Demands Of Sport Research Articles

KANO-AHP 모델을 이용한 하드쉘 재킷(바람막이)의 사용자 수요에 관한 연구

The growing demand for outdoor sports has intensified the need for technological innovation and design development in outdoor apparel. This study systematically analyzed user demands and the importance of design elements for hardshell jackets, a type of outdoor clothing, to enhance user satisfaction. Specifically, the study was conducted in two stages. First, the Kano model was applied to analyze 15 user demands for hardshell jackets, classifying them into three quality attributes: Must-be Quality(M), One-dimensional Quality(O), and Attractive Quality(A). Second, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used to construct a judgment matrix from the collected data, calculate the weights of design elements, and determine their priorities. The analysis revealed that among the Must-be Quality(M) attributes, “waterproofing, moisture resistance, and breathability” were the most critical factors, highlighting the fundamental purpose of hardshell jackets to protect users in extreme environments. Therefore, these functionalities should be prioritized in the design of hardshell jackets. At the same time, practicality, innovation, professionalism, and cost-effectiveness should be harmoniously integrated to meet diverse user needs. By presenting effective and practical design solutions, this study contributes to enhancing user satisfaction and advancing the practical application of outdoor clothing design.

Improving Coach Competence as an Effort to Improve Science and Technology-Based Sports Achievements at KONI Magetan Regency

Community empowerment is an essential initiative focused on promoting and fostering positive transformations in the areas of sports, social sciences, arts, and cultural community activities. In the realm of sports, community empowerment emphasizes enhancing the quality of human resources, physical fitness, and athletic success at provincial, national, and international stages, thereby shaping the community's identity as an important contributor to sports advancement. A primary objective of this community service initiative (PKM) is to create strategies for improving athletic performance by offering certified physical trainer training and guidance to the KONI Magetan Regency members, assisting them in succeeding at provincial, national, and international contests. Attaining success in sports demands a long-term, structured, and sustainable strategy, vital for developing regional and national sports identities. Community engagement is a crucial element in developing national sports strategies and programs. Empowering sports via the branch leaders of KONI Magetan Regency is essential for promoting community-oriented sports as well as competitive success. The techniques employed in this program consist of educating physical trainers and designing training programs. The education for physical trainers centers on crafting training regimens that cater to the unique requirements of various energy systems, the traits of specific sports disciplines, and the structuring of training over periods to improve athletes' biomotor abilities. Furthermore, the program includes the formulation of physical training strategies aimed at assisting athletes in achieving optimal performance according to set objectives. This training seeks to empower sports coaches at KONI Magetan Regency with the expertise to create impactful programs that enhance athletes' skills and contribute to success. The objective is to cultivate proficient coaches and elite athletes capable of representing Magetan Regency, East Java, and Indonesia on greater platforms.

Overtraining and Burnout: The Hidden Toll of Professional Sports on Athlete Health

Introduction: Professional sports demand exceptional physical and mental dedication, yet the intensive training and competitive pressures can often lead to overtraining and burnout among athletes. These phenomena not only compromise athletic performance but also pose significant risks to long-term physical and mental health, raising concerns within the sports and medical communities. Purpose of Work: This study explores the hidden toll of overtraining and burnout on professional athletes, examining their effects on physical health, psychological well-being, and career longevity. It aims to highlight underlying causes, consequences, and strategies for prevention and intervention. State of Knowledge: Existing research identifies overtraining syndrome as a key contributor to chronic fatigue, decreased performance, and vulnerability to injury. Burnout, often stemming from emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, is linked to anxiety, depression, and withdrawal from sports. Despite growing awareness, gaps remain in comprehensive strategies to mitigate these challenges, particularly in integrating mental health support within training programs. Material and methods: The study utilized a systematic review approach, searching across well-known academic databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, and then carefully screening the results to select pertinent studies for detailed examination. Summary: This paper synthesizes the current research on overtraining and burnout, outlining the challenges faced by athletes and the common physical and mental health issues they confront. The findings underscore the need for proactive interventions, such as customized training schedules, psychological support, and comprehensive education programs for both athletes and coaches.

