bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEW MANAGEMENT APPROACHES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SWIMMING RESULTS AND SPORT
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Stoyanova Natalia
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Every governing sport organization is looking for ways and approaches to improve the quality of sports results and to increase its mass of active athletes. Those are the key indicators for long-term development. The aim is to make a more in-depth analysis of the decisions taken by the Management Board of the Bulgarian Swim-ming Federation for the next competition period and how they will affect the swimming sport in Bulgaria. The focus is on the new standards of swimming results, which will entitle the athletes to participate in National swimming age group championships and the new format of those championships. The analysis of the results shows that those new standards will enforce the competitors to improve their swimming results too fast during the transition from one to another age group. The competitors in one age group are in a range of 2 or 3 birth years and they need to achieve the same standards no matter whether they are 15 or 17 years of age. The younger ones remain at a disadvantage. The new model of Rules for conducting National swimming age group championships is the other researched item. Previously competitions from this rank were held separately for every age group. The new format includes 2 or 3 age groups competing together. That doesn’t allow for diversity in the competition program. The perspective in front of the athletes is to have in 5 consecutive years (from 12 to 17 years) the same type of competition with a repeating competition program. Discussions over taken decisions are that they will lead to the elimination of a large percentage of athletes, depersonalize the results achieved in their age groups, disappointment, and dissatisfaction. Prolonged stays in such kind of competition are unnecessary and costly in terms of money and time for both - athletes and coaches. The conclusions are that a set of more precise standards for separate ages and revised regulations for conducting the National swimming championships will preserve the mass and the desire to perform.
EFFECTS OF OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING TRAINING METHODS ON MOTOR ABILITIES IN
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Yankova Neli , Panayotov Valentin ,   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Introduction. The Olympic weightlifting training methodology is a powerful tool for developing motor abilities and overall fitness. In addition, it is well established that these activities have a positive effect on the physical development of adolescents. It is important that the preparation is conducted under professional coaching in sports clubs to guarantee the achievement of good sports performance without injuries. Methodology. The goal of this study is to identify the changes that occur in the physical performance of 13-15-year-old cadets (boys), under the influence of specialized training with the means of Olympic weightlifting. 30 weightlifters aged 14 on average participated in the experiment. The study was conducted in September 2021. Results. Based on the results, we can conclude that overall the structured specialized Olympic weightlifting training protocol positively affects explosive strength, speed, and flexibility in 13-15-year-old cadets. However, the results show significant between-group variability when stratified by age. Discussion and conclusions. Habitual Olympic weightlifting training is not a very popular activity among children and adolescents. It is generally considered risky and not appropriate for youngsters. However, our results painted a different picture, and based on them and our practical experience, in our opinion, if the methodology is properly modified, Olympic weightlifting is a powerful tool for the development of motor abilities in trainees of different age groups.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL QUALITIES AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS OF SPORTS OFFICIALS IN BULGARIA AND EUROPE
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Slavchev Ivan
Published: November 2022

The current study aims to reveal the requirements for sports officials’ personal attributes, professional skills, and knowledge in Bulgaria. The article analyzes data gathered during the ONSIDE Erasmus+ project. The research has been conducted through a specially designed questionnaire, available in 18 languages and distributed electronically. There are 220 respondents, which encompass well over 50 different sports. There are 31 countries represented in the study, including some outside of the EU. Responses are divided into three groups: Bulgaria, Eastern Block, and Western Block countries. The current article examines if there are any differences in the expectations for the sports officials in Bulgaria, compared to the representatives of the other two groups, based on the different political histories of the countries in the three groups. The responses to each question were checked for statistically significant differences between each pair of the three groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Four personal attributes show differences between Bulgaria and the Western bloc, and two with the Eastern bloc. As for the skills and abilities, there is one in each comparison with Bulgaria. Additionally, a comparison between the western and Eastern bloc countries was conducted, showing no significant differences in attributes, but three in skills and abilities.
IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL YOUTH POLICIES BY MEANS OF A PROGRAM-PROJECT APPROACH
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Ilieva Desislava
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT As a result of technological change, demographic trends, discrimination, social insulation and a number of other consequences for society, young people need resilience and the ability to adapt to these challenges. The European Union’s (EU) Youth Strategy aims to engage young people aged between 15- 29 and become active citizens, making the most of the potential of youth policy. In such a way, the social and civic participation of young people in democratic life would be encouraged and the necessary resources would be guaranteed. (1) The implementation of youth policy at national level promotes initiatives for the sustainable development of youth. The main goal of the research is to reveal, analyze and present the role of the program-project activity for imposing state youth policy in Bulgaria through in-depth structural content analysis, as well as through case study. This has a direct bearing on and it contributes to the development of the vision for young people and the stable implementation of the policies pursued in youth sector by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The object of research and study are legislative acts, programs, and implemented projects in the field of youth policies, and the subject is their impact and importance for the promotion and activation of young people in Bulgaria. The analysis in the field of the overall youth policy at the national level is a necessary precondition both in the strategic and management, and in the imposition of established European practices.
