College Athletes Research Articles

Impacts of Yogic Practice on Specific Physical Factors in Female College Athletes

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of yogic practice on specific physical variables among female college athletes. To achieve this goal, 30 subjects aged between 18 and 24 years were randomly selected from Trichy Districts and then assigned randomly to two groups, each comprising 15 participants: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group followed a yogic practice regimen, while the control group did not engage in any experimental activities. The physical fitness variables focused on in this study were flexibility and balance. The research design followed a true random group design, including both pre-tests and post-tests. The 30 subjects were evenly distributed between the experimental group (comprising those undergoing yogic practice) and the control group. Pre-tests were conducted before the six-week experimental period to assess the selected physical variables in all 30 subjects. Following the experimental period, post-tests were administered, and the scores were meticulously recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out with a predetermined significance level set at a 0.05 confidence interval. The results of this study indicated a significant improvement in flexibility and balance among participants in the yogic practice group.

Effects of High Intensity Interval Training on Specific Physical Factors in Male College Athletes

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training on specific physical variables among male college athletes. To accomplish this objective, 30 subjects aged between 18 and 24 years were randomly selected from Trichy Districts. These individuals were then randomly assigned to two groups, with each group comprising 15 participants: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group underwent a high-intensity interval training regimen, while the control group did not participate in any experimental activities. The physical fitness variables focused on in this study were speed and leg explosive power. The research design adhered to a true random group design, incorporating both pre-tests and post-tests. The 30 subjects were evenly distributed between the experimental group (consisting of the high-intensity interval training group) and the control group. Pre-tests were conducted before the six-week experimental period to assess the selected physical variables in all 30 subjects. Following the experimental period, post-tests were administered, and the scores were meticulously recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with a predetermined significance level set at a 0.05 confidence interval. The findings of this study revealed a significant improvement in speed and leg explosive power among participants in the high-intensity interval training group.

Snack and Nutrient Intake Status of Top-Level Female University Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Ensuring proper energy, nutrient intake, and sleep is vital for athlete health and competitiveness. Despite previous studies investigating the nutrient intake among top-level collegiate female athletes in Japan, the status of snack consumption remains unclear. This study addressed this gap by surveying 70 top-level female university athletes. The survey included a self-administered diet history questionnaire, a qualitative food intake frequency survey, and a survey on snack and dietary supplement use. The results revealed a low frequency of snack intake (2.1 ± 2.3 days/week), with 55.7% of athletes reporting snack consumption. The energy intake in the snack-intake group was significantly higher than that in the without-snack-intake group (31.5 ± 10.0 vs. 26.6 ± 9.92 kcal/kg of BM, p = 0.047). Similarly, carbohydrate intake was significantly higher in the snack-intake group than in the without-snack-intake group (4.84 ± 1.71 vs. 3.96 ± 1.65 g/kg of BM/day, p = 0.035). However, neither group reached the recommended value of 5-8 g/kg of BM/day during the medium training period. Overall, this study emphasizes inadequate energy intake even among athletes with a high snack intake frequency, highlighting the necessity to enhance overall food consumption and underscoring the importance of nutritional education for incorporating appropriate complementary meals to improve performance.

The usefulness of the useless: How ritualized behavior improves self-control under competition pressure

Pre-match ritualized behavior have long been a topic of study in applied sport psychology. However, most of the above studies focus on pre-established rituals that make it difficult to explore the clear causal relationship of the ritualized behavior, particularly its underlying mechanisms. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of athletes’ ritualized behavior on self-control under competition pressure. One hundred and forty-six college athletes were recruited. This study used a two-factor between design 2 (competition pressure: low vs. high) × 3 (behavior type: ritualized behavior vs. random behavior vs. control group). Based on the Shooter-type Go/No-go task, the dependent variable was the average number of loops and the error rates of 10-meter air pistol task in virtual reality. We found that ritualized behavior had a moderate impact on the average number of loops [F(1, 140) = 5.13, p = .007, ηp 2 = 0.068] and error rates [F(2, 140) = 11.29, p < .001, ηp 2 = 0.139], and it was more beneficial for error rate under competition pressure [F(2, 140) = 3.18, p = .045, ηp 2 = 0.043], while the symbolic meaning of ritualized behavior promotes self-control by improving self-efficacy and autonomous motivation via a top-down processing system. The psychological feature of ritualized behavior may serve as an important explanatory mechanism for its enhancing effect on self-control under competition pressure. This study supports and integrates the Precaution Theory and Self-determination Theory. In the future, researchers can design unique ritualized behaviors based on embodied cognition to help athletes in different sports groups. Lay Summary: In the arena, the audience cannot only see the athletes’ wonderful sports movements, but also, all kinds of ritualized behaviors. Through engaging in ritualized behavior as a “pregame booster”, athletes can improve self-control on shooting performance. Compared with the low-pressure situation, ritualized behavior was more beneficial for self-control under high competition pressure situations.

