International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports
Kinematic Analysis of the Serve Toss and its Impact on Serve Outcome in Competitive and Recreational Tennis Players: A Case Study
The serve toss is crucial for executing a successful and effective serve in tennis. The aim is to determine the relationship between the toss and the success of the flat serve between the female recreational and competitive tennis players. We observed 2 recreational and 8 competitive female tennis players who served 40 flat serves. They were videotaped on a high-speed camera (200Hz) from a side view. We used kinematic data and observed the toss peak and racket-ball contact. Based on the 2D kinematic analysis, we evaluated the toss peak and the racket-ball contact of the serves: 1) in (good serves) 2) into the net 3) fault-long 4) fault-wide. Recreational players contacted the balls slightly higher and reached slower serve speed compared to competitive players. The competitive players had racket-ball contact about 40 cm closer to the net compared with the recreational players. In addition, the toss variability was bigger for the recreational players. Toss training is very important for players, especially in relation to their own coordination for serving, so it is important to pay a lot of attention to the toss and its practice.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jan Carboch, Denisa Hrychová (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reactive Strength Index Modified Differentiates Starters and Non-Starters in Female Volleyball National Team Players
Jumping ability is crucial in volleyball, where both jump height and execution speed significantly influence performance. Previous research has yielded mixed findings on the role of jump force-time characteristics in determining starting status among female volleyball players. This study examined the relationship between countermovement jump (CMJ) force-time metrics and starting status in elite female volleyball players to identify key performance indicators. Nine national team athletes (five starters, four non-starters) performed CMJs on a force platform. Force-time variables from distinct jump phases were analyzed. Reactive strength index modified (RSImod)—the ratio of jump height to time to take-off—was used to assess lower-body explosiveness and reactive strength. Starters demonstrated significantly higher RSImod scores and relative propulsive mean force, indicating superior ability to generate force rapidly. Moderate-to-large effect sizes favoring greater relative strength (force and power normalized to body mass) were observed but were not statistically significant. Reactive strength, as reflected by RSImod, is a key differentiator of starting status in elite female volleyball players. Relative strength also appears to contribute to performance but requires further exploration. Training programs should prioritize lower-body power and reactive strength through targeted plyometric and resistance exercises to enhance volleyball performance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Idan Harat, Nadav Lanesman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of Music and Lyrics on Activity Level and Perceived Enjoyment in Elementary Physical Education
Previous research has indicted that music is a strong motivator while participating in noncompetitive (e.g. walking, running, weightlifting) and competitive (e.g. sprinting, ultramarathon, road cycling) activities as it stimulates positive affective valence, distract exercisers and athletes from exertion and fatigue, and consequently yield greater physical performance. Some of these affective and physical effects have been found in the limited body of empirical research in K-12 physical education (PE) settings. There is also a lack of research regarding the effects of music lyrics, also in comparison with gender and grade, on pupils’ physical and affective responses in PE. Using factorial analysis of variances, this study aimed to examine the effects of music conditions (i.e. music with lyrics, music without lyrics, no music), grade, and gender on the activity level and perceived enjoyment of three kindergarten and three fifth grade classes. Findings revealed significant main effects for music condition, grade, and gender on the physical measures and for gender on the perceived enjoyment. Significant grade × condition interactions were found in the physical measures and significant gender × condition interactions were detected in the perceived enjoyment. One key conclusion indicates that music with lyrics (a) seems to accompany well with activities that require less higher-order thinking skills, and (b) may be a distraction to pupils’ focus when tactics and strategies are involved. Future research in this area is warranted to provide PE teachers with the most motivating music catered to different classes by gender, grade, and activity type.
Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA)
Copyright (c) 2025 YuChun Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Scanning Differences between Small-Sided and Full-Sized Games in Elite Youth Footballers
The aim of this study was to compare the scanning activity of elite youth footballers across 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 game formats. The participants were outfield under 12 footballers (N = 60) born between 1st September 2011 and 31st August 2012 from a Premier League category 1 football academy in the UK. Observational analysis on scan frequency as well as critical scan frequency, the scan situation, the play type and technical action outcomes from the scan were all undertaken. As game formats decreased in player number and pitch size, scanning activity increased. Positional, situational and technical action scanning differences were found between game formats. The most meaningful differences in scan activity across game formats were highlighted during defensive actions and between positions. This study is the first known to explore scanning differences between small-sided and full-sized games, with results suggesting small-sided games may not replicate the scanning situations found in full-sized games. Until further research is conducted, coaches should be aware that small-sided games may influence skill transfer.
Copyright (c) 2025 Smith S.M, Conway K (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Three-Year Analysis of Overweight and Obesity in Central Alabama Children
Obesity among children and adolescents is on the rise and are associated with high blood pressure, lipid abnormalities, diabetes, and sleep apnea. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents from Central Alabama over three years. Additionally, this study examined the association between obesity and the following variables: resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and blood glucose. The data set used in this study included 1,198 male and female children between the ages of 5 and 14 living in Central Alabama. Body Mass Index (BMI) Percentile, resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and blood glucose were collected annually from 2015 to 2017. BMI percentile was used to determine the prevalence of obesity both overall and by age group (younger vs. older) and by sex for each year. One-way analysis of covariance examined the relationship between BMI percentile (underweight, normal, overweight, or obese) and resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and blood glucose when controlling for sex. The relationships were assessed using the group overall and separately by age (younger vs. older) and sex. Older children in the study, particularly older females, were likelier to have BMIs in the top quartile for percentiles. Males were more likely to have higher glucose scores than females. The data indicates that children’s BMI percentiles continue to rise as they age, which may lead to poor outcomes later in life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Beziat T.L.R, Russell A.R, Langham G, Taylor J.K (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Rule Changes on Performance Parameters for Women's Water Polo Over Three Seasons
Water polo’s rule changes are proposed to improve performance throw a faster game with more goals, less wrestling and more technical skills. The rule changes may modify the players' perception and game actions. However, there are some critical differences between male and female water polo teams. To date, we have not found any study about female water polo rule changes effects over the seasons. This study aimed to verify the effects of water polo rule changes on the performance of female elite-level teams over the three seasons. The data were collected through official game reports from the European water polo league for female tournaments, totaling 63 matches. Goals, goals per quarter, exclusion fouls, and penalty fouls were registered and analyzed. Mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all variables. Generalized estimating equations were applied to compare the variables in the three moments. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated. SPSS 20.0 was used in all analyses. The alpha significance level was established at 0.05. No statistical differences were found over seasons' post-water polo rule changes for goals, goals per quarter, exclusion fouls, and penalty fouls variables, and the effect sizes were just from trivial to small. The 2019 and 2021 water polo rule changes do not provoke statistical effects in female water polo teams over the 2019/2020, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons.
Copyright (c) 2024 Diego Paixão, Isadora Villanova, José Werner, Gabriel Aguiar, Flavio Castro (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Review of Scientific Methods for Measuring Body Composition: Advancements and Emerging Techniques
The present research paper's goal is to examine the most recent, accurate, and useful techniques for measuring human body composition. The techniques to measure Human body composition are continuously being met by emerging data results. Key efforts include the usage of imaging to help explain ectopic fat depots, quantifiable magnetic resonance for entire body water, fat and lean tissue measurement, and multi-divisional and multi-repetitive bioelectrical impedance analysis. Assessments of total body fat, fat-free mass, total body water, bone mineral content, cellular water, visceral, subcutaneous, skeletal muscle, major organs, and abnormal body fat depots are all approved using the relevant methodologies. The need for a method that generates data on biological and metabolic processes is constant. Clinicians and scientists can measure a variety of body elements and, observe changes in health and disease with implications for understanding the effectiveness of nutritional and medical disruptions, assessment, deterrence, and treatment in clinical settings. This is made possible by the wide range of measurable characteristics, analytical techniques, and designated total body composition models. The increased requirement to comprehend health risk precursors starting before conception has left a gap in the proper assessment techniques, with implementation starting during gestation, or foetal development.
