TimişoaraTimişoara Physical Education Physical Education ... · PDF fileLigia Rusu Physical Educa tion and Sport Faculty, University of Craiova Mirela Vasilescu Physical Education

Timişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation Journal

Volume 3 Volume 3 Volume 3 Volume 3 ♦Issue 6 ♦2011 ♦Issue 6 ♦2011 ♦Issue 6 ♦2011 ♦Issue 6 ♦2011 1111

TimişoaraTimişoaraTimişoaraTimişoara

Physical Education Physical Education Physical Education Physical Education and Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation

JournalJournalJournalJournal

♦♦♦♦

Volume 3Volume 3Volume 3Volume 3

Issue 6Issue 6Issue 6Issue 6

2011201120112011



The Timişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation Journal is the official Journal of the Physical Education and

Sport Faculty of West University from Timişoara and will be published biannualy (2 issues per volume, one volume

per year).

Physical Education and Sport Faculty of West University from TimişoaraPhysical Education and Sport Faculty of West University from TimişoaraPhysical Education and Sport Faculty of West University from TimişoaraPhysical Education and Sport Faculty of West University from Timişoara is a faculty with an old and great tradition

in physical education and sport domain; we prepare specialists in many directions that include physical activities;

our students can choose amoung more specialisations:

♦Undergraduate Studies:Undergraduate Studies:Undergraduate Studies:Undergraduate Studies: � Physical Education and Sport � Physical Therapy and Special Motricity

♦Graduate StudiesGraduate StudiesGraduate StudiesGraduate Studies (Master´s): (Master´s): (Master´s): (Master´s):

� Physical and Sport Education

� Fitness and Health

� Physical Rehabilitation and Kinetoprophylaxy

� Physical Therapy in Orthopaedic and Traumatic Pathology

� Sports Management

Timişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation Journal will publish high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts

covering the entire area of it´s interdisciplinary content; our first goal is to arouse the readers interest about the

physical education importance in order to maintain a good and healthy life of individuals as well as of the

population; we accord attention also to prevention, assessment and rehabilitation in pathology, espeacilly in those

related to physical activity.

With international and national recognised boards, Timişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation JournalTimişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation Journal will

maintain high standards in the evaluation and publication of manuscripts; all the articles will be reviewed

expediously and published in a timely manner.

The Editorial and Scientific Boards will especially encourage the publication of research studies, clinical practice

and case study reports.

Our journal is indexed in ProQuest and EBSCO, two major international databases; also, this journal is indexed in Our journal is indexed in ProQuest and EBSCO, two major international databases; also, this journal is indexed in Our journal is indexed in ProQuest and EBSCO, two major international databases; also, this journal is indexed in Our journal is indexed in ProQuest and EBSCO, two major international databases; also, this journal is indexed in

the following international cataloguesthe following international cataloguesthe following international cataloguesthe following international catalogues: : : : Ulrichsweb, HKUL and ISSN International Centre.Ulrichsweb, HKUL and ISSN International Centre.Ulrichsweb, HKUL and ISSN International Centre.Ulrichsweb, HKUL and ISSN International Centre.

Editorial OfficeEditorial OfficeEditorial OfficeEditorial Office: Timişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation Journal,Timişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation Journal,Timişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation Journal,Timişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation Journal, West University, Bd. Vasile Pârvan, nr.4,

postal code 300233, Timişoara, phone +40256592129.

All animal and human studies published by TPERJ are approved by the local Ethics Comitees. All published clinical

investigations comply with the principles expressed in the Helsinki Declaration about Ethical Principles of Medical

Research involving Human Subjects.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any

means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher and of the

editoral team.

All articles should be submitted to the following e-mail adress: [email protected]@[email protected]@tperj.ro

See details about instructions for authors at: www.tperj.ro

The Journal´s graphics was realized by Lia RădoiLia RădoiLia RădoiLia Rădoi.

The Journal´s site - www.tperj.rowww.tperj.rowww.tperj.rowww.tperj.ro - was realized and is administrated by Vlad Fiscutea Vlad Fiscutea Vlad Fiscutea Vlad Fiscutean.n.n.n.



Scientific BoardScientific BoardScientific BoardScientific Board

International MembersInternational MembersInternational MembersInternational Members

Marc CloesMarc CloesMarc CloesMarc Cloes Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Liege, Belgium Denis ParisotDenis ParisotDenis ParisotDenis Parisot Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Nice, France

Gabriel Gabriel Gabriel Gabriel S.E. SellaS.E. SellaS.E. SellaS.E. Sella Department of Community Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA

National MembersNational MembersNational MembersNational Members Anca IonescuAnca IonescuAnca IonescuAnca Ionescu Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest

Doina MârzaDoina MârzaDoina MârzaDoina Mârza Movement, Sport and Health Sciences Faculty, University of Bacău

Valeriu NeştianuValeriu NeştianuValeriu NeştianuValeriu Neştianu Member of Romanian Academy in Medical Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova

Zoltan PàsztaiZoltan PàsztaiZoltan PàsztaiZoltan Pàsztai Physical Education and Sport Faculty, University of Oradea

Ligia RusuLigia RusuLigia RusuLigia Rusu Physical Education and Sport Faculty, University of Craiova

Mirela VasilescuMirela VasilescuMirela VasilescuMirela Vasilescu Physical Education and Sport Faculty, University of Craiova

Local MembersLocal MembersLocal MembersLocal Members Doru Ciosici Doru Ciosici Doru Ciosici Doru Ciosici Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

Dan Gaiţă Dan Gaiţă Dan Gaiţă Dan Gaiţă Medicine Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara

Dan A. NemeşDan A. NemeşDan A. NemeşDan A. Nemeş Medicine Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara

Horia VermeşanHoria VermeşanHoria VermeşanHoria Vermeşan Member of Romanian Academy in Medical Sciences, Medicine Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara

Sorinel VoicuSorinel VoicuSorinel VoicuSorinel Voicu

Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

Editorial BoardEditorial BoardEditorial BoardEditorial Board

EditorEditorEditorEditor---- in in in in---- Chief Chief Chief Chief Mihaela OraviţanMihaela OraviţanMihaela OraviţanMihaela Oraviţan Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

CoCoCoCo----editoreditoreditoreditor----inininin----ChiefChiefChiefChief

Claudiu Avram Claudiu Avram Claudiu Avram Claudiu Avram Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

MembersMembersMembersMembers

Eugen BotaEugen BotaEugen BotaEugen Bota Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

Bogdan AlmăjanBogdan AlmăjanBogdan AlmăjanBogdan Almăjan----GuţăGuţăGuţăGuţă Department of Physical Education and Sport, Politechnik University of Timişoara

Mariana Bârzu Mariana Bârzu Mariana Bârzu Mariana Bârzu Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

Martin DomokosMartin DomokosMartin DomokosMartin Domokos Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

Mihaela Faur Mihaela Faur Mihaela Faur Mihaela Faur Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

Lucian GaloşiLucian GaloşiLucian GaloşiLucian Galoşi Department of Physical Rehabilitation, Emergency County Hospital Timişoara

Sorin GrădinaruSorin GrădinaruSorin GrădinaruSorin Grădinaru Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

MiMiMiMircea Iurciucrcea Iurciucrcea Iurciucrcea Iurciuc Medicine Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara

Dan Radu Moga Dan Radu Moga Dan Radu Moga Dan Radu Moga Faculty of Arts, West University of Timişoara

Adrian Nagel Adrian Nagel Adrian Nagel Adrian Nagel Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

AdriaAdriaAdriaAdrian Neştianun Neştianun Neştianun Neştianu Medicine Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova

Alexandru OraviţanAlexandru OraviţanAlexandru OraviţanAlexandru Oraviţan Letters, History and Theology Faculty, West University of Timişoara

Corina Pantea Corina Pantea Corina Pantea Corina Pantea Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

Jenel Marian PătraşcuJenel Marian PătraşcuJenel Marian PătraşcuJenel Marian Pătraşcu Medicine Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara

Simona PetracovschiSimona PetracovschiSimona PetracovschiSimona Petracovschi Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara

Radu PrejbeanuRadu PrejbeanuRadu PrejbeanuRadu Prejbeanu Medicine Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara

Alina TotoreanAlina TotoreanAlina TotoreanAlina Totorean Medicine Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara

Anca TudorAnca TudorAnca TudorAnca Tudor Medicine Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara





Contents Contents Contents Contents ♦♦♦♦ Volume 3 Volume 3 Volume 3 Volume 3 ♦♦♦♦ Issue 6 Issue 6 Issue 6 Issue 6 ♦♦♦♦ 2011 2011 2011 2011

Original articles Original articles Original articles Original articles

Street dance: form of expressing identity in adolescents and youth……………………………………………………

Simona Petracovschi, Cătălina Costaş, Sorinel Voicu

Conducting the rowing training using the blade passage time through the water………………………………….

Doru Ciosici

The interest for the masters swimming competitions in 2010 – the managerial perspective. A case

study: Timişoara………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

7777

13131313

17171717

Marcel Răsădean, Mihai Liseţchi

Verde pentru biciclete.........................................................................................................................................

Romina Faur, Emil Cristescu

Guide articlesGuide articlesGuide articlesGuide articles

The touristic potential of Valea Jiului Area…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Martin Domokos

A scientific approach to building training with particular reference to basketball - match analysis………..

Ricardo Izzo, Luca Russo

Morbidity associated with breast cancer therapy and the place of physiotherapy in its management….

Rodica Păcurar, Codruţa Miclăuş, Marius Miclăuş

27272727

33333333

41414141

46464646

Clinical studiesClinical studiesClinical studiesClinical studies

Interest of the manual techniques in the treatment of low back pain…………………………………………………

Anda Armeanca, Elena Sîrbu

55555555





Street dance: form of expressing identity in adolescents and youthStreet dance: form of expressing identity in adolescents and youthStreet dance: form of expressing identity in adolescents and youthStreet dance: form of expressing identity in adolescents and youth

Simona Petracovschi1, Cătălina Costaş2, Sorinel Voicu3

AbstractAbstractAbstractAbstract

The purpose of this paper is to foreground the counterculture phenomenon that is provides the basis for street dance and the

reasons why young people practise it, as well as to analyse the styles of dance developed within this type of dance. The study

was made between February and May 2010 in Timişoara on a number of 149 people practising street dance, 46 girls and 103

boys. The results of the research emphasise that the dancers mainly come from an inferior social background (49.66%) or from

a middle-class background (46.03%) and have been regularly practising breakdance (83.89%) for more than five years

(32.88%). The effects of practising it can be observed on an overall basis as concerns physical condition, artistic sense, self

knowledge, discipline but also culture and way of life. Conclusions show that people practise street dance due to its

nonconformist and all alive style that continuously makes use of new moves, new trends but also due to it being a way of

socialising within a group.

Keywords: Keywords: Keywords: Keywords: breakdance, identity, nonconformity.

RezumatRezumatRezumatRezumat

Scopul lucrării îl reprezintă evidenţierea fenomenului de contracultură care stă la baza street dance-ului şi motivele pentru

care tinerii îl practică, de asemenea şi analiza stilurilor de dans dezvoltate în cadrul acestui tip de dans. Studiul a fost efectuat

în perioada februarie-mai 2010 în Timişoara pe un număr de 149 de practicanţi de street dance, din care 46 de fete şi 103

băieţi. Rezultatele cercetării evidenţiază că dansatorii provin în cea mai mare parte dintr-un mediu social inferior (49,66%) sau

mediu (46, 03%) şi practică în mod regulat breakdance-ul (83,89%) de mai mult de cinci ani (32,88%). Efectele practicării se

observă în totalitate la nivelul condiţiei fizice, simţului artistic, a autocunoaşterii, disciplinei, dar şi a culturii şi a modului de a

trăi viaţa. Concluziile arată că dansatorii practică street dance-ul datorită stilului nonconformist şi plin de viaţă care pe zi ce

trece inventează mişcări noi, stiluri noi, idei noi dar şi ca o modalitate de socializare cu persoanele din grup.

Cuvinte cheie: Cuvinte cheie: Cuvinte cheie: Cuvinte cheie: breakdance, identitate, non-conformism.

1 Lecturer PhD, Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara, e-mail: [email protected]

2 Master Student, Sport Journalism, West University of Timişoara

3 Professor PhD, Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara



IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction

As a distinct stage in life, adolescence marks the

transition from childhood to adulthood,

characterised through coming-of-age and social

integration, through more complex social and

professional requirements and responsibilities.

During this stage, familial and scholastic

guardianship, which is very strong when it comes to

a child, knows a form of change. Furthermore, all

levels of personality face significant development,

which could be perceived as a dominant element of

the whole period. The adolescents, characterised by

their continuous struggle to “be themselves”, to

affirm individual personality but also to be the same

as their friends and their age group, are in endless

search of new forms through which the “self” can be

brought forward. Hip-hop is such a medium, in which

the adolescent can find new values, in accordance

to the age needs: “The search of an equilibrium

through new identifications, through the discovery of

a new identity – in the conditions of not being sure

what the adolescent really is in reality – are not easy

and can lead not only to difficulties of integration,

but also to manifestations of nonconformity” [1].

Hip-hop is a concept that encompasses street

dance, besides rap music, graffiti, Djing, Mcing,

beatboxing. There are many practised forms of

street dance: breakdance, popping, krumping,

locking, grinding, stomking, crip walk, snap dance,

etc. In Romania, hip-hop appeared in 1990 and has

significantly developed due to mass media and

especially television. After seeing Western styles of

dance practised on television, young people would

copy them without having a guide in the form of a

dance teacher or instructor, without being part of a

dance school and without practising it in the

confinements of a gym, culture centre, etc. As a form

of opposing and changing their social background,

filled with conformism and limits. The freedom of

manifestation gained through practising street

dance is the form of opposing the dominant culture

of the social background: “dance is neither

language nor politics, it is clarified and qualified

through these means” [2].

One of the major problems of adolescence is

building a personal identity, developing self

consciousness, understanding one’s own person as

a distinct entity from the others, but at the same

time coherent during various life situations: “Identity

is the clear conscience of a person’s individuality,

formed through the integration of a unique construct

of self perception and the perception of the others’

expectancy towards one’s self-esteem” [3].

As in other places, street dance has become a

widespread phenomenon with adolescents in

Romania, marking an evolution from the famous

„battle of the year” between dance groups for the

high school cup to competitions on a local or

national level. The fact that breakdance has entered

schools proves its popularity with the young people

in search of their own identity, of freedom from the

constraints imposed by their family, of new forms of

corporal practice and physical activity, but at the

same time of new ways of socialising. If during

puberty the process of personality development and

biological changes are impetuous and sinusoidal,

during adolescence the development of personality

evolves towards the need of identifying personal

resources (aptitudes, abilities, wishes, aspirations

and ideals) for the realisation of an identity and of

an own interior world, to the detachment from the

family’s guardianship and to the increase of

autonomy and independence, which are gradually

obtained. All these elements can be labelled as “a

second birth” as J.J. Rousseau called it, as street

dance offers adolescents the opportunity to test

these personal resources and to build and conquer

their autonomy.



Hip hop can be considered a phenomenon through

which young people express their anger, frustration,

solidarity and protest [4] but they do not find any

other means or place to do this but in the non-violent

forms of dance of music. Young people and

adolescents are attracted to the nonconformity that

sits at the basis of the phenomenon and the free

expression on the part of the dancer: “Under social

conditions where overt attack on the dominant

group is unwise or dangerous, oppressed groups

use language, dance and music to mock those in

power” [5].

During the latest years, people practising street

dance have organized themselves in teams, but

these associations are not under any regulations

that could have meant the institutionalization and

creation of an environment of progress and

development. To a significant extent, street sports

are based on the idea of it being practised on other

grounds than traditional sports in the sense that

those practising it are in search of freedom and

liberty from the adults’ authority (trainers, club

directors etc.).

Generally speaking, breaking is not structured and is

based on improvisation. We mention a few

elements, as a basic routine: Toprock, transition to

Downrock, then a demonstration of movements in

force and finally “cinematic freezes” or “suicide”.

Toprock is a chain of steps made by sitting upright

according to rhythm, style, coordination and

flexibility. Usually this is made at the beginning of the

dance and serves as a small warm-up for more

“acrobatic” movements. By contrast, Downrock uses

all limbs and is made on the ground. Usually,

Downrock is made with the hands and feet on the

ground. The dancer demonstrates his/her speed,

coordination, control and often their flexibility

through dance steps made using mostly the feet.

These movements transition to other more athletic

ones, known as “Force moves” or “Moves in force”.

Moves in force are movements which require the

physical moment and force. In this part of the dance,

the dancer uses the force of the upper part of the

body to dance, especially the hands. Such

movements include the windmill, swipe and flare.

Due to the fact that moves in force require

significant physical effort, dancers usually use these

movements to demonstrate their force and

resistance. A lot of these movements are borrowed

from gymnastics, such as flare, but also from martial

arts, such as the Butterfly-kick or the Butterfly-twist.

Freezes: stopping the movement in a styled position.

The most difficult freezes are those that require the

dancers to remain suspended above the ground

using their hands and a significant part of their

upper body – such freezes are sitting on the hands

and pike.

"Suicides" are other movements that signalize the

end of a dance routine. The dancers will make it

seem that they are losing control and they will fall on

their backs, abdomen etc. The more painful the fall

looks, the more impressive the move is, but the

dancers will execute the move so as it is in fact not

as painful as it appears to be. As opposed to freezes,

suicides draw attention towards the final position.

“Battles” are any level of competition held in an

open space in which the dancers participle in a fast

dance, which is either improvised or arranged prior

to the competition. The number of dancers varies

from 1 to whole teams. The winners are determined

by those watching, judging how complicated and

appealing the moves of the dancers are.

The object of research The object of research The object of research The object of research is human motility, corporal

expressivity revealed through street dance, fact

which arguments the cultural or countercultural

function in this case, that sport fulfils. Through street



dance, young people build new forms of behaviour

that are against the majority of ideas from their

background. Their purpose is to affirm their own

identity.

The objectives of the research The objectives of the research The objectives of the research The objectives of the research are the foregrounding

and understanding of the street dance phenomenon,

its ways of manifestation, the people that practise it

and the conditions in which it is being practised.

The purpose of the research The purpose of the research The purpose of the research The purpose of the research is to foreground the

phenomenon of counterculture that sits at the basis

of street dance and the reasons why young people

practise it, as well as to analyse the styles of dance

derived from this type of dance.

Research hypothesisResearch hypothesisResearch hypothesisResearch hypothesis

Street dance is practised by young people with the

purpose of forming their own identity.

The identity created through street dance for the

ones who are practising it fights against the

conformism of their background and the values of

the society they come from.

Material and methodMaterial and methodMaterial and methodMaterial and method

The study has been made between February and

May 2010 in Timişoara on a number of 149 people

practising street dance, 46 girls and 103 boys.

Participants over the age of 18 are the most

numerous (44.96%), followed by those aged

between 14 and 18 (30.2%) and those aged under

14 (24.83%). From the styles of dance, breakdance

is the most practised, from a beginner to an

advanced level. As concerns methods, the syste-

matic observation method and the questionnaire

method, that contains 18 items of which 15 demand

closed answers while the other 3 demand open

answers, to which dancers can add new meaning.

