Abstract: Introduction. The integration of digital tools and gamification in physical education (PE) has proven to be a revolutionary approach to increase student engagement, motivation, and performance. Recent studies highlight the potential of digital education. applications, exergames, mobile apps, and virtual reality to stimulate active participation, improve skill acquisition, and foster psychological well-being. These innovations align with global educational challenges, particularly the shift towards online and blended learning models after the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods. This study is a theoretical review of relevant literature, analyzing recent systematic reviews, empirical findings, and conceptual frameworks on the role of digital technologies in PE. Sources include research focused on gamification, exergames, wearable technologies, mobile tracking applications, flipped learning strategies, and artificial intelligence applied to physical education. Results. The synthesis of findings reveals that digital tools positively influence both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, leading to higher participation rates, improved physical fitness, and enhanced learning outcomes. Evidence suggests that gamified approaches reduce anxiety, foster collaboration, and improve classroom climate, while digital feedback systems (e.g., heart rate monitoring, mobile applications) increase self-efficacy and performance. However, barriers persist, including teacher digital competence, unequal access to technology, and concerns regarding psychological wellbeing. Conclusions. The adoption of digital tools into PE presents a promising pedagogical pathway for improving motivation and performance in students. Success depends on strategic implementation, teacher training, and adequate infrastructure. A balanced approach, combining digital innovation with traditional methods, ensures relevance and sustainability in PE while promoting lifelong engagement with physical activity. Keywords: physical education, gamification, digital tools, motivation, performance

Abstract: The integration of physiotherapy into the multidisciplinary management of patients with chronic kidney disease serves a key role in optimizing residual functionality. In palliative care settings, physiotherapy contributes to the maintenance of motor function through individualized interventions aimed not only at preserving mobility but also at enabling participation in recreational and sports activities. This case study explores the functional outcomes of a physiotherapeutic intervention in an adolescent with vesicoureteral reflux-related uropathy, hydronephrosis, and microcephaly. A structured physiotherapy program was implemented, targeting segmental strength and functional performance in walking, jumping, and running. The intervention included proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques, analytical and segmental exercises adapted to the patient's motor impairment level, and strength/stabilization training using the Rocher cage and TRX system. Cardiovascular endurance was addressed through treadmill running at 12.0 km/h with a 15% incline for 10 minutes at the start of each session. The program followed principles of individualization and progression, with in-clinic sessions conducted twice weekly (30 minutes/session), supplemented by home-based jump rope and running exercises three times per week. Progress was monitored using a customized functional test assessing: Vertical jump height, number of consecutive stationary and obstacle jumps, ability to alternate jumping and running over short distances. Post-intervention assessments showed notable improvements: Increased vertical jump height and consecutive jump count, indicating improved coordination and segmental strength, enhanced cardiovascular endurance, with the patient completing 800 meters on the treadmill at the set parameters without excessive fatigue, functional test results confirmed the ability to alternate between walking, running, and jumping, closely simulating real-world conditions. The intervention culminated in the patient’s successful participation in a 2.5 km marathon race, completed through intermittent running and short recovery breaks. Keywords: Chronic Kidney Disease, Physiotherapy, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Functional Performance, Quality of Life

Abstract: Introduction. In stroke survivors, the incidence of upper limb motor disability remains high, many of them having persistent neurological deficits that restrict activities and limit social participation. Although in many cases it is not possible to fully return to pre-stroke functional status, to treat the stroke survivors sustained and complex rehabilitation is essential. The study aim was to analyse the impact of neuromuscular rehabilitation based on mirror therapy in addition to a conventional upper limb rehabilitation program on upper limb functions and motor skills in patients with chronic stroke at a comprehensive physical rehabilitation Center. Methods: this observational study was conducted on a group of 30 post-stroke patients who met the inclusion criteria and signed informed consent, between February and May 2025, in the city of Craiova, at the Day Center for Adults with Disabilities. Participants were allocated into 2 groups, group A-MT and group B-CT according to the therapy they received. Both groups participated in a stroke rehabilitation program and group A was given mirror therapy in addition. The rehabilitation program was performed 3 days per week for 12 weeks. The motor functioning of the upper limb and functional independence were assessed before the intervention (T0), 3 months after starting the rehabilitation program T1, between the two groups and within groups, and at the 3 months follow-up, T2. Results: an improvement in all parameters evaluated was observed in both groups, but the postintervention scores were significantly higher in the mirror therapy group. We found significant differences between the mirror therapy group A and rehabilitation group B when compared UL abilities at the end of 12 weeks therapy: A 40.1 ± 6.26, B 36.1 ± 6.34, p=0.046. Conclusions: Mirror treatment used in addition to conventional stroke rehabilitation therapy seems to be an effective method to increase functional and motor skills of the upper extremity in elderly patients' post-stroke compared to conventional therapy. Keywords: stroke; rehabilitation; mirror therapy; spastic upper limb

