Motor Competence Research Articles

224 Longitudinal associations between flexibility, motor competence, and self-reported physical activity during adolescence

224 Longitudinal associations between flexibility, motor competence, and self-reported physical activity during adolescence

79 Developmental Patterns of Objectively Measured Motor Competence and Musculoskeletal Fitness among Finnish Adolescents

79 Developmental Patterns of Objectively Measured Motor Competence and Musculoskeletal Fitness among Finnish Adolescents

Perceptions Matter! Active Physical Recreation Participation of Children with High and Low Actual and Perceived Physical Competence.

Emerging evidence suggests that the accuracy of a child's perceived physical competence (PPC) impacts participation in physical activity. We examined differences in active physical recreation (APR) participation based on clusters of high and low motor competence and perceptions from grades 3-5. Participants were a longitudinal sample (n = 155; 85 girls) of grade three, four, and five children. Fundamental motor skills (FMSs) were assessed using the TGMD-2, perceptions were assessed using the Self-Perception Profile for Children, and APR was measured using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment. K-means cluster analysis was used to create four clusters per grade based on participants' FMSs and PPC z-scores. Differences in FMSs, PPC, and APR with cluster group as a factor were examined using a series of factorial ANOVAs. In each grade, participants in the high-high cluster participated in significantly more APR than those in the low-low cluster (p = 0.002 in grades three and four; p < 0.001 in grade five). Among the less accurate clusters (e.g., low FMSs with high PPC) was a trend toward positive FMSs growth among the children with higher perceptions. Results show that combinations of FMSs and PPC influence patterns of engagement or disengagement in active physical recreation persistently across middle childhood.

Biopsychosocial and Environmental Correlates of Children’s Motor Competence: An Exploratory Study

BackgroundGiven the significance of motor competence (MC) for healthy development and as a cornerstone for lifelong physical activity (PA), it is crucial to understand the manifold factors that are associated with MC. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate correlates of children’s MC and their fundamental movement skills (FMS) within their daily life from a comprehensive biopsychosocial-ecological perspective.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional sub-study of the ‘Physical Literacy for Communities (PL4C)’ WAVES cohort study conducted in the West Vancouver School District, Canada. Motor competence was assessed using the PLAYfun tool including overall MC score and five FMS category scores, namely, running, locomotor skills, upper and lower body control and balance skills. By means of structural equation modeling (SEM), direct associationswith MC and with the specific FMS categories addressing physical activity behavior, self-perceived physical literacy, parenting, and school ground design were investigated.ResultsA total of 355 children with a mean age of 7.5 years and 111.1 min of MVPA per day participated. The group comprised 51% boys and 47% girls from 14 elementary schools. Most children were at an emerging MC-level (71%), while those at a competent MC-level exhibited significantly more daily minutes of MVPA (123 versus 109, p = 0.001). Additionally, they played outdoors more frequently and engaged in more instructor-led PA. The results revealed that logistical support from parents had not only a direct positive association with overall MC, both for girls and boys, but also with most of the FMS categories. However, the correlates of MC varied between genders and showed different patterns across the five FMS categories. While time spent in sports or coach-/instructor-led physical activities had a significant SEM generated direct effect only for boys’ MC and for locomotor, upper body object control and balance, the aesthetic design of the school grounds was only associated with girls’ MC and those same three FMS categories. Multivariate SEM could explain 26% of variance for girls’ MC and 30% for boys’.ConclusionsThis exploratory baseline assessment revealed parental logistical support as an important correlate of MC, irrespective of gender. There were distinct gender patterns across biopsychosocial-ecological correlates influencing MC and FMS. Despite the heterogeneity of the results, our findings indicate a potential role of school ground design in supporting the development of children’s MC, especially for girls.

