Sports Studies Commons^™

The Supporting Role Of Physical Exercise In The Prevention And Treatment Of Neurodegenerative And Mental Diseases, Celestyna Grzywniak

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of the article is to draw attention to the possibility of using physical exercises in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, dementia as well as mental disorders, particularly depression. This article emphasizes the significance of physical exercise in stimulating the nervous system, including the glial cells, as well as their role in the production of proteins called myokines and myostatins belonging to cytokines. It briefly characterizes the most common neurotrophins in the human body including the BDNF and their role in stabilizing and treating neurodegenerative and mental diseases. It presents the secretory functions of skeletal …

Relationship Between E-Sports And Physical Activity Participation: Validation Of The E-Sports Addiction Scale (Esas), Olivér Szabella, Lili Kassay, Attila Szabo

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: E-sports are becoming increasingly popular. Considering the addictive potential of video games, e-sports might be more addictive than traditional sports. This study assessed the addiction risk in regular e-sports players and its relationship with other physical exercise habits. Method: A sample of 116 (93.1% males; mean age = 23.91±4.47) e-sports players answered questions online on play and exercise habits and completed the E-sports Addiction Scale (ESAS) derived from the revised Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI-R). Results: The ESAS showed excellent model fit, allowing researchers to assess the risk of e-sports addiction in future studies. The risk rate of e-sports addiction …

Reliability And Criterion Validity Of The Turkish Version Of The Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire, Kubra Ayse Dasdemir, Sinem Suner-Keklik, Gamze Cobanoglu, Nevin A. Guzel

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aims to determine reliability and criterion validity of the Turkish version of the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (RPAQ). Materials and methods: The study included 146 individuals aged 18–45 years. Translation and cultural adaptation of the questionnaire was performed with regard to an appropriate procedure. Test–retest reliability was analyzed in terms of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). For assessment of validity of the questionnaire, the criterion validity method was used. Criterion validity was evaluated using a pedometer, which is an objective measurement tool. The correlation between the total number of steps recorded during a week and RPAQ scores was …

#Rookieparty: The Intersections Of Social Media, Hazing, And Canadian Varsity Sport, Jay Johnson Dr., Geneva Gudmundson, Jessica W. Chin, Margery Holman

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

Prior to the start of the pandemic in 2020, almost two-thirds of all varsity athletes across gender and sport in Canada had engaged in a sport hazing ritual (Johnson et al., 2018). While hazing in sport has been researched from a variety of perspectives, few studies have examined hazing in the context of varsity athletes' social media use. This is a potential space where Johnson (2017) suggested that technological tools such as cellphones, that provide instant access to social media, have enabled users to more easily capture and post online, potentially exacerbating the trauma inflicted on rookies during team hazing …

The Relationship Between Individualised Speed Thresholds And Changes In Aerobic Fitness In Elite Professional Youth Soccer Players. A Case Study, Ronan Kavanagh, Kevin Mcdaid, David Rhodes, Jill Alexander, Damian Harper, Rafael Oliveira, Kieran Berry, Mark Connor, Piotr Zmijewski, Ryland Morgans

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to examine the dose-response relationship between training load and aspects of physical fitness in English Premier League (EPL) U23 soccer players. Materials and Methods: Seven male EPL U23 outfield soccer players (age 20.1±1.1 years) participated in this study and performed the Bronco test on five occasions within one season. Individualised running thresholds were employed using maximal aerobic speed (MAS), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) and maximal sprint speed (MSS) values utilising a GPS system. Results: No significant differences in the Bronco performance between the tests (p > 0.05, ES = 0.101) were observed. Distance covered above 30% …

Associations Of Parental Perceived Health With Child Movement Behaviors Within Two-Parent Households, You Fu, Hayley Almes, Nora Constantino, Doria Schmidt, Ryan D. Burns

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study aimed to examine how perceived parental mental and physical health status was associated with child physical activity, screen time, and sleep. Participants were 6- to 17-year-old minors (N = 20,156; 47.9% female) from the 2022 US National Survey of Children’s Health. Dependent variables were children’s physical activity frequency, screen time, and sleep. Independent variables were parents’ physical and mental health status. Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, two adjusted path models were constructed. One for parent mental health associating with parental physical health, another for parent physical health associating with parental mental health–both further associating with child movement behaviors. …