AUTONOMY AND RESPONSIBILITY OF MODERN SPORT: BETWEEN NATIONAL STANDARDS, THE APPLICABILITY OF EUROPEAN UNION LAW AND MARKET MECHANISMS
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Dimitrov Vasil
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT The heterogeneous nature of sports relations, which are subject to the regulation of sports law, predetermines the different nature of regulation, which in turn provides for a different “autonomy” of sports organizations. The autonomy of individual and collective action is possible only in the existence of normative systems and cultural models that allow different degrees of conformity to their prescriptions and requirements. The research aims to reveal some legal, sociological, and practical aspects of autonomy in sports, and features of manifestation on a national and European scale. The study‘s objectives are: normative documents, case law in connection with the issues discussed at the level of Bulgaria and the European Union, recommendations, reports from various committees, and others. To solve the main tasks, achieve the goal and prove the hypothesis, a complex research methodology of normative and literature sources, content analysis, and included observation has been applied. Conclusion: The globalization of sport is increasingly shifting the legal framework of the international sports system to international sports bodies such as the International Olympic Committee, the World Anti-Doping Agency, and international sports federations. A significant effect of this change has been the erosion of the ability of domestic legal systems to intervene, especially when the rules of international sports bodies conflict with domestic norms and values. Changing regulatory acts that unjustifiably limit the autonomy of sport, in most cases, sports arbitrations deal with the imposed doping-related penalties. Possibilities for improving the work of the arbitration autonomy of sports organizations have been opened. There is a risk of limiting the autonomy of the sports industry, of interference, and on the other hand, there is another risk - reaching such a kind of sports autonomy which will be gradually withdrawn from national jurisdictions.
PARENTS AS VALUE CO-CREATORS AND DESTROYERS IN YOUTH FOOTBALL IN BULGARIA
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Sandanski Ivan
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT As a result of the adoption of market mechanisms, access to sports and football services among adolescents has become a matter of individual choice and economic opportunities of their parents. Through the lens of the concept of Service-dominant logic, the paper interrogates various manifestations of the processes of value co-creation and destruction in the context of the relationships between players’ parents and youth football academies. A random survey among 1,023 parents of children practicing organized forms of football within club-based youth football schools/academies throughout the country was conducted. The respondents encompassed all clubs competing in the First and Second professional leagues. Over 70% of adolescents have been practicing the game as part of a club youth football school for more than 3 years. It is worth mentioning that for nearly 20% of the parents the skills of coaches are the main factor in choosing a club. 13.5% of the parents believe that their child has the potential to become a professional player. It turns out that over 65% of children are not fans of the club in which they train, which also indicates insufficient levels of loyalty. Parents have become the biggest ‘investors’ in youth football in Bulgaria in the form of personal funds and volunteering. In return, they receive a service with a low perceived value. Parents’ choices are driven primarily by rational consumer motives. On the other hand, in clubs with a low degree of diversification of funding sources, a number of undesirable practices are often formed. The study has practical implications for both parents and football club schools’ managers who aim to find new ways of integrating resources and applying competencies. Parents are considered definitive stakeholder in the ecosystem of youth football. Therefore, the study contributes to the further understanding of the value co-creation concept by expanding it into a specific area of interactions.
VOLUNTARY WORK IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SPORTS EVENTS
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Atanasova Nina , Draganov Georgi ,   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Volunteers are a valuable form of assets for many organizations, as they help reduce costs, ease the budget of full-time staff. Significant benefits from volunteering are observed in healthcare, education, sports and other areas of the economy. It contributes to the development of personal skills, helps to socialize the individual. Through it, it is possible to make contacts for possible future employment. The organization and conducting a number of international sports events in Bulgaria, combined with the demand for volunteers, led the organizers to create strategies for recruiting and managing this human resource. In an attempt to implement this activity, it is necessary to know both the points of satisfaction for volunteers and the factors influencing their future intentions to participate in sports initiatives. The object of study are volunteers who took part in various sports events - Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup 2022, WIZZ AIR SOFIA MARATHON, 9th International Championship in Rhythmic Gymnastics “Cup Nuance NSA”, events from the calendar of the Bulgarian Federation Sport for All, and the European Club Cup in Archery – Russe 2022. Its purpose is to explore the importance of various factors in the management of work with volunteers - motivating, their preliminary training, in terms of their satisfaction and more. In the course of the study, an online survey was conducted containing indicators for determining the satisfaction of volunteers in the listed events. The obtained data show that among the studied audience the satisfaction with the listed factors is relatively high. There are some weaknesses in the preliminary organization and distribution of volunteers in the overall organization.