Sex differences in physical activity of US children at age 13 months: child and Mother Physical Activity Study (CAMPAS)

BackgroundLower physical activity (PA) has been observed in females compared to males among preschool-aged and older children. However, the timing of when the sex gap emerges is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether females have lower PA levels than males in the early toddler age and to explore whether gross motor competency and PA parenting practices might explain a sex difference in PA.MethodsThe study design was cross-sectional. Participants were a community-based sample of 137 children aged 10–16 months residing in US Midwest urban/suburban area. Participants’ mothers completed a survey that contained a demographic questionnaire, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire gross motor competency subscale, and a PA parenting practices questionnaire. Participating children wore an ActiGraph accelerometer on their hip for 7 days. Accelerometer-measured time spent in moderate- and vigorous intensity PA (MVPA; minutes/day) and in total PA (minutes/day) were calculated. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to predict MVPA and total PA by sex, gross motor competency, PA parenting practices, and socioeconomic status.ResultsAmong 137 participants (54.0% female), average age was 13.6 months (SD = 1.7). MVPA was 72 ± 25 and 79 ± 26 min/day for females and males, respectively (p = 0.14). Total PA was 221 ± 48 and 238 ± 47 min/day for females and males, respectively (p = 0.04). Both gross motor competency and PA-encouraging parenting practices were positively associated MVPA (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively) and total PA (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively); however, these relationships did not differ by sex (p = 0.11 and p = 0.89, respectively). After accounting for gross motor competency and PA parenting practices, total PA was 15 min/day lower among females than males (p = 0.04).ConclusionsThis cross-sectional study of US children observed a sex gap in total PA at 10–16 months of age. Gross motor development and PA parenting practices did not differ by child sex nor explain the sex difference in PA. A longitudinal investigation should follow to further narrow down when sex differences in PA emerge and to determine the factors that lead to this difference.

Profiles of young children's home environment and association with their development.

This study aimed to identify profiles of young children's early home environment and explore their association with development in motor, inhibitory control, language, and emotional competence skills. The sample included 2,158 children (51.4% male), 35.47 months old on average. Four home environment profiles emerged: high support and high discipline (HS-HD), high support and low discipline (HS-LD), average support and average discipline (AS-AD), and low support and low discipline (LS-LD). Notably, children from higher socioeconomic status (SES) families were more likely to be associated with HS-HD and HS-LD profiles. Girls exhibited a higher likelihood of belonging to the HS-LD profile. Utilizing regression analyses, children showed the highest motor, inhibitory control, language, and emotional competence development when they were in the HS-LD home environment profile. A concerning finding is that high discipline from parents was negatively associated with children's development, despite providing a high-quality physical environment. The text highlights the positive implications of providing a high-quality home learning environment and offers constructive recommendations for improving practice and future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Integrative neuromuscular training and detraining in pre-adolescent basketball players

Youth sports participation can promote better physical activity levels and motor competence (MC) in young populations. However, it shows risks of injury and burnout. Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) is presented as a training alternative capable of reducing the incidence of injury and improving MC in young athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 6 weeks of individualized INT as a warm-up in preadolescent basketball players on their acceleration, change of direction (COD), vertical jump (CMJ) and dynamic unipodal balance (SEBT). Subjects (143.37 ± 8.75 cm, 40.66 ± 7.65 kg; 10.08 ± 0.27 years) underwent 20 minutes of INT three days per week during six weeks, where strength, change of direction speed, plyometrics, balance and coordination were trained. Assessments were performed before the intervention (P1), after the intervention (P2), and after 3 weeks of detraining (P3). At P2, significant improvements were obtained in COD test, CMJ, and in the posterolateral direction of the right leg and in the posteromedial direction of the left leg in the SEBT test. At P3, significant improvements were maintained for CMJ and SEBT. An INT warm-up can affect improvements in COD, CMJ and some directions of SEBT in pre-adolescent basketball players.

Motor Competence, Physical Fitness, Psychosocial, and Physical Activity Characteristics in 9- to 14-Year-Olds: Sex Differences and Age and Maturity Considerations

ABSTRACT Sex, chronological age, and maturity potentially impact multidimensional health-related characteristics (i.e. motor competence, physical fitness, psychosocial, physical activity), which adds to the challenges of reversing current youth health-related concerns. Previous research fails to optimally assess such characteristics and consider sex, age, and maturity among youth. Therefore, the aims were to 1) present the multidimensional health-related characteristics of 9–14-year-olds from the UK, 2) examine sex differences, and 3) account for the effect of age and maturity on such characteristics. Eighty-one girls (mean age = 12.8 ± 1.2 years) and 136 boys (mean age = 13.1 ± 1.2 years) were purposively sampled and assessed across each of the four health-related domains. Multiple ANCOVA analyses examined sex differences among characteristics while accounting for chronological age. Pearson’s correlations were used to evaluate the associations between maturity and multidimensional health-related characteristics. Multidimensional health-related characteristics were lower than similar populations and highly variable. Boys outperformed girls on most physical measures (ES = −0.76 to 0.76), elicited greater self-determined motivation (ES = 0.36), greater perceived competence (ES = 0.54), and engaged in more vigorous physical activity (ES = 0.78). Small age effects were present across some characteristics (e.g. isometric mid-thigh pull). Associations between maturity and multidimensional health-related characteristics were different for boys and girls (e.g. maturity offset positively associated with motor competence scores in girls only). Results suggest that multidimensional health-related characteristics of 9- to 14-year-olds are a concern, and are impacted by sex, age, and maturity. Identifying methods to improve multidimensional health-related characteristics which considers sex, age, and maturity are required. Assessing multidimensional health-related characteristics across youth is recommended to inform and measure interventions.

