Field Of Sports Research Articles

The reality of pressure ulcers: an exploratory sequential mixed design study in coaches and Paralympic athletes

ABSTRACT Objectives This study aims to explore and understand the knowledge and attitudes of Paralympic athletes and their coaches toward pressure ulcers. By focusing on this underserved population, the study seeks to improve awareness, recognition, and management practices to minimize the health and performance impacts of pressure ulcers in Paralympic sports. Methods Paralympic athletes and their coaches were contacted. Volunteers were included in the exploratory sequential mixed design study. In the quantitative phase, a digital survey was used to evaluate Paralympic athletes’ and coaches’ awareness of pressure ulcers. To gain a deeper understanding of the factors deemed significant in the quantitative analyses, the researcher conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with athletes and coaches. The data was analyzed using the SPSS package program and MAXQDA program. Results Ten coaches and 82 Paralympic athletes participated in the study. The sports disciplines were wheelchair basketball (40%), Paralympic table tennis (40%), Paralympic court tennis (10%), and athletics (10%). Coaches’ knowledge about pressure ulcers was low, and athletes’ knowledge was even lower. It was concluded that coaches should improve their attitudes toward pressure ulcers, particularly in the areas of competence and responsibility sharing. During the interviews with the participants, several themes emerged. Conclusion To address pressure ulcers’ significance, it is essential to increase the knowledge level of both athletes and the entire team and adopt a positive attitude. It has been concluded that different areas of expertise in the fields of health and sports should work with a more organized structure and team awareness.

СТАН ТА ПІДГОТОВКА ФАХІВЦІВ З ФІЗИЧНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ І СПОРТУ В УМОВАХ ВІЙНИ

Relevance of the research topic. In recent years, the socio-economic situation in Ukraine has undergone significant changes due to the full-scale invasion of russia and the ongoing military operations in our country. This has had a negative impact on the physical culture and sports sector, which is an important component of the national economy. As a result, the market for physical culture and sports services and the labour market in this sector are currently in crisis. There is a need for a thorough analysis and study of the processes taking place in the industry, the search for effective anti-crisis measures at the state level and overcoming the consequences caused by the impact of the war. Therefore, it is now urgent that Ukraine develops a new system of state regulation of this sector, as well as its methodology and implementation in the context of preparations for membership in the European Union and approximation to the standards of developed countries. At the same time, one of the most important anti-crisis measures in Ukraine is the implementation of mechanisms for cooperation between the private sector and the state through the introduction of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the field of physical culture and sports. In view of this, the training of physical education and sports professionals, including managers/administrators, in the context of war and must consider the development of PPPs is of particular importance. The aim of the research was to scientifically justify the development of a theoretic and methodologic principles of public-private partnership and define pre-conditions its realization in the field of physical culture and sport in the conditions of modern market. Research methods included theoretical analysis and synthesis of these scientific and methodical literatures, empiric materials of scientific research and documents. Used method of systems analysis, pedagogical observation, and methods of mathematical statistics, method of combination logic and historical analysis to development of socio-economic relations in the field of physical culture and sport. Results. The current state and trends in the training of specialists in physical culture and sports in Ukraine, the distribution of the labour market are analysed, and a statistical comparison with the EU and the UK is made. It is shown that the successful implementation of the state policy in the field of physical culture and sports requires proper regulatory, legal, financial, logistical and personnel support. Priority measures for the implementation of the state policy on training specialists in physical culture and sports in Ukraine are proposed on the basis of a constant analysis of the state of physical culture and sports in wartime. The importance and significance of implementing PPPs in the field of physical culture and sports in wartime are substantiated. Conclusions. Due to the ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and the difficult socio-economic situation, there has been a decrease in the number of qualified physical education and sports professionals, and a tendency to reduce their training, including effective managers/administrators with relevant best practices.In the context of the crisis, the use of partnership between the authorities and the private sector is necessary to overcome negative phenomena, intensify innovation, formulate an effective investment policy and restore sports infrastructure, which will help to accelerate the solution of problems of physical culture and sports development in Ukraine. The study is the first to theoretically substantiate the importance of implementing PPPs in the field of physical culture and sports during the crisis period, which will further contribute to the formation of the market for physical culture and sports services and the development of the labour market in the post-war period.