ResultsResultsResultsResults

� Social background of the participantsSocial background of the participantsSocial background of the participantsSocial background of the participants

From the figure 1, it can be noticed that 46.30% of

the dancers identify themselves as belonging to the

middle class, 4.02% state they are over the middle

class level and the majority (49.66%) come from

families under the middle class level. The main

issues that families from under the middle class

level have to deal with are: significant number of

family members, low income, improper living

conditions, unemployment, violence, alcoholism.

From the issues with which the ones belonging to

the middle class level, one can mention the

following: conformism, rigid education, lack of

communication.

� Practising street dancePractising street dancePractising street dancePractising street dance

According to figure 2, we can deduce the fact that in

Romania the phenomenon of street dance is

relatively new.

Figure 1. Figure 1. Figure 1. Figure 1. Social background of the participants

Figure 2. Figure 2. Figure 2. Figure 2. Period since street dance is practised



Those who are practising it for more than 5 years –

which cannot labelled as “seniority” in this

phenomenon – are over 65%. The lack of

development perspectives of the street dancer as

concerns building a career in this field determines it

being practised only as a recreational of competitive

sport. In Romania, the majority of dancers (83.89%)

practise breakdance, as we can see in table III. It is

not just a national statistics; this report can also be

found on a global level, with slight differences in

percentage. Characteristics of breakdance moves

are physical power, dramatic character of the moves,

but what makes them attractive is freedom of

expression, creativity and oneness. Furthermore, it is

common practice that typical street dance moves be

combined with other more traditional forms of

dance, giving birth to new styles such as lyrical hip

hop (more fluid movements and theatrical

performances) and street jazz (a hybrid made from

modern hip hop and jazz dance). These styles are

generally concentrated on choreography and less

based on improvisation and battles and are not

considered pure street dance, but an alternative

variant of the traditional styles of studio dance

(Figure 3).

The majority of the participants (59.73%) limit

themselves to one or two training sessions per week

(figure 4). One of the reasons for this might be the

lack of proper training facilities and spaces, but also

the lack of perspective in developing a career in this

field or the change in status of the professional

dancer makes street dance being practised solely as

a recreational activity (40.93%). From those

questioned, 24.14% wish to follow a career in dance

and the rest (28.18%) declare that they do not

intend to pursue such a career.

Figure 3. Figure 3. Figure 3. Figure 3. Practised dance styles

Figure 4. Figure 4. Figure 4. Figure 4. Number of training sessions per week

Figure 5. Figure 5. Figure 5. Figure 5. The effects of practising street dance

The effects of practisingThe effects of practisingThe effects of practisingThe effects of practising street dance street dance street dance street dance

When it comes to the effects of practising street

dance, the dancers (figure 5) appreciate that

besides physical condition that improves following

regular practising, that results in discipline and self

discipline, the latter having influences on the

knowledge of the own person, of the physical and

psychological limits but also a motivation for self-

improvement. Besides developing the artistic sense,

this is also a creator of culture, because the

promoted values are also creators of a specific way

of life.



The question “In what way does street dance reflect

in your social life?” has the most complex answers

out of all the open answer questions, because each

dancer transposes his/her own personality within

the answer. Some have emphasized the fact that it

has increased their physical abilities, implicitly their

corporal harmony (42%), together with pride, charm

and popularity. Other answers have underlined the

spiritual side (12%). Through the culture that the

phenomenon develops, people show more

understanding towards their peers and accept new

situations easier; they also fight for equality and

peace within their containing group as well in society

(26%). They engage into groups that have a

charitable function, stage shows with this purpose

and are even willing to help directly within these

activities (20%).

An interesting answer was: “It makes me be myself.”

From this answer we can deduce that the dancer

finds himself/herself in what he/she is doing. It is a

way of self-knowledge, of self-fulfilment that leads to

the appearance of self-esteem. Self-esteem creates

a healthy spiritual state. We can even go to extremes

and mention that a state of happiness can occur

from a positive way of thinking towards oneself. For

society, this is a source of positive energy, positive

thinking, implicitly of the same healthy spiritual state

mentioned earlier.

ConclusionsConclusionsConclusionsConclusions

The majority of the dancers practise street dance

due to its nonconformist and lively style, that daily

comes up with new moves, styles, ideas. At the same

time, it is a way of socialising with people that have a

common interest. A way of detaching from parents

for the first time that gives complete freedom to the

youth in search of such freedom. Even if Romania

does not face such issues as the USA, the place of

origin of hip hop culture, characterised by a violent

social environment and filled with immigration

problems, the phenomenon of street dance has

been put forward and young people from Timişoara

choose this practice as a form of manifestation of

their own identity and to fight the values of their

background (violence, conformism etc.).

ReferencesReferencesReferencesReferences

1. Dumitrescu I. (1980) Adolescenţii.... Lumea lor spirituală şi

activitatea educaţională, Editura Scrisul Românesc, Craiova, p.

83;

2. Osumare K. (2002) Global Breakdancing and the Intercultural

Body. Dance Research Journal 34(2): 30-45;

3. Băban A.(coord.) (2001), Consiliere educaţională, Editura

Ardealul, Cluj-Napoca, p. 42;

4. Shapiro R. (2004) The Aesthetics of Institutionalization:

Breakdancing in France. The Journal of Arts Management, Law,

and Society 33(4): 316-35;

5. Martinez T. A. (1997) Popular Culture as Oppositional Culture:

Rap as Resistance. Sociological Perspectives 40(2): 265-86.



Conducting the rowing training using the blade pasConducting the rowing training using the blade pasConducting the rowing training using the blade pasConducting the rowing training using the blade passage time through the watersage time through the watersage time through the watersage time through the water

Doru CiosiciDoru CiosiciDoru CiosiciDoru Ciosici1111


This present paper aims to present an original method, never before encountered in the specialised literature, of a long-time

conducting (during a competition, a macro cycle) the training of rowers. The method is called: The method of conducting the

sportive training of rowing using the blade passage time through the water. This method consists of the using the blade

passage rate through the water as an indicator of the intensity of the effort. By knowing the optimal time of passage of the

blade through the water according to each type of effort desired to be achieved, the time of passage of the blade through the

water will be planned according to each monocycle, so that the desired parameters will be reached until the competition. A

blueprint of the projection of the time of passage of the blade through the water during the competition of an M4 team is

presented in the paper.

Key wordsKey wordsKey wordsKey words : training, conducting the training, rowing, rate of passage of the blade.


Lucrarea de faţă îşi propune să prezinte o metodă originală, nemaiîntâlnită până în prezent în literatura de specialitate, de

dirijare de lungă durată (pe perioada competiţională, pe macrociclu) a antrenamentului canotorilor. Metoda se numeşte :

Metoda de dirijare a antrenamentului sportiv la canotaj prin utilizarea timpului de trecere a palei prin apă. Această metodă

constă în utilizarea ca indicator al intensităţii efortului a timpului de trecere a palei prin apă. Cunoscându-se timpul optim de

trecere a palei prin apă la care se doreşte a se ajunge la fiecare tip de efort, se va planifica timpul de trecere a palei prin apă

pentru fiecare mezociclu, astfel încât să se ajungă la data competiţiei la parametrii doriţi. În lucrare este prezentat un model

de proiectare a timpului de trecere a palei prin apă pe durata perioadei competiţionale la un echipaj de M4-.

Cuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheie : antrenament, dirijarea antrenamentului, canotaj, timpul de trecere a palei

1 Professor, PhD, Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara, e-mail: [email protected]



If during the training of rowers some coaches check

once in a while the blade passage rate through the

water, this is not done systematically and does not

build to a method of conducting the sportive training

on long term structures (macro cycle or periods) or

medium term (mezocycle) or short term structures

(micro cycle).

The purpose of this paper The purpose of this paper The purpose of this paper The purpose of this paper is to present a new,

original method of conducting the sportive training of

rowing: the method of conducting the sportive

training of rowing using the blade passage rate

through the water.

Theoretical aspectsTheoretical aspectsTheoretical aspectsTheoretical aspects

The sportive performance in rowing is determined by

many factors. Some of them are:

� Preparing methods used;

� Methods used;

� The ratio between the aerobic, mixed and

anaerobic efforts;

� The ratio between the effort parameters,

especially those between volume and intensity;

� The dynamics of these indicators (volume and

intensity) from the beginning of a macro cycle to

the objective competition;

� The ratio between the training components;

� The quality of the boats;

� The adjustment of the boats;

� The athletes’ aptitudes (physical development,

level of development of the motive qualities and

combined, especially of the resistance during a

force regime, the level of development of the great

functions, as well as the athletes’ physical

development).

Besides these determining factors to obtaining high

performances in rowing, conducting the athletes’ conducting the athletes’ conducting the athletes’ conducting the athletes’

preparation is essential. preparation is essential. preparation is essential. preparation is essential.

To conduct the athletes’ preparing process implies,

essentially, to lead the athletes’ preparing process.

The conducting may be:

� operative (in the training lesson);

� current (weekly/micro cycle and

monthly/mezocycle);

� long term (periods, macro cycle).

Next, I will discuss long term conducting.

Only a correct ca correct ca correct ca correct conducting of the training during a onducting of the training during a onducting of the training during a onducting of the training during a

macro cycle can ensure high performancemacro cycle can ensure high performancemacro cycle can ensure high performancemacro cycle can ensure high performance in

competitions, which could be regarded as the wish

of every athlete and coach.

To correctly conduct the athletes’ preparationTo correctly conduct the athletes’ preparationTo correctly conduct the athletes’ preparationTo correctly conduct the athletes’ preparation

implies to lead the process during a macro cycle, so

that the athletes are capable of obtaining the the the the

maximum sportive conditionmaximum sportive conditionmaximum sportive conditionmaximum sportive condition and, with it, the best

performance at the moment of the objective at the moment of the objective at the moment of the objective at the moment of the objective

competitioncompetitioncompetitioncompetition.

I find that the long term conducting of the rowing the long term conducting of the rowing the long term conducting of the rowing the long term conducting of the rowing

training also has a specific formtraining also has a specific formtraining also has a specific formtraining also has a specific form, which I have not

come across in the specialised literature: Conducting Conducting Conducting Conducting

the rowers’ training using the blade passage rate the rowers’ training using the blade passage rate the rowers’ training using the blade passage rate the rowers’ training using the blade passage rate

through the water.through the water.through the water.through the water. Multiple types of training are

used in rowing, each ensuring precise training

effects and each having its own code. Some coaches

use four types of training, others five, others six and

others seven; some coaches subdivide some types

of training, such as the R3 training in: R3a and R3b.

In table I a classification on seven levels of intensity

of the types of training is depicted (Table I).

The level of lactate can go over the level of 20

mmol/l in the case of some athletes during the type

RF and R1 training.



Table I.Table I.Table I.Table I. Classification of the types of training (after intensity)

Types of training Types of training Types of training Types of training Intensity (%)Intensity (%)Intensity (%)Intensity (%) Lactate (mmoLactate (mmoLactate (mmoLactate (mmol/l)l/l)l/l)l/l)

RV - resistance speed 106 - 110 % ~ 12.0

RF - resistance force 101 - 105 % 12.0 – 16.0

R1 - resistance in a race regime 98 - 100 % 8.0 – 16.0

R2 - specific resistance 85 - 96 % 4.0 - 8.0

R3p - general resistance (anaerobe threshold) 80 - 85 % 3.5 - 4.0

R3 - general resistance 70 - 80 % 2.5 - 3.5

R4 - general resistance/rendition 50 - 70 % < 2.5

The feature of The feature of The feature of The feature of the methodthe methodthe methodthe method of conducting the rowing

training using the blade passage rate is the

improvement of the blade passage rate through the improvement of the blade passage rate through the improvement of the blade passage rate through the improvement of the blade passage rate through the

water water water water from one mezocycle to another through

imposing certain blade passage rates through the imposing certain blade passage rates through the imposing certain blade passage rates through the imposing certain blade passage rates through the

water for each mezocyclewater for each mezocyclewater for each mezocyclewater for each mezocycle so as the desired

parameters of intensity be reached in the mezocycle

of the objective competition and especially in the

objective competition (expressed in our case by the

blade passage rate through the water).

The blade passage rate through the water is

dependant of a number of factors, some of which

are:

� the rowers’ strength;

� rowing cadence;

� strike length;

� type of training;

� rowing rhythm;

� boat type;

� boat adjustment.

Regarding the strike length, one should mention the

fact that it must be permanently kept in the optimal

parameters. In this sense, it is recommended to use

some marks on the wavebreak both at the “attack”

and at the release.

The blade passage rate through the water is

measured only in the strikes with optimal lengthonly in the strikes with optimal lengthonly in the strikes with optimal lengthonly in the strikes with optimal length.

To analyze the blade passage rate through the water

during a macro cycle, this must be measured always

in the same conditions. It is enough to change only

one parameter from those mentioned above, so that

the result of the measurement cannot be taken into

account.

If the type of training, rowing cadence, rowing

rhythm, boat type and boat adjustment are

maintained and the blade passage rate through the

water is improved, this can be laid onto the

development of the rower’s strength.

In the long term preparation process, the increase in

intensity (of the blade passage rate through the

water in our case) from one mezocycle to another

can be achieved in a number of ways:

� improvement of the blade passage rate through

the water in only one type of training;

� improvement of the blade passage rate through

the water in two types of training at the same time

or

� simultaneously in all the types of training.

Practical aspects Practical aspects Practical aspects Practical aspects

I will further present, as an example, the dynamics of

the blade passage time through the water of an M4

team on a structure of training on five mezocycles

(mzc) (Table II).



Table II.Table II.Table II.Table II. Time of the blade passage through the water (sec.)

Type of trainingType of trainingType of trainingType of training mzc. 1 mzc. 1 mzc. 1 mzc. 1 mzc. 2 mzc. 2 mzc. 2 mzc. 2 mzc. 3 mzc. 3 mzc. 3 mzc. 3 mzc. 4 mzc. 4 mzc. 4 mzc. 4 mzc. 5 mzc. 5 mzc. 5 mzc. 5

R4R4R4R4 1.00 0.91 0.83 0.77 0.71

R3R3R3R3 0.71 0.68 0,66 0.64 0.62

R3pR3pR3pR3p 0.63 0.61 0.60 0.59 0.58

R2R2R2R2 0.59 0.57 0.55 0.53 0.52

R1R1R1R1 0.53 0.52 0.51 0.50 0.50

RFRFRFRF 0.50 0.49 0.49 0.48 0.47

The blade passage rates through the water accor-

ding to the different types of training and the

connections between them, can suffer changes, but

also according to the individual traits of the athletes

and teams.


This method has been experimented on an M4 team

that achieved a 9 seconds progress during the

competition (from 6’ 06’’ to 5’ 57’’), conquering the

title of champions of China and Asia.

To successfully apply this method, one requires,

among others:

� advanced time measuring devices;

� a good reaction speed of the person that conducts

the measuring;

� a good spirit of observation of the person that

conducts the measuring.

The measurement the blade passage rate through

the water can be also be used in the small

structures of sportive training, such as: mezocycles,

microcycles and during training lessons.

ProposalsProposalsProposalsProposals

I think that this method can also be successfully

used in other sports, such as swimming and

canoeing.



The interest for the masters swimming competitions in The interest for the masters swimming competitions in The interest for the masters swimming competitions in The interest for the masters swimming competitions in

2010 2010 2010 2010 –––– the managerial perspective. A case study: Timişoara the managerial perspective. A case study: Timişoara the managerial perspective. A case study: Timişoara the managerial perspective. A case study: Timişoara

Marcel RăsădeanMarcel RăsădeanMarcel RăsădeanMarcel Răsădean1111, Mihai Liseţchi, Mihai Liseţchi, Mihai Liseţchi, Mihai Liseţchi2222


Masters swimmers are adults that systematically practise this sportive activity as amateurs in an organized environment. They

have very different sportive abilities and their interest for practising swimming is linked to the benefits of this type of activity. In

relation to the public perception existing in Romania, both in the mainstream public and in the specialists’ circle, the

competitive dimension is the most visible as opposed to the other forms of masters swimming: fitness swimming, recreational

swimming, therapeutic swimming etc. The Timişoara Masters Swimming Club, which came into being in 2007, is the first club

dedicated to masters swimming in our country. Its primary objective is to promote the practice of swimming by adults. The

club’s image and, implicitly, its marketing and, respectively, its financial management are influenced to a significant extent by

the results achieved in masters swimming competitions. In this sense, statistics show that in 2010, compared to the precedent

year, all the measurement indicators of the club’s participation in competitions have decreased. The present paper focuses on

the development of this amateur sportive movement by optimizing the organizational management in the sportive

environment. The purpose of this paper is to identify the causes that have determined the decreasing tendencies of the

Timişoara club members’ participation and, respectively, of the results achieved in masters swimming competitions in 2010 as

opposed to 2009.

Key words:Key words:Key words:Key words: masters swimming, competition, interest, purpose, participation. RezumatRezumatRezumatRezumat

Inotătorii masters sunt adulţi care practică sistematic această activitate sportivă ca amatori, într-un cadru organizat. Aceştia au

abilităţi sportive foarte diferite, interesul pentru practicarea înotului fiind legat de beneficiile acestui tip de activitate. În raport

cu perceptia publică existentă în România, atât la nivelul publicului larg, cât şi al specialiştilor, dimensiunea competiţională

este cea mai vizibilă în raport cu celelalte forme ale înotului masters: înotul de fitness, de agrement, terapeutic etc. Clubul de

Înot Masters Timişoara, înfiinţat în anul 2007, este primul club dedicat înotului masters din ţara noastră, obiectivul principal al

clubului fiind promovarea practicării înotului de către adulţi. Imaginea clubului şi, implicit, marketingul acestuia, respectiv,

managementul financiar al clubului sunt influenţate în mare masură de rezultatele obţinute de club la competiţiile de înot

masters. În acest sens, statisticile arată că în 2010, în comparaţie cu anul precedent, toţi indicatorii de măsurare a participării

1Assistant Lecturer, Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara, e-mail: [email protected] 2Student, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, West University of Timişoara



clubului la competiţii au scăzut. Prezenta lucrare urmăreşte dezvoltarea mişcării sportive de amatori prin optimizarea

managementului organizaţional în mediul sportiv. Scopul lucrării este de a identifica cauzele ce au determinat tendinţa de

descreştere a participării membrilor clubului din Timişoara şi, respectiv, a rezultatelor obţinute la competiţiile de înot masters

în 2010 faţă de 2009.

Cuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheie: înot masters, competiţie, interes, motiv, participare. The present paper depicts the development of the

amateur sportive movement through optimizing the

organizational management in the sportive medium.

