Community Sport Research Articles

Multi-objective optimization for gymnasium layout in early design stage: Based on genetic algorithm and neural network

The layout of gymnasium directly affects environment performance. The current methods are insufficient to provide quantified decision support for gymnasium layouts in the early design stages (EDS). This study proposes a framework for optimizing the layout of gymnasiums using a multi-objective optimization (MOO) method based on genetic algorithms (GA) and neural networks. The study tested the framework using a community sports arena as an example, and the results indicate: the final optimized solutions achieved a maximum reduction of 11.1 % in cooling energy consumption (CE) and 3.3 % in solar radiation (SR) compared to the earlier generations, along with a 0.9 % improvement in thermal comfort percentage (TCP). This framework promotes the development of algorithm-driven methods for stadium layout design, while the prediction model based on RBF neural networks can simultaneously provide effective performance predictions for similar design outcomes.

Autonomy, Resilience and Life Satisfaction among Badminton Paralympians.

People with disabilities are marginalised in mainstream culture and they also experience increased restrictions in a variety of areas, such as sport. The barriers they encounter may adversely affect their life satisfaction, especially if they have a low perceived sense of autonomy and resilience. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between autonomy, resilience and life satisfaction in para-badminton athletes and the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between autonomy and life satisfaction. Data were collected from 137 para-badminton athletes (male: 65.0% and female: 35.0%). Self-reported measures were used to assess the participants' autonomy, resilience and life satisfaction levels. A structural equation model analysis was performed; the model had sufficient fit indices (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.94, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.06, standardised root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.07). The findings showed that autonomy had a significant effect on resilience (β = 0.32, P = 0.001). Further, resilience had a significant effect on life satisfaction (β = 0.19, P = 0.011) and significantly mediated the effect of autonomy on life satisfaction (β = 021, P = 0.033). This study revealed that autonomy fosters resilience among athletes, in turn allowing them to achieve greater life satisfaction. Therefore, society and sport communities should actively seek ways to improve the autonomy and resilience levels of athletes with disabilities.

The walks often give me a reason to get up and get out in the morning rather than hiding. Towards sustainable community-health enhancing interventions

Physical activity (PA) community-based programmes are increasingly put forward to promote active, healthy lifestyles and bring about long-lasting benefits to beneficiaries. Programme sustainability refers to the maintenance of an intervention beyond the initial time, resources, or other inputs to support it. A range of factors contribute to sport/PA programme sustainability; however, research often overlooks the critical ingredients to long-lasting interventions. This study explores the elements that promote, or hinder sustainability of a walking-based intervention addressed to caregivers and care-recipients in Kent, United Kingdom. Drawing on interviews and focus group data with organisers and participants, findings were grouped under three overarching themes: Benefits on social and mental well-being, factors facilitating programme engagement and key implementation considerations. In discussing these findings in context, we provide implications for the sustainable planning and implementation of future community sport and PA programmes.

Men's Social Connectedness in Later Life: A Qualitative Study with Older Men.

This qualitative study aimed to understand men's social connectedness in later life in Portugal focusing on their perceptions, obstacles, strategies, and impact on well-being. The sample included 104 older Portuguese men over 65 years of age (Mage = 70.76 years). The qualitative data were the direct transcriptions of the answers given by participants to the electronic interview using thematic analysis. Findings revealed six overarching themes encompassing 18 subcategories: definitions of social connectedness (social support, community identity, mental health promotion, use of community structures), difficulties/obstacles in maintaining social connectedness (ageism, lack of initiative, physical limitations, psychological traits, resources), strategies/actions or resources to establish social connections (use of technology, use of community groups, leisure and sport activities, church/religion), negative impact of difficulties in establishing relevant social connections (mental health, physical health, relationships), positive actions from being socially connected (positive prescriptions to promote social connectedness), and concerns from being socially disconnected (health risks). These findings indicate that the lack of social connectedness creates social vulnerability in later life, and social support is needed to ensure safer aging among older men.