What Women Intercollegiate Coaches Say: Decision-Making Factors When Navigating Career Choices, Courtney Boucher, Nicole M. Lavoi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

To address misconceptions about the lack of women in sport coaching, factors influencing intercollegiate women coaches' career decisions, including their choices to leave positions, apply for new ones, and accept or deny job offers were explored. Utilizing a multi-level analysis underpinned by critical feminist theory, a comprehensive understanding of the systemic and structural barriers women coaches faced, as well as the strategies they employed to navigate their careers were illuminated. Key findings revealed that unequal pay, lack of administrative support, insufficient resources, and pervasive gender biases significantly impacted women's career choices. The importance of supportive workplace environments, flexible working conditions, …

The Caitlin Clark Effect: Illuminating Women’S Sport History, Shelley Lucas

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The Caitlin Clark Effect is a term that describes the impact of the University of Iowa basketball player on the popularity of women’s basketball, which occurred in conjunction with Clark’s record-breaking performances in 2023 and 2024, as well as the Iowa team’s successes in the NCAA championship tournament. While the Caitlin Clark Effect is associated with intense media attention, ticket sales, and viewership, it also illuminates significant and lesser-known aspects of women’s sport history, specifically media coverage, the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW), and the state of Iowa’s unique basketball heritage and ‘6-on-6’ basketball rules. The purpose of …

Benefits, Challenges, And Strategies For Increasing Women Coaches In Elite Sport: The Trail To Gold (T2g) Initiative In U.S. Cross-Country Skiing, Anika Anna Angriman, Lynda B. Ransdell, Shelley Lucas, Nicole Lavoi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Despite tremendous growth in sport participation of girls and women following Title IX in 1972, women’s participation as sport coaches did not follow the same trajectory. In fact, women remain significantly underrepresented in sport coaching. Research highlights ongoing barriers within the sport industry's patriarchal structure, and although strategies have been proposed to improve women’s representation, the lack of progress over the past two decades indicates limited effectiveness. A better approach is essential to address this issue across individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal levels. The purpose of this study is to interview participants within the U.S. cross-country skiing program, Trail to …

Improper Fitting Personal Protective Clothing And Subsequent Countermeasures For Physical Conditioning In Female Firefighters: A Narrative Review, Katie Sell, Mark Abel, J. Jay Dawes, Megan Thompson, Annette Zapp, Ofra Pottorf, Lilly Bernardi, James Prendergast

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The purpose of this paper was to 1) use an explorative literature overview to identify issues related to ill-fitting clothing and occupational gear for female firefighters, and 2) use an inductive approach to develop generalizable recommendations for exercise professionals to utilize by identifying significant themes in published peer reviewed articles related to movement and injury risk. Research, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches, has shown that the majority of current personal protective clothing (PPC) and operational gear was developed to fit a limited array of male physiques. Consequently, the improper fit of PPC and gear has presented numerous concerns that, …

Impact Of A Light Volleyball Intervention Among Older Chinese Adult Women, Ka-Man Carman Leung, Paul Lee, Wing Sze Alice Lai, Yanan Zhao, Lynda Ransdell

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Modified sports offer a strategic approach to promoting health in older adults. Light volleyball, which uses a larger, lighter ball than traditional volleyball, is more accessible for this population. This study investigated the effects of a 16-week light volleyball program on the functional fitness of older adults in Hong Kong. A total of 275 participants aged 60 years or older were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups: a light volleyball intervention group, a Tai Chi group, and a control group. Functional fitness was assessed at the pretest, posttest, and 6-month follow-up. Results revealed that the light volleyball group exhibited …

The Functional Fitness Of The Community Dwelling Older Adults In Shan Dong Of Mainland China In Comparison With The Population In Hong Kong, Zongtao Li, Yu Teng, Huigang Wang, Hao Liu, Lei Zhao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: To compare the functional fitness (FF) of the community dwelling older adults in Shan Dong (SD) of mainland China with their peers in Hong Kong (HK). Methods: 1887 older adults living in SD were measured with Senior Fitness Test (SFT) One sample T test was used to determine the age grooup difference in each FF component between the population of SD and HK. Results: Compared with their HK peers, SD older adults showed higher performance in the task of 30s arm curl, but lower abilities in 30s chair stand, back scratch, chair sit & reach, and 8 ft …

