Annals of “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati. Fascicle XV, Physical Education and Sport Management

INACTIVITY—THE SLOW BUT CERTAIN PATH TO CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Amariței Octav — 2025-01-09

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of global mortality, with Romania classified
as a high cardiovascular risk country. Sedentary behaviors and obesity, closely interrelated factors,
significantly contribute to the increased CVD risk. This study analyzed 45 subjects aged between 18
and 49 years, none of them being a professional athlete. Data collected included sex, age, BMI,
metabolic equivalents (METs), and predictive values for the age and sex of the patient. The study aimed
to evaluate the relationship between these variables and to assess the situation regarding the incidence
of sedentary lifestyle. Only 18% of the subjects demonstrated an increased exercise tolerance.
Approximately 50% were overweight, and 26% were obese. Subjects with normal BMI showed greater
exercise tolerance compared to overweight and obese individuals. Overall, 82% of participants did not
meet the ESC guidelines for physical activity. The low levels of physical activity highlight the urgent
need for national educational and structural interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk and promote
an active lifestyle, particularly among vulnerable groups such as young people and overweight
individuals.

SUDDEN DECREASE IN EXERCISE TOLERANCE—A CASE STUDY ON ANOCA

Amariței Octav — 2025-01-09

This case study describes the evolution of a 45-year-old patient who presented to the hospital with a
severe inferior respiratory tract infection. The interpretation of the electrocardiogram led to a
reconsideration of the medical history and the identification of anginal pain, resulting in referral to the
cardiology department. The investigations carried out (biochemical tests, stress test, and coronary
angiography) established the diagnosis of angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA).
The uniqueness of the case lies in the association of this diagnosis with a combination of traditional
cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia) and non-traditional factors (chronic
inflammation, psychosocial stress). The average duration for establishing the diagnosis of ANOCA
remains prolonged, contributing to the decrease in patient’s quality of life. This case emphasizes the
need for more efficient educational, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies. It is essential to increase
public awareness regarding the importance of addressing subtle symptoms that can be mistaken for the
effects of aging and to reduce diagnostic delays in order to improve cardiovascular prognosis

MUSCLE STRETCH AND NEURAL COORDINATION IN SHOTOKAN KARATE: INSIGHTS FROM A THEORETICAL APPROACH

Cojocaru Marius — 2025-01-09

The education of flexibility inscribed in this pattern of logic implies the identification of the
reporting element for establishing the rhythm or algorithm at the point zero of the process, the
investigation of the initial parameters at the first point, and the establishment of a limit of
evolution that can be framed within a predefined time unit at the second point. As with any
intervention involving changes in biological parameters of the human body, flexibility training
must, at ground zero, be related to the natural limits of the biosystem represented by
unconditioned reflexes. In this case, the unconditioned reflex that regulates the process of
nerve-muscle communication and vice versa is the muscle stretch or myotatic reflex, whose
physiological role is to maintain muscle tone, regulate balance and thus prevent potential
injuries caused by sudden or forceful muscle stretching

WHEN SPORTS BECOME HARMFUL-A CASE STUDY

Mierlan Oana Laura — 2025-01-09

This study presents the case of a 27-year-old man who presented with progressive fatigue and
discomfort in both hands, symptoms that led to the diagnosis of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.
Exclusion of secondary causes and the absence of professional exposure to repetitive movements
allowed for attributing the etiology to mechanical stress, resulting from a prolonged history of joint
overuse associated with weightlifting. The aim of this study is to highlight a possible connection between
excessive engagement in sports activities and the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. In recent
years, awareness of the importance of physical activity has significantly increased, which is a positive
aspect; however, even a beneficial activity like sports must be balanced, as excess can have
repercussions.

