Sport Experience Research Articles

Exploring Gender Differences In Coaching For Positive Youth Sports Experience Using Structural Equation Modeling

Exploring Gender Differences In Coaching For Positive Youth Sports Experience Using Structural Equation Modeling

INNOVATIVE MEASURES OF TEACHING THE DISCIPLINE «BASIC THEORY OF HEALTH AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE» FOR STUDENTS OF SPECIALTY 017 «PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS»

The article presents the developed innovative system of teaching the discipline «Basic theory of health and healthy lifestyle» for students of the specialty 017 «Physical culture and sports». Keys to a comprehensive and deep understanding of health are provided. A list of topics for lectures and practical classes covering all aspects of health - physical, psychological, social - has been compiled. The contingent of students of the discipline and the urgent needs of today are taken into account. In each of the topics, there is an analysis of why this is happening, and then there is a practical toolkit of what to do, again, with an explanation of why this is so. The analysis is from a biochemical, physiological, and psychological point of view. Social factors and world experience in sports and physical culture are taken into account. Variants of scientific game tasks are provided. Measures are provided for students to express themselves in individual and team work. Descriptions of work in classrooms, gyms, and at home are given. The course was implemented at the Department of Physical Education of the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» for the specialty 017 «Physical Culture and Sports» of full-time students in the subject «Basic theory of health and healthy lifestyle».

Characteristics of brain activation in high-level football players at different stages of decision-making tasks off the ball: an fMRI study.

This study aimed to examine the neural mechanisms underlying the decision-making process of off-ball movements among high-level football players and ordinary college students, as well as the effect of long-term skill training on these neural mechanisms using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The study recruited 20 professional college football players as the expert group (EG) and 20 novice football players with no background in sports-related disciplines as the novice group (NG). The participants performed the motor video observation and button-decision-making tasks, and fMRI data were acquired, pre-processed, and analyzed. During the decision-making process regarding running without the ball, whole-brain fMRI scans were conducted on both the EG and NG. The analysis of these scans revealed noteworthy disparities in brain activity between the two groups. These disparities were observed during tasks involving motor video observation and button-based decision-making. According to the behavioral data, the EG made more correct decisions than the NG (p < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference in their reaction speed (p > 0.05). During video observation, both the EG and NG exhibited simultaneous activation in the frontoparietal cognitive area, primary somatosensory cortex, visual cortex, and insula. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of activated brain regions [false discovery rate (FDR) corrected to p < 0.05]. Regarding button-press decisions, the areas of the brain that were commonly activated in both the NG and EG were primarily located in the frontoparietal cognitive area, temporal cortex, and cuneus cortex. Notably, the left superior temporal gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, and left middle occipital gyrus exhibited greater activation in the NG compared to those in the EG (FDR corrected to p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that during motor video observation, the EG's sports experience and professional knowledge can help them achieve better visual information processing strategies in specific areas of sports. During button decision-making, the EG was more economical, whereas the NG required more brain function activity to process visual information, confirming the "neural efficiency" hypothesis.

Competition Anxiety in Combat Sports and the Importance of Mental Toughness.

Combat sports require participants to engage in potentially dangerous forms of contact-based competition. Pressure to succeed, coupled with the risk of severe injury can induce significant levels of anxiety, which if uncontrolled, can negatively impact performance and possibly promote unsporting conduct. The present study examined competitive anxiety levels of combat sports athletes and determined whether self-reported scores were associated with mental toughness and Sportspersonship attitudes. A cross-sectional survey design was used whereby participants (N = 194) completed a battery of questionnaires measuring competitive combat sport experiences, demographic details, Sportspersonship traits (compliance towards rules, respect for opponents, and game perspective), and competition anxiety (somatic, cognitive, and self-confidence; reported retrospectively). Results suggest that mentally tough athletes experience lower levels of cognitive and somatic anxiety, and higher self-confidence, prior to competitions. Findings also found that athletes endorsing more altruistic and respectful attitudes in sport (Sportspersonship) reported higher levels of competition anxiety. The findings demonstrate that mental toughness is allied to positive attributes and could potentially be operationalized to improve both the retention and performance of combat sports athletes. Thus, the authors advocate the use of mental toughness coaching interventions within combat sports.

