Sports Programs Research Articles

ASPHALT II: Study Protocol for a Multi-Method Evaluation of a Comprehensive Peer-Led Youth Community Sport Programme Implemented in Low Resource Neighbourhoods.

To reduce inequalities in children's sport participation, studies are needed to explore ways in which children from low resource neighbourhoods can be engaged and retained in sport. GAME Community is a peer-led community sport programme which aims to promote physical activity through participation in inclusive street sports activities targeting 8-15-year-old children living in low resource neighbourhoods. The GAME Community intervention is implemented by the non-profit street sport organisation GAME. Five components support the implementation of GAME Community: (1) training of peer leaders; (2) a focus on inclusion of inactive girls; (3) parental involvement; (4) community engagement; (5) strengthened organisational support to peer leaders. In the ASPHALT II study, we aim to evaluate GAME Community and hence contribute to understanding how children growing up in low resource neighbourhoods can be engaged and retained in physical activity through participation in peer-led, community-based sport and to generate new understandings on the scale up of community interventions. The primary objective of the evaluation is to investigate the implementation of GAME Community and the programme's reach, and to establish the functioning and mechanisms of the programme. The secondary objective is to establish the health enhancing potential of the programme. The evaluation of GAME Community involves three linked but independent studies that investigate (1) the functioning (i.e., mechanisms and processes), (2) reach, and (3) outcomes. The functioning of the five intervention components is investigated using qualitative methodologies. Programme reach will be investigated based on participant registrations. Systematic observations using a novel combination of validated tools will provide information on outcomes (physical activity level and social behaviour) during GAME Community activities. Investigating functioning, reach, and outcomes of the GAME Community intervention by using multiple methods is a strength, as different data complement and inform each other. This study will provide in-depth insights into if and how children living in low resource neighbourhoods can be engaged and retained in physical activity through participation in peer-led, community-based sport. Contributions of this evaluation include new understanding of the mechanisms and scalability of a community-based street sport intervention.

How High School Athlete Student Mentors Impact Elementary/Middle School Students: A Case for Positive Coaching Alliance

While the physical, psychological, and social benefits of physical activity have been touted for decades, few children in the U.S. are sufficiently active physically. We created a cross-age mentoring program to encourage children to not only engage in sports, but to also gain valuable personal and interpersonal skills from program activities. We interviewed 73 individuals from two community recreation centers—53 elementary school participants, 10 high-school student-athlete mentors, and 11 professional staff members—using semi-structured interviews. We found that cross-age mentorship program in sports created positive one-to-one and one-to-many relationships between the high school athlete mentors and the elementary school participants. Our grounded theory research demonstrates the efficacy of high school student-athletes as mentors in sports programs. We also have described in detail a program that is readily scalable because it is easy to implement, is cost-effective, and has benefits for all involved. Organizations such as after-school programs and community centers can design programs that bring these groups together and provide opportunities for learning and fun.

“Dabo Wears Male Rompers”: Examining Expressions of Hegemonic Masculinity and Identity in ESPN’s College GameDay

It has long been held that sport functions as a site of identity and belonging. Identity is also a key element that lays the framework for elite sport and social gathering as well as fan identification with teams and athletic figureheads (athletes and coaches) associated with their favored team. Sports fans often exercise identity in the communal bonding experiences of sport, including watching and attending games and other sports programming in groups. Outside of sporting events themselves, perhaps the most prominent sport-centric community and identity-building spectacle is ESPN's "College GameDay." First aired in 1987 as a rundown of college football scores and commentary, the popular show is now known for its in-depth analysis of high-stakes football match-ups, predictions of game outcomes, celebrity guest pickers who select the team they believe will win during the morning show, and the quirky signs made by fans who strive to be televised or featured on GameDay’s social media platforms. I argue that these popular elements of the show offer fans the opportunity to enact and express identities of hegemonic masculinity in widespread and potentially problematic ways.

