Sports Practice Research Articles

The myth of a “human right to sport”: how human rights can lead to true inclusion for children with disability

AbstractFundamental Principle 4 of the Olympic Charter provides, ‘[t]he practice of sport is a human right’. However, to think of the practice of sport as a human right is misleading and potentially unhelpful to the true inclusion of children with disability in sport. The various permutations of a human right to sport—a right in sport; a right to participate in sport; a right to the practice of sport; and a right to sport—result in an attitude that children with disability are provided sporting opportunities in a way that are separate, segregated, or unnecessarily different. In this article, we argue that sport should be thought about and analysed through a different human right: the right to non-discrimination. If the right being applied to the experience for a child with a disability in sport, is that of non-discrimination, then the aim is to provide the child with the same experience as a mainstream child. This also means that the focus changes from providing a right to ‘sport’, which results in access to simply the physical activities of sport and shifts to the experience the child has within a sport. Most importantly, the human right to non-discrimination means that a child with disability should have the opportunity to be included in mainstream sport, with adjustments to provide them with a fair and meaningful contest.

Inequality in Children’s Physical Activity Across Time-Segmented Youth Sport Practice

ABSTRACT Purpose: Youth sport (YS) is a community system for promoting children’s physical activity (PA). Studies have examined mean PA during YS practices, but few have examined inequalities in the distribution of PA among children during practice time. This study examined PA inequality in time-segmented YS practices and differences in inequality by time segment characteristics. Methods: Children’s PA and YS practices were examined using accelerometer and video observation data from a sample of YS teams (n = 36 teams, n = 101 practices) for third- through sixth-grade children (n = 392), approximately eight to 12 years old, in two rural U.S. communities. Practices were time-segmented into smaller units (episodes; n = 991). Episodes were assigned codes for purpose (e.g. warm-up), member arrangement (e.g. whole group), and setting demand (i.e. fosters participation, creates exclusion). Group accelerometer data were paired with episodes, and the Gini coefficient quantified inequality in activity counts and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Beta generalized estimating equations examined the influence of episode structure on PA inequality. Results: Warm-up (Gini = 0.22), fitness (Gini = 0.24), and sport skill (Gini = 0.24) episodes had significantly lower inequality (p < .05) in activity counts than other purpose types. Management (Gini = 0.32) and strategy (Gini = 0.40) episodes had significantly greater inequality (p < .05) in MVPA minutes than other purpose types. Episodes fostering participation (Gini = 0.32) had significantly lower activity count inequality (p < .05) than episodes creating exclusion (Gini = 0.35). Conclusion: PA inequality among children during YS varied by practice structure. Metrics such as the Gini coefficient can illuminate inequalities in PA and may be useful for guiding efforts to improve population PA in children. Trial Registration: This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03380143).

ENGLISH

Introduction and objectives: Eating disorders are a growing problem in our society, especially among young people. The aim of this study is to know which are the individual and social factors that support and perpetuate the danger of suffering from eating disorders, and their possible consequences on the sports and academic performance of individuals. Material and method: The sample consisted of 395 athletes between 12 and 16 years of age (M = 14.07; SD = 1.35), of whom 142 (35.9%) were female and 253 (64.1%) male. A questionnaire was administered to collect information on sociodemographic data, body image, use of social networks, social relationships, sports practice, risk of eating disorders, and academic and sports performance. In the analysis, firstly, cross-tabulations were carried out to observe the body distortion of the respondents according to body mass index; secondly, a linear regression was performed to analyze the factors influencing the risk of eating disorders. In addition, correlations were performed to find out the relationship between risk of manifesting eating disorders and academic and sports performance. Results: The main result shows that there is a high risk of eating disorders among young athletes, due to a high distortion of body image, which becomes the main determinant factor. In addition, relationships with family and friends have a significant influence on this danger. On the other hand, behaviors related to eating disorders cause academic and sports performance to decrease. Conclusión: Due to these data, it is necessary to generate and promote prevention and early detection guidelines during adolescence.

