Sports Studies Commons^™

A176: Meta-Analysis Of The Effects Of Phototherapy On Sleep Quality Across Different Populations, Zhen Chen, Wenqiang Wu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background: Sleep, a fundamental physiological need for humans, significantly impacts an individual's physical and mental health. Phototherapy, a non-pharmacological intervention, has been extensively researched in recent years to improve sleep quality. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of phototherapy on sleep quality across different populations through a meta-analysis, using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index as the outcome measure, thereby providing a scientific basis for improving the population health levels and life quality.

Method: As of March 1, 2024, this study conducted a systematic search of four databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and CNKI. A comprehensive set of inclusion …

A177: Association Between Physical Activity And The Risk Of Depression Among Middle And Older Chinese People, Yunqing Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: Relevant studies have shown that insufficient physical activity (PA) is associated with the risk of depression in middle-aged and elderly populations, but the relationship between different levels of PA and the risk of depression remains unexplored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the relationship between different levels of PA and depression risk among middle-aged and older adults in China.

Methods: The survey data of this study was based on the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total of 13,316 middle-aged and elderly community residents aged 45 years or older with complete values of …

A178: Effect Of Aerobic Exercise Intervention On Anxiety In College Students: A Systematic Review, Yiming Chen, Shengting Dai, Xinming Ye

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background/Purpose: The role of exercise interventions in the treatment of psychiatric disorders is receiving increased attention, and the positive protective effect of aerobic exercise on anxiety symptoms has now been extensively demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the systematic evaluation of the effects of different aerobic exercise interventions on anxiety symptoms in college students.

Method: Using keywords such as “physical activity,” “anxiety,” and “college students” screened Randomized controlled trials (RCT) published until February 2024 in three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 5073 studies were retrieved after systematically searching individual databases. After removing duplicate literature, 4112 …

A173: An Experimental Study Of The Effects Of Exercise Intervention On Executive Function In Obese Adolescents, Lingling Hu, Hengchan Yin, Lei Cui, Qiqi Shen

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background: Executive function (EF) is an important component of cognitive function, referring to a higher-level cognitive process that coordinates and controls various basic cognitive processes when completing complex cognitive tasks. It includes three sub-functions: inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Globally, high rates of overweight and obesity remain a public health issue. Previous studies have shown that, compared to adolescents with healthy weight, adolescents with obesity have poorer inhibitory function in EF. In addition, the effectiveness of the exercise intervention is seen in the normal adolescent population as well as in special adolescents with poor EF. However, there have been …

A181: The Realistic Path Of Green Sports To Boost Urban Development, Xinyu Huang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Green sports is an emerging form of sports that pursues the integrated development and harmonious coexistence of sport, humanities, and ecology. As the interaction between the green sports industry and cities becomes increasingly closer, it is of great practical significance to explore how the development path of green sports can enhance urban development. Green sports have the characteristics of close industrial connection, environmental protection, low carbon, and a huge consumption base.

It can promote the transformation of social, economic, and ecological models of cities by bringing into play the economic vitality, social benefits, and ecological benefits of the green sports …

A180: The Effects Of Weight Control By Hypoxia On Judo Athletes With Hiit, Liying Huang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is recognized as an effective means of fat reduction, and HIIT is also used in the pre-competition weight control of judo. In addition, hypoxic adaptation can reduce blood lipids, maintain exercise capacity, and improve physical function. Therefore, this study explored the effects of weight control by hypoxia on judo athletes with HIIT by observing the changes of body composition, blood lipids, exercise ability and body function, so that to explore an innovative method of weight control pre-competition for judo athletes.