Stimulating Innovation Work in Sports in the Republic of Belorussia

The article reveals the notion of innovation work in view of economy methodology and shows its importance for the development of the field of physical training and sports. Key categories of workers were identified, whose interaction could foster the development and introduction of innovation in the given field. The article shows motivators of innovation work and highlights legal base and stimulating factors of innovation work in organizations of physical training and sports in the Republic of Belorussia. The author grouped certain categories of workers in organizations of physical training and sports by job descriptions and tariff grades with regard to key factors characterizing innovation work and demonstrates categories of workers in organization of physical training and sports, whose job descriptions do not include the need to introduce innovation in accordance with their classification. Serious contradictions were revealed between workers’ job descriptions and availability (absence) in them obligations to introduce innovation in organizations of physical training and sports in the Republic of Belorussia. The author put forward key trends aimed at resolving the problem of stimulating workers in organizations of physical training and sports to introduce innovation, which can be settled in legislative area and by specifying contacts between employer and worker.

МЕТОД ГОЛОВНИХ КОМПОНЕНТІВ І ФАКТОРНИЙ АНАЛІЗ В ОБРОБЦІ РЕЗУЛЬТАТІВ НАУКОВИХ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ У ФІЗИЧНІЙ КУЛЬТУРІ ТА СПОРТІ

Relevance of the research topic.Factor analysis and the principal componentsmethod belong to mathematical disciplinesdesigned to describe multidimensional objects,and therefore are very widely used inbiological research. However, materials thathelp the user, including a specialist in the fieldof physical culture and sports, to useadequately and correctly the modern methodsof multifactorial statistical analysis in practice,are currently insufficient. The purpose of thestudy is to describe the methodologicalrequirements for the use of factor analysiswhen conducting research in the field ofphysical culture and sports. Methods: analysisof scientific and methodical literature, factoranalysis. Results. Factor analysis does notrequire an a priori division of variables intodependent and independent, and all variablesin it are considered equal. Within factoranalysis, there is no need to assumeindependence (non-correlation) of variables,as for example in regression or correlationanalyses. On the contrary, it is assumed thatthese initial variables are interdependent.There are no restrictions in factor analysis onthe number of features that are initially takeninto account. And the better factors for factoranalysis become the more of them, the moreinformative. A priority aspect of organizingand performing factor analysis is establishingthe number of factors sufficient to adequatelyrepresent the set of variables. An example ofthe factor analysis use in determining thefactor structure of the components of thebiogeometric posture profile of women aged 36–39 years with the Statistica 14.0application software was provided.Conclusions. Factor analysis and the principalcomponents method are ultimately designed toreduce the dimensionality of the primaryfeature space. Factor analysis and the principalcomponents analysis have a common strategyof application, but a different technology forachieving the goal. The main components aredetermined on the basis of the variancecriterion, and the general factors areconstructed in such a way as to maximallyexplain the existing correlations between thefeatures.

Unpacking gender-based violence in sport: How can the sport sector effectively respond to the need for safe sporting contexts?

This symposium proposes to illustrate three pertinent elements of the ongoing process of knowledge creation, analysis and transfer in the field of safe sport. The first presentation introduces an empirical study of the diffusion of terminology and practical policy at the level of international sport federations. The results highlight how implementation of policy around the sensitive and ethically laden issue of safeguarding is often performative at this level of sport governance. The second presentation questions how knowledge produced prevalence studies on abuse in sport is created, how it is used and by whom. The multi-method research unveils fervently political and personally beneficial motivations for studies that produce results showing high rates of abuse. The final presentation details the Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport as an organisation situated between academia and practitioners tasked with knowledge collation and diffusion. Explaining the organisation’s operation in this space illustrates the challenges and opportunities for knowledge transfer, and offers 4S researchers a chance to broaden the reach of their work.