Copyright (c) 2024 Uppal A.K, Abhijit Upadhyay (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Could Nasal Breathing During Exercise Inhibit the Development of Cardiac Fibrosis and Arrhythmia Associated with Endurance Training? A Brief Literature Review with Theoretical Analysis
The increased incidence of myocardial scarring and atrial fibrillation in lifelong endurance athletes has been attributed to a dose-response relationship resulting from high-volume, high-intensity training carried out over the long term. However, this outcome is contradictory to and inconsistent with the well-established benefits of cardiovascular endurance training. In this short literature review along with theoretical analysis from previously published data, we propose that an athlete's breathing technique may play a role in this process. Based on current evidence, it is plausible that adapting to nasal-only breathing during exercise may be a viable strategy for endurance athletes to mitigate the relative hyperventilation created by breathing orally during exercise, and counter the conditions conducive to myocardial ischemia. Breathing nasally could increase myocardial blood flow at a given exercise intensity compared to breathing orally, with the most significant effects likely to occur at the highest intensities of exercise, and thereby prevent pathogenic myocardial changes. In particular, the higher pulmonary end-tidal carbon dioxide values seen while using nasal breathing during exercise suggest that arterial carbon dioxide may be relatively higher in the nasal breathing condition, thereby acting as a vasodilator to increase myocardial perfusion. Consequently, a nasal breathing approach during exercise might attenuate the effects of exercise-induced myocardial vasoconstriction and ischemia produced by breathing orally which is a probable mechanism for the increased myocardial fibrosis and arrhythmia seen in endurance athletes without concurrent cardiovascular disease, making it a topic worthy of increased research focus.
Copyright (c) 2024 Kathryn Raphael, Martin Mcphilimey, George Dallam (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigating Key Factors Influencing Adhesion and Adherence in Weight Training
The practice of weight training can result in many benefits for its practitioners, however the proportion of individuals who practice weight training regularly is low. The objective of this study was to investigate the reasons for adhesion and adherence in weight training. The sample was composed of 75 participants, men and women, who practice weight training, in a gym located in Florianópolis, Brazil. Data was collected using a questionnaire, which resulted in health and quality of life being the main reasons for joining and adhering to weight training. In relation to the characteristics of the gym that contribute to the for adhesion and adherence, the following were identified: the location of the gym, the financial cost, the technical qualifications and the service of the professionals. Through these results, Physical Education professionals will be able to create loyalty strategies for their students, taking into account the reasons for exercising at that location.
Copyright (c) 2024 Juliane Bregalda, Marlon de Araújo Daniel, Maria Eduarda Venera, Thiago Sousa Matias, Rodrigo Ferrari, Rodrigo Sudatti Delevatti (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Injury Occurrence and Localization in Tennis: Perspectives on Prevention and Physiotherapy
Injuries happens in sports involving human movement, with the heightened demands of the sport often correlating with increased injury risk. Tennis, in particular, presents notable challenges as the repetitive motions involved can lead to muscle imbalances and varying levels of strain across different parts of the body. In this narrative literature review, we included 69 studies with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of tennis-related injuries and offering insights into physiotherapy interventions for prevention and recovery. The first part of our review is on the most prevalent tennis injuries and their anatomical localization. It is noteworthy that injuries predominantly occur during matches rather than in training sessions. These injuries span a wide range, encompassing both acute and chronic conditions, affecting various parts of the body. Notably, muscle-tendon injuries are common, with frequent occurrences in areas such as the thigh, ankle, knee, and shoulder. Furthermore, it is observed that men suffer from back injuries compared to women. In the subsequent section, we delve into specific body regions and their associated injuries in greater detail. Our analysis leads to the recommendation that tennis players should engage with physiotherapists early in their sports careers for injury recovery and mainly for prevention measures. Collaboration with physiotherapists can significantly mitigate the risk of injuries and enhance overall performance and longevity in the sport.
