Well-being Of Athletes Research Articles

Digital technologies in sports: Opportunities, challenges, and strategies for safeguarding athlete wellbeing and competitive integrity in the digital era

Digital technologies are revolutionizing operations across various industries, including the sports sector. This study employed a mixed methods approach to investigate technology adoption rates and assess the perceived impacts on performance, injuries, operations, and fan experience in 21 sports organizations. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 industry experts, providing information on decision drivers, implementation challenges, emerging innovations, and ethical considerations associated with responsible technology integration. The survey findings revealed extensive usage of analytics, wearables, management information systems, and fan engagement platforms among the sports organizations under investigation. Notably, analytics and statistics tools, along with management information systems, were identified as having the most significant influence on enhancing organizational performance and efficiency. Wearable technologies emerged as crucial tools for injury prevention through the monitoring of athlete health metrics. Insights gleaned from the expert interviews underscored the potential of emerging technologies, such as augmented reality, athlete tracking, predictive analytics, exoskeletons, and AI coaching, in the sports industry. However, experts also highlighted implementation challenges, including financial considerations, skills gaps, resistance to change, uncertainties surrounding return on investment demonstration, and ethical risks that necessitate mitigation measures. The study results indicated that data-driven systems have the capacity to improve operations and athlete outcomes; however, an over-reliance on such systems may diminish the significance of human expertise. It is imperative that responsible integration of these technologies aligns with organizational goals and values. By investigating current trends in technology adoption, assessing perceived impacts, and considering stakeholder viewpoints through an integrated methodology, this study aimed to provide evidence-based guidance for maximizing the benefits of digital transformation in a responsible manner.

Self-Compassionate Motivation and Athlete Well-Being: The Critical Role of Distress Tolerance

This cross-sectional study explored athlete responses to the Compassion Motivation and Action Scales Self-Compassion Scale, examining its relationship with well-being. Athlete (N = 207; mean age 27.9 years) scores were consistent with previous population means. Scores on the Compassion Motivation and Action Scales Self-Compassion Scale did not differ between elite and nonelite athletes, nor did they correlate significantly with trait competitiveness. Significant differences emerged based on athlete well-being state, with athletes categorized as “flourishing” scoring higher on the total score and all subscales of the Compassion Motivation and Action Scales Self-Compassion Scale, as compared with those with “moderate mental health” (Cohen’s ds from 0.58 to 0.92). Furthermore, the distress tolerance subscale significantly mediated the relationship between self-compassion intentions and well-being (indirect path: B = 0.034, p < .001). The results suggest that self-compassionate intentions are not enough, and athletes may need support to tolerate the distress that comes with moving toward one’s own suffering.

A Collective Case Study of Parent–Athlete–Coach Triads in British Youth Tennis

While important for athletic development and well-being in youth sport, knowledge remains limited around the processes underpinning triadic relationships between parents, athletes, and coaches. This study aimed to examine the relational processes that drive the functioning of parent–athlete–coach triads across three developmental stages of youth tennis. Using a collective-case-study design, 10 players, 10 coaches, and 9 mothers completed preinterview tasks and semistructured interviews and provided conversational history. Reflexive thematic analysis led to the generation of two higher order themes: foundations of relationship quality and factors enabling team effectiveness. Findings highlighted how specific relationship qualities (i.e., commitment, trust, respect, and parent–coach proximity) and team effectiveness constructs (i.e., shared goals, collaborative and adjusted roles, support, and role-specific communication) served to facilitate the tennis experience for triads. Scholars are encouraged to consider integrating small-group principles (e.g., team building) into tailored support programs that address the psychosocial needs of the triad.