“That’s too stereotypical … I don’t want that to be how I identify”: Identity and body-related sport experiences of racialized young women athletes in Canada

There is minimal research on the sport experiences of racialized young women athletes in Canada. When studying racialized groups, an inclusive and meaningful approach to research is necessary because ethnicity and race are integral to understanding identity, diversity, discrimination, and overall experiences in sport. The purpose of this qualitative description study was to explore the identities and body-related sport experiences of racialized young women athletes in a variety of sports in Canada. Eight racialized young women athletes (ages 14–18 years; Mage = 16.63, SD = 1.19) participated in multiple semi-structured one-on-one interviews and reflexive photography. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted, and three overarching themes were generated that describe the athletes’ identities and body-related sport experiences: (a) Who I am vs who they say I am; (b) My unique body in sport; and (c) The importance of representation. From these findings, three critical factors – intersectionality, discrimination, and diversity – are examined that influence the quality of sport experiences for racialized young women athletes in Canada.

Psychophysical aspects of returning to active sports activities

This review of literature encompasses the author`s research on the psychophysical aspects involved in athletes return to sports after injuries. The study emphasizes the consideration of both physical and psychological readiness as crucial aspects of resuming sports activities.&#x0D; The primary objective of this research was to develop and establish scientifically grounded criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of returning to active sports, aligning with athletes` psychophysical indicators. To achieve this goal, the researchers employed various methods, including an analysis and synthesis of information from scientific and methodological literature, expert evaluations of the author`s practical experiences in professional sports, questionnaires and observations.&#x0D; Throughout the research process, it became evident that adopting a multidisciplinary team approach and accounting for psychological and physical factors are vital for facilitating an effective return to sport. The obtained results hold practical significance, primarily in the development of strategies aimed at mitigating the risks of sports injuries and their subsequent consequences in professional sports. By implementing the findings of this study, practical guidelines can be established to minimize injury occurrences and enhance the overall well-being and performance of athletes.&#x0D; In conclusions, this literature review and research contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychophysical aspects involved in athletes`return to active sports activities. By acknowledging the significance of both of physical and psychological readiness, professionals can develop targeted interventions and strategies to facilitate a successful return to sport while reducing the potential negative impacts of injuries in the realm of professional sports.

‘Busy as a bee’: a qualitative dual analysis of life fulfillment among Norwegian competitive recreational athlete mothers in endurance sports

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to explore the experiences of meaning-making relating to psychological well-being (PWB) among Norwegian competitive recreational athlete mothers while training for and competing in different endurance sports. The participants were six Norwegian women in the age range of 35–46 (M age = 39.17) years; all were university college graduates in full-time employment who had at least one child (under 18 years of age) and trained for an average of 10 hours per week. The data collection method was semi-structured interviews and a qualitative dual analysis combining thematic analysis (TA) and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used. This decision was made for obtaining a complex, multi-layered description in both breadth and depth of competitive recreational athlete mothers’ sport experiences. TA resulted in creation of four themes: (a) motivation; (b) sportswoman; (c) body and health; and (d) PWB. The analysis revealed how PWB explained through life fulfillment was pre-eminent in the participants’ sport experiences. The IPA of the meaning-making relating to the life fulfillment theme displayed the importance of a) My game and no shame, b) Solution-focused and adaptable, and c) A sporting life is a fulfilling life. The dual analysis enabled us to unpack different possible meanings of the different PWB components that seem to play an important role in the lifeworld of Norwegian competitive recreational athlete mothers. Future research should continue to make use of various qualitative analytic approaches to investigate key psychosocial aspects of competitive recreational athlete mothers’ sport experiences.

Examining polarizing and non-polarizing filters for road sports.

