters of movements between the drop jump on an inclined platform and the take-off from the board in the long jump and the triple jump. The research is aimed at modeling the parameters of execution of this exercise so that it can meet the kinematics and dynamics of the take-off in the horizontal athletics jumps. We examined some kinematic and dynamic parameters of movements in the drop jump on an inclined platform with different angle of inclination and made a comparison with the same parameters in the take-off in the competitive events long jump and triple jump. We determined significant differences and conformities between the researched parameters. On the base of the conclusions made we designed a piece of training equipment so that this exercise can be implemented in practice. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press long jump triple jump drop jump explosive power inclined platform KINEMATIC-DYNAMIC INTERRELATIONS BETWEEN THE DROP JUMP ON INCLINED PLATFORM AND THE TAKE-OFF IN THE HORIZONTAL ATHLETICS JUMPS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.01.2 2018-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Bonova, Iveta 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 1 14 20 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.01.2 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32972/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32972/download/pdf/ The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in the sports achievements for 5,000 meters running as a result of interval normobaric hypoxia training. Ten college sportsmen preparing for national and students long distance track and field championships, were randomly assigned into two groups - Experimental and Control. The Experimental group performed 3 training sessions weekly with interval normobaric hypoxia. The experiment was of 6 weeks duration. Every new week the hypoxic stimulus was increased with 500 m simulated altitude while speed of running remained constant during the whole experiment. The training speed of running was determined individually as 70% from the maximal running speed at VO2 max from incremental cardio-pulmonary test to exhaustion. The control group was performing standard training at 560 m altitude. The results show statistically significant improvement (p< 0.05) in the sports results in the experimental group which improved their personal best records in 5000 m long distance. The results also show small, but significant increase in VO2 max for the Experimental group, while there is not such a tendency in the Control group text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press normobaric hypoxia training 5000 m. running sports achievement VO2 max CHANGES IN THE SPORTS ACHIEVEMENT FOR 5000 METERS DISTANCE RUNNING FOLLOWING NORMOBARIC HYPOXIA TRAINING Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.01.3 2018-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Petrova, Borislava 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 1 21 29 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.01.3 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32973/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32973/download/pdf/ In this study, we: (a) developed allometric exponents for scaling Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) power data that are effective in controlling body mass(BM) influence; and (b) established a normative WAnT data set for young soccer players. Forty-six players completed a standard WAnT. Allometric exponents and percentile ranking for peak power (PP), average power (AP) and power output for 30 s (W 30 s) were established. Allometric exponents “b” for PP, AP and W (30 s) scaled for BM were 0.72,0.78 and 0.85 respectively using braking force 75 g.kg-1, markedly higher from the theoretical suggested of b=0.67. The study shows the possibilities of applying the allometric scaling in the coaches practice. If these exponents in allometric scaling of young soccer players are used, WAnT power values will provide coaches with valid means for comparing power production between individuals without the confounding influence of BM. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Wingate anaerobic test allometric scaling ALLOMETRIC SCALING OF WINGATE ANAEROBIC TESTSCORES IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.01.4 2018-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Kachaunov, Mihail https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6877-6054 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 1 30 36 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.01.4 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32976/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32976/download/pdf/ The aim of this study was to seek a possible significant correlation between post-competition blood lactate concentrations (BLc) and the times achieved in swimming events. The research was done among 71 swimmers (44 men and 27 women) of the Bulgarian national swimming team. The average age of the participants was 17.48 ± 2.50 years (18.02 ± 2.62 for men and 16.59 ± 2.00 for women). Blood lactate concentrations were measured 3 to 6 min after the finals of all individual swimming events in official competitions and the time ranged between 653 and 898 FINA points. The total number of measurements was 280 (175 samples from men and 105 from women) collected during a 3-year period (2016 -2018). The results indicated that the highest mean values of BLc were obtained after sprint distances: men’s 100 m freestyle (16.91 ± 4.32 mmol/L) and women’s 100 m butterfly (16.89 ± 2.35 mmol/L). The lowest mean values were measured after distance swimming of 1500 m freestyle: 7.14 ± 3.34 mmol/L for the man and 5.10 mmol/L for the women. Statistically significant coefficients of correlation between swimming times and BLc were observed in men’s swimming events of 100 m butterfly (r = -0.484); 100 m backstroke (r = -0.721); 100 m freestyle (r = -0.854); 50 m freestyle (r = -0.891) and women’s swimming event of 50 m freestyle (r = -0.688). In conclusion, there is no statistically significant difference in the post-competitive BLc levels depending on gender; significant differences in mean values of BLc between breaststroke and all other strokes; in sprint swimming events (especially in 100 m freestyle) statistically significant correlations between BLc and swimming times were observed. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press swimming blood lactate concentration POST - COMPETITION BLOOD LACTATE CONCENTRATION IN SWIMMERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.01.5 2018-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Peev, Petar https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1402-5121 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Gadev, Marin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1490-5946 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 1 37 44 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.01.5 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32977/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32977/download/pdf/ Focus of this research is the relationship between the motor abilities. The interest in this topic is dictated from the fact that there isn’t enough information about it in elite female football. For the purpose of the research we made tests to define the level of development of the motor abilities of 68 elite female football players. We also made a descriptive statistics and correlation analysis and we received the following results: descriptive statistics shows that the researched indicators are highly homogeneous (in range of V% =2,67 to 5,05); the correlation between accelerative abilities and maximal sprinting abilities is moderate and positive (r= 0,634); the correlation between power abilities with explosive character and other researched abilities is moderate and negative (r= -0,430, r= -0,494, r= -0,455); the speed endurance abilities have moderate to strong and positive correlation with the accelerative and maximal sprinting abilities (r= 0,600, r= 0,809). Conclusions: 1) Improving the power abilities with explosive character creates beneficial conditions in development of the other motor abilities; 2) Improving of the speed abilities is a major component of the conditioning in female soccer; 3) The most important factor for improving the speed endurance is creating a “speed reserve”. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press women football elite conditioning correlation CORRELATION BETWEEN MOTOR ABILITIES OF ELITE FEMALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.01.6 2018-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Gantcheva, Giurka National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Videv, Emil National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Grigorov, Bisser 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 1 45 52 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.01.6 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32978/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32978/download/pdf/ Rhythmical abilities, being part of the coordination abilities of athletes, are an important factor for the successful realization in the complex-coordination kinds of sports. The initial learning of the exercises requires the strict following of a rhythm, set with music, to distinguish the different phases of motor activities and their duration. The rhythm of motor activities is subjected to the inner rhythm of the performer, to the different rhythm of the movements with the apparatuses, and to the rhythmical structure of the music accompaniment. The rhythmical execution and the harmonious connection between movements and music is one of the major characteristics of gymnastics events. The aim of the research is to study the rhythmical abilities of athletes, practicing kinds of sports whose motor activity requires the use of musical accompaniment and those which do not require such. The research was done among 72 individuals. Methods: For coordination in rhythm we used four tests: Frontal kicking with legs and armsonthewall - (Fkla), Jumpsinfoursquares – (J4sq), Crossover jumps in four squares – (Cj4sq), Kicking with legs and arms – (Kla). The results from the tests – Jumps in four squares и Crossover jumps in four squares – correlate with each other significantly with the gymnasts (.710**) and moderately with the athletes practicing other kinds of sports (.358**). The results from the agility tests correlate significantly with the gymnasts (.723**), and moderately with the athletes from the other sports (.654**). The mean values (х=10.20, х=4.41) and (х=10.6, х=8.24) of the tests, performed with arms and legs are better with the gymnasts. The results from the research showed the necessity of adapting the applied tests so that they could be implemented in research with different age groups. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press rhythmical abilities gymnastics other sports music accompaniment RESEARCH OF THE RHYTHMICAL ABILITIES OF RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.01.7 2018-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Iancheva, Tatiana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9718-6056 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Rogleva, Galina National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Kuleva, Milena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6467-9644 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 1 53 63 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.01.7 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32979/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32979/download/pdf/ The activities performed by people who go on military missions or on Antarctic expeditions to Livingston Island often arise various questions and interpretations. On the one hand, they suppose a tendency toward risky acts; on the other hand, they require discipline and balance in one’s behavior. The aim of our study was to examine the peculiarities of the need of security and the need of sensation seeking as basic personal variables of participants in military missions in Afghanistan and Bulgarian Antarctic expeditions and to examine their relation to the coping strategies applied. The research was done among 141 individuals (107 participants in Bulgarian military contingent which took part in an international NATO mission in Afghanistan in 2017 and 34 participants in two Bulgarian Antarctic expedition on Livingston Island in 2014/2015 and 2016/2017. All the individuals researched were divided into groups according to their age, gender and rank. We used: 1) Need of security assessment test (A. Velichkov, M. Radoslavova, S. Vassileva, V. Todorov, 1998). 2) Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced Scale – COPE – 1 (Carver et al., 1989), adapted for Bulgarian conditions (M. Georgiev et al., 2003) and 3) Research methods of psychic instability and sensation seeking, adapted by A. Velichkov and M. Radoslavova (2005). It is based on M. Zuckerman’s methods (1979, 1994). The researched participants in military missions and the explorers from Antarctic expeditions showed significant differences along the indexes between the two groups. The participants in military mission have lower values along all scales of the need of sensation seeking in comparison with the established norms for the Bulgarian sample and higher values of the need of security. The results of the participants in the Antarctic expeditions are particularly interesting. Regardless of their pronounced inclination to adventurous experiences and risky behavior, to hasty and impulsive actions, when subjected to tension, uncertainty and stress they revert to cognitive engaged coping strategies, which suppose active coping, planning, mobilization and a sense of control over the situation. The established regularities are a valuable reference point both for the selection of the participants in military missions and expeditions and for the insurance of their safety. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press need of security sensation seeking military missions stress coping strategies Antarctic expeditions SENSATION SEEKING AND STRESS COPING STRATEGIES OF PARTICIPANTS IN MILITARY MISSIONS IN AFGHANISTAN AND ANTARCTIC EXPEDITIONS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.01.8 2018-07-09 jass

Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, India author Verma, J P https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2487-3004 G R Medical College, Gwalior, India author Jaseja, Harinder https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7477-1428 Medical University Plovdiv, Bulgaria author Boyadjiev, Nikolay Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, India author Gurjar, Priti Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, India author Bhojane, Amey Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, India author Singh, Ajeet 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 1 64 69 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.01.8 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32980/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32980/download/pdf/ An estimate of body mass index (BMI) is a convenient technique to determine a healthy weight in accordance with height and is based on certain anthropometric parameters. This study was undertaken to statistically analyze the differential significance of anthropometric parameters in contributing to regional and age variation in BMI in a cohort population. The study population comprised of 101 school teachers from Mumbai (coastal) and Gwalior (plains) regions of both sexs (males=76) and (females=25). The data on age, waist circumference and hip circumference was obtained and subjected to regression analysis using the IBM SPSS version 22 software. In general, the results show that, waist in males and hip circumference in females is the single most important parameter in estimating the BMI. However, by considering all the three parameters i.e., age, waist and hip circumferences, the accuracy of BMI estimation can be enhanced both in males and females. The results exhibit a significant effect of regional influence but marginal influence of age in estimating the BMI. A definite and interesting difference in the contribution of anthropometric parameters in the regional variation of BMI was detected. The observations strongly suggest development of region-wise as well as age-wise BMI estimation models. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press BMI regression analysis regional influence on BMI anthropometric A STATISTICAL APPROACH TO THE DETERMINATION OF THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTING ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETER(S) FOR REGIONAL VARIATION IN BODY MASS INDEX IN COASTAL AND PLAIN REGIONS OF INDIA: A PILOT COHORT STUDY Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.01.9 2018-07-09 jass