Sleep duration has a limited impact on the prevalence of menstrual irregularities in athletes: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the prevalence of menstrual irregularities, energy intake, and sleep deprivation among female athletes. A total of 128 female athletes, with an average age of 19.2 ± 1.2 years, participated in the study and tracked their food intake over a three-day period. Menstrual status and sleep duration were assessed using a questionnaire, and psychological anxiety was evaluated using the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). These were measured once during the investigation. The impact of sleep status on state anxiety and daily energy intake was examined using the T-test. A generalized linear model (GLM) with a log link function was employed to investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on the presence of menstrual irregularities. As the results of the present study, sleep deprivation significant increased both state and trait anxiety (p < 0.05), as well as affecting energy intake (p < 0.05), particularly protein and carbohydrate intakes (p < 0.05). However, GLM analysis indicated that while sleep deprivation did not directly influence the prevalence of menstrual irregularities (p > 0.05), state anxiety emerged as a significant factor impacting the prevalence of menstrual irregularities (p < 0.05). The results of the present study suggest a potential pathway wherein sleep deprivation might elevate state anxiety levels, consequently indirectly contributing to an increase the probability of menstrual irregularities. In conclusion, the results of the presents study provide novels insights suggesting that sleep deprivation might directly increase state anxiety and indirectly affect the prevalence of menstrual irregularities. Hence, decreased sleep duration might be related to mental health issues and the prevalence of menstrual irregularities both significant concerns among female athletes. Future studies will play a crucial role in further elucidating how sleep patterns impact the health and well-being of female athletes.

COVID and the crisis: the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of elite athletes and their thoughts about career ending

ABSTRACT Research question This study investigates the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 on the subjective well-being of elite athletes in Germany and their thoughts about ending their careers. Research methods Using survey data from athletes who are supported by the German Sports Aid Foundation (n = 1652), the study first calculates the negative income shock experienced by elite athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic and then estimates the effects on the athletes’ subjective well-being, in the form of life satisfaction. Additionally, the study estimates the potential influence of an income shock on career ending thoughts. Results and Findings Regression results reveal that athletes, who experienced a negative income shock in 2020 reported on average lower life satisfaction overall. Life satisfaction was lower, the larger the shock and the lower the income of the athlete. Furthermore, athletes, who had a negative income shock in 2020, were more likely to ponder ending their careers in 2020. Implications The paper stresses the need for better financial funding for athletes. It also adds to the literature on career endings of athletes by suggesting that financial hardship could be a determinant for athletes to end their careers. The potential subsequent increase in dropout rates not only represents inefficiency but also signifies a loss of talent.

Incidence of injury and illness at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games held in a closed-loop environment: a prospective cohort study of 7332 athlete days

ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology of injuries and illnesses sustained during the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, organised in a closed-loop environment to adhere with COVID-19 restrictions.MethodsInjuries and illnesses from all...

Emotional well-being and success in team sports

In the fast-paced and highly competitive modern world of team sports, where success in competitions is linked to athletes' physical abilities, their emotional and mental potential, the phenomenon of athletes' emotional well-being is important. Emotional well-being refers to how well people are able to accept and manage their emotions, feelings, experiences and even cope with problems throughout life. This article presents a comprehensive theoretical, psychological analysis of the relationship and interaction between emotional well-being and successful sports results in team sports. A review of modern psychological research and publications on the problem under study is aimed at identifying the relationship between emotional competence, leadership, sports performance and emotional well-being of professional athletes in team sports. The goals of this study are to examine and reveal the relationships and interactions between emotional well-being and the performance of athletes in team sports. The tasks of this research suggest a theoretical study of the problem of emotional competence, leadership and their impact on the emotional well-being and daily functioning of team sports athletes. Using research methods including psychological assessment, interviews, surveys, and in-depth interviews, we gather the necessary data to illuminate the relationships between emotional well-being and the performance of athletes in team sports. This article includes essential research points, addresses the problem under study, reviews recent research, and highlights unsolved aspects in the field of emotional well-being of athletes in team sports. The results of the research can be used to develop educational and training programs aimed at increasing the emotional competence of athletes, to increase their effectiveness in interpersonal and group interaction and to achieve success in competitions in team sports.

