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Sports Studies

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Articles 331 - 360 of 1875

Full-Text Articles in Health and Physical Education

A211: Ai-Driven Strategic Frameworks For Sport Event Propagation Under Media Affordance Theory, Wenqian Yao, Jingwang Zhang Jan 2026

A211: Ai-Driven Strategic Frameworks For Sport Event Propagation Under Media Affordance Theory, Wenqian Yao, Jingwang Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The advancement of intelligent technology has transformed interaction models across communication ecosystems, encompassing production, dissemination, and consumption. Exemplified by the Paris Olympics’ 180+ intelligent communication domains, “AI + Sports” has emerged as an industry paradigm. This study employs media affordance theory to analyze AI’s transformative role in sports communication and associated ethical challenges, offering insights for cultivating a robust digital sports ecosystem. Method: This study investigates the application pathways of artificial intelligence in 20 major sports events held between 2000 and 2024. Data on application frequency, audience feedback, and other relevant metrics w collected to analyze the impact patterns of …


A212: Experimental Study On The Kdl Physical Education Curriculum Promoting Preschoolers’ Gross Motor Development, Zhen Li, Xiao Niu, Normah Binti Jusoh, Yong Liu, Zhongji Hao Jan 2026

A212: Experimental Study On The Kdl Physical Education Curriculum Promoting Preschoolers’ Gross Motor Development, Zhen Li, Xiao Niu, Normah Binti Jusoh, Yong Liu, Zhongji Hao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Early childhood is a critical stage for the development of fundamental motor skills, with gross motor skills being the primary focus. Effective development of gross motor skills lays a foundation for learning complex movements during adolescence. Research confirmed that gross motor skills also directly affect Preschoolers’ perceptual, cognitive, and social adaptability development. This study explores the effectiveness of the "KDL Physical Education and Health Curriculum" in promoting gross motor skills development in preschoolers, aiming to enhance their overall health. From September to December 2024, 167 Preschoolers from primary, middle, and senior classes at Yijing Road Kindergarten in Chongqing Liangjiang New …


A213: Somatosensory Interactive Technology On Postural Balance In Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review, Changhui Peng, Lei Zhang, Xueping Wu, Xingyu Shi Jan 2026

A213: Somatosensory Interactive Technology On Postural Balance In Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review, Changhui Peng, Lei Zhang, Xueping Wu, Xingyu Shi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor coordination impairments and motor learning difficulties. Compared with typically developing children, children with DCD often exhibit deficits in postural control, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. This study used a systematic review method to review the relevant evidence of video-game interventions in children with DCD, aiming to explore the mechanisms of somatosensory interaction technology on balance ability of children with DCD, and provide evidence-based recommendations for parents, teachers, and rehabilitation therapists. A PICO framework was constructed to systematically search Chinese and English literature on the intervention of video games on balance …


A208: Application Of Artificial Intelligence In Posture Correction, Jiaqi Wu Jan 2026

A208: Application Of Artificial Intelligence In Posture Correction, Jiaqi Wu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

In the modern fast-paced life, poor postures are extremely common, leading to many health problems such as neck pain and back pain. Posture correction is of great significance for maintaining physical health, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has opened a new path for posture correction. Posture correction means using specific means to restore and maintain the correct body posture. This study aims to systematically review the application of AI in the field of posture correction, clarify its advantages, limitations, and future development trends. A comprehensive search was carried out in domestic and foreign authoritative databases for research …


A220: Work Memory Of Adhd Children: A Network Meta-Analysis Of The Effects Of Different Exercise Modalities, Bingjian Dai, Xuewen Wang, Shuxin Chen, Dongfei Liu Jan 2026

A220: Work Memory Of Adhd Children: A Network Meta-Analysis Of The Effects Of Different Exercise Modalities, Bingjian Dai, Xuewen Wang, Shuxin Chen, Dongfei Liu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical exercise, spanning from early childhood to adulthood, exerts positive influences on cognitive function. This study employed systematic review, network meta-analysis, and traditional meta-analysis to investigate the interventional effects of exercise on working memory in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Relevant literature was retrieved from multiple databases. After screening and data extraction, study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias analysis were conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 18.0 to evaluate the impact of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD Among 1,296 screened studies, 49 met …