Acceptability and Feasibility of Portable Eye-Tracking Technology within a Children's Dynamic Sport Context: An Exploratory Study with Boys Who Play Grassroots Football.

Teaching practices are moving from decontextualised to more representative curricula. Although this is argued to be a positive step, low motor competence is a continual issue in primary-aged school children. One methodological approach to investigate ways to improve motor competence, eye tracking, is moving to more representative tasks. So far, eye-tracking research using static activities has demonstrated a positive association between motor competence and earlier fixation and longer duration. However, this research has been constrained to laboratory settings and tasks, or discrete activities (e.g., throw and catch). This study seeks to understand how to conduct more representative eye-tracking research in primary school-aged children. To this end, thirteen 10-11-year-old children were fitted with an eye-tracker during a typical football coaching session. Children were asked acceptability-based questions, and eye-gaze data were captured to illustrate what children attended to under a representative dynamic football-based activity. Based on the voices of children and captured eye-gaze data, six practical implications for research in this population are proposed: (1) conduct eye-tracking research indoors (where possible); (2) ensure long hair or fringes are secured so as not to obscure line of sight; (3) run the same activity to increase comparability across children wearing the eye-tracker; (4) use a properly fitted backpack (if a backpack is to be used); (5) assure children about the capability and hardiness of the eye-tracker, as they do not need to change the way they move; (6) explain there may be some discomfort with the nose clip, head strap, and battery weight and ensure that children wish to continue.

Validity and reliability of motor competence assessment as an instrument measuring fundamental motor skills for 12-year-olds in Indonesia

The research aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) instrument for 12-year-olds. The validity and reliability test provides a comprehensive framework for objectively measuring motor competence and identifying areas for intervention to enhance motor skill development. The study included 321 participants (156 male and 165 fe-male) from diverse Indonesian elementary school backgrounds. Motor competence assessment involved six test components, each conducted with two trials. Validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and reliability was assessed via Cronbach's alpha, with raw data converted to a scale for EFA. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) &amp; Bartlett Test results and the Sampling Ade-quacy (MSA) measure are suitable for running EFA because they show more than 0.50. The standards for each item were met in the Communalities test by showing an extraction of &gt;0.50 for each item. The MCA instrument proved valid because each test item (variable) firmly attaches to one instrument. Reliability tests, using Cronbach's Alpha, show that MCA instruments are reliable and usable. The Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) instrument demonstrates validity and reliability in measuring motor skills. Ex-ploratory factor analysis (EFA) identifies two main components: locomotor skills and stability and manipulative motor skills. Cronbach's alpha further confirms MCA's reliability. Its effectiveness in various contexts, including physical education and rehabilitation, supports targeted interventions. Understanding motor skill development with MCA enhances tailored approaches for individu-als, promoting physical well-being and performance. Keywords: physical education, motor skill, elementary school, assessment.

The Relationship Between Motor Competence and Landing Error Scoring System Performance in Youth Soccer Players.

