Specific Instruments Research Articles

Understanding the Mechanism of Individual Constitutional Complaints in Lithuania: Main Features and Challenges of the First Years of Application

Background: The mechanism of individual constitutional complaints has been in place in most European states. In the constitutional legal practice of European states, constitutional complaints as the specific procedural instrument for protecting a person’s constitutional rights and freedoms have become an increasingly acceptable, applicable, and justifiable measure. However, Lithuania has introduced this mechanism of human rights protection only with constitutional amendments of 2019. This article examines the legal regulation governing the institution of constitutional complaints, as well as the use of this institution in Lithuania in 2019–2022. The research aims to shed light on the choice of the Lithuanian model of constitutional complaints and its main features, as well as to identify the problematic aspects of this model. Methods: To reveal theoretical and practical aspects of the question under consideration, this article combines different methods of scientific inquiry, including analysis of documents, as well as the logical, systemic, critical, comparative, teleological, and linguistic methods of analysis. The method of document content analysis was used to analyse the content of relevant normative and jurisprudential research sources. This approach used the text of the analysed documents to identify relevant words and phrases, contextualise their usage, and link the acquired data to statements in specialised literature. The analysis hinged on theoretical methods, particularly systemic and logical analysis, used to analyse virtually all the aspects discussed in the paper. Comparative analysis was used to compare the legal regulation of the constitutional complaint model in other Central and Eastern European countries and the Lithuanian legal regulation on similar issues. Teleological and linguistic methods of analysis have been used to clarify the content of the ambiguously understood provisions governing the individual constitutional com- plaint model, the true intentions of the legislator, and the meaning of the concepts contained in the legislation. The paper also analyses the statistical information on the admissibility of constitutional complaints in Lithuania and other aspects of using this human rights protection mechanism in 2019–2022. Results and conclusion. The paper concludes that after the amendments to the Constitution concerning the consolidation of individual constitutional complaints entered into force in 2019, Lithuania can no longer be categorised among the states with a limited scope of entities entitled

Comparative Studies of Thermal Conductivity Determination in Synthetic Wood with Recyclable Waste Content Using an Experimental Design Approach

Waste has become an everyday subject, especially its efficient recycling due to the increasing decline in the planet’s primary resources. Therefore, their recovery is intended to be total and with minimal energy consumption. Biomass waste is fully recoverable in raw or processed states and in combination with other compatible waste types (including wastewater from construction, polymers, and sunflower seeds). It represents the basic elements for obtaining synthetic wood to replace natural wood, which is very expensive and difficult to obtain (lasts for several years). This paper proposes three methods to determine the thermal conductivity of these new materials (synthetic wood) to guarantee and optimise their thermal characteristics. The determination of thermal characteristics in insulating materials is usually performed experimentally in a double climate chamber or more simply using a special instrument of the ISOMET type, but under these conditions, the sample must meet certain conditions imposed by the manufacturer to be tested. Thus, two experimental investigation methods are used to which a numerical method is added, which consists of modelling by the finite element method with an adequate programme of heat transfer through these materials. Four samples with variable content of recyclable waste obtained through combinations resulting from six different experimental design plans with two controlled factors were analysed to optimise synthetic wood recipes for the efficiency of their hygro-thermal characteristics. The content of the tested samples varied relative to the quantity and number of recyclable wastes included in the final recipe. Thus, the thermal conductivity obtained was different for each sample but close to that of similar synthetic wood-type materials and natural wood.

Simple Method Laryngoscope on Rat Intubation

Background: In research using rats as experimental animalsthat involve surgery and anesthetic procedures, it is often necessary to administer inhalation anesthetics and patency of the airway. In this condition, intubation in rats is required. Endotracheal intubation in rats is quite difficult because the size and structure of the airway is very small and smooth and there is no specific instrument designed for intubation in rats. Methods: The experimental animal used in this study was adult male Wistar rats weighing 250-350grams. The intubation equipment used is a commercially available otoscopy which has a light source and a camera that can be displayed on a mobile phone screen. The end of the otoscopy is a modified blunt-tipped plastic blade. The endotracheal tube that is used was a intravenous catheter size 16 G which was directed using an introducer made of blunt-tipped wire. The rat is positioned on its back dorsally with its head upward. Results: In this study, 32 rats were intubated. Fourteen of the 32 intubated rats were alive, awakened from anesthesia and extubation. There were no complications such as stridor or voice disturbances after this intubation procedure. The other eighteen rats were not extubated alive because this was part of the treatment in another study. Of the 32 rats that were subjected to intubation, 2 rats failed to intubate due to spasm and bradycardia. Conclusion: Methods that were given in this paper can be alternatives for rat intubation.