University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa author Breukelman, Gerrit https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2586-4668 University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa author Preez, Cornelia Johanna Du University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa author Djarova-Daniels, Trayana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3685-7917 University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa author Basson, Albertus https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7685-2099 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 1 70 87 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.01.9 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32982/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32982/download/pdf/ Diabetes is a worldwide health problem and is prevalent in both developed and developing countries. Type 2 diabetes is characterized as being insulin resistant with inadequate insulin response to maintain a normal concentration of glucose in the blood. It is estimated that Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90–95% of all diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be described as a chronic and progressive disease, caused by a combination of resistance to insulin action and impaired insulin secretion, where obesity and overweight, due to excess body fat with fat distributed in the upper body are the main complications of insulin resistance. With the dramatic increase in obesity, low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat diets have become increasingly popular. Diets limiting the amount of carbohydrate intake have been called low-carbohydrate or very-low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat, Banting and ketogenic diets, and are characterized by 50g or less carbohydrates per day. High fat low carbohydrate diets have been found to be different from the traditional diets of most cultures. Recent studies however show that there are potential benefits associated with reducing carbohydrates and increasing fat intake. Low-carbohydrate diets have become very popular for weight loss. Although they may improve some metabolic markers, particularly in Type 2 diabetes mellitus, they seemingly have an effect on body weight, glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors as well. Research shows that by reducing aerobic exercise capacity; poor glycemic control, increase in cardiovascular risk and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) are common with Type 2 diabetics. Aerobic exercise capacity and glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes can be improved by being physically active. Regular physical activity along with diet therapy provides health benefits and has been found to be essential for primary and secondary prevention of most metabolic disorders text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Type 2 diabetes low-carbohydrate high-fat diet physical exercise glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) & cholesterol THE EFFECTS OF A LOW-CARBOHYDRATE HIGH-FAT DIET AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS: A REVIEW Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.02.1 2018-12-13 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Alexandrova, Albena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7007-3665 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Penov, Radoslav https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3355-0725 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Petrov, Lubomir https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1209-959X National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Zaykova, Dilyana 2018-12-13 2018-12-13 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 3 11 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.02.1 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32997/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32997/download/pdf/ Successful performance in the Kumite discipline of Karate-do requires well developed aerobic and anaerobic cell-systems for supplying energy. Therefore, more and more often over the recent years, the preparation of martial arts athletes has included intensive interval training sessions following the Tabata method. The objective of this survey was to create a highly-intensive Tabata-based circuit training that is suitable for the functional preparation of Karate competitors and for defining the physiological and the biochemical characteristics of the training load through measuring the heart rate and the concentration of lactate in the peripheral blood. A group of six Karate practitioners, all Kumite competitors, took part in the survey. They performed tree times 10 exercises with Karate-technique elements following the classical Tabata scheme of 20 seconds work with a maximum number of repetitions and 10 seconds of break. The results proved that; 1) The heart rate increased after each circuit and exceeded 180 bpm, and in the break time it went down to 120-140 bpm; 2) The lactate concentration in the blood rose progressively after the first two circuits, and after finishing the last circle an overall decrease was registered regarding this indicator (9.3 ± 3.32 vs 13.4 ± 2.39 vs 11.8 ±1.63 mmol/L, respectively). In conclusion, the intensity of the latter circuit training model is very high because the levels of blood lactate after performing each circuit of the training were higher than the respective concentrations after Kumite competition matches at the same heart rates. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Karate kumite lactate heart rate Tabata-based circuit training FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SPECIALIZED CIRCUIT TRAINING FOR KARATE COMPETITORS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.02.2 2018-12-13 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Oronova, Daniela National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Hristov, Oleg National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Gospodarski, Nikola National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Hristov, Rumian 2018-12-13 2018-12-13 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 12 20 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.02.2 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32998/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32998/download/pdf/ The power of the stroke in rowing is one of the main factors which determines good sport results. In this relation, increasing of power is а key task during rowers’ muscular and strength training. The main purpose of the current research was to determine speed-strength ability of specific muscle groups of rowers, performing specific strength exercises: bench pull, squat and clean pull. Methods of the experiment include measurement of velocity and power in different load levels using Gym Aware device and its adjoining software Gym Aware Cloud. The received results demonstrate the specific strength and velocity abilities of the muscular groups which are involved in these movements. It was determined that the maximal power of each of them is achieved at a different point in the range of its working velocity. In squat the maximal power is in the range of the highest velocity achieved with small resistance, in bench pull the maximal power is achieved in the middle of the velocity range and in the clean pull it is achieved at a big resistance and at low velocity. These results arise lots of questions for further discussions. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Rowing speed-strength qualities specific muscle groups specific strength exercises RESEARCH OF SPEED-STRENGTH QUALITIES OF SPECIFIC MUSCLE GROUPS IN ROWERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.02.3 2018-12-13 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Penov, Radoslav https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3355-0725 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Chalakov, Milen 2018-12-13 2018-12-13 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 21 34 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.02.3 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32999/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/32999/download/pdf/ This article presents the development of an experimental methodology that aims to improve the speed of the front-hand punch in karate. The rationale behind developing this methodology is that the speed of the front-hand punch in karate is one of the most important criteria for the successful defeat of the opponent. In addition, the front-hand punch is one of the most commonly used punches during matches. The objective that we set was to study the effect of the application of the methodology we developed for the purpose of improving the speed of the front-hand punch (Kizami Tsuki) in karate. To accomplish this study, we used a computerized video system to register and analyze the speed of karate punches performed by the participants in the experiment. The results regarding the speed of the straight-hand punch were measured in the same way in order to provide identical conditions. Input data was processed by means of applied software for kinematic analysis. To prove the credibility of the registered data, we used statistical analysis methodology. We hope that by presenting our methodology in this article, more coaches will begin to use modern tools and methods in order to improve the quality of training in karate. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press methodology karate punch front hand speed FRONT-HAND-PUNCH SPEED IMPROVEMENT EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY IN KARATE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.02.4 2018-12-13 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Manolova, Anna https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2914-8036 2018-12-13 2018-12-13 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 35 42 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.02.4 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33003/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33003/download/pdf/ Based on the limited evidence available about balance performance among young badminton players, this study was aimed to establish the presence or absence of lower-limb balance asymmetry among 13-15 years old players. The research was done among 40 young players (22 girls, 18 boys) from 3 Bulgarian clubs. Unipedal stance test and Y balance test were used to determine balance abilities. Paired sample T test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to evaluate the data from the dominant and non-dominant leg. The results from the two tests show that there is no statistically significant difference between the legs. These results support the usefulness of performing bilateral balance exercises, so that the asymmetry that players are predisposed to develop could be reduced and the risk of lower extremity injuries would be decreased. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press badminton balance ability leg asymmetry LOWER-LIMB ASYMMETRY IN BALANCE ABILITY OF YOUNG BADMINTON PLAYERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.02.5 2018-12-13 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Angelov, Vladimir https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8361-825X 2018-12-13 2018-12-13 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 43 58 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.02.5 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33004/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33004/download/pdf/ The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using difficult conditions in the balance training program through virtual reality glasses and glasses simulating alcohol consumption. According to the hypotheses of the study, the application of the balance training program with applying additional difficulty on the vestibular apparatus through technical means will lead to a greater training effect. The object of the study was the balance stability. The research was done among twenty-six Bulgarian students from the National Sports Academy. A pedagogical experiment was conducted to prove the hypothesis of the study. The testing session included two balance exercises. The collected data from the study were statistically processed with the variance analysis and t-criterion of Student. The results of the research were statistically significant and showed a greater increase in the parameters of the experimental group (FE: 33,3℅; P=100℅; SE: 14,3℅; P=99,9℅) than in those of the control group (FE: 14,7℅; P=99,9℅; SE: 8,3℅; P=99,9℅). The analysis of the results justified the hypothesis of the research. The study found out that the usage of the balance training program that applies additional difficulty on the vestibular apparatus through virtual reality glasses and glasses simulating alcohol use leads to a better balance stability. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press balance skills vestibular apparatus training conditions stereoscopic glasses glasses simulating alcohol consumption IMPROVING BALANCE STABILITY THROUGH APPLICATION OF TRAINING PROGRAM IN STRESSFUL CONDITIONS VIA VIRTUAL REALITY GLASSES AND GLASSES SIMULATING ALCOHOL USE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.02.6 2018-12-13 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Iancheva, Tatiana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9718-6056 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Prodanov, Gancho 2018-12-13 2018-12-13 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 59 72 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.02.6 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33005/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33005/download/pdf/ Coaches’ confidence in their coaching abilities has a great influence on athletes and the results from their activity. In an attempt to explain coaching efficacy some authors relate it to emotional intelligence. The aim of the present research is to study the interdependence between emotional intelligence and coaching efficacy among football coaches. Methodology: The research was done among 50 football coaches aged between 23 and 45 years with different level of qualification. In order to fulfill the aim, we used: 1) Background information; 2) Coaching Efficacy Scale (CES; Feltz et al., 1999); 3) Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS; Schutte et al., 1998). Results: the results reveal that the leading subscales for the researched football coaches are „Technique efficacy“ and „Motivation efficacy“. We established significant correlations among the subscales of emotional intelligence and coaching efficacy. The results show a significant influence of emotional intelligence on coaching efficacy expectations. High Emotional Intelligence leads to increase in Technique efficacy. Conclusions: Our results regarding coaching efficacy reveal a certain specificity in comparison with the data published by foreign authors but confirm the findings in literature about the role of emotional intelligence as a predictor of coaching efficacy. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Coaching Efficacy Emotional Intelligence Personal efficacy football coaches INFLUENCE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON COACHING EFFICACY EXPECTATIONS AMONG FOOTBALL COACHES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2018.02.7 2018-12-13 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Dimitrova, Antoaneta National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Grigorova-Petrova, Kristin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3191-3788 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Lubenova, Daniela National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nikolova, Milena 2018-12-13 2018-12-13 2018 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 2 73 80 2018 10.37393/JASS.2018.02.7 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33006/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33006/download/pdf/ Chronic spinal disc disease has a large socioeconomic impact on the health care system. A lot of researchers confirm that physiotherapy (PT) is an effective choice of treatment for many patients. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the combined effect of physiotherapy and balneotherapy the treatment of lumbar disc disease and to compare the results with those obtained only after physiotherapy. Twenty patients with lumbar disc disease in the chronic period, divided into two groups – experimental and control were studied. The experimental group did exercises in a thermal mineral pool and underwent a general PT program for ten days, while the control group had only general PT program for ten days. The general PT program was the same for both groups. Before and after the treatment the Schober test and the static part of the Kraus-Weber test were conducted. We revealed significant positive changes in the lumbar flexibility, endurance and strength of the back muscles, mm. glutei, abdominal muscles and the hip flexors among the patients from the experimental group, objectified by the increased time to perform the static test positions of Kraus-Weber Test and Schober test. We recommend our program with PT and balneotherapy as appropriate when dealing with patients with chronic lumbar spine disease in balneological resorts and SPA hotels. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press aquatic exercises mineral pool lumbar disc disease INFLUENCE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AND BALNEOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL DISC DISEASE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.1 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Gateva, Maria 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 3 12 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.1 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33007/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33007/download/pdf/ Several attempts have been made in the past years to create adequate tests in order to determinate the fitness level of the athletes in the gymnastics disciplines. Considering the high-intensity movements and the total routine time, we hypostatized that anaerobic metabolism is a determinant for rhythmic gymnastics performance. Based on the physiological indicators of a competitive routine the aim of this study was to create a reliable and valid specific field test to measure the fitness level (specific endurance) of the rhythmic gymnasts competing at national and international level. 12 high-level gymnasts aged 15.7 ± 2.1 were involved in this study. The testing was done twice – once in the preparatory and second time in the competitive period. Two tests were performed in the field – the specific anaerobic test and a competitive routine. The heart rate and the blood lactate were recorded during and after the load. Specific endurance gymnastics field test is a simple routine including specific but very basic rhythmic gymnastics exercises from each body group – steps; waves; balances; pivots; leaps and acrobatic elements with very low level of difficulties. The maximal blood lactate concentration levels recorded in both tests and periods did not show any significant difference and varied between 7.2 to 8.4 mmol/l. All of the heart rate values after the loads indicated high work intensity – above 185 bpm. There were significant differences in both exercises (specific test & routine) between the preparatory and the competitive routine. The heart rate clearly showed adaptation of the cardiovascular system towards the load when tapering into the peak performance period. The suggested test is a standard field test suitable for active, mid to high-level rhythmic gymnasts aged above 12 years, which can measure the current specific endurance of a gymnast and compare it with her previous testing or gymnasts. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press rhythmic gymnastics specific endurance field test blood lactate heart rate MODIFIED FIELD TEST FOR DETERMINING THE SPECIFIC ENDURANCE IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.2 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Angelov, Vladimir https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8361-825X 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 13 25 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.2 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33009/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33009/download/pdf/ Introduction: The relaxation is a psychophysiological state of a person and in particular of athletes. On the basis of the literature sources, two main types of relaxation can be defined – physical and mental. Physical relaxation can be employed to reduce muscular tension and to improve coordination during the performance. It can be suggested that this psychophysiological state creates appropriate conditions for the development of flexibility, speed and all psychomotor qualities. That’s why an alternative new means with relaxing effect in this study will be investigated. Aim: The aim of the study is to prove that the slow-dynamic gymnastic exercises practice leads to reduction of muscular tension. According to the hypothesis of the research, the application of the mentioned exercises will increase the performers’ sense of relaxation. The object of the study is a specialized set of gymnastic exercises which includes dynamic gymnastic exercises performed with slow movements and holding of static poses. Methods: The assessment of the relaxation degree was made through physiological and psychological parameters. The collected physiological data included heart rate, breathing frequency, blood pressure, and finger skin temperature measurement. The psychological data were assessed with Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory and four-point Likert-type scale for self-rated relaxation. The measurements were made before and after the execution of the exercises. Results: Statistically significant changes were found for all variables studied, except systolic blood pressure. The comparison of the collected data from the two measurements showed the greatest differences in three indicators after the application of slow-dynamic gymnastic exercises – a decrease in the Spielberger Inventory results (-7.3 points, p text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press relaxation degree types of relaxation psychophysiological reactions relaxation techniques and specialized set of gymnastic exercises STUDY OF THE RELAXING EFFECT OF SLOW-DYNAMIC GYMNASTIC EXERCISES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.3 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Sergiev, Georgi 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 26 38 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.3 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33011/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33011/download/pdf/ One of the main purposes of this paper is to perfect sports preparation in artistic gymnastics at the stage of initial sports specialization. This stage coincides with the sensitive period for development of flexibility. This manuscript deals with the issue of flexibility being one of the most significant motor qualities. High level of flexibility development guarantees the successful performance with maximum amplitude of a great number of exercises in artistic gymnastics. The aim of the research was updating the system for tracing the improvement and evaluation of young male gymnasts’ flexibility. The main tasks of the survey were selecting suitable tests for evaluation of the quality flexibility as well as carrying out testing with competitors of all age groups. In the end, a 50-grade scale for evaluation of flexibility was designed along the different indexes (tests). The research was done among 38 male 10-12-year old gymnasts with the help of 8 tests. On this basis specification tables were designed for each test with the use of a 50-grade (point) scale. The specification tables allowed for the quick evaluation of competitors along a certain test right after their measurement. On the basis of the conducted research, testing, collected information and specification tables made, it will be possible to improve the evaluation of the temporary state of competitors’ flexibility at each stage of the preparation. We will also be able to evaluate (notice) the smallest changes (increase) in the indexes during the preparation both in positive and negative aspect. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press artistic gymnastics flexibility testing specification tables IMPROVEMENT OF THE SYSTEM FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF FLEXIBILITY OF 10-12-YEAR OLD MALE ARTISTIC GYMNASTS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.4 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Kolimechkov, Stefan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0112-2387 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Yanev, Iliya National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Kiuchukov, Iliya National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Petrov, Lubomir https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1209-959X National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Alexandrova, Albena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7007-3665 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Zaykova, Dilyana National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Stoimenov, Emil 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 39 52 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.4 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33012/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33012/download/pdf/ Young gymnasts should not have excessive body mass because that might lead to underperformance. Therefore, children practicing gymnastics should consume a balanced diet, which will promote their physical abilities and optimal body mass. The aim of this study was to compare the nutrient intake of young Bulgarian artistic gymnasts to matched groups from the National Nutrition Survey in Bulgaria (NNSB2003). The study consisted of 76 artistic gymnasts (5 to 14 years of age) from four cities in Bulgaria, and the participants were divided into three groups in accordance with the age and gender categories applied in the NNSB2003. Anthropometric measurements were taken and a food frequency questionnaire was applied in order to assess the body composition and nutrient intake of the gymnasts. The percentile scores in the height and %Fat of the gymnasts were significantly lower than the 50th percentile of the international norms. The energy intake of the gymnasts did not differ significantly from those reported in the NNSB2003, whilst the protein intake, relative protein intake, and energy contribution of proteins were significantly higher than those in the same survey. The energy contribution of fats was above the recommended norms (15-30%), as provided by the WHO. The fat intake was slightly higher, and the carbohydrate intake was slightly lower than the recommended values in the literature, and, therefore, the former should be reduced and the latter increased in their food. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press nutrition diet body composition artistic gymnastics NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND BODY COMPOSITION OF YOUNG ARTISTIC GYMNASTS FROM BULGARIA Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.5 2019-07-09 jass

