Physical Skills Research Articles

Factors influencing community intensive care unit research participation: a qualitative descriptive study.

Community hospitals account for 90% of hospitals in Canada, but clinical research is mainly conducted in academic hospitals. Increasing community hospital research participation can improve generalizability of study results, while alsoaccelerating study recruitment and increasing staff engagement. We aimed to identify and describe the factors that influence community intensive care unit (ICU) research participation and the development, implementation, and sustainability of a community ICU research program. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews. Between April 2022 and May 2023, we interviewed a purposeful sample of individuals interested or involved in community hospital research in Canadian community ICUs. We analyzed qualitative data using both conventional content analysis and rapid qualitative analysis. Findings were deductively mapped out using the Ecological Model of Health Behavior. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participants included 23 health care workers, ten research staff, and five hospital administrators (n = 38) from 20 community hospitals across six provinces in Canada. The main factors associated with community ICU research participation were 1) infrastructure, 2) personnel characteristics, 3) key relationships and connections, and 4) the COVID-19 pandemic. In this qualitative descriptive study, participants identified the physical resources, skills, and relationships required to start and sustain a clinical research program in a Canadian community ICU. Our findings suggest that all levels of the Canadian health care system need to invest in strengthening community hospital research capacity to increase research participation.

Sports, Tourism and Leisure Activities – Factor for Integrating Foreign Students in the University Environment

The integration of foreign students into the university environment is a crucial aspect for their academic and personal development. The aim of the research is to highlight the importance of sport, tourism and leisure activities in facilitating the integration process of foreign students in the university environment. From a theoretical perspective, our study highlights how sport, tourism and leisure activities interact to influence the various social identities of foreign students. On a practical level, the research proposes solutions for universities to capitalize on sport activities in facilitating social interactions between students from different cultures and to support international students to perceive themselves as important members of the university community. By engaging in a variety of physical, tourism and leisure activities, foreign students will maintain their health, will improve their mental stress and will cope better with the specific pressures of a socio-cultural and economic crisis, being able to increase their confidence and self-esteem, developing physical and social skills in an environment that supports and motivates them. Also, participating in the proposed activities will help reduce the feeling of isolation and loneliness, giving them an environment where they will form social bonds and friendships.

The new normal for children’s physical activity and screen viewing: a multi-perspective qualitative analysis of behaviours a year after the COVID-19 lockdowns in the UK

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted children’s physical activity. Recent evidence indicated children’s accelerometer-measured physical activity levels have, on average, returned to near pre-pandemic levels in 2022, though sedentary behaviour remains higher. However, insufficient physical activity levels among children continues to be a critical public health issue in the UK, with only 41% meeting physical activity guidelines. This study aimed to provide in-depth analysis of how the pandemic has shaped children’s physical activity patterns beyond the short-term periods following lockdowns and identify the new challenges to engaging children in physical activity. Methods One-to-one interviews with parents (n = 22), school staff (n = 9), and six focus groups with children aged 10–11 years (n = 45) were conducted between February and July 2022. Topics explored changes to children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns, including screen-viewing, and factors influencing any changes. The framework method was used for analysis. Results Five themes were generated. Theme 1 described residual lockdown habits, including increased screen-viewing within the home, while activities outside the home continued to feel less spontaneous. Theme 2 highlighted an interrupted development of social, emotional, and physical skills among children compared to what would be expected pre-pandemic. This coincided with Theme 3 which reflected increased mental health challenges among families, creating complex barriers to children’s physical activity. A new normal for child physical activity was evoked and explored in Theme 4, with greater dependence on structured and organised activities. However, Theme 5 highlighted that girls and children with lower socio-economic position may be especially at risk of decreased physical activity. Conclusions There is a new normal for children’s physical activity that is characterised by increased dependence on structured and organised physical activities, such as active clubs, and less on unstructured and spontaneous physical activities, such as physical play. While this may suit many children, girls and children from lower socio-economic households face barriers to participating in the new normal. It is important that affordable and equitable opportunities are provided to all children to prevent physical activity and health inequalities.

