Competitive Sports Research Articles

Physeal-Sparing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction For Skeletally Immature Knee: A Case Report

Introduction : ACL injuries are common in the knee and often caused by non-contact sports or dynamic valgus knee movements. There has been an increase in competitive sports at younger ages, resulting in higher levels of competition and greater recognition of sports injuries by coaches and specialists. Case Report : Patient is a 14 year old woman with the initials RNF came to the emergency room of the hospital with complaints of pain in the right knee accompanied by a feeling of instability after suffering an injury while playing football with the mechanism of injury: when the patient was running and was about to change direction by supporting her right leg, suddenly the patient felt pain and there was a sound in the right knee area. After history, physical examination, and supporting test, diagnosis was made as complete ACL tear and surgery was planned in the form of ACL reconstruction using the physeal sparing technique. Discussion : The risk of ACL damage is greater in young and active individuals. The physeal-sparing technique is a relatively safe approach with few complications. It reduces knee pain at the donor site and lowers the risk of nerve damage. This method also reduces the risk of joint damage after physical activity. Young athletes who returned to sports after ACL reconstruction showed a much higher rate of injury, with a 30 to 40 times greater risk of ACL injury compared to uninjured youth. Effective communication among patient and specialist therapeutic is crucial for a successful surgery and safe return to sports and daily activities. Conclusion : Full ACL reconstruction using a physeal-sparing technique in young patients is a safe method that protects the growth plate and avoids the complications. However, further research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of this approach in treating ACL injuries in young patients.

A Study of the Role of Physical Functioning and Physical Conditioning on the Influence of Competitive Sports Programmes

With the continuous progress of science and technology, the field of competitive sports has also witnessed revolutionary changes. Modern technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving athletes' performance, optimising training methods and preventing sports injuries. The aim of this study is to delve into the role of body functions and form states in competitive sports and how they affect athletes' competitive performance. By analysing the physical characteristics and training needs of athletes in different sports, it reveals the state effects of body function and form state on competitive sports. The study further proposes the enhancement of athletes' physical functioning and shape shape through scientific training methods. The application of these strategies will help athletes achieve optimal performance in training and competition, reduce the risk of injury, and improve athletic performance. With the continuous development and application of science and technology, we have reason to believe that competitive sports will become more scientific, efficient and humane.

The Analysis of the Impact of Gender and Age in Competitive Sports: A Case Study of Olympic Swimming Finals from 2012 to 2024

The elite swimming performance progression is impacted by variable factors such as training advancements, athlete demographics, and physiological traits. A deep understanding of influencing factors and performance trends allows for the development of optimized training strategies and maximizing athletes overall performance. This study conducts a comprehensive investigation into the influence of gender and age on Olympic swimming performance across the 2012 to 2024 Olympic Games, with a detailed analysis of performance trends in various strokes and distances. Data from the top eight finalists in each event were subjected to rigorous statistical analysis, employing t-tests and ANOVA to assess progression patterns and age-related shifts. The findings demonstrate that both female and male swimmers exhibited comparable rates of performance progression over the Olympic cycles, with no statistically significant differences in gender-based performance trends. However, notable exceptions were observed in specific events, such as stagnation in the mens 100m freestyle and womens 200m butterfly during certain periods. The age analysis revealed a general upward trend in the ages of competitors, though younger swimmers were more prevalent in endurance events, while older athletes excelled in sprint disciplines like the 50m freestyle. While the Olympic year did not significantly influence age trends, stroke type and distance were identified as key determinants of age variation among competitors. These results provide nuanced insights into the interaction of gender and age with elite swimming performance, with potential implications for optimizing training protocols and talent development in competitive swimming.