Sofia University „St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria author Tankoucheva, Nikolina 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 53 66 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.5 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33015/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33015/download/pdf/ Changes in socio-economic life are related to new challenges affecting the growing children as well. Reduced motor activity as a consequence of the ubiquitous presence of new technologies, urbanization and social changes, increasing of schooling activity and others, lead to degradation of the physical health, changes in the physical development and fitness of the younger generation. The purpose of the study is to establish whether there is a difference in the manifestation of motor coordination abilities of 9-10-year-old boys from different regions of Bulgaria classified by population. Backwards ball throw test, Low jump test and Orientation shuttle run test were used for measurement of the motor coordination abilities of 9-10-year-old-boys. The demographic factor was determined forming 5 groups depending on the population. The results provide clear evidence that there are statistically significant differences in manifestation of the motor coordination abilities of 9-10 years-old boys depending on the number of town population. The most significant practical difference was observed for Orientation shuttle run test or for kinesthetic ability of the low limbs. Multiple comparisons showed that for the first test - Backwards ball throw test there were not statistical differences between small cities and Sofia city. Probably the pupils from the small cities are as talented to perform the coordination exercises as those in Sofia city. For the second test – Low jump test results showed statistically significant differences for almost all compared pairs. The same conclusion is valid also for Orientation shuttle run test. This means that the number of the population can be a differentiating factor for the manifestation of various motor skills, including motor coordination abilities. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press motor coordination abilities 9­-10 years old boys comparative analysis demographic principle COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MOTOR COORDINATION ABILITIES OF 9-10-YEAR OLD BOYS ON THE BASIS OF REGIONAL (DEMOGRAPHYC) BENCHMARK CONTEXT Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.6 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Penov, Radoslav https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3355-0725 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Chalakov, Milen 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 67 76 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.6 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33016/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33016/download/pdf/ That article aims to present the development of an experimental methodology that improves the speed of kicks in Karate. The rationale behind creating the methodology is the fact that the speed of kicks in Karate is instrumental for overcoming the opponent. In addition, kicks are among the most commonly used techniques in matches. Therefore, our goal was to study the effect of applying the methodology we created onto improving the speed of kicks in Karate. In order to conduct the study, we used a video-computerized system to record and analyze the speed of kicks performed by the participants in the experiment. The results concerning the speeds of kicks were measured in identical ways in order to make sure that the survey was performed under uniform conditions. The input data was processed by means of kinematics analysis software. To prove the credibility of the data registered, we applied the necessary statistical analysis methods. We hope that by applying the methodology that we developed and have presented in this article, more coaches will start using modern tools and methods in order to improve the quality of the training process in Karate. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press methodology karate kick leg speed EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY AIMED AT IMPROVING THE FRONT-LEG KICK SPEED IN KARATE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.7 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Borukova, Mariana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4403-9065 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 77 84 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.7 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33017/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33017/download/pdf/ Physical activity is an important element and criterium for a healthy lifestyle. The level of physical ability determines the degree to which an organism adapts to its environment and therefore the development and condition of all the other personal qualities depends greatly on it. One of the elements of physical ability and fitness is the main motor qualities – speed, strength, endurance, agility, flexibility, balance, coordination of movements. The aim of that study is to reveal the major factors of physical ability of 13-14-year-old pupils, as well as to determine to what extent gender differences influence the level of physical ability between boys and girls of one age group. We used variation, factor and comparative analyses when we processed the results. According to the general conclusions, for both boys and girls there are three major factors with a very high percentage to the initial dispersion of the surveyed phenomenon. We can sum up that in this age group the established gender differences have a very big impact on the physical ability of the pupils, and these differences regard mostly the explosive power of the lower limbs, the speed abilities and the endurance of the kids, the advantage being totally in favor of the boys. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press pupils adolescents factor structure and physical ability FACTOR STRUCTURE AND MAJOR FACTORS OF PHYSICAL ABILITY OF 13-14-YEAR-OLD PUPIL Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.8 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Tasheva, Rumiana Basketball Club „Rilski Sportist”, Samokov, Bulgaria author Mitrev, Georgi 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 85 90 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.8 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33018/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33018/download/pdf/ The functional evaluation of athletes is the sports physiotherapist’s initial opportunity to identify dysfunctions and muscle imbalance. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between basketball players’ shortening hip adductors with Patrick’s Test and their balance and coordination with the Shark Skill Test. Methods: We tested 65 healthy active basketball players in Basketball Club “Rilski sportist” – Samokov and the National Bulgarian Basketball Team. The athletes were divided into 2 groups: 22 players in the first Control Group with average 20.9 years and 21 youth players in the second Group with average 15.6 years. They were observed voluntarily in 2016. The 2 tests were applied at least 12 hours after the training. The shortness of hip adductors was assessed with Patrick’s Test and balance and coordination skills - with Shark Skill Test. Results: The results from the Shark Skill Test on the left and on the right lower limb demonstrated statistically significant better time and fewer mistakes among 1G basketball players (average 20.9 years) with shorter left and right adductors than these with normal adductors’ elasticity. In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences among the youth athletes. Conclusion: Summarizing the results, it is clear that the basketball play causes the shortening of the hip adductors of men and teenagers. In this aspect, it is important that the asymmetry of the adductor elasticity in both groups does not lead to statistically significant differences in the duration and mistakes during performance of the Shark skill test. In our opinion, it is necessary to expand the study by applying physiotherapy for the shortened hip adductors and track changes in the implementation of the Shark Skill Test before and after treatment. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press basketball players Patrick’s Test Shark skill test EFFECT OF HIP ADDUCTORS ON BASKETBALL PLAYERS BALANCE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.9 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Lazarov, Ivaylo 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 91 98 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.9 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33019/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33019/download/pdf/ Modern athletics is developing with incredible dynamics. In sports science and practice there are a number of proven methodological approaches that are related to the diagnosis of the training effects. One of the tasks of functional diagnostics in sports is researching and tracing the body changes related to energy supply in a certain training activity. The aim of the research is to increase the effectiveness of the mid-distance training exercise through the creation of criteria for assessing the adaptation effects of the workloads. The subject of the study is the adaptation changes in the level of HR, VO2 max and La in the conditions of the training activity. The research was done among 27 male middle-distance competitors. The test was performed on the athletics track with the use of a special K4 set which recorded the pulse frequency and oxygen consumption dynamics. The concentration of lactate in capillary blood was recorded immediately after the run. The results show that the speed of recovery of the pulse frequency in the phases of the shortened rest is the correct adaptation marker for the determination of the individual tolerance in running loads and the level of athletes’ training. The recommended quantitative values of the respiratory and metabolic adaptation markers and their associated running speed are as follows: aerobic threshold - 2 mmol/l at a running speed of less than 4.10 m/sec. and a heart rate up to 157 HR.; anaerobic threshold - 4 mmol/l at a running speed between 4.10 and 5.13 m/s and a pulse limit of 157-178 HR - an effective aerobic zone (economic zone); over 178 HR and the running speed over 5.13 m/s. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press VO₂max lactate adaptation aerobic threshold anaerobic threshold FUNCTIONAL EFFICIENCY OF ATHLETES IN MIDDLE DISTANCE RUNNING Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.10 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Hristov, Oleg 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 99 107 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.10 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33021/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33021/download/pdf/ Speed-strength qualities are significant for obtaining high power, especially in sports such as rowing. There are few surveys quoted in literature on multi-joint movements with increasing load in the training and competitive range of intensity where the speed-strength qualities are traced. In our research, we aim to make a comparative analysis of speed-strength qualities with increasing load in two multi-joint exercises: rowing on rowing ergometer and the clean pull strength exercise. The research was conducted among rowers (n=7; age - 16.28 ± 1.11 years; weight - 73.12 ± 7.63 kg; height - 186.27 ± 7.20 cm). The test on a rowing ergometer was performed with Concept II Model C, and the data were processed with the system BioRowTech. The data from the strength exercise were recorded and processed with the system GymAwareCloud. Regression equations were worked out for the speed-strength qualities: in clean pull exercise – peak force R2 =0.52 and average force R2 =0.76; in rowing on ergometer – peak force R2 =0.72 and average force R2 =0.56. We found out that in both exercises the mean power reached was almost identical (in rowing = 692.28 W, in clean pull = 609.42 W), but in rowing it is on account of higher velocity and less force. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press speed-strength rowing clean pull different loads SPEED-STRENGTH RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ROWING ON ERGOMETER AND CLEAN PULL EXERCISE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.11 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Peev, Petar https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1402-5121 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Tsvetkov, Vasil University of Architecture, Civil engineering and Geodesy, Sofia, Bulgaria author Youroukov, Nestor 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 108 121 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.11 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33022/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33022/download/pdf/ The focus of the research is the motion characteristics of the teams which participated in the World cup 2018 in Russia. For the purpose of the research we collected the data from all the matches in the knock out phase of the tournament. We divided the results for every position during the halves and calculated the total distance covered. This way we could get an idea of the intensity and the profile of elite soccer players. In the analyses we included 273 players that played in the knock out phase. As a result of the research, we found that the goalkeeper had total distance covered of 4061,59 metеrs; defenders had a 9352 metеrs; midfielders had a 10708 metеrs and strikers had a 9731 metеrs. It is interesting that the total distance covered during the second half is greater than in the first one. Conclusion of the research is that the total distance covered is different for all of the researched positions which is a predisposition for disclosing the motor profile of the players. From the study of motor activity in football at world championships we can draw the following conclusions: 1) The results are comfirmation that even at a World Cup the performance characteristics are greatly influenced by position of play; 2) The higher total distance covered during the second half suggests extremely high aerobic capabilities of elite football players text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press football time­motion analysis motor activity positional differences TIME-MOTION ANALYSIS OF THE FOOTBALL WORLD CUP IN RUSSIA 2018 Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.12 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Hristova, Mirela 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 122 130 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.12 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33024/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33024/download/pdf/ Motor Competence (MC) is the ability to perform a wide range of motor activities, relying on adequate levels of motor coordination and physical capacity to achieve. The aim of this study was to assess the development of basic motor competence indicators among students with hearing impairment aged 7 to 11 years. The research was done among a total of 91 children aged 7 to 11 years, of whom 42 children with hearing impairment (14 girls, 28 boys) and 49 – with non-impaired hearing (26 girls, 23 boys). For the purpose of the study, the Kiphard and Schilling battery test – Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder (KTK, 1974) was used. It consists of 4 tests that were measured once. Based on these, four motor quotients were formed, which in turn formed the so-called “Gross Motor Quotient”. The results were processed statistically through variation and correlation analysis with the SPSS program. The results showed significantly lower development of motor competence among students with hearing impairment. The standardized motor quotients of the 4 tests (for boys - all 4; for girls - 3) and the total motor quotient were significantly lower than those of their hearing peers. The lack of significant differences in the mean values of the MQ3 in girls can be explained by the lower performance of the hearing girls compared to the KTK norms. As a conclusion, the motor competence of children with hearing impairment, assessed by both the overall motor quotient and the individual quotients obtained from the four tests is significantly lower than that of children with non-impaired hearing in primary school age. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Motor Competence Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder Students with hearing impairments Primary school age EVALUATING THE MOTOR COMPETENCE OF HEARING IMPAIRED PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.13 2019-07-09 jass

University of Venda, South Africa author Mugandani, Sam 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 131 149 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.13 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33028/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33028/download/pdf/ Sports is a large industry with vibrant leagues running in many countries. Some of the most popular sports are soccer, rugby, cricket and netball. To meet the demand for better performance of athletes and sustain this growing industry, coaches and trainers have depended on the manipulation of factors such as physical and physiological parameters, nutrition, tactics, techniques and psychological factors to try and improve the performance of athletes. These have been referred to as the environmental or nurture constraints. The quest for better performance continues hence microtechnology such as accelerometers, heart rate monitors and global positioning systems are also being used to gather data to determine some of the physical and physiological demands of games. Evidence from studies with twins revealed that there are performance traits which are genetically determined. Research also shows that more than 60% of performance in sport and exercise is genetically determined. The unraveling of the human genome and advances in molecular biological studies resulted in the quest for knowledge relating to the influence of genes at the molecular level on performance in exercise and sport. The human genome project established approximately 20 000 genes in humans. To date, the gene map for performance and health-related fitness phenotypes has identified more than 200 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with some performance and fitness linked traits. Among the most studied gene polymorphisms are the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, the human α- actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene and the adenosine monophosphate deaminase (AMPD1) gene, as they relate mostly to anerobic and aerobic related activities. The use of hematological and biochemical indicators to identify injuries and exercise stress calls for exploration of association between gene polymorphisms and indicators such as C-reactive protein, uric acid and blood parameters such as red blood cells and sub-components of leukocytes. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Biomarkers genes polymorphism sports performance ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE ENHANCING ACE, ACTN3, AMPD1 GENETIC MARKERS, FITNESS CHARACTERISTICS, C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AND URIC ACID OF CRICKET, NETBALL, RUGBY AND SOCCER PLAYERS: A REVIEW Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.14 2019-07-09 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Rankov, Krassimir 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 150 156 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.14 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33031/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33031/download/pdf/ Sleep is essential for everyone and is important for the normal human functioning. Lack of sleep, called sleep deprivation, is a condition leading to poor sports training and achievements. Different factors contribute to sleep deprivation among athletes. Respiratory sleep disorders such as Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are factors that rebound most to sleep deprivation for certain groups of athletes such as wrestlers, judokas and sumo wrestlers. The present study investigates the UARS and OSA occurrence in the above mentioned groups of athletes using Pulse Transit Time (PTT) as an early noninvasive indicator of respiratory effort and sympathetic nervous system activity. Sixty-seven elite athletes, practicing wrestling, sumo wrestling and judo were screened by enquiry for sleep breathing disturbances. The study involved the most suspicious ten cases for sleep-disordered breathing symptoms. They underwent full standard polysomnographic (PSG) examination using Alice 5 System Philips - Respironics Inc. with the registration of PTT. Among all athletes, regardless of the presence of changes in hemoglobin saturation or apnea-hypopnea index changes (AHI), a significant drop in the PTT value with more than 8-15 ms for sleep stages N1 and N2 (p text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Sleep Athletes Pulse Transit Time PULSE TRANSIT TIME - RELIABLE MARKER FOR SLEEP DISTURBANCES AMONG ATHLETES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.15 2019-07-09 jass

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece author Georgiou, Yannis https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8636-8732 Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece author Fotiou, Aggeliki 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 157 163 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.15 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33033/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33033/download/pdf/ The aim of the present study was to investigate the prediction of the General Health from Burnout Syndrome’s (BS) dimensions, and from the employment status of the private health and fitness center employees. We used a stratified random sampling method, and a sample of 205 private health and fitness centers employees completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey (MBI–GS), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and the Demographic Questionnaire. The statistical analysis showed that gender and employment status do not predict decrease in General Health (GH) levels, while exhaustion and depersonalization dimensions of BS create the background for emergence of the GH levels’ decrease. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Health Burnout Employment status GENERAL HEALTH PREDICTION FROM BURNOUT AND EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF PRIVATE HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTERS’ EMPLOYEES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.01.16 2019-07-09 jass

Sofia University „St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria author Karanfilov, Efrem 2019-07-09 2019-07-09 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 1 164 179 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.01.16 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33034/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33034/download/pdf/ This text covers theoretical and practical problems of the sport’s editor work in the conditions of media convergence. It provides analysis of issues, such as the trustworthiness of journalistic sources, the use of the social networks, the editor’s new functions and responsibilities. Another approach is the tendency for emphasizing more on the visualization as a message, which reveals completely new influence over the perception of the information and its influence for mind shaping among the society. The methods of research are based on content analyses, comparative analyses and historical review. The main researched objects are the technology of editing and framing the information in the modern media. The text combines theoretical knowledge and description of typical practical solutions, which editors may wish to apply in their day-to-day work. The main importance is given to presenting the rules and practices which combine the journalistic principles and the requirements of the technologies, which are challenging the personality of the journalists to have a wider and deeper all round preparation both in the humanitarian area and in the specific aspects of sport competition, and second – the operation skills, taking into consideration the modern aesthetical and technological tendencies in the media based on Internet communications. The research is based on the keys of media journalism in Bulgaria and selected media from Europe and USA from the recent years. It is the first investigation in the field of online editing in the sports media in Bulgaria and will serve as a guideline for further scientific research. It is also considered to be informative for the methodical practical preparation of sports journalists. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Sports journalism editing trustworthiness of sources headline variability facts check-up STANDARTS AND DYNAMICS IN SPORTS WEBSITES ONLINE EDITING Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.02.1 2019-12-18 jass