EFFECT OF YOGA INTERVENTION ON COMPETITIVE ANXIETY AMONG COLLEGIATE TENNIS PLAYERS

Objective: Competitive anxiety is a psychological factor that negatively impacts sports performance and self-confidence among athletes. This study investigates the impact of an 8-week yoga-based intervention on competitive anxiety and self-confidence among collegiate tennis players. Methods: A one-group pretest-posttest research design was adopted, with 47 tennis players (27 males, 20 females) aged 17 to 22 years participating. Participants were assessed for cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) before and after the intervention. The yoga module, comprising breathing exercises (prāṇāyāma), mindfulness-based postures (āsanas), and sound-based relaxation (nāda yoga), was implemented thrice weekly for 45 minutes over eight weeks. Data were analyzed for pre-post changes in anxiety and self-confidence levels. Results: Significant reductions were observed in cognitive anxiety (males: t = 3.197, p < 0.001; females: t = 2.443, p < 0.05) and somatic anxiety (males: t = 3.620, p < 0.001; females: t = 4.947, p < 0.001). Self-confidence levels significantly improved among both males (t = 2.929, p < 0.001) and females (t = 3.622, p < 0.001). Gender differences in baseline anxiety levels were evident, with females reporting higher cognitive and somatic anxiety than males. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that yoga significantly reduces competitive anxiety and enhances self-confidence among young tennis players, underscoring its effectiveness as a psychological tool for athletes. This study highlights the potential of yoga-based interventions to address the psychological demands of competitive sports, particularly for tennis players, and calls for further exploration of gender-specific impacts.

Endurance Sports and Atrial Fibrillation: A Puzzling Conundrum.

The confirmed benefits of regular moderate exercise on cardiovascular health have positioned athletes as an illustration of well-being. However, concerns have arisen regarding the potential predisposition to arrhythmias in individuals engaged in prolonged strenuous exercise. Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common heart arrhythmia, is typically associated with age-related risks but has been documented in otherwise healthy young and middle-aged endurance athletes. The mechanism responsible for AF involves atrial remodeling, fibrosis, inflammation, and alterations in autonomic tone, all of which intersect with the demands of endurance sports, cumulative training hours, and competitive participation. This unique lifestyle requires a tailored therapeutic approach, often favoring radiofrequency ablation as the preferred treatment. As the number of professional and non-professional athletes engaging in high-level daily sports activities rises, awareness of AF within this demographic becomes imperative. This review delivers the etiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic considerations surrounding AF in endurance sports.

Active motor-cognitive recovery supports reactive agility performance in trained athletes.

Active breaks are suggested to support recovery and performance in sports. Previous research in ball and team sports focused on motor performance such as repetitive sprinting or change of direction. This does not account for the interaction between motor and cognitive task demands in sports. Therefore, this study is the first to investigate the effectiveness of an active motor-cognitive break to support reactive agility performance. Twenty (7 female and 13 male) healthy trained young adults (mean age: 26years) performed an active or passive 5 min break following a fatiguing protocol of six 100m reactive agility runs with an intermittent break of 40s. Prior to the experiment (pre), after fatigue (post), and following the rest condition (retention), a reactive agility test was performed using the SKILLCOURT technology. In addition, lactate, heartrate, and physical exertion were recorded. Active rest contained two motor-cognitive training tasks on the SKILLCOURT combining low to moderate physical intensity with conflict inhibition and decision-making. During passive rest, participants remained seated. When comparing post and retention agility tests, results indicate significantly stronger performance gains following the active when compared to the passive break condition (p=0.02 and ηp 2=0.24). This was not associated with any differences in physiological parameters such as lactate, heart rate, or RPE (p≥0.25). The results suggest that active motor-cognitive breaks support recovery and improve sport-related reactive agility performance. Performance gains in the active break are likely attributable to cognitive performance effects rather than physiological recovery, which may benefit athletes especially in ball and team sports.