The Cognitive Effect of a Unified Flag Football Program in Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: The Exploratory Study

This study investigated the cognitive effect of a unified flag football program in young adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Twelve participants practiced football drills with their typical peers for 50 min each session, twice a week for 15 weeks. Measures of three aspects of executive functions (e.g., verbal working memory, measured as digit span task; cognitive planning proficiency, measured as Tower of London task; and response inhibition, measured as Stroop color and word task) were tested before and after the program. Although the benefits in the digit span and Stroop tasks were not seen, participants with ID significantly improved performance in the Tower of London task. The cognitive benefits in executive function from this unified sport program were still evident. Our preliminary findings encourage individuals with ID to attend sport programs for mental health. In future studies, large sample size and additional supporting measures should be included to generalize the findings to the general population with ID.

A Holistic Perspective on Youth Sport Programs: Examining the Quality of Gymnastics Setting

A Holistic Perspective on Youth Sport Programs: Examining the Quality of Gymnastics Setting

Sport for Social Cohesion: Transferring from the Pitch to the Community?

European sport policies and programmes have increasingly focused on promoting social cohesion. Often presented as a multi-dimensional concept, social cohesion is considered the ‘glue’ that holds societies together and is seen as essential to addressing common challenges. However, the term remains contested, and it is not always clear how programmes conceptualize or support social cohesion. Thus, this paper explores how three European sport programmes conceptualize and foster social cohesion. Findings are generated from a thematic analysis of interviews, group discussions, observations and documents. The themes developed show how organizations adopt an individual-centerd view of social cohesion, focusing mainly on social relations, tolerance and mutual help. In turn, this translates to an individual-focused practice of social cohesion, emphasizing personal skills, behaviors, and social relations, with the transfer of social cohesion to the broader community left mostly in participants’ hands. Due to a number of systemic barriers, programmes struggle to implement more holistic and structural approaches. As such, if we want to facilitate a move towards more structural or interventionist approaches, we as researchers must play an active role in questioning, challenging, and reshaping the systems that underpin sport-based social interventions.

Role of weight lost in breast cancer-related lymph

ObjectiveAnalysis of data collected in routine clinical practice of the combined impact of both physical activity and decrease in body mass index (BMI) on a minor prevalence of lymphedema in post-breast cancer patients. MethodsAnalysis of data obtained by the specialized rehabilitation unit, from 99 female patients for 18 months, after a specific diet, sports program and complete decongestive therapy (CDT) was indicated. Personal data, affected organ volume, weight, physical activity level and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Questionnaire for Breast Cancer (FACT-B+4) were collected in follow-up visits. ResultsAlthough the average of body-mass index showed no change during the assessment period, about 13% of patients in the second follow-up visit and 30% in the third one had lost weight. Women experiencing weight-loss in the third follow-up visit presented a reduced volume of the affected organ [−50 (−248 to 141) ml vs. 130 (−148 to 355) ml, p<0.05] as compared to weight-gaining patients. No relationship was established between physical activity and lymphedema volume changes. ConclusionsApart from the conventional treatment with orthotics and manual lymph drainage, BCRL prevention and treatment needs to focus – right from the start – on weight management or weight-loss in obese patients.

Adherence to exercise and fitness following exercise-based outpatient cardiac rehabilitation: a cross-sectional survey for Germany

BackgroundExercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is safe and effective, evidence-based and implemented in national and international cardiac rehabilitation guidelines. Recent data show a decrease in cardiovascular mortality, reduced hospital admissions and an overall improvement in quality of life. To maintain positive effects and to prevent further cardiovascular events a major goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to induce a long-term health behaviour change and the integration of regular physical activity and exercise training in everyday life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the adherence of cardiac patients to exercise-based programs following rehabilitation phase III.MethodsA nationwide online cross-sectional survey was conducted. All outpatient aftercare providers who offer sports rehabilitation programs (heart groups) for cardiac patients in Germany were contacted. The questionnaire comprised 15 questions in five subcategories (general information regarding the outpatient aftercare provider, structure of rehabilitation sport programs, membership structure, content of heart groups, adherence to exercise-based programs).Results560 of 2447 outpatient aftercare providers participated in the survey (response rate: 23%). On average, rehabilitation sport facilities hosted 2 (IQR 2) heart groups per week, and 23 patients (IQR 30) (61% males; 31% females) per facility completed rehabilitation sport prescription in 2018. Almost all providers offer follow-up programs on a self-payer basis after rehabilitation sport prescription ends. Adherence to follow-up programs was at 54% (IQR 65; 55% males and 50% females). With 60% (IQR 71), patients with a statutory health insurance (mainly pensioners) adhere slightly more often to a follow-up program compared to privately insured persons (mainly population with a high income or civil servants) with 50% and significantly more often compared to persons who were insured by the German pension fund (covering working population) with only 9% (IQR 89) adherence.ConclusionAlmost all outpatient aftercare providers offer follow-up programs for cardiac rehabilitation patients but only half of them actually participate. Younger people (working population) do not adhere sufficiently to sport and exercise programs following rehabilitation phase III. This seems critical to address in terms of achieving long-term rehabilitation goals.