A218: Efficacy Of Kinesio Tape For Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Tingting Mo, Xinlong Zhang, Shilun Hou Jan 2026

A218: Efficacy Of Kinesio Tape For Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Tingting Mo, Xinlong Zhang, Shilun Hou

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults and is a very common musculoskeletal system disorder. The incidence of plantar fasciitis is relatively high among sports enthusiasts, especially those involved in high-intensity, high-impact sports. Kinesio tape has the functions of relieving pain, correcting muscle function, and increasing body sensation. Currently, kinesio tape has been gradually applied to the treatment of the disease, but its effectiveness is unclear. The aim of this review is to assess how kinesio tape interventions affect pain and ankle and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. PubMed, Scopus, Web …


A226: The Application And Exploration Of An Ai Agent In Physical Education Teaching, Yali Si, Sumei Yu Jan 2026

A226: The Application And Exploration Of An Ai Agent In Physical Education Teaching, Yali Si, Sumei Yu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, AI-Agent, as a new type of educational technology tool, has gradually attracted widespread attention. As a system based on generative large-scale intelligent models, AI-Agent possesses core capabilities such as environmental perception, autonomous decision-making, and complex task execution. In the field of physical education, this technology holds significant application potential, particularly in personalized teaching, multimodal data processing, and enhancing teaching efficiency. However, current research on the application of AI agents in physical education is relatively scarce. This study explores the application of AI-Agent in physical education, analyzes its advantages, and investigates methods for …


A227: Eliminate Or Evolve: Digital Transformation Of Paris 2024 Olympics Under Olympic Ai Agenda, Tong Zheng Jan 2026

A227: Eliminate Or Evolve: Digital Transformation Of Paris 2024 Olympics Under Olympic Ai Agenda, Tong Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been promoting sports digitalization since the early 2000s, with the Olympic Agenda 2020 and the Olympic AI Agenda in 2024 providing strategic frameworks for this transformation. This paper examines how digital and AI technologies were applied at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the first Games guided by the exploration of impact on the Olympic movement and global sports landscape. Method: Using literature reviews and case studies from academic platforms like CNKI, WanFang, and Web of Science, this study analyzes digital transformation examples at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. AI empowering the Olympics under the "Agenda" …


A228: Preservation And Dissemination Of Taijiquan Culture In Digital Perspective, Songqi Wang, Bin Yan Jan 2026

A228: Preservation And Dissemination Of Taijiquan Culture In Digital Perspective, Songqi Wang, Bin Yan

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

One of China’s most iconic cultural traditions has increasingly gained: Taijiquned global recognition: Taijiquned. However, rapid digitalization has significantly changed young people's cultural preferences and participation habits, posing challenges to traditional methods of cultural preservation, which often fail to resonate with youth, creating a noticeable disconnect. This study examines the potential of digital communication—especially short videos, livestreaming, and social media—to preserve and disseminate Taijiquan culture through interactive, youth-oriented methods. Specifically, it empirically explores whether digital media strategies effectively improve younger generations’ cultural awareness, participation motivation, and cultural identity, aiming to provide practical insights for digital heritage protection. A randomized controlled …


A224: 15–17-Year-Old Student Swimmers Undergoing High-Altitude Training On Water Load Characteristics, Jiayi Lyu, Yuqi Wang, Xinyi Li Jan 2026

A224: 15–17-Year-Old Student Swimmers Undergoing High-Altitude Training On Water Load Characteristics, Jiayi Lyu, Yuqi Wang, Xinyi Li

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the continuous improvement of swimming competition level, high-altitude training, as a scientific and effective training method, has received attention from swimmers. Both professional teams and amateur sports schools give widespread attention to high-altitude training. The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of the three-week high-altitude training load of 15-17 male student swimmers and analyze whether it is effective for competition results. Ten male student swimmers (national level one or above) aged 15-17 years old were selected as the subjects and underwent a three-week high-altitude training at an altitude of 1900 meters. Method: The research method uses …


A207: Ai Era And Sports Equity: A Sociological Perspective, Jieqi Shi Jan 2026

A207: Ai Era And Sports Equity: A Sociological Perspective, Jieqi Shi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on sports equity and inclusion, focusing on its use in training, officiating, and talent selection. AI includes technologies like AI-driven training tools and systems, such as VAR. While AI can enhance access to sports resources, it may also worsen existing inequalities. The goal is to examine how AI influences fairness in sports and promotes inclusion, particularly in university sports, while considering its effects on athlete development, decision-making, and fan engagement across social groups. A qualitative approach was used to examine AI in university sports. Participants include sports students, faculty, coaches, and …