The use of sunglasses and polarized sunglasses is common in all aspects of life and is very popular in outdoor athletic activities. However, the choice of athletes regarding their sunglasses is often not dictated by the performance ensured by one model rather than another but by other factors such as look or wearability due also to the lack of technical data on cataloguess. A conscious choice of filters to use, also according to road and weather conditions, supported by quantitative data, would instead allow athletes to improve their visual comfort and sport experience. The transmission spectra of 10 pairs of sports sunglasses (five polarized and five not polarized) were measured and related to the road luminance for different sun positions in both horizontal and vertical polarizations. The luminous transmission factor was calculated, and the luminance quantities while wearing the glasses were defined and calculated for all cases. A survey was submitted to a group of athletes to collect their impressions and relate them to the measurement results. The pairs of polarized and non-polarized sports sunglasses showed similar transmission factors, so their ability to mitigate outdoor light is almost the same-the main difference lies in the polarized light transmitted. Outdoor measurements showed that the light reflected by the road has a substantial polarized horizontal component. Polarized sunglasses block much of the light reflected by the road, resulting in a darker appearance of the road and reducing the glare of the scene in bright sunlight. The decrease in road luminance increases the contrast discrimination of other objects in the scene, which reflect sunlight in a non-polarized way (e.g., non-flat surfaces). The survey demonstrates that interviewed athletes prefer polarized sunglasses for these aformentioned reasons. This study highlights the advantages of polarizing sunglasses for athletic activities on roads because the road surface often reflects polarized light depending on the position of the sun.

Experiences of Mire Sports: Sensory Encounters in Nature

Swamp soccer and swamp volleyball tournaments have been actively organized on Finnish mires throughout the twenty-first century, reflecting a change in the cultural relationship with mires. Joyful and festival-style team sports events on mires seem to be a modern trend, not only in Finland, but also in other European countries. This study focuses on mire sporting events in the Finnish context, asking: How do the sensory experiences of team play on mires affect the players’ relationship with mire, and also the cultural heritage associated with mires? The analysis is based on the theoretical framework of the ethnography of the senses, which is complemented by the concept of space. The research material was collected between 2020 and 2022 and consists of thematic interviews with 33 mire athletes, as well as observational material based on the World Swamp Volley and Swamp Soccer Championships held in Finland. The study shows that these humorous sports events emphasize the sense of community between the players. Playing in mires, sensing them, and getting dirty are key factors in this process. Fears of the mire familiar from folklore are forgotten when playing together in the mire. Mire sports bring new multisensory and entertaining elements to the traditional use of mires.

Athletic performance, sports experience, and exercise addiction: an association study on ANKK1 gene polymorphism rs1800497.

Exercise addiction is a phenomenon being able to affecting the athletic performance. The gene, ANKK1 and the polymorphism NM_178510.2:c.2137G > A (rs1800497) has been linked to the exercise addiction. However, further studies on diverse populations and sport branches are needed to totally explore the possible association of this polymorphism with the athletic performance. Thus, the present study aims to decipher any possible relations of the rs1800497 polymorphism with the athletic performance/personal best (PB) and sport experience of elite athletes. Sixty volunteer elite athletes (31 sprint/power and 29 endurance) and 20 control/sedentary participated in the study. The polymorphism was genotyped using whole exome sequencing approach and PB were determined according to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) score. Our results underlined that there were not any significance differences for both allele and genotype frequencies between the groups in terms of athletic performance, although the frequency of allele G was higher (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, sport experience significantly associated with the rs1800496 polymorphism (p < 0.05). In conclusion, genotype G/G could be inferred to be linked to the higher sport experience and athletic performance. Still, further studies with higher number of participants are needed to conclude the association of this polymorphism with athletic parameters.

Educational Needs for Coaching Judo in Older Adults: The EdJCO Focus Groups.

