Sports Facilities Research Articles

Understanding residents' motivation, psychological involvement, and psychological well-being in urban parks

Residents frequently engage in leisure activities in urban parks to alleviate psychological stress, which makes their well-being a key concern for urban planners and policymakers. This study examines the relationships among urban park motivations (push and pull factors), psychological involvement, and psychological well-being through a survey of 331 residents in Dongguan city via structural equation modeling and principal component analysis. The results indicate that motivations positively influence residents' involvement and well-being, with involvement serving as a partial mediator. Theoretically, this study enhances the understanding of the psychological mechanisms driving park use and well-being, contributing to an explanatory model for resident well-being in urban contexts. Practically, the findings suggest that local authorities can increase urban park appeal by investing in diverse leisure resources and accessible facilities. Specific recommendations include developing scenic, accessible landscapes, family-friendly areas, sports facilities, and cultural exhibits to collectively support residents' psychological health and foster community involvement. This study provides both theoretical insights and actionable strategies for promoting psychological well-being through urban park design.

The relationship between physical activity level and timing and sleep quality and hygiene in healthy individuals: a cross-sectional study

The current study focused on investigating the relationship between level and timing of physical activity and sleep quality and hygiene in healthy individuals. This cross-sectional study design recruited 175 participants (male: 98, 56%, female: 77, 44%, and BMI: 23.87 ± 3.92) aged between 18 and 65, 157 of whom were physically active and 18 of whom were physically inactive. The study recruited healthy participants from various sports facilities, fitness centers, and walking parks to ensure a diverse sample of physically active individuals in a metropolitan city. The study excluded people with sleep disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, heart or neurological problems, and those who had shift work. The study employed the Demographic Information Form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale, and Sleep Hygiene Questionnaire. A one-way MANOVA was employed to compare sleep quality and hygiene in different physical activity levels. A second MANOVA compared sleep quality and hygiene in different physical activity timing, including only the minimally active and very active participants. One-way MANOVA showed a significant difference F (4, 171) = 7.532, Pillai’s trace = 0.161, partial eta squared = 0.081 between sleep quality and hygiene scores among inactive, minimally active, and very active participants. A post hoc analysis showed sleep quality was significantly better in minimal active (6.42 ± 2.55, p = 0.002, Cohen’s d = 0.867) and very active participants (5.99 ± 2.29, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.092) than inactive (8.61 ± 2.50) participants. Also, sleep hygiene was significantly better in minimal active (28.50 ± 6.74, p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.867) and very active participants (29.52 ± 6.56, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.992) than inactive (36.05 ± 8.39) participants. The one-way MANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in sleep quality and hygiene scores based on physical activity time. Our study showed that physically active individuals had significantly better sleep quality and hygiene scores, while there was no difference based on the timing of physical activity. Healthy individuals may be encouraged to participate in physical activity in the morning, afternoon, or evening to improve sleep parameters.

Enabling circularity in Turkish construction: a case of BIM-based material management utilizing material passports

PurposeThe Turkish construction sector, facing mounting environmental pressures, needs to rapidly adopt circular economy (CE) principles. However, a critical barrier is the lack of accessible and comprehensive material information. This paper investigates how building information modeling (BIM) can facilitate the adoption of material passports (MPs) to overcome this challenge and helps enabling circularity in Turkish construction.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is adopted, focusing on the New Istanbul Esenler Arena, a major sports facility designed with BIM. An in-depth analysis of the project's BIM model and material data was conducted to develop a practical framework for integrating MPs into BIM workflows. The framework outlines a comprehensive MP data structure, addresses technical integration strategies and highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration.FindingsThe research demonstrates that integrating MPs with BIM has the potential to significantly enhance material tracking throughout the building lifecycle, leading to more informed decision-making regarding material selection, reuse and recycling. This approach can improve material recovery rates, reduce construction waste and minimize the environmental impact of construction projects. The study also identifies key challenges to MP implementation, such as ensuring data accuracy and interoperability, and proposes strategies to overcome these hurdles.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the limited but growing body of knowledge on the practical implementation of BIM and MPs for circular construction, particularly in the Turkish context. The proposed framework, informed by a real-world case study, provides valuable guidance for construction professionals, policymakers and researchers seeking to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in the built environment.

