The purpose of the present study was to compare the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), affective (Feeling Scale), and remembered enjoyment (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale) responses following different exercise intensities/patterns and to investigate possible associations with physiological parameters in active adults. In a randomized crossover trial, 16 active adults (29.9 ± 3.2 years; 8 males/8 females) performed three different conditions: moderate continuous exercise (MCE) at 70% lactate threshold (LT), heavy continuous exercise (HCE) at 10% of the difference between LT and VO peak, and heavy interval exercise (HIE) wherein intensity matched HCE but performed as 1-minute on:off with stationary rest in between. RPE (CR10) and affect were evaluated during exercise while remembered enjoyment was assessed at the end of each exercise session. Average RPE was significantly different ( = .001; η = .744) between all three exercise modalities (MCE = 2.6 ± 0.8, HCE = 5.1 ± 1.0; HIE = 3.5 ± 0.9; ≤.001). Average affect during exercise was also significantly different ( = .001; η = .427) with post hoc testing revealing lower affect for HCE compared to MCE ( = .002) and HIE ( = .008). Similar results were observed for affect nadir (lowest affect during exercise; MCE = 3.1 ± 1.3; HCE = 1.2 ± 1.7; HIE = 2.4 ± 1.6;  = .001; η = .470). Remembered enjoyment was not statistically different between modalities (MCE = 98 ± 18; HCE = 96 ± 17; HIE = 100 ± 16;  = .468; η = .049), but more people preferred HCE (10/16; 62.5%) compared with both HIE (4/16; 25%) and MCE (2/16; 12.5%) ( = .039): Despite the higher average RPE and lower affect during HCE, no difference was observed for remembered exercise enjoyment, and active individuals seem to prefer this exercise modality compared with HIE or MCE.

This study assessed changes in the sprint force-velocity (Fv) profile of young football players according to their maturity status following an 8-week plyometric training program. Jump (CMJ) and sprint performance (5-m and 30-m) of 34 players were evaluated, and the sprint Fv profile was calculated. Participants were categorized based on their years from/to peak height velocity (PHV). The training program included three football-specific training sessions and two strength-training sessions with plyometric exercises per week. MANOVA revealed initial differences between maturity groups in body mass, height, 5-m and 30-m sprint times, CMJ, and sprint Fv variables, though the overall profile remained consistent (same slope). Repeated-measures analysis showed a positive effect of the training program (F = 12.18-72.07;  < .001), with improvements in CMJ, 5-m and 30-m sprint times (Cohen's  = 0.41 to 0.54;  < .050), and sprint mechanical variables (except for a decrease in the ratio of force). Multivariate analysis did not reveal between-group differences in changes post-training (F = 0.05-3.79;  = .060-.826), and standardized effects indicated trivial to small differences in adaptations to the training. This study identified differences in the sprint Fv profile among players of varying maturity status. However, players across different maturity levels improved their sprint Fv profiles similarly, suggesting comparable training responses.

We investigated associations between sport participation and depressive and anxiety symptoms among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents, considering social positions and experiences of bias-based bullying specific to sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression (SOGIE-BB). TGD adolescents ( = 10,454) completed a school survey. Adolescents in eighth, ninth, or 11 grade self-reported sports team participation, elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms, experiencing past-month SOGIE-BB, specific gender identity, race/ethnicity, and access to resources. We identified groups with highest prevalences of elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms by sports team participation (any/none), experiences of SOGIE-BB (any/none), and social positions using Exhaustive Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detections. Via post-hoc tests, we determined whether prevalences differed between adolescents with the same social positions 1) without SOGIE-BB, 2) with sports participation, and 3) without SOGIE-BB and with sports participation. Experiencing SOGIE-BB comprised each of the highest prevalence elevated depressive and anxiety groups. Four of 7 groups with elevated depressive symptoms and 3 of 4 groups with elevated anxiety symptoms reported no sports participation. Among adolescents sharing social positions, experiencing no SOGIE-BB was significantly associated with lower prevalences of elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms. Sports participation was also significantly associated with lower prevalences of elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms, including when experiencing SOGIE-BB. This was true for all but two high prevalence groups. Sports team participation is associated with better mental health among TGD adolescents. Experiencing SOGIE-BB is associated with higher mental health risks. Promoting sports participation and preventing SOGIE-BB could each enhance TGD adolescents' well-being.