Judo coaches are urged to develop specific competencies and skills for addressing the special needs of older practitioners. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the experts' opinions on judo training in late adulthood to develop sound educational programs for coaches of older judo practitioners. Overall, eighty-eight experts from an international consortium of judo and educational partners participated in national focus groups. During the focus groups, experts discussed five themes and generated statements pertinent to educate coaches to support older judo practitioners (e.g., benefits; necessary knowledge; risks; training groups definition; tools; and tests for monitoring training plans). The initial list of 262 statements was synthesized, validated, analyzed, and organized into a final list of 55 statements and six macro-areas: aging process (n = 10); safety and first aid (n = 6); physiology and fitness (n = 12); psychology and mental health (n = 11); organization and environment (n = 5); adapted judo teaching and training (n = 11). The present international eminence-based study, harmonizing diverse intercultural perspectives, highlighted the specific needs of older judo practitioners. The results of this study will contribute to the structure of a sound educational program for coaches of older judo practitioners to enhance the quality of older adults' sports experiences by linking safety, enjoyment, social interactions, and learning principles.

The co-creation, initial piloting, and protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial of a coach-led positive body image intervention for girls in sport

BackgroundGlobally, girls disengage from sports at an earlier age and higher rate than boys. This is, in part, due to the unique body image challenges that girls face, relative to their male peers. Existing intervention efforts that aim to reduce girls’ negative body image and movement experiences have proven marginally effective, if not ineffective. This paper outlines the co-creation, initial piloting and protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial of Body Confident Athletes (BCA); an in-person, coach-led intervention that aims to foster positive body image and sports enjoyment among girls.MethodsFollowing co-creation and an initial pilot, a two-armed cluster randomised controlled trial will assess the immediate (post-intervention) and short-term (1-month and 3-month follow-up) impact of BCA on girls’ (N = 1,036; 11–17 years old) body image, sports enjoyment, and affect. Sport organisations will be randomly allocated (1:1) into either an intervention or waitlist control condition. Girls and coaches in the intervention condition will complete three 60-minute sessions over three consecutive weeks. The primary outcome will be the immediate change in girls’ body esteem, with secondary outcomes assessing the immediate and short-term changes in girls’ body appreciation, self-objectification, attuned self-care, sports enjoyment, and affect.DiscussionThis research is the first to utilise an international multi-stakeholder partnership to co-create and evaluate an intervention that addresses the intersection of girls’ body image and sport experiences. The theoretical and methodological considerations of this research have led to a feasible intervention and trial protocol, and if proven effective, BCA may assist in reducing the global gender disparity in sports participation.Trial registration numberNCT05594524, registered 25th October 2022.

해양스포츠체험이벤트 참가자의 만족도가 지역사회의식, 지역사회발전, 재방문 및 추천의도에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of participants’satisfaction of the experiential marine sport event on community consciousness, regional development, and revisit and recommendation intention. This study seeks win-win plans with local communities and the local government by holding marine sport events and presents policy data and implications for regional development. To achieve the purpose of this study, a survey was conducted on participants in the marine sport experience event, one of the side events of the international yacht championship held in B city in 2021. There were 295 usable questionnaires for final data analysis. Data were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis using SPSS WIN Ver. 26.0. The results of this study are as follows.; First, auxiliary facilities, program promotion, and hosting personnel in the satisfaction of the experiential marine sport event have significant positive effects on community consciousness, regional development, and revisit and recommendation intention. Second, there are no significant effects of price using amenities in the satisfaction of the experiential marine sport event on community consciousness, regional development, and revisit and recommendation intention.

The effect of playing e-sports games on young people's desire to engage in physical activity: Mediating effects of social presence perception and virtual sports experience.