Relationships between achievement goals and doping in cycling: Exploring the mediating role of athlete burnout

ABSTRACT Doping remains a pressing issue in competitive sport. This study investigated the relationships between achievement goals and doping by examining the mediating role of athlete burnout. French competitive cyclists (N = 251, Mage = 24.95, SD = 9.85) completed a survey measuring 2 × 2 achievement goals, burnout (i.e. physical exhaustion, reduced accomplishment, negative feelings towards sport, cognitive weariness), doping attitudes and likelihood. Structural equation modelling revealed that performance-approach goals were negatively related to each dimension of burnout and to doping likelihood with a total effect (β = -.10; p < .05). A significant total effect (β = .23; p < .05), as well as direct (β = .17; p < .05) and indirect through the mediating role of cognitive weariness (β = .06, 95% CI = [0.025, 0.601]) were observed between performance-avoidance goals and doping attitudes. The model explained 11.9% of the doping likelihood variance. Burnout may play a key role in understanding the relationships between achievement goals and doping. Considering both athletes’ achievement goals and burnout thus appear as crucial for anti-doping efforts. Therefore, developing mental health interventions should be prioritized. Further experimental and longitudinal research is necessary to establish the temporal and causal effects of these relationships.

Testosterone/cortisol ratio: gender effect and prediction of podium results in beach sprint master rowers

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to address the lack of data on the stress and motivation response in master athletes during competitions, as athletic performance in this age group can be significantly impacted by stress rather than appropriate training.MethodsCoastal rowing beach sprint master athletes aged 43–57 years were examined to assess the saliva levels of stress biomarkers, cortisol, and testosterone. Specifically, samples were collected at awakening and before and after the boat race.ResultsMean values of cortisol remained unchanged from awakening and raised at the end of the competition, while testosterone levels increased before the race, suggesting an aggressive/competitive behavior. Cortisol levels were significantly higher when comparing pre-race levels with post-race (p = 0.001) levels and early morning with post-race (p = 0.006) levels. No gender effect was observed in this case. Testosterone values did not demonstrate significance when compared between time points, not even when stratifying by gender. Considering the 24 athletes, a higher testosterone/cortisol ratio was correlated with a worse podium position (B = 3.705; p = 0.009). When stratified by gender, the testosterone/cortisol ratio demonstrated an association with a worse outcome of the race only in female rowers (B = 4.012; p = 0.022). Male athletes demonstrated no significant correlation between hormone ratio and race results (B = 3.288; p = 0.292).ConclusionIt emerged from this study that the amateur rowers who approach competitive sport during adulthood may have problems in coping with the race-related stress and thus the outcome of their performance might be affected, as in adolescents.

Constructing a grounded theory of grit in sport: understanding the development and outcomes of long-term passion and perseverance in competitive athletes

ABSTRACT To be successful, athletes are expected to overcome the many setbacks and demands of sport throughout the entirety of their competitive career. Grit – or passion and perseverance over long terms – has been linked to positive outcomes in the sport domain, but progress in the field has been hindered by a lack of sufficient theory. The purpose of this study was to construct a grounded theory of competitive athletes’ grit in sport, and constructivist grounded theory methodology was adopted. Twenty-seven participants (14 women, 13 men; 22 athletes, 5 coaches) involved in competitive sport participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis involved an iterative process of initial coding, focused coding, axial coding, and theoretical integration. Results showed grit to be a malleable dispositional tendency that was formed over time as athletes amassed significant sport experiences. With the encouragement from supportive others, athletes would adopt adaptive cognitions about success and failure. These cognitions would then develop into a propensity to identify and strive towards long-term goals in sport. Participants described grit as leading to several outcomes, including sport-specific goal achievement, adaptive outcomes, and maladaptive outcomes. Our research advances the study of grit in sport by providing researchers and practitioners a deeper understanding of the processes that encapsulate competitive athletes’ sport-specific grit. Implications for practice (e.g., how sport support persons might foster grit in athletes) and recommendations for future research (e.g., improving the measurement of grit in sport) are also discussed.