Copyright (c) 2024 Jan Carboch, Gabriela Váchová (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of the oxidative profile in leukocytes of jiu jtisu athletes
Oxidative stress is a process where there is an increase in reactive species, both oxygen and nitrogen. This can happen at both systemic and mitochondrial levels. One of the physiological conditions currently associated with oxidative stress is high-performance physical activity. In this way, it is possible to relate that this problem impacts on sports competitions, especially in Jiu-Jitsu, a growing sport in the world and which demands intense physical effort. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the level of mitochondrial and systemic oxidation in leukocytes of jiu-jitsu athletes. 20 adult men were selected for the control group and 13 athletes for the experimental group. A blood collection was performed to perform MTT and chemiluminescence assays for an analysis of mitochondrial and systemic oxidation, respectively. In addition, two reactive nitrogen species were measured: nitric oxide and peroxynitrite. The evaluation of the leukocyte reducing capacity by MTT showed that the athletes presented a greater reducing environment compared to the control. On the other hand, the chemiluminescence evaluation showed that the athletes' leukocytes showed greater systemic oxidation. There was an increase in both reactive nitrogen species in alteta leukocytes. Given this, it was possible to notice that the athletes presented greater systemic oxidative stress, but with mitochondria with better adaptive capacity to the cell's metabolic demands.
Copyright (c) 2024 Peixoto B.E, Santos C.M, de Araújo G.R, Chaves M.M, Franco F.N (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dance Pedagogy used by Physical Education Teachers in Enhancing Skill Acquisition, Mastery and Self-Image
Effective teaching practices in dance cover a variety of theoretical and practical approaches and techniques and individual teaching and learning styles. This study focused on dance pedagogy used by physical education teachers in enhancing skill acquisition, mastery, and self-image. Specifically, the study investigated the extent of the use of dance pedagogy by physical education teachers in five teacher education institutions to enhance skill acquisition, mastery, and self-image. The total number of participants of the study was twenty-three (23) wherein fifteen (15) were females and eight (8) males and with experiences in teaching ranging from 1 to 25 years. A questionnaire comprising 65 items that exemplify the sixteen dance teaching guidelines for strengthening students' dance skill acquisition, knowledge, and self-image was used to gather data supported by classroom observation. The items were adapted from the sixteen guidelines for teaching and learning identified by Mainwaring and Krasnow, which were categorized into three major areas: process and goals, influences that affect dancers' progress, and structure and content of the class. The data were treated using descriptive statistical tools. The results showed that the physical education teachers always practice dance pedagogies that enhance dance skill acquisition, mastery, and self-image. Dance pedagogies are needed to maximize the potential of every learner who wants to progress and become their best.
Copyright (c) 2024 Sheila Marie C. Magat, Teresita D. Ignacio, Benny Kristoffer B. Duriano (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Navigating Covid-19 Challenges – How Physical Education Teachers Skillfully Applied Their Expertise
Physical education (PE) is challenging to teach in a face-to-face setup due to its rigorous physical activities (PA). This challenge intensified with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a shift toward exclusively adopting distance learning education (DLE) or online education (OE). Since there is a lack of elaboration on the challenges encountered by PE teachers in teaching the subject in such a setup and understanding the solutions they have implemented for its successful delivery, this study reviews available studies to understand this case. Using a systematic literature review (SLR) bounded by inclusion-exclusion criteria, 39 Philippine studies were screened and considered for review. Despite PE teachers confronting a series of challenges and these hurdles demanding a paradigm shift in teaching strategies, particularly in maintaining physical engagement and connection in a virtual setting, these challenges spurred resilience and innovation. In particular, interprofessional collaboration for pedagogical resilience, adaptation of innovative pedagogies, improving technological proficiency, and dealing with remote environments are commendable actions that PE teachers demonstrated in times of DLE/OE. The study concludes that PE teachers demonstrated a commitment to collective success, similar to other subjects, by providing students with a diverse educational journey despite the nature of the subject.