Methods: 12 female athletes of the provincial judo team preparing for the 2023 Guangdong Provincial …

A018: Dual-Process Advantages Of Ball Players In Sport-Related Domains, Xuechen Mao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background: Based on a dual-process framework, two qualitatively different modes of processing guide human behaviour. Type 1 processes refer to automatic, unconscious processing that can be responsible for Task 1, while Type 2 processes refer to controlled, conscious processing required by Task 2. Although many existing sport psychology studies emphasize that the dual-process model can be applied to the sports domain, this application has shortcomings. The first debate of this application is whether dual-process advantages in athletes are limited to sport-specific realms. Furthermore, although the dual-process framework pays more attention to automatic processes (Type 1 processes), it loses sight of …

A027: Does Participation In Sports Competitions Enhance Medical Students' Interprofessional Teamwork?, Guochun Liu, Zhiling Shen

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background: Healthcare systems are complex linkages, and efficient interprofessional collaboration is essential to their efficiency, safety, and quality. The ability of medical students to collaborate across professions directly impacts future healthcare delivery practices. Physical education programmes provide a simple and easy way for medical students to develop interprofessional collaboration that can be translated into future team performance in clinical settings. To test the effectiveness of the physical education programme "competition instead of examination" in improving the teamwork ability of medical students.

Method: Using a quasi-experimental intervention design, 188 students were recruited from five classes to complete a teamwork scale consisting …

A047: Research On The Structure And Scale Of Service Quality Of Sports Park, Liping Xu, Zhihua Yin, Jian Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background/Purpose: Since the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, with the vigorous promotion of China and the provincial and municipal governments, the number of sports parks has shown a continuous positive trend of growth. While accelerating the construction progress, how to improve the service quality of sports parks should become the primary issue that needs to be solved to promote the sustainable and healthy development of sports parks. Therefore, based on the perspective of public demand, this study formed a scientific assessment scale by exploring the specific content structure contained in the service quality of sports parks, to promote the high-quality development …

The Impact Of Cumulative And Acute Loading On Achilles Tendon Health, Performance, And Reported Pain In Collegiate Gymnasts, Julio Serrano Samayoa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Gymnasts are at a high risk of Achilles tendon (AT) injuries due to intense loads during takeoffs and landings. To better understand better the relationship between impact loading and its effects on tendon adaptation and athletic performance, this study uses Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) to track AT loading across a collegiate gymnastics season. This data were compared against physiological and athletic performance metrics, obtained through force plates and ultrasound imaging, to explore how mechanical load influences reported pain and athletic performance. Results varied, with cumulative impacts being correlated with improved jump height (Spearman 0.362, Pearson 0.348), while peak power and …

The Impact Of Coordination Training On Motor Skills In Adolescent Handball Players Aged 14–15 Years: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Michał Spieszny, Wojciech Wąsacz, Zbigniew Kamys, Tadeusz Ambroży, Krzysztof Kasicki, Paweł Kapuściński, Łukasz Rydzik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Motor skills are fundamental to athletic performance, particularly in sports like handball, where coordination, speed, and power are critical. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an innovative coordination training program on the profile of motor skills of adolescent handball players compared to traditional training methods. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 27 young handball players. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n = 15) receiving additional co-ordination training and a control group (n = 12) following standard training. The participants’ motor fitness was assessed using selected population tests from the …

A Systematic Review Of The Long-Term Efficacy Of Physical Activity Interventions In Reducing Risk Factors For Obesity In Adults, Jude Ominyi, Andrew Clifton, Noreen Cushen-Brewster

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) provides numerous health advantages, including lowering mortality rates and preventing obesity. Despite well-established guidelines advising 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA weekly, sedentary lifestyles remain prevalent, especially in industrialised nations. This systematic review examines the long-term effectiveness (12-24 months) of PA interventions aimed at reducing obesity risk among adults, with a particular focus on identifying strategies that promote sustained adherence.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using multiple databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase, focusing on studies published between January 2004 and January 2024. The inclusion …

The Role Of Grit Over Talent In Sports, Karson Colin

Bakerman Student Research Awards

No abstract provided.