A225: Applications Of Digitalization, Ai, And Big Data In Sports Science Research And Practice, Yixiao Zhang, Yue Xu, Zhihua Yin Jan 2026

A225: Applications Of Digitalization, Ai, And Big Data In Sports Science Research And Practice, Yixiao Zhang, Yue Xu, Zhihua Yin

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The rapid advancement of digitization, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data has revolutionized various industries. In the field of sports and exercise science, these technologies provide comprehensive insights into athlete performance, injury prevention, and personalized training (Smith & Johnson, 2022; Lee, 2021). However, the benefits and applications of these technologies in sports and exercise science remain understudied. Therefore, this study provides a systematic literature review of the impact and applications of digitization, AI, and big data in sports and exercise science. The search strategy followed the PEO framework and the PRESS checklist. Five databases were used for searching: ACM Digital …


A232: The Voice-Inclusive Physical Education Class: Primary School Physical Education Teaching Mode Under New Curriculum Standards, Qing Luan Jan 2026

A232: The Voice-Inclusive Physical Education Class: Primary School Physical Education Teaching Mode Under New Curriculum Standards, Qing Luan

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Current physical education classes in primary schools face a lot of challenges, such as the low student participation, a dull class environment, and a lack of students’ voice, which has a negative impact on teaching effect and students’ physical and mental health. This study employed the action research method to organize the physical education classes in primary school based on the New Curriculum Standards. The study encouraged primary school students to actively express their understanding and feelings about physical education activities and guided them to enthusiastically participate in the design of teaching content and activities to construct the “voice-inclusive” physical …


A234: The Challenge Of Physical Education Teachers In Primary And Secondary Schools, Ning Li, Jialin Liu Jan 2026

A234: The Challenge Of Physical Education Teachers In Primary And Secondary Schools, Ning Li, Jialin Liu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical health in primary and secondary schools is the foundation for students' comprehensive development, and school sports are an important way to promote students' physical health. The implementation effect of school physical education largely depends on the professional competence and educational ability of physical education teachers. The problems faced by physical education teachers in the new era: the number and structure of physical education teachers; Challenges in teaching philosophy and abilities; The conflict between teaching pressure and the system; the disconnect between professional competence and training needs. Countermeasure: Optimize the construction of the physical education teacher team; Promote the reform …


A021: Analysis Of The Impact Of Ski Diagonal Stride Technique On Rehabilitation Treatment Effects, Xinming Tang Jan 2026

A021: Analysis Of The Impact Of Ski Diagonal Stride Technique On Rehabilitation Treatment Effects, Xinming Tang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The ski diagonal stride technique is a crucial component in cross-country skiing, engaging complex muscle coordination, enhancing cardiopulmonary function, and improving balance. In the realm of rehabilitation, traditional methods often face limitations. This study is dedicated to exploring how the physiological factors associated with this technique affect the rehabilitation treatment outcomes. By doing so, it aims to optimize rehabilitation strategies and ultimately enhance patients' physical capabilities and quality of life. Method: Eighty patients between the ages of 30 and 60, all in need of lower-limb rehabilitation, were evenly distributed into an experimental group and a control group. The experiment was …


A036: “The Champion Gene” Actn3 And Cold Adaptation: An Environmental Regression Model And Systematic Review, Mingrui Wang, Mi Zhou, Jianchun Weng, Longtianjiao Liu, Xiaoyu Jiang, Lijun Shi Jan 2026

A036: “The Champion Gene” Actn3 And Cold Adaptation: An Environmental Regression Model And Systematic Review, Mingrui Wang, Mi Zhou, Jianchun Weng, Longtianjiao Liu, Xiaoyu Jiang, Lijun Shi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739) genetic polymorphism is a significant research topic in sports genetics, with the XX genotype exhibiting a marked geographical gradient in different populations worldwide. The frequency of the XX genotype is notably higher in cold, high-latitude regions compared to tropical areas (e.g., Sweden 25%, Russia 14.2%, while Kenya 1%). These phenomena suggest that the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism may be closely related to cold adaptation. This study aims to analyze the evolutionary mechanisms, molecular regulation, and potential application of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in winter sports talent selection. Using the genomic database Ensemble and the WWF terrestrial ecoregion …