Copyright (c) 2024 Dennis Mokyat Daw-as, John Rey Osben Pelila (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Body Composition in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts
The primary aim of this study was to examine the body composition of young female rhythmic gymnasts and draw comparative insights from the collected data. Additionally, the results were compared with other studies that shared identical or analogous research objectives. 36 girls divided into three age groups participated in the research: Group 1 (age: 8.57 ± 0.66), group 2 (age: 10.32 ± 0.48) and group 3 (age: 12.90 ± 0.74). Body composition was determined using an octopolar bioelectrical impedance analysis device InBody 370. Among the various variables assessed, the groups exhibited statistically significant differences across most parameters, with exception of body fat (%). Our results, consistent with prior research studies, revealed that our participants also exhibited the characteristic body composition commonly observed in rhythmic gymnastics. These findings suggest that rhythmic gymnastics primarily affects body weight and the percentage of body fat tissue, while also contributing to the development of muscle mass over years of training and sports experience.
Copyright (c) 2024 Semir Mašić, Amila Hodžić, Xela Dafauce Bouzo (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Influence of Sports on Student-Athletes’ Competitive Mindsets during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Sports aim to enhance an individual’s formation through organized physical and mental involvement. As sports participation promotes teamwork and dedication, athletes develop sportsmanship, mindfulness, and mental toughness, which brings out their confidence. While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused distress and tested the resilience of people, the effects of the situation on student-athlete mindset and competitiveness remain unresolved. With Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory as its foreshadowing theory, this qualitative study focused on the experiences of 10 high school to collegiate student-athletes from a private university in Manila who were asked about their mindsets during the COVID-19 pandemic. After analyzing the data from the transcribed interviews through thematic analysis and the use of the Tracy Coding Matrix, findings revealed the effects of Bandura’s sources of self-efficacy expectations that influenced the student-athletes’ will to win, particularly performance accomplishments, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and emotional arousal. The researchers found that sports affect student-athletes’ competitive mindsets by developing their traits, such as self-confidence, motivation, self-assurance, self-reformation, and wellness. Although sports participation also caused feelings of insecurity and pressure among the participants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, student-athletes were able to adapt, particularly through being supported by their environment. With this, some of the findings suggest that a social circle's presence may ignite student-athletes' drive for victory but may also demotivate them. Finally, the findings of the study may be used to understand student-athlete behavior and strategies such as positive reinforcement and goal-setting may be used to improve their mentalities.
Copyright (c) 2024 Annika Zeline A. Peralta, Francheska Jeen T. Rafailes, Guilliana Grace G. Paez, Eljay Marco T. Vista, Franz Jaynan B. Rivera, Joram Kim B. Corcuera (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Challenges and Interventions of Physical Education Teachers in Assessing Students' Learning in the Online Modality
Despite the emergence of several studies on online learning in Physical Education (PE) research, little has been mentioned about the assessment of learning outcomes in PE. This qualitative research aimed to understand the challenges and intervention strategies of PE teachers in assessing learning outcomes in the online modality. Nine elementary PE teachers from the laboratory elementary schools in Baguio City, Philippines participated in a semi-structured interview. The findings revealed that elementary PE teachers were faced with challenges in assessing PE learning online, but made interventions to these challenges. Three themes surfaced to describe the challenges: challenges in viewing students’ output, challenges in trusting, and challenges in monitoring students. The two themes described the interventions as differentiating students’ requirements and collaborating with parents. In assessing the PE learning outcomes online, the participants found it difficult; however, they realized that finding ways to overcome these difficulties is part of what teachers should do. The findings offer valuable insights that can inform and guide PE teachers in effectively assessing students' learning outcomes in the online learning modality.