Glitters in fishing ground baits – A direct source of primary microplastics in soil and freshwater ecosystems

The aim of this paper is to draw attention to the direct source of primary microplastics (MPs) that have been entirely neglected so far, namely by providing qualitative studies of the fishing ground baits with glitters. Among many microplastic sources already detected in fishing and angling gear and reported in the literature, the glitters in synthetic pastry are the only primary source (produced <5 mm; P-MPs), with MPs placed directly into the freshwater, during sports competitions and individual leisure activities, and were so far not discussed. Dozens of different fishbait pastry products available on the market containing glitters were funded to represent, from the material point of view, only three different classes studied further. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive detector (SEM/EDS) enabled the characterization of their composition and morphology. Glitters are composite structures with an internal core and several chemical layers symmetrically placed on both sides. The polymer origin of particles, with the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) core, was confirmed as being an essential condition to classify them as P-MPs. One should focus on the fact that those primary microplastics are designed purposely to be particularly attractive and ingested by fishes, thus being efficiently introduced to the trophic chain with all persistent consequences, including their contribution to the plastisphere. The preliminary qualitative results of environmental stability were obtained in the accelerated ageing test to discuss the possible long-term ecological implications further. Glitters were durable in the saltwater (both natural and used for weathering in the ageing chamber) and in the seabed sediments. The primary weathering test was performed in marine environments, as oceans are the final destination of most freshwater MPs. Finally, suggestions for future studies to enlarge the knowledge about this issue are provided.

The Application of Machine Learning in Doping Detection.

Detecting doping agents in sports poses a significant challenge due to the continuous emergence of new prohibited substances and methods. Traditional detection methods primarily rely on targeted analysis, which is often labor-intensive and is susceptible to errors. In response, machine learning offers a transformative approach to enhancing doping screening and detection. With its powerful data analysis capabilities, machine learning enables the rapid identification of patterns and features in complex compound data, increasing both the efficiency and the accuracy of detection. Moreover, when integrated with nontargeted metabolomics, machine learning can predict unknown metabolites, aiding the discovery of long-lasting biomarkers of doping. It also excels in classifying novel compounds, thereby reducing false-negative rates. As instrumental analysis and machine learning technologies continue to advance, the development of rapid, scalable, and highly efficient doping detection methods becomes increasingly feasible, supporting the pursuit of fairness and integrity in sports competitions.

Socio-economic and cultural aspects of the impact of international sports competitions on physical culture in Ukraine during war

Socio-economic and cultural aspects of the impact of international sports competitions on physical culture in Ukraine during war

Application of an Advanced Risk Analysis Evaluation Tool of Sports Integrity in an International Sports Competition

The estimated annual cost of corruption in the global sports industry is anywhere from $1.7 to $2.6 trillion (Carrillo, 2023; United Nations, 2023). Among the most common types of corruption is the involvement of sports officials in bribery, cheating, embezzlement, match manipulation, and final-result fixing. The authors describe an advanced risk assessment voice analytics tool and its use in identifying and countering the threat of corruption amid sport officials. The tool was implemented during an actual, multi-phase inquiry of amateur boxing officials at an international tournament. Of the 93 completed (pre- and post-competition) automated interviews, 77.4% resulted in risk-positive outcomes for knowledge of and/or involvement in corruption. Ground truth confirmed 80% of the risk-positive flags. In addition, statistical analyses verified the decision support tool’s unbiased model across a group of men and women from 49 different countries. Further, an association of risk-positive flags with countries’ human developmental indices—previously shown to be inversely related to corruption—provides convergent validity for the automated tool. This study’s findings contribute to the international sports integrity investigations and management literature.