Abstract: Achilles tendon rupture often requires surgical repair, making postoperative rehabilitation essential for restoring mobility and balance. Proprioception and balance exercises are vital for neuromuscular control and injury prevention. This case report examines the effects of incorporating water-based proprioceptive and balance training into the rehabilitation process to speed up gait recovery and postural stability. The patient underwent Achilles tendon repair and participated in a tailored hydrotherapy program utilizing the water environment for safe early-stage rehabilitation. Assessment methods included single-leg balance tests, weight distribution analysis, and knee flexion at 30° and 60°, monitored throughout recovery. Results showed that exercises focused on proprioception and balance led to a faster return to normal gait, with significant improvements in postural stability, weight-bearing capacity, and neuromuscular control compared to standard physiotherapy. The early implementation of these exercises shortened rehabilitation duration and enhanced functional outcomes while reducing re-injury risk. In conclusion, integrating water-based proprioceptive and balance training into postoperative protocols accelerates gait re-education and balance recovery, promoting safer and more efficient return to daily activities. This approach supports the routine use of multidisciplinary, individualized rehabilitation strategies for Achilles tendon injuries, ultimately improving patient outcomes and rehabilitation efficiency. Keywords: Achillean rupture, balance, proprioception, surgery, rehabilitation, hydrotherapy

This study aims to analyze the factors that positively or negatively influence athletes' engagement in essential activities such as training and competition.These factors have been extensively examined in previous research.Understanding and effectively utilizing these factors can provide coaches with valuable tools to sustain high levels of athlete motivation.Furthermore, fostering the enjoyment of athletic participation benefits society as a whole by enhancing the spectacle of sports and serving as a source of inspiration for others.Social support plays a pivotal role in shaping motivation levels.In contemporary contexts, fans can interact with athletes beyond the confines of the playing field through social media platforms.It is essential to investigate whether these "communication networks" can serve as effective intervention tools, providing coaches with innovative methods to augment their support and assistance.This study employs qualitative research to examine the perspectives of 32 adult athletes (aged 18 and above; mean age = 22.26 years; range = 18-44 years) on the influence of factors such as digital networks.While these new forms of communication offer opportunities to enhance motivation, they also pose the risk of transmitting negative messages that could undermine it.The findings of this research may serve as a valuable resource for coaches seeking to maintain optimal levels of motivation among their athletes.

The sport manager is a key figure in sports structures, organizing, leading and planning activities for the smooth running of the organization.The purpose of the study was to examine the level of overall life satisfaction and the coping strategies used by future and, also, experienced sports managers.Thirty-six participants took part in the study, 15 experienced sports managers (Mage = 51), and 21 future specialists in the sport management filed (Mage = 27).The Brief COPE Questionnaire which measures 14 strategies to cope with stress, and The Cantril Ladder for overall life satisfaction were used.Using the independent samples t-test significant differences were highlighted for social emotional support and for acceptance (as coping strategies), experienced sports managers needing less emotional support and compassion in a stressful situation, compared to future managers.Also, experienced managers accept more easily situations they cannot change and control.To explore the gender-related differences in sports managers the nonparametric U test was used.Even if the p-values were insignificant, it is worth mentioning that experienced male managers are using more planning and acceptance, and less self-distraction and self-blame, compared to future male managers.With respect to experienced female managers it was found that they used a little more humor and acceptance in difficult situations (compared to future female sports managers), while social emotional support (p < 0.05) and behavioral disengagement were less used.Considering the overall life satisfaction, experienced female managers obtained significantly lower scores than future female sports managers, possible explanations being discussed.

Orienteering athletes, in general, and the youngest in particular, can experience fluctuating performance over a short period of time, depending on the terrain conditions in which they compete. It is expected that athletes will perform better when competing in their home country compared to their results abroad. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the performance of national junior orienteering teams over a short period of time and in different competition venues, with the aim of identifying factors that may contribute to fluctuations in performance and ways to promote stability and progress. This type of analysis can help teams identify their strengths and weaknesses and make adjustments to their training programs, strategies, and tactics to improve their results. Methods: The results of 25 girls and 25 boys, aged 16 years (FM16 age category), who were members of national orienteering teams from SEEOA (South East European Orienteering Association) member countries, were analyzed. The athletes competed in two competitions over a two-month period: the 2022 European Youth Orienteering Championship in Hungary and the 2022 South-East European Orienteering Championship in Romania. The common events from both competitions were included in the study: (1) the sprint event, with winning times ranging from 12 to 15 minutes, and (2) the long-distance event, with winning times ranging from 37 to 55 minutes. The analysis presented in the study is based on the performance indexes of the athletes in each event. Results: Our results suggest that junior athletes should focus on strategies to avoid navigation errors and on technical training that familiarizes them with the competition field while improving their speed between checkpoints in different terrain and vegetation conditions.

The purpose of the present study is to measure and establish the relationships between analogical transfer ability, psychometric skills, simple reaction time and choice reaction time in performance athletes, basketball players (n= 17). In this sense, a standardized psychological instrument was used to measure each of the four aforementioned dimensions, thus, analogical transfer was measured using the Analogical Transfer test, psychometric skills were measured with the Psychomotor Skills Questionnaire, the simple reaction time was measured with the Simple Reaction Time Test (SRT), and Choice Reaction Time was measured with the Choices Reaction Time Test (CRT). All instruments were administered via the Cognitrom Psychological Testing Platform CAS++. The conclusions we reached through the study were that there are no significant differences between men and women regarding the levels of reaction time, psychomotor skills and reaction time, but psychomotor skills and analogical transfer ability are significant positive predictors of simple reaction time. Another conclusion was the fact that psychomotor skills and analogical transfer ability are not significant predictors of choices reaction time.