Success In Sport Research Articles

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF CONFIDENCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE ON TRACK AND FIELD STUDENT-ATHLETES

Psychological performance is a crucial ingredient for athletes’ success in sport. In many research reviews, researchers have found that low level of self-confidence can have deteriorating effect on athletes’ performance. However, to date there has been very limited research to examine self confidence level and psychological performance according to the levels of skills, especially on track and field athletes. The main aim of the study was to compare and correlate the self-confidence and psychological performance level among track and field athletes who represent national, state, district and university level during Sport between Universities event. Data was collected from 77 student-athletes, using Self Confidence and Psychological Performance Inventory (PPI). The results showed that national level athletes obtained the highest score on self-confidence, F (3, 77) = 15.212, and psychological sport performance F (3, 77) = 13.442. Positive correlation (r=0.007) existed between self-confidence and psychological performance. Based on the current results, it is recommended that sport psychologists, sport counsellors and coaches in Malaysia use the findings to design appropriate training programs to help athletes acquire higher level of self-confidence to enhance athletes’ psychological performance in sports.

Corellation Between Education and Football Club's Performance

Performance management is the tools for a sport organisation to measure their success. Previous studies have argued that a country’s success in sports is influenced by socio-economic factors that happen in that country. However, the factors that are used to determine the levels of success for football clubs are not necessarily the same, or bear the same weight. This study analyzes the influence of education in football clubs’ performance. The novelty of this work is that football clubs is treated as a business company that using measured performance indicator, cost efficiency and education as variables and determinants. Using an empirical analysis, the presented idea is to identify specific factors that raise football club’s success by means of several econometric specifications using panel data for European football clubs which playing in UEFA’s competition. It is found an evidence that education and football club’s expenditure caused to the sport performance. However, the club’s performance would be declining if it is influenced by certain part of education factor.

O.6.2-4 Please stop claiming that elite sport influences the general population to practice physical activity!

Abstract Purpose The Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organisation Committee claims that “another impact of the Games on society is reflected in the increase in the practice of sports”. Decision-makers and policymakers still use the trickle-down effect to legitimize spending public money to support elite sport events and/or to finance elite sport programs/athletes. We therefore wanted to investigate if this effect was not a myth. Methods We conducted structured Boolean searches across five electronic databases (Pubmed, JSTOR, Web of Sciences, Sportdiscus, and PsycInfo) from January 2000 to August 2021 using the following equation: ((“elite” OR “high level” OR “performance”) OR (“Olympic*” AND *Games”) AND (“sport” OR “athletes” OR “players”)) AND ((“physical activit*” OR “sport” OR “exercise”) AND (“participation” OR “practice”)). We also conducted manual searches using the reference lists of the recovered records. Peer-reviewed studies in English were included if the effects of hosting elite sport events, elite sport success, and elite sport role-modelling on physical activity (PA) or sport practice in the general population were measured. Results We identified 12,563 articles and included 36 articles. Most studies used data from the United Kingdom (n = 10), Australia (n = 5), Canada (n = 4), and multiple countries (studies using data from several countries) (n = 4). Seven articles investigated more than one effect of elite sport. Most studies investigated the effect of hosting elite sport events (n = 27), followed by elite sport success (n = 16) and elite sport role-modelling (n = 3). Most studies did not observe an effect of hosting elite sport events, elite sport success, or elite sport role-modelling on PA/sport practice in the general population. We also did not observe any evidence of elite sport effects according to the age range, the geographical scale, or time. Conclusions There is no evidence supporting an effect of elite sport in increasing PA or sport participation in the general population. Decision-makers and policymakers should not use the tickle-down effect of elite sport to legitimize spending public money to support elite sport events and/or to finance elite sport programs/athletes. They should invest in other strategies such as those recommended by the World Health Organization.