The contribution of yoga to children with mental health disabilities: A scoping review

Background: Children with mental health difficulties often experience challenges in motor and physical skills, stress, anxiety and emotional difficulties. Yoga can help these children in engaging in social environments providing physical and motor improvements, emotional regulation, cognitive and behavioural control. Aim: Yoga is an approach that can help children with any occupational challenges and diagnosis. The aim of this scoping review is to explore the contribution of yoga for children with mental health disabilities, to inspire healthcare professionals to determine whether to promote yoga as a beneficial intervention for children with special needs and highlight a beneficial outcome in implementing yoga that can help the parents, caregivers and the children to fulfill their needs. Methodology: A scoping review of the existing literature was conducted based on databases such as AMED, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete and Google scholar. The studies focusing on the contribution of yoga for children with mental health disabilities were selected by taking into account the inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as the use of PRISMA guidelines. Results: The review of the literature retrieved 11 studies for a time period from 2005 to 2024. The studies reviewed provide convincing evidence that yoga is an accessible and effective intervention for populations that have physical, emotional and cognitive difficulties. Significant improvements were highlighted in motor skills, emotional regulation, cognitive and behavioural control. It is also underlined that yoga can be an essential part of therapeutic programs for children with intellectual disabilities. However, the variety in physical outcomes, specifically for children with cerebral palsy that have physical challenges, highlights the need for additional supporting interventions. Conclusions: The 11 articles reviewed had generally showed that yoga is an effective intervention for children with mental health difficulties. The combination of physical movements, mindfulness and breathing are perfectly suited for multidimensional challenges for children with mental health disabilities. Yoga’s effectiveness in a diversity of populations for children with autism, ADHD, children with psychiatric issues show that yoga can be acceptable and has a broad potential as therapy for these children.

The Ultimate 14-Day Challenge: The Journey to Becoming an Indonesian U23 National Football Team Player

Abstract This study explores the 14-day selection process for the U23 national football team. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, with data collected through observations and interviews with coaches and athletes involved in the selection program. The findings reveal that the selection process evaluates a wide range of attributes, including physical abilities, technical skills, tactical understanding, mental resilience, and strategic decision-making, all of which influence the final decision. This process not only focuses on physical performance but also highlights the critical role of psychological and tactical aspects in player evaluation. The comprehensive selection approach contributes to forming a more prepared and competitive team for international competitions. The study suggests that a holistic approach to athlete evaluation, covering physical, psychological, and strategic components, leads to better outcomes in terms of team readiness and competitiveness. It is concluded that such a thorough assessment of athletes results in a more prepared and competitive team for international competitions. Keywords: selection, player, football

Optimising the Nursing Scope of Practice in a Homeless Health Service: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

To explore specialist homeless health professionals' perceptions of gaps in homeless health care and understand whether these might be addressed through existing nursing scopes of practice. Qualitative descriptive study. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with a purposive sample of 22 staff in nursing (11) and non-nursing (11) roles, engaged with a Homeless Health Service. Data were collected via videoconferencing and recordings transcribed verbatim. An exploratory framework guided deductive and inductive thematic analysis. Service gap themes included the need for integration with mainstream health services, more specialised health professionals, and adaptations to the existing models of care. Addressing these gaps involved enhancements to the broad scope of nursing practice, workforce development by establishing homeless health as a nursing specialty and optimising organisational governance to minimise risk. The most pressing homeless health service delivery gap was lack of health service integration, and it was unclear how this could be resolved through nursing scopes of practice. Other service gaps could be addressed through skilling nurses to practice preventative health care, as well as crisis management. Enhancing nurses' capability in physical and mental health assessment skills including alcohol and other drugs and procedural skills would support wraparound care for people experiencing homelessness. We conclude that a homeless health nursing specialty could be established that formalises the scope of practice of nurses in this field to ensure future post-graduate training aligns with service gaps. This study identifies opportunities to optimise nursing scopes of practice to address Homeless Health Service gaps through reviewing models of care and nursing practice. For example, enhancing nurses' capability to provide preventative and wraparound care. This research may inform a development pathway to enhance education and training for nurses working with vulnerable populations. COREQ 32-item checklist. No patient or public contribution.

Gender Differences for the Relative Age Effect on Physical Skills and Emotional Intelligence in Child Volleyball and Soccer Athletes.

