ABSTRACT Cardiovascular risk and mortality are global concerns. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) helps identify key diagnostic and prognostic variables for cardiorespiratory fitness. The cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP), defined as the lowest point of ventilation required to extract oxygen, has emerged as an accessible and potentially useful submaximal tool. This aimed to analyze COP´s behavior and its relation to cardiorespiratory variables during CPET and its relation with cardiovascular risk (CVR) stratification and mortality in adults with and without cardiovascular disease. A systematic review was conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect) following PRISMA guidelines. Ten studies with 14,537 participants were included, and methodological quality was assessed through the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results showed that high COP values, typically reported within a risk-associated range of >25–30, were significantly associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risk. COP showed moderate correlations with other cardiorespiratory variables and appeared at submaximal intensities, before the first ventilatory threshold. COP is an accessible and prognostic tool for assessing cardiovascular health in clinical populations.

ABSTRACT We aimed to compare the concurrent validity of force–velocity (F–V) profiling using two low-cost and accessible jump height (JH) calculation methods: flight time method (FT) and modified FT (FTM). Forty-two male athletes performed unloaded, moderate-, and high-loaded squat jumps and countermovement jumps on force plates while recorded with a high-speed smartphone camera. JH was calculated using the impulse-momentum method (IM), FT, and FTM, and values were subsequently used to derive F–V profile variables. The FT significantly overestimated some F–V profile variables of the countermovement jump. Conversely, all F–V profile variables calculated using the FTM did not differ significantly from those derived using the IM. Moreover, F–V profile variables derived using the IM were more strongly correlated with those calculated using the FTM than those calculated using the FT. In conclusion, the FTM demonstrates higher concurrent validity for assessing F–V profiles than the FT.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to update and validate regression models for estimating body fat percentage (BF%) in Chinese women using anthropometric measures. A total of 630 women aged 20–79 yr. underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and standardized anthropometric assessments. Development of experimental models and cross-validation of the published equations were done on the entire sample. The final prediction models developed from this study are Total BF% = 5.76 + 0.666×BMI + 0.180×Waist (RMSE = 3.47 ± 0.36); and Android BF% = -13.3 + 0.711×BMI + 0.475×Waist (RMSE = 5.81 ± 0.64). Although models with higher complexity improved prediction accuracy, simpler models using waist circumference, BMI, or WtHR were nearly as effective. Among published equations, the Rush et al. (1997) model from a Western sample surprisingly outperformed equations derived from Asian samples. These findings support the use of circumference-based models as accessible, low-cost alternatives to DXA for estimating BF% in Chinese and potentially multiethnic female populations.

ABSTRACT Fan engagement extends beyond the competitive season, yet existing measures largely focus on in-season behaviors. This study conceptualizes off-season fan engagement (OFE) as a distinct form of engagement that sustains fans’ psychological connection to a sport team during periods without live competition. Following a multi-stage scale development procedure, we developed and validated a measure of OFE. Qualitative online focus groups were conducted to explore off-season fan behaviors, and an initial item pool was generated and refined through expert evaluation. Rasch model analysis (n = 211) supported appropriate item functioning and response category performance. Confirmatory factor analysis (n = 244) validated a three-dimensional structure, demonstrating strong reliability as well as convergent and discriminant validity. A subsequent validation test (n = 257) provided additional support for criterion-related validity through positive associations between OFE dimensions and team identification. The findings highlight the unique processes underlying off-season fan engagement and introduce a psychometrically sound instrument for examining and enhancing fan engagement beyond the competition season.

ABSTRACT This study examined reliability and validity of a hand-held isometric strength assessment protocol for the shoulder. Two hundred and eleven elite athletes from four sports completed up to 11 isometric strength tests using a hand-held dynamometer. Inter-repetition and inter-tester reliability were assessed via intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), mean absolute errors and mean absolute percentage errors, while agreement with isokinetic dynamometry was evaluated in a subsample using concordance correlations (n = 15). Inter-repetition reliability is “good” to “excellent” (ICC = 0.857–0.956), and inter-tester reliability ranged from “moderate” to “very good” (ICC = 0.548–0.944). Isometric strength shows good agreement with moderate speed (60 deg/s) isokinetic measurements, whereas bilateral differences demonstrate only moderate concordance. Principal component analysis reveals three main factors, indicating potential redundancy among tests. The findings support the protocol’s use for field-based monitoring of shoulder strength in elite athletes, with a shortened version recommended for improved test efficiency and athlete compliance.