Influence of Temperature and LED Light Spectra on Flavonoid Contents in Poa pratensis

Light and temperature are the driving forces in plant development and growth. Specific photoreceptors provide the ability to sense and interpret light and temperature to regulate growth. Under the limited light conditions in most sports stadiums, natural grasses suffer from light deficiency. Artificial light provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is used to increase their growth and adjust their development. Flavonoids like flavonols and anthocyanins are influenced by light conditions and temperature. Increased blue light can elevate the content of these secondary metabolites. Remote measurements of internal parameters using non-destructive methods provided information on their content under different temperature conditions for quality monitoring. This experiment tested flavonoid contents in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) for different blue-to-red light ratios (0.6 and 0.4) and three temperature courses (constant temperature of 4 °C, constant temperature of 12 °C, and temperature switching among 12–8–4–8–12 °C). The results show elevated levels of flavonoids under blue-dominant artificial light as well as increased content under low-temperature (4 °C) conditions. The lack of flavonoids at elevated temperatures (12 °C), especially under red-dominant light, suggests an increased requirement for artificial blue light at increased temperatures. Non-destructive flavonoid determination was suitable for this experiment and can therefore be used for practical sports turf quality monitoring.

Influence and Relationship of Pain on Lumbar Biomechanics in a Young Adult Population with Non-Specific Low Back Pain.

The therapeutic actions indicated for low back pain, in addition to physiotherapy, include mobilization of the affected segment, as it is assumed that a loss of mobility may contribute to a patient's pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of back pain on the degrees of spinal mobility in young adults. Eighty-six volunteers participated in the study. Fingertip-to-floor distance, Schöber's test, the fingertip-to-floor lateral flexion test, GHQ-12, the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and the STarT Back Screening Tool were used. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (pain and no pain) in degrees of spinal flexion (Schöber's test and side flexion) showing greater mobility in the group with pain. However, the group with low back pain showed less rotational mobility. The presence or absence of back pain had an impact on the individual's sporting practice and perception of pain, and they were able to carry out their sporting activities normally. Young adults with idiopathic low back pain showed some statistically significant differences in relation to the mobility of the spine in the different planes of movement (flexion and side flexion), conditioning their quality of life and sports practice.

Clinical presentation and imaging findings in juvenile-onset back pain: a ten-year hospital-based retrospective analysis in Douala (Cameroon).

Studies exploring the clinical and imaging characteristics of juvenile-onset back pain (JOBP) are scarce. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and factors associated with JOBP. A retrospective record-based study was conducted among all pediatric cases presenting to the Rheumatology unit of the Douala General Hospital, Cameroon, from January 2014 to December 2023. The study did not include children whose back pain began after 16 years of age. Of the 216 records of patients under 18 examined, 67 children (31 girls) were diagnosed with JOBP. The median age was 15 [13-16] years. More than two-third of the children included in this study had chronic pain (n = 46; 68.65%). Pain was mild to moderate in intensity in 48 children (71.6%). Radiculopathy was present in 10 children (14.92%). The most common location of back pain was the lumbar region (n = 64; 95.52%). Some children experienced pain in more than one location. The location of the pain was not associated with gender, duration of the pain, radiculopathy, or practice of a competitive sport (p > 0.05). Musculoskeletal abnormalities on imaging were found in 38 children (62.29%). In multivariate analysis, peripheral joint involvement [aOR = 0.253 (0.073-0.878); p = 0.030] and mild pain intensity [aOR = 0.077 (0.014-0.422); p = 0.003], were independently associated with the presence of musculoskeletal abnormalities on imaging. JOBP affects a third of children and adolescents of our clinic population. The common musculoskeletal abnormalities found on spine imaging are disc diseases and scoliosis.

Sense of safety or meaning in danger? Real-contact stick fighting as an imagistic ritual.