Constructing a grounded theory of grit in sport: understanding the development and outcomes of long-term passion and perseverance in competitive athletes

ABSTRACT To be successful, athletes are expected to overcome the many setbacks and demands of sport throughout the entirety of their competitive career. Grit – or passion and perseverance over long terms – has been linked to positive outcomes in the sport domain, but progress in the field has been hindered by a lack of sufficient theory. The purpose of this study was to construct a grounded theory of competitive athletes’ grit in sport, and constructivist grounded theory methodology was adopted. Twenty-seven participants (14 women, 13 men; 22 athletes, 5 coaches) involved in competitive sport participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis involved an iterative process of initial coding, focused coding, axial coding, and theoretical integration. Results showed grit to be a malleable dispositional tendency that was formed over time as athletes amassed significant sport experiences. With the encouragement from supportive others, athletes would adopt adaptive cognitions about success and failure. These cognitions would then develop into a propensity to identify and strive towards long-term goals in sport. Participants described grit as leading to several outcomes, including sport-specific goal achievement, adaptive outcomes, and maladaptive outcomes. Our research advances the study of grit in sport by providing researchers and practitioners a deeper understanding of the processes that encapsulate competitive athletes’ sport-specific grit. Implications for practice (e.g., how sport support persons might foster grit in athletes) and recommendations for future research (e.g., improving the measurement of grit in sport) are also discussed.

Threatening and nurturing mental health: insights from Danish elite athletes on the dynamic interplay of factors associated with their mental health.

Numerous factors have been identified that potentially influence athletes' mental health. Given the predominant focus in the literature on athletes' mental health risk factors, our study aimed to explore elite athletes' perceptions of factors associated with their mental health and thriving based on the combination of holistic developmental and ecological approaches. Seven Danish international elite athletes representing diverse sports were interviewed twice. The initial interview delved into their retrospective perspectives on career and mental health development, while the subsequent interview, conducted two months later, centered on recent events. Thematic analysis yielded a map outlining four overarching themes. Elite sport was perceived as a (1) relentless performance context marked by rigorous demands, which evoked (2) personal reactions among athletes characterized by heightened expectations, self-blame, and anxiety. In response to these challenging demands, athletes have cultivated (3) coping resources and strategies over the course of their careers, such as self-reflection, emphasis on recovery, planning and prioritization skills, and passion for their sport. Nonetheless, the development of these resources and strategies was a gradual process, often informed by past experiences of mental health difficulties during adolescence. Additionally, they have found support for their mental health within a (4) nurturing environment consisting of supportive coaching, camaraderie among teammates, guidance from experts, and caring relationships. The findings of this study highlight the complex interplay of factors affecting mental health and emphasize the need for creating supportive environments that help athletes manage the intense demands of elite sport.

Research on the group path of improving the efficiency of China’s public sports services based on DEA and fsQCA analysis

Public sports services crucially determine the transformation of China into a robust sports country. The enhancement of public sports service efficiency fundamentally manifests its high-quality development. We utilize the data of 30 provinces in China in 2020 as the research object, and we apply data envelope analysis (DEA) to measure and evaluate the efficiency level of China’s public sports services as well as Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to identify the critical influencing factors; moreover, we explore the grouping pathways that affect the efficiency improvement of public sports services. The results of the study indicate the following: (1) Although the efficiency of public sports services in China is high, regional differences are apparent. (2) GDP per capita, government support, and years of education are the key factors for efficiency improvement. (3) Population-government-led, economic-resource input, and economic-educational dual-drive are the core pathways for enhancing efficiency. Therefore, the following recommendations are made: boosting the efficiency of China’s public sports services by focusing on the level of regional economic development and rationally allocating public sports resources; increasing the investment of public sports funds to enhance the quality and level of services; strengthening the government’s purchasing efforts to promote the market-based operation of public sports services; and increasing the average years of education to strengthen the public’s awareness and participation in sports. This study integrates Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for efficiency assessment and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) for causal analysis in public sports services, effectively addressing the limitations of single-method approaches. Thus, the scope of research is broadened, and a novel perspective is offered. DEA highlights efficiency disparities within Chinese public sports services, whereas the input–output system enhances the accuracy of evaluations. FsQCA identifies key drivers, inhibitors, and contextual combinations that assist policymakers. Overall, this study enriches theoretical understanding and provides practical guidance, facilitating high-quality development and addressing diverse sports demands.