EVALUATION OF THE CHALLENGES OF INCLUSION AMONG STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN UNIVERSITY SPORTS: THE CASE OF MAKERERE UNIVERSITY, UGANDA

Sport can provide a variety of mainstream and disability-specific opportunities across the inclusion spectrum for persons with disabilities. This study described the status of disability mainstreaming at Makerere University, Kampala, Central Uganda. In particular, the study described the challenges faced and how students with disabilities can be best included in Makerere University sports programmes. The study used a cross-sectional survey design using the quantitative and qualitative approaches on a sample size of 54 respondents. Data was collected by the use of self-administered questionnaires and an interview guide. The data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative data analysis involved the calculation of descriptive statistics namely, frequencies, percentages and means for analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis. The study found that challenges faced when including students with disabilities in sports were: materials (not sufficiently) adjusted or available, facilities not (sufficiently) adjusted, lack of financial support, inferiority complex among the student with disability, lack of confidence, discrimination and stereotype in the population, lack of inspiration, lack of modified sports according to different disabilities, expensive adopted sports equipment. Ways students with disabilities can be best included in Makerere University sports programmes included: identification of students with disabilities and acceptance, avail specific equipment, introduce fitting sport for different disabilities, provision of special coaches/ specialist for the disabled, design facilities (sufficiently) adjusted, sensitization for support from the environment, ensure safety for the disabled athletes, give bursaries to disabled talented students in sports, collaboration with NGO’s for financial support, exposure to role models, need for protective gears for students with disabilities, increase incentives for the coaches, introduce adapted sports galas for the disabled, increasing the disability opportunity into university entry scheme, provide incentives to the disabled sport’s participants and the need for the disabled administrator to work as a role model. This study recommended that policymakers should ensure that students with disabilities are empowered in sports to give them the freedom to sports participation at home, in institutions, in workplaces and in the field. Managers of sports should ensure players attain full security of the players, provide protective gear and adopt tactics that reduce fear of injuries. Management of sports organisations that involve students with disabilities should provide quality playing fields, and modified equipment, introduce more games, provide players adequate attention and advocate the full implementation of counselling students with disabilities. Management of organisations of sports teams should engage students with disabilities in sports jobs in the sports associations, connect them outside sports and collaborate with non-governmental organizations that support disability-based activities and provide incentives for athletes with disabilities.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0456/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Participation and Youth Sport Coaching Good Practice - An Overview and Reflection of the Active Sussex Coach Support Officers Scheme

Summary In order to meet a wide variety of social policy objectives (such as health, educational attainment, community cohesion etc.), ensuring wide access to community and youth sport programmes remains an objective of many governments. In the UK, the post 2012 Olympic Legacy Strategy, overseen by Active Partnerships under the auspices of Sport England, promoted Sportivate and Satellite Clubs programmes (aimed at increasing participation levels) through most of the rest of the decade. In order to ensure minimum standards of operation and to develop the skills of the local coaching workforce, Active Sussex (one of the Active Partnerships) commenced a Coach Support Officer (CSO) scheme with the support of the University of Chichester from 2013 to (through various iterations) time of writing. Through a longitudinal reflection/summary of the various interventions and data collection points over the last nine years, we present an overview of this scheme. Further, we outline a clear philosophy, guidelines, and accompanying set of values that extol what can be considered good (best) practice for sustainable community sport and physical activity programmes.