Mood Lifters for college athletes: a biopsychosocial approach to improving mental health for student-athletes

Objective: Mood Lifters, a biopsychosocial mental wellness program, has been shown to improve mental health in adults and senior citizens. This study examines the efficacy of the adaptation of the original program, hypothesizing that the Mood Lifters - Athlete version would improve collegiate athletes’ anxiety and depression. Participants: Participants included fifty-two student-athletes recruited through The Invisible Opponent, an organization focused on student-athlete mental health awareness, and directly through an R1 University Athletic Department. Methods: Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVAs) was conducted to evaluate the change in self-reported assessments of well-being at the start and end of the intervention. Results: Mood Lifters significantly improved participants’ depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Conclusion: Student-athletes showed improvements in mental well-being across several measures. The findings should be replicated in a larger trial with a more diverse sample to fully understand the impact of Mood Lifters.

Exploring the need for sexually transmitted infection education among university student athletes in Saskatchewan.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common in young adults in Canada and their prevalence is rising. Assessing sexual health knowledge among young adults is essential for developing effective STI education strategies. However, there is limited research on the sexual health knowledge of Canadian university athletes, who have increased risks of STIs. To determine perceived and objective levels of knowledge on STIs among university athletes and their preferred methods of knowledge translation regarding sexual health information. U SPORTS athletes at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina were invited to complete an electronic survey between January-March 2022. Participants completed the Sexual Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire (STD-KQ) and self-reported their confidence in their answers. Participants were asked about testing beliefs, where they receive their sexual health information and their preferred format for STI information delivery. One hundred participants completed the survey (14% response rate). Participants had a median composite self-reported STI knowledge score of 2.8 out of 5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.4-3.6). The median participant scored 12 out of 27 (44%) on the STD-KQ (IQR: 8-17). Sixty-seven percent of participants received sexual health information from a physician. Sixty-one percent of participants believed embarrassment may prevent them from getting tested or screened. The three most popular methods of health information sharing were online modules (34%), in-person lectures/conferences (24%) and self-paced videos (20%). This study highlighted that STI knowledge is limited in university athletes. Comprehensive online educational interventions may be effective at improving knowledge.

Education, message alignment keys to success amid ongoing changes in college athletics

It can prove challenging to successfully manage the continually changing landscape of fundraising and engagement within college athletics, especially since name, image, and likeness came on the scene. Message alignment and education have been game changers for Michael Paulus, who recently took on a new role as Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Engagement at Syracuse University's Martin J. Whitman School of Management after serving more than two years as Senior Associate Athletic Director and Executive Director of Athletic Development at Syracuse University.

Former NCAA Division I athletes’ perceptions of intervention components to improve post-sport physical activity

Emerging research supports that some former collegiate athletes (FCAs) can become physically inactive after retiring from sport, which can exacerbate unfavorable changes in long-term health. While researchers have addressed transitional difficulties FCAs may experience after retiring, little empirical evidence exists on how to promote healthy post-sport physical activity (PA) levels for those who are insufficiently active. Because of FCAs’ past sports training, considering their opinions for effective PA program components may be beneficial in early stages of behavioral intervention development. As such, 17 insufficiently active former National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes engaged in semi-structured interviews exploring their post-sport PA experiences and perceptions of effective program characteristics. Using Consensual Qualitative Research procedures, five domains were constructed. Three domains were discussed in a previous article; this paper overviews the remaining two, which describe participants’ opinions of what would effectively promote PA in their population: (a) a desire for an ‘athletics-lite’ atmosphere in an FCA-targeted intervention, and (b) using technology to positively engage former athletes in their PA transition. While participants believed an athletics-based program where they are provided feedback and individualized workouts would be effective in maintaining PA, this may indicate underdeveloped autonomy in some FCAs regarding PA maintenance post-sport. Initially utilizing college sports personnel in a program may aid FCAs at risk of inactivity in transferring skills used in sport to independent PA maintenance after retiring. Further, the introduction and use of technology may help facilitate self-monitoring of progress, social support, and individualization when external resources are unavailable. Lay summary: Seventeen, inactive former college athletes (FCAs) were interviewed to understand enablers for promoting physical activity (PA) in their population. Utilizing sport/exercise personnel to help FCAs become more autonomous in their behavior and promoting self-monitoring through technology may help those in this population who struggle to maintain PA post-sport.