author Theodorou, Maria author Kabir, Russell https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9257-2775 2019-12-18 2019-12-18 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 3 21 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.02.1 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33036/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33036/download/pdf/ Background: Obesity is a life-threatening condition linked to various diseases in all ages. Most common interventions focus on physical activity though there are some drawbacks limiting peoples’ participation in exercise. Swimming targets these limitations offering promising results to people who wish to improve their lifestyle. Objectives: The aim of this review is it to investigate the effects cold water can have on the obese population. This will be done by examining the physiological effects of swimming, understanding if different water temperatures can result in different outcomes and finding any other benefits that come along with swimming exercise. Search Strategy: PubMed, EbscoHost and Google Scholar are used as search engines to find the appropriate papers using the words obese, overweight, swim, aquatics, water immersion. A systematic review summarises the findings of primary research papers. This review is based according to the PICO guidelines and all the selected papers are evaluated using the CASP tool. A meta-synthesis summarises the results of the papers. Results: Results indicated that swimming helps people lose weight while providing additional benefits such as decreasing joint pain in people suffering from osteoarthritis. Furthermore, positive results are seen in anthropometric measures, physiological responses, and body composition. Conclusions: It is concluded that water-based exercise can prove an effective intervention for obese people wishing to lose weight. Results were seen from different protocols and water temperature was difficult to monitor. Future research should use the same exercise design in various water temperatures to fully understand the differences in the results. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Swimming Obesity Temperature Cold Systematic Review EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF COLD-WATER SWIMMING ON OBESE POPULATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.02.2 2019-12-18 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Dimitrova, Diana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4170-9377 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Mladenov, Lubomir National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nikolova, Anna 2019-12-18 2019-12-18 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 22 36 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.02.2 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33037/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33037/download/pdf/ The aerobic capacity is considered to be a prerequisite for high training and competitive performance in judo. However, it is not clear how the differences in the body composition of judokas affect their aerobic performance. The present study was aimed at comparing the body composition variables and aerobic capacity among judo players from different weight categories and examining the best method for scaling the VO2 max for differences in body mass. The subjects were 109 male and 108 female judokas 15-26 years old, grouped in three weight categories for each sex. Percentage of body fat (%BF) was predicted by skinfold equations. Fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM) and BMI were also calculated. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was measured during a graded maximal bicycle ergometer test. The correlations between VO2 max, normalized by different methods, and body size variables were tested by Pearson’s product-moment correlations. The %BF and body composition variables significantly differed among weight categories and were with the highest values in the heaviest athletes. The average V̇O2 max.BM-1 of the entire groups of male and female judokas were respectively 48.4±4.7 ml.kg-1.min-1 and 39.7±4.0 ml.kg-1.min-1. The lightweight classes demonstrated the highest relative to BM values of VO2 max. When VO2 max was adjusted to BM with derived allometric exponents (0.77 for males and 0.69 for females) the results for the three weight categories of male and female judokas were similar, regardless of the differences in their body composition. The interpretation of the between-weight categories differences in aerobic capacity in judokas is dependent on the method of expression of VO2 max. The VO2 max, normalized for BM or FFM, did not remove the effect of body size and still correlated with body composition variables in both sexes. The power function expression of VO2 max produced size-free variables, which did not correlate with body size in judokas. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press judo aerobic capacity VO2 max body composition allometric scaling AEROBIC CAPACITY OF JUDO PLAYERS SCALED FOR DIFFERENCES IN BODY SIZE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.02.3 2019-12-18 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Gateva, Maria 2019-12-18 2019-12-18 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 37 45 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.02.3 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33038/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33038/download/pdf/ In sports such as gymnastics it is difficult to monitor the fitness and endurance level of the athletes. In rhythmic gymnastics it is proven that the competitive program is in anaerobic regime of work. Some authors state that there is no contribution by the aerobic energy system in gymnastics. Very few attempts have been undertaken to create specific anaerobic tests in the different gymnastics disciplines. That’s why the aim of this study was to create a laboratory test to measure the fitness level (specific endurance) of the rhythmic gymnasts competing at national and international level. Twelve high-level gymnasts aged 15.7 (±2.1) were involved in this study. Two tests were performed in the laboratory – VO2 max and submaximal 2-min test (author’s test) and one field test – competitive routine was carried out. Two min submaximal treadmill test with constant load (95% of the maximal test) requires a 2-min run on a treadmill with a constant speed of 8,4 km/h and individually set up incline of 95% of the maximum for each athlete. The incline is fixed on the basis of: reached HR and incline during the maximal test; extrapolation of the incline as 100% from the theoretical maximal pulse and calculation of the 95% of the incline for each gymnast. Rhythmic gymnastics routine clearly showed better results in the competitive period and is an indicator for tapering into peak performance. We received some contradictory information as regards the laboratory results. Heart rate during the whole load on the treadmill test was lower (significantly proven). This means that in the next stage of the investigation, the experiment needs to be done with the same duration, but we should increase the load to 100%. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press rhythmic gymnastics laboratory test submaximal load fitness level SUBMAXIMAL LABORATORY ANAEROBIC TEST TO DETERMINE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS’ FITNESS LEVEL Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.02.4 2019-12-18 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Petrova, Marina National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Dimitrova, Bonka 2019-12-18 2019-12-18 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 46 54 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.02.4 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33039/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33039/download/pdf/ The methodological classification of the volume of the exercises is in the basis of the multiannual preparation in gymnastics. A number of authors (Dimitrova, 2015; Borisenko, 2000; Fisenko, 2005; Gaverdovskiy, Smolevskiy, 2014) note that for the apparatus of female all around – balance beam and floor exercise, the volume material united in different structural groups is equal. The basic motor habits differ only as regards the specificity of the particular apparatus. The aim of the research is to establish the role of the velocity gradient for the learning algorithm in a multi-annual aspect and on floor exercise. We used kinematic analysis, comparative data analysis and variation analysis when we processed the results. The analysis of the results allowed us to establish the role of the velocity gradient for learning algorithm in the multiannual aspect and of floor exercise. Our research has shown that the basic exercises sequence on floor exercise according to the gradient velocity does not fully correspond to the methodical sequence of training used for years so far. We established the following dependence: the greater number of movements in the main action phase executed for shorter time increases the velocity gradient. It was confirmed for the apparatuses of the gymnastic all around too. The obtained values for the velocity of basic exercises of floor exercise by structural group confirmed their direct proportional dependence on difficulty. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press floor exercise velocity gradient methodological classification VELOCITY GRADIENT OF THE FLOOR EXERCISE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.02.5 2019-12-18 jass

Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health, Saint-Petersburg, Russia author Suprun, Aleksandra Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health, Saint-Petersburg, Russia author Medvedeva, Elena Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University, Tula, Russia author Titova, Anna Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University, Tula, Russia author Borisova, Vera 2019-12-18 2019-12-18 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 55 62 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.02.5 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33040/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33040/download/pdf/ Starting from 2018 the judges began to evaluate the level of difficulty of the compositions with an open scale according to the rules of the competition. The article is devoted to the evaluation of the compositional difficulty of competitive compositions of group routines in rhythmic gymnastics. One of the factors that determines both the difficulty of the composition and the synchronization of motor interaction execution by sportswomen in group routines is defined. The purpose of this research is to justify the necessity of taking into account tempo-rhythmic abilities of gymnasts that predetermine difficulty of compositional decision of competitive program in group routines. The objective of this study is to reveal the correlational interconnections between tempo-rhythmic abilities and expert evaluations of synchronicity of group motor activity. The methods that were applied in are an expert evaluation that assesses the synchronization of motor actions of gymnasts in group routines and testing that consists of listening to and playing of parts of pieces of music of different rhythmic patterns. The revealed correlational interconnections allow increasing the synchronicity of motor actions of gymnasts in group routines that will make competitive programs more qualitative and spectacular. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press rhythmic gymnastics group routines synchronization of motor interactions tempo-rhythmic abilities musical accompaniment TEMPO-RHYTHMIC ABILITIES OF THE GYMNASTS AS A FACTOR DETERMINING THE DIFFICULTY OF COMPOSITE SOLUTION OF COMPETITIVE ROUTINE IN GROUP ROUTINES DEPENDING ON THE CHOICE OF MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.02.6 2019-12-18 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Iancheva, Tatiana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9718-6056 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Prodanov, Gancho 2019-12-18 2019-12-18 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 63 76 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.02.6 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33044/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33044/download/pdf/ Examining the place and influence of emotional intelligence in sports context attracts the attention of a number of researchers. Their surveys are done mostly among athletes and more rarely among coaches. In the last years some researchers have begun to study the relation between emotional intelligence and coaches’ leadership style. Authors have found out that emotional intelligence of the coaches was shown to directly predict leadership style and coaching efficacy (Hwang et al., 2013). The aim of the present research is to study the interdependence between Emotional intelligence and Leadership style among Bulgarians football coaches. Methodology: The research was done among 172 football coaches aged between 20 and 56 years, who differ in age, license, age group of their competitors, coaching experience, and sports experience as football players. In order to fulfill the aim of the research we used: 1) Background information, 2) Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS; Schutte et al., 1998), 3) Revised Leadership Scale for Sport (RLSS; Zhang et al., 1997). Results: The results reveal that the researched coaches possess the greatest skills in managing their own emotions and the smallest – as regards “Perception of emotions”. They most often prefer behavior related to “Training and instruction behavior”, choose more seldom Positive feedback behavior, and prefer to take authoritative decisions. We found significant relations between the subscales of Emotional intelligence and Leadership style. Our results did not wholly confirm the results found in literature about the role of Emotional intelligence as a predictor of “Positive feedback behavior” and “Autocratic behavior”. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Emotional intelligence Leadership style Coaching behavior Football coaches EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND LEADERSHIP STYLE AMONG BULGARIAN FOOTBALL COACHES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.02.7 2019-12-18 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Ivanov, Ivan National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Kotev, Vladimir 2019-12-18 2019-12-18 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 77 85 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.02.7 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33045/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33045/download/pdf/ Introduction: In the game of volleyball, game efficiency is based not only on physical preparation and technical skills. A great deal of it depends on the players’ abilities to cooperate, communicate and adapt to the psychosocial aspects of team group dynamics. In this study we attempt to establish the players’ behavior in conflict situations, their basic personality characteristics and how these influence some game indicators. Methodology: 1) Background information; 2) Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (1977); 3) Big Five Personality Test developed by Goldberg (1992). Results: The results of our research reveal that the scale with the highest result is Compromising, which is the trait described by both assertiveness and cooperativeness. We have significant differences between teams and age groups in terms of the scale Competing from the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument and Conscientiousness and Agreeableness from the Big Five Personality Test. Conclusions: The younger players are more open and try to find more information about the sports environment and learn more about the game and their personal growth. The higher the qualification and the age, the more the players prefer competing and being assertive in their interpersonal relationships. The lower-level players prefer clearer rules and instructions. The players from Maritza are more sport-aggressive and with a higher winners’ attitude. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press interpersonal relationship women volleyball players personality traits PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS AND CONFLICT PREDISPOSITIONS IN TEAMS MARITZA AND RAKOVSKI FROM BULGARIAN WOMEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2019.02.8 2019-12-18 jass

Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Kazan, Russia author Galimov, Almaz https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7911-4937 Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Kazan, Russia author Botova, Liubov Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Kazan, Russia author Nazarenko, Andrey Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Kazan, Russia author Galyautdinov, Marat 2019-12-18 2019-12-18 2019 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 3 86 93 2019 10.37393/JASS.2019.02.8 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33046/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33046/download/pdf/ A majority of the students at physical education universities are actual athletes who have “double career”. They combine getting professional education with professional sport activities. In this regard, sport activities of students form an important part of their future career, because it is the informal way of getting professional knowledge and skills. However, today there are no officially recognized organizational and pedagogical approaches to the formalization and assessment of informal education outcomes, which student-athletes demonstrate during their sport activities. Consequently, there are very few practices of making individual university programs for student-athletes based on their informal education outcomes. The study purpose was to develop and approbate a model of substantial integration of study process and sport training at the sports university as a method of combination of formal and informal education types for student-athletes. The study included a comparative analysis of educational and professional standards, elaboration of measures for substantial integration of sport and educational process, and study of athletes’ academic performance. In addition, we used methods of modeling, interviewing, expert assessment and mathematical statistics in our study. The study revealed the coherence of athletes’ knowledge, skills and activities and the competencies they acquire at the sports university. We demonstrated that elite athletes gain knowledge, skills and attitudes envisaged in the educational program in the framework of their sport activities. We have designed the model of individual university program for elite athletes, which corresponds to the techniques of integration of formal and informal education types. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press higher education sport training integration quality of education informal education MODEL OF INTEGRATION OF FORMAL AND INFORMAL EDUCATION FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.01.1 2020-07-14 jass

School of Sports Economics and Management, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, China author Pan, Xuan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3554-9549 2020-07-14 2020-07-14 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 1 3 21 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.01.1 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33047/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33047/download/pdf/ The outbreak of COVID-19 has spread worldwide and become the world’s leading health concern. Individuals are advised to stay inside and do exercise at home to avoid exposure to the disease and their psychological state is concerned. This study aims to investigate physical exercise behavior and psychological states during COVID-19, and to provide helpful suggestions for making right policies or designing effective intervention programs to help the mass respond to the pandemic. Methods: we tested the hypotheses by conducting a national survey among 542 individuals, the data covered 28 provinces in China. Information about physical exercise habits, psychological states, perceived infection likelihood, perceived threat, attitudes towards exercise, and demographics was collected. A series of T-tests were applied to test the hypotheses. Results: The individuals who do exercise both before and during COVID-19 outbreak increased the physical exercise frequency and reduced the categories of physical activities during COVID-19. Individuals who perceive high-level threat increased future exercise time and consumption, whereas individuals surrounded by more confirmed cases (high-level objective threat) increased current exercise frequency and intensity. With the company of family members, individuals’ exercise intention, frequency, intensity and the possibility of future exercise time and activities was significantly higher. Conclusion: Under the threat of COVID-19, proximal defense (self-preservation) and distal defense (self-esteem enhancement) motivate individuals to increase exercise frequency. Individuals reduce types of physical activities and do exercise with family members to receive psychological security. Terror management theory and behavioral immune system provide theoretical explanations on individuals’ exercise behavior and psychology. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press COVID-19 terror management theory behavioral immune system physical exercise behavior and psychology EXERCISE UNDER DEATH-ANXIETY: INVESTIGATING INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR FROM PERSPECTIVE OF TERROR MANAGEMENT AND BEHAVIORAL IMMUNE SYSTEM INTRODUCTION Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.01.2 2020-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Iancheva, Tatiana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9718-6056 Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia author Rogaleva, Liudmila https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6870-9409 Department of Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands, Spain author Garcia Mas, Alejandro Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Murcia, Spain author Olmedilla, Aurelio https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2389-0515 2020-07-14 2020-07-14 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 1 22 38 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.01.2 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33048/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33048/download/pdf/ The pandemic COVID-19 constituted one of the greatest ordeals the world has seen in the last decades. Social isolation has changed athletes’ lives completely and brought a number of consequences – both technical and psychological. The aim of this study was to investigate the dominant psychic conditions and perfectionism and their relation to the preferred coping strategies during the pandemic COVID-19 among sports students from Bulgaria and Russia and to outline their specificity depending on their gender, kind of sport, qualification, and nationality. The research was done among 199 sports students from Bulgaria and Russia who practice 18 kinds of sport, aged between 16 and 32 years, divided into groups according to their gender, kind of sport, level of qualification, nationality. The research methods included: 1) Sociodemographic, personal and sports evaluation; 2) Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS, Frost, Marten, Lahart & Rosenblate, 1990), adapted for Bulgarian conditions by T. Iancheva, 2009; 3) Profile of Mood States (McNair, Lorr, & Droppleman, 1971); 4) Approach to Coping in Sport Questionnaire (ACSQ-1; Kim 1999; Kim & Duda, 1997). There are significant differences depending on gender, kind of sport, qualification, and nationality. The specific role of adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism was viewed in relation to the dominant psychic conditions during social isolation and the preferred coping strategies. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Perfectionism Mood States coping strategies COVID-19 sports students PERFECTIONISM, MOOD STATES, AND COPING STRATEGIES OF SPORTS STUDENTS FROM BULGARIA AND RUSSIA DURING THE PANDEMIC COVID-19 Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.01.3 2020-07-14 jass

Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Ukraine author Kostiukevych, Viktor https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9716-134X National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport, Ukraine author Shynkaruk, Oksana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1164-9054 Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Ukraine author Shchepotina, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9507-3944 National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport, Ukraine author Voronova, Valentina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5072-4184 Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, Ukraine author Shevchenko, Larysa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0453-5892 Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Ukraine author Zmievska, Olena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6985-2346 Kamianets-Podilskyi Ivan Ohienko National University, Ukraine author Stasiuk, Vadym https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7512-5794 Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Ukraine author Gordiichuk, Halyna https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6400-5300 Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Kharkiv, Ukraine author Putiatina, Galina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9932-8326 Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Ukraine author Drachuk, Andrii https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1552-4435 Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Ukraine author Danchuk, Petro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6504-5408 2020-07-14 2020-07-14 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 1 39 45 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.01.3 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33049/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33049/download/pdf/ Introduction and aim. The problem of constructing a training process for highly skilled players at the special preparation phase is not researched well enough. The special preparation phase should involve the specificity of the competition calendar, development of the structure and content of the corresponding types of micro cycles, and scientifically based selection of methods of training. The aim of the research is to analyze the structure and content of the training process of highly skilled football players during the special preparation phase of the preparation period at the first macrocycle of the annual cycle. Materials and methods. 22 highly skilled football players of Kamianets-Podіlskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University aged 18-23 participated in the research. All of them are MA students and elite athletes. Methods of analysis of scientific literature, pedagogical observation, timing of training work, and mathematical statistics were used in the research. Results and conclusions. The special preparation phase consists of two mesocycles. The basic stabilizing (control and preparation) mesocycle - the volume and intensity of training sessions - was characterized by the widespread use of special-training exercises. In comparison with previous mesocycles, considerably more trainings were devoted to technical, tactical and game preparation. Technical and tactical training was carried out in the form of adaptive training exercises along with special physical training. Pre-competition mesocycle rolled up the preparation of the athletes for the competition period. The reparation in this mesocycle had an expressed “integral” character. In this mesocycle, one should not forget about maintaining the level of special physical fitness. Maintaining it throughout the mesocycle is one of the important prerequisites for the steady growth of athletes’ physical state, but the composition of the means significantly changed by increasing the proportion of special technical and tactical exercises being held. In this mesocycle, the largest number of control games, starts, competitions, etc. were carried out. A special place in pre-competition mesocycle was taken by tactical and psychological training. The proportion of theoretical training also increased. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press highly skilled football players training process means of the training training load the special preparation phase THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TRAINING PROCESS OF HIGHLY SKILLED FOOTBALL PLAYERS AT THE SPECIAL PREPARATION PHASE OF THE PREPARATION PERIOD Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.01.4 2020-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Borukova, Mariana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4403-9065 2020-07-14 2020-07-14 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 1 46 63 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.01.4 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33050/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33050/download/pdf/ Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe some anthropometric characteristics, to trace the physical preparedness level and the technical skills of children (girls and boys) up to 14 years old participating in competitive basketball, to make comparative analysis of the average values of both totalities, and to find the relation and dependence between the anthropometric characteristics, physical preparedness and basketball skills of both sexes. Methods: One hundred twenty-nine children were subjected to study, out of which sixty-three basketball players (boys) at the age of 13 ± 0,7 and 66 basketball players (girls) at the age of 13 ± 0,5. Sport-pedagogical test was applied to the participants, and a probated and standardized test battery including twenty indicators was used. The basketball players participated in the test voluntarily, they received no money or financial compensation for their contribution and their anonymity was guaranteed. Data analysis: Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS-23 and variation, correlation and comparative analysis were made, t-criterion of Student and U-criterion of Mann-Whitney were used. Results: As we had supposed and as it was proven by the results for that group, the gender differences had a more substantial impact on some physical development indications and greater part of the physical preparedness indications. In favor of the boys these differences were more strongly expressed in their height, degree of body mass and horizontal stretch, while in favor of the girls the differences were in the functional capacity of the chest. Boys were fully favored as far as rapidity, speed abilities, explosive strength of the lower limbs were concerned. Conclusion: We have to note that the accumulated training experience and the biological ripening impact positively on the performance of young male and female basketball players. The results of this study showed that there were statistically significant differences between boys and girls in terms of technical skills (TS) only along two indicators. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press basketball coming up generation puberty and basketball technical skills COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS, PHYSICAL PREPAREDNESS AND TECHNICAL SKILLS OF 14-YEAR-OLD BASKETBALL PLAYERS – BOYS AND GIRLS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.01.5 2020-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Antonov, Antonio https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3357-9149 Department Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modelling, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Zoteva, Dafina https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7339-4686 Department Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modelling, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Roeva, Olympia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3848-5181 2020-07-14 2020-07-14 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 1 64 76 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.01.5 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33053/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33053/download/pdf/ The penalty corner (PC) is one of the most important game situations in hockey (both outdoors and indoors), which results in 30 – 40% of all goals. The aim of this paper is to study the influence of the quasi-experimental methodology on the dynamics in the development of indicators characterizing the accuracy of shooting when performing PC in the potentially effective goal zones. Through the application of InterCriteria Analysis (ICrA), the research team sought to establish relationships and directions of dependencies between indicators reflecting the accuracy of zone shooting. Four elite female indoor hockey players from the team of the National Sports Academy in Bulgaria, participants in the European Indoor Hockey Clubs Challenge, were involved in the examination sessions. According to the requirements of the quasi-experimental “Push & Flick” methodology, the duration of the specialized training was set to 16 weeks. Each player performed 4,800 shootings, or approximately 300 shootings each week. Tests were carried out at the beginning (the first week) and at the end (the sixteenth week) of the experiment in order to determine the accuracy of the shooting – push/flick from a penalty corner spot (9 meters, central from the goal line). We used InterCriteria Analysis and Variance Analysis to analyze the results. The results of the study provide valuable information related to the training and specialization of elite hockey players profiled in the execution of a penalty corner. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press accuracy flick influence indoor hockey InterCriteria Analysis penalty corner push shooting INFLUENCE OF THE “PUSH & FLICK” METHODOLOGY ON THE ACCURACY OF THE INDOOR HOCKEY PENALTY CORNER SHOOTING Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.01.6 2020-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Karabiberov, Julian https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1972-7237 2020-07-14 2020-07-14 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 1 77 86 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.01.6 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33054/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33054/download/pdf/ The manuscript presents the model for conditional training implemented in 2018 in the new female volleyball national team. The methods of the Bulgarian training system Fit Motion-Professional were used with a female national team for the first time. The training scheme follows the modular principle and is based on innovative methods and principles, various means and parallel-consecutive planning aimed mostly at the development of the motor qualities in each module. The interrelations between the basic motor qualities have been surveyed as well as the dynamics in their development at the different stages and in the different modules, and their efficiency in the volleyball game. The major aim of this manuscript is to study the efficiency of the model for conditional training of elite female volleyball players. Some new equipment and facilities have been designed for functional-conditional training in relation to the team’s preparation. In order to prove the higher efficiency of the model compared to the standard conditioning training used in Bulgaria, an experiment was further carried out with the Republican Women’s Volleyball Champion, the team of Maritsa Plovdiv. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press conditional training modular planning scheme female volleyball MODEL FOR CONDITIONAL TRAINING OF ELITE FEMALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.01.7 2020-07-14 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Yordanova, Tatiana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7750-5774 2020-07-14 2020-07-14 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 1 87 98 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.01.7 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33055/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33055/download/pdf/ One of the characteristics of modern figure skating is the progressive complication of the competitive programs. This process develops, in particular, in the way of athletes’ mastery of complex coordination elements and compounds of a rotating nature, which appear to be a strong irritant to the vestibular analyzer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of anthropometric factors on the balance stability of female figure skaters. The study’s tasks, which are divided into three groups, as well as the subject and object of the study, are presented. The used methods are described. The methodology of the study is separated and detailed. Also, the different abilities of the body for balance resistance, in various motor actions are described. One of the main used methods is called Stabilometry. The design of the study is followed. The results are visualized in six tables, which are illustrated by five figures. In conclusion, the dependence of Anthropometric status is noted in accordance with the height and length of the lower limbs and the width of the pelvis. The dynamic retention of the balance in landing position is more effective than the static balance in the Romberg posture, which is explained by the specificity of the sport figure skating. There is a worsening of the balance in the increase of anthropometric parameters – height, weight and chest circumference. Balance fluctuations in the Romberg position are significantly dependent on the weight and chest circumference, while the height of the skaters affects the balance – with increasing amplitude there is also an increase in balance fluctuations in the landing position after a jump, i.e. the balance is unstable, which is explained by a higher placement of the center of gravity of the body. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press figure skating anthropometric factors balance stability RESEARCH ON ANTHROPOMETRIC FACTORS AND BALANCE STABILITY OF FIGURE SKATERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.01.8 2020-07-14 jass

University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv, Bulgaria author Krasteva, Rumyana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4127-6700 University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv, Bulgaria author Durakova, Albena https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9512-808X University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv, Bulgaria author Bogoeva, Adelina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1967-6460 University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv, Bulgaria author Choroleeva, Kornelia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4758-8756 2020-07-14 2020-07-14 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 1 99 112 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.01.8 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33056/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33056/download/pdf/ This study focuses on a carbohydrate-containing beverage with water, 1.5% skim milk powder and lucuma fruit powder (Pouteria Lucuma). The aim is to analyze the influence of the beverage on the sports performance of young men with different levels of motor activity. The analysis of the results was based on the changes in some biometric parameters and the level of motor activity of 8 young men (experimental group; EG) consuming the beverage half an hour before fitness exercises – bodybuilding workouts – within a three-month period of time. The results obtained from the tests were compared to the results shown by the 13 men in the control group (CG) for the same period of time without consuming the beverage. On the basis of the profiles of the respondents from both groups (EG and CG), we analyzed the changes in body composition and motor activity at the beginning and at the end of the three-month period. The results obtained from the comparative analysis revealed that both groups manifested positive changes concerning the level of motor activity as a result of the training program. These positive changes turned out to be more significant in the EG with respect to maximum oxygen intake and plank endurance. We also analyzed the modifications in the correlational dependencies as regards EG parameters, as a result of which we established more significant dependencies at the end of the test period. The results of the present study show that the consumption of the lucuma-based carbohydrate beverage by the experimental group has a positive effect on the analyzed parameters. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press lucuma endurance maximum oxygen intake maximum power food supplements INFLUENCE OF A LUCUMA-BASED CARBOHYDRATE BEVERAGE ON ATHLETES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.01.9 2020-07-14 jass

Ionian University, Greece & University of Athens, Greece, Greece author Papageorgiou, Konstantinos https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9289-5627 2020-07-14 2020-07-14 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 1 113 124 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.01.9 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33059/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33059/download/pdf/ Background: communication between trainer and athlete has been studied in terms of feedback, but not in terms of codifying information for instruction; here implications for cognition and cognitive skills are also discussed. Purpose: to present a new tool, motowords, a tool for verbal codification between athlete and trainer that also provides a number of incidental benefits: it helps adjust the Degrees of Freedom & Contextual Interference of a drill, it employs cognitive functions, fosters active participation of the athlete, and bridges the gap between serial and random practice. Moreover, we intend to theorize how the positive effects of motowords are multiplied when combined with drill-synthesis and drill-structure, in addition to differentiated (self)training, concepts that aim at increasing the ecological validity of training sessions. Method: the theoretical background supporting the effectiveness of these tools is discussed. Leads: to a broader vision about the important role of cognitive and emotional skills within a holistic context, aiming at developing “literate” individuals rather than just motor experts, both of which are at the very core of the Distal Method for expertise attainment. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press motowords prompting perceptuomotor connection motor learning physical literacy EXPLOITING THE COGNITIVE-PHYSICAL-EMOTIONAL INTERCONNECTION: MOTOWORDS AND THE DISTAL METHOD Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.02.1 2020-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Panayotov, Valentin https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8148-4649 2020-12-15 2020-12-15 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 3 18 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.02.1 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33062/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33062/download/pdf/ Introduction. Presently, obesity is endemic in many countries. Many obese patients also suffer from diseases of high social impact, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Generally, therapies combining energy­deficient diets and physical activity protocols are used for treating obesity. Nonetheless, presently, no universal intervention with exact parameters exists. The complexity of the problem is further exacerbated by difficulties associated with long-term weight maintenance following weight reduction therapies. Purpose and objectives of the study. This analysis attempts to assess the impact of duration of combined diet-and-exercise weight reduction protocols on changes in body mass in overweight and obese people. Applied methodology. 3142 publications in total were retrieved by filtering the database of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health USA by keywords (“weight loss”, “diet” and “exercise”) for the period between 01.01.2008 and 01.01.2018. After a selection procedure was applied, 56 of them were included in this meta-regression analysis and were grouped into three strata according to duration. Achieved major results. The results showed that therapies of short to moderate duration are the most effi cient for weight reduction, with regard to both overall effects and the amount of weight reduced per week. These findings were visualized by graphical representations of the studied data. Conclusions. On our opinion, short or moderately long weight reduction therapies with scheduled interruptions should be used for treating obesity. This strategy would successfully maintain patients’ psychological wellbeing, as well as prevent relapses and “yo-yo” effects. Originality/Value. Obesity is a problem of complex origins and simple approaches such as calorie counting are rarely effective. This study proposes a “spiral” methodology – short to moderately-long hypo-caloric regimens with scheduled interruptions. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press diet exercise obesity weight reduction duration LIMITATIONS OF PROLONGED WEIGHT REDUCTION THERAPIES IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE PEOPLE: A META-REGRESSION ANALYSIS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.02.2 2020-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Tarnichkova, Milena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6970-9152 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Petrova, Marina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1042-5278 2020-12-15 2020-12-15 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 19 30 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.02.2 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33064/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33064/download/pdf/ Physical activity is an important criterion for a healthy lifestyle and a prerequisite for improving the motor abilities of adolescents. The aim of this study is to establish the level of development of physical quality agility in all stages of school education. In order to fulfill the set aim of the research, we used sports­pedagogical testing. The research was carried out with 232 pupils from 1st to 12th grade. We used variation analysis and comparative analysis with t-criterion of Student for independent samples to process the study results. Following the dynamics of the development of the studied indicator between the different classes, we report a positive increase six times, and a decrease in the result - three times (from 2nd to 3rd grade; from 7th to 8th grade and from 10th to 11th grade). Between grades 5th – 6th and 8th – 9th there was no increase in the results. The average number of points reported for each class ranged between 9 and 13 points, which according to the evaluation table means a “GOOD” assessment of agility development. Our study shows that the dynamics of the mean level of the researched indicator in the age aspect changes regressively, with the values decreasing from 1st to 12th grade. Comparing the changes in the mean values of pupils divided by class and gender, we established that, overall, boys are faster than girls when performing the test. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press agility pupils testing quality evaluation DYNAMICS OF DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF AGILITY IN SCHOOL EDUCATION (1st-12th GRADE) Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.02.3 2020-12-15 jass