ABSTRACT Learning motivation plays a crucial role in fostering student engagement and long-term participation in physical education. To promote motivation effectively, it is essential to establish a reliable and valid measurement tool. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Learning Motivation in Physical Education Questionnaire (LMPEQ), originally developed using Classical Test Theory. The questionnaire was administered to 300 middle school students following their participation in 15 gymnastics sessions and was analyzed using the Many-Facet Rasch Model. The results indicated that all items demonstrated acceptable model fit, confirming their appropriate functioning within a five-point Likert scale. However, several items from the competence, fear of failure, and learning attitude subscales were clustered at similar difficulty levels, limiting their ability to capture the full spectrum of students’ perceived learning motivation. Further refinement is therefore required to improve the scale’s sensitivity to both high and low levels of motivation.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the intra-session reliability of knee extension, flexion, and the flexion-to-extension isometric strength ratio using a belt-fixated crane scale protocol at 60° and 90° knee flexion angle positions. Validity was examined by comparison with a gold-standard rigid-chair isometric knee dynamometer. Twenty-six physical education students completed the testing. Both protocols showed good-to-excellent reliability for maximal strength (peak torque in Nm/kg) and flexor-to-extensor ratios at both angles (ICC2.1 ≥ 0.84; CV% ≤ 8.2). Strength values were lower at 90° compared to 60° (p < .05). The crane scale overestimated knee flexion strength (6–9%) and flexor-to-extensor ratios (51–54% vs. 40–44%), but underestimated extension strength (16–18%). Strength measures correlated significantly between devices and angles (r from 0.52 to 0.86), but no significant correlations were found for ratios. Findings suggest that testing device and knee flexion angle substantially affect outcomes and should not be used interchangeably.

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the annual change in four journal citation metrics, scholarly subject categories, subcategories, and primary research topics assigned to MPEES by seven bibliometric databases over the last 25 years. All journal metrics consistently show 14 to 25 years of improvement in the scholarly influence and disciplinary contributions. Journal influence has advanced so that 2024 usage metrics are at or above median values for kinesiology-related journals, despite the modest number of articles published by MPEES. MPEES journal prestige metrics remain lower than median values relative to Kinesiology-related subject categories. MPEES is reaching a level where journal citation metrics may be attractive to authors for submission of articles in expectation of a Matthew Effect advantage with publication. The subject categories assigned to the journal vary according to database service but indicate MPEES made consistent contributions to the scholarly literature in medicine, health sciences and professions, physical education, sport and exercise sciences.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of four commercial devices in monitoring movement velocity across different loads and tracking velocity fluctuations within a given set. Twenty well-trained male participants completed a free weight squat testing session consisting of an incremental loading test from self-reported 20% 1RM to 90% 1RM, followed by a set of five squats at 70% 1RM. Movement mean velocity was recorded using two linear position transducers (GymAware and Vitruve) and two inertial measurement units (Enode and Output). The Qualisys system was set as the reference. Among the tested devices, only GymAware and Enode did not exhibit systematic bias or heteroscedasticity errors across all loads compared to the Qualisys system (p ≥ .165). GymAware (error ≤6.01%) and Enode (error ≤4.43%) revealed the smallest absolute percentage difference compared to the Qualisys system. When assessing barbell velocity fluctuations within a set, Output showed weaker Spearman correlations with the Qualisys system compared to other devices (r = 0.531), while the other three devices revealed very large correlations with the Qualisys system (r ≥ 0.744). Based on these findings, GymAware and Enode were the most accurate choices during free weight squats.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the FITJUMP portable device for measuring vertical jump performance in pre-adolescent children. To assess concurrent validity, fifty participants performed three countermovement (CMJ) and squad jumps (SJ) simultaneously on a force platform (impulse-momentum calculation) and with the FITJUMP device. For test-retest reliability, participants repeated three CMJs and SJs using the FITJUMP device at 24-hour intervals. Very strong correlations were observed between the force platform and FITJUMP device measurements for CMJ and SJ (ICC = .89, and .92, respectively), with no systematic bias and minimal random error. Test-retest reliability was excellent, demonstrating high consistency for CMJ and SJ (ICC = .92, and .92, respectively) and very low coefficients of variation (CV = 6.1% and 4.9%, respectively). The Fitjump device was rated as “marginal at determining the SWC for CMJ (SWC: 0.51, TE: 1.80 and SJ (SWC: 0.47, TE: 1.16), respectively. These findings indicate that the FITJUMP portable device is a valid and reliable tool for assessing CMJ, and SJ height in pre-adolescent children. However, its sensitivity is questionable.