Background/Objectives. The goal of this study was to assess the relative age effect and its relationship with the development of physical abilities and emotional intelligence in Colombian child athletes according to gender and the sport practiced. Methods. A cross-sectional correlational design was used. A total of 135 Colombian soccer and volleyball athletes, 62 boys and 73 girls, voluntarily participated with an average age of 13.25 ± 0.59 years. Physical skills such as SJ, CMJ, CMJA, 5, 10, and 15 m speed, CODS agility, and emotional intelligence were evaluated. Results. Statistically significant differences were found in the mood variables between Q1 and Q4 (p = 0.047, ηp2 = 0.08) and Q2 and Q4 (p = 0.035, ηp2 = 0.08). These differences are also present in the interpersonal variable between Q1 and Q4 (p = 0.003, ηp2 = 0.12), Q2 and Q4 (p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.12), and, finally, in the total emotional quotient between Q1 and Q4 (p = 0.013, ηp2 = 0.13), Q2 and Q3 (p = 0.024, ηp2 = 0.13), and Q2 and Q4 (p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.13). Conclusions. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that the relative age effect appears to be sensitive to CODS agility, 15 m speed, and SJ power variables concerning gender and sport. Jump height for CMJ concerning gender and CMJA jump concerning sport were considered. Emotional intelligence appears to be a variable sensitive to the relative age effect.

Improving basic football skills through first touch training: a comprehensive study

Football is a popular community sport that provides numerous benefits, including the development of physical, mental, and social skills. In this context, the first touch technique is critical because it influences the player's ability to control the ball and determine the direction of the attack. However, many young players at the Tarogong Kidul club, particularly at SSB Anpal FC, are less effective at first touch due to a lack of use of modern training methods. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of the first touch training program on the fundamental techniques of the first touch, as well as the impact of the first touch training program on the player's competitive playing abilities. The method used in this study is quantitative (experimental), with a pre-experiment and one group pretest-posttest as the research design. The results showed that the first touch training program significantly improved players' technical skills and playing performance, with an average increase of 75.00 from pre-test to post-test (178.57). This training program is appropriate for improving the first touch techniques of players aged 10 to 13.

Research on the application of biomechanics analysis in optimizing physical education movement techniques

College and university students’ general health, fitness, and well-being are greatly enhanced by physical education. As various educational institutions work to improve the efficacy of their physical education programs, more evidence-based techniques are required. Biomechanics, to the movement or structure of student activities, provides insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of physical movements. This study aims to explore how physical activity movement skills can be systematically improved by the use of biomechanics analysis, leading to improved physical results and increased student participation in sports and fitness activities. In this study, a novel synergistic fibroblast-optimized malleable convolutional neural network (SFO-MCNN) is proposed to enhance teaching practices using a biomechanical framework that integrates movement analysis. The data collected from cameras that record students’ movements, capturing joint angles and body positions, as well as data from sensors are gathered from the Kaggle. The data was preprocessed using data cleaning and normalization for the obtained data. A system for assessing instruction quality was created using the suggested model and improved SFO. The findings show that the proposed algorithm has the greatest evaluations for average skill performance, physical fitness, student happiness, and physical education teaching efficiency. By comparing the outcomes with those of conventional approaches, the effectiveness of the proposed framework in improving physical education teaching techniques has been established.

Factors affecting households’ adaptive energy-efficient upgrades in response to the energy crisis: The Norwegian case

Individual household energy-efficiency upgrading behaviours in relation to buildings are crucial in mitigating carbon emissions, yet understanding the predictors of these behaviours in the Norwegian context presents a research challenge. The principal aim of this study is to investigate the adoption patterns of energy-efficiency upgrades by Norwegian households, particularly in response to the energy crisis. It seeks to determine how socio-demographic, dwelling-related, household contextual, and psychological factors affect household behaviours concerning three upgrading measures – namely, private photovoltaic (PV) installation, flexible electricity use, and dwelling insulation. Based on survey data (N = 3514) collected in 2023 from Norwegian households, the study delineates a significant upsurge in all these three energy-efficiency upgrades within the past three years, driven by social norms, self-efficacy, and increased motivation to support the energy system after the energy crisis. The study also anticipates rapid growth in private PV systems and flexible electricity use over the next three years, influenced by social pressures, wider technology adoption, and a stronger desire to cut energy costs. The adoption of private PV systems is predominantly seen among high-income households, which is influenced by high fixed costs, inadequate institutional incentives, substantial rises in electricity prices, and a commitment to supporting the energy system post-crisis. The quick uptake of flexible electricity use is significantly influenced by social norms and technology’s compatibility with daily routines. Key factors driving insulation actions include the building age, the presence of younger household members with the necessary physical capability and skills, and the right timing perceptions. In addition, residential duration influences adoption patterns, with newer residents prioritizing personalization through high-tech measures and long-term residents focusing on maintaining insulation. This study will also discuss potential implications for policymakers in designing incentives tailored to households’ profiles and for investors in improving market strategies.