Executive Coaching applications' procedures and strategies: a case study with a sports manager

Continuous development of a manager within the organization is a premise for achieving efficiency and for improving organizational and individual performance. In this regard, Executive Coaching has been one of the possibilities of training and development in organizations from different areas, and its application in different contexts has been evaluated and addressed in academic research and scientific literature. However, although Human Resources management literature in sports organizations mentions about Executive Coaching, processes and results obtained in interventions are not cited nor described. This article aims to present elements related to the applicability and approaches’, methods’ and research strategies’ relevance indicated by the Coaching and Executive Coaching literature through an Executive Coaching process carried out with a manager from a private non-profit organization that develops a sport program. The original study was a case study, carried out through action research, covering the following steps: Diagnosis, Executive Coaching Intervention and Evaluation. This article is descriptive, in which the procedures, instruments, the characterization of the coach and the coachee, and the treatment and analysis of information are described and analyzed. The triangulation of the obtained results indicates that strategies, methods and coaching approach applied led to the achievement of positive results both in the manager's individual and organizational performance. It was concluded that Executive Coaching can be applied in the context of Sports Management, with a sports program manager, following structured procedures and based on literature and research from other areas. Considering the process applied in the original study, limitations are pointed out, as well as suggestions and recommendations for the Executive Coaching application and for future studies on this subject.

Artificial intelligence used to diagnose osteoporosis from risk factors in clinical data and proposing sports protocols

Osteoporosis (OP) is characterized by diminished bone mass and deteriorating bone structure that increases the chance of fractures in the spine, hips, and wrists. In this paper, a novel data processing method of artificial intelligence (AI) is used for evaluating, predicting, and classifying OP risk factors in clinical data of men and women separately. Additionally, artificial intelligence was used to suggest the most appropriate sports programs for treatment. Data was obtained from dual-energy x-ray absorption scanning center of Ayatollah Kashani, Milad, and Khatam al-Anbia hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The subjects included 1224 men and women. Models were developed using decision tree, random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, gradient boosting (GB), Extra trees, Ada Boost (AB), and artificial neural network multilayer perceptron analysis to predict osteoporosis and to recommend sports programs. Data was divided into training (80%) and test dataset (20%). The results were obtained on a 20% test dataset. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to compare the performance of the models. To predict healthy individuals, osteopenia and osteoporosis, the FR algorithm with AUROC 0.91 performed best in men and the GB algorithm with AUROC 0.95 performed best in women compared to other classification algorithms. Prediction of RF algorithm in women and men with AUROC 0.96 and 0.99, respectively, showed the highest performance in diagnosing the type of exercise for healthy individuals and those with osteopenia and OP. Eight AI algorithms were developed and compared to accurately predict osteoporosis risk factors and classify individuals into three categories: healthy, osteopenia, and OP. In addition, the AI algorithms were developed to recommend the most appropriate sports programs as part of treatment. Applying the AI algorithms in a clinical setting could help primary care providers classify patients with osteoporosis and improve treatment by recommending appropriate exercise programs.

Effects of the learning tasks and the leadership profile of the coach on the perception of decision-making in young.

The objective of the research was to investigate the effects of the learning tasks and leadership profile of the coach on the subjective perception of decision-making. In total, 910 Brazilian adolescents (14.00 ± 1.8 years) and 57 Brazilian coaches (45.57 ± 7.25 years) were included in the study, participants of a sports program in 37 public schools in the city of Curitiba in the state of Paraná. Ordinal logistic regression was used to verify the independent associations between the variables and the tertiles of the scores for each decision-making characteristic. The small-sized game learning tasks were positively associated with commitment to decision-making learning (CR=1.21, 95% CI=1.01-1.49). Positive associations were also found between the coaches' leadership profile and decision-making competence.

Activating the 'peerness' of youth leaders in a community sports programme through techne and phronesis.