Exploring Cross-Cultural Differences in Fundamental Motor Skills Proficiency Between Polish and Latvian Children

Abstract Introduction. Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are a critical component of success in various sports and lifelong physical activity (PA). This study aimed to evaluate and compare the FMS proficiency levels of 7-9-year-old children from Poland and Latvia, providing insights into the current state of motor competence in these populations. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study design was utilized, incorporating a sample of 163 boys and girls. The FUS test (Fundamental Motor Skills in Sport), a comprehensive, qualitative, and process-oriented assessment tool was used to assess FMS. The FUS test encompassed a range of movement tasks, including hurdles, jumping rope, forward roll, ball bouncing, ball throwing and catching, and kicking and stopping a ball that allows for a thorough evaluation of FMS proficiency. Results. The study revealed alarmingly low FMS proficiency levels in both countries, with 93.3% of students displaying ‘insufficient FMS proficiency’. The Mann-Whitney U test showed that Latvian boys outperformed their Polish peers in jumping rope and forward roll (p < 0.05), while Polish boys exhibited superior results in kicking and stopping a ball (p < 0.05). In contrast, Polish girls achieved significantly higher scores in hurdles and kicking and stopping a ball (p < 0.05) compared to Latvian girls, who scored higher in jumping rope (p < 0.05). Conclusions. These findings highlight the urgent need for effective, evidence-based interventions to improve motor competence in both countries, emphasizing the importance of incorporating FMS development into physical education curricula and promoting regular PA for children.

Type a personality and nutritional behaviours of competitive basketball players

Introduction. Type A personality pattern (TAPP) is related to, among others, strong rivalry and struggle for achievements, which are features that fit into sports competition. One of the determinants of sports success is a proper diet. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the level of type A personality behavioural pattern and nutritional behaviours of basketball players. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted among 165 high-level basketball players. An author-designed nutritional behaviour questionnaire (according to the recommendations of the Food Pyramid for Swiss Athletes) and the Framingham Score in the Polish adaptation were used. Spearman's rank correlation and the Mann-Whitney U tests were applied for the analysis of the results. Results. The study confirmed that along with the increase in TAPP, the healthy eating behaviour index among basketball players increased, although it did not reach the level of statistical significance (p=0.080). Comparison of TAPP levels between groups that adhered to or disregarded particular nutritional recommendations showed that athletes limiting the consumption of non-recommended products (sweetened carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, energy drinks, fast food, and sweet and salty snacks) demonstrated a higher level of type A behaviours than those who did not follow these recommendations (p<0.001). At the same time, however, athletes consuming fish at the recommended frequency and taking care of adequate hydration during training had lower levels of TAPP than those who did not follow these recommendations (p<0.05). Conclusions. A positive relationship was found between the intensity of TAPP and the healthy eating behaviour index (without the level of statistical significance), but the results were not entirely unambiguous, which suggests the validity of further research.

It’s about inspiring the greater community to continue supporting this sector: Elite sport success as a main policy objective for disability sport promotion in ASEAN member states

ABSTRACT Promoting sport participation among people with disabilities is often counted as one of the policy priorities of the national government as well as a main activity of sport for development initiatives to aid the Global South. However, little is known about specific systems, policy, history, and plans for disability sport promotion understood by disability sport administrators in the Global South. The current study focused on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and aimed to explore how ASEAN government officials perceive the status of sport for people with disabilities. Representatives from nine ASEAN member countries participated in individual semi-structured interviews. The results of thematic analysis generated three themes: (1) Perceived lack of disability awareness and disability sport recognition; (2) Elite sport successes address problems at hand; and (3) Elite sport success to motivate funders. These themes suggest that successes in elite sports are of central importance for sport promotion among people with disabilities in ASEAN countries because they perceive that elite sport success can raise disability awareness, popularise disability sport, and motivate funders. Also, Paralympic success is viewed as an opportunity for them to demonstrate success otherwise unattainable in the Olympics. Some of the participants’ accounts appear to go against the current knowledge generated in the Global North; however, as funding is important to develop disability sport administration, it might be inevitable for them to continue promoting elite sport success for now.