Sport and governance: peacebuilding in communities affected by the armed conflict in Colombia

Five decades of victimizing events have affected the lives of Colombians and exposed them to diverse forms of violence. The conflict’s consequences were evident in the weakening of the bonds between citizens because of limited cooperation and the loss of faith in country institutions. The limitation of the government is to guide the country amid great social conflicts in an exercise of territorial governance. The community improve their own mechanisms to contribute to local development under a peacebuilding approach to overcome social vulnerabilities. The research study focuses on highlighting the collective capabilities that a community sport experience promotes among members of communities affected by social conflicts for an effective contribution to promote positive change. The study used qualitative descriptive methods of inquiry and six in depth semi structured interviews. The study offers five public policy recommendations based on the results: the evidence to local governments and the national government in Colombia.

Prevalence of Skin Injuries in Beach Volleyball Athletes in Greece.

Background: Skin injuries often affect the sports community. Almost every type of athletic activity is associated with traumatic skin injuries, such as surface wounds, bruising, abrasions, subcutaneous hematomas, blunt trauma, nail injuries, friction burns, and blisters. Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the rates, location sites, and seasons of appearance of skin injuries in beach volleyball athletes in Greece. Seven hundred and eighty-five beach volleyball athletes participated in this study. The average age was 28.4 years. Skin injuries included superficial wounds (erosions, incisions, lacerations), deep wounds, hematomas, nail lacerations, friction burns, and friction blisters. The recorded variables encompassed gender, age, the time of year when athletes might be at higher risk of injuries, and the specific body regions affected. Additionally, data regarding training details such as years of practice, weekly training frequency, and daily training duration were also documented. Results: Incidence rates correlated to gender: (a) superficial wounds (p < 0.001), (b) years of training: hematomas (p < 0.001), and (c) average hours of daily training: superficial wounds (p < 0.001), deep wounds (p < 0.001), and friction blisters (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although early detection, recognition, and treatment are essential, the prevention of skin injuries can also be linked to health and athletic performance.

NPS, PEDs and other emerging drugs on the Clearnet and the Darkweb: Use in sport

The aim of the project was to identify new performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) including novel psychoactive substances (NPS) both in the Darkweb as well as in the Clearnet that could be offered to athletes to improve their performance.Searches on the Darkweb revealed that the number of PEDs offered to athletes is limited, and mainly center on well-known anabolic steroids, peptide hormones, stimulants and metabolic modulators. No novel substances were found and the most sophisticated were well known and also offered on the Clearnet.On the Clearnet, we targeted novel psychoactive substances (NPS) reported by the UNODC Early Warning Advisory on NPS during the period of 2018 to July 2023. None of these substances could be found in nutritional supplements targeting the athletic population, nor did they appear in chat rooms exchanging information on performance enhancing stimulants.In conclusion, it appears that PEDs constitute only a minimal part of the Darkweb market and all of the ones offered are well known substances. On the Clearnet, NPS recently released into the market do not make immediate appearance in supplements for the sports community.

Leading a Safe Sport Community of Practice for High Performance Coaches: A Role for Mental Performance Consultants

In support of safe sport (SS) in Canada, a community of practice (CoP) for high performance coaches and NSO personnel was created and facilitated by two mental performance consultants (MPCs) to ensure SS concepts are well understood and applied by coaches and NSO staff. Fifteen people joined this 4-month CoP. The value creation framework was used to shape and assess the changes/learning that occurred in the monthly, online meetings. The learning activities (presentations, discussions, individual and shared reflections) were driven by the participants’ needs and resulted in shared and co-created practices. Three value creation stories about selection, second-guessing, and self-care illustrate participants’ learning. Through this paper, a new role for MPCs is proposed.

The successes and spirit of gravel cycling: providing freedom, challenge, and connection

Gravel, a cycling discipline practiced primarily on unpaved, remote roads, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Accompanying this growth have been fervent debates about what gravel cycling is and how to define it. However, no research has yet been done to describe this discipline and its meanings to society and individuals. Thus, this case study aimed to understand individuals’ experiences and motivations for gravel participation. Through interviews and a reflexive thematic analysis, three themes were crafted: (1) gravel cycling encourages and provides a sense of freedom, (2) embracing the unknown: participants experience physical, mental, and emotional development through gravel cycling, and (3) gravel cycling provides connection through the convergence of self, community, and nature. We provide conclusions regarding gravel’s significance in light of current trends in adult sport participation and present practical implications for cycling event organizers, grassroots sport organizations, and the adult sport and leisure communities.