Secular Trends In Underweight, Overweight, And Physical Fitness Of Girls And Boys Aged 16–18 In Eastern Poland From 2006 To 2016–2021, Agnieszka Wasiluk, Jerzy Saczuk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Significant changes in the nutrition and physical fitness of children and adolescents have been observed in many countries around the world. The purpose of this study is to determine the changes in the prevalence of underweight, normal BMI, and overweight, as well as in the physical fitness of girls and boys from eastern Poland. Materials and methods: The study was conducted over the years 2006–2021. BMI was calculated, and physical fitness was assessed using the EUROFIT test. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: Minor changes in underweight were observed, and even a re-duction in its prevalence among girls was …

Efficiency Of One Against One Game Situations In Polish Soccer National Team And Their Opponents During Uefa European Championship Matches, Andrzej Szwarc, Krzysztof Kromke, Henryk Duda, Andrzej Soroka, Lukasz Radziminski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficiency in one against one (1v1) game situations of Polish national team soccer players and their opponents in 12 matches of the group stage in 4 consecutive cup finals at the European Championship in the years 2008–2021. Material and methods: Audio-visual records of matches were analysed and data about the game were recorded on a self-developed observation sheet. Activity, effectiveness and reliability of individual offensive and defensive actions were assessed in the context of implementation of the game objectives. Results: It was found that the Polish players were involved in …

Does Virtual Reality Allow For A Reliable Assessment Of Reaction Speed In Mixed Martial Arts Athletes?, Jacek Polechoński, Alan Langer, Petr Stastny, Marcin Zak, Izabela Zając-Gawlak, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The immersive virtual reality (VR) might bring a new reliable approach to diagnosing motor abilities. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to check the intertrial reliability and diagnostic possibility (reaction time, movement time, lateral differences) of VR for upper limb movements in a group of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes, and to evaluate whether distractors influence the complexity of the whole reaction. Material and methods: Twenty-six MMA athletes (age 27.1 ± 5.4 years, body mass 77.6 ± 9.3 kg, height 179.2 ± 5.7 cm, training experience 6.7±4.3 years) performed two reaction tests for their upper limbs (four …

Evaluation Of The Influence Of Training In An Immersive Virtual Reality Environment On Sports Skills In Table Tennis, Martin Škopek, Josef Heidler, Štefan Balkó, Lenka Vojtíková, Radka Ulrichová

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study explores the possibilities of leveraging immersive virtual reality (VR) training for the improvement of table tennis skills. The primary objective was to assess the in-fluence of VR intervention on the development of table tennis skills. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight participants, whose mean age was 17.37 ± 0.84 years and who lacked previous table tennis experience, were divided into experimental (n = 21) and control (n = 17) groups. The experimental group engaged in six sessions of VR training aimed at enhancing table tennis skills, and their performance was evaluated using a comprehensive test battery. In contrast, the …

Strength And Conditioning Habits Of Polish Amateur Endurance Runners, Zbigniew Jost, Maciej Chroboczek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Correctly performed Strength & Conditioning (S&C) training is important in terms of improving sports performance. This survey was to check S&C habits among amateur runners in Poland. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire dealt with 1) personal and anthropometric data, 2) advancement / fitness level and 3) training habits, which was correctly filled in by 923 people. The participants were matched to five fitness levels (LG1–LG5) depending on sex (W/M) and the selected distance (5K/10K/Half-Marathon). Results: More than half of the respondents (n = 467, 50.6%) considered S&C as very important. The most frequently used S&C activities were uphill runs …

The Effect Of 6-Week Eeg-Biofeedback Training In Normobaric Hypoxia And Normoxia Conditions On Reaction Time In Elite Judo Athletes, Magdalena Prończuk, Joanna Motowidło, Ewelina Lulińska, Dariusz T. Skalski, Jarosław Markowski, Jan Pilch, Maciej Kostrzewa, Artur Terbalyan, Karol Skotniczny, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Biofeedback Training in normoxic and normobaric hypoxic conditions on reaction times in judo athletes. Material and methods: The participants in the experimental group underwent thetha/beta1 training under simulated hypoxic conditions in a laboratory equipped with a normobaric hypoxia generation system (LOS-HYP1/3NU, Lowoxygen Systems, Germany), at a simulated altitude of 2500m above sea level (FiO₂ = 15.5%). Each cycle of the study consisted of 15 training sessions. The training sessions lasted for 20 minutes, with 4 sets of 4 minutes each and a 1-minute break in between. In …