Determining the Correlation of Fat-Free Mass, Power, and Maximum Hamstring Force in Female Basketball Athletes

Background. In competitive sports, especially basketball, physical attributes such as agility, speed, strength, and power are crucial for performance. Objectives. This study aimed to examine the correlation between fat-free mass (FFM), countermovement jump (CMJ) power, and maximum hamstring force in female basketball athletes, providing insights that could enhance performance and reduce injury risk. Materials and methods. This observational cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between fat-free mass (FFM), power, and maximum hamstring force in 45 female basketball athletes. The Anderson-Darling test for assessing normality and Spearman’s correlation for non-normally distributed data were used to conduct the study. Results. Significant correlations were found between FFM and maximum hamstring force in the both right (r = 0.585, p &lt; 0.001) and left legs (r = 0.522, p &lt; 0.001), as well as between (CMJ) power and maximum hamstring force for both legs (right: r = 0.467, p = 0.001; left: r = 0.434, p = 0.003). Additionally, power was significantly correlated with jump height (r = 0.604, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions. These findings suggest that FFM and power are critical determinants of hamstring strength and explosive performance in female basketball athletes.

A Single Night in Hypoxia Either with or without Ketone Ester Ingestion Reduces Sleep Quality Without Impacting Next Day Exercise Performance

ABSTRACT Background Sleeping at altitude is highly common in athletes as an integral part of altitude training camps or sport competitions. However, concerns have been raised due to expected negative effects on sleep quality, thereby potentially hampering exercise recovery and next-day exercise performance. We recently showed that ketone ester (KE) ingestion beneficially impacted sleep following strenuous, late evening exercise in normoxia, and alleviated hypoxemia. Therefore, we hypothesized that KE ingestion may be an effective strategy to attenuate hypox(em)ia-induced sleep dysregulations. Methods Eleven healthy, male participants completed three experimental sessions including normoxic training and subsequent sleep in normoxia or at a simulated altitude of 3,000 m while receiving either KE or placebo post-exercise and pre-sleep. Sleep was evaluated using polysomnography, while next-day exercise performance was assessed through a 30-min all-out time trial (TT30’). Physiological measurements included oxygen status, heart rate variability, ventilatory parameters, blood acid-base balance and capillary blood gases. Results Hypoxia caused a ~3% drop in sleep efficiency, established through a doubled wakefulness after sleep onset and a ~22% reduction in slow wave sleep. KE ingestion alleviated the gradual drop in SpO2 throughout the first part of the night, but did not alter hypoxia-induced sleep dysregulations. Neither KE, nor nocturnal hypoxia affected TT30’ performance, but nocturnal hypoxia hampered heart rate recovery following TT30’. Conclusions We observed that sleeping at 3,000 m altitude impairs sleep efficiency. Although this hypoxia-induced sleep disruption was too subtle to limit exercise performance, we for the first time indicate that sleeping at altitude might impair next-day exercise recovery. KE alleviated nocturnal hypoxemia only when SpO2 values dropped below ~85%, but this did not translate into improved sleep or next-day exercise performance.

Investigation Into the Equine Metabolism of Phosphodiesterase‐4 Inhibitor Roflumilast for Potential Doping Control

ABSTRACTThe phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors constitute a relatively modern class of medications that are known for inducing bronchodilation and exhibiting anti‐inflammatory properties within the body. Due to these properties, there is concern regarding their potential misuse as performance‐enhancing substances in competitive sports. This study delves into the metabolic conversion of roflumilast in thoroughbred horses following oral administration and in vitro experimentation using equine liver microsomes and Cunninghamella elegans. High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer (HPLC‐HRMS) was employed for analysis. The investigation identified 10 metabolites of roflumilast, including six phase I and four phase II metabolites from in vivo studies, and 11 metabolites from in vitro studies, consisting of eight phase I and three phase II metabolites. The identified biotransformation products encompassed processes such as hydroxylation, chlorine substitution, methylation, N‐oxide formation, and even the dissociation of methylenecyclopropane and difluoromethane. Furthermore, the study identified three glucuronic acid and one sulfonic acid conjugated phase II metabolites of the investigated drug candidate. The aforementioned findings contribute to the detection and comprehension of the unauthorized utilization of roflumilast in equestrian sports.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Traditional Sports: A Case Study of the Asian Games and Future Directions for Modernization