Unveiling the shadows - Substance use among para-athletes: A qualitative study with Swiss elite para-athletes

Background Despite the growth of para-sport, little research has been conducted on psychotropic substance use among Swiss elite para-athletes (McDuff et al., 2019; Rice et al., 2016; Weber et al., 2022). This study is among the first to explore this under-researched area, focusing on athletes’ perceptions and mental health concerns related to substance use. Methodology Adopting a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with fifteen (N = 15) active Swiss adult elite para-athletes from nine different summer and winter sports. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the interview data, focusing on athletes' perceptions and experiences related to substance use (Guest et al., 2012). Findings On the one hand, an increase in athletic level and professionalisation seem to leave little room for the use of substances that could be detrimental to athletic performance. On the other hand, the results suggest that stress, negative emotions, physical pain, and a background of substance use may be positively associated with substance use in elite para-athletes (Lardi et al., in preparation). Conclusion The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions and support systems within athletic federations. Proposed measures include the development of comprehensive prevention strategies, regulatory frameworks, and treatment programs tailored to the unique needs of para-athletes. This study contributes valuable insights into substance use among Swiss elite para-athletes, advocating for specialized interventions to support athlete well-being.

Mental health risk and protective factors in Australian cricket

ABSTRACT Women’s participation in cricket has accelerated within Australia. Despite this trend, there is little research into the mental health risk and protective factors of elite women cricketers. The purpose of this study was to examine elite women cricketers’ perceptions of sport-based mental health risk and protective factors. Twelve women cricketers took part in individual interviews in which they discussed the mental health risk and protective factors they perceived to influence their experience. The interviews resulted in the development of 26 unique codes, from which five themes were generated: (a) resilience; (b) social support; (c) team processes; (d) mental health systems; and (e) health and body image. These results articulate the mental health risk and protective factors of elite women cricketers, and the processes, mechanisms, and settings that influence them. Considerations for protecting and treating the mental health and wellbeing of elite women athletes, specifically women cricketers, are discussed.

Application of Sport Psychology in Team Management: Improving Athlete Performance and Wellbeing

This abstract explores the critical intersection of sport psychology and team management, emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude and psychological resilience in the pursuit of athletic excellence. Beyond physical prowess, this research underscores the role of psychological factors—motivation, confidence, focus, stress management, and mental health—in determining athletic outcomes. It advocates for a holistic approach to athlete development, integrating sport psychology into team management to optimize both performance and wellbeing. Through a comprehensive examination of empirically supported psychological strategies, including mindfulness, visualization, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and motivational interviewing, the study aims to offer practical, evidence-based recommendations for teams and coaches. This includes addressing individual and team performance enhancements, psychological assessments, goal setting, and mental imagery, as well as tackling psychological challenges like injuries, eating disorders, and career transitions. The research also delves into the dynamics between individual athletes and team objectives, the pivotal coach-athlete relationship, team cohesion, and the broader implications of mental training in athletic rehabilitation. By fostering an environment where athletes can excel and maintain their mental health, this theme ventures into redefining team management paradigms through the lens of sport science and psychology.

Using imagery for acceptance and wellbeing in sport

Abstract The purpose of this article is to offer background and strategies to utilize mental imagery to enhance acceptance as a significant foundation for mental health and wellbeing in athletes. Sport possesses many threats to participants’ mental health and ability to flourish, including unrealistic expectations, pressure from others, and training demands. Although acceptance has been shown to be an important precursor to wellbeing, the prescribed culture of mental toughness in sport teaches athletes to be nonaccepting of mistakes and negative outcomes which often threaten their mental health. Athletes need to be educated and trained to practice acceptance as a strong, mature, mentally healthy response in terms of their self-perceptions, perceptions of others, and responses to external events. Mental imagery has a strong association with emotion and has been successfully used as an intervention technique to enhance physical and mental health. However, acceptance has not been an outcome of interest in most imagery interventions related to mental health, and future research on interventions to enhance acceptance is warranted. Some strategies and examples of using mental imagery to build acceptance and wellbeing are suggested.

Subjective well-being of current and former elite athletes in the German armed forces.

