Sports Sciences Commons^™

Psychology Of Athletes: Impact Of Injuries On Mental Health, Caitlin Rainey

Whittier Scholars Program

This article aims to contextualize the importance of understanding injuries in athletics and how those injuries impact mental health. With such a high prevalence of injuries in athletics, most studies analyze the physical implications on the athlete. It is vital that mental well being is studied as much as physical health throughout the injury and rehabilitation process. This study reviewed previous literature on the social impacts of team sports, psychological and social implications of injury, the impact of residual pain, and finally the process of retirement. A survey was also conducted at a small liberal arts college in Southern California …

Sprint Performance Following Plyometric Conditioning Activity In Elite Sprinters, Kinga Huminska-Lisowska, Aleksandra Strońska-Pluta, Aleksandra Suchanecka, Myosotis Massidda, Grzegorz Trybek, Carla Maria Calò, Agata Rzeszutko-Bełzowska, Remigiusz Recław, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study investigates an association between the human dopamine receptor 2 gene DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 polymorphism and personality traits among athletes, exploring the genetic underpinnings of sports performance and psychological characteristics. It aims to understand how genetic factors related to dopamine reception influence athletic predispositions and behaviors. Materials and Methods: An association study was conducted with 391 male participants, comparing 159 sports subjects with 232 non-trained controls. Personality traits were assessed using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, while the DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 polymorphism was genotyped through real-time PCR. Results: Significant differences in the DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 genotype and allele frequencies …

Sprint Performance Following Plyometric Conditioning Activity In Elite Sprinters, Michal Krzysztofik, Mateusz Jopek, Dariusz Mroczek, Aleksander Matusiński, Adam Zając

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Considering the significance of the ankle joint for sprinting with the spring-like properties of the Achilles tendon, it seems that plyometric activating exercises could significantly potentiate maximum velocity sprinting. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of specific plyometric exercises engaging the ankle joint, called stiff-legged hops as a conditioning activity (CA) on countermovement jump (CMJ) and sprinting performance evaluated over a distance of 50m in elite female and male sprinters that differ in athletics level. Material and methods: Thirty-two sprinters of the Polish National Team were assigned into experimental and control (CTRL) groups, while …

In This Issue 14:3, Stephen J. Langendorfer Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

In This Issue 14:3

Attitudes And Self-Efficacy Of Swimming Coaches Towards The Inclusion Of Swimmers With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Eleftheria Kasagianni, Dimitrios Kokaridas, Panagiotis Varsamis, Vasilis Tsimaras

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes and self-efficacy of swimming coaches regarding the inclusion of swimmers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The sample consisted of 150 Greek swimming coaches with an average age of 29.58 years. Each participant completed the Swimming Coaches Attitudes towards Inclusion Questionnaire for perceptions assessment and the Biddle and Goudas (1997) self-efficacy questionnaire. The statistical analysis used SPSS 27 to calculate Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson product-moment correlations, independent t-tests, and ANOVA. The findings of the study showed that the swimming coaches expressed positive attitudes and a high percentage of perceived self-efficacy towards the …

‘You Have To Respect The Water’: Participant Experiences Of Appreciating And Managing The Risks Associated With Open Water Swimming – A Rapid Ethnographic Study, Mark A. Christie, David Elliott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Open water swimming (OWS) has rapidly grown in popularity, driven by the purported health benefits of cold-water immersion. A paucity of research remains specifically considering the notable risks inherent in OWS participation, and a lack of qualitative research on freshwater swimming experiences, and safety-related issues therein. This rapid ethnographic study, based at a dedicated OWS lake in the UK, conducted semi-structured interviews with OWS participants (n=17; female=11, male=6). Two core themes emerged: environmental issues impacting OWS experiences and behaviours; and knowledge and education of OWS which highlighted safe/unsafe practices, levels of education for managing risks, personal preparedness, swimming solo/with others, …

Barriers: Location, Functionality, And Method Of Access In Childhood Pool/Spa Submersion Incidents, United States, 2000-2017, Alison Miller, Kristina R. Anderson, William D. Ramos