Kawa model on mental health, sports and physical performance: A mini review

Successful sports performance is characterized by psychological, physical, technical, and tactical factors. Of these factors, the psychological factor is typically ignored despite contributing more than 50% toward success in sporting performance. This review aimed to introduce the Kawa model as a new methodology to promote sports and physical performance through developing mental health ability. The Kawa model is developed by occupational therapists and used to promote mental health ability in individuals by enabling self-awareness of their difficulties and exploring possible solutions. It consists of the following five elements: water, river banks, rocks, driftwood, and space. This research would further explore the usage of the Kawa model in addressing various psychological issues and how these improvements can enhance sports and physical performance. The literature search was performed by using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus as a database with specific keywords. In conclusion, this research provides an overview of the potential for the use of the Kawa model in promoting mental health ability included self-awareness, self-understanding, goal-setting, self-efficacy, stress and anxiety control for sports and physical performance and lays the foundation for future research in this area.

Injury prevention in ladies Gaelic football referees: Understanding the barriers, facilitators, and preferences of referees

ObjectivesThe injury prevalence in Gaelic games refereeing is high, however few are adopting injury prevention programmes. This study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators to injury prevention strategy success and determine Ladies Gaelic Football referees’ preferences for injury prevention strategies and education. DesignSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 Ladies Gaelic Football referees (10 men, 1 woman). Two were club level, two were provincial level and 7 were national level referees. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and reflexive thematic analysis was completed. This analysis involved examining the data repeatedly and gradually developing sub-themes, themes, and categories related to each core concept. ResultsThe barriers to injury prevention success included negative attitudes, accessibility issues, lack of education, the state of refereeing and undesirable injury prevention strategy characteristics. Injury prevention promotion, suitable strategy characteristics and open communication were believed to facilitate success. Referees gave their preferences for injury prevention programmes, strategy logistics, and stakeholder roles along with their preferred topics, delivery, educators, characteristics, rollout, and timing for injury prevention education. ConclusionsReducing referee injury is critical to the success of Ladies Gaelic Football and other community sports. Governing bodies must develop and support injury prevention programmes and education for referees. These should be designed according to referees’ preferences and consider the barriers and facilitators referees have identified to maximise adoption.

Prenatal androgenization (2D:4D) predictions of tennis match-play success in junior players: A search for physiological explanations.

This study aims to investigate the possible association between digit ratio (2D:4D) and match-play success (MPS) in junior tennis players. In addition, we consider the possible explanatory pathways of these associations in relation to psychological, strength, power, and hormonal parameters. We performed a cross-sectional study, with a sample comprised of 64 male junior tennis players (11-18 years old). Digit ratio was calculated from direct finger measurements. In addition, we measured the ratio of wins by number of matches played in 5 years of official competition (MPS), handgrip strength (HGS), standing long jump (SLJ), training (in weekly hours), and expertise (number of years in official competition). Salivary testosterone and cortisol levels were measured before and after physical "challenge" tests. The 2D:4D correlated negatively with HGS and SLJ. MPS was also negatively associated with 2D:4D, but was positively correlated to HGS, expertise, training, and self-confidence (SC). Multiple linear regression showed 2D:4D and expertise were associated with MPS (43%-54%). None of the physical, or hormonal variables tested explained the links between 2D:4D and MPS. Therefore, the specific fitness components influenced by prenatal androgenization that moderate sports success remain unknown. Future studies should explore the interaction of 2D:4D, with tennis exercises as a challenge to induce hormonal change, the effect of pubertal stage, and the influence of aerobic endurance in determining MPS.