E-sports game experiences can help enhance young peoples' willingness to participate in sports and fitness. However, e-sports game studies have mostly focused on users' violent tendencies and aggressive behaviors, and less attention has been paid to the positive effects on young peoples' sports health. The purpose of this study is to provide reasonable guidance young people away from sedentary, addictive and other negative behaviors and to promote active sports and healthy exercise and development. Following the random sampling criteria, questionnaires were distributed to Chinese young people aged 14 to 24 through gaming communities as well as social media platforms, and 1608 valid questionnaires were obtained after eliminating invalid ones. The influence mechanism of e-sports game experience on young peoples' intention to participate in sports and fitness was examined empirically by using factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The e-gaming scenes (β = 0.399, p<0.01), virtual sports experience (β = 0.257, p<0.01), and social presence (β = 0.258 p<0.01) each had a significant positive effect on young peoples' intention to participate in sports and fitness; virtual sports experience [OR]0.099, 95%: CI 0.077-0.121 and social presence[OR]0.052, 95%: CI 0.035-0.071, were known to have mediating utility in the e-gaming scenario's influence on young peoples' intention to participate in sports and fitness. Using the significant features of sports video games such as entertainment and simulation to awaken the interest and willingness to participate in young people sports is an innovative way to accelerate the development of mass sports.

Tracing burnout during adolescence to past sports experiences: a retrospective analysis of sport-specific antecedents among alpine ski racers

IntroductionPrevious theoretical frameworks focusing on burnout have identified numerous antecedents and psychosocial risk factors; however, the influence of early sport-specific experiences on burnout in developmental athlete populations remains less understood. ObjectivesWe explored the associations between burnout and prior sports engagement (ie, milestones, practice time, performance, injury history) in a sample of subelite academy alpine ski racers in the United States (N = 169, M age = 15.82 ± 1.80). MethodsParticipants completed retrospective practice history profiles (milestones, practice time, injury), while their respective performance data were collected using an online national ranking registry. Simple and mixed-effect regressions were implemented to assess the associations between these measures and subscales of the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire. ResultsThe results indicated that greater participation in the coach-led group and individual practice during adolescence mitigated burnout responses (ie, greater sense of accomplishment, less sport devaluation), whereas more play earlier in development was associated with greater devaluation. Furthermore, poorer performance and more injury incidences were associated with increased burnout (ie, reduced sense of accomplishment). ConclusionsThe structure of training and past experiences during early career years appear to influence burnout among alpine ski racing during their adolescent years, the implications of which are discussed in relation to sport developmental pipelines.

Psychopathology of Former GDR Competitive Athletes in Comparison to The General Population

The knowledge about the consequences of state doping in the GDR is limited. It is assumed that the precarious training conditions had a great influence on the mental health of the former competitive athletes. The aim of this study was to assess the psychological symptoms of former GDR competitive athletes. A case-control study was conducted using questionnaires on psychological symptoms and possible risk or protective factors. Significant differences were found on scales. The major part of the affected athletes showed a clinically relevant psychological stress. Exemplary for this is a pronounced depressive symptomatology in 65,19% of the probands. Presumably, the negative experiences in competitive sports led to an increase in psychological symptoms and vulnerability.

The effects of rational emotive behavior therapy and motivational interviewing on emotions, automatic thoughts, and perceived performance of elite female volleyball players

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy intervention alone (REBT-A) or with motivational interviewing (REBT + MI) on the emotions, automatic thoughts, and perceived performance of elite female volleyball players. Designand method: Single-case, staggered multiple-baseline AB and ABC designs were adapted in the study. Five female volleyball players participated in the study, of which three players participated in the REBT-A and two players participated in the REBT + MI. The athletes were competing in the national volleyball league (Mage = 28, SD = 5.52). All participants were elite athletes with at least ten years of sports experience. Three scores (T1, T2, T3) were calculated for the athletes' perceived performance, emotion, and automatic thoughts. T1 was the baseline score calculated before the sessions. T2 was calculated after the first two sessions (the first three sessions for REBT + MI) and T3 was calculated after the last three sessions. In the data analysis, percentage changes, effect size, and visual analyzes were used in the T1, T2, and T3 scores. ResultsREBT-A and REBT + MI interventions increased perceived performance, positive emotions, and positive automatic thoughts, and decreased negative emotions and negative automatic thoughts. REBT + MI was more advantageous than REBT-A in increasing positive emotion, positive automatic thought, and perceived performance. ConclusionsAs a result, REBT alone or with motivational interviewing has a positive effect on perceived performance, emotions, and automatic thoughts, but REBT + MI has greater potential to increase positive constructs.