The German military's sports promotion group (SPG) is an entity that aims to minimize the risks inherent in elite sports careers. Risks that manifest themselves, for example, in a lack of financial resources or failed dual careers could undermine the subjective well-being (SWB) of athletes, which can have a negative impact on athletic performance. A differentiated understanding of factors that influence SWB is therefore necessary. Within the scope of a survey, a sample of n = 414 current and n = 298 former sports soldiers was generated. Linear regression models (blockwise) were used to analyze the influence of the SPG framework conditions, the influence of top sport-specific factors, and the influence of socio-demographic/socio-economic factors on the SWB of current and former sport soldiers. Current and former sports soldiers showed high satisfaction scores and were also optimistic about the future. Among current sports soldiers, men had higher SWB values. In addition, satisfaction with SPG services, satisfaction with their athletic careers, and satisfaction with their current income all influenced the athletes' SWB. Among former sports soldiers, persons in a stable partnership had higher SWB values. Furthermore, satisfaction with SPG services, a career end that was perceived as involuntary and satisfaction with current income were relevant for SWB in this cohort. This study addresses the call for a more athlete-centered approach in sports science research and the findings have several implications for organized sports to promote SWB in elite athletes.

Systematic review of motion capture in virtual reality: Enhancing the precision of sports training

In the modern era of sports training, the synergy between motion capture and Virtual Reality (VR) offers an innovative approach to enhancing training precision. This systematic review delves into the application of motion capture within VR for sports training, highlighting its transformative potential. Through a comprehensive literature search, we examined the myriad applications, from physical conditioning enhancements to accelerated rehabilitation processes. Our findings underscore the capability of real-time feedback, immersive training environments, and tailored regimes that this fusion provides. However, despite its promise, challenges such as hardware constraints, data processing complexities, and interaction interface limitations persist. Future trajectories indicate an increasing influence of AI and deep learning, promising more sophisticated hardware and a broader spectrum of applications, including niche sports disciplines. The review concludes with an emphasis on the wider societal implications, suggesting a shift towards a holistic athlete well-being approach.

Social Norms and Concussion Disclosure Behavior: Clarification of Terms and Measurement Recommendations.

Nondisclosed sport-related concussion symptoms pose a significant risk to athletes' health and well-being. Many researchers have focused on understanding the factors affecting athletes' concussion disclosure behaviors. One of the most robust predictors of the likelihood that an athlete will disclose concussion symptoms to their coaches, athletic trainers, parents, or peers is what researchers term social norms. The extant literature regarding social norms influencing concussion disclosure behaviors is inconsistent on how the construct should be defined, conceptualized, or measured, often failing to distinguish between descriptive and injunctive social norms and their sources (direct and indirect). In this technical note, we provide an overview of these critical distinctions, their importance in assessments, and examples from the literature in which scholars have correctly operationalized these constructs in athletic populations. We conclude with a brief set of suggestions for researchers seeking to measure social norms in future research.

Tackling pain and inflammation: The impact of analgesics in sports medicine

Throughout their careers, athletes frequently struggle with pain and inflammation, which frequently reduces performance and slows recovery. The use of analgesics in sports medicine is examined here, with a focus on how athletes might manage their pain and inflammation. In the opening section of the chapter, a general overview of pain and inflammation in relation to sports injuries is given, emphasizing the negative consequences these conditions have on athletic performance. We explored the numerous analgesics used in sports medicine, such as acetaminophen, opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and local anesthetics. The mode of action, indications, advantages, drawbacks, and potential side effects of each analgesic class are examined, highlighting the importance of comprehending how each affects the well-being and performance of athletes. The article also explored the effects of analgesics on athletic performance, outlining both the advantages of temporary pain relief and potential drawbacks such as hiding underlying problems or encouraging dependency. It is highlighted how crucial it is for athletes to have individualized pain management programs, as the fine line between pain management and injury aggravation is discussed. In addition, ethical issues surrounding the use of analgesics in sports, such as doping laws, fair play, and possible analgesic abuse for the purpose of enhancing performance, are discussed. To maintain the integrity of sports and safeguard athletes' wellbeing, the responsible use of and adherence to rules are strongly encouraged. This review examines integrative treatments in sports medicine, such as physical therapy, mind-body interventions, and nutritional interventions, which provide effective alternatives for managing pain and inflammation without relying primarily on analgesics in light of alternative approaches. Examples of analgesic use in sports medicine are highlighted in real-world case studies, highlighting how it affects players' careers and well-being. The review's conclusion looks at potential long-term consequences for athletes' health as well as future directions.