Birthplace as a factor of influence for the sporting success of Brazilian Olympic gymnasts

The main objective of this study was to identify the population and socioeconomic profile of the place of birth of Brazilian Olympic gymnasts in the three gymnastics disciplines that are part of the Olympic Games program (Men's and Women's Artistic Gymnastics, individual and team Rhythmic Gymnastics, and Men's and Women's Trampoline Gymnastics) and their relationship with international sporting success. This study was characterized as descriptive, with a quantitative approach using the following analysis factors: State of the country, Region of the country, Number of inhabitants, Demographic Density, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, and Municipal Human Development Index (MDI). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study is original in that it gathers diverse information about athletes who represented Brazil in different editions of the Olympic Games in a specific group of sports and contributes to understanding factors that influence international sports success for gymnastics modalities in the Brazilian context. The data indicate that Brazilian Olympic gymnasts from cities in the South and Southeast regions of the country, with more than 100,001 inhabitants, with a demographic density greater than 1869.37 inhabitants/km2, and with a high or very high HDI are more likely to achieve international sporting success. We believe that this study can contribute to future studies to analyze the influence of environmental factors on sporting success, especially in the Brazilian context.

Goals and Success in Sport: The Perspectives of Parents and Adolescent Girls in Kayaking.

Setting objectives and evaluating success are intrinsically linked to motivation in sports and behavior during training and competition. According to social cognitive theory, the perception of success is divided into "task" and "ego", which indicate an inner orientation versus an external perspective when analyzing an athlete's achievements. These impressions can be influenced by various factors such as maturity level, gender, and the type of activity in which they participate. The current study compares perceptions of success among parents and adolescent girls competing in kayaking in Israel. To this end, a qualitative study was conducted with 20 in-depth interviews emphasizing goal setting and individual perceptions of success. The research findings reveal that contrary to previous studies, there is a perceptual gap between the two groups, with parents measuring success primarily in terms of enjoyment and self-fulfillment, and girls referring to perceived success in the context of achievements. It was also found that there is a discrepancy between setting goals and defining success, following experience and interactions within the training. The article discusses the reasons behind these gaps and the potential ramifications for sports activity and participation.

Exploring the subjective beliefs of expert coaches on ‘talent’ and player selection in German table tennis

Player development programmes in sports are considered crucial pillars for the development of young players and countries’ international sporting success. As resources are limited, coaches preferably decide which players to select for these programmes at a young age. This is particularly true for early-starting sports such as table tennis. However, the selection criteria used by coaches and the decision-making processes in player selection contexts are widely unknown. To address this gap, we conducted 15 in-depth semi-structured interviews with table tennis coaches with high expertise in the identification and development of talented young players. Here we show that the concept of ‘talent’ and the process of player selection in table tennis are highly complex phenomena with three main areas of interest identified: (a) general aspects regarding ‘talent’ (in table tennis), (b) specific selection criteria including individual as well as environmental aspects, and (c) the process of player selection. One main finding is that coaches see ‘talent’ as dependent on various factors including (relative) age, maturation as well as practice and previous experience. Furthermore, coaches appear to include both individual (e.g., technical skills) and environmental criteria (e.g., parents’ support) in their decision-making process. Finally, the interviews revealed that player selection decisions are usually made by multiple coaches during group meetings, suggesting the relevance of group processes and dynamics. In summary, this study provides new findings regarding the understanding and discovery of ‘talent’ in table tennis that can help practitioners and open new avenues for further research on player selection in sports.

Identity in elite level disability sport: a systematic review and meta-study of qualitative research

ABSTRACT This meta-study evaluated qualitative identity literature within elite disabled sport. Following a systematic search of EBSCO SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, nine articles met the inclusion criteria. The meta-study examined how identity was framed from participant or author perspectives, employing narrative analysis to understand the participant stories and broader storylines crafted by authors. Two distinct narratives were co-constructed; Re-birth: characterising athlete identity experiences and how overcoming career challenges developed traits necessary for elite athlete status, and Tragedy: how authors’ interpretations indicated that although athletes achieved personal sporting success, the ‘bigger battle’ of how disability was presented within society remained. The Re-birth and Tragedy narratives update the prospective gap between how elite disability athletes story their experiences and their framing within society.