Adults with disabilities can benefit from physical activity. Athletic activity for adults with disabilities requires adaptation to their physical and/or intellectual limitations. However, few adaptive, inclusive sports programs exist for power wheelchair users. A multi-method, qualitative case-study design was used to describe the experiences of athlete participation in powerful wheelchair adaptive team sports, specifically, soccer and volt hockey. Ten qualitative interviews with 5 players from the US and 5 from Scandinavia explored player experiences with adaptive team sports. The authors assessed overall health once using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Survey (WHOQOL-BREF). Subsequent heart rate data were collected from players while at rest and during adaptive team sport scrimmages. Four qualitative themes described adults with disability experiences: Community; Personal gain; Competition; and Barriers. WHOQOL-BREF means averaged 60 points for all four domains, no significant differences existed between US and Scandinavian players. Heart rate data demonstrated a significant increase in heart rate during scrimmage compared to rest. Adaptive team sports provided participants with valuable social interaction, decreased isolation, and increased opportunities for mentorship and advocacy. Participants reported personal gain related to mental, emotional, and physical benefits not found elsewhere. Competition allowed participants to set both team and individual goals for improvement. Barriers to play concerned equipment, volunteers, and ableist attitudes.

The aim of the study was to gain insight into the time course of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS)-induced inflammatory and endocrine factors over 72 h. Twelve healthy individuals (5 men, 7 women; 33.0 ± 12 years) randomly performed a single 20-minute high-intensity WB-EMS and a time- and intensity-matched whole-body circuit training (CT) with a 3-week wash-out period. Blood samples were taken pre- and post-training and at 1.5, 3, 24, 48 and 72 h after exercise to assess creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin, and creatinine, cell populations (red and white blood cells [RBC, WBC], thrombocytes), cytokines (interleukin IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [MCP-1]), angiogenic factors (IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], thrombospondin), adipokines (leptin, adiponectin), and hormones (testosterone, cortisol). WB-EMS induced significant CK elevations peaking at 72 h (WB-EMS, 18,358 ± 21,380 vs. CT, 186 ± 129 U/l; time × group, < .001) and increased MCP-1 after 3 h (time × group, < .05). Both protocols induced similar effects on WBC, RBC, IL-1Ra, IL-8, leptin, and cortisol (overall time effect, all < .01). WBC increased at 1.5 and 3 h ( < .001) and RBC decreased over 72 h ( < .05). IL-1Ra peaked at 1.5 h ( < .01) and IL-8 was elevated at 3-72 h ( < .05). The cortisol and leptin decreases lasted up to 48 and 72 h, respectively ( < .05). Despite inducing muscle damage, a single of high-intensity WB-EMS session did not lead to significantly different inflammatory and hormonal signaling compared to an acute aerobic CT session. Prolonged studies are needed to investigate whether regular WB-EMS leads to more pronounced training adaptations despite similar signaling signatures.

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of concurrent training (CT) on the mental health of inactive academics and examined associations between changes in stress (effort-reward imbalance and general stress), depressive symptoms and systemic inflammation. Fifty-nine inactive academics were randomly assigned to a CT ( = 29) or control (non-exercise) group ( = 30). CT performed supervised group training at an onsite facility 3 times per week for 14-weeks. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (job specific and general), and systemic inflammation (Interleukin-6 and Tumor necrosis factor-α) were measured pre and post intervention, and ecological momentary assessment of wellness measures was conducted before and during the last 2-weeks of the intervention. An effort-reward imbalance was evident before (CT, 1.26 ± 0.37; control; 1.22 ± 0.47) and after (CT, 1.16 ± 0.31; control; 1.21 ± 0.35) training, with no interaction effect ( > .05). Following CT, symptoms of depression decreased in the CT group ( = .009) with no change in control ( = .463). There were positive correlations between changes in stress and symptoms of depression ( < .05), but no relationship between changes in systemic inflammation and changes in stress or depression ( > .05). CT can decrease symptoms of depression in inactive academics despite the continued presence of an effort-reward imbalance. These findings may be important for universities aiming to improve the mental health of currently inactive academics.