According to research conducted on a European

level (Euro barometer) in 2010, 69% of Romanian

adults do not regularly conduct sportive activities [1],

the European average in this case being situated at

25% [2]. Basically, in this hierarchy, Romania is on

one of the last places in Europe. In this sense, the

authors approach just one aspect from the total

number of issues of practising sportive activities by

amateurs and approach a less active target group

and, implicitly, less visible in Romania: adults

practising swimming. The way in which the

positioning of the masters swimmers (versus the

participation in competition) influences the

management of a masters swimming club is

analyzed in this paper.

General informationGeneral informationGeneral informationGeneral information

a) General context

Masters swimmers are adults that systematically

practise this sportive activity as amateurs in an

organized environment [3]. For the masters sportive

movement, participation itself is more important

even than sportive performance. According to the

diversity of motivation of those practising it, for the

present case there are many forms of practising

masters swimming: competitive swimming, fitness

swimming, recreational swimming, therapeutic

swimming etc.

The training frequency and, respectively, the training

methodology are left to the decision of each

member, given the fact that the majority of the clubs

do not have a coach.

In the case of the competitive masters swimming,

the practitioners compete in age groups: 25-29, 30-

34, 35-39 and so on, within 5 year categories. The

last category includes any age above 100.

On a world level, the masters swimming movement

has a history of over 30 years [4] and implies

hundreds of thousands of practitioners.

Because masters swimming has a very short history

in our country [5] (in Romania there are only a few

masters swimming competitions), the consistent

majority of the Romanian participations in this type

of competitions [6], is connected to the specific

competitions organized in Hungary. In this context, it

should be mentioned that the participation fee, as

well as other participation spending (accommo-

dation, meals etc.) have remained constant.

b) Organization

The MASTERS swimming club Timisoara [7] – CIMT

is an NGO that reunites people over the age of 18

that share the hobby of swimming, but also have

very different ways of swimming. Among them there

are former professional swimmers, but also people

that have never practised competitive swimming.

The initiative promotes the practice of sportive

activities by adults as amateurs, aiming to maintain

a state of health and to improve the practitioners’

sportive abilities.



The club self sustains itself financially. The

membership fee represents the main source of

financing. Moreover, the members’ participation in

competitions is voluntary and represents a personal

additional spending, besides the monthly

membership fee.

Currently, around ¾ of the club members have not

practised performance swimming and the tendency

present since the club constitution (15th June 2007)

is that the number of former professional

performance swimmers is decreasing with the

increase in the number of members.

In this context, beginning with the year 2010, for the

stimulation of members taking part in competition, a

policy of tax subsidy policy [8], proportional with the

increase of the members’ competitive engagement

(the amount of the individual subvention increases

in stages together with the number of tasks per

competition session in which the member takes part

in) has been imposed at a club level.

c) Local context

In Timisoara, there is only one swimming pool that

has costly entrance fees in regard to the Romanian

average income. This pool is property of the local

council and the sports clubs gain access to it via

colour renting, which is conditioned by gaining

sportive performances.

The problemThe problemThe problemThe problem: in regard to the existing public

perception in Romania, both in the public

mainstream, as well as in the circle of specialists,

the competitive dimension is more visible as

opposed to other forms of masters swimming:

fitness swimming, recreational swimming,

therapeutic swimming etc. This is why the image of

the club and, implicitly, its marketing and financial

management, respectively, are influenced to a

significant extent by the results gained by the club in

masters swimming competitions. In this sense, the

statistics show that in 2010, compared to the

previous year, all the indicators that measure the

participation of the club in competitions have

decreased.

In order to find solutions to the given problem, a

qualitative research has been conducted within the

target group, aiming to define personal perception

regarding the causes of the problem. The purpose of

the research: to identify the causes that have

determined a decreasing tendency of the participa-

tion of the Timişoara club members and,

respectively, of the results achieved in the masters

swimming competitions in 2010, as opposed to

2009 (Table I).

The method used: research on a questionnaire sent

through electronic mail to all the members of the

club registered on the club’s discussion electronic

list.

The number of electronic mail addresses registered

at the moment of research: 79. Given the small size

of the target group, it has not been necessary to

define a sample group. The research has been

conducted at the level of the whole group.

The questionnaire is divided into branches according

to the following factors:

� According to the participation in at least one

masters swimming competition (regardless when),

there is the possibility of a yes/no answer. Each

branch is followed separately to determine

personal motivation regarding the analyzed

situation.

� In the case of a positive answer, according to the

participation in at least one competition in the

year 2010, there is the possibility of a yes/no

answer. Each sub-branch is followed separately to

determine personal motivation regarding the

analyzed situation.



24 people responded and the rate of answer was

30.4% respectively. In Figure 1 the distribution of the

respondents is presented, according to gender:

It can be observed that the two genders correspond

to the structure by gender of the club members

(respectively, 1/3 female and 2/3 male).

The respondents’ distribution on age groups is

depicted in Figure 2. One can assume that the

higher rates of the middle-aged respondents reflect

both the members’ structure in age groups, as well

as the less developed electronic communication

habits in the case of older members.

Table I.Table I.Table I.Table I. The contrastive perspective regarding the CIMT members’ participation in masters swimming competition ParameterParameterParameterParameter

[units of [units of [units of [units of measurement]measurement]measurement]measurement]

ValValValValuesuesuesues 2010201020102010

ValuesValuesValuesValues 2009200920092009

Absolute Absolute Absolute Absolute values values values values “2010”“2010”“2010”“2010”----“2009”“2009”“2009”“2009”

Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage valuesvaluesvaluesvalues “2010”“2010”“2010”“2010”----“2009”“2009”“2009”“2009”

Total number of participants per year (regardless of the number of individual participations/competition) participants 139 147 -8 -5.44%

Total number of participations in the individual tasks (regardless of the number of individual participations/competition)

Individual tasks/year 364 431 -67 -15.55%

Total number of participations in collective tasks (relay race)

Collective tasks/year 32 38 -6 -15.79%

Annual average of participants/competition

Participants/ competition 8.18 9.19 -1.01 -11.00%

Annual average of the number of individual tasks/ competition Tasks/competition 21.41 26.94 -5.53 -20.51%

Annual average of a person’s participation in individual tasks/competition Tasks/competition 2.62 2.93 -0.31 -10.68%

Annual average of the awarded places in individual tasks/competition

Awarded places/ competition 17.24 22.13 -4.89 -22.08%

Annual average of the awarded places in individual tasks/participation

Awarded places / participation 0.8 0.82 -0.02 -2.00%

Annual average of the awarded places in individual tasks/participant

Awarded places/participant 2.11 2.41 -0.3 -12.44%

males

67%

females

33%

18-24 years

25-29 years

30-34 years

35-39 years

40-44 years

45-49 years

50-54 years

55-59 years

60-64 years

65-69 years

70-74 years

75-79 years

Figure 1.Figure 1.Figure 1.Figure 1. Respondents’ distribution based on gender Figure 2.Figure 2.Figure 2.Figure 2. Respondents’ distribution on age groups



up to 1 year

58%

up to 2 years

8%

up to 3 years

17%

up to 4 years

17%

Figure 3.Figure 3.Figure 3.Figure 3. Respondents’ distribution based on seniority within the club

no

29%

yes

71%

Figure 4.Figure 4.Figure 4.Figure 4. Respondents’ distribution according to participation in any masters swimming competition

The respondents’ distribution according to seniority

in the club is illustrated in Figure 3.

One can observe a stronger interest for the topic of

the research from the new arrivals in the club, as

opposed to senior members.

Figure 4 presents the respondents’ distribution

according to the participation in a masters swimming

competition (“Have you ever taken part in a masters

swimming competition?”).

A healthy majority (over 2/3) has taken part in

masters swimming competitions. Given the topic of

the research, it was to be expected that the highest

rate of respondents would have participated in such

competitions.

A. For those that have not taken partA. For those that have not taken partA. For those that have not taken partA. For those that have not taken part in masters in masters in masters in masters

swimming competitions (7 respondents) swimming competitions (7 respondents) swimming competitions (7 respondents) swimming competitions (7 respondents)

The answers to the question “What are the reasons

for you not taking part in any masters swimming

competition?” are depicted in Figure 5.

In an inventory of the reasons for not taking part in

any masters swimming competition proposed to the

respondents, it can be noticed that the most impor-

tant rates are the lack of sportive performance (i.e.

competitive positioning), respectively, the

insufficient knowledge of the swimming technique

(technical positioning).

0000 1111 2222 3333 4444 5555

reasons for notreasons for notreasons for notreasons for nottaking part intaking part intaking part intaking part in

competitionscompetitionscompetitionscompetitions

transportation is too complicatedtransportation is too complicatedtransportation is too complicatedtransportation is too complicated

it costs too muchit costs too muchit costs too muchit costs too much

I do not want to be joked aboutI do not want to be joked aboutI do not want to be joked aboutI do not want to be joked about

I cannot achieve a suitable timeI cannot achieve a suitable timeI cannot achieve a suitable timeI cannot achieve a suitable time

I cannot swim good enough (technically)I cannot swim good enough (technically)I cannot swim good enough (technically)I cannot swim good enough (technically)

I do not like competing (in general)I do not like competing (in general)I do not like competing (in general)I do not like competing (in general)

I do not have timeI do not have timeI do not have timeI do not have time

Figure 5.Figure 5.Figure 5.Figure 5. Reasons for not taking part in competitions



0000 1111 2222 3333 4444 5555 6666

I cannot achieve a suitable timeI cannot achieve a suitable timeI cannot achieve a suitable timeI cannot achieve a suitable time

I cannot swim well enoughI cannot swim well enoughI cannot swim well enoughI cannot swim well enough

lack of timelack of timelack of timelack of time

Figure 6.Figure 6.Figure 6.Figure 6. Main reason for not taking part in competitions

no

57%

yes

43%

Figure 7.Figure 7.Figure 7.Figure 7. Respondents’ distribution in relation to practising performance swimming

once

12%

several

times

88%

Figure 8.Figure 8.Figure 8.Figure 8. Respondents’ distribution according to the participation in at least one masters swimming competition masters

The answers to the question “Which of the following

reasons is the most important for you not to take

part in competitions?” are depicted in Figure 6:

For those that have never taken part in any masters

swimming competitions, the most important reason

for them not doing so is the insufficient knowledge

of the swimming technique.

In Figure 7 the distribution of the respondents that

have not taken part in the masters swimming

competitions is depicted according to them

practising performance swimming. “Even if you have

never competed as a masters swimmer, have you

ever practised performance swimming? (as a child,

teenager, adult...)”.

It should be noticed that a high rate of respondents

that have practised performance swimming choose

not take part in masters swimming competitions.

B. The situation of those that have tB. The situation of those that have tB. The situation of those that have tB. The situation of those that have taken part in at aken part in at aken part in at aken part in at

least one masters swimming competition (17 least one masters swimming competition (17 least one masters swimming competition (17 least one masters swimming competition (17

respondents) respondents) respondents) respondents)

In Figure 8 the distribution of the respondents

according to their participation in one or more

masters swimming competition is depicted. It was to

be expected that in relation to the interest for the

topic of the questionnaire, the rate of those that

have participated in a number of competitions is

higher than those that have taken part in only one

competition.

The reasons given for taking part in masters

swimming competitions are depicted in Figure 9.



0000

2222

4444

6666

8888

10101010

12121212

14141414

16161616

Reasons for taking part in competitionsReasons for taking part in competitionsReasons for taking part in competitionsReasons for taking part in competitions

To know my performance timeTo know my performance timeTo know my performance timeTo know my performance time

I like competingI like competingI like competingI like competing

To meet other peopleTo meet other peopleTo meet other peopleTo meet other people

To visit other cities/countriesTo visit other cities/countriesTo visit other cities/countriesTo visit other cities/countries

To get featured in the pressTo get featured in the pressTo get featured in the pressTo get featured in the press

To impress othersTo impress othersTo impress othersTo impress others

I like swimmingI like swimmingI like swimmingI like swimming

Other reasonsOther reasonsOther reasonsOther reasons

Figure 9.Figure 9.Figure 9.Figure 9. Reasons for taking part in masters swimming competitions

Other reasons:

� a lower entrance fee to the pool;

� to gain further motivation to practise sports cons-

tantly.

In an inventory of reasons for taking part in masters

swimming competitions proposed to the respon-

dents, one can notice that the highest rate is that of

the pleasure of swimming.

The answers to the question “What is the most

important reason for you taking part in the compe-

titions?” are depicted in Figure 10.

For those that have taken part in at least one

masters swimming competition, the most important

reason for them taking part is the pleasure of

competing (strong competitive positioning). As one

can notice, the answer differs from the achieved

result to the question in which identifying several

reasons for taking part in the competition was

demanded (the previous question).

The distribution of the respondents according to the

most recent participation is depicted in Figure 11.

One can notice that the majority of the respondents

have participated in masters swimming compe-

titions in the analyzed year.

The number of respondents that have taken part in

masters swimming competitions that have taken

place in other city that their residence is depicted in

Figure 12.

0000

1111

2222

3333

4444

5555

6666

The most importan t reason for takingThe most importan t reason for takingThe most importan t reason for takingThe most importan t reason for taking

part in compet it ionspart in compet it ionspart in compet it ionspart in compet it ions

ou t of cu r ios i tyou t of cu r ios i tyou t of cu r ios i tyou t of cu r ios i ty

to know my performanceto know my performanceto know my performanceto know my performancetimetimetimetime

because I l ike compet ingbecause I l ike compet ingbecause I l ike compet ingbecause I l ike compet ing

because I wan t to meetbecause I wan t to meetbecause I wan t to meetbecause I wan t to meetother peopleother peopleother peopleother people

because I wan t to vi s itbecause I wan t to vi s itbecause I wan t to vi s itbecause I wan t to vi s itother c it ies/countr iesother c it ies/countr iesother c it ies/countr iesother c it ies/countr ies

because I l ike swimmingbecause I l ike swimmingbecause I l ike swimmingbecause I l ike swimming

Figure 10.Figure 10.Figure 10.Figure 10. The most important reason for taking part in masters swimming competitions



1111

16161616

2009200920092009

2010201020102010

Figure 11.Figure 11.Figure 11.Figure 11. Respondents’ distribution according to the most recent participation in a masters swimming competition

16161616

1111

yesyesyesyes

nononono

Figure 12.Figure 12.Figure 12.Figure 12. Respondents’ distribution according to the participation in masters swimming contests that took place outside the city of residence

One can notice that the healthy majority of the

respondents has taken part in masters swimming

competitions that have taken place somewhere

other than their city of residence.

The answers to the question “Have you practised

performance swimming? (not as an adult!)” are

depicted in Figure 13.

Given that ¾ of the club members have not

practiced performance swimming, one can notice

the important rate of those that have started to take

part in the competitions as masters swimmers.

yes

53%

no

47%

Figure 13.Figure 13.Figure 13.Figure 13. Respondents’ distribution in relation to practising performance swimming

0000

1111

2222

lack of traininglack of traininglack of traininglack of training

too many expensestoo many expensestoo many expensestoo many expenses

Figure 14.Figure 14.Figure 14.Figure 14. Reasons for not taking part in masters swimming competitions in 2010

yes

86%

no

0%

I don´t know

yet

14%

Figure 15.Figure 15.Figure 15.Figure 15. Respondents’ distribution according to the intention of participating in masters swimming competitions in 2011

B 1. For those that have taken part in masters B 1. For those that have taken part in masters B 1. For those that have taken part in masters B 1. For those that have taken part in masters

swimming competitions, but not in 2010 swimming competitions, but not in 2010 swimming competitions, but not in 2010 swimming competitions, but not in 2010

The reasons for not taking part in masters swimming

competitions in 2010 are presented in Figure 14.



For those that have taken part in masters swimming

competitions, but not in 2010, the main reason for

their lack of participation in 2010 is the lack of

sportive training (technical positioning).

The answers to the question “Would you like to take

part in any masters swimming competitions in

2011?” are depicted in Figure 15.

One can notice that the majority of those that have

not taken part in any competition in 2010 (but have

taken part in previous years) continue to be

interested in masters swimming competitions.

B 2. For those that have taken part in masters B 2. For those that have taken part in masters B 2. For those that have taken part in masters B 2. For those that have taken part in masters

swimming competitions in 2010 swimming competitions in 2010 swimming competitions in 2010 swimming competitions in 2010

The answers to the question “What were that main

problems that you have had to cope with in 2010

regarding your participation in the masters swi-

mming competitions?” are depicted in Figure 16.

The lack of time and insufficient sportive training are

the main problems that the participants in the

competitions had to deal with in 2010. The cost of

transportation and, respectively, accommodation

and meals are second degree problems.

0000111122223333444455556666777788889999

10101010

the main problems linked to participation in competitions inthe main problems linked to participation in competitions inthe main problems linked to participation in competitions inthe main problems linked to participation in competitions in2010201020102010

too expensive accommodation/mealstoo expensive accommodation/mealstoo expensive accommodation/mealstoo expensive accommodation/meals

transportation coststransportation coststransportation coststransportation costs

tasks coststasks coststasks coststasks costs

lack of timelack of timelack of timelack of time

medical issuesmedical issuesmedical issuesmedical issues

I do not have enough trainingI do not have enough trainingI do not have enough trainingI do not have enough training

the contests were announced very latethe contests were announced very latethe contests were announced very latethe contests were announced very late

Figure 16.Figure 16.Figure 16.Figure 16. The main problems regarding the participation in masters swimming competitions in 2010


1. Currently, given that circa ¾ of the Timisoara

club members have not practised performance

swimming, and the tendency is that the rate of the

former practitioners of high performance swimming

to decrease together with the rise in number of club

members, one can notice a much higher interest for

the topic of the research from the newer members in

the club as opposed to the senior members.

2. The significant number of members that,

although they have never practised performance

swimming previously, do not take part into masters

swimming competitions;.

3. The lack of sportive performance and swimming

technique are the main reasons for the lack of

participation in competition, regardless if the

respondents have previously practised swimming or

not;.

4. One can notice a consistent availability for

participation in competitions, given the fact that the

majority of respondents has participated in various

masters swimming competitions on individual

expense. These competitions were held outside their

city of residence.

5. The majority of those that have not participated

in competitions in 2010 (but have participated in

previous years) continue to be interested in masters

swimming competitions.



6. Insufficient sportive training is one of the main

problems that participants in the competitions had

to face.

7. The financial costs do not represent the main

issues for taking part in competitions. Given the fact

that the lack of time and the insufficient sportive

training are the main problems that the participants

in the competitions had to face in 2010, and the

cost of transportation and, respectively, the cost of

accommodation and meals are second degree

problems, one can presume that a significant in-

fluence of the financial crisis over the competitive

engagement of the club members does not exist. At

the same time, one could conclude that the policy

used at present within the club for the stimulation of

participation in competitions through the propor-

tional subsidization of the tasks’ costs in relation to

the competitive engagement is pertinent.

RecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendations

� Organizing training stages in the swimming

technique for club members;

� Advising members regarding the training methods

that can be used to increase sportive performance

(seminars, dedicated section on the Internet,

experience exchanges between clubs, collabora-

tion with institutions of professional expertise in

the field, such as, the Faculty of Physical

Education and Sports etc.)

� Developing the club policies of promoting the

participation in competitions through adopting

further measures of sustaining the competition

entrance fees by the club.