THE HISTORICAL ASPECT OF DUAL CAREER IN EU AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN LATVIA

From the information of organisations EUSA (2020), EAS (2022) and FISU (2022) documents, it is indicated that dual careers have been one of the priorities at the EU level in the last decade. Today's complex conditions in the world and in Latvia require paying more attention to Dual career support for student-athletes. Mentor support centres are being created for this in the world. There is no such centre in Latvia yet. The time of an athlete's career is short, so support is needed for students-athletes both for successful studies and high sports achievements.The purpose of the article is to explore the historical formation and growth opportunities of Dual Career in Latvia.Materials and methods. Theoretical method – Analysis of theoretical sources and documents. The study analyses Dual career terminology, historical formation in the world and Dual career opportunities in Latvia. The support of University Sports Centres and mentor centre is needed to provide up-to-date information to student-athletes. Important information for the creation of a dual career centre is identified Within the framework of FISU-NUSF Projects 2022 – Establishment of a Dual Career Mentor Centre in Latvia.

The Effect of Creative and Traditional Games on Motor Coordination and Creativity in Action and Movement in Girls 6 to 7 Years Old

Background and Aims Creative solutions are essential to success in sports, the development of talent, and the selection system, and it is important to be flourished in the early years. On the other hand, the play environment is one of the most effective environments in supporting the motor creativity of preschool children. This study aimed to investigate the effect of creative and traditional games on motor coordination and creativity in action and movement in girls aged 6 to 7 years. Methods The present quasi-experimental study is an applied study that was conducted with a pretest-posttest design. A total of 107 girls aged 6-7 years were selected by the available sampling method based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into two creative and traditional games. Demographic questionnaire, thinking creatively in action and movement (TCAM) test, motor coordination test (The Körperkoordinations test für kinder [KTK]), and motor games were used. The practice protocol included creative movement games such as crab-style walking relief competition, bubble game, hungry wolf, play with small colored balls, balloon games, and traditional games. For the pretest and posttest, the TCAM and KTK tests were performed. Data were analyzed using combined factor analysis of variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc test using SPSS software, version 22. Results The results showed that the main effect of the evaluation steps was significant (P=0.001) for the motor coordination variable and was better in both groups posttest in the motor coordination test. The main effect of the group is significant (P=0.001), and the creative exercise group had better motor coordination in the posttest. The interaction effect of the group in the evaluation stages is significant (P=0.001). The average total score of creativity and components of fluidity, initiation, and imagination in the posttest was higher in the pretest, and the creative game group obtained higher scores in these components. Performing creative games had a more significant effect on children’s creativity, movement, and physical coordination than traditional games. Conclusion The children’s physical coordination and motor creativity increase with the practice of creative games. Children’s motor creativity skills, especially mental skills, and their originality and imagination are supported through play. It is better to use creative practice and games to develop children’s mental and motor skills during school physical education hours.

Economic contribution and sport success through the sale of homegrown football players from the five European major leagues

Introduction: European team presumes to have a great development project to feed their first team and to create elite players. Objective:Building on a dataset of homegrown player transfers, national football league’s revenues, and European football revenues from the 2015/2016 season to the 2020/2021 season inside the five major leagues (LaLiga, Premier League, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and Serie A).Materials and methods: Were exanimated 74 football teams in to know how profitable their projects were. Results and discussion:Results show that does not exist only one way to take advantage of developing homegrown football players. Conclusions: These results vary according to each football club’s objectives, which could be different with the passing of the years.