CURRENT SOCIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS RELATED TO TENNIS IN THE SYSTEM OF BULGARIAN SCHOOL EDUCATION
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Dimitrova Albena
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT The scientific report is dedicated to problems related to tennis at the Institute of Education, which participates in the processes of socialization to sports through sports programs. Research interest is also related to the opportunities for adequate socialization through tennis, as a major mechanism for maintaining social order in modern society. The aim of the empirical sociological research is to reveal some aspects related to the main forms of physical education classes for students and organized independent extracurricular activities in tennis in the system of Bulgarian school education and subsequent adequate socialization through sports. The object of this study are a total of 120 students from municipal and private schools in Sofia and Plovdiv. To solve the main tasks, achieve the goal and prove the hypothesis, a complex methodology of research of literature sources, observation, talk, content analysis is applied. Specially developed questionnaires were used. Based on an in-depth analysis of qualitative and quantitative data related to the issues in different schools, the attitude to the learning process is studied, different aspects of the activities are analyzed and practical measures for improving student preparation are outlined, including opportunities for additional funding for schools. Conclusion: knowledge and creative mastery of knowledge in this field of science and their application in practice changes in a positive direction the physical development and ability to work, and as a result the health and academic performance of students.
THE ROLE OF SET PIECES IN MODERN SOCCER
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Dimov Daniel , Atanasov Emil ,   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Soccer set pieces are a crucial part of the game. Research on goal effectiveness from major championships is important and can lead to change and evolutionary trends in football. The aim of this study was to analyze the goals scored through set pieces during the 2020 UEFA Euro 2020. It was analyzed 51 matches with a record 142 goals at an average of just shy of three per game. 40 goals scored of the total are from set pieces. 17 from a corner, 11 from a penalty, 8 goals following a free kick, 3 goals following a throw-in, and just one goal from a direct free kick. For data processing we used modern software products - Bandicut is the fastest and without loss of quality software for cutting and merging video and Wy-scout - The professional platform for people working in the football world: videos, data, statistics, and tools. The data obtained from the present study were processed through mathematical and statistical methods. The analysis shows that set pieces can be an important means of determining victory in high-level football matches, especially between teams of the same level.
TRAINING LOAD BY BIATHLETES AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIERS IN MACROCYCLE
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Birnikov Ivan , Klechorov Mihayl ,   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Vukov Valentin ,   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT In this study, it will be considered in detail, analyzed, and compared the plan-programs in the annual macrocycle, of Bulgarian cross-country skiers and biathletes, and more specifically their general and specific indicators. This would give us much clearer direction in planning the training load in each of the two sports and at the same time the opportunity to make timely adjustments to the training process to increase its effectiveness. In accordance with the purpose and tasks thus set, we applied the following traditional research methods: a survey of methodical scientific literature in cross-country skiing and biathlon, comparative content analysis of training plan programs, targeted pedagogical monitoring of the training process, as well as mathematical and statistical methods. The results show that in both programs, a 7-day version of microcycle in the presented total of 12 mesocycles. The total training load for biathletes participating in the World Cup is 903 h. This is in cross-country skiers - 1050 h. The special training is 68% and the general - 32%. For biathletes, 65% is the special work, and 35% is the general work. To achieve higher results in international competitions in both winter sports, it is necessary to increase the total training load in the annual macrocycle. Also, training tools and modes of operation must be updated in terms of the load intensity.