Students' Perceived Value And Emotions In Turkish Physical Education: Testing Moderation By Gender And Sports Involvement, Mehmet Ceylan, Kelly L. Simonton

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical Education (PE) has been recognized as a key element in developing student enjoyment for physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits. Student emotions may dictate learning and motivation, but less is known regarding the perceptions of value and control that shape these emotions. Specifically, within certain K-12 PE national curriculums and cultures, the goals and objectives of PE, along with its emphasis on physical activity and sport, may influence the emotional response of students and their perceived value of PE. If students feel a lack of value, negative emotions, and marginalized by the content then it is unlikely their experiences …

A Learning History Of Online Portfolio Development In Kinesiology: Academic Innovation From Pilot To Powerhouse, Lyndsay M. Burneisen Phd

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examines the phased development of an online kinesiology education program, tracing its evolution from inception to institutionalization through Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory. Using a learning history methodology, this research synthesizes document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and focus groups, and historical program data to explore how strategic leadership, faculty engagement, student support, and technological advancements influenced the program’s growth and sustainability. The research is structured around three critical phases: inception, maturation, and institutionalization, highlighting key adaptations in curriculum design, administrative structures, and quality assurance. Findings reveal a transition from a decentralized, experimental model to a structured, integrated online …

Development Of High-Performance Coaches And Burnout, Amy Cashin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Coach education is imperative, especially as coaching moves towards professionalization (Lara-Bercial, 2022). The literature has shown that high-performance coaches are closest to fitting the criteria of a profession (Lara-Bercial et al., 2022) while also being at risk of experiencing burnout due to the high level of stress faced within their job (Bentzen et al., 2014; Olusoga & Kenttä, 2016). The purpose of this study was twofold. First to have a more comprehensive understanding of Australian Athletics high-performance coaches’ wants and needs regarding coaching education as it pertains to coach wellbeing and burnout; and second, to have an in-depth exploration of …

The Impact Of Asymmetry In Lower Limb Muscle Strength And Power On Straight-Line Running Speed In Female Soccer Players, Dariusz Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Michał Spieszny, Maciej Kostrzewa, Piotr Aschenbrenner, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to investigate and determine the impact of asymmetries in muscle strength and power between the right and left lower limbs on straight-line running speed in female soccer players.30 right-footed female soccer players playing in the Ekstraliga participated in the study. The Modulus. Number formula was used to avoid negative results and to assess only the difference in relative strength and power between the lower limbs, not the dominance of one of them. A result equal to or below the threshold defined group G1 "with lower asymmetry," and a result above the threshold defined group …

Effect Of Imagery Training On Football Players, Dagmara Budnik-Przybylska, Franciszek Makurat, Jacek Przybylski, Tony Morris

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. There is a growing number of studies concerning imagery training in young athletes but on a much smaller scale than research in adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of imagery training on children’s soccer skills. (2) Materials and Methods: We conducted two studies. In the first study a sample of 35 subjects, aged between 10 and 14 years, was divided into an experimental condition (18 players) and a control condition (17 players). Each person completed one script from the Sports Imagery Ability Measure (SIAM) and from the Movement Imagery Ques-tionnaire-3 (MIQ-3) and took a …

Correlations Between Tensiomyography Variables And Lower Extremity Power, Adis Tabaković, Ensar Abazović, Muhamed Tabaković, Erol Kovačević

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The main aim of this research was to determine whether there are statistically significant correlations between TMG variables and jumping performance. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five healthy and physically active male students (age: 20.84 ± 0.99 years; body height: 179.46 ± 5.91 cm; body weight: 73.88 ± 6.43 kg) of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education participated in this study. Radial displacement, contraction time and delay time of the m. vastus lateralis were collected to assess muscles’ contractile characteristics using tensiomyography (TMG). Additionally, squat jump and countermovement jump height were recorded using the Optojump system. Results: A very …