A Novel Pediatric Clinical Skills Curriculum to Prepare Medical Students for Pediatrics Clerkship

Abstract Introduction Medical students feel poorly prepared to examine pediatric patients during clerkship. Our institution’s introduction to clinical skills course lacked practice with pediatrics physical examination skills. We developed a novel clinical skills curriculum to increase students’ confidence in examining pediatric patients. Methods Ericsson’s deliberate practice conceptual framework guided curriculum design. We utilized a flipped-classroom model to teach the newborn examination. Students watched a video, then practiced with manikins and patients. For the child examination, students attended a lecture and practiced with hospitalized children and facilitators. Students then participated in a Home, Education, Eating/Exercise, Activities/Employment, Drugs, Suicidality, Sexuality, Safety (HEEADSSS) didactic and role play activity. Before and after participation, students completed REDCap surveys ranking confidence in performing pediatric examinations and identifying normal examination findings on a Likert scale (1 = “Not at all confident,” 4 = “Extremely confident”). We analyzed data using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Results A total of 97 students participated in the curriculum. Respectively, 56 (58%) and 32 (30%) students completed pre- and post-participation surveys. Post-participation, students reported increased confidence in identifying normal infant (median [interquartile range]; (2 [2,2] vs 4 [3,4]; p < 0.001) and child (2 [2,2] vs 3 [3,4]; p < 0.001) examination findings as well as HEEADSSS assessment components (2 [1.5,2] vs 4 [3,4]; p < 0.001), and had significantly higher scores on confidence performing infant (2 [2,2.5] vs 4 [3,4]; p < 0.001), child (2 [2,2] vs 3 [3,4]; p < 0.001), and HEEADSSS assessment (2 [2,3] vs 4 [3,4]; p < 0.001). Discussion This multi-modal curriculum emphasizing pediatric examination skills improved students’ confidence in pediatric-specific knowledge and skills prior to clerkship.

Recommended Elements of a Musculoskeletal Course for Fourth-Year Medical Students: A Modified Delphi Consensus

Background and Objectives: A recognized gap exists between primary care physicians’ training in musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine and the burden of MSK complaints in primary care. Family medicine interns often lack adequate baseline MSK physical exam skills, which prompted a proposal to introduce a fourth-year preceptorship to reinforce MSK education. The aim of this study was to prioritize the most important elements to include in this new clinical rotation. Methods: We employed a three-round, modified Delphi method to derive consensus. Eleven panelists with experience and expertise in MSK training, medical education, or both generated a list of 118 elements. Each panelist then ranked each element by level of importance, and we reviewed the results. The ranking process was repeated two more times with a goal of achieving consensus. Results: Seventy-seven curricular elements (topics, skills, experiences) achieved consensus recommendation by being ranked either “fairly important” or “very important” for inclusion in the curriculum. Twenty-eight items were unanimously ranked “very important,” 42 received a mix of “very important” and “fairly important” rankings, and seven received unanimous ranking of “fairly important.” Three items were unanimously ranked “neither important nor unimportant.” Conclusions: Longitudinal repetition of physical exam skills, reinforcement of relevant anatomy, and incorporation of specific frameworks for approaching MSK care are important components. Physical examination of the shoulder, knee, back, and hip are especially meaningful clinically.

Effect of psychological skills training on reaction time and strategic thinking in competitive badminton- a systematic review