Copyright (c) 2024 Claire Irish C. Balay-as, Maureen Jane O. Bandoc (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Predictive Modeling of Heart Rate Dynamics based on Physical Characteristics and Exercise Parameters: A Machine Learning Approach
To accurately forecast heart rate changes during exercise, which is essential for customized health monitoring and improving training regimens, it is necessary to comprehend both the physiological foundations and the technical capacities for data processing. This research utilizes Machine Learning (ML) methodologies to predict heart rate reactions based on physical characteristics and activity variables. Our research focuses on the health and sports aspects of our results, using a comprehensive dataset that includes a wide range of activity types and ambient circumstances across 12,000 sets. We establish a connection between the ability of models such as Linear Regression (LR) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) to predict outcomes and their practical use in exercise management and optimizing athlete performance. These models accurately forecast variations in heart rate and also provide insights into the cardiovascular demands of various physical activities. Standard metrics measure the effectiveness of these models. The Linear Regression (LR) model achieved a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.419, a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.294, a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.543, and an R-Squared value of 0.997. On the other hand, the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) Regressor model achieved a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.421, a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.335, a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.578, and an R-Squared value of 0.996. These metrics demonstrate the usefulness of these models in real-world scenarios. Our study's findings demonstrate that the combination of physiological data and powerful machine learning models may improve an individual's comprehension of fitness levels and the requirements for adaptive training. This study not only adds to the field of computational physiology, but it also aids in the creation of adaptive, real-time therapies for improving health and performance.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mahmoud Ali, Ahmed Abdelsallam, Ahmed Rasslan, Abdallah Rabee (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative Analysis of Kinetic Responses and Injury Risk During Landing from 45 cm Height: A Study of Barefoot vs. Sports Shoes Conditions
Jumping and landing biomechanics are closely related to the risk of acute injury due to prolonged exposure to high-ground reaction forces in basketball-like sports, which can lead to lower-limb musculoskeletal injuries in the hip, knee, and ankle. Footwear greatly impacts jumping mechanics, but going barefoot provides a unique perspective on how the human body interacts with the ground. This study aims to find out the kinetic responses during drop landing from 45 cm height with and without sports shoe conditions. Twenty-five healthy young adults were volunteers for this study. Kinetic parameters were recorded and processed by using Quattro Jump force plat and Mars Quarter performance analysis software. Data were presented as mean ± SD values and statistical analysis was performed using statistical software package SPSS-26. The drop landing data of with and without shoe shows scattered parameters with maximum forces of 4706.12N and 5393.04N at 45 cm height, indicating a 66% and 75% risk of metatarsal injury. The stabilization force was 632.64N and 623.64N at 45 cm, reached at 0.58s and 0.66s respectively. Time from Max Force to MFBS Regression analysis indicated a low R-squared value and a random fit plot. In barefoot (without shoe) conditions, the initial contact force, and maximum force were 85.71% and 13.60% higher (250N and 5393.04N respectively) compared to landing with shoes (100N and 4706.12N). However, the stabilization force was higher (632.64N) when landing with shoes compared to landing barefoot (623.64N). As a result, the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and joint stress was higher when landing barefoot due to the higher initial contact force and maximum force. On the other hand, landing with shoes enhances balance and stability due to the higher stabilization force.