The aim of the study was to examine physiological and cardiometabolic effects of 12 weeks of walking football (played 2 × 20 min) in physically inactive older adults. Thirty-three volunteers completed the study (men  = 11, women = 22) were enrolled with a mean age of 74.0 ± 5.7 years. Baseline tests included blood pressure, waist circumference, body composition, blood samples, balance, estimated VO, mobility, grip strength and vertical jump height. Grip strength was significantly higher at the posttest (32.7 ± 7.8 kg vs. 30.7 ± 7.7 kg ( < .005)), and the walking/turning speed was faster making the time to complete the Timed Up and Go test significant shorter at the posttest (6.07 ± 1.0 s vs. 6.87 ± 1.0 s ( < .001)). Waist circumference was lower at the posttest (91.8 ± 13.3 cm vs. 93.9 ± 13.9 cm ( < .001)). HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher at posttest (2.19 ± 1.36 mmol/L vs. 1.98 ± 0.89 mmol/L ( < .005)). HbA1c significantly decreased posttest (39 ± 1.2 mmol/mol vs. 38 ± 5.8 mmol/mol ( < .028)). Walking football for older adults is associated with positive changes in cardiometabolic and physiological variables.

This study aimed to determine elite and poor performance for each offensive and defensive position group on every physical test performed at the NFL Scouting Combine Descriptive statistics were calculated as well as independent samples t-tests for the 15 position groups relative to their performance in the NFL Scouting Combine tests, including: (a) 40-yard Dash, (b) Vertical Jump, (c) Bench Press, (d) Broad Jump, (e) Three-cone Drill, and (f) Shuttle Run. Each player's height and weight were also analyzed. The 15 position groups include Quarterbacks ( = 206), Fullbacks ( = 64), Running Backs ( = 314), Wide Receivers ( = 501), Tight Ends ( = 187), Offensive Tackles ( = 279), Guards ( = 198), Centers ( = 99), Cornerbacks ( = 374), Free Safeties ( = 132), Strong Safeties ( = 129), Outside Linebackers ( = 273), Inside Linebackers ( = 162), Defensive Ends ( = 280), and Defensive Tackles ( = 273). For each of the 15 position groups, there was at least one NFL Scouting Combine test result that had a statistically significant difference at the  < .05 or  < .001 level when comparing players who averaged playing in at least 10 games per season versus those that played in less than 10 games. The results of this study provide knowledge of which physical test is essential for each offensive and defensive position and can be helpful for those charged with making player personnel decisions in NFL organizations.

This study examined the most demanding passages (MDP) of composite kinematic and mechanical activities in professional soccer according to positions. Global positioning system data were collected from 39 male soccer players across two seasons. Kinematic and mechanical MDP were identified by composite MDPk (maximal distance covered across moderate- and high-speed running and sprinting thresholds) and MDPm (maximal magnitude of high-intensity acceleration and deceleration efforts) criterion variables across 5 min moving average periods. Linear mixed models assessed the intensity, number of efforts, and duration of specific locomotor activities of each MDP by position. The kinematic MDP showed higher intensity, effort count, and relative duration of MDPk activities than mechanical MDP (p ≤ 0.001; ES: 0.7-1.7). Conversely, MDPm activities had greater magnitude, efforts, and relative duration in mechanical MDP (ES: 1.9-2.0). Similar constituent variable compositions were observed between peak periods. The MDPk comprised ~60 ± 16% moderate-speed running, ~30 ± 11% high-speed running, and ~14 ± 8% sprinting distances; MDPm included ~35 ± 23% and ~65 ± 23% high-intensity accelerations and decelerations. Positional differences revealed central defenders had lower, while full-backs and wide-midfielders had higher, MDP values. Findings from this study highlight the multidimensional characteristics of composite peak kinematic and mechanical periods in professional soccer. The differential contribution of low- and high-intensity locomotor activities during such periods, in terms of magnitude, number of efforts, and duration, should be considered by practitioners. Such insight can inform effective position-specific training prescription as well as bespoke recovery strategies based on the MDP observed during match play.