Background: Badminton is a competitive sport requiring physical, tactical, and mental skills. In addition to physical abilities, such as speed, agility, and endurance, psychological skills are essential in determining an athlete's performance. Quick reaction time and practical strategic thinking are two critical elements needed in badminton matches, where athletes must react quickly to opponents and make strategic decisions under pressure. Psychological skills training, which includes attention regulation, stress management, visualization, and emotion regulation, has been identified as an essential factor supporting improving athletes' performance in various sports. However, not many studies have empirically reviewed the effect of psychological skills training on reaction time and strategic thinking, especially in competitive badminton. Study Objectives: This study aims to systematically review the existing literature on the effect of psychological skills training on reaction time and strategic thinking in competitive badminton. As such, the study seeks to identify and evaluate the existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of psychological skills training in improving these two critical components and their implications for enhancing athletes' performance on the field. Materials and Methods: This study is a systematic review that follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Research articles published during a given year and relevant to this topic are collected from various academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were those that explored psychological skills training in the context of badminton or similar sports and that assessed the impact on reaction time and strategic thinking. Exclusion criteria were applied to irrelevant studies that did not have sufficient empirical data or used non-athlete populations. The study selection process involves screening the title and abstract, followed by a full-text analysis of the eligible articles. Data from each study that met the criteria were analyzed and synthesized to evaluate the consistency of the findings and provide a comprehensive picture of the effects of psychological skills training. Results: Most of the studies reviewed showed that psychological skills training positively impacted the reaction time of badminton athletes. Training in relaxation, concentration, and visualization techniques has proven effective in helping athletes shorten the response time to game stimuli. In addition, strategic decision-making abilities on the field have also improved significantly through the application of psychological skills, especially when athletes are faced with high-pressure situations. These studies also show that psychological skills training improves physical performance and helps athletes manage anxiety and increase self-confidence, which affects the quality of tactical decisions made during games. Conclusion: Based on the results of this systematic review, psychological skills training significantly improves reaction time and strategic thinking in competitive badminton. Techniques such as visualization, stress management, and attention focus impact quick response and decision-making in the field. Thus, integrating psychological skills training into badminton athlete training programs can effectively improve competitive performance. Further research is needed to explore the long-term implementation of this training and its effectiveness at different levels of competition.

Level of Physical and Psychomotor Skills in Children Practising Climbing in their Extracurricular Activities

Our study examines physical and psychomotor development in 12-13-year-olds engaged in climbing extracurricular activities. 24 children from Brașov and Bacău were evaluated in 2023, by using Pearson correlation coefficients to analyse relationships between indicators. Strong linear correlations were revealed at the somatic development level, at the mental ability level as well as at the level of the motor capacity testing back, abdominal and limb strength. These outcomes can give insights into the integrated development of adolescents engaged in climbing activities.

Analysis of Children's Road Crashes in Hungary

In the EU, more than 6,000 children died in road accidents between 2011 and 2020. Children are particularly vulnerable road users, and they need to be protected. This underlines the importance of the Safe System approach. The Safe System approach is a holistic view of road safety, which integrates the different elements of the traffic system and takes human vulnerability and fallibility into account. Children are still in the phase of developing the cognitive and physical skills necessary to travel safely in traffic. Because of their small size, children are less visible than other road users and less experienced; they can easily become innocent victims in collisions. Despite significant improvements in vehicle safety in recent years, almost half of all child road deaths occur while traveling in cars. Limited data is available on the correct use of child seats in cars across the EU, but studies have shown that misuse remains a significant problem. Several measures have been taken in recent years to make it safer for children to travel on the roads, but many more interventions are needed to further improve their safety. Our research aimed to examine the characteristics of child accidents in Hungary and to highlight the main road safety problems affecting children in Hungary.

Educational Recommendations for Medical Students Regarding Assessment and Management of Patients of Undifferentiated Criticality

Classical medical education teaches history and physical skills using scenarios wherein the criticality of a patient is predefined. This educational approach creates a gap in medical knowledge for students, who do not regularly define or establish patient criticality, and this gap is realized when it comes to the triage and management of critical patients. The purpose of this paper is to define an approach to patient assessment and management that is accessible to medical students regardless of criticality. This approach is algorithmic and defined by the use of three steps: (1) a primary survey, during which a general impression of the patient is formed, ABCDEs are assessed, and a criticality assessment is made; (2) a secondary survey, during which vitals, history, and exam data are all collected to form a working diagnosis; and (3) plan and treatment, during which supportive diagnostics, such as labs, imaging, and testing, are performed in the service of patient stabilization and intervention, consults/referrals are ordered/placed, and a final disposition is established. This model is intended to complement existing medical education and further expand it to encompass both critical and noncritical patients.

Implementing and Evaluating the Timed Up and Go Test Automation Using Smartphones and Smartwatches.