상황 묘사를 위한 효과적인 영상음악 제작 기법 연구

This study investigates effective video music production techniques for depicting situations in videos through music analysis of music libraries widely used by video workers. When creating music for a video, we start from the stage of creating the music by considering how it can fit the audience's emotions through methodological and musical techniques. In addition, Dramativ, a representative mood, was selected from the universal music library commonly used by video workers, and various detailed elements, including its musical characteristics and instrument composition, were analyzed to suggest music production techniques suitable for the scene. As a result, although there were many areas in which the music production technique vaguely came to mind from the word 'dramatic', there were many similarities, but there were some differences in tempo settings and other areas, as well as specific instrument composition and development methods, tempo settings, Along with tone selection, it was possible to suggest a production method that took advantage of the characteristics of the dramatic mood.

Parenting self-efficacy on autism spectrum disorder context: a literature review

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disease whose diagnostic characteristics require a significant change in daily life and family dynamics. Incorporating parents or caregivers into the treatment and ensuring their well-being becomes important for the development of the person with ASD. A construct that is associated with these issues is parental self-efficacy. Thus, the objective of the recent study is to identify studies with the topic "parental self-efficacy in the context of ASD" and the psychometric instruments used and characterise them. To this end, a bibliographic review was carried out with studies indexed in PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Sciences and CAPES Magazines that addressed the topic and used a psychometric instrument to evaluate self-efficacy. Bibliometric analysis of the data and thematic categorical content analysis were carried out. The results point to three thematic foci in the analysis of parental self-efficacy in the context of ASD with constructs related to parental cognition as the main variables. Most of the instruments used for evaluation are related to parental self-efficacy in the general context, with only two specific instruments identified for ASD. The need to carry out more studies in the area and to have specific instruments for ASD is emphasised.

Comparing conventional and patient specific instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty: an early analysis of function and satisfaction

Background: Patient specific instrumentation (PSI) in TKA is a surgical technique created to improve the accuracy of implantation, surgical time, blood loss and workflow that has been a growing trend over the past decade. Our work aims to determine if there are improvements in patient satisfaction and functional results using PSI in comparison with conventional instrumentation (CI) in TKA. Methods: The authors evaluated 716 patients from the past 10 years that underwent TKA, either by PSI (n=456) or by CI (n=260). The authors recorded the WOMAC index, articular range of motion, and the six-minute walking test at pre-op and day 90 post-op. T-student and Mann-Whitney tests were used considering p<0.05. Results: The functional scores achieved 90 days after surgery were better for PSI compared to CI. The respective differences are found in the extension (p=0.022), gait distance (p=0.010) and in the pain and function WOMAC index (respectively p=0.018 and p=0.020). No statistical differences were found in satisfaction. Conclusions: 90 days after TKA, the functional scores achieved with PSI were better compared to CI. However, better results in this area did not translate to significantly higher satisfaction in the patients. There seems to be a tendency in favor of better functional results in patients that underwent TKA by PSI in comparison to those submitted to CI. These results seem to follow the tendencies demonstrated in available literature.

Factors associated with functional disability after ischemic stroke

Objective To assess the functional disability level and identify associated factors in people after Ischemic Cerebral Vascular Accident. Methods A prospective cohort, carried out in a reference hospital in neurology with 224 people with ischemic stroke. Data collection took place between March and October 2019. Participants were followed up during hospitalization, when sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected using specific instruments and contacted after 90 days, by telephone call, to apply the Modified Barthel Index. In the analysis, descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test were applied. Statistical significance of 5% was adopted. Results Most had some degree of functional disability (58.5%), with 29.5% having moderate dependence and 29.0% having severe dependence. The variables being female (p=0.011), time of arrival at the reference hospital greater than or equal to 4.5 hours (p=0.017), previous stroke (p=0.031), not having undergone thrombolysis (p=0.023), having high blood pressure (p=0.032) and greater severity estimated by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (p=0.000) were associated with a higher disability level. Conclusion Moderate to severe dependence predominated. The severity of the event, previous event, hypertension, non-submission to thrombolysis, delay in arriving at the hospital and female gender were associated with a higher functional disability level.