A053: Research On Adolescent Obesity Experience, Zhenfei Zhu Jan 2026

A053: Research On Adolescent Obesity Experience, Zhenfei Zhu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The alarming prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents has emerged as a significant public health challenge. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) identified obesity as a global health priority in 2018, it has evolved from an individual concern to a medical condition requiring intervention, with profound implications for both individuals and society. Adolescent obesity is intricately linked to various aspects of health, including social, emotional, behavioral, and cultural dimensions. There is a notable lack of qualitative research on obesity experiences in China. Conducting qualitative studies to explore the life experiences, motivations, and physical activity patterns of students can deepen …


The Impact Of Emotional Factors On The Functioning Of Selected Muscles: Facial Muscles, Trapezius Muscle, Diaphragm And Therapy Suggestions For Physiotherapists. A Systematic Review, Kacper Chojowski, Wojciech Janik, Piotr Steuer, Maciej Tomik, Michał Kuszewski Jan 2026

The Impact Of Emotional Factors On The Functioning Of Selected Muscles: Facial Muscles, Trapezius Muscle, Diaphragm And Therapy Suggestions For Physiotherapists. A Systematic Review, Kacper Chojowski, Wojciech Janik, Piotr Steuer, Maciej Tomik, Michał Kuszewski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Extensive research has identified muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotional stimuli, namely the facial muscles, trapezius, and diaphragm. These muscles can respond to emotional stimuli by affecting the viscoelastic properties of muscles, especially stiffness. This study attempts to identify suggestions in evidence-based physiotherapy (EBP) for treating muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotions. Materials and methods: In order to achieve the goals, studies available in PubMed, PEDro, and Elsevier and Springer databases were analyzed. In the critical literature review, the following word combinations were selected: "muscle psychological stress," "muscle tonus stress," "trapezius stress," "diaphragm stress," "facial muscles stress." …


Exploring Youth Soccer Coach Recruitment Practices, Han-Earl Lim Jan 2026

Exploring Youth Soccer Coach Recruitment Practices, Han-Earl Lim

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This qualitative single-case study examined how a private-interest, nonprofit youth soccer club in the Midwestern United States recruits coaches, what coach qualities are prioritized in hiring, and how organizational and sociocultural conditions shape those practices. The study was guided by three research questions focused on (a) recruitment and early support processes, (b) hiring criteria and decision rationales, and (c) the organizational and sociocultural contexts influencing recruitment. Data were generated through five semi-structured interviews with four participants who were involved in recruitment practices (the Executive Director, the Assistant Director, and two full-time head coaches). Additional sources included an organizational mapping survey …


Association Of Aerobic Performance With Balance, Anaerobic Power, Agility, And Visual Reaction Time In Fencers, Aysel Gökçe Kurt, Manolya Acar Dec 2025

Association Of Aerobic Performance With Balance, Anaerobic Power, Agility, And Visual Reaction Time In Fencers, Aysel Gökçe Kurt, Manolya Acar

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic performance on balance, anaerobic power, agility, and visual reaction in fencers and was designed as a prospective cohort study. Materials and methods: This study involved 26 fencing athletes (age = 20.35 ± 5.12 years, sports experience: 8.44 ± 4.33 years). The 20-m shuttle test, the vertical jump test, the Y-balance test, the fencing-specific 4-2-2-4 forward-back step method, and the Nelson hand reaction test were used to evaluate aerobic performance, anaerobic performance, balance, agility-change of direction, and visual reaction, respectively. Results: The maximum oxygen consumption determined with a use of the …


The Impact Of Exercise On Albuminuria And Kidney Function In The 2nd And 3rd Trimesters Of Physiological Pregnancy, Wojciech Wołyniec, Andrzej Kochanowicz, Jan Mieszkowski, Łukasz Radzimiński, Marcin Renke, Anna Szumilewicz Dec 2025