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is a leading cause of fatality among children in the United States, and residential pools/spas currently account for as much as 80% of these submersion incidents. This study reviewed narrative case reports obtained from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to understand barrier location, type, and functionality as methods of pool/spa access for childhood submersion incidents. Retroactive analysis of 1,523 fatal and non-fatal submersion incidents among children aged 13 years old and younger was conducted using the CPSC in depth investigation dataset from 2000-2017. Narrative descriptions were coded according to the attributes of barrier location, functionality, and …

Lay Rescuer Equipment Preferences And Efficacy During A Simulated Drowning Event, Alison M. Miller, William D. Ramos, Kristina R. Anderson, Jill Cuvala

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

During a drowning incident where a lifeguard is not present, a bystander – referred to as a lay rescuer - may put themselves in danger by attempting a rescue. When lay rescuers can avoid entering the water by using rescue equipment to help a drowning victim, it serves to not only help the person actively drowning, but also provides a layer of protection to a lay rescuer. This study sought to examine the following questions: (a) which pieces of rescue equipment were preferred by lay rescuers at pre-determined short and long distances, (b) do lay rescuers select appropriate rescue equipment …

A Research Framework To Improve Evidence-Based Practice Surrounding The Resuscitation Response To Drowning In Surf Lifesaving, Elissa Hooper, Aaron T. Scanlan, Shayne D. Baker, Samantha Fien

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Surf lifesaving members are essential first responders who patrol public waterways, performing rescues and resuscitation to individuals in the community when needed. In this way, surf lifesaving members experience arduous physical requirements alongside extensive psychological stress during resuscitation. Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) represents the predominant, frontline lifesaving service in Queensland, Australia; however, little research has explored key aspects of drowning resuscitations involving this organisation, as well as in the broader lifesaving industry, limiting our current understanding on this vital topic. We sought to explore key aspects of drowning resuscitations within SLSQ and create a framework to generate evidence-based practice. …

Perceived And Real Water Competency And Drowning Risk Among Adults, Teresa Stanley, Kevin Moran, Dawn Garbett, Alan Ovens

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Traditionally, public understanding of drowning survival has focused on swimming capacity, often measured by how far a person can swim. With respect to the high incidence of adult drowning in high-income countries, using the more inclusive concept of water competency may yield a more comprehensive explanatory framework for understanding the reasons behind these drownings. Any competency base required to survive a drowning situation is dynamic, complex, and multi-faceted. Furthermore, perceptions of risk and capacity to cope with that risk are likely to be pivotal to the avoidance of drowning. Adults’ perceived water competence was measured against their actual water competence …

How Does Rest Interval Duration Affect Performance? An Experiment On High-Intensity Sprint Exercises, İbrahim Orkun Akcan, Cengiz Ölmez

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of interval and high-intensity sprint training (RST) with different rest intervals on the respiratory function, aerobic and anaerobic power. (2) Materials and Methods: The study involved the voluntary participation of 20 male participants. The participants were divided into two groups: 2IRG (2-minute rest between repeated sprints) and 4IRG (4-minute rest between repeated sprints). The changes in the respiratory function, aerobic, and anaerobic power parameters were examined in the 2IRG and 4IRG athletes who performed two training sessions per week for 4 weeks. (3) Results: The findings indicated that there …

The Effects Of Complex Elastic Band Training On Physical Fitness Components In Junior Female Handball Players, Mehrez Hammami, Ryland Morgans, Piotr Zmijewski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 10-week complex elastic band training (CEBT) program on athletic performance in junior female handball players. Methods: Participants (16.2 ± 0.5 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG; n = 16) or control group (CG; n = 14). The IG group performed CEBT twice a week during the 10-week intervention, which included eight 35-minute sessions, progressing in number of sets and band resistance for each specific exercise. The CG maintained regular in-season training. The modified T-test (T-half), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump …

The Impact Of Physique On Strategy And Performance In The 400 M Hurdles Race Among Elite Male Athletes, Janusz Iskra, Subir Gupta, Krzysztof Przednowek, René V. Best, Arkadiusz Stanula

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: the objective of this study was to assess the impact of physique on the stride pattern and performance of elite male 400-m hurdles runners. Materials and Methods: this study is based on the analysis of the performance of 297 male 400-m hurdlers in 13 Olympic games, 16 world championships, and 15 European championships. The hurdlers were divided into 4 groups, based on their height and body mass index (BMI) – taller and heavier (TH), taller and lighter (TL), shorter and heavier (SH), and shorter and lighter (SL). Times taken to complete various phases of the 400-m hurdles race – …

Benefits Of Pilates Exercises On Functional Fitness And Quality Of Life In Older Men: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Mohammad Khazaei, Jolanta Marszałek, Reza Aminzadeh, Elham Dehghani, Bahador Azizi

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: As age increases, declines in basic motor skills are observed in older men. Limited physical activity-based interventions, such as Pilates exercises, focus on enhancing these basic motor skills. This study aimed to identify the benefits of Pilates exercises on functional fitness and the quality of life in older men.

