College Sports Research Articles

The correlates of coach leadership behavior and athlete competence motivation towards a sports mentoring program

This study assessed the factors associated with coach leadership behavior and athlete competence motivation, focusing specifically on Chengdu Sport University. The ultimate goal was to suggest a sports mentoring program based on the findings of the study. The respondents of the study were 152 student-athletes engaged in leisure sports and martial arts at Chengdu Sport University, encompassing disciplines such as sport climbing, ice hockey, judo, taekwondo, wushu routine, wushu sanda, martial art qigong, dragon and lion dance, cheer dance, and dance. Based on the conclusions derived in this study, the following are the recommendations: Sports organizations should prioritize diversity and inclusivity to accommodate all student athletes, regardless of age or gender. Emphasize diverse leadership styles, including training and teaching methods, and teach coaches to balance authoritarian and democratic systems. Coaches should aim for consistency and adaptability in their coaching methods to suit varying demands. Programs should focus on increasing competence motivation among student athletes, particularly in cognitive and social dimensions. Comprehensive athlete development programs should cater to both male and female athletes. Coaches should demonstrate leadership qualities, including good training, social support, and constructive criticism. Schools should develop a coach leadership development program to improve coaching effectiveness and overall well-being.

Procedures for developing audiovisual media for basic Pencak Silat learning at sports universities

Procedures for developing audiovisual media for basic Pencak Silat learning at sports universities

College Sports Culture and Teaching Performance of Teachers in Hunan Women's University: Basis for Enhanced In-service Training

College Sports Culture and Teaching Performance of Teachers in Hunan Women's University: Basis for Enhanced In-service Training

Anxiety and Mood Disruption in Collegiate Athletes Acutely Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

To report the symptom burden of anxiety and mood-related indicators following mTBI in collegiate student-athletes. Retrospective cohort study of varsity collegiate athletes. University sports medicine at a tertiary care center. Division I college varsity athletes diagnosed with mTBI at a single institution between 2016 and 2019. Pre- and post-injury. Comparisons between baseline testing and post-mTBI symptom scale assessments were made to determine changes in scores at the individual and group levels. The primary outcome was the prevalence of post-mTBI symptoms from within 72 h of injury through return to play. Associations with sport, sex, age, and return-to-play time were included. Compared to baseline, mood and anxiety symptom scores were significantly higher acutely following mTBI (2.1 ± 3.3 vs. 14.3 ± 12.2; p < 0.001). A family history of migraine was significantly associated with higher mood and anxiety symptom scores (20.0 ± 14.9 with history vs. 13.3 ± 11.3 without history; p = 0.042). Mood and anxiety symptom scores were highly correlated with non-mood and anxiety symptom scores for all athletes, including the subgroup with prolonged symptoms (r = 0.769; p < 0.001). Symptoms of anxiety or mood disruption are common during the acute period post-injury in varsity college athletes. Risk factors for higher symptom reports immediately following mTBI and for prolonged symptoms (>10 days) included female sex, those with a family history of migraine, and those with an overall higher symptom burden post-injury.

A Pilot Survey Study of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female University Athletes.

Introduction Female sports players are at increased risk of soft tissue knee injuries (STKIs) compared to their male counterparts. Injury prevention programs effectively reduce the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injuries. This pilot study, therefore, aimed to examine the prevalence, type, and management of STKIswithin a population of female university sports players at the University of Cambridge. Additionally, this study aimed to examine the perceived risk of ACL injuries and knowledge of long-term complications, alongside participation and attitudes towards injury prevention programs. Methodology A survey was distributed to women's university sports teams at the University of Cambridge. Information was gathered on participant demographics and sporting history. Relevant medical history, including joint laxity, connective tissue disorders, and previous knee injuries, was also collected. Participant involvement in and attitudes towards injury prevention programs were evaluated. Results Data from eighty-five participants (n = 85) were collected, all of whom were female. Forty-two percent of participants had sustained a previous knee injury, of which the majority (44%) were ACL injuries. In the ACL-injured group, 38% (n=6) had undergone ACL reconstructive surgery, 44% (n=7) had received only physiotherapy, and 19% (n=3) had received no form of treatment. Only 44% of these participants sustaining an ACL injury reported a return to the same level of post-injury sport. Seventy-two percent of respondents felt they were at increased risk of ACL injury compared to males. Most participants (87%) did not follow an injury prevention program, but 95% expressed a willingness to enroll in one. Conclusions This pilot study indicates that most knee injuries in female university athletes in this cohort at Cambridge University are ACL injuries, with a considerable number being managed conservatively. The low rate of return to pre-injury sporting levels highlights the significant impact of ACL injuries on athletic careers. This study demonstrates results similar to previous studies on the broader population. However, due to the pilot nature of the research and limited statistical power, the results should be interpreted with caution before transposing to the wider population. Further investigation is required into why many of these ACL-injured female athletes were managed conservatively and whether this finding is mirrored in their male counterparts. Despite recognizing their higher risk than males, participants displayed low engagement in injury prevention programs, indicating a gap between awareness and action. The willingness to participate in prevention programs suggests the potential for improved engagement through targeted interventions. Future research should focus on identifying and addressing specific barriers to participation in injury prevention programs and exploring the reasons behind the preference for conservative management of ACL injuries. Additionally, expanding the sample size and including a more diverse athletic population would enhance the generalizability of the findings.

The Effect of Functional Training Programs to Improve Distance Hitting for Baseball Players in University

Background and Aim: In the field of baseball, the attacking ability of baseball players is mainly reflected in their hitting techniques, including hitting distance and swinging speed. At present, the level of domestic university baseball teams is still very low. From the data of hitting percentage, long hit percentage, and home run, it can be seen that the main problem is reflected in the insufficient ability to hit from a long distance. Therefore, it is difficult to have more multiple and home runs in the game, resulting in the team being unable to score. These shortcomings will hurt the overall athletic ability of the team. This study aims to address this issue by focusing on developing and implementing training programs specifically designed for the effect of functional training programs to improve distance hitting for baseball, to significantly improve the long-range hitting ability and swing speed of baseball players. Materials and Methods: This study is an experimental study. The research subjects are 20 baseball majors (18-22 years old) from Guangzhou Sports College in Guangdong Province, including 6 professional baseball coaches, 1 baseball instructor from a professional sports college, and 3 professors in the field of sports training, totaling 10 experts. This study used focus groups to develop and improve training plans through expert interviews and experimental analysis, with an IOC value of 0.914. This study mainly used analysis of variance to analyze the results before, 4 weeks after testing, and after testing. Result: After specialized functional training, the use of the T-seat hitting distance test and swing speed test effectively improved the long-distance hitting ability and swing speed of baseball players, and improved their long-distance hitting ability and swing speed, which helped to improve their athletic level and achieve better game results. Conclusion: After 8 weeks of baseball versatility training, 20 martial arts athletes underwent further tests on their long-range hitting ability and swing speed. This study analyzed the differences and their effects on long-range hitting ability and swing speed before and after training. The comparison before and after training fully proves that functional training in baseball can effectively improve the long-range hitting ability and swing speed of baseball players.

A Construction of Evaluation Index Model for the Sustainable Development of Volleyball in University, Shaanxi Province, the People’s Republic of China

Background and Aim: Volleyball is an important part of university sports. Regular participation in volleyball cannot only cultivate people's good sportsmanship, team spirit of unity and cooperation, and excellent qualities of tenacious struggle but also cultivate people's information awareness and improve coordination and adaptability. This research was to construct the evaluation index model for the sustainable development of volleyball in university, Shaanxi Province, the People’s Republic of China. Materials and Methods: This research is mixed methods research type. The participants in this research can be divided into four groups, which are as follows: (1) 370 students and 10 teachers from 3 universities in Shaanxi China were chosen to engage in responding to the questionnaires; (2) 7 experts were invited to in-depth interview; (3) 19 experts were invited to conduct two-round Delphi study; and (4) 9 experts were invited to discuss and confirm the constructed evaluation index model for the sustainable development of volleyball in university, Shaanxi Province, the People’s Republic of China. The average and standard deviation are utilized to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaire, the consensus data is analyzed by using the median and interquartile range, with criteria set at a median of ≥ 3.50 and an interquartile range of ≤ 1.50. Results: the model of evaluation index for volleyball sustainable development in University, Shaanxi China consists of the 4 first-level indicators classified by the theory of sustainable development, namely (A) survival support subsystem; (B) development motivation support subsystem; (C) social security support subsystem; and (D) intellectual Support Subsystem, 12 second-level indicators and 33 third-level indicators. Conclusion: the evaluation index model for the sustainable development of volleyball in university, Shaanxi Province, the People’s Republic of China consists of the 4 first-level indicators classified by the theory of sustainable development,12 second-level indicators, and 33 third-level indicators. The content and application of this model have been evaluated and confirmed by 9 experts.

The Development of Sport Culture Indicators for Sports Avenue

Background and Aim: China has officially entered a new era of reform, marking that the construction of university sports culture has also ushered in a new era and new challenges. Therefore, this research aims to develop the sports culture indicators for sports avenues. Materials and Methods: The expert group members of this study are mainly university physical education teachers in Xi’an, leaders of Xi' a Sports Bureau, and grass-roots front-line teachers. All the selected experts have a rich theoretical basis and practical experience in constructing campus sports culture. Five people were selected by IOC, 25 people were selected by Cronbach reliability test, 19 experts by Delphi method, and 122 people for empirical research. Hierarchical Analysis YAAHP6.0 software is used to calculate the weight and consistency of each index and data processing of Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method Matlab software is used to analyze the data. Results: The evaluation index system of university sports culture construction in Xi'an is constructed. The first-level indicators include sports spirit and culture, sports material culture, sports system culture, and sports behavior culture. The secondary index includes 9 aspects. There are 24 three-level indicators, covering all key aspects of the construction of campus sports culture. Conclusion: The evaluation index system proposed in this study is comprehensive, systematic, and scientific, which can provide effective tools for the evaluation and decision-making of the sports culture construction in Xi'an universities. The evaluation index system is scientific, systematic, and practical.

The effects of music on group motivation and team cohesion among novice to intermediate collegiate rowers

Within university level sport, the opportunity to form friendships, connect and create a sense of enjoyment is fundamental to the student experience. The use of music has been shown to have a positive motivational influence within individual and group physical activity settings when engaging in anaerobic activities. Furthermore, team cohesion can be positively influenced by group music self-selection. Within rowing, music with a high number of beats per minute (bpm) has shown to positively affect performance on an indoor rowing machine. Research within this area has primarily provided its focus towards exercisers or teams within an elite performance setting. Therefore, the aims of this study were to explore whether the introduction of music, through group self-selection and playback can have a positive effect upon the group motivation and team cohesion on novice to intermediate level university rowers when encountering a team anaerobic activity. Twenty novice and intermediate university-level rowers from the same participating university rowing club completed the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) and subsequently a team relay of 2000 m, rowing 500 m each in groups of four, with no music stimulus. Eleven music tracks were selected based upon favoured bands or genres of those rowers, and that they contained at least 152 bpm. Tracks were subsequently presented to the participants who were asked to rate the effectiveness of the audio in terms of motivation and cohesion using the Brunel Group Music Rating Inventory (BGMRI). These scores determined the order of the tracks played for the repeat of the team relay. Once completed, the GEQ was readministered. All measures were used in conjunction with institutional ethics approval (33249-A-Feb/2024- 50074-1). A repeated measures MANOVA analysis found a positive difference in one of the four subscales of the GEQ, Group Integration – Social (GI-S; P = 0.03) F1,19 = 5.54, P &lt; 0.05, Hp2 = 0.27). Surprisingly, a supplementary t-test demonstrated a negative difference in the average number of strokes per minute (spm) during the relay t19 = 2.85, P = 0.01. Whilst the data does not replicate previously reported findings when introducing music to anaerobic indoor rowing training, the significant improvement in GI-S scores highlight some real-world implications. With an understanding of the importance of social cohesion in a university environment and the crucial impact sport can create, there is potential to develop a more robust intervention as a social tool first, before becoming a performance enhancement mechanism.

The offsetting relationship between hand grip strength and hypertension: A cross-sectional study from physically disabled over 50 years old in China.

To explore the relationship between hand grip strength (HGS) and blood pressure in physically disabled individuals over 50 years old. The research adopts a cross-sectional survey, and the data comes from the "2022-2023 Physical Health Monitoring and Scientific and Technological Services for Physical Disabilities" jointly carried out by Beijing Sport University and China Disabled Sports Management Center. Select physically disabled individuals over 50 years old and collect physical fitness measurement data. HGS was measured and adjusted based on body weight and waist circumference, with standard normal conversion. The relationship between HGS and blood pressure was analyzed using multiple linear regression, and further logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between standard HGS and the risk of abnormal blood pressure. 695 disabled individuals participated in the experiment, including 402 males (57.84%) and 293 females (42.16%). Multiple linear regression analysis found that for each standard deviation increase in the standardized Z-value of relative HGS, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of male individuals decreased by 2.391 mmHg (P = 0.008) and 1.229 mmHg (P = 0.025); decreased by 2.336 mmHg (P = 0.026) and 1.585 mmHg (P = 0.008), respectively, for female. The increase in HGS reduced the risk of hypertension in physical disabilities in males [OR = 0.820 95%CIs (0.670, 0.952)] (P = 0.003) and females [OR = 0.735 95%CIs (0.472, 0.986)] (P = 0.007). The HGS of middle-aged and elderly physically disabled individuals negatively correlates with blood pressure, indicating the importance of increasing muscle strength (HGS) in preventing blood pressure.

Opening the Ballot Box: Examining the Union Voting Behavior of Scholarship Football Players

Northwestern football players were the first college sports team to participate in a union certification election. The NLRB declined to assert jurisdiction and the ballots were not counted. This paper examines the nexus of factors influencing voting patterns at Northwestern based on both survey data and extensive interviews. The findings affirm and extend those from prior union voting behavior studies. Here, however, intersectionality of race and socio-economic status was a key factor. Voting also turned-on perceptions of employee status and what party or parties constituted management. Animosity toward the NCAA was close to unanimous while players were hesitant to shed negative light on Northwestern.

A Biopsychosocial Model for Understanding Training Load, Fatigue, and Musculoskeletal Sport Injury in University Athletes: A Scoping Review.

McClean, ZJ, Pasanen, K, Lun, V, Charest, J, Herzog, W, Werthner, P, Black, A, Vleuten, RV, Lacoste, E, and Jordan, MJ. A biopsychosocial model for understanding training load, fatigue, and musculoskeletal sport injury in university athletes: A scoping review. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1177-1188, 2024-The impact of musculoskeletal (MSK) injury on athlete health and performance has been studied extensively in youth sport and elite sport. Current research examining the relationship between training load, injury, and fatigue in university athletes is sparse. Furthermore, a range of contextual factors that influence the training load-fatigue-injury relationship exist, necessitating an integrative biopsychosocial model to address primary and secondary injury prevention research. The objectives of this review were (a) to review the scientific literature examining the relationship between training load, fatigue, and MSK injury in university athletes and (b) to use this review in conjunction with a transdisciplinary research team to identify biopsychosocial factors that influence MSK injury and develop an updated, holistic biopsychosocial model to inform injury prevention research and practice in university sport. Ten articles were identified for inclusion in this review. Key findings were an absence of injury surveillance methodology and contextual factors that can influence the training load-fatigue-MSK injury relationship. We highlight the inclusion of academic load, social load, and mental health load as key variables contributing to a multifactorial, gendered environmental, scientific inquiry on sport injury and reinjury in university sport. An integrative biopsychosocial model for MSK injury in university sport is presented that can be used to study the biological, psychological, and social factors that modulate injury and reinjury risk in university athletes. Finally, we provide an example of how causal inference can be used to maximize the utility of longitudinally collected observational data that is characteristic of sport performance research in university sport.

Hegemony and the National Collegiate Athletic Association: A Critical Discourse Analysis of National Collegiate Athletic Association Resources Concerning Name, Image, and Likeness

When athletes gained rights from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL), the NCAA’s historic hegemony over college sports was challenged. However, given the recency of NIL, there is minimal research on how the NCAA communicated NIL changes to its members during this time. Through the lens of hegemony theory, this research explored how the NCAA communicated its hegemony and its loss of power via its distribution of NIL resources (N = 48). Critical discourse analysis demonstrated the NCAA and its leaders predominantly employed ideological influence in their communications to members and athletes to follow NIL guidelines. This influence centered around appeals to fairness and amateurism. The NCAA also tried to use coercion to force compliance. Finally, with an increasing trend toward decentralization, the NCAA relinquished hegemony in communications that shifted control to member institutions and by requesting federal involvement.

Multidimensional impact of sport types on the psychological well-being of student athletes: A multivariate investigation

The correlation between sports participation and psychological well-being is well-documented, revealing a complex interplay influenced by competition level and cultural context. This is particularly relevant in Korea, where the university sports culture significantly impacts student life. This study evaluates how competitive versus non-competitive sports affect Korean university students' psychological well-being using a quantitative approach with SmartPLS 4 for multi-group analysis. Findings reveal that competitive sports significantly enhance mental toughness and stress management through structured coping mechanisms and robust social support, improving coping strategy effectiveness by 34 % compared to non-competitive sports. Conversely, participants in non-competitive sports experience greater general well-being with a 40 % higher use of informal support. These insights suggest that university sports programs could benefit from targeted interventions incorporating specific coping strategies and social support frameworks tailored to the competitive context. This research underscores the need for precise stress management techniques and resilience-building exercises in sports curricula to optimize psychological well-being across different sports environments in Korean universities.

College Football “Kids”: Infantilizing Language in Football Bowl Subdivision Bowl Game Broadcasts

Paternalistic institutional structures are strategically arranged to maintain locus of control and preserve male-centric patriarchal authority. A confluence of cultural, social, and legal structures perpetuates paternalism within National Collegiate Athletic Association college sport and specifically in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football. This study examined FBS bowl game broadcasts to determine the prevalence of paternalistic and infantilizing commentary. An analysis of in-game commentary from a sample of 18 FBS bowl games from the 2019 to 2020 season revealed that commentators frequently infantilize FBS football players, normalizing a paternalistic and exploitative coach–athlete relationship.

What did we learn about elite student-athlete mental health systems from the COVID-19 pandemic?

Elite student-athletes (SAs) in higher education (HE) have distinct mental health (MH) risks. The COVID-19 pandemic put pressure on systems and increased elite SA vulnerability to adverse MH outcomes.The aim...

The Effect of University News Production Practices in Large Sports Events - A Study of Zhejiang Gongshang University's Coverage of the Hangzhou Asian Games from User/Producer Perspective

The Hangzhou Asian Games, a key international sports event in 2023, provides China with an opportunity to showcase its global standing, following the Beijing Olympic Games and Shanghai World Expo. Zhejiang Gongshang University's Culture and Sports Centre serves as the handball competition venue, with about 1,200 teachers and volunteers engaged across various Asian Games sites. Despite this, the university's media impact falls short compared to peers in Hangzhou with Asian Games venues. This research explores the news production practices of universities during large-scale international sports events, focusing on improving Zhejiang Gongshang University's media coverage and influence. Utilizing in-depth interviews and The Uses and Gratifications theory, the study analyzes news production related to the Asian Games on the university's official website, social media, and newspapers. Interviews include both producers and audiences of this news.Findings indicate a disconnect between media reports and the diverse needs of media users, with news production primarily driven by informational and promotional objectives. Recommendations include diversifying themes and forms of media coverage, enhancing creativity and interactivity, adopting a proactive and strategic approach to media communication, and leveraging new media platforms for more engaging content.

Research on the Path of University Sports Service for National Fitness from a Collaborative Perspective

College sports are the core part of physical education in China, and also an important foundation for both social sports and competitive sports. In national fitness, college sports play an extremely important role and position. Research has found that university sports resources serve national fitness with advantages such as sports venues, sports talents, information resources, and environmental atmosphere; There are disadvantages such as uneven resource allocation and insufficient awareness of social services. This proposes an effective development path to promote the service of university sports resources to national fitness, aiming to provide theoretical reference for better serving national fitness with university sports resources.

Sports Injuries Support: Towards a Proposed Intervention Program for Soccer Training

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between university football students' experiences of sports injuries and rehabilitation support, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation support provided to this group. The study adopted a mixed research method combining quantitative and qualitative methods, and data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The study population consisted of 180 football students from Jiaqing College and Guangzhou Sports Institute. It was found that the students demonstrated high levels of knowledge, preparation, and application of sports injuries, as well as positive attitudes towards all aspects of rehabilitation support (including physical rehabilitation, psychological support, functional recovery, rehabilitation goals and social support). Correlation analyses with the correlation between sports injuries and rehabilitation support showed a significant positive correlation, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation support in dealing with sports injuries.

Coach Leadership Behavior and Student Athlete Performance: Towards A University Sports Leadership Program

This study investigated the correlation between coach leadership behavior and their performance in Huaihua University, Hunan Province, China with the purpose of proposing a University Sports Leadership Program. The participants in this study are college athlete athletes. Stratified sampling technique was used in the selection of participants. There was a total of 240 college athletes representing the various sports team in the university. The researcher used adapted questionnaires that assessed the leadership behavior of coaches and athlete performance respectively, using some constructs from the Leadership Scale for Sport (LSS): training and instruction, democratic decision making, autocratic decision making, social support and positive feedback and A Cross-Sport Athletic Performance Rating Scale measuring Self-motivation, Self-confidence, Emotional Stability, Athletic Ability, and Character. The overall result suggests a strong relationship, as coach leadership behavior is significantly and highly correlated with student athletes' level of performance; and The Sports Leadership Program emerged as a result of an in-depth study that revealed a strong correlation between athlete performance and coach leadership behavior. The program aims to maximize team relationships and athlete development by addressing gaps in coaching techniques that have been discovered.