Background: Children's creativity and motor competence are expandable factors that are related to convergent and divergent thinking processes. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of games based on divergent and convergent thinking on motor competence and creativity in children aged 7-8 years. Methods: Participants aged 7.41 ± 0.39 years (n = 34) were selected based on inclusion criteria and were divided randomly into three groups (divergent thinking, convergent thinking, and control). Participants performed their group interventions in eighteen training sessions (six weeks period). The nonlinear training approach was used to manipulate divergent thinking and linear training was used in the group of manipulating convergent thinking. Each child completed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children -Second Edition to assess motor competence. The Bertsch Test was used to assess motor creativity. Results: In motor competence, the results revealed significant main effects for groups (p < .001) and time (p < .001) as well as significant groups by time interaction effect (p < .001). The divergent thinking group (M = 32.50) was significantly better than the control group (M = 24.79, p < .001), and the convergent thinking group (M = 28.81, p = .003). In motor creativity, the results revealed significant main effects for groups (p < .001) and time (p < .001) as well as significant groups by time interaction effect (p < .001). The divergent thinking group (M = 13.27, p < .001) and the convergent thinking group (M = 12.36, p = .016) were significantly better than the control group (M = 10.63). However, no significant difference was found between the divergent thinking and convergent thinking groups. Conclusions: Physical education teachers and educators are recommended to use the divergent thinking training approach to promote students' motor competence. Also, simple adjustments in the exercise program in the form of games can help children's motor creativity. However, more research is suggested to explore divergent and convergent learning mechanisms.

Background: Visual occlusion reduces players' field of vision and directly affects their physical, technical and positional performance. Therefore, it is important to understand how visual perception is affected, and whether training with visual occlusion leads to an improvement in performance. Objective: This study aimed to examine whether training with visual occlusion could improve technical skills in young football players. Methods: Thirty male Under-14 amateur football players were randomly assigned to a visual occlusion group (OCC; n = 15) and a control group (CON; n = 15). In addition to the conventional training program, the OCC performed visual occlusion training sessions using spatial occlusion goggles that removed the sight of the participants' limbs and lower body. The CON performed only the conventional training program. The study consisted of a pre-test, two months of training intervention and a post-test. Contextualised technical skills were tested using the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test. Results: Both OCC (p = .21) and CON (p = .43) did not change Trial performance. However, the OCC experienced small-to-moderate improvements in Penalty time (p = .002; d = 0.51, 95% CI [0.10, 0.70]) and Global performance (p = .005, d = 0.44, 95% CI [0.05, 0.66]). The CON did not show changes in Penalty time (p = .61) and Global performance (p = .89) variables. A significant moment × group interaction was found in Penalty time (p = .016, η p 2 = .19, 95% CI [.03, .48]) and Global performance (p = .011, η p 2 = .21, 95% CI [.01, .45]). Conclusions: The OCC has shown a significant reduction in the amount of time required to complete the trial and the Penalty time. These results suggest that incorporating visual occlusion as a paradigm into a training program for football players may positively impact their technical skills.

Background: Pelvic, spinal and hips asymmetries constitute common phenomena. Pelvic asymmetry is usually perceived from two different points of view: as a causative factor in certain motor system dysfunctions or as a symptom of existing dysfunctions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the difference in activation asymmetry of lateral abdominal muscles (LAM) and the difference in body weight distribution on lower extremities during prolonged standing between subjects with and without pelvic asymmetry, and check if there is a correlation between the magnitude of pelvic asymmetry and activation asymmetry of lateral abdominal muscles as well as body weight distribution on lower extremities. Methods: A total of 66 subjects (34 women) participated in the study. LAM activation was measured using ultrasound technology. Body weight distribution asymmetry on lower extremities was measured during prolonged barefoot standing on the two scales equipped with digital readings. The activation asymmetry index and the weight distribution asymmetry index between the left and right sides of the body were calculated. Results: The recorded weight distribution asymmetry indexes were slightly higher in subjects with pelvic asymmetry; however, no significant inter-group differences were found. These subjects did not show any significant difference from subjects without asymmetry for activation asymmetry index recorded in all individual LAMs (obliquus externus abdominis p = .68, obliquus internus abdominis p = .34, transversus abdominis p = .55). Conclusions: No differences were found between subjects with and without pelvic asymmetry in activation asymmetry of lateral abdominal muscles and body weight distribution on lower extremities. Thus, there was no evidence gathered to prove that pelvic asymmetry constitutes an advantageous or disadvantageous phenomenon. It seems that it may play only a minor role, if any, in the energy expenditure optimisation process during prolonged standing. It is unlikely that pelvic asymmetry may lead to or stem from activation asymmetry of lateral abdominal muscles.