Unveiling the cultural ecosystem services of urban green spaces: A case study of Ljubljana, Slovenia

This paper analyses the value of cultural ecosystem services in urban green spaces. A field survey of 900 respondents in Ljubljana, Slovenia, examined cultural ecosystem services in seven types of urban green spaces and compared the results with two types of non-green public spaces (old town, shopping mall). Differences between the types were assessed using one-way variance analysis (ANOVA). Results showed statistically significant differences between the types, with sports facilities standing out as valuable for recreation and education. The old town's cultural heritage and aesthetics were highly valued, while shopping malls ranked lowest. The study emphasises the importance of urban green spaces for quality of life of residents and informs land use planning decision-making.

Sports motivation and sports opportunities of people with physical disability: The case of Hungary

Sports motivation and sports opportunities of people with physical disability: The case of Hungary

Physical culture and sports activity of Russians: the tasks of increasing in order to improve health and dynamics over 20 years (analytical review).

Justification. In the XXI century. The Russian Federation has made important decisions on the formation of a healthy lifestyle of the population and the development of physical culture and sports (FCS) in the country. The analysis of sociological research on the physical culture and sports activity of Russians is of interest from the point of view of the results achieved in the development of mass sports in Russia. Goal. To trace the dynamics of the FCS Russians' activities over two decades and their opinions on creating conditions for such activities. Materials and methods. Using the method of classical analysis and generalization of information, the results of various sociological surveys and scientific publications from the RSCI database on the topic (n = 43) were analyzed, the IBM SPSS Statistics 26 program was used for calculations Results. Surveys from 2006-2018 revealed a positive trend in the prevalence of FCS activities among Russians. Respondents began to note more often the presence of sports facilities in their place of residence. Recent studies show a growing satisfaction of citizens with the created conditions for FCS classes, but do not reveal a positive trend in their prevalence and in the use of places for such classes. Conclusion. To further involve Russians in FCS classes, it is important to educate them about the recommendations of specialists regarding human physical activity, taking into account the specifics of the motives for FCS classes and the reasons for refusing them in various socio-demographic groups. The wishes of citizens regarding the construction of new sports facilities should be linked to the installations for their use and with opportunities, including free time and financial resources to pay for attractive sports services. Comprehensive studies of these issues and analysis of statistics on the receipt of sports and wellness services can become the basis for a policy of providing benefits that stimulate physical culture and sports activity of Russians and for adjusting the standards of provision of the population with sports facilities.

Management of Sports Facility Owned by Sleman Regency Government during the Pandemic Case Study of Maguwoharjo Stadium

This research aims to determine the management functions defined in the management of the Maguwoharjo Stadium and to determine the management process for the management of the Sleman Regency government. This research was compiled from theoretical studies related to management during the Covid 19 pandemic. This research was a descriptive qualitative study with observation, interview, and document study methods. The research subjects were UPT heads and Maguwoharjo Stadium staff as resource persons. This research was conducted at Maguwoharjo Stadium. The descriptive qualitative analysis was used to describe and explain the answers in more detail. Based on the research results, it can be seen that; (1) management functions that can be implemented during the Covid 19 pandemic by the Maguwoharjo Stadium manager are planning, organizing, and controlling functions. It is related to planning the management budget, organizing the process of managing and controlling the activities of Maguwoharjo stadium users in accordance with the health protocol, (2) the management of Maguwoharjo Stadium owned by the Sleman Regency government has been run properly related to the management of the Stadium from financing the maintenance budget and controlling activities at Maguwoharjo Stadium, (3) the strategy used by Maguwoharjo Stadium to carry on the services during the Covid-19 pandemic has provided an appeal for health protocols in activities within Maguwoharjo Stadium and continue to hold various sport events that attract the public's interest for doing sports as well as providing good and comfortable facilities and infrastructure, (4) the services provided by the Maguwoharjo Stadium are still based on the Sleman Regency government regulations.

The relationship between life satisfaction and risk preferences of couch potatoes, recreational and elite athletes: the impact of mental dispositions and attitudes

IntroductionThis study examines the relationship between physical activity and mental wellbeing among students not playing any sport (“couch potatoes”), recreational athletes and “dual career students”, i.e., students who are at the same time elite athletes. It addresses three closely related, yet different questions: (i) Do couch potatoes, recreational and elite athletes differ in their level of affective well-being or happiness? (ii) Are there any differences in cognitive wellbeing or life satisfaction between these groups? and (iii) Are there any differences in risk preferences and attitudes?MethodsIn our empirical analysis, we use a large cross-section dataset with detailed information on nearly 4,700 students enrolled at 24 different universities and universities of applied sciences all over Germany to identify the relationship between the individuals' personalities and their life satisfaction and risk preferences using standard regression models.ResultsOur findings indicate that, first, elite athletes report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction than recreational athletes and couch potatoes. Second, both groups of athletes display higher levels of risk tolerance than couch potatoes. Third, and most important, we find significant personality differences between elite athletes and the other two groups of students that drive most, yet not all of our results.DiscussionSince dual career students are often role models for other students, universities should consider investing in their sports facilities and offering sports classes on campus to increase the athletic involvement of the general student body.