Material and Methods: Older men were randomly assigned to either a Pilates exercises group or a control group. Balance, strength, flexibility, and agility were tested using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). The Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (SF-36) assessed the quality of life before and after 6 weeks of Pilates exercises. Differences over …

Relationship Between Functional Movement Screen Scores And Postural Stability In Football Players: An Asymmetrical Approach, Yücel Makaracı, Kazım Nas, Kerem Gündüz, Mehmet İleri

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Unilateral preference is dominant due to the intensive use of sport-specific movements in football. However, little is known about the possible correlation between unilateral functional movement and the center of pressure-based postural performance. The main aim of this study is to examine the correlation between functional movement screen (FMS) and postural stability in football players from an asymmetrical perspective. Materials and Methods: Fifty professional football players (male n = 25; age 21.40 ± 1.94 years; female n = 25; age 21.04 ± 1.24 years) volunteered for this study. All subjects completed a FMS test consisting of seven items and …

Adaptive Changes In Young Football Players Working In A Modified Tactical Periodization Model Based On The Example Of Endurance., Marta Szymanek-Pilarczyk, Michał Jakub Nowak, Jacek Wąsik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Adequate endurance is a critical element of success in football, both at professional and amateur levels. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of training based on a modified wave (repeating) periodization model on the endurance of players aged 12–16 at the RKS Raków Academy in 2018–2022.

Material and Method: The analysis involved football players aged 12 to 16 with 4–8 years of training experience, involved in a program called "wave periodization". Two tests were performed each year, one in June (Test A) and the other one in December (Test B). Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS) and Velocity Intermittent …

“You Take My Place; Let’S Switch!” What It Means To Be A Woman Powerlifter In Parasport, Aaron Carl S. Seechung, Maria Luisa M. Guinto

The Qualitative Report

Gendered disability in elite sport has emerged as a pertinent area of inquiry in sport psychology. However, qualitative research aimed at amplifying the voices of marginalized subgroups is notably sparse. Employing a phenomenological approach, we examined the lived experience of a Filipina para powerlifter, probing the intersection of gender, disability, and socioeconomic status in shaping how the participant made sense of life and identity, both within and outside the realm of sport. Three personal experiential themes were generated from the interview data's interpretative phenomenological analysis: “survival of the fittest,” “the voices in my head did not allow me to give …

Gait Analysis Of Male Professional Boxers, Jacek Perliński, Joanna M. Bukowska, Łukasz Rydzik, Wojciech Wąsacz, Dariusz Kruczkowski, Tadeusz Ambroży, Wojciech Czarny, Jarosław Jaszczur-Nowicki

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Gait plays a crucial role in both daily life and sports performance. This study analyzes professional boxers’ gait, as it is essential to understand its influence on performance and injury risk. However, there is a need to comprehend the effects of boxing training on gait and the occurrence of asymmetries between limbs. Research Question: Does the gait of professional boxers exhibit significant differences between limbs, and what are the potential implications of this asymmetry? Materials and Methods: The study involved 36 professional boxers, and the Gaitway 3D Pressure treadmill was used to collect data. The analysis was performed using …

The Effect Of A Single Cycle Of Ischemia On Bar Velocity During Bench Press Exercise, Marta Bichowska-Pawęska, Dawid Gaweł, Robert Trybulski, Jakub Jarosz, Kinga Łosińska, Krzysztof Fostiak, Joao Guilherme Vieira

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The main goal of this study was to investigate the effects of a single cycle of ischemia applied before the bench press exercise on acute bar velocity changes. Materials and Methods: Twelve physically active males participated in the study. The experiment followed a rando-mized, cross-over design under two testing conditions. The experimental condition involved the application of a single cycle of ischemia (5 minutes; 80% arterial occlusion pressure [AOP]) before the first set of bench press exercise (2 sets at 60% 1RM). The control condition did not use ischemia. The peak and mean bar velocities were measured using a …