Abstract Duncan, MJ, Heering, T, Tallis, J, Guimaraes-Ferreira, L, Martins, R, Crotti, M, Barnett, L, Lander, N, and Lyons, M. The relationship between motor competence and landing error scoring system performance in youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): e496–e502, 2024—This study examined the relationship between motor competence (MC) and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) performance in a sample of male junior grassroots footballers aged 10–13 years. Ninety-eight boys aged 10–13 years (mean ± SD = 11.7 ± 1 years) undertook assessment of MC, using the Test of Gross Motor Development (third edition) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk using the LESS. Height and mass were assessed from which maturity status was predicted. Multiple backward linear regressions indicated a significant model (p = 0.001), which explained 49% of the variance in LESS scores. Locomotor MC (β = −0.538, p = 0.001), object control MC (β = −0.261, p = 0.004), and age (β = 1.17, p = 0.03) significantly contributed to the model. Maturity offset (p = 0.100) was not significant. Analysis of covariance (controlling for age and maturity offset) indicated a significant difference in locomotor MC between those classified as poor for LESS. A similar result was observed for object control MC (p = 0.003, = 0.09), where those classed as poor for LESS had significantly poorer object control MC compared with those classed as excellent, good, and moderate. The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between both locomotor and object control MC and errors in drop jump landing mechanics in boys aged 10–13 years, with MC explaining nearly 50% of the variance in LESS scores. Practically, this study indicates that MC, particularly locomotor MC, has potential to identify performance in jump landing tests that are associated with increased risk of ACL injury in boys who play grassroots soccer.

Construct Validity of the Athlete Introductory Movement Screen in Grassroots Footballers Aged 11-13 Years.

This study examined the construct validity of the Athlete Introductory Movement Screen (AIMS) in children. Following ethics approval, parental consent, and child assent, 87 children (50 boys, 37 girls) aged 11-13 years (Mean ± SD = 12.4 ± 0.6 years) performed the AIMS and Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-3) in a counterbalanced order. AIMS tertiles were subsequently created, classifying children with 'high', 'medium', or 'low' movement skills. A 2 (Gender) X 3 (AIMS tertile) ways analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for age and age at peak height velocity, with TGMD-3 scores as the dependant variable, indicated that TGMD-3 scores were significantly higher for girls categorised as having a medium movement skill compared to girls categorised as low, and those categorised having high movement skill compared to medium and low movement skill groups (all, p = 0.001). There was no difference in TGMD-3 scores for boys classed as having low and medium movement skills. Boys categorised as high for movement skills had significantly greater TGMD-3 scores than their peers categorised as having both low and medium movement skills (p = 0.001). As the AIMS differentiates the theoretically related construct of motor competence, this study demonstrates that the AIMS has construct validity as a measure of movement skill in children aged 11-13 years.

Motor Competence as a Protection Factor Against Pediatric Obesity: The Bidirectional Relationship Between Motor Competence and Weight Status

ABSTRACT Purpose: Motor competence is negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) in young people. However, it is still unclear whether motor competence is linked to the risk of obesity in adolescents and longitudinal evidence is missing. The main purpose of this study was to assess the association between motor competence and risk of obesity across adolescence. Methods: A 2-year follow-up study was conducted with a total of 122 adolescents (59.8% girls) aged 12 to 13 years at baseline. Motor competence (KTK), weight status (BMI) and physical activity (questionnaire) were assessed at three time points. Generalized estimating equation and logistic regression models were conducted to examine the relationships between motor competence and weight status, adjusting for potential confounders (i.e. age, sex and physical activity). Results: Motor competence and BMI were inversely related over time. The chance to have overweight/obesity decreased by 6.5% and 8% with a 10-point increase in motor competence across time. In addition, adolescents had 6.4 to 8.2 greater chance to have low motor competence with a 1-point increase in BMI across time. Conclusion: Motor competence is inversely associated with the risk of overweight/obesity across adolescence. Therefore, the development of motor competence can be a protection factor against excessive weight gain. As such, we recommend the development of motor competence as a strategy to prevent pediatric obesity through diversified types of physical activities such as sports, active play and physical education classes.

Actual and perceived motor competence in children with motor coordination difficulties: Effect of a movement-based intervention

BackgroundThe present study analyses the effect of a Movement-Based Intervention to improve Actual and Perceived Motor Competence in children with probable Developmental Coordination Disorder aged four and six years. Methods and proceduresA longitudinal pre-experimental study was designed with measurements conducted at pre-test, post-test and follow-up (after 5 months without intervention). The group, composed of children with probable Developmental Coordination Disorder or low motor competence, consisted of 57 participants, and the duration of a Movement-Based Intervention was 27 sessions allocated in nine weeks. Outcomes and resultsActual Motor Competence was evaluated with the Movement Assessment Battery for School children and Perceived Motor Competence with Pictorial Scale of Perceived Motor Skill Competence for Children. The results showed significant improvements in both study variables (Actual Motor Competence and Perceived Motor Competence), both at post-test and follow-up, five months after the end of the intervention.In conclusion, a Movement-based Intervention is effective in improving Actual and Perceived Motor Competence in the participants of this research, children with low motor competence or probable Developmental Coordination Disorder. What this paper addsConsidering the improvements observed after the program in Spanish sample, it seems that the usual practice in Early Childhood Education in our context may not be sufficient, i.e., it may not provide children with the necessary support (number of lesson and time) and appropriate learning contexts to promote the development of their motor skills. Considering the results, this study suggests that using an Movement-Based Intervention with an appropriate pedagogical approach, and offering different learning opportunities to children according to their needs, could positively influence their Actual and Perceived Motor Competence, and could motivate them towards future practice.