Copyright (c) 2024 Madhusudan Pal, Ayan Maity, Bawa Resume Chauhan, Hardik Juneja, Mohit Kumar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Soccer Coaching Methods: Design and Validation of a Measurement Instrument
Soccer coaches, although not prominently featured in the foreground, are essential to the outcomes of the sport. They are key figures between athletes and organizational goals. Choosing, retaining, and developing the greatest athletes is the cornerstone to a successful coaching career. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire that was determine the characteristic soccer coaching styles. A experimental study involved the participation of 207 soccer coaches (B, A and PRO UEFA coaching license). The questionnaire comprises 14 themes and consists of 65 items designed to evaluate soccer coaching styles, developed from the updated Leadership Scale for Sport. The validation of the developed instrument in this empirical study was conducted using two procedures: (1) factor analysis (PCA with oblique rotation) and (2) an internal consistency assessment (Scale Reliability Analysis – Cronbach's Alpha). Nineteen significant factors were extracted, and they are as follows: Player contribution to the game system; Cooperation/ Opinions; Implementation of coach's requirements; Teaching; Motivation; Conflict resolution; Informations; Sanction; Expressing an opinion; Error correction at own discretion; Highlighting the good and bad sides of players; Instructions; Team goal setting; Highlighting positivism/ negativism; The coach's personal expectations; Team solutions; Strategy creation; Social support; The influence of the team on coaching decision-making. By analyzing the data, it was determined that “B” football coaches are characterized by the coaching style "positive feedback", “A” soccer coaches by the "training and instructor" and "positive feedback" styles, while “PRO” coaches are characterized by the "positive feedback" style and a slightly lower frequency by the "training and instructor" style. Using only one coaching/leadership style is certainly a limiting factor, as different situations require different coaching approaches.
Copyright (c) 2024 Alen Ćirić, Šemso Ormanović, Nedim Čović, Denis Čaušević (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Physical Exercise as a Modulator of the Levels of Leptin/Adiponectin Relation and Inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important factor of loss of quality of life and high rates of morbidity and mortality, where cardiovascular diseases are the main responsible for this poorer prognosis. It is verified that CKD is associated with high inflammatory levels in the body, or that it seems to contribute to these cardiovascular events. Thus, CKD is characterized by a high inflammatory profile, as well as possibly a large imbalance in adipokines due to changes in body composition. Thus, adiponectin and leptin emerge as possible inflammatory modulators, although their popular effects are not completely elucidated. On the other hand, it is proven that physical exercise can be a great tool in the treatment of CKD and in the modulation of biomarkers, stimulating in an anti-inflammatory way and promoting an adjustment in the main causes of morbidity and mortality in this population. Thus, this review seeks to elucidate the role of exercise as a modulator of inflammation and the leptin/adiponectin relationship in order to contribute to the better quality of life of this population, in addition to demonstrating the important role that exercise can exert in modulation of these biomarkers, aiming to minimize the cardiovascular effects that these biomarkers exert on this population.
Copyright (c) 2024 Enzo Gheller, Matheus Ribeiro Bizuti, Keroli Eloiza Tessaro Silva, Maria Eduarda Simon, Jardel Cristiano Ecco, Andre Costa, Betina Drehmer, Kailane Pretto, Renata Calciolari Rossi, Débora Tavares Resende e Silva (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effectiveness of Lifetime Fitness Course Activities in Improving Movement Efficiency
University physical education courses are meant to teach the fundamentals of various sports and exercise techniques. The main purpose of this study was to determine how effective lifetime fitness (LF) courses in higher education can enhance movement efficiency (ME). Eleven participants performed the Fusionetics movement efficiency test at the beginning, middle, and end of the academic semester. Overall ME scores showed a significant effect, whereby the scores increased from the pre- to the mid-test but fell from the mid- to the post-test. Both the 1- and 2-leg squat subtests revealed a similar pattern. The second half of the semester's increased use of endurance-based class activities may have caused the ME score to decline.