Moscow State Academy of Physical Culture, Moscow, author Shishkov, Igor https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8831-6434 2020-12-15 2020-12-15 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 31 39 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.02.3 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33065/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33065/download/pdf/ The article is devoted to the study of effectiveness of building training and competitive loads of women’s national team of the Republic of Belarus for the European Indoor Hockey Champion ship (Indoor Hockey). The study was conducted at a separate, three-month stage of the annual training cycle. The Purpose of the study: To find optimal ratio between training and competitive loads using block training system for highly qualified hockey players. To achieve the goal, the following Tasks were set: 1. To determine the structure of training of Belarus national hockey players in clubs and during the training camps of the national team before the European Championship; 2. To evaluate training and competitive process as two separate areas of training for highly qualified hockey players; 3. To identify necessary volume and evaluate effectiveness of the use of non­specifi c loads of anaerobic orientation in shock microcycles during training process of hockey players and final result. Research hypothesis: it was assumed that control and test games, as well as non­specifi c loads of anaerobic orientation in shock microcycles, may have a positive effect on the efficiency of using block system for preparing highly qualified hockey players for a short-term tournament. An analysis of the training structure of the women’s national team of the Republic of Belarus is presented from the perspective of the modern block system of periodization. Thus, it can be stated that the polycyclic principle of building the training process in Indoor hockey game sport is approved today. The obtained data on the structure of training of hockey players can be used as model characteristics. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press athlete monitoring indoor hockey international competition periodisation training construction model MODELING OF THE TRAINING PREPARATION OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED FEMALE HOCKEY PLAYERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.02.4 2020-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Gadev, Marin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1490-5946 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Peev, Petar https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1402-5121 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Hristov, Oleg https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2240-4375 2020-12-15 2020-12-15 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 40 52 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.02.4 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33066/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33066/download/pdf/ Football is an intermittent sport with a great number of short and explosive actions. These characteristics of the game require a good level of anaerobic power. The main field tests used as indicators of the development of the anaerobic energy system were the jumps in the vertical plane. The same tests also measured the strength of the lower limbs. We presume that the explosive power of the lower limbs characterizes the development of the alactic anaerobic energy system and strength capacity at the same time. In that case the explosive power of the lower limbs was an important component of the conditioning and strength training of football players. There was a great variety of methods and devices which registered vertical jump height. From this point of view, we wanted to add our study to the research work in the specialized literature. The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences of the jump height measured via two devices. We used the following methods of research: accelerometry, chronometry and statistical analysis. We studied the vertical jump height of 32 football players of the Youth Academy of PFC “Levski”– Sofia at the age of 13,4. In the research the participants performed three jump tests (squat jump [SJ], counter movement jump [CMJ] and counter movement jump with arm swing [CMJA]) as the jump height was measured via accelerometer and Infrared platform. The results from these two devices were compared via Bland Altman plot and calculation of Intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC]. The results of ICC between the two devices showed very strong correlation of the results for the three tests (SJ (R= .91), CMJ (R= .92) and CMJA (R= .87)). The results of the ANOVA showed statistical difference between the measured jump heights (p< .05 for all test, systematic bias was equal to: SJ=15.6; CMJ=15.2; CMJA= 19.5 and effect size (η2 ) was large SJ= .65; CMJ= .69; CMJA= .65) for the three different types of jump. Conclusions:1) Both of the devices showed good consistency of the collected results; 2) The data collected from the two devices showed significant difference of the jump heights. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press football vertical jump team sports testing validity AGREEEMENT BETWEEN MEASUREMENT OF JUMP HEIGHT IN DIFFERENT VERTICAL JUMP TESTS EXECUTED BY YOUNG FOOTBALL PLAYERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.02.5 2020-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Yordanova, Tatiana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7750-5774 2020-12-15 2020-12-15 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 53 68 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.02.5 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33067/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33067/download/pdf/ Jump Elements in figure skating are an integral part of motor activity. One of the conditions for their good performance is great height and length. Criteria for this are the indicators of speed and power qualities. The aim of this research work is to analyze the relationship between anthropometric indicators and those for jumping takeoff of young female figure skaters of the basic level of training. Seventeen female skaters aged 10-14 years old (prepuberty) from ice skating clubs in Bulgaria voluntarily participated in the study. The age of the participants was 10 to 14 years old, which is considered favorable for the development of speed and strength abilities. They were subjected twice to 8 anthropometric measurements and 5 different types of takeoff, conducted in office conditions. To achieve the goal of the survey, the following research methods were used: theoretical analysis and generalization of data in specialized scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observation, pedagogical testing, anthropometric research methods and methods of mathematical statistics for processing the results of the study. The results showed significant intragroup dependences for the anthropometric and biomechanical parameters for all types of jumps takeoff in the first study and a decrease in the correlation coefficients in the second measurement. The maximum force in all types of jumps increases with increasing indicators of height, weight, length of the lower limbs, chest circumference, shoulder width, while the width of the pelvis does not affect the strength of the takeoff. The height of the jumps with the help of the arms depends on the width of the shoulders – r = .497, and for vertical jump with the hands on the hips – r = .664. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press figure skating anthropometric indicators speed­force parameters ANALYSIS OF THE DEPENDENCE BETWEEN JUMPING TAKEOFF AND ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICATORS OF FEMALE FIGURE SKATERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.02.6 2020-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nedkova-Ivanova, Ruzha National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Valev, Yuri https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3238-6089 2020-12-15 2020-12-15 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 69 79 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.02.6 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33068/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33068/download/pdf/ The competitive pairs of horse and rider in the endurance discipline of equestrian sport in Bulgaria have ranked, in the past several years, amongst the elite contestants in Europe and the world, which has necessitated deeper studies in the areas of training methods and the ways of achieving high sport results. Therefore, this study is focused on 6 Bulgarian horses (Arabian horse and Shagya, Table 1) that are preparing for European and World championships. They were trained together under the same conditions (climate, time zone, terrain, speed) by riders with the necessary qualifications and experience. Seven training rides were performed, and the pulse was measured at the moment of the highest load, as it is the most indicative of the horse’s level of effort. By studying the pulse of horses during a training session, the research aimed to determine the efficacy of the short­term training program in the prep season. The results showed that 2 to 4 minutes after coming to a full stop, regardless of the terrain, speed (in this research between 5.2 km/h and 22.5 km/h) or distance travelled by the horses, their pulse varied between 36 and 99 bpm (beats per minute) and they improved their physical condition and increased their stamina without this leading to trauma or more serious injuries, which is a main priority in the equestrian sport and allows for the successful completion of every race. In the long run, such a training methodology will allow the horses to be trained and ready to race at any time. Monitoring the heart rate and keeping it within the studied limits showed that this was the optimal option for a training regime for the six examined horses. In the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a possible solution for maintaining athletic fitness in endurance horses. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press horse endurance training preparation period pulse SHORT-TERM TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE PREPARATION PERIOD IN THE ENDURANCE DISCIPLINE OF EQUESTRIAN SPORT Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.02.7 2020-12-15 jass

Institute of Mechanics, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Sofia, Bulgaria author Ranchev, Sergey https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8319-9892 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Ivanov, Ivan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7519-9657 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Iotov, Ivan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3167-3980 Institute of Mechanics, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Sofia, Bulgaria author Stoytchev, Stoyan 2020-12-15 2020-12-15 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 80 90 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.02.7 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33070/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33070/download/pdf/ Stretching is a common activity used by athletes, elderly, rehabilitation patients, people involved in fitness programs and many others. In isometric stretching an elongation in the linear dimensions of the kinematic chain of the upper limbs is observed. The aim of this study is to show the importance of intra­articular processes as response of isometric stretching force, аs well as to mark the basic factors which define the joint answer to stretching, describing experimental data, relative to these factors. The present work has a programmatic character in terms of the directions in which the answer to the laid aims should be sought. The main focus is on the biomechanical processes in the joints involved in the obtained kinematic chain extension. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press isometric stretching joint intra-articular processes STUDIES ON A PARADOX IN THE WORK OF THE UPPER LIMBS IN ISOMETRIC STRETCHING Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.02.8 2020-12-15 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Eremiev, Martin https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7073-5833 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Krumov, Bobi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5509-249X National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Lyudmilova, Irena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2028-873X National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Popova, Nadezhda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0424-3611 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Lubenova, Daniela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6790-7809 2020-12-15 2020-12-15 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 91 106 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.02.8 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33073/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33073/download/pdf/ Objective: Тo study the potential effectiveness of individual physiotherapy program for wheelchair athletes with shoulder girdle persistent pain and dysfunctions. Materials and methods: Thirteen athletes, members of the Bulgarian National Teams in wheelchair basketball and track and field athletics, with mean age 40.6 ± 10.9 participated in the study. The studied athletes had had a history of persistent pain and shoulder girdle dysfunctions for more than 6 months. Individual physiotherapy programs were applied to the participants for a period of two weeks. The selection of techniques was based on the initial assessment and evaluation. The participants were evaluated before treatment, after the first week of treatment, and at the end of the period with the use of the following specific questionnaires and tests: Goniometry of shoulder flexion and horizontal adduction, Apley’s Scratch test, Active compression test of O’Brien (ACT), Athletic shoulder outcome rating scale and Wheelchair User’s Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI). Results: Post­treatment effects demonstrated a significant (p text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Wheelchair athletes Pain Physiotherapy Shoulder Shoulder girdle EFFECTIVENESS OF INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY OF CHRONIC SHOULDER PAIN AND PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING IN ELITE ATHLETES WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2020.02.9 2020-12-15 jass

Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria author Vasilev, Veselin https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8887-6469 Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria author Boyadjiev, Nikolay https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7125-3879 2020-12-15 2020-12-15 2020 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 4 107 115 2020 10.37393/JASS.2020.02.9 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33074/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33074/download/pdf/ The selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are androgen receptor ligands that bind to androgen receptors on target cells and exhibit a more pronounced anabolic effect at the expense of the androgenic effect on the latter. The aim of the article is to explain what SARMs are and how they are connected with sports. We used over 300 articles for the last 20 years connected with SARMs. Recently, the interest in these new molecules and their use has grown significantly, including in sports, which has led to their listing on the WADA prohibited list. In recent years, a lot of data have been gathered, both on the mechanism of action of a number of steroidal and non-steroidal representatives of this class of substances and on the adverse side effects of their use, as the latter should be well-known to sports doctors and especially to amateurs practicing in their free time and willing to increase their muscle mass with a view to preventing any potential health risks. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press SARMs anabolic steroids androgen receptor ostarine doping SELECTIVE ANDROGEN RECEPTOR MODULATORS (SARM) – A NEW TEMPTATION IN SPORTS. TYPES, MODE OF ACTION AND SIDE EFFECTS OF THEIR APPLICATION: REVIEW Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.01.1 2021-07-20 jass

Sports Authority of India, Human Performance Laboratory, New Delhi, India author Chatterjee, Subhojit Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, New Delhi, India author Hasan, Usra https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5375-5525 Sports Authority of India, Human Performance Laboratory, New Delhi, India author Chatterjee, Subhra https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2583-551X 2021-07-20 2021-07-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 1 3 11 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.01.1 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33076/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33076/download/pdf/ Introduction: Physiological and body composition variables have important role for assessment of training status and evaluation of health status of athletes. Regular monitoring of these variables during training may provide valuable information to coaches for training and selection of players’ training protocol participating in both team sports and individual events. Purpose and objectives of the study: The aims of this study were to compare physiological and body composition variables between male athletes participating in team sports (football) and individual sprint event and also to correlate training duration (both in years and hours per week) of male athletes participating in both team sports as well as sprint with physiological and body composition variables. Applied Methodology: The study was carried out with thirty-year-old (n=30) and BMI matching male Indian athletes participating in team sports (football, n=16) and individual sprint event (n=14), having minimum 2 years of official training. They were in post competitive phase during the test. Several physiological and body composition variables were assessed such as height, weight, body mass index, training age (years), training time (hours/week), fat mass, fat-free mass, body cell mass, muscle mass, VO2 max, maximal power, training intensity and fatigue index following standard protocol. Achieved major results: The sprinters were found to possess significantly more fat-free mass (p < .01), body cell mass (p < .01), muscle mass (p < .01), less fat mass (p < .05) and more average anaerobic power (p < .01) than their peers - football players. However, no significant correlation was found between any of the measured physiological and body composition parameters and the training status of these players. Conclusion: This study would provide useful information for assigning training protocols to the athletes participating in team sports and individual sprint events on the basis of physiological and body composition parameters. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press football sprint event training status anaerobic power fatigue index COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BODY COMPOSITION PARAMETERS IN TEAM SPORTS AND SPRINT TRAINED INDIAN ATHLETES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.01.2 2021-07-20 jass

Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory, University of Kansas, Lawrence, author Cabarkapa, Dimitrije https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9912-3251 Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory, University of Kansas, Lawrence, author Fry, Andrew https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8171-7684 School of Education, University of Kansas, Lawrence, author Poggio, John https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9432-4871 Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory, University of Kansas, Lawrence, author Deane, Michael https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0954-7649 2021-07-20 2021-07-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 1 12 21 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.01.2 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33077/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33077/download/pdf/ Despite its importance and significant contribution to the final game outcome, the free throw shooting motion is greatly understudied. The purpose of this study was to examine kinematic differences between proficient and non-proficient free throw shooters and to determine which variables have the greatest impact on successful free throw shooting performance. Thirteen healthy recreationally active males volunteered to participate in this study. Each participant shot three sets of ten consecutive free throws from the regulation distance from the basket. Each set was performed under 3 minutes with 1-2-minute rest between each set. A high-definition camera recording at 30 fps captured the free throw shooting motion from a sagittal point of view. Video analysis software was used to analyze the following kinematic variables: knee angle, elbow angle, hip flexion, ankle flexion, release angle, shoulder angle, hand release height, and elbow height. The findings of this study suggest that lower elbow positioning influenced by greater knee, ankle, and hip flexion during the preparatory phase of the shooting motion may lead to improvements in free throw shooting accuracy. Moreover, greater ball release height and release angle, as previously suggested, could decrease the margin of error and enhance free throw shooting performance. By using these kinematic variables to create the discriminant function projection model, it is plausible that proficient free throw shooters can be accurately classified in 94% of cases. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press basketball sport shooting technique coaching KINEMATIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PROFICIENT AND NON-PROFICIENT FREE THROW SHOOTERS – VIDEO ANALYSIS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.01.3 2021-07-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Chanev, Sasho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3724-6755 2021-07-20 2021-07-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 1 22 41 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.01.3 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33080/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33080/download/pdf/ The purpose of this study is to reveal the average level and variability of the signs of physical development and specific working capacity of 17-19-year-old Bulgarian handball players and, on this basis, to develop an up-to-date norm framework for control and optimization of sports training in the studied age group. The object of the study is the characteristics of physical development, specific physical fitness, technical and tactical skills, and some mental characteristics. The research was done among 115 handball players between the age of 17 and 19 from the top 10 teams, participating in the national championship for juniors under 19 years old. Anthropometric measurements and sports-pedagogical testing were conducted for the needs of the study with a total of 34 indicators for establishing the level of physical development, specific physical and technical-tactical preparation and some mental characteristics and qualities of the handball players of the studied age group. The following research methods were applied to solve the purpose and tasks of the research: review study and theoretical analysis of the specialized literature, anthropometry, manual dynamometry, sports-pedagogical testing and ascertaining psychological experiment. Frequency analysis and descriptive statistics, sigma estimation method, and index method were used for mathematical-statistical data analysis. The applied approach allowed developing normative tables for evaluation of the results of each competitor or team, based on which, person or team optimization models could be developed, revealing both strengths and weaknesses in their preparation. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press handball adolescents physical development specific working capacity control optimization NORMATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR CONTROL AND OPTIMIZATION OF THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT AND SPECIFIC WORKING CAPACITY OF 17-19-YEAR-OLD HANDBALL PLAYERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.01.4 2021-07-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nikolov, Nikola https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4233-0660 2021-07-20 2021-07-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 1 42 51 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.01.4 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33081/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33081/download/pdf/ It is widely assumed that wrestling is a sport posing high requirements as regards one’s physical qualities strength and endurance. A lot of specialists, however, point out the necessity of harmonious and balanced development of all motor qualities, including flexibility. This research is aimed at wrestlers’ physical preparation and more specifically the dynamics in the physical quality flexibility. We attempted to find out whether altitude influences the manifestation of the physical quality flexibility and to what extent. The research was done among 13 wrestlers from Bulgarian National team, Greco-Roman style, men. We measured the flexibility of the spinal cord and coxofemoral joint during training camps held at low and high altitude. The tests used (Т1, Т2, Т3 and Т4) are easy to be applied. The results were processed statistically and further discussed. It is clear that there were statistically significant differences only along T2, and there was no reliable difference in the results along the rest of the tests - Т1, Т3 and Т4 at a low and high altitude. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press wrestling flexibility altitude INFLUENCE OF ALTITUDE ON FLEXIBILITY OF ELITE WRESTLERS GRECO-ROMAN STYLE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.01.5 2021-07-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Penov, Radoslav https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3355-0725 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Chalakov, Milen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0861-7040 2021-07-20 2021-07-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 1 52 66 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.01.5 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33083/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33083/download/pdf/ This article presents a methodology aimed at increasing the force of the rear-hand straight punch at the torso-level (gyaku zuki chudan). To accomplish the tasks of the survey, a video-computerized system was used to record and analyze the parameters of the punches performed by the participants. The results concerning the force of the torso-level rear-hand straight punch were registered in identical ways for each of the participants in order to make sure that the survey was performed under uniform conditions. The input data was processed by means of kinematics analysis software. To prove the credibility of the data registered the necessary statistical analysis methods were applied. If more and more coaches start using modern tools and methods to develop the sports and technical skills of their entrusted athletes, this will increase the quality of the karate training process. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press methodology karate punches rear hand force EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY AIMED AT INCREASING THE FORCE OF STRAIGHT REAR-HAND PUNCH IN KARATE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.01.6 2021-07-20 jass

Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece author Salonikidis, Konstantinos https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5769-5454 Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece author Mantziou, Aikaterini Department of Informatics, Ionian University, Corfu, Greece author Papageorgiou, Konstantinos https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9289-5627 Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece author Arabatzi, Fotini https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1706-9878 2021-07-20 2021-07-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 1 67 79 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.01.6 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33085/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33085/download/pdf/ Background: The anatomy, origin, function, and appearance of the Palmaris Longus Muscle (PLM) in different populations are well studied. However, little is known about its contribution to wrist flexion movements in sports. This study investigates whether the existence or absence of the PLM affects maximal torque output or torque consistency of submaximal wrist flexion moment. Methods: One hundred ninety-seven well-trained sports students were clinically examined to ascertain the presence of the PLM. Forty of them from different sport disciplines were assigned to two groups (athletes in handgrip sports: HG, athletes in non-handgrip sports: NHG). Their 80 upper limbs were divided based on the PLM-presence/absence and hand-dominance/non-dominance. Maximal Isometric Torque (MIT) at 150º, 180º, and 210º wrist angle, and torque steadiness at 150º and 180º, at 25%, 50%, and 75% of MIT were measured on a Humac Norm dynamometer. Results: In all MIT tests, HGs significantly surpassed NHGs, independently of the dominant or non-dominant side in presence of the PLM (p text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press isometric torque maximal torque torque variability laterality PALMARIS LONGUS MUSCLE CONTRIBUTION TO MAXIMUM TORQUE AND STEADINESS IN HIGHLY SKILLED GRIP AND NON-GRIP SPORT POPULATIONS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.01.7 2021-07-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Asparuhov, Yavor National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Borukova, Mariana 2021-07-20 2021-07-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 1 80 92 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.01.7 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33087/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33087/download/pdf/ It is often needed in basketball practice to evaluate the stage of the young basketball players‘ preparation. In this way the necessary information is received which serves as a landmark about the level of their development – whether they have the necessary physical qualities and basketball skills, whether they go forward within the educational and training process and whether there is a perspective for their development as highly qualified competitors in the future. The disclosure of the factor structure of the physical development and the specific workability of growing up basketball players has high informative value for the optimization of the educational and training process. The aim of the study is to optimize the training process for growing basketball players by revealing the factor structure and identifying the main factors of sports preparedness in the age range of 15-16 years. The subject of research is the sports training of growing basketball players. The object of the study is the signs of physical development, the special physical and specific techno-tactical preparation. The research was done among 65 basketball players (15-16 years old). Sport and pedagogical tests as per 20 indicators, bearing information about the basic symptoms of the physical development and the specific basketball workability, were made for the needs of the study. The results of the tests were subjected to processing by descriptive statistics, correlation and factor analysis. Results: At the beginning of the study, seven main factors were identified that characterize the specific preparedness in basketball, while at the end of the study, the derived components were five. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press growing up basketball players optimization educational and training process MAIN FACTORS OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS FITNESS OF 15-16-YEAR-OLD BASKETBALL PLAYERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.01.8 2021-07-20 jass

The Foundation for Global Community Health, author Mladenova, Zornitza 2021-07-20 2021-07-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 1 93 105 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.01.8 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33090/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33090/download/pdf/ Nowadays our global society faces big challenges and threats in the times of the first major pandemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 has forced governments to impose the lock-down policies around the world. Social isolation became a new normal form of living. After the first confirmed case on the 8th of March in Bulgaria, the government announced on the 14th of March the lock-down as a preventive strategy for the whole Bulgarian population. Under such circumstances, the big issue became the question of how to maintain the physical and mental health of people, and how to cope with the new reality. Based on this evidence the aim of the joint research study with Ohio State University, USA, entitled “Psychological Responses, Coping Strategies, and Physical Activity during the COVID – 19 Pandemic” has been proposed from the Bulgarian perspective as follows: 1. Investigate psychological responses, coping strategies, and physical activity during the COVID – 19 lock-down periods. 2. Examine the influence of physical activity as a coping strategy in psychological health and overall well-being during social isolation. To this end, an online questionnaire containing an adapted version of the short-form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) has been used to assess the practiced level of physical activity and Metabolic Equivalents (MET) energy expenditure, PROMIS Item Bank v1.0 Emotional distress-Anxiety, Herth Hope Index (HHI) (Herth, 1992), and Brief Resilient Coping Scale BRCS (Sinclaire, Wallston, 2004) to evaluate psychological well-being during the social isolation. Evidence suggests that regular participation in physical activity helps decrease overall levels of anxiety and depression as a reliable coping strategy to overcome the social isolation and, as a whole, the negative aspects of lockdown. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press COVID-19 physical and mental health coping strategies PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES, COPING STRATEGIES, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DURING THE COVID – 19 PANDEMIC: BULGARIAN PERSPECTIVE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.01.9 2021-07-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Atanasova, Nina https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3425-6779 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Atanasov, Emil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4742-2289 2021-07-20 2021-07-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 1 106 115 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.01.9 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33093/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33093/download/pdf/ Football attracts the attention of a number of researchers who study the management of football clubs and academies in different countries. The focus is on the managerial philosophy, goal setting, organization of the sports training process and others. An important element in the business management of football clubs is the use of marketing techniques - active communication, targeted promotional activities, the choice of communication constants to impose corporate identity and reputation. The purpose of this research was to examine the experience and operational capabilities of some football academies in Bulgaria in creating a corporate identity and establishing a football brand. The research tasks were related to: researching literary and documentary sources on the problem under study, conducting expert research with heads of football academies (14 people) in connection with the application of brand management as a form of brand management and enforcement, researching and analyzing the experience of PFC “Levski” in the policy of imposing the brand among the fans. As part of our work we used different research methods, such us: content analysis, survey method, with a strong expert focus and case studies. During the research we analyzed the promotional tools used by football academies, their policy to create a club identity, the importance of quality in the creation and supplying the service of teaching and the professional training of young players. A study of similar nature is a novelty for sports management practice in football. The conclusions and final recommendations can be used as a starting point in order to upgrade and diversify the forms of promotional policy of football academies. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press brand management brand corporate identity marketing football academies BRAND MANAGEMENT - THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THE FOOTBALL ACADEMIES IN BULGARIA Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.02.1 2021-12-20 jass

Department of Health and Human Development, Western Washington University, Bellingham, author Suprak, David https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7259-3648 Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Barry University, Miami, author Amasay, Tal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7614-3150 2021-12-20 2021-12-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 3 16 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.02.1 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33094/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33094/download/pdf/ Introduction. Countermovement jump is common in sport and testing and performed from various starting positions. Little is known about effective contributions to maximal countermovement jump height from various starting positions. Purpose and Objectives. Determine effective jump height predictors and effect of starting position on countermovement jump height. Applied Methodology. Forty-nine collegiate athletes performed maximal height countermovement jumps from upright and squatting positions with arm movement. Several variables were calculated from kinetic data. Correlation and regression determined variables related to and predictive of jump height in both conditions. Paired t-tests evaluated differences in jump height. Achieved Major Results. Upright condition jump height positively correlated with peak force and power, eccentric and concentric impulses, and countermovement depth. Jump height prediction included peak force and power, and eccentric and concentric impulses. Squat condition jump height positively correlated with peak force and power, mean rate of force development, force generated at the beginning of propulsion, and concentric impulse. Jump height prediction equation included mean rate of force development, force at the beginning of propulsion, and peak power. Jump height was higher in the upright condition. Conclusions. Higher jumps are achieved from the upright position. Peak force, peak power, and concentric and eccentric impulses best contribute to upright jump height. Mean rate of force development, force at the beginning of propulsion, and peak power best predicted squat jump height. Limitations. We did not restrict arm movement, to encourage natural motion. Depth was not controlled, rather advising a comfortable depth. Subjects were recruited from various collegiate sports. Practical implications. Maximal jump height from various positions may be achieved through efforts to maximize jump peak power and increase musculotendinous loading in sport-specific starting positions. Originality/Value. This is the first study to explore the predictors of upright and squat countermovement jumps. These results can guide jump performance training. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Impulse Countermovement Peak Force Peak Power Starting Position PREDICTING MAXIMAL COUNTERMOVEMENT JUMP HEIGHT FROM UPRIGHT AND SQUAT POSITIONS HEAD TITLE: UPRIGHT AND SQUAT MAXIMUM JUMP HEIGHT PREDICTORS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.02.2 2021-12-20 jass

Department of Exercise Science, Olympic Training and Testing Center of Hessen, Frankfurt am Main, Germany author Puschkasch-Möck, Sebastian https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6277-2696 Institute of Sports Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany author Hartmann, René Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Austria author Wirth, Klaus 2021-12-20 2021-12-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 17 27 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.02.2 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33095/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33095/download/pdf/ A high level of sprinting performance is relevant in various sports. Because of the transition of movement patterns in different sprint sections there is a shift in the relevance of speed-strength of the knee and hip extensors, and stretch-shortening cycle performance seems conceivable. Fifty-six physical education students (23.70 ± 3.00 years, 176.9 ± 8.10cm, 74.20 ± 10.30kg) were investigated. They performed sprints up to 30m in which different sections were analyzed and vertical jumps (squat jump, countermovement jump, drop jump from different dropping heights). Vertical jumping tests in squat jump and countermovement jump revealed mean values of 31.95 ± 6.56cm and 34.28 ± 7.47cm, respectively, while the drop jumps showed mean RSI values between 155.11 ± 36.77 and 168.24 ± 36.29 dependent on the dropping height. The sprint test showed a mean performance of 4.464 ± .343s (30m). The correlational analysis showed significant correlations (p < .01) for vertical jumping height with all sprinting sections (r = -.652 to -.834). Drop jump performance also showed significant correlations (p < .01) with all the sections (r = -.379 to -.594). The results let us hypothesize that the observed sample generated similar ground-reaction forces in the sprint and drop jump from a height of 40 cm. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Stretch-Shortening Cycle Movement Speed Speed-Strength VERTICAL JUMPING PERFORMANCE RELATES TO SPRINTING PERFORMANCE OVER SHORT DISTANCES AND DIFFERENT SECTIONS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.02.3 2021-12-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Avramov, Dimitar https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4722-9905 2021-12-20 2021-12-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 28 39 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.02.3 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33096/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33096/download/pdf/ The aim of this study was to determine aerobic fitness through the VO2 max treadmill test of elite Bulgarian taekwondo players with international results, and to determine whether the aerobic system had an effect upon the sports result in taekwondo. Fourteen elite taekwondo athletes, members of the Bulgarian national team (8 male and 6 female) were tested using a continuous progressive treadmill test. Physiological characteristics such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), blood lactate and heart rate were measured. The male athletes recorded 58.2±3.4 ml kg–1 min–1 and the female 46.0±2.8 ml kg–1 min–1. The lactate level reached its highest at the 6’ after the VO2 maxwith results for the males of 11.5±3.7 (mmol l-1) and 9.9±4.1 (mmol l-1) for the females respectively. A comparison between our results, regarding VO2 max and previously reported was made using the One-way ANOVA for independent samples. It showed no significant difference between the male subjects (58.2±3.4 versus 60.7±3.3 ml kg(-1) min(-1), p>.05) and significant difference between the female ones (46.0±2.8 versus 49.8±2.8 ml kg(-1) min(-1), p text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Taekwondo VO2 max Anaerobic Endurance Aerobic RELEVANCE OF VO2 max CONSUMPTION IN ELITE BULGARIAN TAEKWONDO COMPETITORS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.02.4 2021-12-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Petrova, Borislava https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2128-2110 2021-12-20 2021-12-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 40 50 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.02.4 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33097/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33097/download/pdf/ Soccer is a high-intensity intermittent team sport where both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems contribute to the physiological demands of the game. The study aims to search and determine relationships between the values of cardiopulmonary and gas exchange indices during frequently used laboratory tests - the CardioPulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) and the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), exploring the capacity of the energy systems. Forty-seven soccer players (15.06 ± 0.84 years of age) performed both tests as Oxygen uptake (VO2 ), Oxygen pulse (O2 HR), Pulmonary ventilation (VE), Volume of expired air (VTex), and Breath frequency (BF) were measured online using a breath-by-breath cardiopulmonary exercise testing system. Ergometric achievements during WAnT: PP (Peak Power) 662.4 ± 121.2 W; AP (Average Power) 494.67 ± 98.5 W; FI (Fatigue Index) 61.2 ± 28.7%. There was no correlation between WAnT PP and AP and maximum power output in CPET. WAnT VE and VTex correlate significantly with CPET VO2 max (r = .676 and r = .772, respectively). The main finding was a presence of approximately identical maximal values of cardiopulmonary parameters achieved in the very different in duration and intensity CPET and WАnT: insignificant differences between CPET versus WAnT: VO2 max (55.97 ± 2.02 versus 56.02 ± 17.3 ml.kg.min-1); VEmax (133.96 ± 21.77 versus 126.77 ± 24.77 l.min-1); VTex max (2.19 ± 0.37 l versus 2.06 ± 0.43 l); BFmax (62.20 versus 75.43.min-1). We assume that when conducting WAnT with simultaneous registration of respiration, together with the indices of athletes’ power output, reliable information about the magnitude of VO2max and other cardiopulmonary parameters of players could be obtained. This will greatly facilitate the ongoing control of the exercise conditioning status of athletes text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Cardiopulmonary exercise test Wingate anaerobic test Aerobic capacity Anaerobic power RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC CARDIOPULMONARY INDICES OF YOUNG MALE SOCCER PLAYERS WHEN PERFORMING LABORATORY FUNCTIONAL TESTS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.02.5 2021-12-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Borukova, Mariana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4403-9065 2021-12-20 2021-12-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 51 65 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.02.5 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33098/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33098/download/pdf/ The introduction of an updated test battery, covering tests accessible for all age groups and with duration of one training session is needed for the execution of effective control on the growing up basketball players. The purpose of the study was to create an updated test battery for basketball players (boys and girls) of U12, U14, and U16, including three groups of indicators: for physical development, physical preparedness, and technical skills. Three hundred and ten children from the clubs in the country (137 boys and 173 girls) participated in the sport-pedagogical tests. We applied a new test battery, covering 21 indicators, divided into three groups: for physical development, physical preparedness, and technical skills. The results were processed with a variation analysis and comparative analysis by the t-criterion of Student. The results showed statistically important differences for both sexes between U12 and U14 for the physical development and physical preparedness signs and for some tests in relation to the technical preparedness. An important difference was observed between U14 and U16 from both sexes for some of the sings only; as far as the technical skills were concerned, the differences for the boys were due to occasional reasons; for the U16 girls, they were considerably better than the U14 girls. The new test battery objectively reflects the real status of the level of all U12, U14, and U16 competitors. Normative tables will be developed to help the work of the coaches in relation to the optimization of the school-training process. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Test battery Basketball players U12 U14 and U16 Control CONTROL TESTS FOR GROWING UP BASKETBALL PLAYERS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.02.6 2021-12-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Hadjiyankova, Polina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3291-5323 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Iancheva, Tatiana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9718-6056 2021-12-20 2021-12-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 66 76 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.02.6 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33101/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33101/download/pdf/ In the last years, the issue concerning individualism and collectivism in sport has increasingly attracted researchers’ attention. The relation between individualism-collectivism and performance has been surveyed (Cox et al., 1991, Mann, 1980, Wagner, 1995), the stability of teamwork (Kiffin-Petersen & Cordey, 2003, Kirkman, 1996, Kirkman & Shapiro, 2001), team performance (Karsh, 1984, Smith, 1984). This study aimed to examine individualism and collectivism and their relation to goal orientation among athletes with different levels of qualification practicing six different kinds of sport. The research was done among 160 athletes practicing six sports – three (3) team sports and three (3) individual sports. To fulfill the aim of the research, we used: 1. Scale for measuring the horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism INDCOL of Singelis, Triandism Bhawuk, & Gelfand, 1995; 2. Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire – TEOSQ, Duda & Nicholls, adapted for Bulgarian conditions by Domuschieva-Rogleva, 2003. 3. Psychological Collectivism Measure – Jackson et аl., 2006. We established significant differences among competitors practicing individual and team sports and differences depending on the qualification, club affiliation, gender. The influence of individualism and collectivism on goal orientation in sport was revealed. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Individualism Collectivism Goal orientation Ego-orientation Task-orientation INDIVIDUALISM, COLLECTIVISM, AND GOAL ORIENTATION FOR ATHLETES FROM INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM SPORTS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.02.7 2021-12-20 jass