Development, Validation, And Reliability Of A New Instrument Of Observation And Technical Evaluation In Karate Athletes, Filipe Ferreira, Rui Miguel Silva, Georgian Badicu, Jarosław Muracki, Bartłomiej Bogdański, Adam Kawczyński

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The present study aims to develop and establish the reliability of the System for the Technical Assessment of Kumite (STAK) in karate. Twenty karate fighters aged between 10 and 22 years, consisting of novice and expert athletes participated in the present study. The reliability process focused on three points: i) analysis and evaluation by experts of the content of the observation instrument; ii) analysis and evaluation by expert evaluators of the athletes' performance in each of the chosen techniques; and iii) reliability of the evaluators' observations. The technical evaluation system in karate evaluated the Mawashi Geri, Ura Mawashi Geri, Kizami …

The Impact Of Judo Training On The Development Of Cognitive Functions - A Systematic Review, Jakub Biedrzycki, Radosław Laskowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

A careful review of research was conducted to evaluate the impact of martial arts training on cognitive development in people of various ages. The analyzed research from the areas of psychology and physiology suggested that physical activity may have a positive impact on cognitive functions. Judo, as a form of martial art, not only offers physical benefits, but can also impact the cognitive function of practitioners. The purpose of this review is to examine the available scientific research on the effects of judo on various aspects of cognitive function, including memory, concentration, problem-solving ability, and other related mental functions. Therefore, …

A011: Effects Of Aerobic Exercise On Microbiota: Gut-Brain Axis And Hippocampal Neurotransmitters In Aging Mice, Yuqian Liu, Wenqian Yang, Haitao Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background/Objective: Gut flora plays an important role in host stress response, anxiety, depression and cognitive function through the gut-brain axis. Microbial diversity decreases with age, which in turn affects the function of the nervous system. The role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases and neurodegenerative diseases has received increasing attention. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the regulatory role of intestinal flora, gut-brain axis and nervous system function in the prevention of nervous system function decline in the elderly.

Methods: The sample consisted of 16, 52-week-old SPF C57BL/6 male mice that were randomly divided …

A067: Latent Profile Analysis Of The Development Characteristics Of Fundamental Motor Skills In Children, Qinping Xu, Xiaozan Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Focusing on the sensitive period of motor development, the current study used TGMD-3 to assess the development level of fundamental motor skills in 4833 children aged 3-6 years in Shanghai. The potential categories of children's fundamental motor skill development characteristics and their interrelationship with demographic variables were analyzed using potential profile analysis and Chi-squared test, aiming to provide references for the construction of motor development interventions for children with different motor development levels. The results revealed that: 1) The developmental level of fundamental motor skills in 3-6-year-old children in Shanghai can be categorized into five latent categories, from low to …

A031: Design And Practice Of Ai-Powered Precision Teaching Model For Public Physical Education Courses In Universities, Dongxiao Liu, Xuankun Sun, Aowei Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background/Purpose: Five major teaching pain points often occur in the teaching of public physical education courses in universities: (1) First pain point is easy to have deviations in movement cognition and self-practice. (2) It is difficult to accurately grasp the intensity and density of exercise. (3) Lack of process and phased teaching evaluations can inhibit the cultivation of autonomous exercise drive. (4) Unhealthy aesthetics have a negative impact, leading to a deviation in aesthetic perception among students. (5) Students lack autonomous learning ability and have difficulty cultivating post-class exercise habits. How to resolve these "pain points" are now the key …

A040: The Effect Of Blended Online And Offline Physical Education On The Health-Related Indexes Of Undergraduates, Shijun Gong, Aowei Zhang, Dongxiao Liu, Yanxin Liu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background/Purpose: With the explosive development of artificial intelligence, many scholars have carried out research around the combination of online and offline physical education courses. Current research has focused on developing the application of information technology in the classroom teaching of physical education. The main purpose addressed in this study was to investigate the possible effects of implementing such a blended online and offline physical education at home on the health-related indices of students.