Common sports-related nerve injuries seen by the electrodiagnostic medical consultant.

The high physiologic demands of sports create dynamic stress on joints, soft tissues, and nerves which may lead to injuries in the athlete. Electrodiagnostic (EDx) assessment is essential to identify the correct diagnosis, localization, and prognosis, to guide management of sports-related neuropathies. A comprehensive review was performed to provide the EDx medical consultant with a practical approach to the common peripheral nerve disorders seen in athletes. Sports-related neuropathies reviewed include transient traumatic irritation of the brachial plexus and/or cervical nerve roots ("Burners and stingers,") suprascapular and axillary neuropathies, ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) in throwers, ulnar neuropathy at the hand/wrist in cyclists, multi-ligamentous knee injury, and foot/ankle neuropathies including tarsal tunnel syndrome. A thorough understanding of peripheral anatomy, possible entrapment sites, mechanisms of injury, and key physical examination findings is essential for correct diagnosis. EDx assessments beyond routine studies are generally required for sports-related neuropathy, which may not necessarily follow typical entrapment patterns. Adjunct diagnostic imaging, such as point-of-care ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, are helpful tools to identify associated musculoskeletal pathology such as compressive cysts or nerve entrapment, which may be amenable to interventional or surgical treatment. When no clear reversible structural pathology exists, management of sports-related neuropathy is athlete-specific and generally multi-modal, involving a combination of physical rehabilitation techniques to address muscle imbalances, load management, protective equipment, and interventional pain procedures.

Management and Return to Play of the Elite Athlete for Common Sports-Related Injuries About the Foot

Foot injuries are one of the most commonly injured areas of the body in many collegiate and professional sports. The wide range of pathology, pathophysiology, mechanisms of injury, differences in sport demands, evolution of treatment, and variable return-to-play time lines make it difficult, at times, for physicians to treat these injuries. Modern diagnostic tools, surgical treatment devices, and rehabilitation protocols have allowed for more accurate and rapid diagnosis, an improved ability to reestablish normal anatomy, and accelerated return to play for many sports-related foot injuries. This summary will provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment options for common sports-related foot injuries along with the authors’ preferred method of treatment and return-to-play algorithms for the elite athletes.

Are we asking the right questions? Female athletes’ perspectives on the menstrual cycle in sport

Menstrual cycle (MC) research employing qualitative and quantitative methods has recently increased in athlete populations. A move towards a participant-centered approach to help formulate questions that align with practitioners' and stakeholders' priorities in the sport environment is needed. Therefore, our study aims were to 1) understand what athletes feel is important to consider regarding their MC in sport, and 2) provide practical recommendations for coaches and practitioners to support a positive sport culture around the MC. Participants were Canadian female athletes competing at national and international levels. Team (n=10) and individual (n=10) sport athletes (median age 23 years) shared their experiences and values in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Three main theories were identified by constructive grounded theory analyses: 1) training and performance, 2) culture, and 3) health. Athletes expressed a desire for symptom management strategies and more evidence on MC training periodization to optimize performance. Key determinants in creating a positive culture included communication and feeling supported. Athletes also expressed challenges in balancing health with performance and felt ill-informed on how hormonal contraceptives could potentially impact performance. Practical recommendations included 1) addressing individualized, context-specific symptom impacts on the athlete's sport demands, 2) using a group-based approach to initiate MC communication topics and, 3) designate female health point-of-contact staff to facilitate MC information. Future research should continue to evaluate MC impacts on training and performance and study designs should include participants who are using hormonal contraceptives. Coaches and sport practitioners should prioritize female athlete health alongside performance goals.