Experiences of Interpersonal Violence in Sport and Perceived Coaching Style Among College Athletes

Concern about interpersonal violence (IV) in sport is increasing, yet its implications remain poorly understood, particularly among currently competing college athletes. To document the self-reported prevalence of IV in college sports; identify associated risk factors; examine potential consequences associated with athletes' psychosocial well-being, emotional connection to their sport, and willingness to seek help; and explore the associations between IV reporting and perceived variations in coaching styles. This survey study analyzes results of the 2021 to 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) myPlaybook survey, which was administered from July to December 2021 to 123 colleges and universities across the US. Participants were NCAA athletes aged 18 to 25 years who were current players on an NCAA-sanctioned team. Self-reported demographic characteristics (eg, athlete gender identity and sexual orientation) and perceived differences in supportive vs abusive coaching styles (eg, athlete autonomy, team culture, and extent of abusive supervision). The primary outcome was self-reported experiences of IV in sport during the college sports career of currently competing college athletes. Types of IV considered were physical abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, and neglect or abandonment. Outcomes potentially affected by IV were assessed with 4 questionnaires. A total of 4119 athletes (mean [SD] age, 19.3 [1.5] years; 2302 males [55.9%]) completed the survey (response rate, 21.2%). One in 10 athletes (404 of 4119 [9.8%]) reported experiencing at least 1 type of IV during their college sports career, of whom two-thirds (267 [6.5%]) experienced IV within the past 6 weeks. On multivariable analysis, female gender identity (odds ratio [OR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.46-3.13), nonheterosexual sexual orientation (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.01-2.42), increasing age beyond 18 years (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.30), increasing year of NCAA eligibility beyond the first year (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.39), and participation in select sports (eg, volleyball: OR, 2.77 [95% CI, 1.34-5.72]; ice hockey: OR, 2.86 [95% CI, 1.17-6.95]) were independently associated with IV. When exposed to IV, college athletes reported experiencing consistently worse psychosocial outcomes, including increased burnout (mean difference on a 5-point Likert scale, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.86; P < .001) and an expressed desire to consider quitting their sport (mean difference, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.92; P < .001). They were not, however, less willing to seek help. Differences in coaching style were associated with differences in IV reporting. In risk-adjusted linear regression models, having a more supportive coach was associated with a 7.4 (95% CI, 6.4-8.4) absolute percentage point decrease in athletes' probability of reporting experiencing IV. In contrast, having a more abusive coach was associated with up to a 15.4 (95% CI, 13.8-17.1) absolute percentage point increase in athletes' probability of reporting experiencing IV. Results of this survey study suggest that IV is associated with marked changes in the psychosocial health and emotional well-being of college athletes, particularly those who identify as female and with nonheterosexual sexual orientations. Variations in coaching style have the potential to alter these associations. Ongoing efforts are needed to leverage the unique position that coaches hold to help reduce IV and create safe places where all college athletes can thrive.

The Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) 2023 Salary Survey

The Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) surveyed its members of collegiate strength and conditioning coaches to identify potential salary disparities in the field. The survey aimed to help coaches evaluate their roles and improve their competitive salary standing in across athletic departments nationwide. The findings are fundamental for athletic departments to assess their positioning and ensure legal compliance with compensation laws and to adequately pay employees that robustly contribute to student-athlete mental and physical wellbeing. The results highlight the evolving role of strength coaches, extending to nutrition and athlete wellbeing, and informs salary decisions, aligning with market trends. The survey underscores the need for equitable compensation standards and ongoing industry engagement to advance the profession.