Recognising, addressing and supporting the challenging nature of community sport coaching work: potential ways forward for research and practice

ABSTRACT This paper critically examines key issues that continue to pervade the domain of community sport coaching. Specifically, we centre attention on a) conceptualisations of policy implementation and enactment, b) neoliberal working conditions and policies and their impact, and c) training and education currently offered to practitioners. For each issue, we map out some of the key concerns in both research and practice and the implications of these for community sport coaching’s ability to achieve its purported objectives. We then present potential future directions for research and practice before outlining, in the final section, specific methodological approaches capable of being deployed to examine and have practical impact for these specific issues in sufficiently complex ways. This article will be of use to community sport organisations, coaches, educators, managers, researchers, and others as they seek to enhance the criticality and interrogative nature of their work.

“Hands off”: responsibilizing low-income citizens through fee assistance programs

ABSTRACT Rationale To critically examine fee assistance programs (FAPs) through the lens of responsibilization and discuss the implications of creating access to sport for low-income families. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 volunteers and administrative staff from community sport organizations in New Brunswick who facilitated FAPs for their organizations. Findings Four themes were constructed and discussed, illuminating how FAPs responsibilize low-income families: (1) Don’t advertise, don’t share: Applicants do all the work; (2) Passive but efficient: Processes of FAPs; (3) It’s always the parent: Communication of FAPs; and (4) You have to take ownership: Families need to be accountable. Practical implications This study is valuable to practitioners interested in understanding how FAPs may cause harm by excluding low-income families. Research contribution This study demonstrates how responsibilization is evident in facilitating FAPs in community sport organizations in New Brunswick and the consequences of creating access to community sport.

Strategy practitioners and the procedural legitimacy of strategic planning in nonprofit community sport

ABSTRACT This study examines how leaders of community sport organizations (CSOs) engage in a strategic planning process through the intersection of institutional work and the strategy-as-practice (SAP) approach. The SAP approach focuses on the micro-level social activities, processes, and practices that inform how organizational leaders engage in strategic planning. A multiple-case study of four CSOs with contrasting approaches to the practice of strategy provides insight into the role of strategy practitioners and their choice of strategy activities. The study also examines how these activities contribute to the procedural legitimacy of strategic planning. The findings highlight four roles that strategy practitioners hold within their clubs (i.e. consultant, board member, staff member, facilitator) and three general types of activities that indicate varying levels of stakeholder involvement in planning. The findings provide evidence of the need for a granular approach to the study of strategic planning and a focus on how organizational leaders’ roles and choice of activities shape strategic planning and its legitimacy.

Australian sport and physical activity behaviours pre, during and post-COVID-19

BackgroundGlobally, COVID-19 and associated restrictions impacted negatively on recreational physical activity (RPA). Participation in community sport was significantly impacted with cancelled training and competitions. Whilst team and club-based sport participation declined during COVID-19 restrictions, participation in some physical activities actually increased, particularly individual and online activities and outdoor activities not requiring facilities.AimThe aim of this study is to investigate changes in the patterns of participation in club-based sport, informal sport and other RPA in Australia from pre, during and post-COVID-19 restrictions. Further, these participation patterns are broken down by gender, age and region of residence.MethodsTwo longitudinal waves of an online survey were conducted in mid-2020 and mid-2021. The first wave also captured retrospective pre-COVID19 (2019) data. Two sections of the survey dealt respectively with two ‘settings’ of RPA: organised club sport, and less structured sport and recreational physical activity (designated ‘other RPA’). For each year 2019–2021 each individual was categorized as participating (Yes/No) in each of club sport and other RPA. For each setting, the proportions of each pattern of participation were tabulated, and the results for the demographic cohorts were compared.ResultsA total of 1,138 Australians aged 13 years and above completed both waves of the survey. Overall, there were considerable differences between the patterns of club sport and other RPA. Most individuals who participated in other RPA (69%) were able to and did participate continuously throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, and not surprisingly, the club-sport participants were forced to drop out in 2020 during COVID-19 restrictions, and less than half reported returning to play post-COVID-19 restrictions. Less than a quarter of sports club participants were able to continue to play throughout COVID-19 and beyond. Significantly more males returned to playing sport 51% than females 44%.ConclusionParticipation in community club-based sport has been significantly negatively impacted by COVID-19, more so than participation in some other recreational sport and physical activities. Further, fewer females than males returned to playing community sport, and priority and specific attention should be given to understanding why women and girls have not returned to playing community club-based sport.