Peer-to-peer approaches engage groups of people considered to share one or more characteristics that identify them as peers and draw on rationales of credibility, identification and role modelling in peer-to-peer interactions. Despite the popularity of the approach, the ways in which the peer leadership component specifically contributes to health promotion is not thoroughly understood. We suggest that a first step for making use of peer leader characteristics is to make explicit what the peer leadership component is expected to bring to a programme. To approach such an understanding, we investigated how peer leaders can be supported in activating their 'peerness' in health promotion programmes, using as a case the peer leader education of a youth-led, peer-to-peer community sports programme, implemented by the non-profit street sports organization, GAME. We analysed the peer leader training programme's learning objectives and field notes from observations of the training programme. The empirical material was analysed using an abductive approach by drawing upon contemporary interpretations of two forms of knowledge originally proposed by Aristotle. In so doing, this article explores how the development of techne (practical knowledge) and phronesis (practical wisdom) was supported in a peer leader training programme for young people. Findings suggest that supporting the development of both these types of knowledge can strengthen programme planners' attention to the contribution of peers. Concurrently, an emphasis on promoting phronesis in peer leader training can support and encourage peer leaders in activating their 'peerness' in peer-to-peer health promotion programmes.

The role of interest in athletics in promoting students’ home-based physical activities engagement amidst pandemic

Sports and activity programs play a significant role in children's overall physical activity levels to allow them to benefit from participating in physical activity during the pandemic. The researcher seeks to provide guidelines that will benefit all students who participate in physical education. This study aimed to determine the interest in athletics and engagement in home-based physical fitness activities of pre-service physical education teachers at Batangas State University JPLPC-Malvar, to determine its implications for teaching physical education. It specifically addressed the respondents' level of interest in athletics, their engagement in home-based physical fitness activities, the significant relationship between the two variables, and suggested activities to increase respondents' interest in athletics through participation in home-based physical fitness activities. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted to assess 62 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Physical Education program at the Batangas State University JPLPC-Malvar campus. Using a self-made questionnaire and appropriate statistical measures, the obtained results revealed that the majority of respondents engage in home-based physical fitness activities; however, bodyweight training is more engaging than anaerobic exercise. The data also showed a significant relationship between athletic interest levels and home-based physical fitness activities. The majority of responders are pre-service physical education instructors. The recommended activities to increase respondents' interest in athletics can be accomplished through participation in home-based physical fitness activities.

Life skills development and transfer amongst socially vulnerable adults through sports: a systematic review

ABSTRACT This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding life skills development (LSD) and life skills transfer (LST) in sports programs serving adults in a socially vulnerable position. It identifies factors influencing LSD and LST in these sports programs, as well as possible differences in this regard between the various subgroups of social vulnerability. Potentially relevant studies were identified by searches of five databases, complemented by backward and forward snowballing. The 26 articles included reported the development of cognitive, emotional and/or social skills amongst socially vulnerable adults through participation in a sports program. In 20 studies, transfer was reported for at least one of the life skills developed. Potential factors that may influence the process of LSD and LST were related to the individual, the staff, the program design, the inherent demands of sport, a safe environment and social cohesion. Some differences in LSD and LST were found between subgroups of social vulnerable adults. However, because some subgroups were hardly represented, a comparison was difficult to make. This review showed that sports programs have the potential to help socially vulnerable adults develop and transfer life skills. Recommendations for future research are given.

Chemical equilibrium model comprising calcaneus bone mineral density, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and physical work capacity in premenopausal women

Background: During menopause, bone density decreases, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) rapidly increases; a decrease in the estrogen level is a common factor in these phenomena. Methods: In this study, we focused on the fact that menopause is a spontaneous process, and aimed to derive the conditions that mitigate the decline in the osteo sono-assessment index (OSI), an index of bone mineral density (BMD), using a chemical equilibrium model. We attempted to establish the relationship between variables related to female hormone secretion (OSI, LDL-C) and a variable related to work capacity (physical work capacity [PWC] at 75% of maximal heart rate) by analogy, using the fact that Gibbs free energy, a thermodynamic variable related to spontaneous change, is related by three variables. Results: Consequently, if linearity is established between PWC and OSI when LDL-C is used as the standard, then the analogy of chemical equilibrium can be established between the deviation values of these three variables, with equilibrium constant K. Finally, the theoretically determined equilibrium model with constant K was applied to data obtained from the Sports Program Service (SPS) of the Yokohama Sports Medical Center. Conclusions: The present study suggests that the decrease in bone density could be alleviated by promoting an increase in LDL-C or by mitigating the decrease in PWC. In discussing personal health, mitigating bone density loss and maintaining a high work capacity are important components, which should also take into account the appropriate levels of LDL-C.