1. http://www.euractiv.ro/uniunea-

europeana/articles|displayArticle/articleID_19778/Eurobarom

etru-Romania-codasa-la-practicarea-sportului.html, accessed in

12th of January 2011;

2. http://ec.europa.eu/sport/news/news910_en.htm, accessed

in 12th of January 2011;

3. http://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%8Enot_masters, accessed in


4. http://www.fina.org/H2O/index.php?option=com_content&vie

w=article&id=914&Itemid=578, accessed in 12th of January

2011;

5. http://www.inot-masters.ro/index.php?page=cronologie,

accessed in 20th of January 2011;

6. http://www.timisoara.inot-masters.ro/club-realizarile-noastre/,

accessed in 12th of January 2011;

7. http://www.timisoara.inot-masters.ro/home/, accessed in 20th

of January 2011;

8. https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AXnF6rKhRQOUZDJ0a2J

uNV83MmhqcjY5ajJz&hl=ro&authkey=CI3GzPgF, accessed in




Verde pentru biciclete Verde pentru biciclete Verde pentru biciclete Verde pentru biciclete

Romina FaurRomina FaurRomina FaurRomina Faur1111, Emil Cristescu, Emil Cristescu, Emil Cristescu, Emil Cristescu2222


The campaign “Verde pentru biciclete” (Engl. “Green for bicycles”) is the first official initiative from Timişoara that encourages

adopting cycling as an ecological and economical alternative to urban transportation; this addresses the citizens of Timişoara

and not only, regardless of age. “Verde pentru biciclete” is a pedalling movement supported by the Bega Foundation, in

collaboration with the Gratzu Sportive Club, KissFM, Ziua de Vest, Agenda and agenda.ro. The debut of the campaign took

place of October 25th 2008, with the first “Verde pentru biciclete” event - “The bicycles Counting”. All the events that followed

were held to draw attention on the importance of cycling, together with obtaining of certain facilities, necessary for the cyclists’

safe movement in traffic. Moreover, a number of communication platforms have been created between the fans of cycling;

thus, the website www.pedaleaza.ro has been created, through which those interested can inform themselves or communicate

on the forum and discussions group [email protected] o through the social network Facebook

(facebook.com/ verdepentrubiciclete). This paper presents the activities held within the campaign since its beginning until

today, as well as our future plans.

Key words:Key words:Key words:Key words: “Verde pentru biciclete”, Timişoara


Campania “Verde pentru Biciclete” este prima iniţiativă oficială din Timişoara care încurajează adoptarea mersului pe bicicletă

ca şi alternativă ecologica şi economică la transportul urban; aceasta se adresează cetăţenilor din Timişoara şi nu numai,

indiferent de vârstă. “Verde pentru Biciclete” este o mişcare pentru pedalare susţinută de Fundatia Bega Timişoara, în

colaborare cu Clubul Sportiv Gratzu, KissFM, Ziua de Vest, Agenda şi agenda.ro. Debutul campaniei a avut loc în 25 octombrie

2008, cu prilejul primului eveniment marca “Verde pentru Biciclete” - “Numărătoarea Bicicletelor”. Toate evenimentele care

au urmat au avut drept scop atragerea atenţiei asupra importanţei mersului pe bicicletă, alături de obţinerea anumitor facilităţi

necesare deplasării bicicliştilor în condiţii de siguranţă. De asemenea, s-au creat mai multe platforme de comunicare între

iubitorii mersului pe bicicleta; astfel, a fost creat site-ul www.pedaleaza.ro, prin care cei interesaţi se pot informa sau

comunica pe forumul site-ului, la fel ca şi pe grupul [email protected] sau prin reţeaua de socializare

facebook (facebook.com/verdepentrubiciclete). Acest articol prezintă activitatea desfăşurată în cadrul acestei campanii de la

înfiinţare şi pănă azi, precum şi planurile noastre de viitor.

Cuvinte cheie: Cuvinte cheie: Cuvinte cheie: Cuvinte cheie: “Verde pentru biciclete”, Timişoara

1Coordinator of “Verde pentru biciclete” Campain, www.pedaleaza.ro, e-mail: [email protected] 2President of Bega Foundation, “Verde pentru biciclete” initiator



The campaign “Verde pentru bici“Verde pentru bici“Verde pentru bici“Verde pentru bicicccclete”lete”lete”lete” is the first

official initiative in Timisoara that encourages bicycle

riding (cycling) as an ecological alternative to finding

one’s way through the city. Our campaign started in

October 2008. Everything began with an idea, a

dream to make cycling a visible phenomenon in the

community of Timisoara. This dream belongs to the

“Verde pentru biciclete” initiator, Mr. Emil Cristescu.

In order for this idea to become a reality, one has to

ask: Are there any cyclers left in Timişoara? So we

thought of counting them in one way or another.

Thus, the idea of introducing bicycle unofficial

license plates (similar to car license plates) came

into being. Through their existence and use, cyclists

feel that they are part of a much bigger community,

that they can be considered equal partners in traffic.

It’s interesting to note that in the first months of the

campaign, when a lot of cyclists were still not using

their plates those that did use them started saying

“hello” to each other, even if they have never met

before. At present, we have freely distributed almost

10.000 bicycle numbers to those that support the

campaign. The events on two wheels branded

“Verde pentru biciclete” were held to draw attention

on the importance and the benefits of cycling. We

want cyclists to be treated as equal partners in

traffic.

The second event was “Safety measures in traffic”Safety measures in traffic”Safety measures in traffic”Safety measures in traffic”

(22nd November 2008). During this event infor-

mative elements regarding the main measures that

one have to take into account and licence plates for

bicycles and signalling elements were distributed.

The third event was held between 8th December

2008 and 25th January 2009 in the form of an

online game called “Memories on two wheels”“Memories on two wheels”“Memories on two wheels”“Memories on two wheels”. This

was followed by “Safety in traffic for the “Safety in traffic for the “Safety in traffic for the “Safety in traffic for the young young young young

cyclists”cyclists”cyclists”cyclists” (12th February – 28th March 2009), a

project that was based on some road safety lectures

held by representatives of the Timisoara Road Police

Service to high-school pupils. It ended with a contest

between schools that had a theoretical task and a

practical task (an obstacle course).

The most important event of the campaign “Verde

pentru biciclete” from 2009 was “The Spring The Spring The Spring The Spring

Counting”Counting”Counting”Counting” held on the 25th April. Over 1300 cyclists

took part in this event – citizens of Timisoara, public

figures from the fields of sports and showbiz,

journalists and political figures. “The Spring

Counting” benefited from a national recognition.

Figure 1. Figure 1. Figure 1. Figure 1. “The Spring Counting” (on the 25th of April 2009)

The next trip took place on the 16th May 2009 when

we make a “Trip“Trip“Trip“Trip for fun to the Pădurea Verde (Green for fun to the Pădurea Verde (Green for fun to the Pădurea Verde (Green for fun to the Pădurea Verde (Green

Forest)”. Forest)”. Forest)”. Forest)”. With this occasion, newly marked routes

were opened at the Pădurea Verde and we have

given people a new way of spending their leisure

time in fresh air.

The event “The ROcycle “The ROcycle “The ROcycle “The ROcycle –––– Children’s Day on the Children’s Day on the Children’s Day on the Children’s Day on the

BicycleBicycleBicycleBicycle” ” ” ” (31st May 2009) followed, a competition

between secondary school pupils with a theoretical

and a practical task.

During the summer months, “Verde pentru biciclete”

proposed to the ones that remained in Timisoara a

weekend alternative: 5 bicycle trips through the

Banat region. An average of 200 people took part in

each trip and, relying on the bicycle licence plates, a

prize draw was held. The prize was a city bicycle for

each of the five trips.

In September, for one week, “Verde pentru biciclete”

rewarded those that went by bicycle to work with a



“Cyclist Breakfast” (figure 2). The “Verde pentru

biciclete” team changed locations daily to congested

traffic areas in Timişoara and we offered 200

packages with breakfast and bicycle licence plates.

Figure 2Figure 2Figure 2Figure 2. . . . “Cyclist Breakfast” (September 2009)

Figure 3. Figure 3. Figure 3. Figure 3. “Revolution on two wheels” (on the 25th of October 2009)

Because during autumn we count... bicycles, on the

25th October 2009 we made a “Revolution on two

wheels”. We emphasized the cyclists’ common

efforts to gain rights of movement through the

Manifesto of the Revolution on two wheels. We

wanted to mark this event and transform it into an

event of hope: the hope that the cyclists’ dreams will

come true. For this, we chose a new colour, a colour

that symbolizes hope and joy: magenta. The

campaign “Verde pentru biciclete” means “free

pedalling”. Our message remains the same: we want

green for bicycles in Timisoara. “Verde pentru

biciclete” is not a colour. It is a call to action, it is a

state of mind. Almost 100 cyclists took part in this

event, people we were glad to have near us for a

whole year.

In December, “Verde pentru biciclete” installed a

Christmas tree in the Opera Square in Timişoara that

was partially illuminated by current generated by

pedalling (figure 4). It was the first action of this kind

to be made in our country. Furthermore, we have

drawn attention to the fact that Santa Claus can be

a cyclist and we have offered, in collaboration with

Velospeed Curier, the rental service Santa Clauses

on bicycles. Moreover, we have helped make a

donation to the Elderly House.

“Verde pentru biciclete” has created, even since

January 2009, 10 designs of special TTTT----shirtsshirtsshirtsshirts to

support cycling. They can be ordered online and sent

via a cyclist courier in Timisoara (figure 5). Some of

the T-shirts feature well known figures: Ştefan cel

Mare (Stephen the Great), Che Guevara, Lenin,

Arnold, Gollum, Don Quijote, Gigel, Shakespeare, an

astronaut and one that features pedalling into the

infinite.

Figure 4. Figure 4. Figure 4. Figure 4. Christmas tree partially illuminated by current generated by pedalling (December 2009)

Figure 5. Figure 5. Figure 5. Figure 5. T-shirt to support cycling



The year 2010 The year 2010 The year 2010 The year 2010 has been full of “Verde pentru

biciclete” events. As we planned, we organized an

activity in each month. In January we organized

exhibitions in the main hypermarkets of Timişoara,

with photographs taken during our events since the

beginning of the campaign. In February we were glad

to start a campaign aimed at the organizations in the

city, “Employers on two wheels” through which we

encourage employees to take up cycling. Up to the

present, over 800 bicycles were donated to

employees of a company from Timişoara. In March

we organized our first treasure hunt competition in

our town: “Discover Timişoara on the bicycle”. Over

180 cyclists, respectively 60 teams, took part in the

competition and “discovered” various representative

objects for the city on the Bega. In April, we went out

again on a Spring Pedalling, forming a long queue of

approximately 1000 cyclists from Timisoara. With

this occasion, a national company donated the first

250 bicycles of the “Employers on two wheels”

campaign. In June, we organized a cross-country

competition, together with the Gratzu Sports Club, in

a unique place in Romania: The Arsenal Park Cup in

Arsenal Park, the only touristic complex with a

military theme in our country. The over 150

participants came from all the corners of the

country, attracted by the novelty of the contest. In

July-August, we invited the people of Timisoara to

enjoy nature and to come with us in longer rides, of

a few tens of kilometres, through the county. In

September we organized a new contest at the

Pădurea Verde. In October “Green for Bicycles” was

two years old, so we celebrated by organizing yet

another pedalling trip through the streets of

Timişoara. We tried to draw attention towards

Timişoara’s squares and towards the areas that

should be reserved for pedestrians and bicycles.

The year 2011 The year 2011 The year 2011 The year 2011 –––– projects and plans projects and plans projects and plans projects and plans

During this year, “Verde pentru biciclete” has

concentrated on two directions: the competitive and

recreational side and the social side, respectively.

Related to the first perspective, we planned to

organize competitions and trips for the people of

Timisoara and not only. The first event of this type

was “Discover Tim“Discover Tim“Discover Tim“Discover Timişoara”işoara”işoara”işoara” – the second edition. As

usual, we enjoyed a numerous presence, despite the

unfavourable weather. The participants were wet

and dirty from head to toe but they kept the smile on

their faces. The hardest part was counting the points

from the participants’ wet papers. The Arsenal Park

Cup followed, organized in Orăştie, in the Arsenal

Park touristic complex on 19th June 2011, where

people of all ages and all areas of the country came

to participate. The months May-August were

dedicated to the Banat cycling tours branded “Verde

pentru biciclete”. An average of 100 cyclists took

part in these tours, eager to relax in a weekend trip

through the surroundings of Timişoara and, why

not?, escape into nature.

When it comes to the social side, we concentrated

on campaigns aimed at changing the mentalities

and attitudes towards cycling. We continued the

campaign “Employers on two wheels” this year and

we plan to do so in 2012 as well, hoping that many

more companies will concentrate their efforts of

social responsibility and will encourage their

Figure 6. Figure 6. Figure 6. Figure 6. “Employers on two wheels” campaign



employees to take up cycling. At the same time, we

will develop the campaign of gathering signatures to

make new bicycle lanes and to improve those that

already exist. Moreover, we will initiate an

awareness campaign towards the connection

between health condition and cycling, underlining

other benefits from adopting the bicycle for daily

urban travel.

The impact in the community of Timişoara The impact in the community of Timişoara The impact in the community of Timişoara The impact in the community of Timişoara

The campaign “Verde pentru biciclete” is already

almost 3 years old. In each year of campaign we try

to make special events and transmit as strong a

message as possible. We aim to approach as many

aspects of cycling as possible: to use the bicycle on

our daily commute through town, to work and to

shopping or as a form of leisure and fun.

We are addressing the citizens of Timişoara and not

only, regardless of age. We want to emphasize the

multitude of ways in which a bicycle can be

perceived: as an ecological and economical means

of transportation through the city, for daily

commutes to work, school, shopping, as a means of

leisure and fun and as a way to exercise. Thus the

various actions that we undertook came into being:

from competitions for children and teenagers to

contests for all age categories to campaigns for

encouraging cycling in various companies (for

example, the “Employers on two wheels” campaign)

to actions of rewarding of those that go by bicycle to

work (for example, “The Cyclist Breakfast”) to

campaigns that draw awareness on the streets and

in schools, regarding safety measures in traffic.

Generally, due to the fact that our actions are

special, even one towards the other, we are glad of

the support of many typologies of people, from all

social categories, age groups, regardless of

upbringing or with various types of bicycles.

People were delighted by the emergence of a new

organization that protects their rights, that demands

civilized pedalling conditions and that mediates the

dialogue between citizens and the local authorities.

Moreover, they feel that they truly are part of a

community which is their own. Their bicycles have

licence plates that unofficially attest their belonging

to the community. Friendships appear. They help

each other. They are impatiently waiting for the next

events – this is the first question that they ask at the

end of each meeting. Many times they ask for our

advice, they make propositions and come up with

ideas regarding what could be done for cyclists in

Timişoara.

Furthermore, many people have confessed that they

gained a lot of courage to go by bicycle through town

due to us. This is because the attitude of the other

road users has changed in some way towards

cyclists. Thus, the number of cyclists in Timisoara is

permanently rising!

From the start of the campaign, almost 10 bicycle

lanes have been opened in Timisoara, a sign that

the authorities have started responding to the

cyclists’ demands.

The events organized by Green for Bicycle are listed

below:

� “Bicycle Counting” (25th October 2008)

� “Safety measures in traffic” (22nd November 2008)

� “Memories on two wheels” (8th December 2008-25th

January 2009)

� “Safety in traffic for the young cyclists” (12th February-

28th March 2009)

� “The Spring Counting” (25th April 2009)

� “Trip for fun to the Pădurea Verde”- inauguration of the

newly marked routes at the Padurea Verde (16th May

2009)

� “The ROcycle – Children’s Day on the Bicycle” (31st May

2009)

� “Green for Bicycles” Tours through the Banat (June –

August 2009)



� The Fortress Cup (5th September 2009) – partnership

with CS Gratzu

� “Cyclist Breakfast” (21st -25th September 2009)

� “Revolution of two wheels” (25th October 2009)

� “Santa and the Green Tree for Bicycles” (21st -27th

December 2009)

� “Discover Timisoara” (31st March 2010)

� “Spring Pedalling” (24th April 2010)

� “The Arsenal Park Cup” (20th June 2010)

� “Green for Bicycles” Tours through the Banat (June –

August 2010)

� The Fortress Cup (5th September 2010) – partnership

with CS Gratzu

� “Autumn Counting” (24th October 2010)

� „The Green Tree for Bicycles” (11th-18th December

2010)

� We took part in the Bega Boulevard Festival (June

2009) and the PLAI Festival (September 2009 + 2010)

� “Discover Timişoara” (20th March 2011)

� “Spring Pedalling” (17th April 2011)

� The Arsenal Park Cup – second edition (19th June 2011)

� Demonstrations of bike jumping–June–July 2011.

Figure 7.Figure 7.Figure 7.Figure 7. ““““Green for Bicycles” initiator, Mr. Emil Cristescu

Figure 8.Figure 8.Figure 8.Figure 8. The Fortress Cup – Pădurea Verde - 2010

Figure 9.Figure 9.Figure 9.Figure 9. Weekend Bike Ride through the Banat 2010

Figure 10.Figure 10.Figure 10.Figure 10. Spring Ride – 17th of April 2011

Figure 11.Figure 11.Figure 11.Figure 11. Bike Jumps

Figure 12.Figure 12.Figure 12.Figure 12. Bikes for employees



The touristic potential of Valea Jiului areaThe touristic potential of Valea Jiului areaThe touristic potential of Valea Jiului areaThe touristic potential of Valea Jiului area

Martin DomokosMartin DomokosMartin DomokosMartin Domokos1111


Tourism represents, through its content and role, a phenomenon which is characteristic to the present civilization. It is one of

the major components of economic and social life that polarizes the interest of an ever increasing number of countries. The

tourist’s role in the national economy of various countries is extremely important, due to the complexity of this phenomenon, of

the scale of the activities necessary for its emergence, maintenance and development. Tourism showcases and economically

exploits the unique treasure made out the richness of nature and climate, or left by history, folklore and civilization. Without the

touristic movement, a country’s natural, cultural, and historic treasures will never be the object of an economical activity

capable of attracting income. The micro region Valea Jiului (the Jiu Valley) has a rich touristic background up to the present

day. However, it is insufficiently exploited. Favoured by the relief of the Transylvanian Carpathians, the Valea Jiului offers a

unique natural setting. Although traditionally this region is not regarded as a touristic destination, there are many arguments

that can sustain the opposite.

Key wordsKey wordsKey wordsKey words: tourism, ski, Valea Jiului.


Turismul reprezintă prin conţinutul şi rolul său un fenomen caracteristic civilizaţiei actuale, una din componentele majore ale

vieţii economice şi sociale ce polarizează interesul unui număr tot mai mare de ţări. Rolul turismului în economia naţională a

diverselor ţări este deosebit de important, datorită complexităţii acestui fenomen, a anvergurii activităţilor necesitate de

apariţia, menţinerea şi dezvoltarea lui. Turismul pune în valoare şi exploatează economic acel tezaur unic format din bogăţiile

create de natură şi climat, sau lăsate de istorie, folclor şi civilizaţie. Fără mişcarea turistică, bogăţiile naturale, culturale şi

istorice ale unei ţări nu vor putea să facă niciodată obiectul unei activităţi economice capabile să creeze venituri.

