This study aimed to explore the interplay of neuromuscular characteristics of handgrip and morphological characteristics, along with personality traits, in well-trained and elite athletes. The research involved a sample of 155 well-trained and elite athletes. A cross-sectional design was employed. A sliding device that measures isometric finger flexor force was used to assess handgrip neuromuscular characteristics. Key morphological characteristics, including body height, body mass and body mass index, were measured using a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Personality traits were evaluated using the Big Five plus Two Questionnaire. The study found numerous significant correlations, among which the positive association of positive valence and maximum force of the dominant (r=0.77) and non-dominant (r=0.82) hand in a group of female elite athletes stand out. The results revealed gender-specific patterns in the relationships examined. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated the presence of statistically significant discriminant functions for all variables assessed, both in female (Wilks’s Λ=0.44, χ²(22)=37.67) and male samples (Wilks’s Λ=0.59, χ²(20)=41.18), with 90% accuracy for females and 80% accuracy for males when discriminating between elite and well-trained athletes. The results support the need for further research in this area to enhance our understanding of the identified correlations.

This study investigates best practices in physical education according to education experts across Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), with the aim of providing recommendations and guidelines for the enhancement of the implementation of quality physical education. Employing qualitative research within Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems theoretical framework, data were collected via open-ended questionnaires from 11 purposefully selected physical education educators representing the BRICS nations. Themes identified through inductive content analysis encompassed physical education activities and pedagogy, status and support of physical education teachers, community involvement and governmental policies and initiatives. Participants highlighted the need for diverse, inclusive and autonomy-supportive activities, enhanced teacher recognition and training, community and parental engagement, supportive government policies, and continuous research. Applying Bronfenbrenner's framework, the study explains how factors within microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems and macrosystems influence physical education practices and policies within the BRICS nations, and brings forth recommendations for the elevation of physical education status, equal access to quality physical education resources, supportive learning environments, and learner-centred approaches to foster engagement and promote active lifestyles across diverse contexts within the BRICS nations.

This study aims to evaluate the place and importance of physical activity in education through the views of high school students and teachers. Using a qualitative methodology, semistructured interviews were conducted with physical education and sports teachers and students in high schools located in Hakkari and Van, Turkey. The sample consisted of 31 students (29% female, 71% male, mean age=15.32 years) and 15 teachers (47% female, 53% male, mean age=33.80 years). A phenomenological design was adopted to explore the perceived effects of physical activity on students’ academic, personal, and social development. Findings suggest that physical activity contributes positively to students’ motivation, physical fitness, responsibility, and life experience. However, time management difficulties and reduced study time were identified as negative aspects. Participants highlighted that sports classes and school teams enhance students’ self-confidence, discipline, and social interaction skills. Challenges such as limited emphasis on sports in the education system, lack of specialised teachers and inadequate physical infrastructure were also noted. In addition, students’ perceptions of violence during sports activities were examined, revealing various negative psychological effects. Overall, the study emphasises the need for regionally sensitive, balanced and well-structured physical activity programmes to support students’ educational and developmental outcomes.

Excessive production and accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species during exercise may cause oxidative stress and impact exercise performance. Rooibos with polyphenolic constituents may modulate the effects of oxidative stress during physical activities. This blinded randomised, cross-over placebo-controlled study included 30 adult males who consumed 375 ml of standardised fermented rooibos herbal extract or placebo beverage before completing a sub-maximal exercise, followed by 10 sprint bouts on a Wattbike. Rooibos appears to enhance the endogenous antioxidant defence system with increased levels of circulatory total and reduced glutathione in the participants and decreased levels in serum markers of muscle damage, creatinine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase. Mean submaximal trials (effort=75%–80% of maximum heart rate and/or 13 RPE Borg Scale) indicated after consuming rooibos, participants cycled for longer (291.83 s vs. 253.50 s: difference=14.05%), further (2790.30 m vs. 2434.93 m: difference=13.60%); produced 3.65% more power (W) and 2.42% more force (N). Mean cardiovascular responses during rooibos were modest when compared with the increased time and distance achieved, (134.55 bpm vs. 131.26 bpm: difference=2.40%) and relative oxygen uptake (27.32 ml/min/kg vs. 25.84 ml/min/kg: difference=5.53%). This suggests that rooibos may benefit metabolic responses during submaximal exercise, demonstrating its potential as an ergogenic aid.