Вigital transformation of organizational and management processes in the field of physical culture and sports: challenges and opportunities

The article examines the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in organizational and managerial processes within the field of physical culture and sports. The importance of implementing innovative managerial and organizational practices based on the use of digital technologies and the necessity of transitioning to digital interaction between the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and entities in the field of physical culture and sports are substantiated. Research methods: generalization of data from literary sources and information resources on the Internet, content analysis, systematization, modeling. Research results. Changing socio-economic conditions, increasing competition, public expectations regarding the quality of services in the field of physical culture and sports, integration of digital technologies, increasing requirements for transparency and accessibility of information are key prerequisites for developing a model for improving the organizational and managerial principles of the development of the field of physical culture and sports in the context of digital transformation. The foundation of the model is an information and analytical system, which consists of functional subsystems: an electronic calendar of sports competitions and events, an electronic office for organizations and participants in the sports process, an administrative and analytical module for management bodies, an electronic register of sports organizations, an electronic register of sports facilities, an electronic personnel register. The information and analytical system is an integrated platform for data processing and administration of state management processes. Conclusions. The implementation of the tasks of the proposed model will contribute to increasing the efficiency of organizational and management processes, ensure effective interaction and joint functioning of subjects in the field of physical culture and sports in a virtual environment.

Sprinkler irrigation of urban sport fields as a potential source of Legionella

Following a legionnaire’s disease outbreak in Barcelona in 2022, sport fields’ sprinklers were identified as potential sources of Legionella infection. The Agency of Public Health of Barcelona inspected all 40 urban municipal sports fields in the city. Legionella was found in 55% of them, including Legionella pneumophila serotype 1 in 11 samples. There were no statistically significant differences for Legionella detection according to the installation characteristics.These findings prompted the implementation of a set of preventive measures for risk mitigation and a specific control plan for sport fields.

Sports training injuries and prevention measures using big data analysis

This work explores the application of big data technology in monitoring sports training injuries, emphasizing the biomechanical principles underlying injury mechanisms to enhance the accuracy of injury prediction and provide scientific prevention measures. It collects training data from professional sports teams using big data technology and constructs a Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM)—Residual Network (ResNet) model through deep learning techniques. In this model, the BiLSTM module captures the temporal sequence features of sports data, while the ResNet module improves the model’s expressiveness and stability through residual learning. To establish a clearer connection with mechanobiology, the study discusses the mechanical forces involved in sports injuries, including impact forces, torsional stresses, and their effects on tissues at the cellular level. By integrating biomechanical insights with big data analytics, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how mechanical stressors contribute to injury risk. The performance of the proposed model in predicting sports injury risks is evaluated, showing an accuracy of 95.72%, a precision of 91.59%, a recall of 85.40%, and an F1 score of 88.56%, significantly outperforming existing traditional models and other comparison algorithmsTherefore, the proposed model demonstrates exceptional performance in improving the accuracy of sports injury prediction and providing personalized prevention measures, offering experimental references for the intelligent development of the sports field by bridging sports science and biomechanics.

Preparing a scale for sports knowledge management and standardizing it for employees in student activities departments in Iraqi universities

Introduction: The importance of the research lies in the need to exchange sports knowledge between principals and their assistants and all workers in the field of extracurricular student activities, especially in the sports field. Objective: Preparing and standardizing the measure of sports knowledge management for workers in student activities. Methodology: The descriptive approach was adopted on a sample of (740) workers in student activities, where it was divided into (an exploratory experiment sample, a building sample, and a unification sample). Results: (57) items were prepared, (34) of which were validated by factor analysis of the validity of the test. The stability of the test was verified by the half-hash method with a value of (0.783) and by the chi-square method with a value of (0.744) at the level of significance (0.05) achieving raw grades ranging from (100 - 134) corresponding to (2.5236 to -3.0546) Z°, (75.24 to 19.45) T. Discussion: The validity and consistency of the measure of mathematical knowledge in its dimensions including mathematical knowledge, discovery, possession, application and communication has been verified. The measure of mathematical knowledge contributed to finding realistic solutions according to standard scores from raw data processing. All those in charge of student activities have an acceptable average view of the mathematical knowledge management scale. Conclusions: The possibility of preparing and standardizing the mathematical knowledge management scale for workers in student activities in Iraqi universities and the ease of applying the mathematical knowledge management scale to the construction and standardization sample.