Microregiunea Valea Jiului are un bogat fond turistic pană în prezent nu îndeajuns exploatat. Favorizată de relieful Carpaţilor

Transilvăneni, Valea Jiului oferă un cadru natural unic. Deşi, în mod tradiţional, această regiune nu este considerată o

destinaţie turistică, există mai multe argumente care susţin contrariul.

Cuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheie: turism, schi, Valea Jiului.

1 Assistant Lecturer, Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara, e-mail: [email protected]



ReliefReliefReliefRelief

The Valea Jiului Depression is situated in the south of

the Hunedoara county, and in south-western

Transylvania. The average altitude of this depression

is around 600 meters, from where is rises to the

mountain peaks, at an altitude of over 2000 meters.

The depression is crossed by 2 streams of water, the

Eastern Jiu and the Western Jiu. These two rivers

subsequently form the Jiu river, that crosses the

whole region of Oltenia and then flows into the

Danube. The depression is surrounded by four

mountain ranges: the Retezat Mountains (natural

reserve) situated on the north and north-western

sides, the Şureanu Mountains to the east and

northeast and the Valcan Mountains to the south.

The Jiu Valley encompasses a number of towns, laid

along the two Jiu rivers. The towns from the Valea

Jiului contain in their territory over 165.000 people.

These towns are: Petrosani, Petrila, Aninoasa,

Vulcan, Lupeni, Uricani.

The Petroşani Depression, besides its typical

industrial landscape, offers a variety of rarely

encountered beauties. Places of wild beauty can be

found in all the surrounding areas of the Petrosani

Depression [1].

Besides the greatness of the Retezat and Parang

ridges, with their moraines and glacial lakes, in any

direction you may wander, you will surely be

charmed by the beauty of the landscape that you will

come across. Grottoes such as the Devil’s Cave or

Rosia near Petrila, those from the Western Jiu’s

springs, the Buta Cave, where cave pearls have been

found, transparent stalagmites and coloured

stalactites offer beauties that remind the viewer of

the work of genius sculptors.

The Petroşani Depression has a system of tourist

resorts that enables one to visit all these beauties.

In the Sebes mountains one can find the hunting

lodges Auselul, Jiet, Voievodul and Lunca Florii,

which can be reached via the forest train. In the

Parang Mountains, a lodge welcomes its visitors at

an altitude of 1680 meters, but 500 meters down, in

a broad clearing, one can find the Rusu lodge, that

can be reached by road vehicles. Other lodges can

be found in appropriate resting spots near the

Valcan, Straja and Buta peaks. If one shall wander

off the beaten path, one can find shelter is the forest

houses scattered on the slopes of the surrounding

mountains. From the Parang Peak, in days with

maximum visibility, the panorama of the Petrosani

Depression gives the onlooker the impression of one

town which has grown up out of an abundance of

green spaces [2].

The Retezat Mountains The Retezat Mountains The Retezat Mountains The Retezat Mountains are part of the Carpathian

Mountains, the Retezat-Godeanu mountain group.

They rise up between two important depressions,

Petroşani and Haţeg and between two important

rivers, Raul Mare, that delimits them towards the

north and east and the Western Jiu that delimits

them to the south. They are surrounded by the Ţarcu

Mountains to the west, the Godeanu Mountains to

the south-west and the Valcan Mountains to the

south. It is one of the highest mountain ranges in the

country. Within its limits there are 25 important

peaks over 2000 meters, seven of which (Peleaga,

Papusa, Retezat, Custura, Varful Mare, Bucura and

Judele) have an altitude of over 2400 meters.

The most varied and spectacular relief has been

created by glacial and periglacial modelling: one can

observe immense glacial circuses, valleys that show

the presence of long glaciers, large masses of

detritus. Most of the glacial lakes in Romania can be

found here i.e. about 82. The biggest glacial lake in

Romania can also be found here – Bucura (8,5

hectares) and the deepest glacial lake in Romania is

also found here - - Zănoaga (29 meters deep).



This relief contributes to a significant extent to the

ragged aspect of the landscape, with glacial circuses

on levels, jagged ridges and rocky slopes.

The Şureanu MountainsThe Şureanu MountainsThe Şureanu MountainsThe Şureanu Mountains, situated between Sebeş,

the Transylvanian Jiu and Strei, belong to the

Meridional Carpathians, being situated on their

Transylvanian branch. On a latitude they spread

from 450 53' 15" N and longitudinally between 220

59' 03" and 230 39' 10" W, thus having a central to

south-west position. This position, correlated with

the fact that it is situated in the second front of

mountains that stands in the way of western air

masses, makes the area one with sufficient

precipitation for the optimal development of the

forest areas. Hypsometrically, the Şureanu

Mountains spread between 350 meters (in the

Sebeş river valley and 2130, 2 meters (Vârful lui

Pătru – Pătru’s Peak). The main feature is a 49 km

long ridge, spread between 759 meters (pasul

Băniţa – the Băniţa Pass) and pasul Tărtărău (the

Tărtărău Pass – 1665 meters), passing over the four

peaks of over 2000 meters: Vârful lui Pătru – 2130,

2 meters, Şurianu – 2059 meters, Auşel – 2009

meters, Carpa – 2012 meters. This ridge presents

itself as a sequence of levelling surfaces, sometimes

marked by slopes. The morph graphical and morph

metric structure has imposed the layering of all the

environment’s components, of the vegetation as a

factor that exploits these components.

The most important feature of these mountains is

the existence of smoothing surfaces, layered

between 1900-2000 meters to 600-700 m,

according to the massif’s evolution. Strongly

deepened valleys sometimes give the appearance of

suspended bridges, a feature that fades with the

increase in altitude. Emm de Martonne (1923), Valer

Trufaş (1971), Lucian Badea (1981, 1993), Ioan

Conea and M. Kandel (1950) studied these

surfaces.

The micro region Valea Jiului has a strong touristic

background that has not been sufficiently exploited

up to the present. Favoured by the relief of the

Transylvanian Carpathians, Valea Jiului offers a

unique natural setting. Although traditionally this

region is not regarded as a touristic destination,

there are at least three arguments that can support

the opposite:

� Valea Jiului is the main gateway to the Retezat

National Park and to

� The Parâng, Retezat and Vîlcan Mountains;

� Valea Jiului is a touristic region for all types of

budget;

� The Valea Jiului tourist area is a region relatively

undiscovered. Due to the geographic location and

to the socio-economic context, the mountainous

regions and the forest fund have not suffered from

anthropic changes to the same extent as other

European touristic resorts. By contrast, here one

can still discover caves, can still stroll around

paths undisturbed the mechanized convoys

populated by picnic amateurs, can still explore

virgin mountain trails and can still discover cliffs

yet “unconquered” by man. When it comes to the

richness of the fauna: the whole area is ennobled

by the presence of the brown bear, the black goat,

the wild boar and the wolf [3-5].

Accommodation possibilities Accommodation possibilities Accommodation possibilities Accommodation possibilities

In table I we can see an image of the accommo-

dation capacity in the Valea Jiului area. The Straja

resort leads by far when it comes to the number of

available places in the accommodation structures,

with approximately 3700 accommodation places.



Table I. Table I. Table I. Table I. Accommodation units – Valea Jiului area

(Hunedoara County Statistics Department, 2005)

The main touristic objectives of the micro region are:

the Parang Massif with the touristic areas Paranng

and Cheile Tăii, the Vilcan Massif with the touristic

resort of local interest Straja – Lupeni and the

touristic area Cheile Buţii [6-8].

The Parâng area The Parâng area The Parâng area The Parâng area with a view towards the Retezat,

Vilcan and Sebeş mountains, has a transversal crest

with peaks climbing up to 2073,6 meters - Parangul

Mic; 2460 m - Carja and 2518 m – Parangul Mare,

the Bobea peak -1850 m. The Rusu peak (1168

meters) is located at the foothills of the Parang

Mountains.

In the Parang touristic area there are 7 functional ski

slopes, one unusable and a sledge slope; out of

these, 5 have ski lift facilities and two have night

time facilities:

� the SPRE SAIVANE slope, 600 meters long, with a

ski lift ;

� the POIANA slope, 800 meters long, with an

extension possibility to 900 meters, with ski lift

and night time facilities;

� the PILON 17 slope, 400 meters long, with a ski

lift and night time facilities;

� the TELESCHI slope, 400 meters long, with a ski

lift;

� the B slope, 1200 meters long, with a ski lift;

� the TELESCAUN slope, 2200 meters long, with a

ski lift;

� the EUROPARANG slope, 500 meters long.

Access is made via a chairlift on the 2232 meters

long Maleia - Releu TV line. In the resort there are

140 constructions for tourism, out of which five are

grand lodges and the rest are holiday homes. There

are also buildings with a public function: a relay

station of the national television network, a weather

station, electric stations etc. The vast majority of the

buildings have been constructed in the last 8 years.

The main forms of tourism The main forms of tourism The main forms of tourism The main forms of tourism practised are:

recreational tourism (of weekend) and rest, recreational tourism (of weekend) and rest, recreational tourism (of weekend) and rest, recreational tourism (of weekend) and rest, including

hiking and trips; sportive tourism sportive tourism sportive tourism sportive tourism –––– with the practice

of winter sports (speleology, alpine skiing, snow-

boarding, sledge riding, alpinism etc.); practising of practising of practising of practising of

some extreme sports: some extreme sports: some extreme sports: some extreme sports: paragliding, mountain bike.

TownTownTownTown Accommodation Accommodation Accommodation Accommodation

units units units units

Places in the Places in the Places in the Places in the

accommodation accommodation accommodation accommodation

units units units units

HotelsHotelsHotelsHotels

and and and and

mmmmotelsotelsotelsotels

LodgesLodgesLodgesLodges Tourist Tourist Tourist Tourist

villasvillasvillasvillas

OthersOthersOthersOthers

Petroşani 144 1011 5 hotels 3 1 1 Didactic complex

ANEFS

1 Didactic complex

CSŞ

132 holiday homes

Lupeni 176 3696 0 0 0 0

Vulcan 59 380 1 motel 55 3 0

Uricani 9 187 1 motel 5 2 1 touristic complex

Petrila 2 44 0 2 0 0

Aninoasa 3 160 2 hotels 1 0 0

Valea JiuluiValea JiuluiValea JiuluiValea Jiului 393393393393 5480548054805480 9999 66666666 6666 135135135135



The Parang area is nominated in the list of identified

areas for the development of ski areas and areas of

practising other winter sports, included in the

National tourism development program Schi în Schi în Schi în Schi în

România (Ski in Romania), România (Ski in Romania), România (Ski in Romania), România (Ski in Romania), approved through Law

nr. 418/2006 regarding the amendment and

addition of Law nr. 526/2003.

In the Parang touristic area a number of

competitions and sportive manifestations are

organized. Some of them are: The County Phase for

secondary schools and high schools at alpine skiing,

The County phase for secondary schools and high

schools at sledge, the Parang Cup, the Telescaun

Cup, the Memorial Bacu Cup etc; furthermore, there

are schools for alpine skiing and sledge (didactic

complex -Clubul Sportiv Şcolar Petroşani – School

Sports Club Petroşani, didactic complex-ANEFS).

In the southern part of the city of Petrila Petrila Petrila Petrila there is a

chain of glacial lakes, accessible through Valea

Jieţului, from DN 7 A, some 11 km from the village

de Jieţ, passing through a scenic area, through the

Jieţului gorges, a 4th degree nature reserve, an area

where the lodge Groapa Seacă is situated, on the

road DN 7A at an altitude of 1598 meters, in a

picturesque setting, surrounded by deep coniferous

and deciduous forests, with accommodation

possibilities of 33 places. It represents the last point

of entrance into the Parang mountains. Following the

course of the road by car, one can reach Obarşia

Lotrului, the accumulation lake Vidraru and Voineasa

and then the road goes further on Râmnicu Vâlcea

and Sibiu.

Moreover, there is a series of other accommodation

structures in this area, the Lunca Florii lodge, the

Auşelul hunting lodge, the Dalja lodge, the Şureanu

lodge, the main touristic facility in the massif and a

starting point for Sebeş, Oaşa and Cugir, Obarşia

Lotrului and the system of Dacian fortresses that

once protected Sarmisegetuza Regia.

The Straja area The Straja area The Straja area The Straja area is part of the structure and value of

the touristic potential with its complexity and

attractive landscapes. It sums up all the qualities of

an excellent winter resort. It is situated in the heart

of the Vulcan Massif, at circa 20 km away from

Petroşani. A number of 176 lodges and hostels can

offer accommodation to almost 3700 people. The

touristic complex is situated at an altitude of 1380

meters. The Straja peak is 1445 meters high. The

skiable area is around 40 hectares. Access to the

resort is assured by the Straja chairlift that has a

length of 2536 meters, a level difference of 593

meters, a transportation time = 24 min, a transport

capacity = 2 persons, a transport capacity per hour =

410 people, serves the Telescaun slope. A number

of facilities operate in the resort: a mountain

gendarmerie post, the “Mountain Rescue” service

that uses 4 mountain rescuers during winter time

daily and ensures medical care during skiing

seasons.

Leisure opportunities Leisure opportunities Leisure opportunities Leisure opportunities

A number of winter sports can be practised here:

alpine skiing, country skiing, lap skiing, extreme

skiing, sledge riding etc. Winter sports are favoured

by the ski area that offers 7 ski slopes, situated on

town hall property, including those that are about to

be landscaped (Table II). The 7 slopes are serviced

by a system of ski lifts, homologated by ISCIR. The

resort has ski schools (S.C. Vest Week-end S.R.L,

Salvamont Lupeni, SC Comexim R SRL), mountain

trails, various leisure activities. Moreover, the resort

organizes big sportive events: the Veterinary Cup

and the Power Station Workers Cup – manifesta-

tions of a national interest, competition – the



Vodafone Cup, the Minerul Cup, the Comexim Cup,

the Bamby Cup, The Snow Celebrations and the

Nedeia Sanzienelor. Declared in October 2002 to be

a touristic resort of local interest, Straja is included

in the National Program for Developing Mountain

Tourism ‘Superschi in Carpaţi’ in the second stage.

Table II. Table II. Table II. Table II. Homologated skiing slopes – the Valea Jiului area (source: Lupeni Town Hall Statistic Department)

Tourist attractions in the Valea Jiului area Tourist attractions in the Valea Jiului area Tourist attractions in the Valea Jiului area Tourist attractions in the Valea Jiului area

� At the Mining Mining Mining Mining MuseumMuseumMuseumMuseum in Petroşani on can find,

exhibited in a few galleries, information regarding

the tumultuous history of the Valea Jiului.... Personal

objects from the whole history of the miners have

been exhibited here, including tools and various

equipment that have been used in the mines from

this area. In the museum’s courtyard a number of

large machines used for coal extraction are

exhibited, objects that are admired by the visitors

of this museum. Various exhibitions, both with a

mining character but also with other themes,

including art exhibits, also take place here. This is

truly a place where the whole history of the Valea

Jiului can be admired (figures 1 and 2) [9,10].

Figure 1.Figure 1.Figure 1.Figure 1. The Mining Museum (facade)

Figure 2.Figure 2.Figure 2.Figure 2. The Mining Museum Petroşani (interior)

#### Homologated slope Homologated slope Homologated slope Homologated slope Length (m)Length (m)Length (m)Length (m) DifficultyDifficultyDifficultyDifficulty Level Level Level Level

difference difference difference difference

(m)(m)(m)(m)

Night time Night time Night time Night time

facilitiesfacilitiesfacilitiesfacilities

1 Constantinescu 1741.5 Easy 364.0 Yes

2 Lupului 519.0 Difficult 163.0 No

3 Mutu 1269.0 Average 320.0 Yes

4 Sfântu Gheorghe 700.0 Easy 144.5 No

5 Soarelui Plateau 405.0 Easy 51.0 Yes

6 Canal 1240.0 Difficult 180.0 No

7 Telescaun 3200.0 average

80%

difficult 20%

593.0 no



� SarmizegetusaSarmizegetusaSarmizegetusaSarmizegetusa

Built by order of Roman Emperor Trajan in 106-107

AD, this fortress has served as the capital of the

Roman province Dacia until the year 271. The

fortress is has been placed between two natural

barriers against attacks (the Retezat Mountains on

one side and the Poiana Rusca Mountains on the

other side) and the intersection of two main roads of

the Roman Empire. The ruins - the columns of the

amphitheatre and of the Roman forum, the fortress’

walls, the ruins of the temples - are all part of

Romania’s historic landscape today. Although it is

regarded as a treasure from ancient times, the

fortress is not being properly being taken care of.

Visitors can wander alone through the ruins as

archaeologists are still excavating in places (figure

3)[9, 10].

Figura 3.Figura 3.Figura 3.Figura 3. Sarmizegetusa Regia

� Densus ChurchDensus ChurchDensus ChurchDensus Church

The church was built in the fourth century AD, mainly

using “loaned” stones from the Sarmizegetusa area.

Its architecture is unique, including the column the

Roman forum that sustain the church’s thick walls.

Remains of Roman tablets adorn the alley and the

entrance to the church. Furthermore, the church has

frescoes from the tenth century, the only ones of

their kind in Romania, portraying saints and

medieval knights. The church is rarely visited and

insufficiently protected, as is the case with

Sarmizegetusa (figure 4) [9, 10].

Figura 4.Figura 4.Figura 4.Figura 4. Densus Church

� The Hunedoara Castle The Hunedoara Castle The Hunedoara Castle The Hunedoara Castle

Built in the late Middle Ages, the castle boasts an

imposing structure. It is placed so that the river

Cerna’s gorges assure its natural protection against

attacks from the Ottoman Empire and other

enemies. The castle’s construction started in the

14th century and continued up to the 17th century

because the ownership of the castle was transferred

from the D’Anjou family to the Corvin family and the

Habsburg Empire. The building is a mixture between

late gothic and renaissance styles. The castle has a

few towers, an interior courtyard, a knights’ hall, a

torture chamber, a labyrinth of dark corridors, spiral

staircases and hidden entrances. Try to find the

centuries old Arabic graffiti. Although it is undergoing

renovation, which will last a few years, the castle

maintains is ghostly and mysterious spirit or the

screeching sounds made by floors and doors (figure

5) [9, 10].



Figura 5. Figura 5. Figura 5. Figura 5. Castelul Hunedoara

� The Prislop MonasteryThe Prislop MonasteryThe Prislop MonasteryThe Prislop Monastery

Situated at the end of the Silvasu river valley, behind

two of the most bizarre villages in Romania, the

monastery is the perfect place to retreat to and

meditate. It has a seminars hall, rooms that can be

rented by students, a 14th century church and a bell

tower with only one bell, built between the slope of a

hill and a stream that flows behind the church (figure

6). Moreover, a graveyard is located behind the

church. A grotto is located in front of the church,

sculpted into the slope of a hill, situated near a

waterfall. A special wooden plate is tapped by the

priest in a unique rhythm in order to summon people

to church daily at 10:00 and 18:00.