are some of the important components for humans both in daily life and in many sports (Chander & Dabbs, 2016) . Dynamic balance is defined as a skill of an individual to maintain the stability of the center of mass during movement, and it is known as an important component to examine in relation to injury risk (Butler et al., 2012) . The maintenance of balance may be affected by multiple factors, including sensorimotor function, central integration, total body mass, aging, speed of walking, fatigue, etc. (Chander & Dabbs, 2016) . In addition, several factors, including muscular force production, jump technique, joint mobility, age, body composition, weight, and height, are thought to contribute to vertical jump performance (Davis et al., 2003) . Core muscle strength, and health and skill-related components of physical fitness, including strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and speed, may be improved potentially by using core strength training (Granacher et al., 2014) . To our knowledge, there is a limited amount of published studies regarding the effects of artistic gymnastics

Background: In ice hockey, regular off-ice testing can serve as a controlling mechanism for a training program's effectiveness. Objective: The main aim of this study was to describe changes in selected morphological and physiological parameters, intended to be relevant for a complex ice hockey performance, after two months of pre-season training preparation following one month of an off-season period. Methods: The sample consisted of 22 adult male players aged 18-39 years from a top Czech ice hockey league team. Two laboratory testing procedures performed at the end of the off-season and after two months of the pre-season conditioning consisted of basic anthropometry and body composition measurements, countermovement jump (CMJ), and maximal incremental test focused on the assessment of various parameters, including maximal oxygen consumption (V&#775;O2max), maximal power output during the test (Pmax) or estimation of anaerobic threshold intensity (ANT). Results: After the pre-season, we found a significant decrease in body fat (13.7 vs. 11.4%, p &lt; .001) and an increase in fat-free mass (74.2 vs. 76.6 kg, p &lt; .001), V&#775;O2max (relative 48.8 vs. 52.6 ml.kg-1.min-1 p = .001; absolute 4.20 vs. 4.54 L.min-1, p &lt; .001), Pmax (5.26 vs. 5.44 W.kg-1, p = .011), power output at ANT (4.07 vs. 4.35 W.kg-1, p &lt; .001), and CMJ (44.9 vs. 47.1 cm, p = .002). Conclusions: Based on our results, two months of the pre-season training program led to a significant improvement in body composition and physical performance levels in professional Czech ice hockey players.

Background: Many specific games are practiced with the aim of maintaining the possession of the ball by the team. Among them, possession games (POG) are similar to small-sided games (SSG), and as such, have a few different characteristics.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare high-intensity patterns of professional soccer players in relation to the positional role between POG and SSG in professional soccer. Methods: A descriptive analysis was conducted over one season, during typical training sessions with 5 vs. 5 designs and 10 official matches. Twenty-six male professional players (age 24.7 &#177; 5 years, body mass 73.6 &#177; 7 kg, body height 178.4 &#177; 6.2 cm) were classified into five positional roles: central defender, wide defender, midfielder, wing and forward. Players' locomotor activity was recorded using GPS (Openfield-CatapultTM). Data on total distance, player-load, work rates (distance covered at speed &gt; 14.9 km/h per min and distance covered at speed &gt; 19.9 km/h per min), the number of runs in work rates, very high-intensity accelerations-decelerations (&gt; 3.5 / &lt; -3.5 m/s2) and maximal speed were measured. Results: The analysis of the data showed higher performance for POG in seven of the nine study variables (p &lt; .01), except in accelerations where the SSG were higher than POG (p &lt; .01), while no significant difference was obtained in decelerations. When comparing performance among playing positions, significantly higher values were observed in POG (p &lt; .05) in the same variables (no differences for the wingers in total distance and player-load; wide defenders and forwards in distance covered at speed &gt; 19.9 km/h per min). Regarding accelerations, SSG outperformed POG in almost all game positions (p &lt; .05, except for wide defenders). No significant differences were found in decelerations for all positions. Conclusions: The findings suggest that POG could be used to stimulate the physical demands to which players are exposed to competitions. Moreover, SSG could be used as an exercise with greater intentionality when it comes to stimulating a significant number of accelerations per unit time.

Background: Pilates training has proven to be an effective method of mental and physical conditioning in rehabilitation, and it has become increasingly popular within the general fitness community. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of Pilates training practice on the respiratory system, joint mobility, and muscle strength of healthy middle-aged women with sedentary occupation. Methods: Thirty-two healthy women (age 45.4 &#177; 2.3 years, range 40-49 years; body mass 73.5 &#177; 1.5 kg; body height 1.70 &#177; 0.03 m) were recruited and randomised into experimental (n = 18) and control (n = 14) groups. The experimental group participated in a 12-week series of 1-hour Pilates workouts (beginner level) three times per week. Results: After intervention, the experimental group revealed significant positive changes in the vital capacity test (p = .05), Stange test (p = .001), and Gencha test (p = .001). Respiratory rate and body mass index improved slightly. All joint mobility and muscle strength variables of the participants showed significant differences compared with the baseline data (p &lt; .05). The most significant improvements were observed in variables of the shoulder girdle mobility during flexion (p = .003), abdominal strength (p = .041), and body strength endurance (p = .003 and .034). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions: The results confirmed that a 12-week series of 1-hour Pilates workouts three times per week is effective in improving parameters of the respiratory system, shoulder girdle, abdominal strength and endurance, and hip and shoulder joint mobility in healthy middle-aged women with a sedentary occupation.