Physical performance tests aim to assess the physical abilities and mobility skills of individuals for various healthcare purposes. They are often driven by experts and usually performed at their practice, and therefore they are resource-intensive and time-demanding. For tests based on objective measurements (e.g., duration, repetitions), technology can be used to automate them, allowing the patients to perform the test themselves, more frequently and anywhere, while alleviating the expert from supervising the test. The well-known Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, typically used for mobility assessment, is an ideal candidate for automation, as inertial sensors (among others) can be deployed to detect the various movements constituting the test without expert supervision. To move from expert-led testing to self-administered testing, we present a mHealth system capable of automating the TUG test using a pocket-sized smartphone or a wrist smartwatch paired with a smartphone, where data from inertial sensors are used to detect the activities carried out by the patient while performing the test and compute their results in real time. All processing (i.e., data processing, machine learning-based activity inference, results calculation) takes place on the smartphone. The use of both devices to automate the TUG test was evaluated (w.r.t. accuracy, reliability and battery consumption) and mutually compared, and set off with a reference method, obtaining excellent Bland-Altman agreement results and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient reliability. Results also suggest that the smartwatch-based system performs better than the smartphone-based system.

Association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and attention among children aged 6-12 years: chain mediating effects of fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness.

To explore the association between physical activity and attention among children aged 6-12 years and to determine whether fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness mediate the association between physical activity and attention. A total of 1,086 school-aged children (mean age: 9.40 ± 2.03 years) were included in the present study. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Scale-Short Form. Fundamental movement skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, third edition, and aerobic fitness was evaluated using the 20-metre shuttle run. Attention was assessed by the d2 Attention Test. There were significant positive correlations between physical activity and fundamental movement skills, physical activity and aerobic fitness, and physical activity and attention (all p < 0.05). Both fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness fully mediated the relationship between physical activity and attention. In addition, fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness had chain-mediating effects on the relationship between physical activity and attention. High levels of physical activity were positively associated with attention among school-aged children. Fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness played a chain-mediating role in the relationship between physical activity and attention.

The effect of OMO learning on high school students' problem-solving skills in physics

Online-merge-offline (OMO) learning in a hybrid learning space is becoming a popular pedagogy to enhance students' blended learning using appropriate technology. This investigation delves into the impact of OMO learning on developing physics problem-solving skills among high school students. A ten-week intervention employing OMO learning is implemented with 34 participants in both the experimental and control groups at a high school in Hangzhou, China. The efficacy of OMO learning is assessed through a quasi-experimental design encompassing pre- and post-assessments. The findings of this inquiry reveal: (1) The experimental group's physics problem-solving abilities are significantly impacted by OMO learning; (2) the use of cognitive tools rationally, the integration of online and offline collaborative learning, rich learning resources, and heuristic teaching all help students become more adept at solving physics problems; and (3) the cognitive load, students' lack of prior knowledge, poor self-regulation, and lack of help-seeking techniques all work against the improvement of students' physics problem-solving abilities. Suggestions are made in line with the research results and aims.

Investigation of the playing digital games on shoulder flexibility, muscle strength and reaction speed in volleyball players.

Esports is a natural extension of digital games. Digital games provide a platform for players to showcase their skills, thereby forming the foundation of e-sports. These two domains continuously support each other, demonstrating significant growth in popularity and establishing a solid presence in the competitive landscape. Digital games require high levels of attention, strategy, reflexes, and coordination, offering pathways to reach the pinnacle of competition. The benefits derived from digital games enhance the ability to perform effectively under stress, making them crucial for both physical and mental performance. This study investigates the effects of digital gaming on the physical performance, shoulder flexibility, muscle strength and reaction speed of female volleyball players. A total of 50 female volleyball players took part, who were divided into two groups based on their digital playing habits: Group 1 consisted of female players who played video games for at least 4 h per day in the last 6 months, while Group 2 included those who played <4 h per day. In the study, the Activ5© Handheld Digital Dynamometer was used to measure the strength of the shoulder muscles during various movements, including flexion, hyperextension, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation. In addition, the BlazePod™ trainer device was used to assess reaction times. The results showed that volleyball players who frequently played digitally showed significant improvements in shoulder flexibility, especially in flexion of the non-dominant side. In addition, these players showed faster reaction times than those who played less frequently. However, a significant decrease in hyperextension muscle strength was observed in the group that frequently played digital games. The study highlights that while digital games can improve certain physical skills such as reaction speed and shoulder flexibility, they can also contribute to muscular imbalances or a decrease in muscle strength in certain areas. These findings suggest potential benefits for volleyball players, particularly in movements that require quick reflexes and flexibility, such as serving and spiking. However, the results also raise concerns about potential negative effects on muscle strength and posture, highlighting the need for balanced training programs to mitigate these effects. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of digital games on athletic performance and physical health.