It is a common assumption that human behavior is guided by a desire to feel safe and avoid harm. However, this view is challenged by the popularity of high-risk leisure sport and other practices that involve subjecting oneself to a considerable danger with no apparent gain. By using real-contact stick fighting as an example, I suggest that the attractiveness of at least some such practices can be explained by cognitive dynamics that are typical of affectively intense rituals such as initiations. Affectively intense rituals are known to enhance personal meaning-making and foster identity fusion, that is, the overlapping of personal and social identities. The sense of meaning thus engendered effectively satisfies common identity motives and thus elicits positive affect. By introducing ritual studies perspectives into the edgework paradigm that is commonly used to conceptualize voluntary risk taking, I contribute to an increased understanding of the cognitive processes motivating participation in extreme leisure sport.

The effects of different levels of sports activity on health-related quality of life and lifestyle habits in high school Italian students

Physical activity (PA) is an important predictor of physical and mental health preventing chronic degenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate in a group of Italian high school students whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and lifestyle habits (diet) are associated with the level of physical activity performed (low, moderate, high). Data were collected from 2819 adolescents (n = 951 males). HRQoL was analyzed using the Italian version of the KIDSCREEN-52. Physical activity level was analyzed using the PAQ-A, while eating habits with KIDMED. Practicing physical activity in general improves HRQoL. Specifically, adolescents practicing moderate or high PA, in single dimensions of HRQoL, showed better mood (p < 0.001), self-perception (p < 0.001), family relationships (p < 0.001), reported a higher perception of socioeconomic status (p < 0.05), relationship with peers (p < 0.001), and social acceptance (p < 0.001). High PA subjects reported increased physical (p < 0.001) and mental health (p < 0.001), increased autonomy (p < 0.001), and school learning (p < 0.001). For lifestyle habits, practicing moderate PA showed higher adherence tox the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Our results highlighted a positive association between the frequency of PA levels, some dimensions of HRQoL, and risk behaviors. These findings demonstrated the protective role of sports not only as a preventive strategy for the onset of chronic degenerative diseases, but also as an educator of healthy lifestyle habits, thus suggesting the importance and need to implement strategies to promote sports practice.

Sports Practice for Children and Its Role in Enhancing Family Communication and Academic Achievement in the Point of View of the Parents

The study aimed to identify children’s sports practice and its role in enhancing family communication and academic achievement from the parents’ point of view. The descriptive approach was used, in addition to using the questionnaire as a tool for the study, which was applied to a sample of (57) parents of children who practice sports; The study concluded that children's sports practice would open areas of discussion and dialogue between members of the same family in various fields, which paves the way for communication within the family; In addition, regular sports practice plays an effective role in creating a positive family atmosphere, and paves the way for dialogues and discussions between children and parents. It also concluded that practicing sports in the right ways is a helpful factor in increasing the level of academic achievement. In addition, the practice of systematic sports activities helps in psychological compatibility and modifies and refines the behavior of children who practice sports.

Sport practice and depression during adolescence: Special emphasis on performance level and sport discipline

ObjectivesDepression is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, with almost half of the adolescent population affected according to latest research. Given this serious burden of disease, research points toward interventions that could effectively fight this disease in this population subset. One of these pivotal interventions is physical activity, although the effects of different sport types and sport performance level on depression have not yet been studied in adolescent populations. Accordingly, the objective of the current study was to assess the relationship between depressive symptoms, sport type and performance level in a large adolescent population. DesignCross-sectional study assessing a large cohort of adolescents through self-reported data. Methods10,248 participants aged 11–19 years old answered questionnaires regarding depressive symptoms and sporting habits and were classified according to their sport performance level: from physically inactive to internationally competitive. ResultsGirls reported higher incidence of depressive symptoms than boys, difference that further increased during late adolescence. Performance level was related to depressive symptoms: inactive participants reported the highest depressive scores while internationally competitive athletes reported the lowest. However, there were no differences between competitive athletes of different performance levels. Further, sport type had a small influence on depressive symptoms. ConclusionsAll these findings result in a potential guideline for future research and community health recommendations: as long as sufficient physical activity levels are met and the adolescent engages in sporting activities, the protection against depressive symptoms remains largely unrelated to the sport type and the level at which he or she performs.