Talent Identification and Development in Youth Sports: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Talent has traditionally been associated with the concept of an athlete's essential conditions for success. Longitudinal studies can assess characteristics associated with performance while evaluating changes and developments over time. Therefore, the goal of this review was to identify and summarize the longitudinal literature that addresses the impact of the development of potential talent indicators in childhood/adolescence on later success in elite sports. Methods: Accordingly, the search methodology of this systematic synthesis review was guided by the preferred reporting points for systematic reviews. Articles were included that examined child/adolescent development over time of potential talent indicators for success in future elite athletes. A total of six manuscripts were fully reviewed. Results: Overall, the results of these studies show that the findings are inconclusive and that talent indicators have changed over time, with this change having a different pace and intensity depending on the growth spurt. Conclusion: The result of this systematic review shows that it is not possible to say whether talent can be identified in children/adolescents in relation to success in elite sports. This is due to the non-linear development of adolescents and the emerging, dynamic, and symbiotic conceptualization of talent.

Foreign players, team production, and technical efficiency: Evidence from European soccer

AbstractAs on‐field success is nowadays the main objective of European soccer clubs, good management needs to extract the highest sport success from the squad talent at hand. Because teams differ in their quality, performance needs to be compared with the best practice of comparable units. One remarkable source of heterogeneity across teams is the squad composition, which can produce gains from diversity together with communication costs. The paper studies the efficiency in sporting performance of soccer teams, paying attention to how the number of foreign players relates to productive inefficiency. Using data for 146 teams in the top 5 European leagues during 10 seasons, we estimate a double heteroskedastic True Random Effects Stochastic Frontier team production function. We find that (i) the number of passes, ball recoveries, and shots from the penalty area improve team efficiency, and (ii) a higher number of foreign players increase inefficiency. Our findings suggest that gains from squad diversity might be offset by communication costs.

Reasons for sports discontinuation: a retrospective analysis of the physical activity in medical students

Objective: to study the prevalence of school sports activities and the reasons of retirement from sport among first-year medical students.Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 851 students (577 girls and 274 boys) entered Medical School in the period of 2016-2022 using the questionnaire data.Results: 79.9 % boys responded positively on the question about their past physical activities and sport in comparison with 71.1 % girls (р = 0,0064). At the time of the survey 257 students had retired from sport (40,9 % of all young men involving into sport during school time), more frequent among girls compared with boys (46,6 % and 30,1 % respectively, р = 0,0001). Injures and diseases led to early retirement from sport in 13.2 % of students. The most common reason of sports retirement was other reasons (more than 50 % of students), while the lack of sports success occurred 11–18 times rarer, as were physical difficulties in endurance of sport activities. 34,2 % of the respondents retired from sport noted some health disorders at the questioning moment, the rate of them was significantly higher than among students continuing sport trainings. The same results were obtained in the quantity of subjective health complaints (р < 0,05 for both genders). Correlation analysis revealed that both past (r = 0,10) and present (r = 0,12) physical activity increased the health level (р < 0,05) and also reduced the M. Luscher color test index (r = -0,069 и r = -0,098 respectively).Conclusion: Health disorders remain the common problem among first-year students, however sports activity increases the health level and decreases the psychoemotional strain. Sports injury and health disorders were among the most frequent and differential causes of retirement from sport.

Comparative Analysis of Body Composition Profiles among Latin American Elite Football Players Competing in Europe

It has yet to be determined whether or not differences in body composition are present between international and non-international players playing in the same elite professional club competition. Similarly, it is not yet clear whether or not differences in body composition exist according to ethnic origin where relative homogeneity is to be expected among soccer players. There is no single anthropometric profile that guarantees sporting success, as success differs according to characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the description, comparison, and correlation of the body composition profile of Latin American professional football players playing in European leagues. The sample was composed of 238 Latin American male football players from European professional football leagues of Spain, Italy and England during the competition period. Differences were found in all measures. The present study shows that Latin American professional football players playing in Europe have significant differences in various body composition variables such as weight, height, WC, skinfold and fat values. This means that training, revalidation after injury and the classifications of sporting performance carried out in European football clubs should take into account the anthropometric difference between Latin American and European players.