Women Sports Participation and Gender Sensitivity Towards Enhanced Sports’ Program

This study explores women's participation in sports and the level of gender sensitivity within sports programs. Using comprehensive methods, including reliability measurements and statistical analyses, it assesses women's exposure and awareness of gender sensitivity. Data collected from athletes at ShanTou Polytechnic provide valuable insights into participant profiles, exposure levels, and gender sensitivity awareness. Reliability measurements indicate strong internal consistency in exposure and gender sensitivity, ensuring the study's credibility. Demographic analysis reveals a higher proportion of female athletes, mainly around the age of 20, with a predominant involvement in sports dance. The study systematically addresses respondents' personal information concerning gender, age, and sports types. It delves into women's exposure in sports, focusing on public interest, participation, representation, and frequency of sports involvement. Findings indicate a high level of support, encouragement, and recognition for female athletes within the sports community. The study also explores respondents' awareness of gender sensitivity faced by female athletes, emphasizing mutual encouragement, equal treatment, and rejecting gender stereotypes. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of women's sports participation and gender sensitivity, offering valuable insights for enhancing inclusivity and support for women in sports. It underscores the significance of promoting equal opportunities, breaking stereotypes, and ensuring a conducive environment for the health and recognition of female athletes.

What makes community sports programs successful? A group concept mapping study to identify effective elements

Adults in socially vulnerable positions can benefit from participation in community sports programs. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the effective elements of these programs. To identify these elements, we consulted three groups of stakeholders: social sports coaches, program coordinators, and social workers. The effective elements were systematically arranged by means of group concept mapping (GCM), a mixed-methods approach for organizing thoughts. The social sports coaches (n = 14) mentioned 152 effective elements, the program coordinators (n = 5) mentioned 81 effective elements and the social workers (n = 8) mentioned 115 effective elements. Overlapping effective elements were mentioned by all three stakeholder groups, such as the role of the social sports coach, a safe sports climate, and structure of sports programs. However, the sport-specific knowledge and skills of coaches were mentioned only by program coordinators. Moreover, only the social workers provided elements that were protective in nature, such as not overburdening the participants. Average importance scores differed for these elements within groups and between groups. In conclusion, various effective elements were deemed necessary for community sports programs to be successful. Moreover, GCM appeared a successful tool to systematically identify effective elements of an intervention from the perspective of relevant stakeholders.

A wise investment by urban governments: Evidence from intelligent sports facilities

As the pursuit of sustainable development goals has become an increasingly prominent component of urban governance in recent years, compliance with sustainability agendas is now an essential consideration in public investment decisions. Although government spending on the construction of intelligent buildings can help the government achieve its sustainability objectives, steady funding for these projects may not be possible during budget cuts. Demonstrating the added benefits of sustainability-focused, government-funded construction projects can help to justify budgeting for intelligent buildings. This paper explores the externalities of a community sports center constructed to intelligent building specifications in New Taipei City, Taiwan, measured by the willingness to pay for proximal residence and accessibility to the community sports center. By comparing this smart community sports center with one designed and constructed along traditional lines, the paper finds that the effect of positive externalities is more significant in the community sports center housed in intelligent buildings. The paper highlights the importance of community sports centers by showing the price premiums for houses near them. It indicates that directing public investment toward sustainable public infrastructure will likely provide added benefits. The evidence provides support for emerging markets to propose policies that are consistent with sustainability goals.

Suggestions for Optimising the Spatial Layout of Community Sports Facilities Based on a Complete Community Perspective

Community sports facilities are the main places for residents to carry out physical exercise in urban communities in China, and the situation of community residents' participation in fitness activities and the degree of utilization of fitness equipment are closely related to their location. Based on the GIS technology to analyze the current situation of the layout of community sports facilities in the study area, based on the policy vision of complete community construction, the problems existing in the layout of community sports facilities in the study area are dissected, and the corresponding optimization countermeasures are proposed, so as to improve the management of the community sports facilities in the study area, the rational layout, and to enhance the utilization rate of the facilities, and to provide a basis for the scientific development of community sports facilities.