The timing of physical activity has been associated with weight and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in adults. However, few studies have tested associations in young adults, who are biologically and behaviorally different from adults. Young adults (18-35 yr) enrolled in a weight management program provided body mass index (BMI) and 4-7days of ActiGraph accelerometer wear time at baseline. Activity time of day was divided into the following quartiles: morning (06:00-11:59), afternoon (12:00-15:59), evening (16:00-18:59), and night (19:00-00:59). The proportion of weekly MVPA minutes occurring in each time category was used to predict BMI and total weekly MVPA using linear regression models. Marginal trends were estimated for the full sample and by sex. The analytic sample ( = 408, mAge = 23.8±4.5, mBMI = 31.1±4.4) was 79% female, 49% non-Hispanic White, with a mean weekly MVPA of 311±167minutes. MVPA timing was associated with total weekly MVPA but not BMI. Afternoon MVPA was inversely associated with total weekly MVPA in women (-1.72 [95% CI: -3.19, -0.26] min). When considering only bouted MVPA as a predictor, morning (all: 1.43 [95% CI: 0.86, 2.00] min) and night (women: 0.87 [95% CI: 0.15, 1.58] min) MVPA were positively associated with total weekly MVPA. Activity-based interventions designed to improve behavioral health may be improved by providing time-based recommendations tailored to the demographic characteristics of the target population. For example, morning may be an optimal time for both female and male young adults to engage in bouted physical activity to improve total weekly activity levels.

This study aimed to describe the basic coordination patterns and their changes during successful and unsuccessful shooting in floorball among young players. A sample of 10 participants (5 male, 5 female; age 13.5 ± 0.7 years, height 164.7 ± 6.1 cm, body mass 54.2 ± 10.4 kg) was recruited from three floorball clubs. Participants were instructed to shoot accurately at a 0.25 m × 0.25 m target from 4 meters. Kinematic data were captured using 10 motion-analysis cameras, and coordination patterns and variability between head and trunk segments were assessed. Mean coupling angles and their standard deviation were calculated using a modified vector coding technique. A linear mixed model and effect size statistics identified differences between shot accuracy categories. The results showed no statistically significant differences in head and trunk positioning across shooting categories. Coordination analysis indicated that shooting success depends on whether the movement is led by the head or the trunk, with successful shots involving a coupled action between head and trunk movements, dominated by the head, highlighting its crucial role in executing the shooting task.

Australian Football (AF) is a fast-paced contact invasion sport that requires players to execute a variety of kicks to effectively pass the football and score a goal. Current assessment of elite senior kicking skills in AF is confined to isolated and static skill tests that do not adequately represent match-like skill demands. The purpose of this study is to overcome the test design issues currently present in elite senior testing protocols, within the applied setting, and assess the validity and reliability of a modified Level-3 Australian football field-based dynamic kicking assessment (AFFB-DKA) for senior elite AF players. Construct validity was assessed using 24 elite football players (12 elite seniors and 12 national juniors) with a comparison of mean test scores across different skill standards. The results demonstrated a significant difference between elite-senior and national-junior groups ( =  <.001). Test-retest reliability was assessed with the national-junior group ( = 12) over two consecutive sessions. Mean scores demonstrated an ICC value of 0.95 (CI 0.85-0.98) and a CV of 4.9%. This study demonstrated a high level of construct validity by effectively distinguishing the kicking skill between elite-senior and elite-junior skill groups. The modified AFFB-DKA also possessed an acceptable level of reliability and thus provides coaches, recruitersand sport science staff with a measurement tool to effectively assess kicking skill performance in elite senior AF.

Current evidence regarding the benefits of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) on postural stability and jump performance remains inconsistent and to the best of our knowledge, there is no study comparing the effectiveness of different vibration frequencies on trunk muscle strength. This study was conducted to determine the effect of whole-body vibration training with different vibration frequency on isokinetic trunk muscle strength, postural stability and jump performance in physically inactive and minimally active healthy female adults. Forty-five females were randomly assigned to 45 hz WBV group ( = 15), 25 hz WBV ( = 15) group and control exercise group without WBV (0 hz group,  = 15). Individuals in each group completed a 6-week trunk-based exercise program at the specified vibration frequency. Concentric and eccentric strength of trunk flexor and extensor muscles, postural stability and jump performance were assessed before and after the training period. There were significant group by time interactions in concentric and eccentric trunk muscle strength. Interaction effects showed no significant differences in postural stability and vertical jump performance. However, post hoc analyses revealed that all three groups significantly improved vertical jump height. These findings suggest that WBV combined with exercise training were effective to enhance the strength of trunk muscles in physically inactive and minimally active women. Nevertheless, WBV exercise training performed in this study had no significant impact on postural stability and jump performance.: NCT05014958 (Pre-registired).