Диагностика бюджетных спортивных учреждений по направлению «Комплексная безопасность и противодействие коррупции»

The article shows the role of physical culture and sport as a state priority, names national goals and targets, on which the health and security of the nation will depend, as well as ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for life. The author’s definition of the system of efficiency of sports budget institutions, which is understood as an adaptive system with feedback connections consisting of subsystems, including a set of elements, performing certain functions in accordance with the requirements of the state task, Russian legislation, the needs of society in providing services in the field of physical culture and sports. Analysis and diagnosis of the activity of sports institutions in the direction «Integrated security and anti-corruption» was carried out. Multidimensional and diagnostic of the main directions related to safety in sports, identified problems requiring solutions. Attention is paid to the issues of ensuring anti-terrorist security of institutions. It is shown that an important role in the issues of anti-terrorist security is assigned to state administration and well-developed communications. The conclusion was drawn that it is necessary to eliminate existing problems, with a view to forming culture and values of healthy lifestyle as the basis for sustainable development of society. Effective horizontal communication and information exchange between the staff of the agencies is needed to ensure comprehensive security and fight against corruption. The current funding of sports institutions under the heading «Security» is insufficient to ensure the needs of institutions in technical safety equipment. To achieve the national development goals of the Russian Federation, these problems must be solved.

The Transformative Power of Embodied Behaviour: Influencing Tourists' Experience in the Guangzhou Marathon as a Mass Participant Sports Event.

Mass-participation sports events (MPSEs) are of significant value to the fields of sports, culture, and tourism. MPSEs have witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity, which has led to a complex interplay of factors influencing participants' overall experience, making it crucial to understand the role of embodied behaviour. However, the existing literature is deficient in terms of providing substantial evidence, particularly with regard to the growing significance of experience planning as a core aspect of event design. This research employed the Guangzhou Marathon, one of the most renowned MPSEs in China, as a case study. The objective of this research is to investigate and extend the knowledge of the embodied behaviour of MPSE tourists through the mixed method of a questionnaire survey together with interviews. Furthermore, this research aimed to explore the antecedents and consequences of the embodied experience formation process. The findings demonstrated the pivotal role of the embodied experience in shaping tourist perceptions and subsequent intentions. Specifically, this research suggested that tourist behaviour with experience and attachment influenced the perceived value and cost of participation willingness through moderating and mediating effects. The findings contribute to the existing knowledge on sports tourism and behavioural studies and provide sustainable event management strategies.

Computer Vision and Advanced Computational Algorithms for Risk Assessment and Performance Enhancement in Track and Field Teaching

This paper discusses the application of computer vision and advanced calculation algorithm in evaluating the teaching risk and teaching effect of track and field. Because of the inherent uncertainty and risk of PE and sports activities (especially track and field), it is necessary to establish an effective risk management mechanism. Using computer vision technology, this paper puts forward a method of analyzing and processing video data to detect and track moving objects, so as to identify potential risks in real time. This method not only improves the safety of students in track and field classes, but also provides valuable insights for improving teaching methods and reducing sports injuries. This paper discusses the background subtraction motion detection algorithm, which is very important for dynamic image modeling and shadow suppression, and can realize accurate motion state detection. The ultimate goal is to ensure the healthy development of school sports and optimize the teaching results of track and field sports.

Verticutting frequency influences lateral spread of two Paspalum species

AbstractBahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) and dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.) are perennial warm‐season grasses that readily invade home lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. Research was conducted at the Athens Turfgrass Research and Education Center in Athens, GA, during the summer of 2015 to evaluate the response of Paspalum L. species to verticutting. Weeds were transplanted into bare ground from naturally occurring populations and allowed to mature for 3 weeks prior to trial initiation. Treatments were arranged in a factorial design with two Paspalum L. species by four verticutting treatments in a split‐plot experimental design with four replications. The main plot factor was verticutting treatment (no verticutting, one verticutting event, two verticutting events, and three verticutting events). The subplot factor was Paspalum L. species (bahiagrass or dallisgrass). Verticutting had a negative impact on bahiagrass lateral spread, while dallisgrass responded similarly to verticutting as the non‐verticut check. Significant reductions in bahiagrass plant diameter were observed following two and three verticutting events. The asymmetric response of Paspalum L species to verticutting may be attributed to plant morphology. Bahiagrass rhizomes run along the soil surface, making them susceptible to mechanical damage from verticutting, while dallisgrass rhizomes are protected belowground within the soil profile. Although verticutting alone does not control bahiagrass, the incorporation of verticutting into a bahiagrass chemical control program may improve long‐term control by garnering the benefits of both mechanical damage and enhanced herbicidal activity.