Figura 6. Figura 6. Figura 6. Figura 6. Prislop Monastery

ReferencesReferencesReferencesReferences 1. Cocean P., Vlasceanu G., Negoescu B. (2002) Geografia

generală a turismului, Ed. Meteor Pres, Bucureşti, p. 220;

2. Erdei G., Istrate I. (1996) Potenţialul turistic al României,

Editura Universităţii din Bucureşti, pp. 139 – 40;

3. Minciu R. (2000) Economia turismului, Ed. Uranus,

Bucureşti, pp.147 – 51;

4. Neacşu N. (1999) Turismul şi dezvoltarea durabilă, Ed.

Expert, Bucureşti, p. 51-75;

5. Stănescu I. (2002) Potenţial turistic românesc - Eldorado al

viitorului - Ed. Paco;

6. Ţigu G. (2002) Turism montan, Ed. Uranus, Bucuresti, p. 267

– 8;

7. ***(2007) Ghidul turistic al României, Publirom

Advertising, ediţia VI;

8. www.deep.ro, accessed in 12th of May 2011;

9. www.turisminfovaleajiului.ro, accessed in 12th of May

2011;

10. www.romaniaturistica.ro, accessed in 12th of May 2011.



Analysis of Biomechanical Structure and Passing Techniques in BasketballAnalysis of Biomechanical Structure and Passing Techniques in BasketballAnalysis of Biomechanical Structure and Passing Techniques in BasketballAnalysis of Biomechanical Structure and Passing Techniques in Basketball

Ricardo E. IzzoRicardo E. IzzoRicardo E. IzzoRicardo E. Izzo1111, Luca Russo, Luca Russo, Luca Russo, Luca Russo2222


The basketball is a complex sport, which these days has become increasingly linked to its’ psychophysical aspects rather than

to the technical ones. Therefore, it is important to make a through study of the passing techniques from the point of view of the

type of the pass and its’ biomechanics. From the point of view of the type of the used passes, the most used is the two-handed

chest pass with a frequency of 39.9%. This is followed, in terms of frequency, by one-handed passes - the baseball, with 20.9 %

- and by the two-handed over the head pass, with 18.2 %, and finally, one- or two-handed indirect passes (bounces), with 11.2

% and 9.8 %. Considering the most used pass in basketball, from the biomechanical point of view, the muscles involved in the

correct movement consider all the muscles of the upper extremity, adding also the shoulder muscles as well as the body

fixators (abdominals, hip flexors, knee extensors, and dorsal flexors of the foot). The technical and conditional analysis

considers the throwing speed, the throw height and the air resistance. In conclusion, the aim of this study is to give some

guidelines to improve the mechanical execution of the movements in training, without neglecting the importance of the

harmony of the movements themselves.

Key wordsKey wordsKey wordsKey words: basketball, pass, biomechanics, technique.

Rezumat Rezumat Rezumat Rezumat

Baschetul este un sport complex, care devine tot mai legat de aspectele psiho-fizice, în detrimentul celor tehnice. Din acest

motiv este foarte important să realizăm un studiu al tenicilor utilizate la pase, din punct de vedere al tipului de pasă cât şi al

biomecanicii acestora. În ceea ce priveşte tipurile de pase utilizate, varianta cea mai frecventă este cu două mâini de la piept,

cu o frecvenţă de 39.9%. Urmează pasa „baseball” cu o singură mână, cu o frecvenţă de 20.9%, urmată cu o frecvenţă de

18.2% de pasa cu două mâini peste cap şi, în fine, de pasele indirecte, prin lovirea mingii de sol, cu o mână (11.2%) sau cu

două mâini (9.8%). Luând în discuţie pasa cea mai utilizată, din punct de vedere biomecanic, aceasta face apel la întreaga

musculatură a membrului superior, antrenând în mişcare musculatura umerilor şi, nu în ultimul rând musculatura fixatoare a

întregului corp. Analiza tehnică ia în discuţie viteza aruncării, înălţimea ei şi rezistenţa aerului. În concluzie, scopul acestui

studiu este acela de a oferi câteva linii directoare în scopul îmbunătăţirii execuţiei mecanice a mişcărilor din cursul

antrenamentelor, fără a neglija importanţa armoniei mişcărilor.

Cuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheie: baschet, pasă, biomecanică, tehnică.

1 Professor PhD, Sport Science Faculty, Urbino University “Carlo Bo”, Olimpia Milano basketball AJ Youth Formation Manager, Italy, e-mail: [email protected] 2 Professor PhD, Human Movement and Sport Science Faculty, University of L’Aquila, Italy




These days, basketball has become increasingly

linked to psychophysical aspects rather than

technical ones. In the last few years, this has and

continues to be the picture we see from the United

States and its NBA, the very cream of world

basketball, as well as in our own top-level

championships in Italy. In fact, we feel that a peak

has been reached and that now a return to a more

careful consideration of technique is desirable, if not

essential. Players’ excessive specialization in the

various positions, which has led to a significant drop

in technical skills, should make way for training that

while obviously still being specialist, is also more

versatile and for all players in all positions, above all

at pre-senior age (18/19 years).

SubjectSubjectSubjectSubject

In a certain sense, those in the field have recognized

a need for this process, which has been started in

part, leading to proposals for a more correct

“grammar” when it comes to the technical language

of basketball during training. Command or even

domination of technical elements will, as a result,

consist of the possibility to use them in an

increasingly productive, successful manner [1, 2].

Basically, this return to the past should be backed

up with teaching proposals that are more profoundly

linked to the fundamental nature of the technical

elements, even in a biomechanical sense, to analyze

the athlete’s strengths and weaknesses. This will

allow more knowledgeable use of teaching and

above all, a more focused programme when it

comes to correcting movements themselves [3].

Technical AnalysisTechnical AnalysisTechnical AnalysisTechnical Analysis

Looking specifically at a characteristic feature of

basketball, we can see that of the two ways of

advancing the ball, the pass is certainly the most

suitable, the quickest and if we like, the most

modern. We should add that in today’s basketball,

and perhaps in that of yesterday, high speed is not

always the best method to deal with an attack action

but that probably, in some cases, it would be better

to deal with these actions more slowly, leaving

control of the ball – in the case of setting up an

attack, for example – not to anyone, but to the

person appointed to the role of playmaker. This will

certainly give the action a more considered feel, one

that seeks a more desirable and less instinctive

solution. This is often an intelligent choice for older

players, but we feel it to be less applicable to

younger players at entry level. By this we mean

players aged between 12 and 15, where the

possibility to encourage these young people to make

choices and decisions within a shorter time frame

are, in our opinion, an excellent technical and

teaching means to their growth as athletes. Of

course, this does not mean that a part of training

should not be dedicated to more reflective play, in

anticipation of what will be the all-round nature of

the game at a “more mature” age. After this

important, in our opinion, introduction to the two

fundamental means of transferring the ball into the

basket, we can now take a better look at passing or

better still, at the most used passes in basketball,

given that even though there is a vast number of

passes [4] only some of these are used all the time,

by the majority of cases, which is why we define

them as the most important.

MethodMethodMethodMethod

Looking at numerous games and also comparing

them with previous studies, such as those by Allen

and Ruffner (1984), for example, we have come to

some conclusions that may be of use in the

methodology and teaching used by basketball



trainers and instructors. We are aware of the

distinctions that should be made to establish the

playing level to which we refer and we have based

our study on top-level Italian matches and American

championship games in both NCAA and NBA

leagues, for a total of some 150 matches. Data

have shown that in spite of everything, the pass

most used is the two-handed chest pass, with

39.9%.

This is followed, in terms of frequency, by one-

handed passes - the baseball, with 20.9 % - and by

the two-handed over the head pass, with 18.2 %,

and finally, one- or two-handed indirect passes

(bounces), with 11.2 % and 9.8 % [5].

Form and mechanics (technique)Form and mechanics (technique)Form and mechanics (technique)Form and mechanics (technique)

The “baseball” one-handed pass is the one with the

worst success rate in percentage terms compared to

all other passes, the most successful one being also

the most popular: the two-handed chest pass. The

results are more or less the same as those found for

other studies carried out, as mentioned, also in

periods prior to the one looked at here and

therefore, the reliability of the data is rather high.

We shall now take a brief look at the techniques of

some of the more popular passes used, starting with

the two-handed chest pass.

The two-handed chest pass is made by moving the

ball from the basic stance, giving it a half turn

downwards for greater force, extending both arms

together and snapping the wrists outwards as the

arms extend fully, before pushing with the fingers

(the last of which being the thumbs). As well as

providing the main propulsion for short passes, the

fingers also “steer” the pass, giving it its direction.

For longer passes, the muscles in the upper body will

also play a role, especially the back muscles,

amongst others, which we will look at in more detail

later. At the end of the pass, the final stance is

maintained for a few seconds to prevent any sudden

movement from influencing the trajectory of the

throw. The optimum point of aim, and obviously, the

one required by the receiver, must be the one

furthest away from the defence of the receiver

himself. As far as concerns receiving the pass in

question, which is unique out of all types of pass, we

could say that it occurs by extending the arms in the

direction of the ball’s arrival trajectory with the

hands open and four fingers close together and

facing upwards, while both thumbs are facing each

other and almost touching: a position that makes

the catch much easier once the ball has entered the

hands. The arms are extended to absorb the impact

of the pass’s arrival by bending and this is also a

good stance for getting into position for the next

action.

As far as the regards the “Baseball” pass, which is

frequently used to launch a counter-attack action or

for long throw-ons, it is similar to a pitch in the sport

that gives it its name. From the basic stance, the

player moves his arms and at the same time, he

slightly rotate his hips and shoulders towards the

passing hand, moving his opposite leg forwards to

rebalance his centre of gravity. The ball is then

advanced by a quick push of the arms as well as by

the rotation and forward movement of the shoulders,

with a final downwards “snap” of the fingers after

the arms have been totally extended parallel to the

ground, the passing arm in particular [6].

To conclude, we will look briefly at the two-handed

over the head pass: from the basic stance, the arms

are lifted up and extended to a point where the back

is slightly arched and the arms are slightly bent back

just past the head, giving the right amount of force

to the pass that will then offload through the tension

in the back and arms, to just after the head, ending

with a fast outward movement of the wrists, with

propulsion that mainly comes from the thumbs but



which is obviously in synergy with the other fingers

[7].

Technical and conditional analysisTechnical and conditional analysisTechnical and conditional analysisTechnical and conditional analysis

Before proceeding, however, we are going to look at

the pass from a purely physical viewpoint, or even a

ballistic one, which is more suited to our case. We

find that the task of the player making the pass is

therefore that of achieving a combination of the

three following factors to obtain the best possible

result [8].

1. Throwing speed1. Throwing speed1. Throwing speed1. Throwing speed: the speed with which the ball

leaves the player’s hand or hands is determined by

its speed before the player begins the pass and the

force that he exerts on it.

Generally, a player with a certain amount of

muscular strength uses it to make sure that the ball

achieves the required throw speed and intensity as

well as direction. Nonetheless, since success mainly

depends on completing the action before the

defense player can react and intercept the pass, it is

important for priority to be given to these muscle

strengths so that they can be used more rapidly.

Muscle strengths are what produce finger flexion,

wrist flexion and elbow extension and therefore,

should be the first to be called into play. Only when

these are insufficient, perhaps in cases of longer

passes, will the muscle strengths of the upper body

be used. We should bear in mind that in passes, the

ball needs to be thrown from a sufficient distance to

give time to the receiver to perform the receiving

action as best he can.

2. Throw height:2. Throw height:2. Throw height:2. Throw height: while considering a height for each

type of pass, it is possible to say that, as a rule of

thumb, it must be the same as when leaving the

hands of the passing player, keeping a straight

trajectory and staying parallel to the court.

3. Air resistance:3. Air resistance:3. Air resistance:3. Air resistance: while the section of the ball is large

compared to that of a bullet, the speed with which it

moves through the air is quite low. However, since

speed is a very important factor in determining

friction, in this is case, friction is relatively low.

When a player makes a pass, the ball will inevitably

be rotated. In the majority of passes, the rotation is

in reverse (backspin) and tends to slow it down

under the effects of gravity (see Magnus effect).

Backspin is doubtless useful for greater precision

when aiming the ball and therefore, it provides

greater accuracy, although it should not be

increased excessively so as not to create problems

for the person on the receiving end of the pass.

Biomechanics of techniqueBiomechanics of techniqueBiomechanics of techniqueBiomechanics of technique

As we mentioned above, a pass is the technical

action by means of which players transfer the ball

over the court in the direction of a team mate,

usually the one in the best position. Now we will

look at the one which, according to simplicity and

the muscles used, is the most important or as

already mentioned, the two-handed chest pass [1].

This pass is executed as follows:

� Forearm flexion towards the arm,Forearm flexion towards the arm,Forearm flexion towards the arm,Forearm flexion towards the arm, using the biceps

brachii, brachialis and brachioradialis.

� Extension of the forearm on the arm,Extension of the forearm on the arm,Extension of the forearm on the arm,Extension of the forearm on the arm, using the

head along the triceps brachii and anconeus.

� Flexion of the wrist and hand,Flexion of the wrist and hand,Flexion of the wrist and hand,Flexion of the wrist and hand, with use of the

flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor

digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum

profundus.

� Flexion of the fingersFlexion of the fingersFlexion of the fingersFlexion of the fingers, using the flexor digitorum

profundus, flexor digitorum superficialis,

lumbricals, and the palmar and dorsal interossei.

� Extension of the fingersExtension of the fingersExtension of the fingersExtension of the fingers, with the use of the

extensor communis and the extensors of the index

and little fingers.

Also involved in the complexity of the action are the

serratus anterior, the abductors of the shoulder, the

external rotators of the shoulder, and the fixators



(abdominals, hip flexors, knee extensors, and dorsal

flexors of the foot) [2].

What we have written about here is a complex

analysis of the technical and constituent

phenomenon of the sport in question, or rather, of

one of these technical elements. The aim is to be an

aid in making more precise and accurate

contributions to improving the mechanical execution

of the different movements in training, but always

without neglecting any of the fundamental

importance of the harmony of the movements

themselves.


1. Anokhine P.K. (1974), Teoria generale dei sistemi funzionali in

progressi della cibernetica biologica e medica, Moscow, pp.34-

45;

2. Calligaris A., Mondoni M. (1993) Analisi funzionale e

biomeccanica della pallacanestro, S.S.S., Rome, p. 21-7;

3. Hay J.G. (1993) The biomechanics of sport techniques, second

edition, Prentice Hall, pp.42-51;

4. Izzo R.E. (1996) Pallacanestro: Tecnica oggi, CESI, Rome;

5. Izzo R.E. (1996) Guida ragionata all’esercizio nella pallacanes-

tro, Montefeltro Ed., Urbino; pp.34-42;

6. Tipler P.A. (1991) Invito alla fisica, Zanichelli, Bologna;

7. Lanzetta A. A. (1982) Biomeccanica del movimento; il manuale

medico-scientifico dell’allenamento, A. Mondadori, Milan;

8. Hochmuth G. (1983) Biomeccanica dei movimenti sportivi, Ed.

Nuova Atletica dal Friuli.


Volume 3 Volume 3 Volume 3 Volume 3 ♦ Issue 6 ♦ 2011 ♦ Issue 6 ♦ 2011 ♦ Issue 6 ♦ 2011 ♦ Issue 6 ♦ 2011 46464646

Morbidity associated with breast cancer therapy Morbidity associated with breast cancer therapy Morbidity associated with breast cancer therapy Morbidity associated with breast cancer therapy

and the and the and the and the place of physiotherapy in its managementplace of physiotherapy in its managementplace of physiotherapy in its managementplace of physiotherapy in its management

Rodica PăcurarRodica PăcurarRodica PăcurarRodica Păcurar1111, Codruţa Miclăuş, Codruţa Miclăuş, Codruţa Miclăuş, Codruţa Miclăuş2222, Marius Miclăuş, Marius Miclăuş, Marius Miclăuş, Marius Miclăuş3333


Incidence of breast cancer continues to grow while modern diagnosis and treatment techniques improve long-term survival

rates of the patients. Hence, more women will experience morbidity associated to breast cancer treatment. The aim of this

article is to provide a review of the morbidity associated with breast cancer treatment and to emphasize the role of

physiotherapist within the rehabilitation team. Pain, pectoralis tightness and axillary web syndrome are the most frequently

encountered surgical side effects. They contribute to upper arm dysfunction and reduced range of motion. Radiotherapy may

lead to skin and pulmonary morbidity, lymphedema and dysfunction of the muscles caught in the radiation field. Chemotherapy

and hormone therapy are associated with osteoporosis and weight gain, the latter representing an important risk factor to

lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema is the most frequent complication of breast cancer treatment, mostly related to axillary

surgery and radiotherapy. Physiotherapeutic techniques may prevent and control lymphedema, scar adherence and pulmonary

complications, reduce pain and improve range of motion, which results in a better quality of life for the patients.

Key wordsKey wordsKey wordsKey words: breast cancer, lymphedema, mastectomy, physiotherapy, radiotherapy.


Incidenţa cancerului de sân continuă să crească în timp ce diagnosticul şi modalităţile moderne de tratament îmbunătăţesc

supravieţuirea pe termen lung a pacientelor. Astfel, patologia asociată tratamentului cancerului de sân va fi întâlnită la tot mai

multe femei. Scopul acestui articol este acela de a oferi o recenzie a patologiei asociate cu tratamentul cancerului de sân şi de

a sublinia rolul kinetoterapeutului în cadrul echipei de reabilitare. Cele mai frecvent întâlnite efecte secundare ale intervenţiei

chirurgicale sunt durerea, contractura pectorală şi dezvoltarea de benzi fibrotice. Ele contribuie la disfuncţia membrului

superior şi la reducerea mobilităţii. Radioterapia poate duce la modificări cutanate şi pulmonare, limfedem şi disfunctii ale

muşchilor din câmpul iradiat. Chimioterapia şi terapia hormonală sunt asociate cu osteoporoza şi creşterea în greutate, ultima

reprezentând un important factor de risc pentru limfedem. Limfedemul secundar este cea mai frecventă complicaţie a

tratamentului cancerului de sân, fiind asociat, in principal, cu chirurgia axilară şi radioterapia. Tehnicile kinetoterapeutice pot

1 MD, PhD, Municipal Hospital of Timişoara, e-mail: [email protected] 2 MD, Assist. Lecturer PhD, Clinic of Surgical Oncology and Surgical Semiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babeş”of Timişoara 3 MD, Assist. Lecturer PhD, Second Surgical Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” of Timişoara



preveni şi controla limfedemul, aderenţa cicatricială şi complicaţiile pulmonare, pot reduce durerea şi creste mobilitatea, ceea

ce va duce la o mai bună calitate a vieţii pacientelor.

Cuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheie: cancer de sân, kinetoterapie, limfedem, mastectomie, radioterapie.


Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer

death among females between 20 and 59 years old

and its incidence continues to increase. Some of the

reasons why this pathology is more often detected in

present could be: i) increased mammographic

screening, ii) growing use of oral contraceptives and

hormone replacement therapy, and iii) increasing

prevalence of obesity [1]. Modern imagistic

techniques permit an early detection while advances

in treatment options improve the long-term survival

rates. The consequence for physiotherapists is that

they will encounter more often in their work breast

cancer survivors with their specific complications

due to surgery and adjuvant therapy. The aim of this

article is to review the morbidity associated with

breast cancer therapy and to emphasize the role of

physiotherapist as part of the team who manages

these problems.

Immediate morbidity associated with surgical Immediate morbidity associated with surgical Immediate morbidity associated with surgical Immediate morbidity associated with surgical

proceduresproceduresproceduresprocedures

Radical mastectomy introduced by Halsted in 1894

was the most frequently procedure performed on

women with breast cancer in the past. It consisted in

removal of the entire breast, nipple/areolar region,

the pectoral major and minor muscles and clearance

of axillary nodes. This procedure is rarely used today

and is associated with high incidence of upper limb

lymphedema (ULL), reduced shoulder range of

motion (ROM), pain, numbness and muscle

weakness.

In 20th century, Patey and Dyson in 1940 and

Madden in 1960 introduced modified radical

mastectomy (MRM) with less damage to the patient.

Patey MRM consists in removal the entire breast,

nipple/areolar region, pectoralis minor, interpectoral

and axillary lymph nodes. Madden MRM consists in

removal of the entire breast, nipple/areolar region,

pectoralis major‘s fascia, interpectoral and axillary

lymph nodes, with preservation of both pectoralis

muscles. MRM is the most widely used surgical

procedure to treat operable breast cancer, presently.

Although less aggressive, MGM still is associated

with lymphedema and reduced shoulder ROM.

Recently, sentinel node biopsy has been introduced

to predict lymph nodal status. When the sentinel

node (the first draining lymph node) is negative for

metastatic disease, axillary node dissection can be

avoided and surgical procedure is limited to the

breast area: a) quadrantectomy - removal of a

quarter of the breast including the skin and breast

fascia, b) partial or segmental mastectomy -

removal of a portion of the breast tissue and a

margin of normal breast tissue, c) lumpectomy -

removal of the breast tumor and a surrounding

margin of normal breast tissue or d) excisional

biopsy.

Even with modern procedures, the breast cancer

surgery may affect body posture, flexibility and

strength of the upper limb. Sustained pectoralis

tightness after breast cancer treatment pulls the

scapula into a protracted and depressed position



leading to decreased upward rotation of the scapula

which is likely to be implicated in impingement

syndrome [2]. Moreover, after surgical intervention

patients tend to protect their surgical area by

thoracic flexion and scapula protraction. Typical

protective posture consists in head tilted forward,

shoulder raised and hunched, elbow bent so that the

hand on affected part rests across the belly and

body bends forward at the waist. In time, adverse

changes in body posture may develop, consisting in

asymmetry of trunk and shoulder girdle and greater

forward leaning of the trunk. Regular rehabilitation

keeps the angle of body inclination on the same

level and improves trunk symmetry, position of

scapulas and shoulder girdle [3]. Postoperative pain

is a common symptom among breast cancer

patients because of surgical trauma or muscular

spasm in the cervical, upper thoracic and scapular

region by muscular protection. Intercostobrachial

nerve injury occurs in 80-100% of patients

undergoing axillary dissection and is the major cause

of axillary pain. Pain enhances pectoralis hypertonic

through pain-induced contraction, scapular

protraction aggravating shortening. In time, scapular

retractors become overused and strained with

increased risk to myofascial disfunction in the back

and neck muscles. The physiotherapist can minimize

the pain using massage therapy with relaxing

effects.

Myofascial dysfunction is a regional pain syndrome

characterized by presence of “trigger points”. They

represent circumscribed spot tenderness in a nodule

that is part of a palpably tense band of muscle

fibers. These points respond to external pressure,

stretch or muscle recruitment with radiating pain;

weakness of the muscle is also present. Physical

therapy consists in “myofascial release techniques”,

daily stretching of symptomatic muscles and

resistive activities addressed to strength deficits.

Axillary web syndrome is a condition following

surgical removal of axillary lymph nodes during

which patients may develop palpable “cords” or

fibrotic bands originating in the axilla and extending

distally along the anterior or medial surface of the

arm, often below the elbow down to the palm. The

cords are sclerosed veins and lymphatic vessels

made redundant by surgical maneuvers in the axilla,

surrounded by fibrosis area. Axillary webs develop

between weeks 1 and 5 after axillary clearance,

placing the patients at risk for reduction in shoulder

ROM with altered movement patterns. Physical

therapy consists in manual fibrous release

techniques, gravity-assisted pendulum exercises for

shoulder ROM, wall walking, active assisted forward

flexion and passive end-ranging of internal and

external rotation [2].

Frozen shoulder following surgical treatment is

frequent in breast cancer patients, even after

sentinel lymph node biopsy. Restricted abduction

appears due to soft tissue contractures. Early

shoulder remobilization with abduction and forward

flexion, wall walking and pendulum exercises can

prevent chronic functional limitation and restricted

ROM associated to this complication [2].

Pulmonary morbidity among breast cancer patients

may occur related to surgery, anesthetics and

prolonged confinement to bed. During the surgery

thoracic nerve may be injured causing the serratus

anterior muscle to weaken. Furthermore, pain and

discomfort from the surgical incision may restrict

patient’s thoracic movements with decreased

diaphragmatic movement, decreased pulmonary

expansion and consequently restricted pulmonary

function, pulmonary secretion accumulation or

atelectasia. Postoperatory confinement to bed may

increase the pulmonary dysfunction through muscle

atrophy. Preoperatory respiratory muscular training

provided by the physiotherapist not only improves



tissue oxygenation facilitating proper surgical

conditions but also, prevents pulmonary morbidity if

postoperatory continued.

Transient lymphostasis – an increase of less than

two cm in circumferential difference between limbs

– may occur on the affected side following surgery.

Until normal lymph circulation is restored after

surgery large molecules, proteins, and debris

accumulate in the interstitium distal to the lymph

node removal. Progressive accumulation can lower

the threshold for nociceptive impulse transmition

leading to pain, hypersensitivity and allodynia.

Persistent pain may lead to abnormal muscle

recruitment, restricted shoulder ROM and

biomechanical malalignment. Treatment of

lymphostasis is mainly the physiotherapist’s task:

manual lymphatic drainage, progressive ROM and

deep breathing exercises.

Without a regular exercise programme, breast

cancer treatment may result in upper extremity

dysfunction. The main limited motions are flexion,

abduction and external rotation at 90 degrees of

arm abduction [1]. Early beginning of physiotherapy

can improve shoulder ROM and functional capacity

without causing adverse effect in postoperative

period [4].

Immediate morbidity associated with adjuvant Immediate morbidity associated with adjuvant Immediate morbidity associated with adjuvant Immediate morbidity associated with adjuvant

treatmenttreatmenttreatmenttreatment

Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy

are adjuvant means used to cure and to prevent

relapse in breast cancer patients.

Radiotherapy is recommended to all patients

receiving conservative surgery and to those at risk of

recurrence. It consists in 5 weekly sessions for up to

6 weeks. Radiotherapeutic fields usually involve the

breast and chest wall, the supraclavicular fossa and,

sometimes, the axilla. Besides the effect on

neoplastic cells, high energy X-rays produce local

damage to healthy tissue. Injury of the local vessels

affects the muscle nutrition while alteration of the

parenchyma including connective tissue limits the

muscle expanding during contraction. The result

consists in muscle ischemia and inefficient

contraction together with subcutaneous fibrosis with

the fixation to the lower musculature which leads to

movement limitation. The muscles caught in

radiation field are pectoralis major, serratus anterior

and latissimus dorsi. Direct effects of the X-rays on

irradiated tissue consists in increased sensitivity and

desquamation together with inflammation. All these

changes promote pain and pain-protective

behaviours which, in time, result in contractures,

limited ROM and arm weakness.

Radiation pneumonitis (RP) may occur from 1 to 6

months after radiotherapy manifesting by dyspnea,

cough, fever and altered pulmonary function tests.

Early physiotherapy during irradiation minimizes

respiratory complications. The role of the

physiotherapist during radiotherapy in breast cancer

patients is to provide a programme which includes

pectoral muscle stretching, shoulder ROM and

aerobic exercises.

Transient lymphostasis during radiotherapy may,

also, appear.

Chemotherapy associates with a significantly greater

risk for osteoporosis. Among women who have had

chemotherapy, bone loss may occur much sooner

than it normally might. Moreover, chemotherapy may

prompt an early, sometimes permanent menopause

followed by sarcopenia with changes in body

muscle/fat ratio. Accumulating body fat places

postmenopausal women at risk for relapse. More

than 70% of breast cancers are promoted by



estrogens and higher estradiol concentrations

significantly predict cancer recurrence [5].

Aromatase, an enzyme responsible for a key step in

the biosynthesis of estrogens from androgens, is

found in many tissues, primarily in adipose tissue in

postmenopausal women. More adipose tissue

equals more aromatase and more circulating

estrogen. Additionally, bioavailability of estradiol

depends on the blood level of sex hormone-binding

globulin (SHBG). Circulating estradiol is bound

mostly to SHBG. Only a small fraction is “free” and

thus biologically active and able to activate its

receptor on cancer cells. Overweight women have

higher amounts of insulin and insulin-like growth

factor 1 which decrease SHBG, making more

estrogen bioavailable.

Aromatase inhibitors are drugs used in the

management of patients with breast cancer whose

malign cells were found to be estrogen receptor

positive. Postmenopausal women who use

aromatase inhibitors are also, at risk to bone loss.

During the first year after diagnosis, women tend to

be less physically active. Reasons include fatigue

associated with radiotherapy, side effects of

chemotherapy and loss of energy spent for recovery.

Taking these reasons into consideration, it seems

reasonably to fight against osteoporosis and to

combat or prevent overweight in women who

undergo anticancer medication. Besides nutrition

counseling, a physical training program is warranted.

The physiotherapist may provide aerobic exercises,

cardiovascular training or light-weight strength-

training in order to maintain or lose weight, as

necessary [6] .A particular period of time is

represented by chemotherapy when its side effects

– nausea, vomiting, increased risk of infections due

to neutropenia – hinder women to attend physical

training courses. Home exercises during

chemotherapy are an alternative and the

physiotherapist should provide a comprehensive

written home-based training programme.

LongLongLongLong----term morbidity associated with breast cancer term morbidity associated with breast cancer term morbidity associated with breast cancer term morbidity associated with breast cancer

treatmenttreatmenttreatmenttreatment

The main long-term pulmonary complication

following radiotherapy is pulmonary fibrosis (PF). It

develops in time, usually manifests after 6 months

from radiotherapy completion and persists

throughout the patient’s life. Among respiratory

exercises, the physiotherapist may use a scapular

waist musculature lengthening programme,

pulmonary re-expansion manual maneuvers,

bronchial hygiene exercise guidance and incentive

spirometry.

Radiation induced fibrosis (RIF) is a consequence of

the damage to normal tissues caused by high-dose

radiotherapy. Usually, RIF stabilizes 2 years after

radiotherapy and skin retraction, atrophy and

toughness to palpation and decreased tissue

compliance are associated. Palpation and using a

tissue compliance meter are methods of measuring

tissue compliance [7]. The fibrosis is initially caused

by elevated deposition of collagen and is maintained

or aggravated by impairment in vascularization.

Studies report that about 45% of patients

experience frequent to constant breast pain

associated with RIF which provokes patient’s anti-

pain attitudes, limited ROM and diminished quality

of life. Pain-release techniques could be useful on

this stage. A pilot study conducted by Lennox et al,

demonstrated the effectiveness of impedance-

controlled microcurrent therapy in remediation of

ROM limitations associated with RIF [8].

In addition, axillary radiation is considered a

prognostic factor for the development of shoulder

morbidity. A cross sectional study comprising 74

women with the time since surgery varying from 6



months to 6 years found decreased EMG activity of

upper trapezius, rhomboid and pectoralis major and

small pectoralis major and minor using MRI scans.

Loss of muscle activity was enhanced on the

downward movement, at the highest point of

elevation and the longer the time since surgery.

Shoulder Pain and disability Index analysis found

diminished ability to carry out ADL tasks, reduced

health-related quality of life and psychosocial

distress associated to pain after treatment for breast

cancer [9]. A case-control study conducted by

Harrington S et al, compared 24 breast cancer

survivors who completed their treatment (surgery,

chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy) no greater than

6 months and a control group of healthy, age and

gender match participants. They found significant

differences for active flexion, extension, passive

flexion and external rotation at 90 degrees; also,

significant differences were found concerning the

strength measures between groups for abduction

and upward rotation, depression and adduction,

flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, scaption

and adduction [10].

Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) consists in

pain persisting beyond the period of normal healing

after mastectomy, lumpectomy and/or axillary

surgery. It is considered to be a neuropathic pain

and several mechanisms by which it appears have

been proposed: intercostals brachial nerve damage,

intra-operative compromise of cutaneous innerva-

ting, neuroma formation, fibrotic entrapment. Pain

characteristics described by patients are numbness,

tingling, pins and needles, burning or stabbing, on

the same side as the surgery on chest wall, axilla or

on the ipsilateral arm. Avoidance behaviors can

develop leading in time to postural and mobility

problems, including difficulties in performing

activities of daily life (ADL). Some post-operative

factors could aggravate PMPS: doing heavy house

work, lying on the operated side, fibrosis after

radiation on the brachial plexus or chemotherapy.

Intervention consists in analgesics and physical

therapy performed by a physiotherapist trained in

pain management. Desensitization techniques,

massage therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve

stimulation, topical cold or acupuncture should be

included.

The most common complication related to breast

cancer treatment is secondary lymphedema (LE). It

is a consequence of axillary lymph node and vessels

removal or damage during surgery and/or

radiotherapy. LE consists in an abnormal edema,

accumulation of tissue proteins and chronic

inflammation localized mainly to the ipsilateral upper

limb, but to the trunk, axilla or breast, either.

Reported LE prevalence varies greatly among

research teams due to the variations in definitions or

measurements. Traditional measurements for LE

include water displacement, circumferential

measurements, calculation of volume, and

bioelectric impedance [11]. In a survey among

professionals specializing in lymphedema care,

circumferential measurement was the primary

method for diagnosis and monitoring of LE [12]. The

precise mechanism of LE related to breast cancer

therapy is debated because most of the cases do

not appear as an immediate complication of the

surgery, but in time, mostly within the first 3 years

after surgery and radiotherapy; moreover, some

patients do not develop LE at all while others

experience this morbidity after many years from

breast cancer treatment, even this didn’t include

axillary dissection or postoperative radiotherapy

[13]. A 5-year, population-based prospective study

conducted by Norman SA et al, found an incidence

of 42% for lymphedema. Among the affected



women, lymphedema first occurred within 2 years of

diagnosis in 80% and within 3 years in 89%. 61.2%

of person-months of lymphedema involved the hand,

54.5% involved the lower arm, and 72.1% involved

the upper arm [14]. Patients with LE are exposed to

discomfort or pain, limited ROM, recurrent

infections, non-healing wounds, difficulty with daily

tasks, emotional and social distress. Without a

proper management LE may lead to elephantiasis,

paralysis of the limb, and lymphosarcoma. Once

appeared, LE is incurable but the swelling can be

controlled when LE is properly and early diagnosed

and treated. Obesity and weight gain are known risk

factors for the development of LE while slim body

build and low values of the Quetelet, Rohrer and

Pignet – Verwaeck indexes appear to be a factor

protecting from the occurrence of lymphedema of

the upper limb in women with radical breast

amputation [15]. The treatment of lymphedema is

difficult, time consuming and costly. Complete

decongestive therapy (CDT) is considered to be the

“gold standard” for LE treatment [16]. CDT consists

in two phases: an initial reductive phase and a

second, maintenance phase. Components of CDT

are: (i) manual lymph drainage, (ii) multi-layer, short-

stretch compression bandaging, (iii) lymphatic

exercise, (iv) skin care and (v) education in

lymphedema self-management, and elastic

compression garments. In some patients,

intermittent pneumatic compression therapy with

multiple chambers pumps can be useful. A recent

study proved the long-term benefit of low-level laser

in the treatment of postmastectomy LE [17].

A systematic review and meta-analysis upon the

benefits of conservative and dietary interventions for

cancer-related lymphedema obtained the following

results: level 1 evidence (strong evidence): for breast

cancer patients with upper extremity lymphedema

(UELE), whereas exercise was not found to improve

or exacerbate existing UELE volume, significant

benefit was found for LE symptoms of pain/tender-

ness and quality of life; level 2 evidence (moderate

evidence): one high quality study demonstrated that

caloric reduction for weight loss resulted in a 44%

reduction in UELE volume. Moreover, observational

data have shown a protective association between

increased physical activity after breast cancer

diagnosis and recurrence, cancer-related mortality,

and overall mortality [18].

Impediments in physical rehabilitation of breast Impediments in physical rehabilitation of breast Impediments in physical rehabilitation of breast Impediments in physical rehabilitation of breast

cancer patientscancer patientscancer patientscancer patients

Physical rehabilitation of a patient after cancer

treatment has to be part of an interdisciplinary

approach. In order to obtain patient’s adherence to

the rehabilitative plan, the physiotherapist should be

sustained by the other members of the rehabilitation

team, especially by the surgeon and the oncologist.

Despite of the growing evidence in the last years

which support the benefits of rehabilitative

interventions, there are still skeptic clinicians

concerning the efficacy of physiatry to their patients.

The absence of double-blind, randomized, placebo

controlled trials represents a major barrier for the

rehabilitation medicine to be accepted by medical

doctors and surgeons [2]. Among some of them

physical training continues to be believed to

increase the risk of developing arm LE and therefore

women with breast cancer are told to be careful or

even to avoid such activities. Consequently, some

patients may receive conflicting information

regarding the need to attend a rehabilitation

programme.

This lack of reliability together with the chronic

financial problems of the sanitary system result in

the absence, in Timisoara, of permanent

physiotherapist posts in the surgical oncology or

radiotherapy departments. Patients are provided



with little information by surgeons, radiotherapists

and oncologists or nurses.

Patients’ education and their financial status may

add barriers in the efficacy of a rehabilitation

programme. Physiotherapy sessions have to be

completed by home-based exercise programmes.

Adherence rates can be low, especially among

patients without premorbid history of regular

exercise [2]. Attending a private rehabilitation center

or buying rehabilitation supplies such as bandaging

materials for lymphedema may be an expensive

exercise. Therefore, as long as regular structured

physical activity is not integrated in cancer care and

is not specifically recommended by doctors, most

patients will continue to ignore it.