Differences in Trunk Muscle Strength (Lateral Flexor Group) between Male and Female Athletes

The strength of the lateral flexor muscles in the trunk is necessary for maintaining stability in the rib cage, spinal column, and preventing a higher number of injuries, while also enhancing overall trunk muscle strength. This study, conducted in a transversal manner, aimed to identify gender-based differences in the strength of trunk lateral flexor muscles among university athletes in the younger senior age group. The study involved 46 athletes from the University of Novi Sad, comprising 25 male participants (height =181.27±6.28 cm; weight =78.31±12.14 kg; BMI =23.78±3.13 kg/m2; mean age =23.75±0.30) and 21 female participants (height =168.19±5.48 cm; weight = 3.72±5.94 kg; BMI =22.53±7.78 kg/m2; mean age =23.68±0.22). The results of the independent t-test revealed no statistically significant differences between the two gender groups based on dimorphic characteristics (p&gt;0.05) in the assessment of trunk lateral flexor muscle strength. It is essential to consider other aspects of the locomotor system specific to each sport and discipline to effectively prevent injuries during training and decrease the overall injury rate.

Evaluation of sleep patterns during a preparatory season of female college athletes

Evaluation of sleep patterns during a preparatory season of female college athletes

Injury prevention and health protection strategy in Cameroon University athletes (PhD Academy Award)

Injury prevention and health protection strategy in Cameroon University athletes (PhD Academy Award)

대학 태권도 선수의 긍정심리자본과 외상 후 성장 및 스트레스에 관한 구조모형 분석

The purpose of this study was to test the structural relationship between positive psychological capital, post traumatic growth, and post traumatic stress among university taekwondo athletes. To achieve this, a survey was conducted with 291 university taekwondo sparring athletes, and data were collected. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. The results revealed several key findings. First, within positive psychological capital, self-efficacy and resilience had a positive impact on post traumatic growth. Second, within positive psychological capital, self-efficacy and resilience had a negative impact on post traumatic stress. Third, post traumatic growth had a negative impact on post traumatic stress. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of attitudes toward using trauma as an opportunity for growth, as well as positive psychological capital elements such as self-efficacy and resilience, in preventing and coping with post traumatic stress among university sparring athletes.

대학 태권도 시범선수들의 부상불안과 운동지속의도 및 중도탈락의도의 관계에서 번아웃의 매개효과

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of burnout on the relationship between injury anxiety, intention for exercise persistence, intention for dropout, and university taekwondo demonstration athletes. Participants were 261 university taekwondo demonstrators(188 males and 73 females), and the collected data were analyzed descriptive statistics, correlations, and structural equation models using SPSS and AMOS. As a result first, injury anxiety was to have positive effect on burnout. Second, injury anxiety was found to have a negative effect on the intention to continue exercise. Third, it was found that injury anxiety had a positive effect on the intention to dropout. Fourth, burnout was found to have a negative effect on the intention to continue exercise. Fifth, burnout was found to have a positive effect on dropout intention. Sixth, it was confirmed that burnout had a negative effect in the relationship between injury anxiety and exercise continuity intention. Seventh, it was confirmed that burnout had a positive partial mediating effect in the relationship between injury anxiety and dropout intention. This means that higher the injury anxiety of the demonstration members the more likely they are to experience burnout which can negative change the intention to dropout and the intention to continue exercise.

The Influence of Hip Joint Fitness, Eye-Foot Coordination and Confidence on Accuracy Shooting Football Aged-17 Athletes

The purpose of the study. This research aims to find out how much influence confidence and confidence have on accuracy shooting football. Materials and methods. Sample size of 23 people, U-17 athletes from the Pahlawan Football Club University. The research method used in this research is a survey method with non-test techniques. The analysis technique used is the path analysis approach (path analysis) with the research results there is a direct positive influence of hip joint flexibility on accuracyShooting in football games for U-17 FC Pahlawan University athletes, with a percentage of 20.00%. Results. There is a direct positive influence of Confidence on AccuracyShooting in football games for U-17 FC Pahlawan University athletes, with a percentage of 40.00%, Conclusions. It can be concluded that hip joint flexibility and self-confidence play an important role in accuracyshooting in a football game. thus accuracyshooting in the game of football can be maximized through increasing hip joint flexibility, eye-foot coordination and self-confidence.