Exploring the Musical Heritage of the Traditional Sri Lankan Musical Instrument Horanewa

Some historical information reveals that the art of ensemble playing in Sri Lanka dates back to the Yaksha, Naga, and tribal eras that existed even before the suggested arrival of King Vijaya. Indigenous ensembles can also be described as an art that evolved with the development of humankind in different periods due to various invasions. A large number of ensemble instruments used by the Sri Lankan village artist from then to now are revealed in bibliographical information such as the Mahavamsa, Thupavamsa, Dambadeniya Asna, Kuveni Asna, and Saddharmalankara. These ensembles are divided into five types, mainly, that which is described as the panchathurya, including aathatha, vithatha, vithathaathatha, ghana and sushira, of which sushira is the calibration of blowing instruments that includes the horanewa as well. The horanewa can be introduced as the only swara/ notes instrument used by the Sinhala folk artist of the day among the instruments of the panchathurya. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the technical methods used in the production of this musical instrument called horanewa and its special techniques adopted in playing. Why does the horanewa instrument used at present not produce its own definite melodic sound? In relation to this question that arose, data were collected, analyzed and interpreted and conclusions were reached. As revealed in this descriptive research, the horanewa is a special musical instrument built with the technology of three traditional manufacturers. This research will be important to introduce and preserve the arts related to this musical instrument which is gradually dying out.

Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Parental Health Literacy Activities Test-8 with Portuguese Parents

Background. Parents’ health literacy has a great impact on child’s care and health. Knowing parent’s health literacy levels is crucial to avoid the consequences of limited literacy and for the creation of better health policies and educational interventions. To assess those levels, we must have tools tailored to this population. However, there is a lack of specific instruments to evaluate this capacity in Portuguese parents of children aged less than 12 months. Aim. To perform the cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Parental Health Literacy Assessment Test-8 for use in Portugal. Methods. Methodological study is divided into two phases: cultural adaptation and psychometric validation. The first phase followed the Beaton guidelines. The second, carried out with 176 parents, took place at a public hospital in Portugal, between October 2020 and June 2021. Data were analyzed for internal reliability using the Kuder–Richardson reliability coefficient (KR-20). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to estimate factor validity, applying polychoric correlation measures using the “lavaan package” for the R statistical package. Results. In the cultural adaptation, the expert committee adjusted the translated version, validating the content for Portuguese parents. At validation, the calculated value of KR-20 was approximately 0.50. The empirical indices of the goodness-of-fit of the factor model showed a good overall fit, although two of the items had low weights (0.24 and 0.32). The results of the factors show an acceptable value for the factor (FC = 0.756) and a lower value for the average variance extracted. Conclusion. The version of the instrument adapted for Portugal presented adequate semantic and content equivalence. The psychometrics suggested that the PHLAT-8-PT is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used systematically by the health team to measure the health literacy levels and improve health education.

Child dental neglect and legal protections: a compendium of briefs from policy reviews in 26 countries and a special administrative region of China.

Child neglect is a public health, human rights, and social problem, with potentially devastating and costly consequences. The aim of this study was to: (1) summarize the oral health profile of children across the globe; (2) provide a brief overview of legal instruments that can offer children protection from dental neglect; and (3) discuss the effectiveness of these legal instruments. We summarized and highlighted the caries profile and status of implementation of legislation on child dental neglect for 26 countries representing the World Health Organization regions: five countries in Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe), eight in the Americas (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Unites States of America, Uruguay), six in the Eastern Mediterranean (Egypt, Iran, Libya, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), four in Europe (Italy, Latvia, Serbia, United Kingdom), two in South-East Asia (India and Indonesia) and one country (China) with its special administrative region (Hong Kong) in the Western Pacific. Twenty-five of the 26 countries have legal instruments to address child neglect. Only two (8.0%) of these 25 countries had specific legal instruments on child dental neglect. Although child neglect laws can be interpreted to establish a case of child dental neglect, the latter may be difficult to establish in countries where governments have not addressed barriers that limit children's access to oral healthcare. Where there are specific legal instruments to address child dental neglect, a supportive social ecosystem has also been built to facilitate children's access to oral healthcare. A supportive legal environment, however, does not seem to confer extra protection against risks for untreated dental caries. The institution of specific country-level legislation on child dental neglect may not significantly reduce the national prevalence of untreated caries in children. It, however, increases the prospect for building a social ecosystem that may reduce the risk of untreated caries at the individual level. Social ecosystems to mitigate child dental neglect can be built when there is specific legislation against child dental neglect. It may be more effective to combine public health and human rights-based approaches, inclusive of an efficient criminal justice system to deal with child dental neglect.

