Abstract: Time demands are among the primary challenges for college student-athletes. They have to attend to classes and study halls as well as athletic-related activities such as training and competition. Both academic and athletic tasks require tremendous amount of time. Thus, it is argued that academics and athletics compete for the student-athletes’ attention. This research examined the impact of academic and athletic factors on student-athletes’ time use in academics and athletics using a subset of the 2015 United States National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) GOALS data. The relationships of academic identity, school belongingness, athletic identity, and athletic expectations with academic time use and athletic time spent were tested. Differences on the variables of interest according to race, gender, and division level were also investigated. Our findings revealed that academic identity is a positive predictor of academic time use and a negative predictor of athletic time use, while athletic identity is a positive predictor of athletic time spent. We also determined a contrasting influence of athletic expectations in time commitments. Lastly, we likewise found significant effects of race, gender, and division level on the academic and athletic engagements of college athletes. Our findings have implications on the development of programs for athletic department to optimize the academic and athletic experiences of college student-athletes. PubDate: Sat, 13 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The article consists of theoretical and empirical parts. The theoretical part presents the most important issues related to such concepts as self-efficacy, dispositional optimism and life satisfaction among fitness industry employees. Reference was made to the most important findings of researchers in the fields of philosophy, psychology and sociology. The aim of the theoretical part was to present the issues studied and discussed in the empirical part as accurately as possible.The main objective of the presented study was to check whether there were any correlations between the sense of generalized self-efficacy, life satisfaction and dispositional optimism among fitness industry employees. In the process of achieving this goal, Pearson’s r correlation analysis was carried out. The study covered 105 respondents. The level of significance was α = 0.05. The results of the analysis showed a statistically significant, strong positive correlation of the three variables r = 0.84 and r = 0.88. It turns out that in the case of people working in the fitness industry, along with the increase in satisfaction with their own lives, the level of dispositional optimism and the level of generalized self-efficacy increased. It was found that three elements are interdependent among corporate employees: the belief that the higher the goals they set, the stronger their commitment to the intended behaviour, even in the face of increasing failures, satisfaction as a relatively permanent assessment of life as wholeness and optimism that inspires motivation, and perseverance and determination to achieve specific goals and make decisions. PubDate: Sat, 06 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The aim of the study was to find out how values and norms related to touch are perceived in the physiotherapist-patient relationship. 149 physiotherapists and 100 patients participated in the study. The questionnaire used in the survey was prepared in two versions, both containing the same 30 items describing the use of therapeutic touch from two perspectives. The respondents had to provide their answers on 6-point ordinal scales with the centre excluded. In our analyses we treated the applied research tool as a scale of fulfilment of touch-related norms in the case of therapists and, respectively, a scale of expectations of fulfilment of these norms in the case of patients. The reliability of the tool was checked with Cronbach’s α method. Factor analysis, Student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to develop the obtained results.In a therapeutic situation, the surveyed patients expect most of all that touch will express care. Physiotherapists are driven mainly by their professional competence in applying touch. A comparison of the obtained results on a scale depicting the fulfilment of norms underlying therapeutic touch has shown that the level of patients’ expectations concerning physiotherapists’ use of touch in therapy situations is lower than the physiotherapists’ declared level of fulfilling norms and values connected with this situation. The gender and age of physiotherapists were not found to differentiate axiological and normative declarations related to touch. Patients with higher education and women tend to express much higher expectations with respect to touch therapy. PubDate: Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The main objective of this article is to design a structural equation model to evaluate the predictor variables of professional performance in soccer coaches (PPSC), digital teaching competence (DTC) and professional competences of soccer coaches (PCSC). A sample of 612 coaches was taken from the different training levels of the Valencian Community (FFCV) in Spain, managed by UEFA.. The results of the causal relationship model showed a good overall fit of the model. A statistically significant positive relationship was found to exist with the professional performance of soccer coaches in both the use of digital competencies (DTC) and the professional competence of soccer coaches (PCSC). A statistically significant positive relationship was also observed between the use of digital competencies and the professional competence of soccer coaches. From the results obtained, it can be affirmed that the change generated by UEFA in the training of coaches in emerging