This study aimed to determine the effects of two different programs of modern sports dancing on coordination, strength, and speed in 60 beginner-level female dancers, aged 13 and 14 yrs. The subjects were divided into two experimental groups (E1 and E2), each numbering 30 subjects, drawn from local dance clubs. In order to determine motor coordination, strength, and speed, we used 15 measurements. The groups were tested before and after the experimental programs. Both experimental programs lasted for 18 wks, with training sessions twice a week for 60 minutes. The subjects from the E1 group trained according to a new experimental program of disco dance (DD) modern sports dance, and the E2 group trained according to the classic DD program of the same kind for beginner selections. The obtained results were assessed by statistical analysis: a paired-samples t-test and MANCOVA/ANCOVA. The results indicated that following the experimental programs, both groups showed a statistically significant improvement in the evaluated skills, but the changes among the E1 group subjects were more pronounced. The basic assumption of this research was confirmed, that the new experimental DD program has a significant influence on coordination, strength, and speed. In relation to these changes, the application of the new DD program was recommended for beginner dancers.

Daily physical activity is necessary for good quality of life among the elderly. It usually happens that with the advent of years, the extent of exercise decreases among the elderly, which could have negative effects on their health. It is very important to point out that if the health results allow it, it is never too late to begin with programmed training and physical exercise. If it is carried out under supervision, the possibility of injury is significantly reduced. The subject matter of this research are studies published from 2000 to 2016, which focused on the effects of physical activity on the balance of individuals over the age of 60. The aim of this review is the compilation of the appropriate literature on physical activity, as well as the clarification on whether there are effects of the physical activity on the balance of the elderly. This overview included 24 research papers. The results of this study confirm the positive effect of physical activity on the balance of the elderly. It has been proven that several weeks of a standardized exercise program, based on the increase in joint mobility, cardio-vascular exercise, strengthening the stability of the pelvic region, and proprioceptive exercise can improve balance skills and reduce the perception of pain. For elderly individuals with specific risk factors for falls, the recommendation is specific aquatic exercise programs which will improve balance and strengthen the lower extremities.

Flat feet (pes planus) represents one of the most frequent deformities of the lower extremities which occurs with the collapse of the physiological arches of the feet. The causes of flat feet are numerous. One of the main causes is excessive weight and obesity, problems which this review paper meant to explain by analyzing the works of authors who dealt with this problem from 2000 to 2017. The prevalence of flat feet varies depending on several factors, but all the authors agree that obesity increases the percentage of the prevalence of flat feet among children. The influence of physical activity on any changes to the status of the arches of the feet and a decrease in body weight have been the focus of very few authors. The recommendation is for this problem to be analyzed more because of the positive results that the application of physical activity has on postural status and disorders of the feet. The prevalence of flat feet differs depending on the geographical area, but also depending on age and gender.

Pilates exercise programs focus on increasing the strength and flexibility of muscles which make up core stability. Since the same muscles take part in maintaining proper posture, the aim of this study was to provide an overview of the existing research in order to determine the effects of a pilates exercise program on the improvement of postural status. When searching electronic databases, the following key words were used: spine, posture, effect, pilates, kyphosis, scoliosis, lordosis. Based on the set criteria, that the research was published after 2010 and that the applied pilates exercise programs focused on correcting postural status, the final analysis included 10 studies. An analysis of the characteristics of the sample of participants indicates that the problem of postural disorders is equally present among individuals of various ages. In terms of gender, in the analyzed studies the female population was almost four times the size of the male population. In most of the studies the exercise program lasted for 8 and 12 weeks, with 2 to 3 training sessions per week, with a duration of 60 min. Eight of the analyzed studies show that pilates exercise programs led to an improvement in the postural status. Based on the extensive analysis, it can be concluded that pilates has positive effects on the correction of postural disorders of the spinal column, such as kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis among people of different ages.