Morbidity associated to breast cancer treatment is

complex and has long-terms manifestations. As part

of the rehabilitation team, physiotherapist has a

main task to promote adequate functional recovery

and to prevent treatment complications. By specific

techniques, the physiotherapist should maintain or

restore proper body posture, range of motion,

muscular strength, may prevent pulmonary

complication, reduce pain and scar adherence. He

has an essential role in controlling lymphedema of

the upper limb. Recent strong-evidence data

challenge the conception which hampers breast

cancer survivors from physical training. To patients’

benefit better co-operation between physiotherapists

and doctors is expected to develop.


1. Gomide L.B., Matheus J.P.C., Candido dos Reis F.J. (2007)

Morbidity after breast cancer treatment and physiothera-

peutic performance. Int J Clin Pract 61, 972-982;

2. Cheville A.L., Tchou J. (2007) Barriers to Rehabilitation

Following Surgery for Primary Breast Cancer. J Surg Oncol

95:409-418;

3. Rostkowska E., Bak M., Samborski W. (2006) Body posture

in women after mastectomy and its changes as a result of

rehabilitation. Adv Med Sci 51, 287-297;

4. Cinar N., Seckin U., Keskin D., Bodur H., Bozkurt B., Cengiz

O. (2008) The effectiveness of early rehabilitation in

patients with modified radical mastectomy. Cancer Nurs 31,

160-165;

5. Rock C.L., Flatt S.W., Laughlin G.A., Gold E.B., Thomson C.A.,

Natarajan L. et al (2008) Reproductive Steroid Hormoones

and Recurrence-Free Survival in Women with a History of

Breast Cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 17, 614-

620;

6. Kaelin C.M., Coltrera F., Gardiner J., Prouty J. (2007) Pounds,

muscles, and bones in The Breast Cancer Survivor’s Fitness

Plan, Ed Mc Graw-Hill, New York, 21-38;

7. Wernicke A.G., Rosenblatt R., Rasca M., Parhar P., Christos

P.J., Fischer A., Parashar B., Nori D. (2009) Quantitative

Assessment of radiation-Induced Fibrosis of the Breast with

Tissue Compliance Meter, Palpation, and Radiological

Imaging: Preliminary Results. Breast J 15, 583-592;

8. Lennox A.J., Shafer J.P., Hatcher M., Beil J., Funder S.J.

(2002) Pilot study of impedance-controlled microcurrent

therapy for managing radiation-induced fibrosis in head-and-

neck cancer patients. Int J Radiation Oncolgy Biol Phys 54,

23-34;

9. Shamley D.R., Srinanaganathan R., Weatherall R., Oskrochi

R., Watson M., Ostlere S., Sugden E. (2007) Changes in

shoulder muscle size and activity following treatment for

breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 106, 19-27;

10. Harrington S., Padua D., Battaglini J., Groff D. (2011)

Comparison of shoulder flexibility, strength, and function

between breast cancer survivors and healthy participants. J

Cancer Surviv 5, 167-174;

11. Quirion E. (2010) Recognizing and treating upper extremity

lymphedema in postmastectomy/lumpectomy patients: A

guide for primary care providers. J Am Acad Nurse Pract 22,

450-459;



12. Langbecker D., Hayes S.C., Newman B., Janda M. (2008)

Treatment for upper-limb and lower-limb lymphedema by

professionals specializing in lymphedema care. Eur J Cancer

Care 17, 557-564;

13. Deutsch M., Land S., Begovic M., Sharif S. (2008) The

incidence of arm edema in women with breast cancer

randomized on the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and

Bowel Project study B-04 to radical mastectomy versus total

mastectomy and radiotherapy versus total mastectomy

alone. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 70, 1020-1024;

14. Norman S.A., Localio R., Potashnik S.L., Simoes Torpey H.A.,

Kallan M.J., Weber A.L., Miller L.T., De Michele A., Solin L.J.

(2009) Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors: Incidence,

Degree, Time Course, Treatment, and Symptoms. J Clin

Oncol 27, 390-397;

15. Kopanski Z., Wojewoda T., Wojewoda A., Schlegel-Zawadzka

M., Wozniacka R., Suder A., Kosciuk T. (2003) Influence of

Some Anthropometric Parameters on the Risk of

Development of Distal Complications After Mastectomy

Carried Out Because of Breast Carcinoma. Am J Hum Biol

15, 433-439;

16. http://www.lymphnet.org/pdfDocs/nIntreatment.pdf;

17. Kozanoglu E., Basaran S., Paydas S., Sarpel T. (2009)

Efficacy of pneumatic compression and low-level laser

therapy in the treatment of postmastectomy lymphedema: a

randomized controlled trial. Clin rehabil 23, 117-124;

18. Mc Neely M.L., Peddle C.J., Yurick J.L., Dayes I.S., Mackey

J.R. (2011) Conservative and Dietary Interventions for

Cancer-Related Lymphedema. A systematic review and

Meta-Analysis. Cancer 117, 1136-1148.



Interest of theInterest of theInterest of theInterest of the manual techniquesmanual techniquesmanual techniquesmanual techniques in thein thein thein the treatment oftreatment oftreatment oftreatment of low back painlow back painlow back painlow back pain

Anda ArmeancaAnda ArmeancaAnda ArmeancaAnda Armeanca1111, Elena S, Elena S, Elena S, Elena Sîrbuîrbuîrbuîrbu2222


Introduction: Low back pain (pain in the lumbar spine) is the most common complaint. About three in four adults will

experience back pain during their lifetime—and that number may very well rise, given our aging population and recent trend of

obesity. Low back pain affects the spine's flexibility, stability and strength, which can cause pain, discomfort and stiffness.

Aim: The aim of this study is to develop a rehabilitation program and to underline the importance of manual techniques in the

treatment of patients suffering from low back pain. Material and methods: We investigated 7 women and 3 men aged between

38 and 53 years old, diagnosed with subacute low back pain documented by medical imagery. They were recruited in

the service of Physical Medicine of the Liège University Hospital, Belgium. A battery of tests was developed to evaluate the

effectiveness of this program. Each patient was evaluated during the first and the last (10 th) rehabilitation session. Results:

After the final evaluation, most results have improved significantly and this improvement is also marked by clinical tests.

Conclusions: After 3 weeks of intervention we noticed a significant improvement at most of the parameters which means an

increased life quality in patients with low back pain.

Key words: Key words: Key words: Key words: low back pain, manual techniques, rehabilitation program


Introducere: Durerea de spate (durere la nivelul coloanei lombare) este o afecţiune des întâlnită. Aproximativ trei din patru

adulţi vor experimenta de-a lungul vieţii lor dureri de spate, iar numărul acestora ar putea creşte având în vedere îmbătrânirea

populaţiei noastre şi tendinţa recentă la obezitate. Lombalgia afectează flexibilitatea coloanei vertebrale, stabilitatea şi forţa,

ceea ce poate cauza dureri, discomfort şi rigiditate. Scop: Scopul acestui studiu este de a propune un program de recuperare

adecvat şi de a sublinia importanţa tehnicilor manuale în reabilitarea pacienţilor cu lombalgie. Material şi metoda: Au fost luaţi

în studiu 7 femei şi 3 bărbaţi cu vârsta cuprinsă între 38 şi 53 de ani, diagnosticaţi cu lombalgie subacută prin tehnici de

imagerie medicală. Ei au fost recrutaţi din serviciul de Fizioterapie al Spitalului Universitar din Liège. O baterie de teste au fost

folosite pentru a evalua eficienţa acestui program. Fiecare pacient a fost evaluat în timpul primei şi a celei de-a zecea,

respectiv ultimei şedinţe de kinetoterapie. Rezultate: La finalul ultimei evaluări, s-a observat că majoritatea rezultatelor s-au

îmbunătăţit semnificativ, iar această ameliorare este susţinută şi de testele clinice. Concluzii: După 3 săptămâni de reeducare

1 Master Student, Physical therapist, Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara, e-mail:[email protected] 2 MD PhD Assoc. Lecturer, Physical Education and Sport Faculty, West University of Timişoara, Resident doctor, Municipal Clinical Hospital Timişoara



am observat o îmbunătăţire semnificativă a celor mai mulţi parametrii, ceea ce înseamnă o mai bună calitate a vieţii la

pacienţii care suferă de lombalgie.

Cuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheieCuvinte cheie: lombalgie, tehnici manuale, program de recuperare


Low back pain is one of the most common problems

people have. About 60 - 80% of the adult U.S.

population has low back pain, and it is the second

most common reason people go to the doctor. Back

pain is the leading cause of disability in adults under

45 years old. Each year 13 million people go to the

doctor for chronic back pain. Most back pain can be

prevented by keeping your back muscles strong and

making sure you practice good mechanics (like lifting

heavy objects in a way that won’t strain your back).

There are still some years, some authors thought

that sciatica could occur in case of nerve root

swollen, stretched or compressed. Currently, if

there is a disco-radicular conflict, the authors believe

that is a chemical conflict and mechanical conflict.

The mechanical conflict corresponds to compre-

ssion or traction of the nerve root [1, 2].

The chemical conflict is related to chemical studies

of the herniated material, which revealed the pre-

sence of:

� Inflammatory cells,

� Growth factors,

� Enzymes of the local inflammation,

� Cytokines

� Metalloprotease.

Now is obvious that the sciatica can occur when

there is no direct nerve compression [2].

Aim Aim Aim Aim

The aim of this study is to develop a rehabilitation

program and to underline the importance of manual

techniques in the treatment of patients suffering of

low back pain.

Material and methodsMaterial and methodsMaterial and methodsMaterial and methods

The prospective study was conducted on 7 women

and 3 men aged between 38 and 53 years old,

diagnosed with subacute low back pain documented

by medical imagery. They were recruited in

the service of Physical Medicine of the Liège

University Hospital. Physical therapy was performed

for 3 weeks and each patient received three

sessions of physiotherapy per week. The main

criteria for inclusion were: trochanteric pelvic

irradiation, sciatica up to mid-tight or knee. Medical

imagery had to confirm medical condition such as:

arthrosis, degenerative discopathy, disc protrusion,

lumbar disc herniation etc. Exclusion criteria were:

lumbar and sacral fractures, lumbar disc

herniation in acute phase, narrow lumbar canal,

tumor processes. Each therapy session consisted in:

� tractions/pulls,

� passive mobilization of the lumbar area and of the

sacroiliac joints,

� muscle stretching,

� muscle reinforcement and axial isometry (self ex-

pansion, techniques of irradiation, “gainage”

exercises, proprioceptive exercises).

We used a battery of tests in order to evaluate the

effectiveness of this program. Each patient was

evaluated before the first and after the

10th (last) rehabilitation session.



Assessment of lumboAssessment of lumboAssessment of lumboAssessment of lumbo----pelvicpelvicpelvicpelvic----trochanterientrochanterientrochanterientrochanterien mmmmobility obility obility obility

was done with the following tests:

� modified Schober test evaluates the flexibility of

the lumbar spine in flexion. The skin marks used

are the spaces L5/S1. We mark a line at 10 cm

over and another 5cm below this space. The

patient standing, arms along the body, feet joined,

leans forward as far as possible, maintaining all

the time legs outstretched. With a measuring tape,

the assessor measures the distance between

L5/S1-5 cm and the distance between L5/S1+10

cm. In case of normal flexibility, the distance

exceeds 15 cm, with a value between 19.5 and

21 cm.

� Double inclinometers. The patient heats by

performing a few flexion-extension movements.

We place the inclinometers at the D12/L1 and S2.

The patient standing, arms along the body, feet

slightly apart, leans forward as far as possible,

maintaining all the time legs outstretched. The

amplitude of lumbar flexion is obtained by

subtracting the measurement of the inferior

inclinometer (pelvic mobility) of the D12/L1

(lumbar and pelvic additional mobility). The lumbar

and pelvic mobility reach in average 55° [2, 3].

� Lateral tilt: This test assesses the movements of

lateral bending in the thoraco-lumbar spine. The

patient standing, arms along the body, feet joined,

leans on the side leaving the hand down along the

thigh. When it reaches the amplitude maximum,

the assessor measure the distance remaining

between the tip of the medium and the knee

external interline. This distance is considered

positive when the tip of middle finger rest on top

of the knee external interlines [4].This measure-

ment is made on a bilateral basis in order to

compare healthy and pathological side.

� Muscle and ligament imbalance (flexibility of the

psoas in supine position): the patient is placed

supine, buttocks at the edge of table. It keeps the

untested knee bended on his stomach. We used a

goniometer for measuring the angle between the

horizontal and the tight. The center of the

goniometer was placed at the greater trochanter,

one branch it is superimposed on the thigh and

the other is maintained at the horizontal. The

angle is considerate as positive when the tight is

beneath horizontal and negative when it is below.

The standard is 15° beneath horizontal. The two

sides are tested.

� Lasègue supine: The patient is placed supine,

buttocks at the edge of table. We took

the posterior face of the ankle and we lift the

lower limb tested until the patient feels a tension

on the back of the thigh, radiating pain, or to see

a clearing in the pelvis. The two sides are tested

[5]. Assessment is by two scales: 1. triggering of

pain: yes/noand 2. the measuring of the angle

with a goniometer;

� Lasègue seated: The patient is sitting on the table,

both knees bended and the feet into the void, the

upper limbs are folded across the chest. He is

asked to flex her hip with the leg extended at the

knee [5]. The two sides are tested. Assessment

is by two scales: 1. triggering of pain: yes/no and

2. the measuring of the angle with a goniometer;

� Visual Analogue Scale: This scale represents a

horizontal line non-graduated of 10 cm, limited at

its ends by items "no pain" and "worst pain

imaginable. A cursor allows the patient to place his

pain. On the other side of the scale, the physio-

therapist has a graduated scale from one to ten.

The question posed to the patient is “how

much would you rate your pain today?” The

patient move the cursor and the physiotherapist

note the numerical value obtained on the other

side of the scale [6].



Results and discussionResults and discussionResults and discussionResults and discussion

Using the paired t test to compare the data at

baseline and after each therapy session we noticed

a significant differences in 6 tests. We noticed a

significant improvement in the flexibility of lumbar

spine (p=0,05). In the sagittal plan the patients

have a slight mobility deficit and even after the

rehabilitation program they maintained the lack of

mobility at the pelvic level (p=0,09).

We noticed that all patients could perform better

movements of lateral bending in the thoraco-lumbar

spine and especially on the right side (p=0,009).

Evaluation of the flexibility of the psoas shows a

clear improvement on both sides (p=0,002). These

results could be explained by the many stretches

maneuvers performed in our rehabilitation program.

Lasegue supine test showed no pain when the leg

was raised to an angle of at least 80° above the

horizontal. Lasegue sitting test has a deficit on

the painful side during the initial evaluation and

then returns to normal during the final evaluations.

At the 10th session of rehabilitation patients is

better, the pain and functional disability decreased

significantly.

Tabel 1.Tabel 1.Tabel 1.Tabel 1. Arithmetic mean and paired t test of the studied parameters ParametersParametersParametersParameters Baseline Baseline Baseline Baseline After 3 weeks After 3 weeks After 3 weeks After 3 weeks

of interventionof interventionof interventionof intervention

p value p value p value p value

Modified Schober Test - 18.7 21.2 0.05

pelvic mobility 40 44.5 0.09

Double inclinometers lumbar mobility 39.4 45 0.02

right -1 -1.2 0.009 Lateral tilt

left 0.7 -2.86 0.02

right lower limb 20 -9.9 0.002 Flexibility of psoas supine

left lower limb 12.2 -7.6 0.002

right lower limb 66.6 80.8 0.002 Lasègue supine

left lower limb 81.5 87.4 0.05

right lower limb 7.9 0 0.03 Lasègue seated

left lower limb -7.2 -2.4 0.03

Visual Analogue Scale - 4.14 1.73 0.001

Figure 1.Figure 1.Figure 1.Figure 1. The arithmetic mean and paired t test of Schober Figure 2.Figure 2.Figure 2.Figure 2. The arithmetic mean and paired t test of double

Initial

Final Final

Initial



Test inclinometers

Figure 3.Figure 3.Figure 3.Figure 3. The arithmetic mean and paired t test of lateral tilt

Figure 4Figure 4Figure 4Figure 4. The arithmetic mean and paired t test of psoas

Figure 5.Figure 5.Figure 5.Figure 5. The arithmetic mean and paired t test of Lasègue supine

Figure 6.Figure 6.Figure 6.Figure 6. The arithmetic mean and paired t test of Lasègue seates

Figure 7.Figure 7.Figure 7.Figure 7. The arithmetic mean and paired t test of Visual Analogue Scale ConclusionsConclusionsConclusionsConclusions

Physical Therapy is often prescribed for patients with

back pain and other spinal problems. Patients

suffering from low back pain are often referred for

physical therapy for four weeks as an initial

conservative (nonsurgical) treatment option before

considering other more aggressive treatments [7].

The goals of physical therapy are to decrease back

pain, increase function and teach the patient a

maintenance program to prevent future back

problems [8].

We tried to make an original treatment plan, inclu-

ding full and progressive techniques (tractions,

Final

Final

Final

Final

Final

Initial

Initial

Initial Initial

Initial



passive mobilization of the lumbar area and of the

sacroiliac joints, muscle stretching, muscle reinforce-

ment and axial isometry etc).

After 3 weeks of intervention we noticed a significant

improvement at most of the parameters (spine's

flexibility, stability and muscle strength) which

means an increased life quality in patients with low

back pain. After the last evaluation patients had

better clinical outcomes, the pain and functional

disability decreased significantly.

References References References References

1. Kinkade S. (2007)Evaluation and Treatment of Acute Low Back

Pain. American Family Physician; 75(8):1181-8;

2. Refshauge K.M., Maher C.G. (2006) Low back pain investiga-

tions and prognosis: a review. British Journal of Sports

Medicine; 40(6): 494-8;

3. Stein H., Braun Y., Volpin G. (2006) Low back pain.

Orthopedics; 29(3): 229-31;

4. Leteneur S., Gillet C., Sadeghi H., Allard P., Barbier F. (2009)

Effect of trunk inclination on lower limb joint and lumbar

moments in able men during the stance phase of gait. Clinical

Biomechanics; 24 (2): 190-5;

5. Borenstein D.G. (2001) Epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic

evaluation, and treatment of low back pain. Current Opinion in

Rheumatology;13(2): 128-34;

6. Gould D. et al. (2001) Examining the validity of pressure ulcer

risk assessment scales: developing and using illustrated

patient simulations to collect the data Information Point: Visual

Analogue Scale. Journal of Clinical Nursing; 10(5): 697-706;

7. Maher C.G. (2004) Effective physical treatment for chronic low

back pain. The orthopedics clinics of North America 2004;

35(1): 57-64;

8. Brox J.I., Nygaard O.P., Holm I., Keller A., Ingebrigtsen T.,

Reikerås O. (2010) Four-year follow-up of surgical versus non-

surgical therapy for chronic low back pain. Annals of

Rheumatic Diseases; 69(9): 1643-8.

Documents

TimişoaraTimişoara Physical Education Physical Education ... · PDF fileLigia Rusu Physical Educa tion and Sport Faculty, University of Craiova Mirela Vasilescu Physical Education