technologies increases their professional performance. PubDate: Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The development of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), raises concerns about heightened stress and anxiety in people’s lives. The purpose of this research was to investigate the emotional influence of COVID-19 that professional coaches faced and how they managed to deal with social seclusion during the second wave of COVID-19. More precisely, it was investigated whether the age and educational level of coaches had an impact on their psychological condition during this period. The sample consisted of 605 Greek National coaches, 398 men, 206 women, and one coach who did not indicate sex preference, between the ages of 18-67 (M=38.18, SD=11.19). The results indicated the age differences between the youngest and oldest groups, and between high school and Ph.D. graduates. Overall, it was found that the Greek version of ERQ constitutes a reliable instrument for measuring emotion regulation situations in a professional sports environment. PubDate: Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: This paper deals with the question “What is Good Sport'”. It aims to enrich previous discussions of the issue by offering a systematic and comprehensive account of good sport, which is missing in the existing literature. The topic is analysed from the ontological and moral point of view. This project builds primarily on moral realism with an emphasis on objective moral values (Spaemann), traditional virtue ethics (Plato, Aristotle) as applied in sport (Pisk, Feezell), and the conceptions of relevant modern philosophers concerned with the ontology of sport (Suits, Fraleigh, Kretchmar, Butcher, Schneider, Jirásek, and others). I maintain that good sport involves various dimensions that need to be distinguished in order to analyse the concept properly. These are good sport as an activity, as an attitude, as an environment (culture), and as fandom. The primary task of this paper is to describe the most relevant properties of good sport in the first three dimensions, indicate their authors/supporters in the tradition of the philosophy of sport, and offer reasons why these properties are constitutive of good sport. I do not aim to analyse each property in detail, but to outline the general framework of good sport. The final classification of properties is analysed in terms of its strengths and weaknesses. I draw mainly from philosophy of sport literature written in English and from key figures in the tradition. PubDate: Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to answer the questions: 1) will the use of active methods in teaching workshops lead to an increase in indices of social competence in students' 2) do workshops conducted with active methods affect the development of social competence of women and men to the same extent' Methods: A pedagogical experiment with 140 first-year students (age: 18-26 years, with a mean age of 20.7 (SD 0.96) of the Faculty of Rehabilitation. The experimental group practised social skills using active methods. The control group studied the same content without active methods – based on text reading and analysis. We used the psychometric Social Competence Test, which has 3 parts: assertiveness, intimacy, and social exposure, and an overall index on a scale of 1 to 4. Result: Participation in the classes resulted in an increase in the subjects’ indices of competence for assertiveness (η2= 0.13), intimacy (η2=0.07), social exposure (η2=0.06), and overall index (η2=0.12). Changes in indices of the competencies studied in the experimental and control groups were at a similar level, with a small effect (η2=0.01). There was a small interaction effect for gender and workshop participation (η2=0.01). Conclusion: Active methods used in teaching classes did not result in an increase in social competence indices in first-year physiotherapy students. The gender of the respondents was irrelevant to the effectiveness of the development of social skills in workshop classes; therefore, the content and methods of working with women and men should be the same. PubDate: Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the effects of the WATSU training program (WTP) on 21 years old male with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study used a high level of individual and structured interventions to improve the underperforming adaptive functioning areas like social and academic skills in ASD. The individualized intervention of WTP was completed in five days using critical verbal and bodily language, technical demonstration, taking turns, basic skills, and timely feedback in a social and sensory-isolated environment. The results were collected via in-training observation, semi-structured family and athletic trainer interviews to evaluate the participant’s condition before and after the WTP. The structured communication opportunities improved the sense of trust and played a prominent role in the development of the quality of life. The results indicated that WTP reduced repetitive movements, stress reactions, challenging behaviors, and improved communication skills. In addition, changing roles, positions, and transitions in WATSU training increased the participant’s resiliency in his life with more comfort. Finally, tactile-emotional quality afferents, warmth, and buoyancy of the water, altered and enriched proprioceptive and vestibular input, being safely cradled in the arms instructor were likely to be the other factors improving the underperforming areas including communication, repetitive movements, stress reactions and challenging behaviors. PubDate: Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Over the last two decades, the sport for development (SFD) sector has grown significantly, and there has been a concurrent increase in research and educational activities to