Do Gender and BMI Affect the Motor Skills of Five-Year-Old Preschoolers Differently?

Weight gain is associated with numerous health complications and constitutes a serious public health problem. Motor competence (MC) can be a protective factor since children's participation and practice in physical activities can improve their health. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of gender and BMI on MC [i.e., manual dexterity (MD), aiming and catching (A&C), balance (Bal), and total MC percentile (TP)] depending on gender (boy/girl) and BMI (normal weight, overweight or obesity). The MABC-2 battery was applied in a sample of 368 preschool children (5.69 ± 0.28 years of age; 54.9% girls). Boys and girls showed statistically significant differences in MC components: boys had higher scores in A&C (p = 0.002), while girls excelled in MD (p < 0.001), Bal (p = 0.035); TP (p < 0.001), and BMI [Bal (p = 0.009); TP (p = 0.050)], with a higher percentile in those children with overweight in both cases. Statistically significant differences were also found in the interactions between gender*BMI [MD (p < 0.001) and TP (p < 0.001)]. The findings showed that there were notable variations in total percentile, balance, and manual dexterity between boys and girls. In addition, girls outperformed boys in all categories save aiming and catching. However, males who were overweight or obese earned greater percentiles in both balance and the MABC-2 battery's total percentile.

The effectiveness of exergames in improving physical activity behaviour and physical literacy domains in adolescents with developmental coordination disorder and cerebral palsy: A scoping review.

A large proportion of adolescents with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are physically inactive. Physical literacy has been described as an important determinant in promoting health behaviours. The potential of exergames to improve physical literacy and activity has been recognized in typically developing children. The aim of the present scoping review was to identify and map the available evidence of this potential for adolescents with DCD. A scoping review was performed via a literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ERIC and CINHAIL. From 2860 search records, six studies (two studies in DCD and four studies in cerebral palsy [CP]) assessed physical activity, 12 studies discussed exergame features and 16 studies assessed physical literacy domains. In DCD, one study showed positive effects of exergaming on physical activity and the other failed to show any significant effects of exergaming. In CP, all four studies demonstrated positive effects of exergaming on energy expenditure and daily physical activity. Furthermore, positive effects of exergames on the different physical literacy domains were shown, namely motor competence, self-concept and affect, motivation and social/experiential. Finally, exergame features including multiplayer modes, realism, game rewards, challenges and enjoyment were shown to have a significant effect on motivating and encouraging adolescents to exert more effort while playing. Based on the positive effects of exergaming on physical activity in other populations, more in-depth research in adolescents with DCD is warranted such that the decline in physical activity behaviour that is present in individuals with DCD can be counteracted. Physical literacy should be regarded as an important determinant in this regard.

Classroom coping strategies of children with motor difficulties

ABSTRACT Children with low motor competency have additional classroom struggles when coping with their first year of mainstream education. This study identified and examined the classroom coping strategies and behaviours of children with motor difficulties. Eleven students were recruited after the Test of Gross Motor Skills (TGMD 2nd) identified as having poor gross motor development. The primary research method was classroom observations conducted after obtaining ethical approval and parental consent. Parental Interviews and a nine-month observation period commenced in term two of the Australian School System, which aimed to identify specific behaviours and the coping strategies adopted by the individual participants in the classroom. The participants were observed on different school days at various times so individual coping behaviours could be recorded. An inductive approach and thematic analysis identified emerging themes, behaviours, and coping strategies. Results indicated that all participants demonstrated multifaceted coping behaviours, divided into several common emerging categories: emotional, physical, social, and cognitive responses. Coping strategies were further classified as productive (positive) or non-productive (negative), emotionally based or problem-solving. The lack of motor competency significantly influenced the participants’ behaviours when displaying strategies to cope with classroom activities.