The Effects and Types of Parental Involvement in School-Based Sport and Health Programs Still Represent a Knowledge Gap: A Systematic Review.

Background: Health-related behaviours and attitudes acquired in childhood significantly shape health behaviours in adulthood and play an important role in preventing children from becoming overweight. Interventions incorporating parental involvement can provide outstanding support in shaping a child’s health-related behaviour. However, parental involvement has not been investigated from the perspective of efficacy except for obesity. Therefore, this systematic review investigates school-based physical activity intervention programmes incorporating parental involvement. We aim to explore the impact of these programmes and the parental involvement they provide on behaviours that influence child health, which are essential for preventing children and adults from becoming overweight and promoting health-conscious lifestyles. Methods: This systematic literature review follows PRISMA guidelines. The EBSCO Discovery Service Search Engine was used for searching for literature. Papers included met the following inclusion criteria: (1) reported original, empirical research or systematic review published in a peer-reviewed journal; (2) primary or secondary school age (6–18 years) as the target population; (3) examined school-based sport or health prevention and intervention programs; (4) only healthy children and youth in the indicated age group; (5) school-based prevention or intervention program; (6) examines parental involvement; (7) in the English language, and (8) in disciplines of education, psychology, social work, sociology, social sciences and humanities. Results: An extremely limited number of interventions of sufficient quality address the role of parental involvement (N = 17). The forms of parental involvement show a huge variety, ranging from leaflets, home packs, sports organisations “forced” by the pandemic, parent meetings, programmes, courses, and school programmes with diverse children over several months (cooking together, gardening, playing sports together, etc.). Therefore, it is difficult to measure their effectiveness and impact. Conclusions: The impact of parental involvement on children’s health behaviour, especially physical activity and nutrition, as two of the most important factors in preventing them from becoming overweight, are unclear, and other correlations, e.g., academic achievement, are scarce.

Evaluation of Sports and Health Physical Education Learning Programs in Junior High Schools in Sampolawa District

This study aims to see how the PJOK learning process in schools from the planning stage of learning and implementation of learning to evaluation through antecedents evaluation, transaction evaluation, and outcomes evaluation. This research is a program evaluation using the Stake evaluation model with the stages of context evaluation, process evaluation, and outcomes evaluation. Data were collected by using observation, interview, and documentation methods. Qualitative data analysis techniques have four components: data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results showed that, in general, the PJOK learning activity program at the State Junior High Schools throughout the Sampolawa District had been running well by the applicable curriculum. The conclusion of learning activities for physical education, sports and health at State Junior High Schools in Sampolawa District, in the context of teachers always making and collecting learning tools, program objectives, policies have been implemented well, and infrastructure facilities are still lacking. In implementing activities by applicable laws and regulations, the implementation and coordination carried out are by the learning plans, materials and performance processes, but facilities and infrastructure are still lacking. The overall evaluation outcomes are good in the academic field; student learning outcomes are by the minimum completeness criteria.

Student-Athletes’ Religious Beliefs, Religious Behaviors, and Religious Identity at a Christian University

Athletics occupies an ambiguous place within the greater university mission, particularly at religious institutions. Intercollegiate sports programs may purport to reinforce the university’s aim to develop the whole person, but the nature of athletics can compromise student-athlete religiosity and well-being. Little research has focused on the religiosity of student-athletes and the potential implications for religious institutions. Our analysis features data from 884 senior students at a private, religiously affiliated, NCAA Division I university. Comparing student-athletes to non-athletes, we found that student-athletes scored higher than non-athletes on religious beliefs, religious behaviors, and sense of religious identity.