support the field. In particular, academic institutions are taking a more significant role, contributing to a growing body of literature and developing numerous SFD-specific courses. Despite these initiatives and the important role assigned to academia, academic activities related to SFD have remained fragmented along geographic or disciplinary lines, and our knowledge of academic activities and collaborations is limited and focused on actors in the Global North. This study seeks to address these gaps and, through an international survey of academic institutions, aims to (1) establish the teaching, research and partnership activities within and between academic institutions around the globe; and (2) identify challenges and inform solutions for greater cooperation within and between academic institutions in the SFD context. Overall, our results show that the SFD is a highly multidisciplinary field involving institutions from a perhaps wider-than-expected range of countries. However, funding, support and recognition of SFD and associated academic actors, especially in the Global South, remains limited. To conclude, we propose potential ways forward to address some of these issues. PubDate: Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: This paper aims to identify all of the unexploited potentialities of sports activities with regard to sustainability by answering the following question: Considering the priorities that the 2030 Agenda identified with regard to sustainability, what does sport contribute to the process of transition towards a more sustainable global scenario' According to the European Union Council, sport and physical activity play a strategic role in the global challenge toward sustainability and achieving the 17 SDGs. The contribution of sport to the 2030 Agenda is indeed strategic. However, through a non-systematic review, the authors have observed almost a complete absence of SDGs within sports literature. Discussing the results through the lens of the SDGs, the authors have identified a series of qualitative and quantitative research opportunities connected with the 17 SDGs and related targets. The authors have also identified a total of 27 research hypotheses. This evidence could support academics, sports managers, professionals, and practitioners in identifying their contribution to the global priorities towards sustainability. PubDate: Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to obtain the combination of conditions that lead to high levels of residents’ support for the hosting of sports events. In addition, we aim to identify which of these combinations can lead to low levels of support for hosting these events. a validated survey was administered to 342 residents. An asymmetric approach (Qualitative Comparative Analysis) was used to examine these variables and calculate the combination of conditions that lead to these two outcomes. To achieve high levels of residents’ support for the hosting of sports events, a combination of residents’ perceptions of psychosocial, sporting and socio-cultural impacts, and the absence of socio-cultural costs, is the main solution. However, support is low if residents perceive that holding the event has no positive psychosocial impacts, but only socio-cultural costs for the local population. This study provides information on achieving residents’ support for the organization of sports events. Local authorities should focus their efforts on reinforcing local traditional values, thus allowing for increased local pride, as well as creating a festive atmosphere during the celebration of the event. It is also necessary to carry out campaigns to promote sports, avoiding a cultural clash between visitors and residents. PubDate: Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Effective public health interventions require an understanding of why people engage in or abstain from physical activity. This study aimed to design a model of physical activity for middle-aged Iranian women. The research was conducted using the systematic approach of grounded theory. Data analysis was performed through continuous „questioning” and „comparison.” Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 middle-aged women (aged 40 to 65) who regularly engaged in physical activity to achieve theoretical saturation. The coding process identified 128 final codes, 30 sub-themes, and nine main themes. After the open, axial, and selective-coding stages, a conceptual model was designed. In our model: „Advice and Encouragement,” „Knowledge and Awareness,” „Fear and Prevention,” and „Exercise Therapy” are the primary drivers that affect the motivation of middle-aged Iranian women to engage in physical activity. Motivated middle-aged Iranian women by comparison of perceived barriers, facilities, and benefits to engage in physical activity. Experiencing benefits leads to internalizing motivation and can lead to exercise addiction. The developed model suggests that the key measures for motivating middle-aged women to engage in regular physical activity are increasing primary drivers, lowering obstacles, and expanding facilities. Middle-aged women’s physical activity can be understood by employing the created model. PubDate: Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: A large number of published papers have investigated the relationship between perceived teacher emotional support and students’ engagement in school across a variety of subject areas at the primary and secondary levels. However, very few or none of these studies examine the topic in the context of physical education in higher education. It would be highly desirable for a study comparable to this one to be carried out within the context of tertiary education in order to address the dearth of scholarly works that concentrate on these two constructs. In light of this, the current study investigated the connection between