Pilot randomized controlled trial of a game-based intervention for teaching basketball in Chinese primary school physical education

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of implementing a tailored version of the MASTER coach education programme in Chinese primary schools to support physical education (PE) teachers’ basketball lesson design and delivery. A total of 20 primary schools in Beijing, China were recruited, with one PE teacher and their class (N = 715 students aged 10–13 yrs) from each school included in the study and randomly allocated to the MASTER intervention (n = 10) or control group (n = 10). Compared to the control group, a significant difference was observed in the MASTER group for the proportion of playing-form activities delivered during PE (27.65, 95% CI [20.27, 35.03]) and for teachers’ perceptions of confidence (23.92, 95% CI [15.87, 31.92]) and competence (24.12, 95% CI [10.28, 24.71]) to teach. Significant differences between groups were observed for students’ perceived athletic competence (3.56%; 95% CI [3.15, 3.96]), enjoyment (11.83%; 95% CI [10.98, 12.69]), well-being (8.51%; 95% CI [7.02, 10.00]), intrinsic motivation (+0.74%; 95% CI [0.30, 1.17]), introjected motivation (−2.24%; 95% CI [−2.77, −1.70]), and external motivation (−0.49%; 95% CI [−0.90, −0.08]). The MASTER programme was effective in improving teaching practices in Chinese primary schools, and in facilitating improvements in teacher and student outcomes.

The Effects of Social Support on Athlete Burnout and Well-Being in Female Collegiate Athletes.

Psychological concerns, such as athlete burnout and diminished well-being, have become a more recognized problem among collegiate student-athletes due to substantial demands. The purpose of this study was to determine if (1)an association exists between athlete burnout and well-being in female collegiate student-athletes and (2)social support has a main or buffering-effect on well-being and athlete burnout. Cross-sectional. 174 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female collegiate student-athletes were recruited from a single institution to participate. A web-based survey was distributed via Qualtrics during the middle of an academic semester. The following scales were utilized to evaluate social support, athlete burnout, and well-being: Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire, Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, and Warwick Edinburgh Metal Well-Being Scale. Correlation analyses presented a significant negative, moderate correlation (r = -.58, P < .001) between athlete burnout and well-being as well as between social support and athlete burnout (r = -.526, P < .001). A moderate, positive correlation was identified between social support and well-being (r = .604, P < .001). Social support was a significant predictor for reduced sense of accomplishment (F1,172 = 68.32, P < .001), physical and emotional exhaustion (F1,172 = 22.00, P < .001), sport devaluation (F1,172 = 56.51, P < .001), and well-being (F1,172 = 115.3, P < .001). Findings provide new information on theory-based considerations for reducing athlete burnout and improving well-being in female collegiate student-athletes.

Knowledge and practice of preparticipation physical evaluation of Saudi primary care physicians in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

The preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) monograph is a vital resource for medical providers aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes during sports participation by screening for injuries and disease risk factors. However, the concept of PPE is relatively new in Saudi Arabia, where primary care physicians (PCPs) often lack the proper training for it. This study's aim was to assess PCPs' knowledge and practice of PPE and identify associated factors. A self-administrated web-based questionnaire was distributed to PCPs in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire covered the various aspects of PPE knowledge (including general principles, components, contraindications of sports participation, concerning history and physical findings, electrocardiography interpretations, and ethical considerations) as well as PPE practice. Initial treatment of data included descriptive statistics.; Chi-square tes or Fisher's exact test as, as appropriate, were used to determine association of knowledge and practices with various independent variables. Of the 240 contacted PCPs, 192 responded yielding a response rate of 80%; 50.5% had no prior PPE training. About 43% of the PCPs had not encountered PPE during their examination, but the remainder performed monthly PPE. Notably, 82.8% demonstrated a poor level of knowledge regarding PPE and only 43% had a satisfactory level of practice. This study revealed that a significant proportion of PCPs displayed poor knowledge of PPE and <½ of our sample showed satisfactory practice levels. Recommendations to establish the local guidelines regarding PPE for PCPs to follow should be emphasized and PPE training integrated into both undergraduate and postgraduate family medicine curricula. These measures are crucial for the enhancement of the safety of athletes in Saudi Arabia.