Effects of Different Conditioning Activities on the Sprint Performance of Elite Sprinters: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE), which refers to the phenomena associated with the attainment of enhanced performance in sport-specific tasks after a conditioning activity, is an important objective of warming-up practices in many sports. This is even more relevant for sprinters, as potential increases in sprinting speed will directly influence their competitive results. This systematic review with meta-analysis evaluated the effects of different PAPE protocols (ie,using plyometrics, strength-power exercises, and resisted/assisted sprints) on the sprinting performance (ie,sprint time or sprint speed) of competitive sprinters. Initially, 1205 records published until last December 18 were identified, using the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Clarivate Web of Science. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 14 high-quality studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Overall, there were no significant changes in sprint performance after implementing various types of conditioning activities (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.16 [95% CI, -0.02 to 0.33]; Z = 1.78; P = .08; I2 = 0%). In addition, when comparing prechanges and postchanges between experimental, control, and other conditions, no significant differences were found in sprint speed or time across all studies (SMD = 0.09 [95% CI, -0.10 to 0.28]; Z = 0.92; P = .36; I = 0%). Results revealed that different types of conditioning activities may not be capable of acutely enhancing the sprint speed of competitive sprinters. This aligns with previous observations indicating that sprinting is a highly stable physical capacity, a phenomenon that is even more consistent among elite sprinters. Coaches and sport scientists should collaborate to develop more efficient PAPE protocols for these highly specialized athletes, with special attention to study design and individualization, while considering their effects on acceleration versus top speed.

The Difference Between Throwing and Practice Volumes in Youth Softball Athletes With and Without Upper Extremity Pain.

Research indicates that mechanics differ between athletes with and without upper extremity pain; however, it is unclear which modifiable risk factors exist for throwing-related pain in softball athletes. To determine whether sport specialization, throwing, practice, and strength and conditioning training volumes vary between youth softball athletes with and without upper extremity pain. It was hypothesized that youth softball athletes with upper extremity pain would participate in softball year-round and have greater throwing, practice, and strength and conditioning volumes compared with those without pain. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 232 youth softball athletes from travel ball, middle school, and high school leagues were invited to complete a survey to assess pain, sport specialization, throwing, practice, and strength and conditioning training volumes. Participants were classified into upper extremity pain and no pain groups based on their survey answers. The responses were compared between groups using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. A total of 101 athletes-with a mean ± SD age of 13.3 ± 2.3 years, height of 161 ± 13.4 cm, and weight of 59.8 ± 14.8 kg-completed the survey and were included for analysis. The response rate was 43.53%, with 22 athletes in the upper extremity pain group and 79 athletes in the no pain group. A significant difference was observed between hours devoted per week to off-season softball practice (U, 626.6; Z =-2; P = .045), where those without upper extremity pain spent 4 fewer median hours (6 hours) practicing softball per week in the off-season compared with those with pain (10 hours). Also, a significant difference was found between the number of throws during an in-season game (U, 457; Z, -2.28; P = .022), where those without upper extremity pain reported 21 fewer median throws (70 throws) during an in-season game compared with those with pain (91 throws). Furthermore, 77% of those who reported upper extremity pain continued to play despite their pain. There were no other significant differences between demographic characteristics, specialization, injury history, and primary position, as well as throwing, practice, and strength and conditioning volumes. Our study demonstrates that youth softball athletes with upper extremity pain had more throws during in-season games and increased hours per week devoted to off-season practice than athletes without upper extremity pain. Our findings support the need for softball stakeholders (eg, coaches, clinicians, parents, and administrators) to engage in further research and recommendations regarding in-season pitch counts and off-season rest.