Market demand for metaverse-based sporting events: a mixed-methods approach

ABSTRACT The burgeoning reach of the metaverse has introduced new opportunities for the sport industry. As live sporting events are increasingly being streamed in the metaverse, both industry practitioners and academics face a pivotal question: Which attributes of these digitally mediated events appeal to consumers? We address this question in two phases, from a market demand perspective. In the initial qualitative phase, we conducted an extensive literature review, semi-structured interviews, and netnographic analysis to propose a hierarchical conceptualization of market demand for metaverse-based live sporting events. The conceptualization comprises three higher-order market demand dimensions: traditional core sport demand, VR engagement demand, and metaverse experience demand — each of which comprises four lower-order, more concrete market demand factors. In the subsequent quantitative phase, we analyzed 616 questionnaire responses from metaverse spectators using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The structural model results indicated that all three higher-order market demand dimensions significantly influenced metaverse spectators’ future attendance intentions, with consumer satisfaction as a partial mediator. An Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) revealed that virtual interactions were the most important market demand factor in affecting attendance intentions. Our results augment the theoretical understanding of the market demand concept and its functional mechanism in an emerging metaverse context.

Additional Scapular Spine Bone Grafting Combined with Bankart and Remplissage for Off-Track Hill-Sachs Lesions with Subcritical Glenoid Bone Loss: Provides Better Stability.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair combined with remplissage and autologous scapular spine bone grafting have been described as a treatment for off-track Hill-Sachs lesions with subcritical glenoid bone defects in the anterior shoulder instability. However, whether these two techniques can achieve satisfactory postoperative outcomes is unclear, and there are few comparative studies between them. Therefore, this study compared the postoperative efficacy of the two techniques for off-track Hill-Sachs lesions with subcritical glenoid bone loss. Between June 2017 and December 2020, 62 patients with shoulder instability due to Off-Track Hill-Sachs lesions with subcritical glenoid bone loss underwent surgical treatment and were included in this regression study. Thirty-two patients underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair combined with remplissage (B + R group), and 30 patients underwent additional autologous scapular glenoid bone grafting (additional bone grafting group). The general information of the patients was recorded. The patient's activity before and after surgery was recorded. The DASH score and Constant-Murley (CM) score were used to assess the patient's functional status; the Rowe score was used to evaluate the patient's shoulder stability. The shoulder function and stability before and after surgery were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The final DASH scores of the B + R group and the additional bone grafting group were significantly lower than those before surgery, with a statistically significant difference (9.76 ± 4.32 vs. 27.89 ± 6.63, 8.50 ± 3.32 vs. 28.0 ± 4.27, p = 0.000); the final CM scores of the two groups were significantly higher than those before surgery (88.71 ± 3.74 vs. 73.68 ± 3.74, 87.16 ± 2.29 vs. 71.37 ± 2.68, p = 0.000). There was no statistical difference in the final DASH score and final CM score between the two groups (p > 0.05). In terms of postoperative stability, the final Rowe scores of the two groups were significantly higher than those before surgery, with a statistically significant difference (89.06 ± 9.19 vs. 41.71 ± 4.13; 93.16 ± 4.99 vs. 42.33 ± 2.53, p = 0.000). Compared with the control group, the additional bone graft group achieved higher final Rowe scores (93.16 ± 4.99 vs. 89.06 ± 9.19, p = 0.032). For patients with anterior shoulder instability due to off-track Hill-Sachs lesions with subcritical glenoid bone loss, although Bankart and remplissage can achieve satisfactory clinical results, additional autogenous scapular spine bone grafting can provide better stability of the shoulder, especially for patients with high sports demands.