Today's children are experiencing a secular decline in gross motor skill development, resulting in developmental delays (DD). Understanding which development facets affect gross motor DD presentation supports prevention strategies. This study explored the influence of executive function, self-concept, and others associated with gross motor DD in preschool-aged children with and without disabilities. Participants ( = 660; Girls = 310; Boys = 370;  = 64.07,  = 9.12 months) included children enrolled in general ( = 627) or self-contained ( = 33) classrooms. Participants were categorized as severe DD (%ile = 0-9), DD (10-27 %ile), or no DD (28 + %ile) based on Test of Gross Motor Development-3, and a logistical regression model was fitted to examine the contributions of variables on gross motor DD. A higher score in perceived movement competence significantly lowered the odds of severe DD ((654) = -3.24, 0.001, Wald = -6.49). A higher score in social skills significantly lowered the odds of severe DD ((654) = -2.04, 0.04, Wald = -4.07). A higher score in problem behavior had a non-significant influence on severe DD ((654) = -0.05, 0.96, Wald = -0.09). A higher score in attention significantly lowered severe DD ((654) = -3.06, 0.002, Wald = -6.13). Those in a self-contained classroom had higher odds of severe DD ((654) = 4.70, 0.0001, Wald = 9.39). Prevention intervention programs should consider the multiple facets of development when supporting children's trajectories for health.

: Physical activity (PA) and mental health (MH) are priorities for health promotion during early adolescence. This study explored associations between intrinsic motivation for PA, exercise attitudes, PA and MH in young adolescents. : Participants were 315 students (M = 11.41; SD = 2.09; 45.1% girls) conveniently sampled from two private British schools in Dubai. Data were collected via a survey and analyzed using structural equation modeling. : As hypothesized, higher intrinsic motivation was directly associated with more favorable exercise attitudes, and attitudes was directly associated with increased PA. Unexpectedly, however, PA was not associated with better MH outcomes. A better fitting model was specified in which attitudes was directly associated with both PA and MH. : Further research examining associations between exercise attitudes, PA, and MH in young adolescents is warranted.

To evaluate the cross-sectional association of physical activity during pregnancy with gestational weight gain and verify if associations are modified by levels of sleep duration and efficiency. Mothers who were participants of the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort study were analyzed. Physical activity (PA) and sleep were measured using the nondominant wrist accelerometer model wGT3X-BT (ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL). Moderate-to-vigorous activities were measured in bouts of 5 minutes (MVPA 5-min bout). Activities were characterized as sustained and overall physical activity was expressed in mg, and MVPA (non-bouted) activities were characterized as not sustained. Sleep was presented as minute bouts, sleep time window, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency. Gestational weight gain (GWG) was calculated by a woman's weight at the end of gestation minus the pre-pregnancy weight. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between PA and GWG. Stratification by sleep characteristics in tertiles was performed. The analytical sample included 1,938 women with information for PA, sleep, and GWG. The mean GWG was 12,030 g (SD = 6658.8). After adjustments, for every 15 minutes of sustained physical activity (MVPA 5-min bout), the GWG decreased by 591.3 g [β= -591.3 (95%CI: -1,147.1; -35.5). A statistically significant association was observed between 15 minutes of sustained physical activity (MVPA 5-min bout) and GWG in the second and third tertiles of healthier sleep efficiency. MVPA with 5-min bouts is associated with lower GWG. The GWG reduction was greater in the higher sleep efficiency strata.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of plyometric (PT) or strength (ST) training on change of direction (COD) performance at two differing angles among highly trained youth footballers. Seventy-one national-level youth football players (14.6 ± 1.8 years) were randomly allocated to either an 8-week, twice weekly, plyometric (PT) or strength training (ST) group. Pre- and post-intervention testing consisted of measures of COD performance at 45 and 180º, as well as maximal strength assessed via Trap Bar Deadlift 5RM (TBD5RM) and reactive strength index (RSI) from a 40 cm drop jump, respectively. Changes from pre- to post-testing were assessed via mixed ANOVAs ( ≤ .05) and effect sizes. Both training groups improved TBD5RM (PT = 7.8%,  < .001, ES = 0.32. ST = 6.9%,  < .001, ES = 0.28) and RSI (PT = 15.9%,  < .001, ES = 0.59. ST = 15.6%,  < .001, ES = 0.64) measures. Significant improvement in 45° COD performance was found for both training groups (PT = 4.0%,  < .001, ES = -0.68. ST = 3.6%, < .001, ES = -0.61), whilst neither group improved at 180° (PT = 0.8%,  = .192, ES = -0.17. ST = 0.8%, = .282, ES = -0.23). No significant differences in changes were found between training groups. Both PT and ST were effective at enhancing maximal and explosive strength as well as COD performance measured at shallow angles. Neither method enhanced the sharp angle COD performance.