Analysis of the Causes and Countermeasures for the "Fragile College Students" Phenomenon

Recently, the term "fragile college students" has gained popularity online, becoming a new label that many students identify with. The term refers to a new generation of college students who, despite their youth, suffer from numerous physical ailments and seem fragile, almost as if they would break at the slightest touch, exhibiting the so-called "fragile phenomenon." This phenomenon reflects irregular lifestyles and declining physical fitness among contemporary college students, exacerbated by the rapid iteration of external environments, which intensifies the toll on their well-being. The rise of “fragile college students” serves as a reminder to society and educational institutions to seriously address students’ irregular lifestyles, lack of exercise, unhealthy diets, and psychological issues. Suggestions include providing health education and psychological counseling, increasing sports facilities and venues, offering healthy dining options, and building a strong ideological foundation for youth to promote healthy growth.

Research on Strategies to Enhance Students' Physical Fitness from the Perspective of Sports Education Management

In recent years, the physical health level of students has been declining annually, becoming a hot topic of widespread concern in society. By strengthening sports education management, optimizing sports curricula, enhancing the quality of teaching staff, and innovating health assessment systems, we can effectively improve students' physical fitness and health conditions. This article analyzes the impact of sports education management on enhancing students' physical fitness and health from the perspective of current student health status, proposing a series of enhancement strategies including building scientific sports curricula, improving the quality of sports teachers, improving school sports facilities, and innovating physical health assessment mechanisms. Research has found that systematic sports education management plays a significant role in promoting students' physical health and can provide long-term protection for students' healthy growth.

Analysis of Football Pitch Performances Based on Different Cutting Systems: From Visual Evaluation to YOLOv8

The quality of sports facilities, especially football pitches, has gained significant attention due to the growing importance of sports globally. This study examines the effect of two different cutting systems, a traditional ride-on mower and an autonomous mower, on the quality and functional parameters of a municipal football field. The analysis includes visual assessments, measurements of grass height, and evaluations of surface hardness, comparing the performance of the two cutting systems. Additionally, studies of turfgrass composition and machine learning techniques, particularly with YOLOv8s and YOLOv8n, are conducted to test the capability of assessing weed and turfgrass species distribution. The results indicate significant differences in grass color based on the position (5.36 in the corners and 3.69 in the central area) and surface hardness between areas managed with a traditional ride-on mower (15.25 Gmax) and an autonomous mower (10.15 Gmax) in the central region. Higher height values are recorded in the area managed with the ride-on mower (2.94 cm) than with the autonomous mower (2.61 cm). Weed presence varies significantly between the two cutting systems, with the autonomous mower demonstrating higher weed coverage in the corners (17.5%). Higher overall performance metrics were obtained through YOLOv8s. This study underscores the importance of innovative management practices and monitoring techniques in optimizing the quality and playability of a football field while minimizing environmental impact and management efforts.

A Study on the Role of Physical Education and Sports in Promoting Social Skills of High School Students

This research analyses the importance of physical education and sports in fostering social skills. Few high school students have empathy, leadership, teamwork, and communication the most. This offers them an opportunity to sharpen those qualities and more when they are practicing sports through physical education. The present study employed a descriptive design, and 200 high school students from Dharwad, Karnataka, were selected to fill out a structured questionnaire related to the demographic data and the extent of attitudes toward physical education as well as social skills. Results showed that 70% had moderate and 14% scored high in social skills (predicate) but were not low. Still, 16% of students were in the very low social skills category, so these results suggest a need for targeted social skills training during physical education. The findings highlight the importance of an aspect usually linked to physical health. However, when implemented effectively, it can also positively impact a wider variety of social and emotional results, which is crucial for the overall development of students. In light of this, the study recommends that schools introduce broad physical education curricula with a substantial focus on social skills training along with trained educators and improved sports facilities to ensure a rounded social and emotional development among students.