Abstract: This paper explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into traditional sports, addressing a critical gap in existing research through a qualitative case study of the Asian Games. AI's application in modern sports has demonstrated its potential to enhance event management, athlete preparation, and scoring fairness. However, its adoption in traditional sports, such as Wushu and Chinese wrestling, remains limited. This study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with applying AI to traditional sports, offering development strategies to modernize these disciplines. By analyzing the impact of AI in modern competitive sports, the research proposes specific recommendations for integrating AI into traditional sports, aiming to preserve their cultural heritage while advancing their global relevance. Limitations include the focus on a single event and the exclusion of the most recent AI developments. Future research should consider a broader range of global sporting events and incorporate the latest advancements in AI technology. This study provides a theoretical and practical foundation for the application of AI in traditional sports, with implications for future technological innovation and the evolution of the sports industry.

Spider web-inspired sericin/polyacrylamide composite hydrogel with super-low hysteresis for monitoring penalty of sports competition

Conventional hydrogels often suffer from limitations such as poor hysteresis and low elasticity, significantly restricting their applications and service life. To address these issues, a spider web-inspired super-low hysteresis interpenetrating network hydrogel is designed using a straightforward in-situ thermal polymerization process. Stretching repeatedly within the range of human motion strain, this hydrogel can be rapidly restored to its original form using the formation of multiple hydrogen bonds and the introduction of the molecular spring structure of the β-sheet and α-helix in sericin, which means the service life of the hydrogel is increased imperceptibly. In addition, the sensitive sensing properties of the hydrogel allow for rapid feedback on the movement of human joints, making it possible to apply to considerably sophisticated human motion monitoring requiring rapid response. This kind of hydrogel with super-low hysteresis (1.65 %, ε = 100 %), transparency (88.84 % in 500 nm), rapid response (≈173 ms) and excellent sensitivity (GF = 2.88 in the strain range of 0–180 %) has great application prospects in intelligent judgment in sports competition and human body monitoring.

Abstract 4137770: Development of a User-Friendly Self-Screening Tool for Assessing Metabolic Syndrome Risk in young adults from economically challenged regions

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Early identification and management are crucial, particularly in economically challenged regions where access to healthcare may be limited. Research Questions/Hypothesis: User-friendly self-report data accurately predict metabolic outcomes. Aims: To develop and validate nomograms for individualized estimation of metabolic syndrome risk. Methods: Data from 521 college students (60.1% aged 17-20 years; 68.7% female; 28.0% white) were collected in 2022/2023 from two Brazilian cities. These cities are located in the country's poorest states, with Gini indices of 0.56 and 0.43. The potential predictors include demographic and economic variables, school-related factors, behaviors, and body weight. Based on predictors for abdominal obesity identified through multilevel logistic regression, we created a nomogram model. We performed the Hosmer-Lemeshow test to assess model calibration and used a bootstrapping approach (B = 150) for internal validation. To evaluate external validity, we assessed metabolic syndrome in a subset of 375 students. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), with a threshold of 0.70, was used to evaluate the model's discrimination accuracy. Results: We identified 114 (23.0%) college students who were abdominally obese. We found ten variables associated with the primary outcome: age, biological sex, physical education facilities, enrollment in sports competition (during elementary school); grade retention, preferred subject, physical education classes per week; enrollment in sports training (during secondary school); adherence of 24-hour movement behaviors and body weight. The proposed nomogram showed acceptable performance in the AUROC (0.94 [95% CI: 0.92-0.96). The calibration assessment indicated reasonable consistency of our model (p &gt; 0.05). In the internal validation, we observed a decreased predictive capability (AUROC = 0.86). Conclusion: The 24h-MESYN risk score offers an effective self-screening tool for college students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in economically challenged regions to assess their risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Effect of cardiovascular fitness on performance metrics in Bangladeshi women cricket: a role-specific analysis employing the harvard step test