teachers’ emotional support and their student’s level of engagement in their academic work. The participants in the study were undergraduate students (males = 374, females = 536) who were enrolled in minor PE courses at a prominent local college in Angeles City, Philippines. Following the calculation of Spearman’s rho and multiple regression analyses, the findings revealed that perceived teacher emotional support (along with its three distinct features: positive atmosphere, teacher sensitivity, and regard for the adolescent perspective) is significantly associated with [r(908) =.519, p < .05)] and has a direct influence on [F(3, 906) = 120.508, p <.001] school engagement. Additionally, this study highlighted the critical role that PE instructors play in providing students with emotional support, which in turn leads to higher levels of engagement and achievement reports. The presentation includes suggestions for the professional development of teachers of PE and future research initiatives. PubDate: Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The present study aimed to explore the impacts of e-learning, e-learning attitude in sports, and e-learning satisfaction on perceived learning among students of sports sciences. A total of 371 (108 females, 263 males) undergraduate students of sports sciences participated in this correlational study. The data were collected through a demographic information form, the Online Learning Attitude Scale, the Online Learning Attitude Scale-Sports, the Distance Education Satisfaction Survey, and the Perceived Learning Scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, SEM, Pearson’s correlation test, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that e-learning attitudes and e-learning satisfaction among the participants had significant effects on their perceived learning (p < .05), while their e-learning attitudes in sports did not yield a significant impact on their perceived learning (p > .05). Accordingly, it may be claimed that as students’ e-learning attitudes and e-learning satisfaction increase, their perceived learning levels also increase. In addition to this, the students did not have a positive attitude toward learning applied courses online; therefore, undergraduate applied courses in sports sciences are better conducted face-to-face. PubDate: Sat, 18 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to compare anxiety, depression, self-efficacy and mood between students at the Faculty of Physical Education in Poland and Algeria during the Third Wave of the COVID- 19 Pandemic, as well as to compare the intensity and quantity physical activity. It was also important to examine relationships between self-efficacy and other psychological variables, and self-efficacy and physical activity in the two groups. The following questionnaires were used to assess psychological constructs, self-efficacy and physical activity level: Mood State Profile (POMS), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety states (STAI), self-efficacy (GSES), a physical activity questionnaire. The research results show that there where statistically significant differences between Polish and Algerian students in anxiety and mood state. There were also statistically significant differences between the groups in the intensity and quantity physical activity. Based on the results of students’ self-efficacy in relation to states of mood, it turned out that anger and vigour are a significant predictor of a sense of self-efficacy of Algerian student, but among polish students only vigour is a significant predictor of a sense of self-efficacy. The comparative study showed statistically significant differences in each of the mood scales. In data on physical activity during the pandemic, all variables showed statistical significance, but physical activity did not turn out to be a significant predictor of psychological variables in the study. It can be assumed that undertaking increased physical activity is a kind of preventive measure in reducing mood disorders and relieving depressive episodes. PubDate: Sat, 18 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: As an emerging field of study, scholars have constantly compared esports and traditional sports to find similarities and differences between the two sports fields. As various studies have called for more studies regarding the fan communities of esports, the present study analyzed the mediating effect of the sense of the esports fan community between team identification and consumer behaviors. This study employed a path analysis technique, utilizing online survey responses from 182 participants who identified as fans of the esports team. The findings revealed that a sense of fan community did not have mediating effects by showing statistically non-significant (in)direct effects on consumer behaviors. In contrast, team identification showed a significant positive effect on the sense of fan community and some consumer behaviors. The implications of the study suggest that esports organizations should focus their marketing strategies on individual fan bases and strive to maintain the competitiveness of their leagues to attract more fans to esports. PubDate: Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The spread of the COVID-19 virus significantly impacted the fitness industry with government restrictions including mandated closures. CrossFit, a major player in the global fitness industry, faced a new industry landscape and significant internal division while coping with the crisis. This study contributes to the literature on CrossFit coaches, who are important cultural figures in fitness services. This study investigated CrossFit coaches’ perceptions of COVID-19 restrictions through semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample in Georgia and Florida, U.S. The coaches displayed CrossFit exceptionalism, believing that