Netball is an intermittent court-based sport that requires athletes to perform numerous tasks demanding refined physical attributes. The aim of the study was to compare the anthropometric and physical performance metrics across the various playing positions in netball players. A cohort of 150 female netball players (age: 18.8±1.39 years; height: 161.5±7.56 cm; body mass: 56.4±9.24 kg) volunteered for participation. All participants completed a barrage of physical performance tests: anaerobic and aerobic capacities, planned agility, sprint, flexibility, and lower limb and upper body power tests. All data were assessed using Kruskal–Wallis test with pairwise comparisons (p<0.05). Body height (p<0.001), mass (p<0.001) and composition (body fat percentage) (p<0.001) were significantly different across various playing positions. No statistical differences for aerobic (p=0.069), or anaerobic (p=0.273) capacities, and planned agility tests (p=0.156) were noted between playing positions. However, positional differences in sprint times (p<0.001), flexibility (p<0.001) and jump heights (p=0.009) were noted. The study reported differences in anthropometric and physical parameters across the different playing positions, which may have influenced the in-game positional demands and helped determine the key attributes required for each netball position player should have to perform.

Student wellbeing is a growing research field, with limited research in a South African context, especially on the benefits of campus recreation sport (CRS) to students. This study determines the correlations between the frequency of participation in CRS, leisure boredom, and satisfaction with life (SWL) of undergraduate students at North-West University (NWU). A cross-sectional design was used with 512 students completing an online survey. Demographic information and data on frequency of participation, SWL, and leisure boredom were used. Spearman’s correlation was used to determine relationships between variables. Students were 48% male and 52% female and included white (71%), black (22%), coloured (6%) and “other” (1%) students. A significant negative correlation was found between SWL and leisure boredom (r=-0.170). Frequency of participation across all forms of CRS had a significant negative correlation with leisure boredom (r=-0.146) and a significant positive correlation with SWL (r=0.135). Outdoor activities showed the strongest positive correlation with SWL (r=0.143) and negative correlation with leisure boredom (r=-0.149). A significant positive correlation exists between active participation and satisfaction with life, and a significant negative correlation between total participation and leisure boredom, although these correlations were weak. The results indicate the potential of CRS to benefit students’ SWL.

This study analysed the effects of different exercise programmes on basketball players. Participants were randomly assigned to core stability (CSG), neuromuscular exercise (NEG) or control group (CG). Over 8 weeks, CSG performed core exercises, NEG neuromuscular exercises, and CG routine warm-ups. Assessments included the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), vertical jump (VJ), horizontal jump (HJ) and sprint tests. Post-test results showed improvements in deep squat, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility push-up, rotational mobility and FMS-total scores for CSG and NEG compared with CG (p<0.05). Post-test rotary stability scores were higher in CSG compared with NEG and CG, while active straight leg raise and trunk stability push-up scores were greater in CSG than CG (p<0.05). Both CSG and NEG showed improvements in VJ and sprint scores compared with CG (p<0.05). CSG improved in deep squat, trunk stability push-up, rotary stability and FMS-total scores compared with NEG and CG, while NEG had greater increases in VJ and sprint scores than CSG and CG (p<0.05). While core stability and neuromuscular exercises enhanced explosive power and FMS scores, suggesting a potential reduction in injury risk, the study did not directly measure injury incidence. Therefore, these exercises should be considered part of a broader injury prevention strategy.

“parkrun” is an international organisation holding weekly, timed 5-km community events for runners and walkers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, parkruns were suspended globally, with gradual resumption in South Africa from October 2021. Comparison of participant event choice and performance at two Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) parkruns was ongoing when COVID-19 began, endabling questioning of previously recruited volunteers on their physical activity and wellness during suspension and after parkrun resumed, to determine effects on fitness and wellbeing. All respondents maintained some physical activity during suspension but missed the camaraderie and emotional support of parkrun. After reopening, 81% of respondents resumed parkrun within 1 year (i.e., by September 2022). Their stated motivations and benefits of parkrun were the same as pre-COVID-19. Enthusiasm for parkrun increased, although commitment to regularly attending a specific parkrun event reduced. The remaining respondents reported losing the habit of attending parkrun, developing new exercise routines, or moving to areas with no parkrun nearby. In the first quarter of 2022, total participation in NMBM parkruns was 29% of pre-COVID-19 numbers; by first quarter 2024 this increased to 69%. Individual parkrun times were initially reduced, but mean participant performance 1 year after resumption was not significantly impaired.

South African secondary school (SASS) Christian (in this case) athletes and their coaches were faced with the postponement of athletics during the COVID-19 lockdown period; however, the athletes and their coaches were able to employ information and communication technology (ICT) and other means to continue training. In the latter part of 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted, and athletes could resume their training. A qualitative approach was adopted with a case study design, and a Christian lens was used to share their negative and positive experiences during the lockdown period and transition into the new normal. Focus group interviews were conducted with the participant athletes, and questionnaires were completed by each of their coaches and a sports motivator. Various coding methods were used to analyse the data. We were guided by Elliot, Drummond, Prichard, Drummond and Mason’s four themes related to sport: recognising struggle, reconnection, re-engaging after restrictions and re-imagining sport, to arrive at our three emergent themes. Recommendations are offered to sustain and promote SASS athletics and create international participation opportunities.