Influence Of Beta And Theta Waves As Predictors Of Simple And Complex Reaction Times In Examined Groups Of Judo Athletes During The Vienna Test, Magdalena Pronczuk, Tomasz Chamera, Alicja Markiel, Jerzy Markowski, Jan Pilch, Piotr Żmijewski, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This research aimed to investigate which waves, Theta or Beta, are significant predictors of visual simple and complex reaction times during the Vienna test, using regression modeling. The research material comprised the test results of male judo athletes (n = 24), selected through mixed sampling (purposive and random). The study was conducted in two cycles, differentiated by frequency but with the same duration of EEG biofeedback sessions, in both the control and experimental groups. The first cycle of the study consisted of 15 sessions held every other day. Each training session lasted for 4 minutes. The second series …

The Effectiveness Of Resistance Exercises Performed On Stable And Unstable Surfaces In Relation To Torso Activation, Radim Jebavy, Dusan Blazek, Helena Vomackova, Jan Vavra, Jan Busta, Anna Pisz, Petr Stastny

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Deep stabilization system (DSS) strength and endurance are crucial for injury prevention and athletic performance. Training surfaces can influence training outcomes; therefore, this study aimed to compare the impact of performing strength trunk exercises on unstable and stable surfaces with conventional trunk exercises. Materials and Methods: DSS and trunk stability were assessed before and after 10 weeks of three different training interventions among twenty elite futsal players. Each intervention included 25 strength training sessions. Pre- and post-tests encompassed various measurements, including diaphragm, trunk flexion, trunk back extension, hip flexion, intraabdominal pressure, side plank, pronation, and supination tests. Results: Conventional …

Effects Of Attending To A 12-Week Structured Physical Activity Program On Fitness And Self-Perception Levels Of Obese Primary Schoolchildren, Yetkin Utku Kamuk, Spiridon Kamtsios

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a major health problem especially for schoolchildren both physically and mentally. The study was conducted to assess the effects of the structured physical activity (PA) program on the physical fitness (PF) and self-perception levels of obese schoolchildren. Materials and Methods: A total of 67 students aged 9-11 were recruited and the experimental group (n = 27) was attended to exercises once per week for 60 mins for 12 weeks. Self-perception Scale for Children and PF tests were applied as pre- and post-tests. Results: 12-week PA sessions improved obese schoolchildren’s self-perception levels in general self-worth, athletic …

Comparison Of The Effects Of The Three Methods Of Massage, Selected Yoga Exercises And Massage-Yoga Combination On The Depression In Elderly Women, Elham Piri, Behnam Ghasemi, Ali Shafizadeh

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The present study aims to compare the effects of massage, selected yoga exercises and massage-yoga combination methods on symptoms of depression. Materials and Methods: According to the research criteria, 60 available samples were selected and randomly divided into three experimental groups and single control one. The Beck Depression Inventory was completed by the examinees before the intervention, two months after its beginning and one month after ending. Each experimental group received one of the massage interventions, selected yoga exercises and massage-yoga combination for eight weeks, three sessions per week and for a period of 40 minutes per session. The …

Association Of The G>A (Rs6265) Polymorphism In The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene (Bdnf) With Post-Training Changes In Caucasian Women, Katarzyna Świtała, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Monika Michałowska-Sawczyn, Andrzej Brodkiewicz, Kinga Łosińska, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 (G196A; Val66Met) polymorphism has been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, with contradictory results involving either A or G as the risk allele. The main aim of this study was to examine whether the BDNF rs6265 polymorphism would influence the efficiency of a training program. An additional aim was to determine whether selected polymorphism can be used as a genetic marker for obesity-related parameters. We studied the genotype distribution in a group of 160 Caucasian females in whom body mass and composition parameters, lipid profile, and glucose levels were measured before …

Medicine Balls Training In The Sequence Of Complex Handball Training Versus Only Handball Training: Effects On Physical Fitness In Pre-Adolescence Female Handball Players, Natalia Chukhlantseva