THE STUDY ON THE MOTIVATION OF STUDENTS TO PLAY HANDBALL OR OTHER SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Mirsidan Dan — 2025-01-09

The purpose of this paper is to find out the reasons why students are attracted to play handball or other
sports activity and the reasons that lead them to abandon these sports activities. The study was
conducted on a sample of 60 students, 40 boys and 20 girls, aged between 13 and 14 years old. To begin
with, I made a questionnaire that I applied to the group of students, in order to be able to observe their
interest in practicing handball sports or in practicing other sports activities, and I followed the students'
interests, the purpose and what motivates them to practice handball. Some students also practiced other
sports such as: football, volleyball, basketball, handball and swimming. Students are attracted in a
special way by the desire to belong to a group, by the desire for affirmation, by the desire to develop
harmoniously from a physical and motor point of view, all of which are Pro arguments in order to
practice the game of handball. If we look at the other side of giving up playing handball, it is due to the
lack of knowledge of the benefits of this game on the development of each individual, the lack of intrinsic
motivation, the lack of positive models, the lack of materials necessary for the development of these
sports activities, the lack of promotion

ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL-TACTICAL AND PSYCHOMOTOR PERFORMANCE IN BADMINTON PRACTICE

Tănasă Bogdan Ionuț — 2025-01-09

Badminton, through its specific characteristics, requires both technical and tactical skills as well as the
development of motor and psychomotor abilities, having a positive impact on overall physical fitness.
It is assumed that the inclusion of an educational program based on badminton-specific exercises
significantly contributes to improving the technical-tactical and psychomotor performance of middle
school students by developing coordination, balance, spatial orientation, and other complex motor
skills, compared to the standard physical education curriculum. The aim of this study is to evaluate the
impact of an educational program based on badminton-specific exercises on the development of
technical-tactical and psychomotor performance in middle school students, focusing on coordination,
balance, spatial orientation, and complex motor structures to optimize the educational process during
physical education classes. The results obtained highlight notable progress in the development of
coordination, balance, spatial orientation, and other complex motor skills compared to the standard
physical education curriculum.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF CORE STRENGTH TRAINING ON FMS SCORES IN TENNIS ATHLETES

ÜNAL GENÇ — 2025-01-09

This study investigated the effects of core strength exercise programmes on functional movement analysis in tennis athletes playing in a private sports club in Istanbul. A total of 40 volunteers participated in the study. The participants were divided into two groups as core strength group (SG) (n=20) and control group (CG) (n=20). The mean age of the 20 participants in the CG was 15.15±0.81 years, body weight was 42.36±2.21 kg and height was 140.25±8.41 cm. The mean age was 14,87±0,88 years, body weight was 42,63±1,96 kg and height was 138,81±7,91 cm. In the study, height-weight, reach-reach, Y-balance, sit-up, plank and FMS tests were taken as pre-post tests and core strength training was applied to SG 2 days a week for 8 weeks. As a result of the analyses, statistically significant differences were found for sit and reach (t=4,565, p<.05), plank (t=6,778, p<.05), sit-up test (t=5,944, p<.05), FMS (t=5,136, p<.05), while no difference was found for Y-balance test right foot (t=-1,054, p>.05), Y-balance left foot (t=0,274, p>.05). As a result of the study, it was determined that core strength training programmes were effective on FMS scores in athletes. It is thought that it can be used in addition to strength training in athletes

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN PRE-SEASON PERIOD

MURAT TUTAR — 2025-01-09

Purpose. The pre-season period in football is of great importance in order to optimise the performance
of athletes and minimise the risk of injury. The aim of this study was to follow the physiological
parameters of the athletes in the first pre-season preparation phase and to determine their readiness
levels. Material and Methods. Twenty-four professional licensed athletes aged between 18-35
(24.3±5.42) years participated in the study. The body weight and height of the athletes at the beginning
of the season were 72.4±7.44 and 180.0±6.33, respectively. At the beginning and at the end of the first
preparation phase, fat measurement, squat jump, overhead squat assessment and yo-yo endurance test
were performed. Results. The fat percentage obtained as a result of the tests was 7.43±0.73 in the pretest and 6.99±0.65 in the post-test, 40.25±4.9 in the squat jump pre-test and 41.45±4.8 in the post-test,
17.33±3.5 in the overhead squat assessment pre-test and 19.50±2.1 in the post-test and 1723.3±307.6
in the squat jump pre-test and 1852.08±335.8 in the post-test. According to t-test data, statistically
significant differences were found in fat percentage, squat jump, overhead squat evaluation and yoyo
data (<.001). Conclusions. According to the results of the study, it can be said that the fat percentage,
strength assessment, anaerobic power and endurance skills of the athletes improved in the first pre-season preparation phase