DIDACTIC TEST FOR ASSESSMENT OF THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE IN TAEKWON-DO
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Ilieva-Sinigerova Silvia
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Successful performance and high sports achievements in martial arts depend on the various aspects of sports training - physical, technical, tactical, and psychological training. On the other hand, the increase in technical degree is related to a physical and theoretical exam. The aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge of athletes related to the history and creation of taekwon-do. Methodology: The study was carried out in April – May 2020. The research was aimed to explores the knowledge of the athletes, related to the history and creation of taekwon-do. The study involved 232 taekwon-do athletes (15.53 ± 4.30 years) with different sports experience and degree from 15 local taekwon-do clubs in Bulgaria. The online form test contains a total of 17 questions (4 personal and 13 specialized questions). Results: The largest accumulation of values (most athletes) received a result in the range of 11-16 points (68.53% of all tested). Most tasks have very good discrimination (0.40 ≤ DP ≤ 0.70). The calculated difficulty P of the questions used is in the range of 63-97%. Conclusion: Empirical data show that the test has good statistical characteristics and can be used to assess the theoretical knowledge of athletes during a promotion exam. The data obtained from the pedagogical experiment give grounds to claim that the level of knowledge and skills of taekwon-do athletes are at different levels.
EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATION OF THE PRELIMINARY TRAINING OF MOUNTAIN GUIDES
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Shopov Alexander , Todorov Todor ,   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Introduction. As the industry experts like to say: “The mountain guide is the guide at the ‘’Museum of Nature’’. But what distinguishes these people who “do not stay anywhere longer than their enthusiasm’’? The training of mountain guides is carried out in the Professional Education Center part of the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training. The training begins with an entrance exam, which assesses the preparation of candidates, and subsequently, the results are used to rank for the upcoming training. The purpose of our research is the development of an experimental methodology for evaluating the preliminary training of candidates for mountain guides. Methods. The research was held in 2022 at the Professional Education Center “Mountains and people”. Our methods included several criteria: moving on a mountain route with a topographic map crossing terrain, a theoretical test, and an intervthese criteria formed an overall score with a maximum score of 20 points. We applied our method to 29 participants. Results: Our participants showed an average time of 4 h 38 min for moving on a mountain route with a topographic map and crossing terrain. These times corresponded with an average of 8.8 points in our evaluation method. The average score for the theoretical test was 3.3 points, and the average score for the interview was 3.8 points. The average overall score was 14.8 points, which we define as very informative for the selection of candidates for mountain guides. Conclusion. We recommend this assessment methodology to National Agency for Vocational Education and Training. It is likely to be implemented in the examination requirements of all Professional Education Centers in the country.
PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR COLON CANCER IN THE EARLY POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD - A CASE REPORT
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Gencheva Nezabravka
Published: November 2022

АBSTRACT Introduction: The Physiotherapy (PT) is an important part of cancer treatment and could be recovery PT, maintenance PT and palliative PT. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of early postoperative PT on the functional and mental recovery of a 57-year-old patient with colon cancer. Research methods: On the second and seventh postoperative day, we applied a Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-15) questionnaire, Cumulated Ambulation Score (CAS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and а 6 min walk-test – on the third and seventh postoperative day. The special PT is used to improve the respiratory function, to alleviate the unpleasant sensations of the gastrointestinal tract, to reduce pain, to restore mobility through training in painless sitting, standing up, and walking, as well as to reduce anxiety and to overcome depressive symptoms. Results: Applied PT in the early postoperative period in severe abdominal surgery for colon cancer prevented postoperative complications. The results show a significant improvement in the studied indicators and good quality of recovery; patient’s independence in standing up, sitting, and walking; pain relief; reduced anxiety and depressive moods. Conclusion: The application of early PT is an important part of patient’s post-surgical care. It helps for optimal recovery and prepares him for the next additional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.
COMPLEX RECOVERY OF THE UPPER LIMB AFTER NERVE TRANSFERS IN PATIENTS WITH ADULT BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURIES
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Popova Nadezhda
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Introduction. Adult brachial plexus injuries may lead to a permanent physical impairment in the affected upper extremity. One of the most successful operative methods of treating these injuries is nerve transfer. Depending on the extent of the injury, one or more nerve transfers are usually done for better functional recovery. That is why the aim of our study is to present the results of a two-year postoperative follow-up of the complex upper limb function in patients with different nerve transfers after adult brachial plexus injuries. Methods: All of our 14 patients (mean age of 35.0 years) had one or more nerves in the shoulder and the elbow. The average time between injury and the first surgery was 7.1 months, and the average time between surgeries was 3.4 months. All patients underwent a physiotherapy program with electrostimulation, donor nerve activation exercises, and training activities for daily living. Some patients had also individual hand splints. The complex function of the upper extremity was assessed on the 12th and 24th postoperative month (POM) by the Bulgarian version of the questionnaire Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH). Results: On the 12th POM the average total score of DASH was 49.3 points, and on the 24th POM it decreased to 27.6 points (α≤0.000) which shows an improvement in the complex function of the upper extremity. By the end of the 24th POM almost all of the patients have returned to their job before the accident. Six of our patients have also been practicing sports without serious difficulties in the end of the second postoperative year. Conclusion: The studied patients showed good recovery of the complex function of the upper limb after the nerve transfers. This led to both returning to work after the injury and practicing sports. Although the sample is small, it gives us valuable information about what function of the upper extremity could be expected in these patients.
ASPECTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AFTER NONOPERATIVE TREATMENT OF LATERAL ANKLE SPRAIN
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Sazdova Lyubomira
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lateral ankle sprain is a common injury and, if not treated properly, could result in chronic ankle pain and instability. Well-structured and timely applied appropriate physiotherapy program is of great importance for the purpose of good functional recovery. The study aims to outline the main aspects of physiotherapy after nonoperative treatment of lateral ankle sprain and to assess its effectiveness on the functional outcome in patients with this kind of injury. Material and methods: The study was conducted on seven patients undergoing nonoperative treatment with an acute lateral ankle sprain. Depending on the phases of the soft tissue regeneration, the physiotherapeutic program included specialized manual techniques and exercises for controlling inflammatory process, stress to collagen fibers for proper orientation along the stress lines, restoring ROM, reactivation of the fibular muscles, training of the dynamic stabilization and improvement of the muscle strength, progressive neuromuscular, proprioceptive and postural control training, as well as return to recreational and sport-specific training. The functional outcome was assessed by Foot and Ankle Disability Index, Y balance test, and One-leg stance test. Results: The results of the conducted functional tests at the latest follow-up showed statistically significant improvement in all of the studied indicators, but some deficit in proprioception and the dynamic stabilization still persists. To achieve optimal functional results, the implementation of the supervised physiotherapeutic program should continue. Conclusion: Early mobilization after lateral ankle sprain and an individualized physiotherapeutic program could reduce the deficit in proprioception, muscular imbalance and impaired neuromuscular control, and the risk of recurrent sprain.
IMPROVING AEROBIC CAPACITY AND SPINE FLEXIBILITY THROUGH ADAPTED SWIMMING EXERCISES FOR PUPILS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Shandurkova Silvia , Stoychevski Martin ,   University of Veliko Tarnovo „St.Cyril and St.Methodius”, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, Belomazheva-Dimitrova Stefaniya ,   University of Veliko Tarnovo „St.Cyril and St.Methodius”, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Proper motor development in primary school children is the main goal of physical education. The most common medical problems for pupils are spinal deformities. Our focus was on correcting different types of spinal deformities through an adapted swimming methodology. This paper discusses the use of specific swimming exercises to improve the aerobic capacity and spinal flexibility in order to acquire good body posture and to prevent further deformities. The contingent of the study were 21 boys and 19 girls, ages 7 - 10, with a medical diagnosis of spinal deformities, which were included in experimental and control groups, doing adapted swimming exercises from our experimental methodology and routine swimming exercises. The research methods were functional tests for assessing the aerobic capacity – spirometry, Hirz in inhale and exhale and spinal flexibility tests – bending left, right, and forwards. They were conducted in March and September 2020. Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and correlation analysis were used for data analysis. The research results revealed that the pupils improved their chest mobility, pulmonary function, aerobic capacity, and spine flexibility. Statistically significant differences appeared between the groups in favor of the experimental methodology. The adapted swimming exercises should be used in future practice.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY AND INTERFERENTIAL ELECTROTHERAPY IN PERIARTHRITIS HUMEROSCAPULARIS
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Stefanova Diana , Angelcheva Mariana ,   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Bogdanova Simona ,   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Introduction: Periarthritis humeroscapularis is one of the most common causes of pain in the shoulder joint. The most applied treatment is conservative. Physical therapy and therapeutic modalities are effective, but there is uncertainty about their optimal combination. Objective: To examine whether the addition of either extracorporeal shock wave therapy or interferential electrotherapy to physical therapy of shoulder would be more effective in the management of periarthritis humeroscapularis. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 subjects with periarthritis humeroscapularis were divided into Group-A and Group-B. Both groups received 10 sessions of shoulder exercises and either extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Group-A) or interferential electrotherapy (Group-B). The outcome measures represent the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score - the patient self-evaluation section (pain and activities of daily living) and the clinical assessment section (active and passive range of motion, strength, and stability). Results: Subjects showed statistically significant differences in reducing pain, improving range of motion and functional disability in the pre and post values of both the extracorporeal shock wave therapy and interferential electrotherapy groups. Group A was superior in improving external rotation ROM from abduction and flexion and Group B in alleviating pain. Conclusion: Either extracorporeal shock wave therapy or interferential electrotherapy in combination with physical therapy seemed to be significantly effective in the management of patients of periarthritis humeroscapularis. However, the group who received interferential electrotherapy showed higher improvement in pain, and the group with extracorporeal shock wave therapy demonstrated higher improvement in range of motion.