Competitive Marketing Vigilance and its Relationship to Social Persuasion Among a Sample of Sports Equipment Sales Representatives in Iraq

The rapid transformations that are taking place today and due to multiple factors, including modern technological development and intense competition between sports institutions at the local and global levels with the aim of controlling the sports market and achieving superiority, have put marketing representatives in difficult situations, and increasing pressure due to the demand of administrative officials in the field of sales to increase their sales and profits on the one hand, and on the other hand, the demand of sports consumers to satisfy their multiple and different needs and desires, in addition to the presence of competitors for the sports institution produced locally and globally. With high quality standards, the sports marketing job will face great and difficult challenges. The research aimed to identify the relationship between competitive marketing and social persuasion among a sample of sales representatives of sports teams in Iraq, whose number of representatives was (60) delegates randomly selected from the total community. The descriptive approach was used in the relational method of the relationship. Competitive marketing and social persuasion measures were distributed to the sample with the need to confirm the answer as an alternative, and once the answer was completed, the questionnaires were collected, audited and processed statistically using appropriate statistical means. The researcher found that: sales representatives are characterized by competitive marketing and have the ability to convince the social consumer of sports, the possession of representatives to a degree of competitive vigilance in marketing has a positive ethical relationship with their ability to convince the sports consumer socially. Therefore, the researcher recommends when choosing sales representatives the need to distinguish competitive marketing due to their role in convincing the consumer to buy.

Research of Sport Service Quality on the Basis of Local Governments

According to Article 1 of the Municipal Law No. 1580 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, municipalities are obliged to organise and meet the local, common civil needs of the town and its residents. In addition to many duties, municipalities are also given important duties in meeting the sports needs of the public. Local governments, in order to serve the society, to reach their goals and to compete, have to take into consideration the expectations of the athletes and individuals who demand sports services while meeting their needs. In addition, one of the important duties of being a social state is to plan activities that will ensure the social adaptation of children and young people in underdeveloped and rural areas, which are considered disadvantaged, within the framework of appropriate programmes. Considering this situation, it is aimed to investigate the quality of sportive services on the basis of local governments. In our research, 284 individuals who actively use the sports facilities of Siirt province local governments constitute the sample group of our research. In our research, personal information form, "Service Quality Assessment Scale" developed by Lam et al. (2005) and adapted to Turkish by Gurbuz et al. (2005) were used as data collection tools. According to the results of the analysis of our research; while there is a statistically significant difference in the expected and perceived service quality only in the perceived service quality in the facility and programme sub-dimensions in the gender variable, only in the service quality in the programme sub-dimension in the marital status variable, only in the facility sub-dimension in the monthly income status variable, in the expected and perceived service quality in the employee sub-dimension in the facility membership and gender variables (p<0.05), there is no statistically significant difference in the facility sub-factor in the occupation variable and in all of the scale sub-dimensions in the education variable (p>0.05).

The Braking Performance Framework: Practical Recommendations and Guidelines to Enhance Horizontal Deceleration Ability in Multi-Directional Sports

Horizontal deceleration is a critical locomotor skill underpinning the many changes of speed and direction performed by athletes in multi-directional sports. Despite its importance there are currently no evidence-based guidelines on how to improve horizontal deceleration ability. Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide practitioners tasked with preparing athletes for the demands of multi-directional sports with practical recommendations and guidelines on how to improve their athlete’s horizontal deceleration ability. The article proposes the concept and use of a Braking Performance Framework to help guide the selection of training methods and exercises to target the currently known neuromuscular and biomechanical determinants of horizontal deceleration ability. The Braking Performance Framework provides practitioners with evidence-informed training methods that can be integrated with other important physical, technical, and tactical components to optimize a player’s horizontal deceleration ability.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Young Athletes: A Comprehensive Review of Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Techniques.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent among young athletes and pose significant challenges due to their impact on immediate and long-term knee function. Traditional ACL reconstruction techniques, while effective, may not always meet the unique needs of this population, particularly given their high physical demands and the risk of future complications. This review evaluates two advanced surgical techniques - lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LEAT) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction - as potential enhancements to conventional ACL reconstruction. LEAT involves augmenting knee stability by addressing lateral compartment issues, while ALL reconstruction focuses on reconstructing the ALL to improve overall knee function. The review compares these techniques regarding surgical procedures, clinical outcomes, biomechanical effectiveness, and complications. LEAT and ALL reconstruction are examined for their impact on recovery, return-to-sport rates, and long-term knee health, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Findings suggest that both techniques offer promising benefits, with the potential for improved outcomes compared to traditional methods. However, the effectiveness of each technique can vary based on individual factors and the specific demands of different sports. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications and refine these approaches. This review aims to guide clinical decision-making and optimize treatment strategies for young athletes with ACL injuries, enhancing their prospects for a successful return to athletic activity.