Tips and tricks of cement removal in the case of revision surgery

In Germany, current revision rates after arthroplasty range between 28-37%. In particular, remaining cement residues are causative for additional revision surgery after periprosthetic joint infection, which is why complete cement removal is of high importance. However, the removal of remaining cement residues often confronts the surgeon with technical challenges. Complication-free and complete cement removal requires extensive preoperative preparation in order to develop the best possible surgical strategy. Special instrument sets to facilitate cement removal in revision cases are available from various manufacturers. In addition to endoluminal approaches, access enhancements such as extended osteotomies exist to facilitate complete cement removal. Finally, the surgeon should be able to give the indication for an intraoperative procedural change after adefined time interval.

Evaluation of the Photoplethysmogram-Based Deep Learning Model for Continuous Respiratory Rate Estimation in Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

The respiratory rate (RR) is a significant indicator to evaluate a patient's prognosis and status; however, it requires specific instrumentation or estimates from other monitored signals. A photoplethysmogram (PPG) is extensively used in clinical environments as well as in intensive care units (ICUs) to primarily monitor peripheral circulation while capturing indirect information about intrathoracic pressure changes. This study aims to apply and evaluate several deep learning models using a PPG for the continuous and accurate estimation of the RRs of patients. The dataset was collected twice for 2 min each in 100 patients aged 18 years and older from the surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary referral hospital. The BIDMC and CapnoBase public datasets were also analyzed. The collected dataset was preprocessed and split according to the 5-fold cross-validation. We used seven deep learning models, including our own Dilated Residual Neural Network, to check how accurately the RR estimates match the ground truth using the mean absolute error (MAE). As a result, when validated using the collected dataset, our model showed the best results with a 1.2628 ± 0.2697 MAE on BIDMC and RespNet and with a 3.1268 ± 0.6363 MAE on our dataset, respectively. In conclusion, RR estimation using PPG-derived models is still challenging and has many limitations. However, if there is an equal amount of data from various breathing groups to train, we expect that various models, including our Dilated ResNet model, which showed good results, can achieve better results than the current ones.

ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF AN INDIVIDUAL TOOL FOR KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Objective. On the basis of comparative radiometric analysis, before and after surgery, to assess the accuracy of the knee arthroplasty with an individual instrument. Methods. The analysis of knee arthroplasty of 26 patients operated with a special instrument was performed. Age: 50–59 years — 6, 0–69 — 12, 70–79 — 5, 80 and older — 3 patients. Men — 3, women — 18. Before the operation performed a computed tomography of the lower extremities, and after operation radiography of the lower extremities completely with the vertical positions of the feet. Patient specific instrument made according to the original method. The results of the analysis were performed by comparing X-ray parameters before and after operations: 1) position of the mechanical axis in the frontal plane on the plateau of the tibia in percent; 2) medial tibial resection angle to the mechanical axis; 3) the size of the components of the endoprosthesis (femoral, tibial and liner height). Results. Deviations in the values of the medial tibial and of the lateral femoral angles between the planned and actually obtained value was an average of 0.7 %, which can be considered a high indicator of the accuracy of the implant position. The position of the mechanical axis of the limb after the operation differed from the planned by a little more than 0.9 %. The dimensions of the endoprosthesis components and the height of the tibial insert fitted to the patients matched the planning results in 100 % of the cases, with the tibial insert height being 9 mm in all cases. The use of an individual tool made it possible to reduce the time of the operation, not to open the bone marrow canal of the thigh Conclusions. The use of the original individual tool for knee arthroplasty provided a high precision to install the components of the arthroplasty.