THE USE OF SPECIALIZED KINESITHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE WHO ARE TREATED WITH TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR
Authors:   SWU “Neofit Rilski”, Faculty of Public Health,  Health Care and Sport, Department, Filipova Mariela , Popova Daniela ,   Medical University, Faculty of Public Health, Department Physiotherapy, Stoychev Christyan ,   SWU “Neofit Rilski”, Faculty of Public Health,  Health Care and Sport, Department
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Introduction: In kinesitherapy practice, the challenge is the use of venous thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator, due to the relatively severe general condition and the need for kinesitherapy in the first 12 hours of application of tissue plasminogen activator. In our methodology, we introduce the application of passive and active exercises, PNF method, mirror therapy, kinesiotape, etc. Aim and objective: The aim of the study is to compare the methodology proposed by us with standard ones. The subject of the study were 15 patients with ischemic stroke who were treated with venous thrombolysis. Their advantages and disadvantages in the application will be highlighted Methods: The study was conducted in the period from 2008-2014 in the Neurology Department at the Hospital in Blagoevgrad. The use of specialized kinesitherapy in 15 patients with ischemic stroke treated with venous thrombolysis (experimental group) was compared with the use of standard methods in non-thrombolized (control group) patients. In our study, we used the Barthel Index to verify the data. Statistically significant difference is reported using nonparametric statistics and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: In our study, we examined the activities of daily living using the Barthel index scale. All patients were tested on the day of hospitalization, on the 5th day, and on the 30th day. Of the experimental group, there was a statistically significant difference Asymp. Sig. ≤ .001, which proves that there was a change in the activities of daily living. No sta-tistically significant difference was registered in the control group. Discussion: Through intravenous thrombolysis, a specialized kinesitherapy program, including passive, active move-ments in the uninjured limbs, in mirror therapy and kinesiotaping patients have a better quality of life and faster recovery occurs.
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE TECHNIQUES USED IN А TAEKWONDО COMPETITIONS BETWEEN 2009-2019
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Chorbanova Nikol , Avramov Dimitar ,   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Practiced by millions of people around the world, taekwondo has quickly become a popular sport due to its technical innovation and spectacularity. The goal is to objectify the refereeing and make taekwondo even more attractive to the general public. Comparing technical performance in competitions spanning a decade would shed more light on the specific endurance needed by the modern taekwondo fighter. The aim of our study was to determine how the technical (quantitative and qualitative) indicators in competition have changed for the elite taekwondo athlete since the introduction of the electronic scoring system in 2009. The video analysis we performed on Sofia Grand Prix 2019 enabled us to compare the data with previously reported such from 2009. We discovered that the types of kicks used by the competitors amounted to 13 (2009) and 28 (2019). The variation analysis we performed showed that the average strikes per match were 76 (2009) and 193 (2019) with an average per round amounting at 25.33 (2009) and 64.33 (2019). The match-es with the most kicks 121 (2009) 208 (2019) were compared, as well as those with the least hits 40 (2009) and 108 (2019). In 2009, the competitors performed a kick every 4.73 seconds, while in 2019 every 1.86 seconds. Based on our findings we concluded that the number of kicks in a taekwondo match has increased twofold compared to 10 years ago, which means that the requirements for speed and strength endurance are even greater. Although the introduction of the electronic scoring system in taekwondo has led to a significant increment in the number and types of techniques in the taekwondo match, the technical indicators of the winners demonstrate that it is not necessary for the athlete to master the whole set of kicking techniques. It is enough to know 3 to 4 kicking techniques but to apply them successfully.