“If You Didn’t Exercise during Lockdown, What Were You Even Doing?”: Young Women, Sport, and Fitness in Pandemic Times

Sports and physical activity organizations around the world have expressed concern that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted girls and young women’s participation, with relatively fewer young women returning to sport post-lockdowns than their male counterparts. The purpose of this research is to understand how young women’s experiences of sport and physical activity were impacted by extended and repeated lockdowns, considerable social disruption, and ongoing risks of contagion. Our research draws upon interviews and focus groups with 44 young women (16–24 years) living in Aotearoa New Zealand during the pandemic. Recognizing that young women’s opportunities and experiences of sport and fitness (before, during and after the pandemic) vary considerably based on a range of socio-cultural factors, our sample was intentionally diverse, inviting young women from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, from rural and urban settings, and with a range of pre-pandemic sport and fitness experiences. Engaging an intersectional and affective sensibility, we reveal the complex ways that the pandemic impacted the young women’s embodied, relational and affective experiences of sport and fitness. Contrary to recent concerns about young women dropping out from sport and physical activity, our research reveals the varied ways the pandemic shifted young women’s relations with their own and others’ moving bodies, transforming their relationships with sport and fitness, with renewed understandings of the importance of physical activity for joy, connection, and wellbeing.

Methods of promoting physical education among high school students in a rural location

This article is devoted to the problems of improving the development of physical culture at the level of villages and towns. It considers the reason for the decline of interest in physical culture, as well as the expediency of working out the practical aspects of solving this problem at the level of territorial communities. It is proposed to attract young specialists, in particular, graduates of higher education institutions with the provision of improving the state of physical training of student youth in small settlements.&#x0D; The work contains references to the legal framework that regulates the development of physical culture at the national and local levels. Specific programs were analyzed and compared with the practices of the countries of the European Union, in particular from Estonia, Great Britain. The substantive features of the programs at the municipal level are highlighted. The list of main factors that can directly affect the effectiveness of the development of physical culture at the level of territorial communities includes socio-political processes, a national strategy, and the readiness of territorial communities. The article expresses a position on possible ways of encouraging and stimulating young people to teach physical culture and conduct extracurricular classes (sections) in high school in rural areas/towns.&#x0D; It is proposed to involve volunteers who have sports experience and can become an additional motivational component for children and teenagers in such work. They should be provided with appropriate support and training, as well as create favorable conditions for development and self-realization. Based on the analysis, the main factors affecting the effectiveness of the development of physical education at the level of territorial communities were determined.

Towards the development of a quality youth sport experience measure: Understanding participant and stakeholder perspectives.

Quality sport experiences may be a key underlying mechanism through which continued sport participation may facilitate positive youth development. However, what constitutes a quality sport experience for youth is poorly understood due to a lack of comprehensiveness among existing measures. This study aimed to identify the salient factors that constitute quality sport experience for youth by capturing athletes and stakeholder perspectives with a broader goal of developing a more robust quality sport experiences measure. A total of 53 youth athletes and stakeholders (i.e., parents, coaches, and sport administrators) completed semi-structured interviews or focus groups about what they felt were important aspects of a quality sport experience for youth. Inductive content analysis of the data identified four themes representing important indicators for a quality sport experience for youth: fun and enjoyment, opportunity for sport skill development and progress, social support and sense of belonging, and open and effective communication. These higher order themes were found among each of the groups that have important interpersonal relationships with athletes, as well as among athletes themselves. Each of these themes were also related to one another. Collectively, findings outline a framework to understand what constitutes a quality sport experience for youth. The Quality Sport Experience Framework for Youth will help in the development of a quantitative tool to assess this construct and enable researchers to examine how these experiences contribute to continued engagement in sport and positive developmental outcomes among youth sport participants.