Background: Cardiovascular fitness is essential for sports performance, enabling players to endure intense training, delay fatigue, and reduce injury risk—all critical factors for achieving optimal results in competitive sports like cricket. Emphasizing inclusive health ensures that all athletes enhance their cardiovascular fitness and overall performance. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of cardiovascular fitness, assessed using the Harvard Step Test, on the performance indicators of Bangladeshi women cricketers across their respective playing roles. Method: 104 players, including 34 batters, 38 bowlers, and 32 all-rounders, were voluntarily selected from the “Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket League 2021-22”. Cardiovascular fitness was evaluated through the Harvard Step Test, and role-specific performance metrics such as strike rate, bowling economy, and dismissal rates were analyzed. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to assess differences in aerobic fitness across player roles and correlation analyses to examine the relationships between performance metrics and Harvard Step Test scores. Results: The multi-group comparison did not reveal a statistically significant difference in aerobic fitness across the playing roles, F(2, 101) = 0.668, p = 0.515. Additionally, the Harvard Step Test scores showed a weak and statistically non-significant relationship with role-specific performance metrics: strike rate (r = 0.20, p = 0.06) for batters, bowling economy (r = -0.09, p = 0.51) for bowlers, and dismissals (r = 0.10, p = 0.38) for fielders. Conclusion: Cardiovascular efficiency is similar across batters, bowlers, and all-rounders among Bangladeshi women cricketers. The Harvard Step Test score is not directly associated with role-specific performance in women's cricket. These findings suggest that training programs should adopt a holistic physical fitness approach, incorporating role-specific training to enhance the overall abilities of female cricketers and contribute to the development of women's cricket in Bangladesh.

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.

CONCEPTUAL METAPHOR IN FOOTBALL NEWS ON GOAL.COM

This research examines conceptual metaphors as defined by Lakoff and Johnson, focusing on three types: structural, ontological, and orientational. The study analyzes an editorial from Goal.com titled, "Arsenal have no margin for error! Gunners told Liverpool showdown is 'must-win' in title race just eight games into 2024-25 season," using a qualitative approach grounded in cognitive semantic theory to explore the nuanced meanings conveyed through metaphor in sports commentary. Known for its in-depth and timely football analysis, Goal.com offers insights into how metaphors enhance fans' understanding of competitive sports narratives. Data collection involved close reading and note-taking, identifying instances of structural, ontological, and orientational metaphors, along with their source and target domains and image schemas. Findings reveal five structural metaphors, which use schemas such as Scale and Force to emphasize competitive intensity; four ontological metaphors, drawing on Container, Force, and Existence schemas to illustrate team pressures; and one orientational metaphor, using the Container schema to deepen spatial and relational context in the text. This study highlights the role of sports media metaphors in shaping public perception, making abstract concepts like competition and resilience more tangible. By framing sports challenges in relatable, high-stakes terms, these metaphors foster emotional engagement among fans, creating a shared understanding of a team's journey and pressures and underscoring the powerful influence of metaphor in sports narratives.

Teachers’ Teaching Competence in Sport Dance Classes in a Chinese Cultural Activity Center: Basis for a New Pedagogical Framework Model

This paper explores the significance of teaching satisfaction within the realm of sports dance education, focusing on the learning environment of the Shijiazhuang Youth Science and Technology Culture Activity Center. With the rapid modernization of China's education system, there is an increasing emphasis on the integration of cultural knowledge and physical education. Sports dance, having been introduced to China in 1984, has gained popularity among teenagers for its blend of gentleman culture and competitive sports. Despite its deep mass foundation and widespread interest, the current quality of sports dance training in China is uneven, with a notable lack of professional teachers. This study aims to identify the factors influencing students' satisfaction with their sports dance teachers' instruction, and in doing so, enhance the overall learning experience and teaching effectiveness. By analyzing the teaching satisfaction survey of sports dance students, the paper reveals the main issues affecting the learning process and proposes suggestions to address these concerns, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the sports dance community and the professional growth of its educators. The study underscores the pivotal role of teachers in shaping students' competencies and attitudes, not only in dance but also in fostering a comprehensive educational experience that aligns with the progressive expectations of modern society.