COMPLEX SPEECH THERAPY AND KINESITHERAPEUTIC ASSESSMENT IN PERSONS WITH ACQUIRED NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES
Authors:   SWU “Neofit Rilski”, Faculty of Public Health, Health Care and Sport, Department of Logopedics, Simonska Miglena , Filipova Mariela ,   SWU “Neofit Rilski”, Faculty of Public Health, Health Care and Sport, Department Kinesitherapy, Andreeva Anna ,   SWU “Neofit Rilski”, Faculty of Public Health, Health Care and Sport, Department of Logopedics;
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Introduction: The complex speech-language and kinesitherapeutic assessment in persons with acquired neurological diseases require a very specific and accurate assessment. It requires the use of a number of tests and full knowledge of the possibilities of disability. Aim and objective: The aim of the research is to create a methodology for general assessment in neurologically diseased patients, using specialized equipment-device for digital assessment and analysis of the bite and analysis of dynamic and static muscle gait activity and random muscle groups. Methods: The study was conducted in 2022 in the Center of Logopedics at the Faculty of Public Health, Health Care and Sport, SWU “Neofit Rilski” in Blagoevgrad. Specialized assessment was applied to 25 patients with neurological diseases. They were divided into two groups - experimental (15 patients) and control - 10 patients. In our study, we used the Barthel Index and The Gugging Swallowing Screen to verify the data. Statistically significant difference was reported using nonparametric statistics and Mann-Whitney tests. The statistical package we used was Prism 3,0. Results: In our study, we examined the activities of daily living using the Barthel index scale and the swallowing screen test. All patients were tested after the hospitalization and on the 30th day of it. There was a statistically significant difference Asymp. Sig. ≤ 0.01, which proves that there were changes in the activities of daily living and swallowing. Discussion: Proper selection of a test battery and application of specialized complex therapy (speech therapy and kinesitherapy) can increase the quality of life of patients.
POSSIBILITIES OF EEG DIAGNOSTICS FOR EVALUATION OF THE MASSAGE EFFECTS
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Ivanova Stela , Alexiev Fiilip ,   Neurology Clinic, St Anna University Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria,   Clinic for Neurology and Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Alexiev & Son”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Massage refers to a wide range of techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, tapping, friction, and vibration, yielding pressure on soft tissues done manually or with devices. Nowadays, massage is widely used in everyday life, sport, and medical care as a complementary and alternative therapy. Although its millenniums of use, there is very little research on its effects on health and disease conditions. As one of the main reasons for this can be pointed out, research methods, most of which need special equipment, and different professionals, are subjective or invasive. Recently, some studies have assessed the physical and physiological effects of massage, such as electroencephalography (EEG). EEG is a rapidly non-invasive test that provides evidence of how the brain functions over time. EEG matured over the decades due to advances in technology. Now it has greater sensitivity, digital recording on hard drives, allowing different processing, and are developed consumer-grade devices, which provide easier obtaining of EEG signals outside of the traditional laboratory settings. Advanced dry wireless headsets enable the use of EEG diagnostic in a natural environment at home, working place, sports halls, fields, etc. EEG has been used for the evaluation of effectiveness and in the comparison between different massage processes. Research investigating the physiological effects of massage therapy with EEG has suggested that massage therapy reduces anxiety, increases frontal delta activity, decreases frontal alpha and beta activity, shifts frontal alpha asymmetry from right-hemisphere dominance to left-hemisphere dominance, increases resting-state alpha activity in the left anterior cingulate cortex, etc. Conclusion: Together, these findings provide evidence that massage therapy acts to modulate EEG activity and that EEG diagnostic can be a useful non-invasive, and accurate, objective research method for investigation and illustration of massage therapy effects.
RESEARCH OF HAMSTRINGS MUSCLES IN CHILDREN SPORTS KARATE
Authors:   Medical University Varna, Georgiev Yordan , Gencheva Nezabravka ,   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Marinov Todor ,   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT The functional disorder of the hamstrings muscles is associated with prolonged sitting in a chair, poor posture, lack of motor activity and others. Maintaining elastic muscle tissue is an important factor for children practicing martial arts; karate in particular. This study has the purpose to examine hamstring muscles and their condition in children practicing karate. Methodology During the period between March - May 2022, we worked with 30 children in total, in the age group between 8-10 years old, who were practicing karate or boxing in clubs “Fighters”, located in the city of Varna, and club “Khan Krum”, located in the city of Shumen, respectively. For most accurate results, we formed two separate groups with 15 children each. The participants in our control group were training boxing, whilst the children in our experimental group were practicing karate. All 30 children had been training for a period of 6 months, practicing 2 times per week, one astronomical hour per session. At the beginning of every training session with our experimental group, we treated the hamstring muscles of the participants with post-isometric relaxation. To conclude our findings, we assessed the condition of the hamstring muscles of all 30 children at the beginning and end of the study period, utilizing the method of Laseg and a Seat Test with outstretched legs on the floor with a slope to the toes. Results The results at the end of the study period show that the functional deficit of the hamstring muscles continues to be present in 11 children training boxing. In comparison, only five out of 11 initially diagnosed children with hamstring muscle imbalance from our experimental group showed signs of no improvement. Conclusion The results of this study prove the hypothesis that practicing karate with the inclusion of PIR leads to improved elasticity of the hamstring muscles. The proper selection of physiotherapeutic methods and their regular application could not only heal hamstring muscle stiffness but it could also prevent it, if applied from an early age.