Supporting Students’ Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Within High School Physical Education, Ken Murfay, Aaron Beighle, Heather Erwin, Erin Aiello, Sarah Pyszczynski

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Research examining physical activity (PA) is significant because of the known benefits of PA. Studying high school (HS) students is particularly important due to the consistent decline in PA as students age. One strategy to increase PA is to increase someone’s self-efficacy (confidence) to be physically active which is commonly positively associated with PA. Most of the research on how to support physical activity self-efficacy (PASE) comes from outside-of-school interventions with minimal literature on how to support students’ PASE within HS physical education (PE). This study attempted to identify and share practices that current HS PE teachers were implementing to …

Teacher Implementation Profiles: A Response To Top-Down Mandate Of Movement Integration, Zack Beddoes, Jeanne Barcelona, Darla Castelli

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study examined teacher implementation practices to meet a state mandate requiring 135 minutes of student physical activity (PA) weekly. Teachers were required to implement a video-based movement integration (MI) program. Using an embedded mixed-methods design, provider characteristics of 42 teachers and the organizational capacity of six schools were developed from interviews, surveys, observations, and artifacts. Data analysis revealed three teacher profiles (a) Dynamic Experientialists, (b) Coachable Constructivists, and (c) Cautious Behaviorists, and three school profiles (a) Whole Child Approach, (b) Grade Level Champions, and (c) Back to Basics. Findings suggest that school, teacher, …

Comprehensive Technical Analysis Of A Kickboxing Fight In K1 Format Based On Observation, Marta Niewczas, Wojciech Wąsacz, Wiesław Chwała, Tomasz Pałka, Ewa Sobiło-Rydzik, Tadeusz Ambroży, Kristína Němá, Łukasz Rydzik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Observation and specialized analysis of confrontations in combat sports are fundamental for introducing corrections in training programs and for modifying the individual technical-tactical profiles of athletes in these types of activities. These actions comprehensively assess the progress of sports activities, ultimately inspiring and guiding the direction of training in sports clubs. The aim of this study was to analyze and assess the level of the offensive structure of Kickboxing sport fights in the K1 format, in terms of global simulated sparring, in selected thematic sets. Materials and Methods: The research material consisted of a multimedia recording of 10 simulated …

Nourish: Promoting Body Acceptance Through Christ-Centered Identity In Female Collegiate Cross Country Runners, Kirsten E. Howland, Melinda B. Smith

Movement and Being: The Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Studies

Competitive runners are at increased risk for developing eating disorders (EDs), which can have serious effects on both sport and life. Clinical and psychological treatments for EDs are largely ineffective; therefore, to reduce the incidence of disordered eating in young runners, there is a need for preventative programs focused on shifting cultural attitudes and mindset. The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate Nourish, a Biblically-based pilot program designed to promote body appreciation and a holistic view of the self through rooting identity in Christ. Seven members of the women’s cross country team at a private Division …

Association Analysis Of The Oprm1 Polymorphism Gene And Personality Traits Among A Cohort Of Professional Athletes., Remigiusz Recław, Agnieszka Boroń, Krzysztof Chmielowiec, Jolanta Chmielowiec, Katarzyna Prabucka, Milena Lachowicz, Łukasz Zadroga, Przemysław Guła, Maciej Brożyna, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

In sports research, genetic studies linked to the traits of the temperament, in addition to medical examinations and other physiological and biochemical tests, would enrich the scope of possibilities and successes that a competitor can accomplish. This could be beneficial for the protection of both mental and physical health. The study group comprised 391 male volunteers. Out of these, 222 sports subjects and 186 were non-addicted. The temperament and character questionnaire (TCI-R) was used to determine personality traits such as novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward addiction and perseverance, as well as self-direction, cooperation and self-transcendence. Genotyping OPRM1 rs1799971 was carried …