The Impact Of Exercise On Albuminuria And Kidney Function In The 2nd And 3rd Trimesters Of Physiological Pregnancy, Wojciech Wołyniec, Andrzej Kochanowicz, Jan Mieszkowski, Łukasz Radzimiński, Marcin Renke, Anna Szumilewicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Physical activity is an important part of healthy lifestyle and should be continued during low-risk pregnancy. Several studies have suggested that most pregnant women had no contraindications to perform exercises. The aim of the study was to assess the acute effect of an exercise test up to refusal and a chronic impact of an 8-week HIIT program on albuminuria and kidney function in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Material and Methods: A group of 36 pregnant women was studied. At the beginning of the study, all participants had normal kidney function and albuminuria at rest. Nineteen women …


Physical Performance Differences Between Top And First League Female Football Players: Insights From Locomotion Metrics, Mariola Gepfert, Artur Gołaś, Miłosz Drozd, Katarzyna Strońska-Grabień, Piotr Sawicki, Ewelina Lulińska Dec 2025

Physical Performance Differences Between Top And First League Female Football Players: Insights From Locomotion Metrics, Mariola Gepfert, Artur Gołaś, Miłosz Drozd, Katarzyna Strońska-Grabień, Piotr Sawicki, Ewelina Lulińska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aims to compare locomotion metrics between Poland’s Top League and First League at the team level using 10 Hz GPS. Methods: Team-level match data (autumn round) were analysed. The following metrics were computed: total distance, high-speed running (HSR: 19–23 km·h⁻¹ [5.28–6.39 m·s⁻¹]), sprinting (> 23 km·h⁻¹ [> 6.39 m·s⁻¹]), accelerations and decelerations at two thresholds (> 3.0 and > 4.0 m·s⁻²), and Player Load (arbitrary units, tri-axial accelerometry). Between-league differences were tested with Mann–Whitney U; rank-biserial effect sizes were reported. Results: Top League teams covered more sprint and HSR distance and performed more ACC/DEC at both thresholds (all …


Upper-Body Post-Activation Performance Enhancement In Mma Athletes: Load-Dependent Effects Across Multiple Explosive Tasks, Jan Strawiński, Dariusz T. Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Ewelina Lulińska, Miłosz Drozd, Maciej Kostrzewa, Adam Maszczyk, Robert K. Roczniok Dec 2025

Upper-Body Post-Activation Performance Enhancement In Mma Athletes: Load-Dependent Effects Across Multiple Explosive Tasks, Jan Strawiński, Dariusz T. Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Ewelina Lulińska, Miłosz Drozd, Maciej Kostrzewa, Adam Maszczyk, Robert K. Roczniok

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has become a recognized method for acutely improving explosive output, particularly relevant to upper-body performance in combat sports. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bench press conditioning activities (CAs) at different intensities (50 %, 65 %, and 80 % 1RM) on upper-body explosive performance in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes, with emphasis on training status. Methods: Twenty-nine male MMA athletes were divided into intermediate (n = 14) and advanced (n = 15) groups. Each participant completed three CA sessions followed by a 4-minute recovery and then performed a plyometric push-up …


Does Motor Skill Competence Influence Physical Activity Behavior? Focusing On Sport-Specific Skills, Yubing Wang, Yaogang Han, Pan Li, Bin Zhang Oct 2025

Does Motor Skill Competence Influence Physical Activity Behavior? Focusing On Sport-Specific Skills, Yubing Wang, Yaogang Han, Pan Li, Bin Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The purpose of this study was to investigate the widely held belief that motor skill competence positively affects physical activity behavior (PA), considering the task-specific nature of motor skill competence and the context-specific nature of PA. Specifically, we examined the effects of students’ jump rope (JR) and basketball (BB) competence on their PA in six contexts. A total of 134 sixth grade students participated in this study. All variables were assessed using appropriate tools. A series of hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to address the research questions. Students’ JR competence did not significantly influence their PA in either JR-related or …


Managing User Conflicts In A Water Aerobics Program On Behalf Of A Veteran’S Group: A Short Case Study, Hadley Blankenship, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Jason L. Scott Oct 2025

Managing User Conflicts In A Water Aerobics Program On Behalf Of A Veteran’S Group: A Short Case Study, Hadley Blankenship, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Jason L. Scott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This article captures an experience in conflict management that happened during the summer of 2024 as a recreational therapy intern with an adaptive sport and recreation organization located in the Southeastern United States. The backdrop to the case is that a recreational therapy intern worked with various special needs populations – mainly with paraplegic (adult and youth) athletes and veterans. In many organizations, user conflicts and poor communication regarding service provision and scheduling hinder the implementation of programs for special populations, such as veteran groups. In this case, a problem occurred with the scheduling of a water aerobics program for …