THE EFFECT OF A SPECIALIZED PHYSIOTHERAPY PROGRAM IN AN INFANT WITH A RARE GENETIC DISEASE
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Ilcheva Madlena
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Introduction: The specialized physiotherapy program is a set of purposeful techniques and methodologies, profiled for work with children. Early physical therapy intervention is essential for the prevention and reduction of the pathological impact on the neuromotor capabilities of children with neurological impairment caused by a genetic disease. Purpose: The aim of the study is to monitor the effectiveness of a specialized physiotherapy program in a child with a deviation in neuromotor development. The therapy was performed 5 times a week for 3 months. The object of the study is the influence of physiotherapy in case of deviation in the neuromotor development of an infant with a rare genetic disease. The contingent of the study is 1 infant with a rare genetic disease - isovaleric acidemia and is the only case of a patient with such a disease in Bulgaria. The infant is 9 months old (7 adjusted months). The deviations are expressed in pathologically amplified and persistent primitive reflexes and delay in motor development. We assessed gross motor development by the method of Gross Motor Function Measure – 88 in the beginning and then made a reassessment on the 3rd month from the beginning of the therapy. Results: The analysis of the results shows that the specialized physiotherapy program influenced the neuromotor development of the patient - helping to integrate primitive reflexes; to develop and improve motor skills. Conclusions: Specialized physiotherapy is an effective treatment for neuromotor deviation in infant with a rare genetic disease.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PREVALENCE OF DYSMENORRHEA AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN BULGARIA
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Popova-Dobreva Diana
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Introduction. In the methodological literature, the prevalence of painful menstruation has not been sufficiently studied, which has aroused our research interest. Methodology. A survey was conducted with 185 Bulgarian women. The average age of the women surveyed is 22 years. The physical activity of women is categorized into three levels: adherence to the recommended 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes of high intensity, less than the recommended and irregular physical activity. The frequency of painful menstruation has been established. A self-assessment of perception of the effect of menstrual pain on performance is made. Characteristics of women are made by age, BMI and number of births. The regularity, duration and abundance of the monthly blood circulation were studied. Results. Of the surveyed contingent of women, 46% follow the recommended physical activity by the WHO. 21.62% of women report an irregular menstrual cycle. Only 3.78% of women report lack of menstrual pain. 34.05% of the women do not take analgesics during the menstrual cycle. Discussion. The high prevalence of dysmenorrhea necessitates more in-depth study. Conclusions. Our study revealed a high degree of dysmenorrhea among University Students in Bulgaria. The presence of pain during the menstrual cycle is the reason for taking analgesics and has a negative impact on performance.
MODELLING COMPETITION PERIODIZATION DURING THE OLYMPIC YEAR IN THE DISCIPLINE 110 M HURDLES (MEN)
Authors:   National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, Gutev Grigor
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT Competition periodization in contemporary sports is a difficult task composed of basic rules of training periodization, adaptation, and a busy competition calendar. Influence on the process has many outer factors. Establishing the competition calendar in the year of the main competition (Olympic Games) and secondary ones is a great difficulty. These difficulties are compounded by aggravating factors such as a fading global pandemic and travel difficulties. In addition, participation in commercial tournaments is another major part of the competition calendar. The main aim of the following study is to analyze and model the competition periodization of elite 110 m hurdles during the Olympic year (2021). Respondents are all participants in the Olympic tournament in the chosen discipline – in total, 39 athletes. We found different tactics regarding participation in competitions during the Olympic year. Also, we found a different pattern of sports result utilization before a major competition. All finalists do not take part in the competition 20 days before the heats of the Olympic games. Some athletes participate in 60 m hurdles discipline just to check their sports form, others search for top performance in indoor competitions. The number of race days varies between 10 and 21 an (average of 16) for the finalists. After participating in the Olympic games, most of the athletes participated in a few commercial tournaments and no later than the middle of September, they finished race season. Based on the results, we can improve the training process and competition planning based on the experience of world-class hurdlers. We must consider that sometimes participation in the competition is canceled due to other factors such as injuries or travel problems. Also, we propose annual competition models based on elite hurdler performance during the Olympic year.