fitness facilities should have been treated differently, and CrossFit gyms in particular were distinctive enough to merit special consideration. Some coaches approved of the governmental response, but others disapproved, and many expressed gratitude that they were in states with short restriction periods. Their demonstration of uncertainty, however, somewhat conflicted with their exceptionalism. These perceptions may influence coaches’ behaviors and impact CrossFit participants, which makes the topic worthy of additional study. PubDate: Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: This qualitative and exploratory study aimed to investigate whether contact with media content related to the Paralympic Games (PG) could affect the perception of disability held by children with disabilities (CWD) and their families. The research featured 12 CWD not involved in sports and 13 of their relatives. It consisted of two sessions, one before and another after participants viewed two videos related to the PG that showed athletes and other people with disabilities (PWD) successfully playing sports and/or performing other activities. In both sections, we asked them to write the first five words that came to mind upon hearing the expression PWD. Next, we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews to explore their views on disability. We computed the words mentioned in the first dynamic and conducted an inductive reflexive thematic analysis of the interviews. Before the videos were shown, the words written most were “difficulty,” “problem,” and “limitation.” During the interviews, they focused on impairments and difficulties associated with disability. Following the videos, the most predominant written words were “overcoming” and “capacity.” Throughout the interviews, they focused more on the potential and capabilities of PWD. This study suggests that materials such as those that we used can help CWD and their families develop a more positive view of the potential and capabilities of PWD. These materials might also be used in other contexts (e.g., in schools and community education programs), especially in places where it is still rare to see PWD practicing sports and performing other activities such as those shown in the videos. PubDate: Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: As esports grow, public authorities have many concerns about the potential negative health effects of this “sedentary” practice. This work proposes a systematic review on the links between esports and physical activity (PA). The research questions guiding this review are as follows: (1) What is the PA level of esports players' (2) Do data exist regarding the influence of participation in esports on players’ PA' (3) Based on these findings, what future research questions should be asked and what studies should be conducted' Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed that esports players appeared to be active, exceeding World Health Organization recommendations, in 13 studies and inactive or low-active in four studies. The different populations of players do not appear to have the same degree of PA. High-level, professional, and/or supervised players appear to be more physically active. However, some data are inconsistent, and our review highlights several biases and methodological limitations. Additionally, while we have found no studies providing data on the influence of esports on PA, five studies highlight several factors that could push players to engage in PA. Finally, further research is needed using objective measurement tools and characterizing and accurately distinguishing between players’ levels of expertise and the type of game played. The nature and modalities of the PA also need to be clarified. We encourage supplementing these quantitative data with qualitative data obtained through interviews to provide a description and understanding of the influence of esports on PA engagement, re-engagement, retention, and withdrawal. PubDate: Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The aim of this study was to measure the effects of educational intervention on sports law concepts on coaches’ attitude, knowledge, and behavior. The method of the study was quasi-experimental, including two groups, pretest and posttest stages, and a follow-up study. A total of 50 coaches from Eghlid in Fars Province, Iran, were selected using the convenience sampling method. They were then randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. A researcher-made educational protocol was used for educating coaches who participated in the experimental group on the concepts of sports law. Then, in order to measure the efficiency of the educational protocol, three questionnaires were employed to measure the coaches’ attitudes and their knowledge about the concepts and regulations of sports law, as well as their behavior related to the principles and regulations of sports law at sports clubs. The covariance analyzing test and ANOVA with repeated measures were employed to analyze the data provided by the study’s instruments. The results indicated that the educational intervention of this study positively changed the attitude of the coaches in the experimental group towards the concept of sports law. In addition, the educational intervention of this study significantly improved the knowledge of coaches in the experimental group about the rules and regulations of sports law. Furthermore, the behavior of the coaches in the experimental group changed in that they began properly implementing the principles and regulations of sports law after participating in eight educational sessions. Moreover, the effects of the educational intervention in this study remained for three months following the completion of the intervention. PubDate: Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT
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