Curbing Fatal And Non-Fatal Drowning Deaths: An Effort To Reach Under-Resourced Children In Baltimore, Maryland, Ashton P. Christo, William D. Ramos Oct 2025

Curbing Fatal And Non-Fatal Drowning Deaths: An Effort To Reach Under-Resourced Children In Baltimore, Maryland, Ashton P. Christo, William D. Ramos

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning remains a significant public health problem in the United States, with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting approximately 4,000 drowning deaths annually. Children aged 1-4 face the highest risk, and African American children are disproportionately affected–7.6 times more likely to drown than white children (CDC, 2024). In a city on the East Coast that is predominantly African American, limited access to swimming lessons heightens the risk. To reduce drowning rates, a collaborative swimming program was established between a city high school and a public school enrichment program. The initiative provided essential water safety and swimming skills …


Diversity In Aquatics:4th Special Issue, Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D., Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq, Steven N. Waller Ph.D. Oct 2025

Diversity In Aquatics:4th Special Issue, Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D., Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq, Steven N. Waller Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The theme of this special issue is “Building a Community of Champions.” The purpose of this theme is to highlight and promote a civic engagement perspective that engages, advocates, and supports communities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in addressing the national, regional, and local evolving health-related issue of drowning. Aquatic Settings have been a pivotal focal point of social justice, water safety, and public health, not only in the past but also in our present day (Beale-Tawfeeq, Quash, et al, 2023 and Waller and Bemiller, 2023). Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) strives to positively impact the field of aquatics …


If We Tear It Down, We Might Build You A New One: The Troublesome Use Of Eminent Domain And Urban Neighborhood Swimming Pools, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., James H. Bemiller Oct 2025

If We Tear It Down, We Might Build You A New One: The Troublesome Use Of Eminent Domain And Urban Neighborhood Swimming Pools, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., James H. Bemiller

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Public swimming pools are a vital part of America’s recreation and sport culture since the early 1900’s. Municipal swimming pools were initially built to provide recreation and hygiene to urban communities, regardless of race or class. However, a complex history of segregation, civil unrest, suburbanization, and funding challenges has resulted in a significant decline in public pools, depriving many communities of vital recreational spaces. In many communities, options for sustaining the operation of swimming pools have resulted in pool closures. Unfortunately, once swimming pools close, especially those in aging neighborhoods in central city areas, they are seldom resurrected. They quickly …


Teaching Swimming To Children With Disabilities: A Qualitative Analysis Of Swim Instructorstea, Stephanie S. Garcia-Hidalgo, Martin E. Block Oct 2025

Teaching Swimming To Children With Disabilities: A Qualitative Analysis Of Swim Instructorstea, Stephanie S. Garcia-Hidalgo, Martin E. Block

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

When teaching children with disabilities, swim instructors need to be able to assess the unique strengths and needs of each child to determine modifications needed to instruction, equipment, and the setting and then be flexible enough to make changes in real-time to ensure success for the child. Unfortunately, many swim instructors only work seasonally and have the occasional child with a disability, and as a result are likely to have limited training and experiences with children with disabilities. The purpose of this pilot qualitative study is to examine backgrounds, training, and experiences of six swim instructors who work with children …


Promising Practices For Increasing The Number Of Equity-Owed Lifeguards In Canada And The United States Of America, Sofia Pantano, Audrey R. Giles Oct 2025

Promising Practices For Increasing The Number Of Equity-Owed Lifeguards In Canada And The United States Of America, Sofia Pantano, Audrey R. Giles

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Currently a shortage of lifeguards exists in Canada and the United States (US) (Frommer, 2023; Santucci, 2024), and those who are working as lifeguards often do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve (Martinez, 2020). Increasing the number of lifeguards from equity-owed groups is a potential way of increasing the lifeguard workforce and decreasing the shortage of workers in these important roles, as well as a moral imperative. In this paper I explore challenges to and promising practices aimed at increasing the representation of members equity-owed groups in lifeguarding. I begin with an overview of lifeguarding in Canada …