Exploring the Symbiotic Growth of Urban Sports Facilities and Ecology Within the Framework of “Internet+” Strategy

This study investigates how sports facility construction affects pollution levels, specifically nitrogen concentrations in venue waters and sunny day frequencies. The authors find a clear link between the proliferation of facilities and ecological changes. Increasing technological equipment types from three to six raises water nitrogen levels from 10.3 mg/L to 24.7 mg/L, highlighting the correlation between tech intensity and pollution. Additionally, sunny days decrease by roughly 20% comparing low to high-tech sports zones, emphasizing the significant environmental impact. They propose actionable strategies based on empirical data to promote harmonious growth between sports facilities and their ecological surroundings. Limiting tech gadget deployment to 150 or fewer can reduce nitrogen levels by up to 15%, enhancing ecological health. Leveraging official websites and video promotions can boost facility visibility and utilization by 20%, encouraging community involvement and environmental responsibility. This study fosters the harmonious advancement of sports facility construction and ecology.

Towards social sustainability in urban communities: exploring how community parks influence residents’ social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak and associated lockdowns have heightened the challenges of social isolation in urban communities. Social interaction is recognized as a key factor in promoting people’s health, wellbeing, and social sustainability within urban communities. Public open spaces serve as a vital link between communities’ environment and individuals’ wellbeing. However, there has been limited research exploring how community parks impact residents’ social interaction in urban communities during the pandemic, particularly a lack of in-depth qualitative research in this area. To address this gap, this research investigated the impact of community parks on social interaction in master-planned communities in Sydney, using a qualitative case study method. A total of sixteen residents living in two selected communities—Breakfast Point and Liberty Grove—were interviewed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. It was found that three themes and seven underlying subthemes of park-use factors influence residents’ social interactions: (1) quality of park spaces (rest spaces, BBQ/picnic recreation spaces, children’s playgrounds, sport facilities, and nature amenities), (2) pedestrian integration of parks (interconnected park network and well-dispersed small parks), and (3) pedestrian connectivity with surroundings. The findings provide theoretical, empirical, and practical implications for promoting social wellbeing and community sustainability in the post-COVID era.

China’s ‘Stadium Diplomacy’ in West Asia and North Africa: Soft-power Tool for Political and Economic Influence

China’s ‘Stadium Diplomacy’ in West Asia and North Africa (WANA) is a soft power strategy used to increase its regional political and economic influence. This strategy is part of a broader trend in which China increasingly uses soft power tools to project its global influence. Chinese companies are involved in building and funding large-scale sports facilities and stadiums used as venues for major international sports events. By investing in sports infrastructure, China can project an image of economic and technological prowess and gain access to raw materials, mineral resources, and markets while fostering closer diplomatic ties with countries in the region. Nevertheless, there are also concerns that China’s soft power efforts are being used to mask more strategic and geopolitical goals. While stadium diplomacy can be an effective soft power tool for building economic relationships and increasing influence, it must also be scrutinised and understood in the context of China’s broader strategic goals and interests.

Evaluation of the effect of artificial intelligence training equipment in physical training of table tennis players from a biomechanical perspective

In table tennis competitions, the movement data of table tennis players plays an important role in daily training. In recent years, artificial intelligence technology has been widely used in sports competitions. With the development of artificial intelligence, how to use artificial intelligence to analyze sports video to obtain sports data of athletes has become more and more important. This paper is to use artificial intelligence to research and analyze the athletes in the table tennis competition, and then obtain the sports data of the athletes. This has important guiding significance for athletes and coaches in their daily training. Table tennis is a widely developed sport in China, and as China’s “national ball”, table tennis has always been in a leading position in the world table tennis competitions. It is widely loved by the public for its simple and easy access to sports facilities, low site requirements and sports methods. In this study, mathematical statistics and experimental methods were used. Combined with the application of the functional sports screen function test, 20 table tennis players from Shandong Sport University were selected as the test objects, and their sports performance was tested. The total score of 10 first-level athletes was 162 points, and the average score was 16.2 points. The total score of the 10 second-level athletes was 144 points, and the average score was 14.4 points. The performance of the first-level athletes was significantly higher than that of the second-level athletes. It showed that the first-level athletes were generally better than the second-level athletes in all aspects.