Effect of Plyometric Training on Blood Pressure of University Athletes

Effect of Plyometric Training on Blood Pressure of University Athletes

Symptom Screenings and Surveillance Testing for COVID-19 in University Athletes

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic presented prevention, screening, and mitigation challenges for public and primary healthcare, including university athletics. During 2020-21, student-athletes at a medium-sized university were required to undergo a COVID-19 screening program [symptom screening/surveillance testing] as a condition of athletic participation.To determine the effectiveness of the screening program in identifying athletes in this population with a COVID-19 diagnosi, prior to every athletic encounter, all 334 student-athlete participants reported any COVID-19 symptoms to the athletic training staff, body temperature was measured, and participants from three teams were randomly selected for an additional anosmia screening. All participants were subject to COVID-19 surveillance testing. For each participant, results of each element of the screening and testing processes were recorded in their electronic medical record and cross-referenced with any positive COVID-19 medical diagnosis. From 2025 surveillance tests conducted, only 32 participants tested positive. Of those, 25 (78%) experienced and reported COVID-19 symptoms to the athletic trainer immediately before testing. Onlyseven (.035%) were captured as pre-symptomatic positive tests. One hundred ten athletes who experienced symptoms, however, did not participate in an athletic encounter that day but instead self-admitted to the university health center for testing. All 110 tested positive at the health center. Experiencing and reporting COVID-19 symptoms appeared effective, and COVID-19 surveillance testing appeared ineffective, as detection measures in this study. Due to the extensive and costly resources needed, the decision to continue to implement these processes in the future will be difficult.

History, Knowledge, and Education of Sport-Related Concussion Among College Athletes in Japan.

Few authors have investigated sport-related concussion (SRC) awareness and knowledge among athletes in Japan. Sport-related concussion research is scarce among Asian compared with North American and European cohorts. To examine previous SRC history, level of SRC knowledge, and previous exposure to SRC education among collegiate athletes in Japan by the level of contact and access to medical staff. Cross-sectional study. Single-university study in Japan. A total of 2103 athletes (48 varsity teams) were contacted to participate in an anonymous survey. Data from athletes with (1) SRC history in the past 3 months, (2) persistent SRC symptoms, (3) nontraditional sports, or (4) incomplete surveys were excluded. As a result, data from 593 athletes representing 43 varsity teams were included in this analysis. Outcome measures were level of contact (contact [CON], limited contact [LTD], noncontact [NC]), access to medical staff (MEDYES, MEDNO), SRC knowledge (maximum score of 49), previous SRC history (self-report; yes, no), and previous SRC education (self-report; yes, no). The average SRC knowledge total score was 33.4 ± 6.1 (range, 18-48). The knowledge score in CON was higher than in LTD and NC (P < .001) and in MEDYES than MEDNO (median, MEDYES = 34.0, MEDNO = 32.0; U = 27 841.5, P < .001). Sport-related concussion history was statistically different by the level of contact ( = 27.95, P < .001) and by access to medical staff ( = 4.5, P = .034). The presence of an SRC history and previous SRC education contributed to higher SRC knowledge, independent of the level of contact and access to medical staff (P < .001). Japanese athletes who participated in CON sports had a higher prevalence of SRC history, higher knowledge, and greater exposure to SRC education than those in LTD or NC sports. Access to medical staff was associated with higher SRC knowledge.

Experiences of Interpersonal Violence in Sport and Perceived Coaching Style Among College Athletes