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The inclusion of the training process of pre-adolescent female athletes with additional means helps to optimize exercise influences. The study aims to estimate the influence of a 16-week program of handball training with medicine balls in comparison with a program of handball training on the physical and special training of beginner handball players. Methods: Female athletes were randomly divided into an experimental (n = 30; 11.23 ±0.41 years) and a control (n = 32; 10.99 ± 0.4 years) group. Training sessions of both groups were conducted according to the existing curriculum, but the experimental group replaced part …

Extended Range Of Motion Does Not Induce Greater Muscle Damage Than Conventional Range Of Motion In The Bench Press Exercise, Patryk Matykiewicz, Michał Krzysztofik, Adam Zając

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Range of motion (ROM) of resistance exercise affects the muscle damage magnitude and the recovery-time course. Thus, the main aim of this study was to compare conventional and extended ROM in the bench press exercise on neuromuscular fatigue assessed by velocity changes during bench press throw, as well on the exercise-induced muscle damage evaluated by creatine kinase (CK) activity in the blood. Material and Methods: A total of fourteen healthy, well-trained males performed 5 sets of the bench press exercise at 70% of one repetition maximum with either standard (STD) and cambered (CMB) barbell until reaching volitional failure. CK …

Trauma-Informed Youth Sport: Identifying Program Characteristics And Challenges To Advance Practice, Kayla Hussey, Lindsey C. Blom, Zenzi Huysmans, Dana Voelker, Matt Moore, Thalia M. Mulvihill

Journal of Youth Development

This purpose of this qualitative study was to explore shared characteristics and local challenges of trauma-informed youth sport program design and implementation through the voices of ten program facilitators (e.g., director, trainer; 8 women, 2 men; average age of 36.2 years, SD = 6.03) across four U.S. regions. Within a postpositivist approach and through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews (average length of 53 minutes), shared characteristics identified by facilitators included promoting a safe and supportive environment, cultivating healthy relationships among adults and peers, and intentional psychological and social skill-building (e.g., attentional cues). Facilitators also explained the importance of understanding the …

The Effects Of Resistance Training On Jumping And Selected Power Variables Of The Lower Limbs In Female Soccer Players, Tomasz Chamera, Magdalena Prończuk, Piotr Smok, Miłosz Drozd, Małgorzata Michalczyk, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of a 6-week intervention of combined soccer training with resistance training on strength and power variables in highly trained female soccer players. It was hypothesized that 6 weeks is sufficient for a significant improvement in jumping ability and power to occur due to the intervention. The study involved 34 female soccer players of the top women’s league (22 ± 5 years old, body height 167 ± 5 cm, body weight 60 ± 8 kg). The players were divided into two groups of 17 participants. The control group performed 3 …

Abductor And Adductor Strength Relation To Sprint Performance In Soccer Players, Paulina Królikowska, Artur Gołaś, Petr Stastny, Jakub Kokstejn, Wojciech Grzyb, Michal Krzysztofik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Wprowadzenie: Siła mięśni bioder odgrywa ważną rolę w sprintach i urazach bezdotykowych, w których należy rozpoznać ich rolę w piłce nożnej. Badanie to miało na celu zbadanie związku między siłą porywacza biodra ( Abd ), przywodzicielem stawu biodrowego ( Dodaj ) i wydajnością sprintu liniowego ( 5 mi 35 m ). Szesnastu profesjonalnych piłkarzy ( Druga Liga Polska ) uczestniczyło w badaniu ( wiek = 24 ± 3,2 lat, masa ciała = 75,3 ± 9,58 kg, wysokość = 179 ± 5,6 cm, doświadczenie w treningu piłki nożnej = 8 ± 2,9 lat ). Sprint liniowy 5 mi 3 m został …

The Role Of Emotional States And Mental Techniques In Dancesport: A Systematic Review, Sara Aliberti, Gaetano Raiola, Domenico Cherubini

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Psychological states during competition seem to be an important factor to determine successful performance. Therefore, the analysis of emotions is essential to understand how emotions can support sports performance. This systematic review aimed to summarize the studies examining the influence of emotional states on dancesport (DS) performance and the use of mental techniques to improve psychological preparation to face the competition. Material and methods. Web of Science, Scholar, Scopus and Pubmed databases were used to search studies. The screening process was summarized within the PRISMA 2020 flowchart. Results. Only 9 articles met our inclusion criteria. The results demonstrated that …