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of three warm-up protocols, with and without post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE), on sprint and vertical jump performance in female athletes. Twenty-five university futsal athletes were randomly assigned to three protocols: i) Traditional Warm-Up (TWU), involving cardiovascular, coordination exercises, and dynamic stretching; ii) Drop Jump Warm-Up (DJWU), consisting of drop jumps from heights of 30 and 40 cm; and iii) Maximum Isometric Warm-Up (MIWU), with high-intensity isometric contractions held for 10 seconds in a squat position at approximately 130-135 degrees of knee flexion. Tests included the countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) and a 20-meter sprint (S20). The CMVJ showed a significant increase across all three groups (F(1,72) = 125.312;  < .0001; ηp = 0.635), while S20 displayed a significant time reduction only for MIWU ( = .002). Although no significant differences were found between groups, individual analysis revealed significant CMVJ differences for TWU, DJWU, and MIWU ( < .0001). We conclude that PAPE effectiveness varies according to protocol and individual athlete characteristics; however, maximum isometric exercises appear to have a more pronounced effect on PAPE production in sprint performance.

The present study employed individualized magnitudes of electroencephalographic (EEG) alpha (8-12 hz) power in the left temporal (T3) region as a neurofeedback target parameter during the aiming period in pre-elite air pistol shooters to determine its effectiveness on cerebral cortical activation and performance accuracy compared to physical skill training, only. Shooting scores and EEG activity in the left and right temporal regions were collected from 20 healthy air pistol shooters (10 assigned to neurofeedback training) before and after a 16-session intervention completed within 6 weeks. Specifically, EEG low-alpha (8-10 hz), high-alpha (10-13 hz) power, and coherence obtained at the T3-Fz and T4-Fz recording sites over three consecutive 1-s intervals prior to trigger pull, were subjected to three separate 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 (Group x Hemisphere x Time x Epoch) ANOVAs. The neurofeedback group exhibited elevated low- and high-alpha EEG power across both temporal regions, but no differences in EEG broad-band alpha coherence, accompanied by enhanced performance after the intervention compared to the control group. The findings support the influence of neurofeedback training on cerebral cortical arousal and performance of a precision-aiming task, however, the influence of the neurofeedback on brain dynamics (i.e. alpha power) extended beyond the targeted region as a nonspecific manifestation of cerebral cortical inhibition leading to neural efficiency at the homologous sites.

An ecological niche is a field in a landscape of affordances, rich in information inviting its inhabitants to develop functionality and effectiveness of their behavior. This idea means that, in sports like soccer, the playing area encapsulates an ecological niche, replete with affordances inviting collective and individual technical-tactical actions, contextualized with associated psychological and physical demands. To examine the co-adaptive relationships framing players' actions in their ecological niche, the present study employed a crossover design with repeated measures to compare the players' transactions within 11 vs. 11 training games across four different field dimensions (from official size to a small-sided game). Player transactions with the performance environment were analyzed across 40 game sequences, using 10Hz GPS positional data. Metrics such as convex hull dimensions, field occupancy, and proximity to opponents were derived. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant differences between tendencies for forming synergies constrained by field dimensions scaling. When field size was reduced, the convex hull dimension significantly decreased. Additionally, relative field occupancy and distance to nearest opponent exhibited significant changes, especially when contrasted with performance transactions emerging on the official size field. These observations underline the essential functional relationship between the playing field dimension and emergent player actions. Such findings underscore the need for soccer coaches and training designers to integrate the specificity of field dimension scaling in training designs to represent competitive performance contexts. Data analytics deriving spatial constraint values from competitive matches may help researchers and practitioners improve task representativeness in practice and performance preparation, supporting the optimality of training niches in soccer.