Parent-spectators’ misbehaviour in grassroots football: an explorative qualitative study

The overall purpose of the present study was to explore the behaviour, comments and unsporting reactions of parent-spectators at football matches. For this, a non-participant naturalistic observation was carried out on 52 groups of parent-spectators of Spanish grassroots football. The observations were supplemented by informal interviews with three referees, a field delegate and three sports facility workers. The results of the study show, on one hand, how parent-spectators often make negative comments about referees, coaches and players. They ridicule and complain about referees’ actions to pressure in favour of their team and may also make gratuitous remarks about their physical appearance. Parent-spectators criticise and occasionally even insult coaches, belittling some of their decisions and even supplanting them in their comments to the players in their team. Players of the opposing team receive negative comments for unsporting actions and those in their own team may receive negative comments on their play. Parent-spectators remain passive in the face of their own and other children’s negative behaviour and may even unconsciously encourage unsporting behaviour in players and coaches. This study examines different implications for the improvement of the social-moral climate at grassroots football matches.

Design and evaluation of a standalone electric vehicles charging station for a university campus in Argentina

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles in recent years has led to a growing demand for charging stations. In this context, universities are an ideal setting for their installation, as they have a large number of students, professors, and staff who could benefit from them and, at the same time, it serves as teaching material to raise awareness in the use of renewable energy. This work presents the design and proposal of an electric vehicle charging station for the campus of the Universidad Nacional de Rafaela (UNRaf). The station will be located in an area of the campus where the construction of more buildings and sport facilities is planned. This area will not be connected to the electrical grid and instead, will have an energy storage system to guarantee supply. The station will have the capacity to simultaneously charge 4 bicycles and 2 light electric vehicles, with an average energy demand of 0.786 kWh per hour. Homer Pro software was used for the calculations. The most economically viable option was a 100% renewable solution powered only by solar energy. It is expected to consist of a 15-kW solar system that will produce 22,922 kWh/year and a bank of 30 batteries of 3 kWh plus a single battery of 1 kWh. The installation of the electric vehicle charging station on the UNRaf campus will contribute to promoting the adoption of sustainable transportation, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions without using the public power grid.

Empowering sports facilities and sports physiotherapy performance with Integrated Management Information System (IMIS): Enhanced user experience and service quality

This study investigates the development of Integrated Management Information Systems (IMIS) to improve user experience and service quality in sports facilities. This research conducts a systematic review (2018-2023) of 7 articles from Scopus, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar to explore how IMIS can address evolving industry needs. The system facilitates user access to information, online transactions, and feedback mechanisms while enabling personalization and recommendations. However, the review also highlights the potential of IMIS to revolutionize sports physiotherapy through enhanced athlete care, data-driven treatment plans, and streamlined operations. Successful IMIS implementation requires careful planning, stakeholder involvement, and continuous adaptation to emerging technologies like AI and IoT. By overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities, IMIS can usher in a new era of personalized, effective, and efficient athlete care. IMIS implementation involves evaluating facility needs, staff training, and introducing the system to users. Data security and privacy are paramount. Future integration of AI, IoT, and mobile applications holds promise for further enhancing IMIS effectiveness. Overall, IMIS implementation has demonstrably improved user experience and service quality. By prioritizing user experience and adapting to technological advancements, sports facilities can remain competitive in a digital age.

Analysis of the Relationships between Residents’ Perceived Social Impacts of a Publicly Subsidized Multipurpose Facility and Behavioral Intentions

Despite challenging economic conditions, municipalities have justified the utilization of public subsidies to build or renovate multipurpose sports facilities due to the lack of modern features and the aging of existing facilities. To secure public support for the utilization of public subsidies, promises are often made about the transformative potential of events and teams for the community. The current study aims to examine the relationship between residents’ perceived social impact and their behavioral intentions regarding a newly developed multipurpose sports facility. The survey instrument was administered to assess residents' perceived social impacts related to the multipurpose sports facility as well as their behavioral attributes. The findings revealed that perceived social impacts such as community development and economic benefits significantly influenced the attendance of future sports and entertainment events as well as word-of-mouth on sports and entertainment events. Respondents’ level of involvement and attendance in sports and entertainment events were significant predictors of positive behavioral intentions and word-of-mouth. Lastly, certain demographic variables indicated significant relationships with behavioral attributes. This study highlights the importance of understanding residents’ perceived social impact concerning their behavioral attributes. The findings can be used by policymakers and administrators to plan and execute the facility development using public subsidies, aiming to reduce social conflicts and enhance social cohesion among residents