Copyright (c) 2024 Sarah Ruckman, Jaeho Shim, Yunsuk Koh, Teresa Bachman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cross-Faculty Analysis of Physical Fitness and Health Metrics among Turkish University Students
This research examined the health-related physical fitness profile, body composition, and musculoskeletal fitness of students enrolled in various departments at a university. Using a cross-sectional experimental approach, 130 participants (age: 22.49 ± 3.84 years; weight: 69.09 ± 17.6 kg; height: 169.4 ± 9.9 cm; 55% male and 45% female) were recruited, representing the Faculties of Architecture and Design (n=20), Engineering (n=20), Gastronomy and Culinary (n=20), Health Sciences (n=20), and Sports Sciences (n=50). Data were analyzed to assess normal distribution using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and descriptive statistics of mean, frequency distributions, and percentages to answer the research questions. Physical fitness indicators across various groups were compared using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The findings indicated that students enrolled in the Faculty of Sports Sciences exhibited higher levels of health-related physical fitness compared to their counterparts in other faculties. Significant differences were identified in body fat percentage, flexibility, upper and lower muscle strength, and cardiovascular endurance. This research underscores the importance of cross studies to monitor the evolution of health-related physical fitness among Turkish university students over time.
Copyright (c) 2024 Esra Büyükvesek, Seyed Houtan Shahidi, Eimuhi Karl E (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Foot Dimension among Indian Population: A Pilot Study
Foot anthropometry involves measuring the dimensions and shapes of the human foot, crucial for designing footwear that improves athletic performance and reduces the risk of injuries by offering adequate support and matching natural biomechanics. This study aimed to gather foot anthropometric data from both males and females and compare foot dimensions between the two to develop specific footwear. A total of 204 male and female volunteers, with an average age of 28.20 ± 12.95 years, participated in the study, and 15-foot measurements were taken using 3D foot scanner equipment. All data was analyzed using SPSS software version 26. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare differences between the right and left feet of males and females. Significant differences were found in various measurements of the left feet, including 'foot length', 'foot width', 'heel circumference', 'toe circumference', 'waist circumference', 'ankle circumference', 'thumb height', 'toe width', 'heel center width', 'lateral malleolus length', 'medial malleolus length', 'Spherion height', and 'instep circumference'; however, no significant difference was observed in 'foot arch height'. This study also showed that all parameters differed significantly between the right and left feet in both males and females. The Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test revealed no significant difference in ‘foot arch height’ between males and females, but thumb height did show a significant difference between the left and right feet of females. These precise anthropometric measurements are crucial for ensuring the proper fit of footwear, insights into this variability, allow makers to make footwear that accommodates a wide range of users enhancing control, stability, and response during daily activity. Different activity requires different leg movements and support, and precise foot anthropometry can help customize footwear to meet the unique requirements of each activity.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rajib Jana, Ayan Maity, Rizwan Ahmad, Sugata Das Kumar, Madhusudan Pal (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of Sleep Behaviors in Male Football Players Participating in Youth Football Leagues
This article addresses a research study aimed at evaluating the sleep behaviors of young football players in Turkey. The research was conducted using a correlational survey design. The population consisted of male football players participating in the Turkey Football U 19 Elite A, U 17 Elite A, U 17 Elite B, U 19 Regional Development, U 17 Regional Development, and U 16 Development leagues, with a sample size of 203 players. Statistical methods such as normality analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for analysis. The study found no statistically significant differences in the variables of football year, position status, training day, regular medication use status, education level, and sleep duration among young football players. The data revealed that young players who stayed with friends at home or alone had higher sleep quality compared to those staying with their families at home. When analyzed according to the computer and phone usage variable, except for the sleep disorder factor, all sub-dimensions favored those using computers and phones. Regarding the playing status in development leagues, significant results were found in the sports factor sub-dimension for U 19 Elite A and U 19 Regional Development league players in relation to sleep quality factors. According to ASBQ Total Score averages, the values of U 19 Elite A league players were more significant compared to U 17 Elite A league players and U 16 Development league players. Regarding the sleep problem status variable, players indicating sleep problems had statistically higher values in sleep quality factors, Habitual sleep efficiency factors, and ASBQ Total Scores. In conclusion, it can be stated that there is a direct relationship between sleep and performance among U 19 Elite A young football players, and they act with this awareness.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ömer İlker Şahin, Mahmut Açak, Hakan Buyukcelebi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0