Comprehensive environmental management research for indoor sports and fitness facilities in community sports center

Formaldehyde, as one of the main indoor air pollutants, poses a significant threat to human health. Therefore, to effectively reduce indoor formaldehyde pollution, we prepare a novel silver carbonate (Ag2CO3)/amorphous silver silicates (a-AgSiO)/g-C3N4 nanosheets (CNNS) composite catalyst using in-situ precipitation and ion exchange methods. The Ag2CO3/a-AgSiO/CNNS composite was characterized by various methods, including XRD, FT-IR, and XPS. Compared to the a-AgSiO/CNNS composite, the formaldehyde degradation efficiency of the Ag2CO3/a-AgSiO/CNNS composite is significantly enhanced, reaching up to 81.9% under the same conditions. Cycling stability tests also demonstrated the excellent chemical stability of the Ag2CO3/a-AgSiO/CNNS composite, with a formaldehyde degradation efficiency of 72.6% after five cycles. By investigating the mechanism of Ag2CO3/a-AgSiO/CNNS composite, we found that the formation of double Z-type heterogeneous structure in the Ag2CO3/a-AgSiO/CNNS composite enhanced the separation efficiency of photoinduced charge carriers and improved the photocatalytic activity. In conclusion, the prepared Ag2CO3/a-AgSiO/CNNS composite catalyst with excellent photocatalytic performance can be used for the efficient degradation of indoor formaldehyde.

Microbiome features associated with performance measures in athletic and non-athletic individuals: A case-control study.

The influence of human gut microbiota on health and disease is now commonly appreciated. Therefore, it is not surprising that microbiome research has found interest in the sports community, hoping to improve health and optimize performance. Comparative studies found new species or pathways that were more enriched in elites than sedentary controls. In addition, sport-specific and performance-level-specific microbiome features have been identified. However, the results remain inconclusive and indicate the need for further assessment. In this case-control study, we tested two athletic populations (i.e. strength athletes, endurance athletes) and a non-athletic, but physically active, control group across two acute exercise bouts, separated by a 2-week period, that measured explosive and high intensity fitness level (repeated 30-s all-out Wingate test (WT)) and cardiorespiratory fitness level (Bruce Treadmill Test). While we did not identify any group differences in alpha and beta diversity or significant differential abundance of microbiome components at baseline, one-third of the species identified were unique to each group. Longitudinal sample (pre- and post-exercise) analysis revealed an abundance of Alistipes communis in the strength group during the WT and 88 species with notable between-group differences during the Bruce Test. SparCC recognized Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, short-chain fatty acid producers with probiotic properties, species strongly associated with VO2max. Ultimately, we identified several taxa with different baseline abundances and longitudinal changes when comparing individuals based on their VO2max, average power, and maximal power parameters. Our results confirmed that the health status of individuals are consistent with assumptions about microbiome health. Furthermore, our findings indicate that microbiome features are associated with better performance previously identified in elite athletes.

The impact of a mental health literacy program on sporting club environment, member confidence and knowledge to support

ObjectiveCommunity sport can support mental health promotion and prevention initiatives. The aim was to establish the impact of a mental health literacy program (Tackle Your Feelings) delivered to Australian Rules Football clubs, on a range of mental health literacy measures. MethodsA mixed-method approach was undertaken with four community sporting clubs allocated to treatment or control (n = 155). Study 1) involved linear mixedeffects modelling to determine if the intervention differed in effect to a waitlist control over time across five outcome measures. Study 2) determined if differences were sustained post-intervention. Study 3) analysed interview data to establish qualitative insights into impacts of the program. ResultsLongitudinal mixed-effects modelling found significant effects for confidence to support (p<.001), knowledge of resources to support mental health (p<.042) help seeking (p=.030), supportive club environment (p<.001), and program content knowledge (p<.001). Post-hoc analyses revealed a positive effect across measures and Study 2) found this was sustained for four months post-program. Qualitative data highlighted the value of this type of program but also where improvements could be made. ConclusionFindings highlight the potential value of community sport as a setting to support mental health promotion across a wide range of club members whilst demonstrating enhanced member perceptions of a sporting club environment to support mental health. Qualitative data highlighted opportunities to embed such programs across multiple layers of the sporting club context.