Sex Differences in Physical Activity of US children at age 13 months: Child and Mother Physical Activity Study (CAMPAS).

Lower physical activity (PA) has been observed in females compared to males among preschool-aged and older children. However, the timing of when the sex gap emerges is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether females have lower PA levels than males in the early toddler age and to explore whether gross motor competency and PA parenting practices might explain a sex difference in PA. The study design was cross-sectional. Participants were a community-based sample of 137 children aged 10-16 months residing in US Midwest urban/suburban area. Participants' mothers completed a survey that contained a demographic questionnaire, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire gross motor competency subscale, and a PA parenting practices questionnaire. Participating children wore an ActiGraph accelerometer on their hip for 7 days. Accelerometer-measured time spent in moderate- and vigorous intensity PA (MVPA; minutes/day) and in total PA (minutes/day) were calculated. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to predict MVPA and total PA by sex, gross motor competency, PA parenting practices, and socioeconomic status. Among 137 participants (54.0% female), average age was 13.6 months (SD = 1.7). MVPA was 72 ± 25 and 79 ± 26 minutes/day for females and males, respectively (p = 0.14). Total PA was 221 ± 48 and 238 ± 47 minutes/day for females and males, respectively (p = 0.04). Both gross motor competency and PA-encouraging parenting practices were positively associated MVPA (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively) and total PA (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively); however, these relationships did not differ by sex (p = 0.11 and p = 0.89, respectively). After accounting for gross motor competency and PA parenting practices, total PA was 15 minutes/day lower among females than males (p = 0.04). This cross-sectional study of US children observed a sex gap in total PA at 10-16 months of age. Gross motor development and PA parenting practices did not differ by child sex nor explain the sex difference in PA. A longitudinal investigation should follow to further narrow down when sex differences in PA emerge and to determine the factors that lead to this difference.

The correlates of coach leadership behavior and athlete competence motivation towards a sports mentoring program

This study assessed the factors associated with coach leadership behavior and athlete competence motivation, focusing specifically on Chengdu Sport University. The ultimate goal was to suggest a sports mentoring program based on the findings of the study. The respondents of the study were 152 student-athletes engaged in leisure sports and martial arts at Chengdu Sport University, encompassing disciplines such as sport climbing, ice hockey, judo, taekwondo, wushu routine, wushu sanda, martial art qigong, dragon and lion dance, cheer dance, and dance. Based on the conclusions derived in this study, the following are the recommendations: Sports organizations should prioritize diversity and inclusivity to accommodate all student athletes, regardless of age or gender. Emphasize diverse leadership styles, including training and teaching methods, and teach coaches to balance authoritarian and democratic systems. Coaches should aim for consistency and adaptability in their coaching methods to suit varying demands. Programs should focus on increasing competence motivation among student athletes, particularly in cognitive and social dimensions. Comprehensive athlete development programs should cater to both male and female athletes. Coaches should demonstrate leadership qualities, including good training, social support, and constructive criticism. Schools should develop a coach leadership development program to improve coaching effectiveness and overall well-being.

Effect of Resisted Sprint Training on Lower Limb Performance in Amateur Cricket Batsmen

Background: Enhancing strength and sprint performance with reduced injury risk involves plyometric and resistance sprint training. Improved physical fitness is crucial for developing technical skills and motor competence, essential for explosive leg power and functional performance. Tailored training regimens targeting specific movements boost explosive strength. In a 50-meter sprint competition, phases for acceleration and maximum speed are vital, requiring quick spurts. Fast bowlers and batsmen should prioritize upper body acceleration for optimal performance. Acceleration is key in both sprinting and cricket, emphasizing the importance of targeted training to enhance overall athletic ability and minimize injury risk. Objective: To find out the effects of resisted sprint training among amateur cricket batsmen player Methodology: The study received Institutional Ethical Approval, and consent was obtained from all 40 participants. They were screened and recruited based on selection criteria, then randomly allocated into Group A (n=20) and Group B (n=20). The exercise program involved 30-minute sessions, three times per week, over six weeks Result: The experimental group (Group A) showed significant improvement in lower limb performance (p &lt; 0.0001) with resisted sprint training. However, there was no significant difference observed in the conventional group when comparing between groups (p &lt; 0.7755). Conclusion: The study concludes that resisted sprint training is effective in improving lower limb performance in amateur cricket batsmen.