Method: Totally 14,708 college students participated, including 6,125 males and 8,583 females. In the analysis approach, research was adopted using SPSS 26.0, specifically the paired-samples T test …

A046: Recreational Skiing Injury Rate: A Case Study Of A Ski Resort In Central New York, Hongwei Guan, David Guan, Xiaoran Li

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background/Purpose: More people in China are participating in snow sports, especially after the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Despite health benefits, skiing and snowboarding are associated with injury risk. Ski safety and injury prevention are essential for sustainable operation of ski resorts with the rapid development of snow sports in China. The purpose of this study was to examine the injury rate at a popular medium-sized ski resort in Central New York and compare it with that of similar ski resorts in Northeastern China.

Method: Direct ski patrol observation and injury incident reports of three seasons from 2020-21 to 2022-23 were …

A049: Associations Between 24-Hour Accelerometer-Derived Novel Metrics With Health-Related Physical Fitness In Chinese Adolescents, Yanping Qiu, Lijuan Wang, Huan Chen, Xiaoqing Li

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background/Purpose: Time-use estimates are commonly utilized for describing 24-hour movement behaviors. Nonetheless, the average acceleration (AvAcc), intensity gradient (IG) and the most active X minutes (MX metrics) have been proposed as 24-hour movement behaviors novel metrics describing the volume of activity, the intensity distribution and the most active time periods of the 24-h cycle. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine associations between 24-h accelerometer-derived metrics and health-related physical fitness in Chinese adolescents.

Methods: This study recruited 240 students aged 12-18 (143 males, 97 females) from a middle school in Haizhu District, Guangzhou City. The data collection period was from March …

A052: Construction Of Ski Instructors' Competency Evaluation Index System Based On O*Net Working Analysis, Juan Ran, Hongyan Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background/Purpose: Skiing has emerged as a preeminent activity in ice and snow tourism, with ski resorts significantly bolstering the winter tourism economy. However, the burgeoning demand for instructors, coupled with the increasing number of enthusiasts, poses critical challenges for the sport's development. To address these issues, we have undertaken a comprehensive competency assessment to inform the training and retraining of instructors. This evaluation is also pertinent for selecting unlicensed instructors.

Method: The study involved 12 experts and 250 ski instructors from Jilin Province. Research was conducted using keywords such as 'competency model' and 'instructor quality'. The O*NET questionnaire and a …

A055: The Relationship Between Grip Strength And Quality Of Life In The Elderly Based, Fanhao Meng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the "Decade of Healthy Ageing" from 2021 to 2030 to address the challenges of a rapidly ageing global population. The extension of human lifespan is a manifestation of social progress, but aging and increased longevity may be accompanied by problems such as reduced physical and mental abilities and increased risk of diseases, which affects quality of life (QOL). Grip as an indicator of strength and is associated with physical activity in older adults. It is readily applicable in clinical and community settings, and there is an association between grip strength and health-related …

A058: The Impact Of Multi-Directional Training On Change-Of-Direction Speed And Short-Distance Sprint Ability In Tennis Student-Athletes, Ke Zhang, Yue Zhao, Zhihui Zhou, Haijun Wu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Objective: Tennis, characterized by rapid multi-directional sprints, involves lateral movements along the baseline constituting approximately 70% of gameplay, with each single movement covering around 3 meters. On average, there are 2-4 direction changes per point, and each stroke requires 0.4 seconds. Recognizing the imperative need for tennis players to rapidly change direction and execute short-distance sprints, influenced by factors like the ball's trajectory, opponent's movements or disguise movements, this study aimed to investigate the impact of three weeks of multi-directional sprint training on the change-of-direction speed and short-distance sprint ability of tennis student-athletes.

Methods: Nineteen male tennis athletes with an …

A062: Experimental Research Of Impact Of Large-Unit Soccer Teaching On Elementary School Students' Physical Health, Yin Zhao, Ziming Shao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Objective: The "Compulsory Education Curriculum Standards: Physical Education and Health(2022 Edition) in China" explicitly proposes that from grades 3-6, at least one sport from six major specialized sports skills should be chosen for at least 18 class periods of relatively systematic and complete teaching, enabling students to not only master the sports skills of the chosen project but also deepen their comprehensive experience and understanding of the sport. Long-standing issues in elementary school football teaching include superficial teaching depth, isolated and incoherent content, and disconnection between educational stages. There is an urgent need for physical education teachers to organize systematic …