Parental History Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors And Childhood Cardiometabolic Risk: The Preventive Effects Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Waist Circumference Within Offspring, Caroline Brand, Arieli Fernandes Dias, Camila F. Fochesatto, Anelise Reis Gaya, Sean Carroll, James P. Hobkirk, Jane D. Pollo Renner, Cezane P. Reuter

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: In addition to childhood obesity status, the family history of cardiovascular disorders might be used as a tool for screening youth to identify those at the highest risk of developing metabolic impairments later in life. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine associations between parental history of cardiovascular disease risk factors and childhood cardiometabolic risk, and to examine the role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and obesity in mediating the relationship between parental history and global cardiometabolic risk. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed with 2,213 Brazilian youth. The cardiometabolic risk factor (CMRF) score, CRF, and waist …

The Moderating Role Of Perseverance And Determination In Action In The Context Of Self-Efficacy And Life Satisfaction Of Sportspeople With Mobility Impairment, Natalia Segiet, Krzysztof Gerc

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The article assumes the biopsychosocial model of disability and refers, inter alia, to the assumptions of the concept of empowerment, which recognizes the fact that practicing sports by people with disabilities creates favorable conditions for strengthening resources and developing skills. An attempt was made to develop a model that verifies the moderating importance of mental resilience in the aspect of experiencing a sense of effectiveness and life satisfaction in sportspeople with mobility impairment. Material and method: The research conducted in an encrypted online manner involved 58 people (31 able-bodied sportspeople and 27 sportspeople with physical disabilities). The following tools …

Why The Structure Of The Mlb Season Is Causing High Injury Rates, Cole Mitchell

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

Major League Baseball is one of America’s most honored organizations in the world. It was founded in 1869 making it one of the oldest sports organizations created. While for decades, the game of baseball, under the direction of the MLB has been highly praised, an injury epidemic began to diminish athletes' time playing the game. Injury in any sport is inevitable due to the unpredictable nature sports bring, however over the course of the last 40+ years, injury rates continue to skyrocket year in and year out in the sport of baseball. Where it shows its greatest effects is at …

Effects Of Physical Activity On Self-Efficacy Of Patients With Bronchial Asthma, Carolin Schulze

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Due to higher exposures to fine dust, increased smoking and prevalence of obesity and stress, an increase in the diagnosis of bronchial asthma can be expected, which requires adequate, scientifically tested, alternative therapy methods. The current study investigated the effects of regular physical training on general and disease-specific self-efficacy. Materials and Methods: Overall 82 participants with mild to moderate medicated asthma (63% female, mean age = 41.88 ± 10.43 years) took part in the study. They were randomly divided into three groups: (1) no intervention, (2) progressive muscle relaxation and (3) physical activity intervention. Intervention lasted ten weeks with …

Relative Age Effect At Men’S Volleyball World Championships Over Time, Marcin Śliwa, Mariusz Buszta, Jerzy Sadowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Relative age effect (RAE) in sport is extensively described in the literature. However, there is scarcity of data on how to avoid problems in the talent identification process and, consequently, how to avoid dropping out or losing a potential volleyball talent. The aim of the study was to carry out a retrospective analysis of RAE at Men’s U-19 and U-21 World Championships as well as Men’s World Championships over the last 12 years and to investigate possible differences in quarterly age distribution depending on anthropometric features, geographical regions the teams under study came from as well as their performance …

Interval Training Using A Slide Board Is Superior To Cycloergometer Regarding Aerobic Capacity And Specific Fitness In Elite Ice Hockey Players, Robert Roczniok, Artur Terbalyan, Daria Manilewska, Grzegorz Mikrut, Tomas Mika, Petr Stastny

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Ice hockey is a physically demanding sport that requires a combination of aerobic and anaerobic capacities, as well as specific on-ice skills. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of individualized interval training on a slide board with training on a cyclo-ergometer, focusing on aerobic capacity and specific fitness in elite ice hockey players. Materials and Methods: Thirty players were randomly divided into an experimental (slide board) and a control (cyclo-ergometer) group. Both groups underwent a 6-week training program with the same intensity and volume. Results: The results showed that both forms of training led to significant improvements in …