Infrastructure and Educational Outcomes in Bolivia

This article analyzes how the levels of enrollment, promotion, dropout and failure are affected by access to basic infrastructure services such as electricity, drinking water, and sanitation services, as well as by access to basic facilities such as classrooms, sports fields, laboratories, libraries, and computer rooms. Based on Bolivian data for the entire universe of schools and colleges at the preschool, primary, and secondary levels, an empirical study was carried out on the impact of educational infrastructure during the period 2015-2020. It is analyzed whether the results vary depending on whether the schools are public, are located in urban centers and whether they offer a humanistic degree. Consistently, the findings show that access to basic infrastructure can play a fundamental role in generating positive educational outcomes, but when the analysis is disaggregated by geographic region and educational levels, there emerge significant differences.

Exercise training load prediction based on improved genetic algorithm

With the advancement of digital information age, all kinds of sports also widely used digital mining technology, the technology can promote athletes’ professional level and physical quality, is in the field of sports improve athletes and coaches more effective way, but the bicycle sports for digital mining and research is still in the early state. Cyclists load ability in training is mainly influenced by the body function, the relationship between the two is complicated, this paper is the training load ability and physical function as a research object, explore the specific connection between the two aspects of cyclists, by constructing the cyclist training load prediction model, to apply in the “bicycle team training analysis system”. Strive to promote the overall development of cycling, to provide a basis for the scientific training of talents and training. The cyclist training load prediction model created in this paper can provide a scientific design basis for the training of athletes. When analyzing the body function, this paper mainly analyzes the influence of athletes on conforming sports through 25 aspects such as maximum oxygen intake, functional threshold power and blood oxygen saturation. Because the factors of athletes and the predicted results show non-linear correlation, this paper selects the BP neural network algorithm in the model algorithm, and the adaptive genetic algorithm of the selection operator is adjusted and optimized to clarify the initial weights and thresholds of BP neural network. Finally, the practice has proved that the improved algorithm has a more prominent global optimization ability, and the accuracy of the model has reached 93.28%.

Contextual maximum speed: Assessing the day-to-day variation in maximal running speed in Australian rules football

Monitoring sprint distance is commonplace in Australian Rules football (ARF). Thresholds are programmed as a percentage of maximum speed (Vmax), however day-to-day variation has not been considered. The aim of this study was to determine the day-to-day variation in Vmax, jump height, power, and strength in male, talent-identified ARF athletes. Twenty-three male, ARF athletes (age = 16.6 ± 0.64 years, height = 179.4 ± 9.1 cm, mass = 73.4 ± 8.4 kg) completed a countermovement jump, isometric mid-thigh pull, and 40-metre sprint on three occasions within a 7-day period, separated by 48-h recovery periods. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVAs, and general linear regressions were used to analyze the data. Vmax declined progressively ( ηP2 = 0.586, CV = 5%) between session one (31.8 ± 1.5km⋅h−1), two (30.8 ± 1.2km⋅h−1), and three (30.0 ± 1.3km⋅h−1). No differences were observed for jump height (47.4 ± 5.0 cm), peak force (2981 ± 518N), or net peak force (2047 ± 444N⋅kg−1). Jump height, peak force, and net peak force did not predict Vmax in session 1, session 2, or session 3. Individual changes in Vmax exceeded 5% in 10 instances. The Vmax is outside the typical error for measurement and indicative of the variation in Vmax. The lack of predictive power demonstrated by strength and power variables is evidence of the technical considerations associated with sprinting. Practitioners should consider the variation in Vmax when monitoring training load in field sports. The variation suggests that programming thresholds based upon a single recording of Vmax may incorrectly describe the true amount of high-speed and sprint running completed.

EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SYSTEM: APPLICATION IN UKRAINE

Ukraine is facing significant challenges in the development of its physical education and sports system, especially in the context of war and social tensions. The main problems include constraints in funding and infrastructure, as well as the absence of scientifically grounded approaches to physical activity and sports. In the context of these challenges, this article analyzes recent research and publications on this topic.Researchers in Ukraine have identified that the war has significantly impacted the physical activity of the population, leading to reduced opportunities for sports participation. However, sports and physical activity have proven to be crucial tools for physical and psychological recovery for those affected by the conflict. Nevertheless, there are challenges in providing access to sports facilities and programs for internally displaced persons and refugees.Studies from European countries emphasize the importance of funding for the development of physical education and sports systems. Countries with substantial and stable investments in sports have developed infrastructure and programs for their citizens, which contribute to increased physical activity and sports participation. Recent research from Europe and other countries underscores the importance of sports as a tool for supporting the psychological well-being of the population. Physical activity and participation in sports events contribute to stress reduction and improvement in the overall mental health of citizens.The aim of this article is to describe and compare physical education and sports systems in European countries to identify best practices that can be adapted to improve the physical education system in Ukraine. The research includes an analysis of the structure, funding, legislation, and policies in the field of physical education and sports in selected European countries. The results of the article will support the development of reforms in the field of physical education and sports in Ukraine, as well as the incorporation of European experience to enhance physical activity and sports among the citizens.

Mini review on how ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supports post-exercise recovery

Ashwagandha is known to have many health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, anti-stress, antioxidant, and revitalizing properties. In the field of sport, Ashwagandha can maintain endurance and reduce post-exercise stress response. However, the mechanism of action remains uncertain. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of Ashwagandha in sports endurance and recovery. The method used is a literature review which focuses on research publications related to the topic at least from 2015 onwards. Consumption of ashwagandha may reduce cortisol, lactic acid, and urea nitrogen levels and improve Vo2max that may prevent the damaging effects of stress and restore normal physiological functioning during and after exercise. These studies also found ashwagandha may induce muscle cell differentiation. Therefore, ashwagandha extract has a potential effect on endurance and post-exercise recovery.

SURVEY LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND ANTHROPOMETRIC STATUS

Students of Physical Education Health and Recreation Faculty of teacher training and education are prepared to become competent educators in the field of sports. One of the skills competencies required is understanding and skills in measuring physical activity levels, understanding physical activity and anthropometry. The purpose of this study was adalah to determine and understand the measurement aktivitas of physical activity, understanding of physical activity and anthropometric status of students of Physical Education Health and Recreation FKIP. This study is cross-sectional research on students who administer the test and measurement of sports. Understanding of the level of physical activity measured by metode the test method, the level of physical activity was measured using a questionnaire GPAQ (global Physical Activity Questionanire) and tipe body type or somatotype was measured based on the health Charter Manual. Then the data is processed in a descriptive and correlation Person to determine the relationship between the level of understanding of physical activity, physical activity level and anthropometry using SPSS. The results showed that in all students who manage the course of sports tests and measurements have level a good level of physical activity baik GPAQ score an average of 7248.13 ° 2420.5 METs. Correlation test showed positive correlation between the level of understanding of physical activity and physical activity level correlation p < 0.05.

NBA Player Data Statistics and Predictions Based on Spark

Entering the 21st century, the sports field has begun to rely on advanced data to establish fine-grained athlete evaluation metrics, such as the impact of an athlete’s presence on the team and performance in critical moments. These metrics are included in statistics and analysis. This experiment analyzes player datasets from NBA games, processing and statistically analyzing data indicators such as player rankings, changes brought by player age and career length, and changes in the proportion of three-point shots. The rating score proposed in this study is used as a measurement indicator to predict Luka Doncic’s performance since entering the league. The model’s performance is evaluated by calculating the root mean square error between the predicted and actual data. Analyzing and predicting player game data is crucial for evaluating player performance, formulating tactics, and management strategies. It not only helps management and coaching teams make more informed draft and trade decisions but also reveals similarities and differences among players through techniques such as cluster analysis, guiding personalized training and tactics.