South-West University “Neofit Rilski,”, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria author Popkochev, Trayan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2789-2566 South-West University “Neofit Rilski,”, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria author Tsvetkov, Valeri https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4932-4885 2021-12-20 2021-12-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 77 92 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.02.7 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33103/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33103/download/pdf/ The end of the crisis in Bulgarian football is discussed through the perspective of solving the problems in youth football. Although organizational culture is essential for effectiveness within organizations, few studies are related to the organizational culture in (youth) football clubs in Bulgaria. The article aims at studying the organizational culture in three clubs from the Youth-17 League in the South-West Bulgaria Zone 1 and Zone 2. 60 players and 3 coaches participated in a survey conducted through OCAI (Cameron and Quinn). The weight of certain factors considered important for achievement in clubs was measured through dispersion analysis. The hierarchy and clan types are predominant in the club’s profiles. According to the analysis, the present state is characterized by fewer distractions than the desired state. ANOVA shows that the team success factor has the strongest influence regarding the differentiation of the clan (present state) and market (desired state) types of cultures. The competing experience factor has a lesser effect and differentiates the market and the adhocracy type of cultures (the desired state). The prospect factor differentiates between the clan and market type in the desired state. Both groups surveyed have similar preferences for the types of organizational culture in the teams, with the “strength” of the preference criteria having higher value with the coaches. The typical team sport profile of organizational culture is observed. Coaches can influence the sports training activities and manage the organizational culture in the clubs through the factors mentioned above when players are still young. The study is not representative of the South-West League and Bulgaria as a whole. Organizational culture significantly influences competing efficiency and good youth football players’ making. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Football Youth Organizational culture Organizational culture profile Factors PROFILE OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE IN YOUTH CLUB FOOTBALL (THE PRESENT SITUATION IN BLAGOEVGRAD REGION) Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2021.02.8 2021-12-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Schenk, Jörg https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9882-3739 2021-12-20 2021-12-20 2021 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 5 93 102 2021 10.37393/JASS.2021.02.8 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33104/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33104/download/pdf/ The German Carl Diem is considered one of the most outstanding sports personalities and Olympic promoters of modern times and was not only relevant to sports development in and for Germany but also abroad. His work unfolded especially in the first half of the 20th century but led to highly contradictory assessments of his person and his work due to the circumstances of the time and political developments in Germany and Europe. It becomes apparent that in contrast to Germany, where Diem is now almost forgotten despite an almost incalculable oeuvre and is only known to sports historians, in Bulgaria, where he created the essential basis for the establishment and structure of the “State Higher School for Physical Education”, later “National Sports Academy ‘Vasil Levski’”, and thus the academic training of sports teachers with his “Organizational Plan for Physical Education in Bulgaria”, there was initially no mention of him after 1944 and only from the 1990s of the last century at least some few mentions. This article uses an overview of the academic literature to shed light on Diem’s changed reception in Germany as well as the deficient research situation on him in Bulgaria. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Carl Diem Organizational plan Higher School of Physical Education Bulgaria Olympia CARL DIEM – A SIGNIFICANT SPORTS PERSONALITY FOR GERMANY, EUROPE, AND BULGARIA ATTEMPT AT ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2022.01.1 2022-07-20 jass

Department of HPSS, Tennessee State University, Nashville, author Mcintosh, Mason Department of HPSS, Tennessee State University, Nashville, author Cochrum, Robbie https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0046-6401 Department of Kinesiology, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, author Conners, Ryan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4755-361X Department of HPSS, Tennessee State University, Nashville, author Moreno, Vanessa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0212-0394 Department of HPSS, Tennessee State University, Nashville, author Black, Michael Department of HPSS, Tennessee State University, Nashville, author Heimdal, James https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0134-3665 2022-07-20 2022-07-20 2022 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 6 1 3 15 2022 10.37393/JASS.2022.01.1 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33106/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33106/download/pdf/ Introduction: Multi-ingredient dietary supplements have been developed to increase nitric oxide (NO) production, with the expectation of improving resistance training performance. Many of these supplements contain ingredients and/ or ingredient amounts that have yet to be studied for their synergy or efficacy in increasing NO production and thus, resistance training performance. Purpose of the study: A randomized crossover design was used to investigate the effect of a citrulline malate (CM) based non-stimulant nitric oxide pre-workout supplement (NOPWS) blend or placebo on Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) bench press performance. Applied Methodology: Thirty-minutes were provided between NOPWS or placebo ingestion and YMCA bench press assessment. Pre/post heart rate was taken following each condition. Two- and one-way repeated measures ANOVAs (α = 0.05) were run to determine the effect of each condition on heart rate (HR) and the number of repetitions performed (respectively) during the bench press test. Achieved major results: There was a significant two-way interaction between the treatment and time for HR, F(1, 20) = 6.82, p = .017. Resting HR was significantly higher during the supplement session (M = 74.67, SE = 2.54 bpm) than during the placebo session (M = 69.14, SE = 2.31 bpm), F(1, 20) = 8.19, p = .010, ηp 2 = .290. No significant difference was found between conditions for number of repetitions performed. Leads: A specific CM-containing NOPWS blend had no significant effect on a standardized assessment of upper body muscular endurance. Practical implications: These findings highlight the need for consideration of the minimum eff ective dosage and assimilation timing of each respective ingredient when developing or researching pre-workout supplement blends. Originality/Value: This is the first known research to study the effectiveness of this specific blend of ingredients on resistance training performance. Thus, this study provides necessary foundational knowledge for future research in this area. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Nitric oxide YMCA bench press supplement citrulline malate pre-workout EFFECT OF A NITRIC OXIDE PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENT ON MUSCULAR ENDURANCE Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2022.01.2 2022-07-20 jass

Department of Physiology, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India author Singh, Rupak https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7714-8519 Department of Sports Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India author Rastogi, Jayant https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8554-4872 Directorate General Medical Services (Air), Air Force Head Quarters, New Delhi, India author Guru, Chandra https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6032-4689 Sports Science Faculty, Army Sports Institute, Pune, India author Apte, Varad https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0942-5166 Department of Sports Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India author Datta, Karuna https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0269-6737 Sports Science Faculty, Army Sports Institute, Pune, India author Sharma, Atul https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8499-4994 2022-07-20 2022-07-20 2022 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 6 1 16 27 2022 10.37393/JASS.2022.01.2 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33107/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33107/download/pdf/ Background: Nationwide lockdown was enforced due to the spread of the new Coronavirus-19. This resulted in cessation of all sports training across the country, including elite athletes. This COVID-19 lockdown was hypothesized to result in detraining effects on elite athletes. Aim: We aimed to study the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on athletes’ physiological and anthropometric sports performance parameters. Methodology: Seventy-five athletes (age: 23.25 ± 3.9 years, training experience 7.49 ± 3.5 years) from different sports participated voluntarily. International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to grade home-based non-supervised physical activity undertaken during COVID-19 lockdown (137.81 ± 39.20 days). We compared the measured anthropometric, aerobic, and anaerobic performance parameters post-lockdown with pre-lockdown competitive phase recordings using Kruskal Wallis non-parametric test. Parameters were expressed as mean ± SD with level of significance fixed at p < .05. Results: Statistically significant reduction of 33.28% was observed in aerobic capacity post- COVID-19 lockdown (p = .01). We did not find any statistically significant variation in the other anthropometric and physiological performance parameters, namely weight (↑17.50 %), body mass index (↑20.69 %), body fat mass (↑20.76 %), waist (↑21.07 %), hip (↑19.13 %), waist: hip ratio (↑10.71 %), peak power (↑11.32 %) and mean power (↑5.17 %). Conclusions: We found that the athletes exhibited generalized detraining features despite maintaining home-based physical activity. Compared to other performance parameters, there was a significant decrease in the aerobic capacity post-lockdown. This shows the importance of incorporating an indoor-based supervised program including aerobic exercises to guide and monitor athletes. Practical Implications: Off -season/home confinement requires a remotely supervised tailored exercise program with optimal stimuli to maintain training adaptations. Awareness and incorporation of these findings would aid coaches and trainers in designing training programs to promote athletes’ injury-free gradual return to sports. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press Athletic Performance COVID-19 Endurance Training Detraining Training Program Cardiorespiratory Fitness Competitive Athlete EFFECT OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN ON SPORTS PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS OF COMPETITIVE ATHLETES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2022.01.3 2022-07-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Konchev, Mihail https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0259-3386 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Mitsov, Dimcho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4271-7240 2022-07-20 2022-07-20 2022 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 6 1 28 44 2022 10.37393/JASS.2022.01.3 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33108/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33108/download/pdf/ The aim of this case study was to develop and verify a math model of running index (RI) for evaluation and control of specific efficiency and tracing the fatigue level in long distance running. The suggested RI was modelled on the basis of polynomial function between the running velocity and the change in heart rate frequency (V=f(HR)). The method was designed in such a way that the infl uence of denivelation of the terrain was removed when calculating RI. The research was done among 19 highly qualified athletes competing in long distance running events (16 men and 3 women), with a mean age of 28 years (SD±8), BMI 20 (SD±2), maximum oxygen consumption 67 ml/min/kg (SD ±5). The participants in the research were subjected to two lab and two terrain surveys. In a period of one week after the testing, RI was traced and calculated on the basis of the data taken from the major training loads. The model was verified only for the studied subjects - highly qualified competitors in long-distance running. RI was tested for validity through comparing the values obtained from the lab and terrain tests. The obtained results showed there was no significant difference between the values of RI measured during the lab testing and the terrain testing compared to the values of the velocity of ventilatory and lactate anaerobic threshold (VAnT). The results from this research revealed that the suggested method for calculation of the running index is more accurate than the previous ones. This manuscript discusses the possible implications of this new method for measurement of RI. Future scientific research is needed to prove its efficiency and applicability in sport. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press long-distance running evaluation control fatigue level running index MATH MODEL OF RUNNING INDEX FOR EVALUATION AND CONTROL OF SPECIFIC EFFICIENCY AND TRACING THE FATIGUE LEVEL IN LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2022.01.4 2022-07-20 jass

Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory - Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, University of Kansas, Lawrence, author Philipp, Nicolas https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7413-0700 Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Lawrence, author Herda, Trent https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5555-5156 Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory - Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, University of Kansas, Lawrence, author Cabarkapa, Dimitrije https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9912-3251 Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory - Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, University of Kansas, Lawrence, author Fry, Andrew https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8171-7684 2022-07-20 2022-07-20 2022 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 6 1 45 56 2022 10.37393/JASS.2022.01.4 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33109/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33109/download/pdf/ The implementation of resistance training to enhance muscular strength alongside other physical performance tasks such as linear speed or agility is a primary goal for strength and conditioning practitioners working with American football athletes. This study aimed to investigate changes in body weight, relative and absolute lower body strength, as well as linear speed ability and sprint momentum over three collegiate American football seasons. Additionally, relationships between change scores within the previously mentioned metrics, as well as the effect of Season-1 baseline strength levels on subsequent improvements in strength and linear speed were analyzed. Significant increases in body weight as well as relative and absolute lower body strength and sprint momentum were observed between Season-1 and Season-3. However, no significant improvements in linear speed were observed. Further, only change scores in body weight were found to be significantly related to change scores in the linear speed. Lastly, the group of athletes with lower Season-1 strength levels experienced significantly greater improvements in linear speed (i.e., reduction in 40-yard dash times), compared to the group with higher Season-1 strength levels. Our results indicate that athletes within our sample were able to experience increases in strength and body weight. However, such increases were not accompanied by improvements in the linear speed. While speculative, the significantly greater improvement in linear speed within the group with lower Season-1 relative strength levels may indicate that improvements in linear speed align with increases in strength, until athletes reach a certain level of strength. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press American Football Athlete Monitoring Strength CHANGES IN LOWER BODY STRENGTH AND LINEAR SPEED PERFORMANCE IN NCAA DIVISION 2 COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL PLAYERS ACROSS THREE COMPETITIVE SEASONS Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2022.01.5 2022-07-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Bonova, Iveta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6102-8475 STK Sports, London, United Kingdom author Kolimechkov, Stefan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0112-2387 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Mavrudiev, Petko https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9156-5370 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Mitsov, Dimcho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4271-7240 National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Dasheva, Daniela 2022-07-20 2022-07-20 2022 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 6 1 57 72 2022 10.37393/JASS.2022.01.5 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33110/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33110/download/pdf/ Athletic talent represents a high level of trainability in a certain type of sport. The earlier the level of trainability is identified, the more effective the sports training of the athlete will be. The aim of this study was to establish the effect of trainability on the physical fitness of adolescent athletes as a consequence of an applied training program adequate to the age and sports experience of the athletes. This study included 52 young athletes (24 boys and 28 girls), divided into 4 groups: male athletes from the control group (n = 10, mean age 14.88 ± 1.29 years), male athletes from the experimental group (n = 14, mean age 13.72 ± 1.15 years), female athletes from the control group (n = 14, mean age 15.69 ± 1.00 years), and female athletes from the experimental group (n = 14, mean age 13.41 ± 1.68 years). The experimental groups followed a specialized 12-week program signed for the purposes of the study. All participants completed the Alpha-Fit physical fitness test battery in addition to specific fitness tests before and after the training intervention. This study showed significant differences with larger effect sizes in nearly all components of health-related and specific physical fitness for the experimental groups after the training intervention in contrast to the control groups. The results of the standing long jump in the male (184.57 ± 19.79 cm vs 200.79 ± 20.01 cm, effect size = 0.8) and female athletes (179.07 ± 18.56 cm vs 183.93 ± 16.26 cm, effect size = 0.3) from the experimental groups showed significantly better values after the intervention, which indicated that strength is highly trainable for both genders at this age (13-14 years of age). The results of this study showed that the effect of trainability on physical fitness was greater for the athletes who were following the specialized training program based on the expected transfer of development in physical qualities. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press athletes physical fitness trainability field tests THE EFFECT OF TRAINABILITY ON THE PHYSICAL FITNESS OF YOUNG ATHLETES Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2022.01.6 2022-07-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Angelov, Georgi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2635-8743 2022-07-20 2022-07-20 2022 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 6 1 73 81 2022 10.37393/JASS.2022.01.6 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33111/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33111/download/pdf/ For the period 2015 - 2019 in Bulgaria a significant number of children’s football camps were organized in partnership with some of the biggest football clubs in Europe. These events aroused great interest among children, adults, and media, because for the Bulgarian audience clubs such as AC Milan, FC Inter, FC Barcelona and Juventus FC are the embodiment of world football. This article aims to review, describe, and analyse football camps in Bulgaria in terms of their history, management, and organization, which in turn will contribute to increasing the number and quality of football grassroots projects. This type of event is increasingly finding its place in the field of sport, which suggests a more in-depth study. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press football training camps management MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF TRAINING FOOTBALL CAMPS IN BULGARIA FOR THE PERIOD 2015-2019 Research Article

10.37393/JASS.2022.01.7 2022-07-20 jass

National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria author Dimitrova, Leyla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1806-9183 2022-07-20 2022-07-20 2022 Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 2535-0145 2534-9597 6 1 82 88 2022 10.37393/JASS.2022.01.7 https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33112/ https://journal.nsa.bg/article/33112/download/pdf/ The aim of the research was to establish the actual interrelations and interdependencies between the traditional (face-to-face) and online forms of chess training sessions among 10-13-year-old chess players. The research was done among 37 competitors with Elo rating 1050-1400 points from four chess clubs in Bulgaria. They were divided into two groups. In one of the groups, the sessions were conducted only online, and in the other group – only in a training hall. A unifi ed lecture course was created for the purpose of the research. It consisted of the obligatory elements of two-component education – lectures on 15 basic chess topics (10 about chess tactics and 5 about chess strategy) and tests-exercises for each of them. At the end of the lecture course, through a suitable set of chess indexes, we measured the degree to which the material had been learnt by the participants in the two groups. The applied Student’s t-test for two independent samples showed that the difference in the results from the two forms of testing was insignificant, i.e., it was not a consequence from the form of testing but from fortuitous factors. The result from this research can help chess coaches working with this age group to take a much more professionally conscious choice regarding the degree of presence of the two types of chess practices during their training sessions. text/html en_US National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" - Scientific Publishing House NSA Press chess education chess tactics and strategy face-to-face and online training RESEARCH OF THE EFFICIENCY OF ONLINE TRAINING SESSIONS AMONG 10-13-YEAR-OLD CHESS PLAYERS Research Article cGFnZT0xJnNldD1qYXNzJmZyb209JnVudGlsPSZtZXRhZGF0YV9wcmVmaXg9bW9kcw==