AI-DRIVEN CAPITAL ASSET PRICING MODEL FOR ENHANCING SHARIAH-COMPLIANT INVESTMENT DECISIONS – A CHINESE STOCK MARKET ANALYSIS

The CAPM makes it possible to estimate prices for specific instruments, like stocks, to project investment returns. As a key element of corporate finance and investment banking, the CAPM investigates the relationship between the level of risk associated with the investment and the inherent risks of the market as a whole. Several assumptions must be used to create the AI-driven mathematical model for Islamic financial assets to achieve the model. The first is that the expected values and standard deviations of the asset's returns are the only factors that influence investors' choices. Additionally, since the zakat and purification are deducted from the anticipated returns, there are no transaction fees. The assets may be marketable and are infinitely divisible in addition. Finally, there is no cap on the amount that may be lent or borrowed at the Sukuk profit rate or other Islamic benchmark rates because all expectations are homogenous. We presented a new AI-driven Islamic CAPM for the estimation of returns for Shariah-compliant A-Shares enterprises. The methodology represents a new AI-driven estimation framework integrated into the Islamic CAPM methodology for the estimation of returns and selection. The methodology was evaluated on an Islamic A-share portfolio, with the stocks being listed on both the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges. The analysis demonstrates the ability of the methodology to provide Shariah-compliant optimal returns for the stocks and ensure Shariah compliance of the portfolio allocations.

Policy instruments attitudes and support for government responses against Covid‐19

AbstractAn individual's political attitudes have been documented as the most important predictor of acceptance of government measures against the COVID‐19 pandemic. Their effect, however, is somewhat unclear and cannot be reduced to one dimension. In this article, we test whether general attitudes toward policy instruments might, together with left–right orientation, authoritarianism, social liberalism, and attitudes to state intervention, explain attitudes to policy instruments used to combat COVID‐19. The predictiveness of models of attitudes toward three different types of policy instruments to address the COVID‐19 pandemic was tested using a study of Czech university students). We found that individuals' general attitudes toward policy instruments are best measured by posing direct survey questions. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the independent effects of general attitudes toward three different types of policy instruments on attitudes toward specific policy instruments for combating COVID‐19. We found that an individuals' general tendency to prefer an information, regulatory, or economic instrument significantly affects their attitude toward specific policy solutions, even after controlling for political orientation. These results provide novel empirical evidence for the autonomy of policy instruments attitudes (APIA) theory. The general attitudes toward policy instrument types are reflected in individuals' attitudes toward specific policy instruments, such as those used to combat COVID‐19.

Robot-assisted orthopedic surgeries around shoulder joint: where we are?

This study aims to comprehensively review the current literatures about robot-assisted techniques for shoulder joint arthroplasty and also in experimental articles or case series about around shoulder soft tissue surgeries including arthroscopy, tendon transfer and brachial plexus surgeries. This article evaluates the existing literature and clinical studies to suggests future direction of robotic-assisted techniques in shoulder joint surgeries. Robotic surgery has emerged as an innovative and transformative technology in orthopedics, offering advancements in surgical precision and optimization particularly during total hip and knee arthroplasty. In shoulder joint, patients specific instrumentation with preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation system are being used. Robotic-assisted shoulder arthroplasty will be introduced. In soft tissue surgery, robot-assisted tendon transfer and around brachial plexus surgeries is being clinically tried. In additions, postoperative robot-assisted rehabilitation after may have potential advantages. With the overall development of several industries including robotic technology, robot-assisted pre-, intra- and post-operative techniques could be an essential part of the overall shoulder surgery. However, further research and larger-scale studies are needed to establish its long-term efficacy, and potential complications.