Physical Education Pre-Service Teachers Constructivist Teaching Practices: A Multilevel Analysis

ABSTRACT This study examined Physical Education Pre-Service Teachers’ (PSTs) perceptions of their teaching from constructivist teaching practices and their variation among PSTs’ responses when aggregated by sex, teaching practices curriculum, extension project, and university type. The sample consisted of 869 Physical Education PSTs from Brazil (female = 399 and male = 470). Data were collected through an online form and modeled using Bayesian multilevel ordinal regression analysis. Our results showed that there was substantial variation in perceptions about constructivist teaching practices by the teaching practices curriculum during graduation and small variation by sex and participation in extension projects. The present study highlights that Brazilian PSTs in Physical Education tended to perceive their teaching oriented to constructivist practices. Furthermore, there is a need to consider student-, curriculum-, and contextual-level factors in the intention to adopt constructivist teaching practices in games and sports.

LE GENRE AU PRISME DE LA TERRITORIALISATION DES POLITIQUES PUBLIQUES SPORTIVES AU SENEGAL LE PARADOXE DAKAROIS

Sport is one of the pillars of public policy in Senegal, as defined in law n°84-59 on the sports charter. It is based on three pillars: mass practice, physical education and competitive sport. The consideration of sport by local authorities is a significant reality. However, the field of sport in Senegal is still marked by disparities and inequalities, both horizontal and vertical (Diatta, 2007), in all sectors in general and particularly in mass sport where inequalities are especially evident from a gender perspective. Indeed, apart from a socio-cultural heritage more or less hostile to the practice of sport, especially instituted due to the norms of hegemonic femininity, traditional and religious norms (Ndongo, 2017), it is clear that the inadequacies linked to the territorialisation of sports policies seem to constitute a significant determinant of these inequalities. This article proposes to analyse the territorialisation of sports policies from the point of view of their relationship with gender in the department of Dakar. The aim is to reflect on the means, strategies and actions mobilised to promote competitive sport among women in Senegal.

Medical examinations of professional and amateur athletes at a sports medicine clinic. Insights from a sports medicine specialist and cardiologist.

In 2019, three regulations of the Minister of Health regarding sports medicine examinations in children, adolescents and young athletes came into force. The publication presents in detail the current scope of tests and the frequency of required medical examinations necessary to obtain medical certificates qualify- ing patients to practice sports. The publication also presents the Regulation of the Minister of Health on the required qualifications of doctors authorized to issue medical certificates to athletes. It is very important to properly assess the health of potential and current athletes to ensure their safety while participating in sports competitions. There are diseases that increase the risk of sudden cardiac death which doctors should keep in mind when qualifying athletes for competition. The publication draws attention to the underestimated role of echocardiography and electrocardiographic stress testing.

Validity and reproducibility of the CALERA Research Sensor to estimate core temperature at different intensities of a cycling exercise in the heat

Recent heatwaves have highlighted the importance of accurate and continuous core temperature (TCORE) monitoring in sports settings. For example, accentuated rises in TCORE caused by physical exercises under environmental heat stress increase the risk of heat illnesses. Thus, using valid and reproducible devices is essential to ensure safe sports practice. In this study, we assessed the validity and reproducibility of the Calera Research Sensor (CRS) in estimating the TCORE of male and female participants during cycling exercise in a hot environment. Seven male (age: 36.2 ± 10.1 years) and eight female cyclists (age: 30.1 ± 5.0 years) underwent two identical cycling trials in a dry-bulb temperature of 32 °C and relative humidity of 60%. The protocol consisted of an initial 10-min rest followed by a 60-min exercise comprising 10 min at 20%, 25 min at 55%, and 25 min at 75% of maximal aerobic power, and an additional 25 min of post-exercise recovery. TCORE was recorded simultaneously every minute using a gastrointestinal capsule (TGi) and the CRS (TSENSOR). Bland–Altman analysis was performed to calculate bias, upper (LCS) and lower (LCI) concordance limits, and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The maximum acceptable difference between the two devices was predetermined at ±0.4 °C. A mixed linear model was used to assess the paired differences between the two measurement systems, considering the participants, trials, and environmental conditions as random effects and the cycling stages as fixed effects. An intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.98 was recorded when analyzing data from the entire experiment. A non-significant bias value of 0.01 °C, LCS of 0.38 °C, LCI of −0.35 °C, and CI95% of ±0.36 °C were found. When analyzing data according to the participants’ sex, CRS reproducibility was high in both sexes: ICC values of 0.98 and 0.99 were reported for males and females, respectively. CI95% was 0.35 °C in experiments with males and 0.37 °C with females, thereby falling within the acceptable margin of difference. Therefore, CRS was considered valid (compared to TGi) and reproducible in estimating TCORE in both sexes at various intensities of cycling exercise in the heat.