The benefit of an external focus over an internal focus has been well-established. Within this literature, several studies have documented a distal effect of attentional focus by comparing the efficacy of a proximal and distal external focus. A potential confound is that most distal focus cues direct the performer's attention to an outcome occurring after the completion of movement, while the proximal cues direct attention to something that occurs during the movement process. This study aims to disentangle whether the distal effect of attentional focus comes from spatial distance (proximal vs. distal) or temporal distance (during vs. after). To test this, we employed a two-handed underhand medicine ball throw for maximum distance with 38 healthy young adults. This study employed five conditions: baseline, internal-during, internal-after, external-during, and external-after focus. The result indicated that both external-during and -after foci elicited a significantly greater throwing distance than internal-during ( = .006) and internal-after ( < .001), where internal-after even significantly underperformed than baseline ( = .02). Our findings indicate that using an outcome cue unrelated to the intended action does not enhance motor performance. Rather, the most effective approach is to use an external cue that represents the action effect either during or after the movement.

Open goals (e.g. to "see how many steps you can reach today") may be a promising strategy for promoting physical activity. The findings from initial studies, typically based on single sessions of exercise, showed that open goals can produce at least as much activity as specific goals (e.g. to reach 10,000 steps a day), while promoting more positive experiences and higher intentions to repeat the activity, especially among less active individuals. However, the feasibility of using open goals over a longer duration remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we examined the feasibility of using open goals in a 10-week step-based physical activity program. A single-arm mixed methods design was used, involving 15 healthy adults (13 female; M = 42.53) with low to moderate physical activity levels. Participants were provided with a pedometer, diary, and open goals for each week, alongside brief support sessions. The feasibility domains assessed included recruitment, acceptability, adherence, and retention. Quantitative methods assessed physical activity, enjoyment, and self-efficacy, while supplementary qualitative methods explored participants' perceptions of open goals. The study showed high recruitment and retention rates, increased physical activity, and positive psychological experiences, indicating the feasibility of the 10-week open-goal program. Secondary outcomes suggest that open goals may function by increasing enjoyment and self-efficacy while decreasing negative outcomes such as pressure, guilt, and failure. The findings indicate that using open goals in longer-term physical activity programs is feasible, expanding on the limitations of previous single-session designs, and offering recommendations for future trials.

To investigate the effects of high-intensity contractions and low-intensity contractions with and without blood flow restriction on changes in blood pressure and hemodynamic parameters. A total of 179 participants (18-35 years) were randomly assigned to one of three training groups that exercised 3 times per week for six weeks or a non-exercise control group. The groups are as follows: 1) Control [CON,  = 44]; 2) completed 4 sets of two-minute isometric contractions at 30% maximal voluntary contraction [LI,  = 47]; 3) completed 4 sets of two-minute isometric contractions at 30% maximal voluntary contraction with a 12 cm cuff inflated to 50% of arterial occlusion pressure [LI+BFR,  = 41]; or 4) completed 4 maximal isometric contractions lasting 5 seconds [MAX,  = 47]. Blood pressure, vascular resistance, and reactive hyperemia were measured at pre and post. Data are presented as means (SD). There was no evidence that SBP (BF: 0.066), DBP (BF: 0.057), vascular resistance (BF: 0.085), or peak reactive hyperemia changed (BF: 0.044) or A.U.C. (BF: 0.074). Change scores for SBP were 1.1 (6.7), 0.7 (5.8), -0.4 (6.5), and -0.9 (6.3) mmHg for CON, LI, LI+BFR, and MAX, respectively. DBP change scores were 1.5 (6.6), 1.5 (7), -0.7 (5.9), and 0.3 (6.3) mmHg for CON, LI, LI+BFR, and MAX, respectively. Although recommended as a non-pharmacological method of blood pressure control, isometric exercise with or without BFR did not lower blood pressure. Future work could examine the inclusion of a daily strength test prior to the low intensity protocol.

The role of hope and happiness in accounting for mental health, both well-being (viz. life satisfaction & flourishing) and ill-being (depressive symptoms & suicidal ideation), using a cross-sectional design, was examined in a diverse sample of 140 elite student-athletes (88 female & 52 male NCAA Division I athletes, representing 16 different varsity sports,  = 20.0) who completed a battery of self-report measures. Results from conducting a series of hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for demographic factors and perceived sport performance (individual & team), indicated hope and happiness (as a positive personality set) accounted for additional unique variance in all indices of well-being and ill-being. However, although happiness emerged as a significant statistical predictor of all indices of well-being and ill-being, hope only emerged as a significant statistical predictor across indices of well-being. Importantly, the inclusion of the Hope × Happiness interaction term consistently added further incremental validity to the prediction of additional unique variance in all indices of mental health in student-athletes. However, evidence for the doubling-up hypothesis was only found in predicting indices of well-being, not ill-being. Taken together, the present findings provide strong evidence for the importance of integrating positive individual differences variables for understanding mental health in elite student-athletes.