Background: Falls risk becomes more common with age and is associated with higher rates of disability, mortality, and healthcare costs. Exergames have shown to elicit improvements in prefrontal cortex activity, balance, and postural control of seniors, all of which are associated with fall risk, but it is unknown whether virtual reality (VR) exergames, played using a three-dimensional headset can enhance the effects of cognitive and physiological functioning. Objective: Evaluation of the effects of a co-produced VR exergame "Falling diamonds" on physical performance, trunk stability and cognition, three attributes linked to falls risk in seniors. Methods: A total of 44 physically active participants aged 60-85 years were randomized to either the immersive VR exergame (n = 14), non-immersive exergame (n = 15), or control (n = 15). Static balance, leg strength, and gait speed were measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery, trunk stability was assessed using the Prone test and cognition was evaluated by the RehaCom screening software at baseline and follow-up at 9 weeks. Results: The VR exergame group experienced greater improvements in the cognition measures of selective attention control and speed (p = .009, p = .033) more than the exergame group (p = .010) and control (p = .049, p = .004). Conclusions: The evaluation and delivery methods of VR exergame Falling diamonds are feasible, and trial measures, procedures, and intervention are deemed acceptable by participants. Our findings indicate that using a VR exergame to exercise could improve cognition in seniors.

Background: By the application of pedometers and subjective evaluation techniques, one can obtain information about the importance of physical activities (PA) in the lifestyles of adolescents. The conduct of PA in the Ústí Region, which is a structurally affected region within the Czech Republic, may be specifically impinged upon. Objective: The aim of this study is to establish indicators of adolescent participation in PA during school days and weekends and to evaluate them from the point of view of recommended criteria for health. We compare our findings with other studies and draw attention to the role of school movement programs. Methods: Physical activity was concurrently and objectively monitored by the Yamax SW-700 and SW-800 pedometer for a period of seven consecutive days. An identification and recording sheet were used for the registration of results. A total of 285 boys and 276 girls from elementary schools in the Ústí Region participated in the survey. Pedometers were applied during normal school attendance. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to assess differences between days of the week in boys and girls. A daily step count (SC) was compared with the recommended criteria for health. The daily recommendation amounted to &ge; 13,000/11,000 SC for 12-year-old children and &ge; 10,000 SC for 13-15-year-old adolescents. Results: The daily SC values for boys were 10,702 &plusmn; 4,474, and for girls the lower 9,841 &plusmn; 3,722 (p = .02, r = .10). Weekend days were accompanied by a decrease in values in boys compared to school days (p &#x2C2; .001, r = .20) and girls (p &#x2C2; .001, r = .17). 43.2% of boys and 35.9% of girls meet the recommended health criteria. PA participation time is higher in boys than in girls during school days (p &#x2C2; .001, r = .25) compared to (p &#x2C2; .001, r = .22). The importance of school movement programs becomes evident. Conclusions: Boys achieve higher daily values than girls in all monitored indicators. The lowest SC levels are those reached by the oldest group of adolescents during weekends.

Background: Fatigue demonstrated by decreasing performance seems to occur towards the ends of periods of matches and can lead to a win or loss of the match. Objective: This study aimed to assess the influence of fatigue on internal and external load using game-based drills in junior and adult male basketball players. Methods: A total of 50 elite basketball players participated in this study. Every participant was monitored by the Team Pro Polar system to find out heart rate and activity demands during a game-based drill. Mixed analysis of variance 2 × 4 was used. Results: Significant interactions between age category and playing quarter were found for distance covered (p = .001, &#951;p2 = .25). Significant interactions between age category and playing quarter were found for relative time in zone 3 (running, p = .013, &#951;p2 = .25) and zone 4 (high-intensity running, p = .004, &#951;p2 = .34). When comparing the last three minutes of quarters, a significant main effect was found for playing quarter, when the distance covered (p = .001, &#951;p2 = .47) significantly decreased. A significant main effect was found for playing quarter, whereby relative time spent in zone 3 (p = .012, &#951;p2 = .09; quarter 1 vs. 4: p = .044) significantly increased, and in zone 4 decreased (p = .001, &#951;p2 = .29, moderate effect; quarter 1 vs. 4: p = .010). When comparing heart rate and activity demands during the last three minutes of playing quarters, the significant main effect for the age category was found in distance covered (p = .004, &#951;p2 = .27). It was greater in adult male players compared to junior players. Conclusions: The fatigue affects the distance covered, and intensity of activity demands during the last three minutes of quarters, but not the heart rate response of players.