Individual and contextual determinants associated with traumatic dental injuries in children eight to ten years of age: a multilevel analysis.

Investigate individual and contextual determinants associated with traumatic dental injuries in schoolchildren. A cross-sectional study with 739 pairs of parents and children. Parents answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale and a questionnaire on the child's use of electronic devices. Examinations of the children were conducted at the school by calibrated examiners using the diagnostic criteria proposed by Andreasen. Contextual variables of the school were also collected. Multilevel Poisson regression for complex samples was performed (p < 0.05). The individual factors associated with the outcome were children of single parents (PR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.79-2.66), practice of sports (PR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.70-3.22), the daily use of electronic devices (PR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.31-1.81), more than 2 h per day of screen time (PR = 3.84; 95% CI: 1.94-4.28) and chaotic family adaptability (PR = 4.22; 95% CI: 3.44-4.99). The contextual variables were studying at a public school (PR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.02-3.05) and the presence of rigid floor in the school courtyard (PR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.15-3.15). Individual determinants, studying at a public school and the presence of rigid floor in the school courtyard were associated with traumatic dental.

Network consumption and sports practice: influence on the risk of network addiction and basic psychological needs

The objective of the study was to identify the possibility of developing a risk of addiction to social networks and to know the satisfaction of basic psychological needs depending on network usage time, the number of networks used, and the practice hours and type of sport developed. A sample of 265 university students (Mage = 28.23; SD = 8.44; 110 men and 155 women) completed distinct self-report measures. Results revealed significant differences in the addiction-symptoms, social-use and geek-traits, being higher when the time of network consumption increases and when the number of networks used is bigger. Regarding the sports variables, collective sports are significantly associated with the risk of addiction symptoms. However, the practice of collective sports seems to satisfy basic psychological needs. In conclusion, the higher use and number of social networks seem to predict the risk of addiction to them. Single sports practice decreases the probability of network addiction and, collective and single sports help satisfy basic psychological needs.

Mind or Medal: Elite Athletes’ Mental Health Management in Sports Events

There is a conversation in American athletics over the mental health experiences of athletes. Elite athletes encounter consequences ranging from mental well-being to mental illness. Some experts are concerned health of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games athletes. The proliferation of research on elite athletes’ mental health culminated in the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Expert Consensus Statement. Given the importance of athletes’ mental health, this case study reviews the literature and the relevance of athletic identity to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of poor mental health and fills the gap in theory/research and practice in elite sport.

The Menstrual Health Manager (MHM): A Resource to Reduce Discrepancies Between Science and Practice in Sport and Exercise.

Inadequate research on female health and performance; the complexity of the research; low menstrual health literacy of athletes, coaches, and support staff; and ethical and cultural sensitivities are all recognized as barriers to effective health monitoring for females in sports. Frameworks have been developed for academics to follow to help improve the quality of female-specific research. However, a similar resource that enables correct terminology, and use of health monitoring techniques has not been provided for sporting organizations, coaches, support staff or athletes. Therefore, this critical commentary presents a new resource, the Menstrual Health Manager. This resource may be used to determine the level of menstrual health monitoring detail that may be used by organisations, coaches or athletes, and specifies what reproductive health details the data will provide. This resource aims to provide organizations and coaches with a means of understanding the data that inform their decisions for female athletes. Utilization of this resource may aid in the consistent use of terminology and methods for female-specific health monitoring in both sports and research.