The purpose of this study was to understand the meaning physically impaired wheelchair sport athletes attributed to wheelchair basketball participation as well as potential physical, psychological, and social health-related quality of life (HRQOL) benefits. Specifically, the experiences of wheelchair sport athletes from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) affected by ongoing or recent conflict were examined. Focus group participants for this study included 108 wheelchair basketball athletes (77 men and 31 women) from seven men's and three women's national teams at an international wheelchair basketball tournament held in India. All teams were from LMICs in Africa and Asia that were served by the International Committee of the Red Cross due to recent or ongoing armed conflict. Data analysis produced three interrelated themes related to HRQOL: (1) improvements to physical health, (2) psychological impact of sport participation, and (3) social well-being. Physical benefits included improvements to physical functional capacity and decreases in medical complications. Psychological benefits included freedom and respite from inaccessibility and improved self-beliefs and feelings of capability on and off the court. Social well-being benefits included camaraderie in the team setting and positive interpersonal interactions with members of the broader community. Overall, the findings indicated that wheelchair sport is indicated as positively impacting numerous HRQOL indicators for disabled participants in LMIC and is a valuable rehabilitative option and meaningful endeavor for disabled persons.

Calisthenics is a form of bodyweight exercise that involves dynamic and rhythmic exercises. The physiological responses during and after calisthenics remain unclear. This study examined whether a bout of full-body calisthenics, a form of circuit resistance exercise that involves bodyweight movements, yields greater excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) than steady-state exercise (SSE) at matched oxygen consumption. Twenty-two young adults (age = 22.1 ± 2.4 years; four females) participated in two separate, oxygen consumption (O) matched exercise sessions: full-body calisthenics (nine body weight exercises, 15 reps × 4 sets) and SSE (running on a treadmill at 60-90% of Omax). Energy expenditure, substrate utilization, and EPOC were measured during exercise and 60 min of recovery. SSE showed higher peak O and heart rate during exercise than those during calisthenics. However, the post-exercise O and energy expenditure above baseline level during the first 10 min of recovery were significantly higher with calisthenics than with SSE (0-5 min: 1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 1.0 ± 0.6; 6-10 min: 0.5 ± 0.4 vs. 0.1 ± 0.2 kcal/min; 31-60 min recovery: -0.1 ± 0.3 vs. -0.2 ± 0.2; all  < .05). During calisthenics, participants utilized a significantly higher proportion of energy from carbohydrates (85 vs. 73%;  < .01) but after exercise, they used a greater proportion of fat as the energy source (71 vs. 50%;  < .01) compared to SSE. Full-body calisthenics, a circuit-style bodyweight exercise, may be more effective than O matched SSE in triggering greater EPOC and fat metabolism. Further efforts are warranted to demonstrate whether different amounts of skeletal muscle mass groups indeed lead to varying EPOC responses and energy use.

The study investigated the influence of mental fatigue on older people's enjoyment during a series of physical exercises. Using a randomized cross-over design, participants ( = 35) completed a 6-minute walking test - 6MWT, a Timed Up and Go-TUG test and three sets of knee extension exercise (first set: KE1, second set: KE2, third set: KE3) under two experimental conditions (control or mental fatigue). The Nonparametric Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Factorial Experiments was used to compare the number of repetitions performed during three sets of resistance exercise between conditions. The same analysis method was applied to compare the perception of effort and enjoyment across five moments (Post-6MWT, Post-TUG, Post-KE1, Post-KE2, Post-KE3) and two conditions and the Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) across four moments (baseline, Pre-6MWT, Pre-TUG, Pre-KE) and two conditions. Mental fatigue did not affect the physical function, perception of effort and enjoyment of exercise in older people. Participants, however, reported higher enjoyment for walking and dynamic balance compared to strength exercise. Mental fatigue had no effect on the physical function, perception of effort and enjoyment of exercise of older people. Participants presented a higher enjoyment for walking and dynamic balance compared to strength exercise. Given the importance of resistance exercises for health, clinicians should prioritize resources to education programs emphasizing the benefits of resistance exercise in both short- and long-term health. Including social interaction opportunities in physical exercise programs and prescribing activities appropriate to participants' ability levels could enhance engagement and adherence.