Concern about interpersonal violence (IV) in sport is increasing, yet its implications remain poorly understood, particularly among currently competing college athletes. To document the self-reported prevalence of IV in college sports; identify associated risk factors; examine potential consequences associated with athletes' psychosocial well-being, emotional connection to their sport, and willingness to seek help; and explore the associations between IV reporting and perceived variations in coaching styles. This survey study analyzes results of the 2021 to 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) myPlaybook survey, which was administered from July to December 2021 to 123 colleges and universities across the US. Participants were NCAA athletes aged 18 to 25 years who were current players on an NCAA-sanctioned team. Self-reported demographic characteristics (eg, athlete gender identity and sexual orientation) and perceived differences in supportive vs abusive coaching styles (eg, athlete autonomy, team culture, and extent of abusive supervision). The primary outcome was self-reported experiences of IV in sport during the college sports career of currently competing college athletes. Types of IV considered were physical abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, and neglect or abandonment. Outcomes potentially affected by IV were assessed with 4 questionnaires. A total of 4119 athletes (mean [SD] age, 19.3 [1.5] years; 2302 males [55.9%]) completed the survey (response rate, 21.2%). One in 10 athletes (404 of 4119 [9.8%]) reported experiencing at least 1 type of IV during their college sports career, of whom two-thirds (267 [6.5%]) experienced IV within the past 6 weeks. On multivariable analysis, female gender identity (odds ratio [OR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.46-3.13), nonheterosexual sexual orientation (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.01-2.42), increasing age beyond 18 years (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.30), increasing year of NCAA eligibility beyond the first year (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.39), and participation in select sports (eg, volleyball: OR, 2.77 [95% CI, 1.34-5.72]; ice hockey: OR, 2.86 [95% CI, 1.17-6.95]) were independently associated with IV. When exposed to IV, college athletes reported experiencing consistently worse psychosocial outcomes, including increased burnout (mean difference on a 5-point Likert scale, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.86; P < .001) and an expressed desire to consider quitting their sport (mean difference, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.92; P < .001). They were not, however, less willing to seek help. Differences in coaching style were associated with differences in IV reporting. In risk-adjusted linear regression models, having a more supportive coach was associated with a 7.4 (95% CI, 6.4-8.4) absolute percentage point decrease in athletes' probability of reporting experiencing IV. In contrast, having a more abusive coach was associated with up to a 15.4 (95% CI, 13.8-17.1) absolute percentage point increase in athletes' probability of reporting experiencing IV. Results of this survey study suggest that IV is associated with marked changes in the psychosocial health and emotional well-being of college athletes, particularly those who identify as female and with nonheterosexual sexual orientations. Variations in coaching style have the potential to alter these associations. Ongoing efforts are needed to leverage the unique position that coaches hold to help reduce IV and create safe places where all college athletes can thrive.

Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Associated with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain in College Athletes.

This study aimed to determine the psychosocial factors associated with non-specific chronic low back pain (NS-CLBP) among college athletes. A cross-sectional study was performed at one university. A non-anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire was collected from each athlete. Participants with a history of orthopaedic spine disease or surgery were excluded. Online responses from 368 college athletes belonging to 18 clubs were collected, among which 263 were included in the analysis. In the 263 responses, 41 individuals were identified as having NS-CLBP. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with presence of NS-CLBP. Independent variables included the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire physical activity subscale (FABQ-PA) score, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11) score, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) score, and body mass index (BMI). Additionally, the Mann-Whitney U-test was utilized to compare FABQ-PA, TSK-11, RDQ scores, and BMI between the NS-CLBP and non-NS-CLBP groups. The FABQ-PA (odd ratio = 1.096, P = 0.003) was significantly associated with NS-CLBP. No significant association was observed between NS-CLBP and TSK-11 (P = 0.776), RDQ (P = 0.074), and BMI (P = 0.296). The scores for FABQ-PA, TSK-11, RDQ, and BMI in the group with NS-CLBPwere found to be significantly higher compared to the group without NS-CLBP (P < 0.001, P = 0.034, P < 0.001, and P = 0.022, respectively). The present study revealed a significant relationship between higher FABQ-PA scores and NS-CLBP among college athletes. Conversely, TSK-11 and BMI values showed no significant association with NS-CLBP presence. The findings suggest that addressing fear-avoidance beliefs may be crucial in managing NS-CLBP among college athletes.

From Exploitative Systems to Exploitative Relationships: A Black Feminist Intervention to Scholarship on Exploitation in College Athletics

This essay introduces interpersonal exploitation in Black women’s relationships in U.S. Division I college athletic environments. Interpersonal exploitation is a Black feminist-oriented analytical frame for exploring how relationships across various levels and systems contribute to the exploitation of Black women and other similarly situated populations in U.S. college athletics. Drawing from existing research, this essay describes how and why scholars, policymakers, and practitioners can use this analytical frame to explore how relationships, and systems that inform these relationships, sustain conditions in which athletes and professionals can be systematically exploited. Addressing exploitation is vital to restore college athletics’ integrity, emphasizing its educational role, and prioritizing well-being.