A race against time: A critical analysis of elite student-athletes’ accelerated temporality through story completion

Numerous elite student-athletes (ESA) engaged in a dual career, balancing athletic pursuits with education, find themselves grappling with the perception of insufficient time to fulfil their demands. Existing research advocates for the implementation of programs promoting academic flexibility, alongside measures aimed at achieving balance between academic and sport-related activities. Other studies underscore the significance of equipping ESA with skills such as time management. Nonetheless, challenges persist in balancing the escalating demands of sports and education. Drawing upon Hartmut Rosa's theory of social acceleration, this study aims to analyse how ESA perceive and respond to time pressure. Employing the story completion method, data was gathered from seven ESA who crafted narratives in response to three story stems. Through reflexive thematic analysis, two overarching themes were identified: (1) no time to waste; and (2) it is what it is. ESA faced incessant pressure to optimise their time and performance and resorted to instrumentalising personal relationships, using them as a tool for career development. Nevertheless, this pressure was not universally perceived as oppressive; rather, it was often accepted as an inherent aspect of their reality. Our conclusion is that as long as capitalist societies and their accelerating impositions persist, any assistance that can be provided to ESA will inherently be limited.

Anthropometric Physical Fitness Measurements of Medalist and Non-Medalist Athletes in Self-Defense Sports in Aqaba, Jordan

Introduction: This study investigates the anthropometric physical fitness measurements of athletes in self-defense sports, including karate, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and taekwondo, in Aqaba, Jordan. The objective is to identify physical attributes that contribute to success in these sports. The research compares various anthropometric factors—such as height, weight, BMI, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and flexibility—between athletes who have won medals and those who have not. Understanding these differences could highlight the significance of certain physical characteristics in achieving success in self-defense sports. Methodology: The study assessed the anthropometric characteristics of athletes participating in self-defense sports in Aqaba, Jordan. Two groups were compared: medalists (gold, silver, or bronze at national or international levels) and non-medalists. Data collected included height (cm), weight (kg), BMI, body fat percentage (%), muscle mass (kg), and flexibility (measured via the sit-and-reach test). Results: The study revealed significant differences in certain anthropometric measures between medalists and non-medalists. Medalists displayed higher muscle mass and lower body fat percentages compared to non-medalists. They also demonstrated greater flexibility, as shown by better sit-and-reach test scores. No significant differences were found in height, weight, or BMI between the two groups. Discussion: The findings underscore the importance of specific anthropometric measures in achieving success in self-defense sports. Medal-winning athletes had advantageous body composition characteristics, such as increased muscle mass and decreased body fat, which likely contribute to better strength-to-weight ratios and agility. Enhanced flexibility among successful athletes suggests improved range of motion and reduced injury risk, crucial for performance in dynamic combat sports. These insights highlight the need for targeted strength and conditioning programs tailored to the physical demands of self-defense sports. Conclusion: This study provides valuable information on the physical characteristics of successful and less successful athletes in self-defense sports in Aqaba, Jordan. Key factors such as muscle mass, body fat percentage, and flexibility were found to influence athletic success. Coaches and athletes can use this data to develop personalized training programs aimed at improving performance and achieving competitive success in self-defense sports.