SEVERE PEDIATRIC SEPSIS CAUSED BY NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS: A CASE REPORT

JALBĂ (SÎRBU) G.-A. — 2025-01-09

The aim is to report on the aggressive nature of Neisseria meningitidis infection among children and its
complications.
Case report: We present the case of a 2-month-old infant who was admitted for fever, diarrhea, moaning,
and appetite loss to the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children "Sf. Ioan" Galați. The infant was
admitted to the intensive care unit and underwent clinical evaluation along with extended laboratory
investigations. Neurological manifestations began on the first day of hospitalization, starting with tonic
seizures. Later, anisocoria and ptosis of the left eye developed over the following days. On the 4th day
of hospitalization, positive blood culture for Neisseria meningitidis was obtained and the second blood
culture turned out negative. Antibiotic treatment was initiated, and multidisciplinary consultations were
conducted to address the ensuing complications.
Discussion: The case highlights the severity of Neisseria meningitidis infection in infants and the rapid
progression to neurological symptoms, often accompanied by serious complications. Early management
through appropriate antibiotic therapy, aided by a multidisciplinary approach, is essential to limit
mortality and sequelae.
Conclusion: Neisseria meningitidis is the cause of serious infections with a high mortality rate and
neurological sequelae. The complexity of such cases requires multidisciplinary intervention

ROLE OF IMAGING INVESTIGATIONS IN DETECTING THYROID NODULE MALIGNANCY. A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

COREȚCHI D. — 2025-01-09

Nodular thyroid pathology is a topical public health problem that is increasingly targeted and discussed
by the general population. The prevalence is around 10%, but rates up to 68% are reported in the
literature. In Romania, according to statistics from the National Institute of Public Health, the incidence
of thyroid diseases has tripled between 2010 and 2016 and is increasing, which can also be explained
by improved patient access to specialized medical services and diagnostic tests. High-resolution thyroid
ultrasound is considered the screening test of choice for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules, which employs
the Ti-RADS score to determine the type of nodules and risk of malignancy. Elastography is a recently
developed dynamic technique that uses software within ultrasound to provide an estimate of tissue
stiffness by measuring the degree of distortion under the application of an external force, such as
palpation, in the evaluation of the thyroid during physical examination. These tests used both could
improve the accuracy of diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

THE IMPACT OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND DIET ON INSULIN RESISTANCE IN ADOLESCENTS – A CASE STUDY

JALBĂ (SÎRBU) G.-A. — 2025-01-09

To evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle and dietary interventions in reversing insulin resistance and
reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in adolescents. A 16-year-old male with asthma and overweight
status, calculated for a BMI of 27.7 kg/m², was markedly insulin-resistant (HOMA-IR: 8.2). A threemonth intervention with a calorie-controlled diet providing 2,330 kcal/day and an appropriately
sequenced aerobic and resistance training was instituted. The intervention normalized the metabolic
parameters: insulin level 37.7 µIU/mL to 7.27 µIU/mL and HOMA-IR from 8.2 to 1.5. The results show
that the loss of weight, change in diet, and exercise are very important in improving sensitivity to insulin,
especially in overweight adolescents, even those with comorbid conditions such as asthma. Lifestyle
intervention is very effective in reversing early metabolic disturbances among adolescents. Early
detection, multidisciplinary management, and sustained behavioral change hold the key to prevention
of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes