Sport Intervention Research Articles

Shuttle Time for Seniors: The Impact of 8-Week Structured Badminton Training on Markers of Healthy Aging and Evaluation of Lived Experiences-A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Engagement in sport offers the potential for improved physical and psychological well-being and has been shown to be beneficial for promoting healthy aging. Opportunities for older adults to (re)engage with sport are limited by a paucity of age-appropriate introductory sports intervention programs. As such, the study evaluated the efficacy of a newly designed 8-week badminton training program (Shuttle Time for Seniors) on markers of healthy aging and the lived experiences of participation. Forty-three older adults assigned to a control (N = 20) or intervention group (N = 23) completed pre-post assessment of physical and cognitive function, self-efficacy for exercise, and well-being. Focus groups were conducted for program evaluation and to understand barriers and enablers to sustained participation. Those in the intervention group increased upper body strength, aerobic fitness, coincidence anticipation time, and self-efficacy for exercise. Objectively improved physical and cognitive functions were corroborated by perceived benefits indicated in thematic analysis. Shuttle Time for Seniors was perceived as appropriate for the population, where the age-appropriate opportunity to participate with likeminded people of similar ability was a primary motivator to engagement. Despite willingness to continue playing, lack of badminton infrastructure was a primary barrier to continued engagement. Shuttle Time for Seniors offered an important opportunity for older adults to (re)engage with badminton, where the physical and psychosocial benefits of group-based badminton improved facets important to healthy aging. Significance/Implications: Age-appropriate introductory intervention programs provide opportunity for older adults to (re)engage with sport. However, important barriers to long-term engagement need to be addressed from a whole systems perspective.

The impact of an exercise and sport intervention on cognitive function and pain among forcibly displaced individuals at risk for PTSD: a secondary analysis of the SALEEM randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIn response to the global scope of forced displacement, international organizations highlight the need of scalable solutions to support individuals’ health and integration into host societies. Exposure to high mental and physical stress perceived before, during, and after displacement can impair functional capabilities, essential for adapting to a new environment. This secondary analysis examined the impact of an exercise and sport intervention on cognitive function and pain severity among individuals living in a refugee camp in Greece.MethodsWe implemented a randomized controlled trial involving n = 142 (52.8% women) forcibly displaced individuals from Southwest Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Participants were randomly assigned to a waitlist or a 10-week co-designed exercise and sport intervention with a 1:1 allocation rate between groups and sexes. Assessments at baseline and follow-up included the Flanker task, the Oddball paradigm, pain severity via visual analog scales, and the Åstrand-Rhyming indirect test of maximal oxygen uptake. We analyzed the intervention effects using structural equation modeling.ResultsOur findings did not indicate a direct intervention effect on cognitive function or pain (p ≥ .332). However, the intervention group significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness, ß = .17, p = .010, which was associated with faster reaction times in cognitive tasks, ß = − .22, p = .004. Moreover, there was some evidence that adherence might be linked to reduced pain severity, ß = − .14, p = .065.ConclusionsExercise and sport did not directly impact cognitive function and pain severity among a sociodemographically diverse sample living in a refugee camp, suggesting the need for complementary measures. Nevertheless, our results indicate that improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness benefit aspects of attention.Trial registrationThe study was approved by the local ethics committee of the University of Thessaly (no. 39) and registered prospectively on February 8, 2021 at the ISRCTN registry (no. 16291983).

Designing sport and physical activity interventions for children and adolescents with ADHD: a conceptual framework

Designing sport and physical activity interventions for children and adolescents with ADHD: a conceptual framework

Risk, harm, and the enhanced games: Whose job is harm reduction?

The Enhanced Games (TEG) have drawn interest from sports organizations, athletes, media, fans, and academics since they were first announced as a possibility. TEG not only presents a shift in how enhancement is approached, but it also turns the entire logic of anti-doping on its head and adopts an approach intended to support enhanced athletes and reduce the risks they may otherwise face in sport. This change was why here I will both concur with Andrew Richardson's general view on harm reduction and challenge some of the points around risk, harm, and responsibility. Specifically, I argue that many of the risks posed to athletes result from anti-doping itself and that by shining a light on enhanced performance TEG are already doing more to reduce those harms than other sport interventions in recent decades.

A systematic Review of the Impact of Open and Closed Sports Interventions on Executive Function in Individuals with ADHD

A systematic Review of the Impact of Open and Closed Sports Interventions on Executive Function in Individuals with ADHD

Local Public Policies in the Field of Sports: A Systematic Review of the Literature from the SDG

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate public policies on sports at the local level, with the aim of highlighting the importance of sports as a tool for social development, inclusion, and community well-being. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a systematic review of the literature. The study design followed the PRISMA guidelines and included an analysis of articles found in the Web of Sciences, Scopus, Wiley, and EBSCO databases. Data collection was carried out through the compilation and analysis of key studies, focusing on trends, approaches, and challenges in research on state intervention in local sports. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed significant trends in the importance of sports as a tool for social development, inclusion, and community well-being. The review identified various approaches and challenges present in the research on state intervention in local sports. Specifically, the studies conducted in Latin American contexts provided a critical and regional perspective on the subject. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of local sports policies. These implications could encompass the enhancement of social inclusion, the promotion of community well-being, and the development of effective public policies on sports. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines, highlighting the originality of the research through its comprehensive analysis of key studies. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its critical and regional perspective on public policies on sports in Latin America, offering new discoveries and practical contributions that may impact the area of study or professional practice. The systematic analysis identifies areas of opportunity and gaps in current research, providing a solid foundation for future studies in the field of local sports policies.

Systematic development of an injury and illness prevention programme for athletes with a physical impairment: the TIPAS study

Background/aimThe participation of individuals with physical impairment in sports has numerous benefits, yet there is also the risk of sustaining sport-related injuries or illnesses. Therefore, prevention programmes of these problems...

Cultural variation in self-assessment in athletes: towards the development of culturally-grounded approach in sports psychology

ABSTRACT Sports psychologists have assumed that, to achieve success in sports, all athletes must motivate themselves by viewing themselves positively (self-enhancement) and objectively analyzing their weaknesses to improve their performance (self-improvement). However, cross-cultural psychologists revealed that the type of motivation varies based on culture. North Americans tend to view themselves positively, whereas East Asians are likely to see themselves objectively. If these cultural variations are applicable to athletes, exploring how culture influences motivation in athletes will help create culturally fit interventions in sports. As such, the current studies examined cultural variations in motivation by selectively focusing on motivation in athletes participating in team and open-skills sports. Overall, the results revealed cultural variations in athletes’ motivation regarding their attention to positive and negative information about the self; as such, culturally fine-tuned theories for athletes are suggested.

Impact Of Early Childhood Sports Intervention on The Discovery of Physical Fitness Potential of Young Children: Jiang Xi Province

This study highlights the significance of forming lifelong physical activity habits at a young age by investigating the effects of early childhood sports intervention on young children's capacity for physical fitness in Jiangxi Province, China. The study looks at physical strength, flexibility, coordination, and cardiovascular health using a quantitative methodology that includes surveys and objective evaluations. Partial Least Squares regression is used for analysis. The results show that sports intervention programmes have a positive impact on participants' potential for physical fitness as well as their emotional, social, and cognitive development. While practical implications place an emphasis on policy integration and community partnerships, theoretical implications depend on a variety of theories to understand developmental outcomes. Nonetheless certain limitations, such as the cross-sectional design, the study offers insightful information about how sports intervention might promote children's well-being and suggests future research directions to improve generalizability and deepen understanding.

Refined Feasibility Testing of an 8-Week Sport and Physical Activity Intervention in a Rural Middle School.

This study examines how the 8-week Hoosier Sport program impacts cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks by promoting physical activity (PA) among rural, low-income children. Using a human-centered participatory co-design approach, the program aimed to increase PA levels (e.g., total PA, daily steps) in at-risk children. The present study explored the feasibility of the intervention as well as physiological and psychological changes across the intervention using a hybrid type 2 design (a model that evaluates both the effectiveness of an intervention and its implementation in real-world settings). Favorable feasibility indicators like attendance, acceptability, and compliance, with a 23.3% recruitment rate and 94.3% retention rate, were observed. Moreover, participants attended over 80% of sessions across the 8 weeks. Accelerometers (AX3) tracked daily steps and total PA for 7 days before and after the intervention, revealing increased PA levels throughout. At post-intervention, notable improvements were observed in psychological factors such as autonomy, social competence, and global self-worth. This study highlights the importance of tailored PA interventions in schools, emphasizing their potential to improve PA levels among rural, low-income children.

Physical activity and exercise motivation of multiple myeloma patients: a prospective cross-sectional study.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy with its prevalence increasing. Patients with symptomatic MM can show numerous comorbidities, affecting their quality of life (QoL). Physical activity (PA) may improve QoL but is not a standardized intervention of comprehensive cancer centers (CCCs). Since data on the PA of patients with MM are scarce, we aimed to prospectively assess fitness levels and patients' motivation to join PA-interventions at our CCC. We generated an exercise questionnaire to interview consecutive patients MM. We prospectively collected data on (a) past and current PA, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, (b) knowledge on exercise effects, (c) exercise motivation, and (d) willingness to participate in PA-interventions. Demographics, comorbidities, response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed in 211 symptomatic patients MM. While our patients were elderly and most showed bone involvement, their PA was similar to healthy individuals. Aerobic PA (≥ 60 minutes/week) was performed by 65%, and 25% exercised ≥ 150 minutes/week. WHO PA recommendations were fulfilled by 17% of patients. No sport activities or complete physical inactivity were observed in 35% and 16%, respectively. Notably, 38% were motivated to join MM-specific sport interventions. Self-reported knowledge of PA-induced benefits for patients cancer was high (82%), but only 27% knew which exercises were safe to perform. This study provides an overview of the PA of patients MM. Our results suggest that the PA of patients MM might not be much lower than in the age-matched general population.

Placebo and Nocebo Effects on Sports and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Literature Review Update.

Sports performance could be affected by placebo and nocebo effects. The last literature review on placebo and nocebo effects on sports and exercise performance was published in 2019. In the past five years, several new studies have been published. This review aimed to update the previous synthesis and evaluate the results of new studies focusing on placebo or nocebo interventions in sports and exercise by determining the form and magnitude of their effect. Hence, we searched for empirical studies published from 2019 until the end of May 2024 indexed in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Google Scholar databases. The search yielded 20 eligible studies with control or baseline-control conditions, focusing on nutritional, mechanical, and other mixed ergogenic aids. They yielded small to large placebo effects (Cohen's d) for nutritional (d = 0.86), mechanical (d = 0.38), cream and gel (d = 0.05), and open-label placebo (d = 0.16) interventions. The pooled effect size for placebo effects was moderate to large (d = 0.67), larger than in the earlier review, suggesting that placebo effects can improve motor performance even more than previously reported. However, based on five measures from three studies, the nocebo effects were almost twice as large (d = 1.20). Accordingly, the current findings support and expand the last review in the field by yielding additional support for placebo and nocebo effects in sports and exercise.

Neuropsychological analysis of anxiety and executive control of motor patterns in athletes and non-athletes

IntroductionEven simple tapping tasks require cognitive processes. Some variants of the Finger Tapping Test (FTT) may reveal cognitive aspects associated with frontal processing, including executive functions such as inhibition, or emotional aspects such as anxiety. A context of particular interest for the application of cognitive-motor-anxiety interactions is sports. Although athletes generally exhibit better anxiety levels, they may experience heightened anxiety before important competitions. The problem lies in determining whether the application of anxiety control techniques can be useful in pre-competition situations, given the lack of quick and easy methods to detect if an athlete is experiencing anxiety at a particular moment.MethodsThis exploratory study evaluated anxiety using online versions of questionnaires (ISRA, the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, and STAI) and applied a variant of the FTT to 204 participants, both athletes and non-athletes. The scores were compared and correlated.ResultsAthletes exhibited lower general anxiety and greater cognitive resistance to interference (better cognitive inhibition). Non-athletes displayed a particular parameter in the FTT variant that differed from the one obtained by athletes and exhibited higher anxiety levels. In the athletes’ group only, anxiety was correlated with a specific parameter of the FTT task.DiscussionOur conclusion is that this parameter holds potential relevance in elite sports performance to detect if an athlete is experiencing anxiety. It could be of particular interest in psychological interventions in sports. Further investigation is warranted to fully explore this potential.

Clinical efficacy of a new type of Sports Rehabilitation Therapy Bed.

To prove that the "sports rehabilitation bed" is a device aimed at improving the precision of stretching, which can help to reduce the difficulty of rehabilitation therapy, cut down the manpower input of rehabilitation therapy, and shorten the therapy duration as well. This was a clinical comparative study. Twenty patients who underwent stretching therapy in Sichuan Province Orthopedic Hospital from June 2020 to August 2020 were randomly selected to carry out a control study on both lower extremities. The experimental group was given sports rehabilitation bed to assist rehabilitation therapy, while the control group was given conventional bare-handed stretching rehabilitation therapy. The stretching angle, stretching value, and the effective rate of stretching therapy between the two groups to analyze the clinical value of the new sports rehabilitation therapy bed. The stretching angle in the experimental group when using the sports rehabilitation therapy bed for stretching was lower than the conventional bare-handed stretching in the control group (T<0, P=0.05), with a statistically significant difference; the stretching values of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.01), with a statistically significant difference. Moreover, the response rate of stretching therapy in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05), with a statistically significant difference. Sports rehabilitation therapy beds can results in the advantages of effectively preventing iatrogenic injury in the process of stretching, and providing a more accurate and convenient stretching therapy method than the current commonly used bare-handed stretching for sports rehabilitation and intervention.

Using sport and physical activity interventions to develop life skills and reduce delinquency in youth: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Purpose Disadvantaged youth are confronted with a disproportionate number of risk factors and stressors that can predict youth delinquency and negative behaviours as an adult. Life skills developed through physical activity and sport programmes (PAS) have been identified as a way to provide protective factors for those at risk of, or involved in, youth delinquency. Method A systematic search of nine electronic databases was conducted to collate and evidence the impact of life skills developed through sport and physical activity-based programmes targeting youth at risk of or involved in youth delinquency. Results The search identified 15 studies across three different intervention levels (primary, secondary, and tertiary), reporting the effects of life skills development on youth at risk of, or involved in youth delinquency. The current evidence base for understanding the development of life skills through PAS programmes is positive but sparse. Conclusion Recommendations have been made for future research and include understanding the impact on personal and social identity, exploring the use of gender specific strategies and investigating the effectiveness of delivery staff.

Modified sports interventions for children and adolescents with disabilities: A scoping review.

To establish the scope of the literature on modified sports interventions for children and adolescents with disabilities. For this scoping review, articles were screened and the characteristics of studies were extracted. The modified sports interventions were described in terms of their structure, using the items of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication. Components of intervention treatment were described by using the language of the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System. Results were analysed and validated by a group of professionals, using the Public and Patient Involvement strategy. Twelve studies were eligible for inclusion, investigating interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and other conditions. Most studies presented a moderate level of evidence. Active ingredients were repeated sports-related motor training and introduction to the sport through a 'learning by action' mechanism. The intervention target was gross motor skills performance, and intervention aims (indirect outcomes) were physical activity participation and different body functions. The inclusion of stakeholders in this review helped to validate our findings about the characteristics and structure of modified sports interventions, to identify research gaps, and to provide a step process for clinical implementation. Future investigations are warranted of the effectiveness of modified sports investigations with better quality studies, including participation outcomes and studies with non-ambulant children. Modified sports interventions target sport-related skills performance and aim to achieve physical activity participation and body functions. These interventions included group-based, sports-related motor skills training and introduction to sports in real-world environments. They are offered mostly for ambulant children with autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy. Most studies of modified sports interventions presented moderate level of evidence.

A Practical Approach for Ischemic Preconditioning Intervention in Sports: A Pilot Study for Cuff Thigh Occlusion Pressure Estimation Based on Systolic Blood Pressure.

For the ischemic preconditioning (IPC) intervention, the accuracy of the protocol is paramount for mediating its possible ergogenic effects. However, the lack of standardization and widespread use of arbitrary cuff pressures (ranging from 130 to >300 mmHg) have been predominantly observed, potentially affecting the results and compromising the reproducibility of findings. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine an appropriate cuff pressure during IPC. Seventeen healthy male participants were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric measurements were initially conducted, followed by systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements. Subsequently, we determined the individual thigh occlusion pressure (TOP) for the right leg using a hand-held Doppler device. Based on these findings, we developed an estimation equation for TOP, considering the current brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP) values. We then conducted a retrospective analysis of its capacity to mediate occlusion. We observed the ability to estimate TOP using the equation (p = 0.01; ES: 0.86), presenting ~6% superiority in absolute values for occlusion compared to direct measurement (TOP equation: 169.9 ± 9.1; TOP direct measured: 161.2 ± 11.1). However, TOP estimation was insufficient to produce complete occlusion in two out of 17 subjects (11.8%). In conclusion, the estimation of TOP incorporating SBP values may offer a valid and practical means for cuff administration during IPC protocols with potential to minimize adverse effects and maximize its positive effects.

Bystander Intervention in Football and Sports. A Quasi-Experimental Feasibility Study of a Bystander Violence Prevention Program in the United Kingdom.

In recent years, social campaigns and high-profile cases have brought increased attention to violence against women. Athletes can be role models, shaping both prosocial and antisocial attitudes. Their engagement in violence prevention could be an effective tool to tackle violence against women through bystander intervention. This part of a mixed-method feasibility study reports on the quantitative evaluation of an evidence-led bystander program, Football Onside, implemented at a football club in South West England in June 2018 to February 2020. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with intervention and control groups. Football coaches and club members (n = 50) completed measures of rape and domestic abuse myths, bystander intent and efficacy, self-reported bystander behaviors, readiness for change, perceptions of peer helping and myth acceptance, law knowledge, and program evaluation. Fidelity was also assessed. The analysis compared between- and within-group differences in mean changes over time using mixed-effects models. Participant ratings of learning outcomes were high, and fidelity was maintained throughout the intervention. Between-group comparison revealed mixed results, with greater improvements in the intervention group for bystander intent and efficacy at post-test and follow-up, domestic abuse myths at post-test, and rape myth acceptance at follow-up. Model contrasts for within intervention group revealed improvements in rape and domestic abuse myth acceptance, bystander intent and efficacy, perceived law knowledge at both time points, and perceived peer myths and helping at post-test. At follow-up, intervention participants reported significantly higher engagement in bystander behaviors. No significant effects were found for perceived importance of legal knowledge. Our research highlights the potential efficacy of a bystander program tailored for football club members. Cluster-randomized control trials are now required to examine bystander attitudes and behavior change processes among professional athletes.

Sport and exercise-based interventions for young people in alternative provisions ‘what, where, how, and for who’: a realist review

ABSTRACT Pupils in alternative provisions face unique educational, health, economic, and behavioural challenges. Sport and exercise-based interventions represent an innovative means of addressing these challenges. However, given the sparsity of peer-reviewed research, little is known regarding the what, how, and for whom, that facilitates successful intervention implementation. The purpose of this realist review is to address this gap and provide recommendations as to how interventions can be implemented successfully. Due to the absence of peer-reviewed literature; evidence was drawn from wider fields including interventions conducted in mainstream schools including children with similar characteristics to the target population. Nine initial-rough-programme-theories were developed including two rival theories. These data are formed to highlight the interweaving interactions within context-mechanism-outcome configurations. Sport and exercise-based interventions can influence pupils’ academic attainment, attendance, and relationships by promoting citizenship, facilitating exposure to green environments, and fostering belongingness. However, circumstances exist where changes in context or mechanism can result in contrasting outcomes. The context-mechanism-outcome configurations formed the foundations of the recommendations made to intervention developers and implementers aiming at making sport and exercise-based interventions in alternative provisions accessible and successful. Finally, findings of this paper are underpinned by the fundamental need for adequate space and resources within alternative provisions.

Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on youth with internet addiction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To assess the overall effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on internet addiction (IA) in youth. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception to April 1, 2023 were searched in Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, and WanFang Data. Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Sixty-six studies performed from 2007 to 2023, with a total of 4,385 participants, were identified. The NPIs included group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, sports intervention, combined interventions, eHealth, educational intervention, positive psychology intervention, sand play intervention, and electrotherapy. The results revealed that NPIs significantly reduced IA levels (standardized mean difference, SMD: -2.01, 95% confidence interval, CI: -2.29 to -1.73, I2 = 93.0%), anxiety levels (SMD: -1.07, 95%CI: -1.41 to -0.73, I2 = 72.4%), depression levels (SMD: -1.11, 95%CI: -1.52 to -0.7, I2 = 84.3%), and SCL-90 (SMD: -0.75, 95%CI: -0.97 to -0.54, I2 = 27.7%). Subgroup analysis stratified by intervention measure showed that cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, sports intervention, combined intervention, educational intervention, positive psychology intervention, sandplay intervention, and mobile health were all effective in relieving symptoms of IA except electrotherapy. NPIs appear to be effective in the treatment of IA in youth, which would act as an alternative treatment of IA. Further studies with larger sample sizes and robust designs are needed.