The Comparative Efficacy of Conventional and Crown-Down Root Canal Preparation Techniques in Relation to the Extrusion of Apical Debris

Numerous scientific investigations have been undertaken to assess the efficacy of standard root canal preparation methods and the crown-down procedure in mitigating the ejection of apical debris. The aforementioned research examines multiple facets, encompassing the efficacy of canal cleaning, the potential for debris extrusion, and their influence on the outcome of root canal therapy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of conventional and crown-down root canal preparation methods in relation to the extrusion of apical debris. The literature search used a lot of different databases, like PubMed, Web of Sciences, EMBASE, Cochrane Libraries, and Google Scholar, to look into how well traditional and crown-down root canal preparation methods work for getting debris out of the root canal. Traditional methods of root canal preparation have been extensively employed in the field of endodontics. While root canal cleaning and shaping techniques have demonstrated efficacy, there is still a potential danger of apical debris extrusion. Several factors contribute to the level of risk involved in dental procedures. These factors encompass the use of instruments, the amount of pressure applied during preparation, the effectiveness of irrigation, and the level of experience possessed by the dentist. In conclusion, the efficacy of both methodologies is contingent upon various aspects, including the level of expertise possessed by the dentist, the specific instruments employed, the irrigation technique employed, and the thoroughness of the case examination. The particulars of each case and the dentist's personal preference should guide the choice of either procedure.

Risk factors of developing psychological problems among frontline healthcare professionals working in the COVID-19 pandemic era: a meta-analysis

BackgroundThis study sought to evaluate the risk factors behind developing psychological problems as per specific mental health assessment instruments. This study focuses specifically on frontline healthcare professionals of the COVID-19 pandemic era, and evaluated the psychological assessment of frontline healthcare professionals.MethodsStudies reporting on the psychological assessment of frontline healthcare professionals were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases. The recommended method was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. The random-effects method was applied when significant heterogeneity was observed.ResultsThe combined results from the 20 included articles indicated that frontline healthcare professionals had a higher risk of developing anxiety in comparison with non-frontline healthcare workers, with similar levels of depression scoring were observed. Healthcare providers aged > 40 years had a lower probability of developing anxiety and seemed to experience minimal depression. Conversely, frontline workers had a higher incidence of anxiety than that of depression. Being single (not in a relationship) could influence the PHQ-9 scores instead of those concerning the GAD-7. The gender gap was not proven to be significantly wide between healthcare professionals with or without anxiety; however, being male was proven to be positively correlated with depression.ConclusionIn general, the risk factors for susceptibility to psychological problems among frontline healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic concerned those of a lower age, being single, being male, and being engage in frontline healthcare work.

Use of a smartphone platform for temporomandibular joint arthroscopy

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy, a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure involving the introduction of a small-calibre optical scope into the joint compartments for the treatment of internal derangement, has been gaining prominence and is now being recommended as the first therapeutic option due to the good results obtained and minimal invasiveness. However, the technical difficulty, high cost, need for specific instruments, and video tower system remain limiting factors for the implementation of TMJ arthroscopy by practicing professionals. The objective of this study was to examine the possibility of using a smartphone optical adaptation platform in TMJ arthroscopy. Ten qualified examiners with different levels of expertise in TMJ arthroscopy located four points of interest in the upper TMJ compartment of a validated realistic simulator and assessed the resolution of the images obtained and ergonomics of the smartphone platform for each point of interest, assigning a score of 0–2 (0 = poor, 1 = intermediate, and 2 = good performance in comparison to the video tower). For image quality, 77.5% of scores were ‘good’, while 22.5% were ‘intermediate’. For ergonomics, 62.5% of scores were ‘good’ and 37.5% were ‘intermediate’. In conclusion, the platform appears to be safe for TMJ arthroscopy in humans.

Psycho-Motor Skills in Swimming Among Children: Gender Differences

Psychomotricity is a broad term that encompasses different approaches to bodily action to support children and adolescents to reach their highest motor and cognitive potential. The aim of the study was to highlight gender differences in the manifestation of psychomotor behaviors in 8–9-year-old children who practice sports swimming. The subjects (N=52, 26 males, 26 females) are children aged 8.0-9.11 years (M = 8.80; SD = ±0.65) who practice swimming in one of the swimming pools of a city in Romania. They were tested, using specific instruments, to assess the level of manual dexterity, body schema, hand laterality, body balance, body balance on water/buoyancy, general coordination. For four of the variables (manual dexterity, body schema, hand laterality and spatial orientation) no statistically significant differences were found, while for the other three (body balance, body balance on water and general coordination) statistically significant differences were recorded. The results indicate differences between the two genders, girls in this age group who practice swimming having more developed psychomotor skills compared to boys.