This study aimed to explore the interplay of neuromuscular characteristics of handgrip and morphological characteristics, along with personality traits, in well-trained and elite athletes. The research involved a sample of 155 well-trained and elite athletes. A cross-sectional design was employed. A sliding device that measures isometric finger flexor force was used to assess handgrip neuromuscular characteristics. Key morphological characteristics, including body height, body mass and body mass index, were measured using a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Personality traits were evaluated using the Big Five plus Two Questionnaire. The study found numerous significant correlations, among which the positive association of positive valence and maximum force of the dominant (r=0.77) and non-dominant (r=0.82) hand in a group of female elite athletes stand out. The results revealed gender-specific patterns in the relationships examined. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated the presence of statistically significant discriminant functions for all variables assessed, both in female (Wilks’s Λ=0.44, χ²(22)=37.67) and male samples (Wilks’s Λ=0.59, χ²(20)=41.18), with 90% accuracy for females and 80% accuracy for males when discriminating between elite and well-trained athletes. The results support the need for further research in this area to enhance our understanding of the identified correlations.
This study aims to evaluate the place and importance of physical activity in education through the views of high school students and teachers. Using a qualitative methodology, semistructured interviews were conducted with physical education and sports teachers and students in high schools located in Hakkari and Van, Turkey. The sample consisted of 31 students (29% female, 71% male, mean age=15.32 years) and 15 teachers (47% female, 53% male, mean age=33.80 years). A phenomenological design was adopted to explore the perceived effects of physical activity on students’ academic, personal, and social development. Findings suggest that physical activity contributes positively to students’ motivation, physical fitness, responsibility, and life experience. However, time management difficulties and reduced study time were identified as negative aspects. Participants highlighted that sports classes and school teams enhance students’ self-confidence, discipline, and social interaction skills. Challenges such as limited emphasis on sports in the education system, lack of specialised teachers and inadequate physical infrastructure were also noted. In addition, students’ perceptions of violence during sports activities were examined, revealing various negative psychological effects. Overall, the study emphasises the need for regionally sensitive, balanced and well-structured physical activity programmes to support students’ educational and developmental outcomes.
This study investigates best practices in physical education according to education experts across Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), with the aim of providing recommendations and guidelines for the enhancement of the implementation of quality physical education. Employing qualitative research within Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems theoretical framework, data were collected via open-ended questionnaires from 11 purposefully selected physical education educators representing the BRICS nations. Themes identified through inductive content analysis encompassed physical education activities and pedagogy, status and support of physical education teachers, community involvement and governmental policies and initiatives. Participants highlighted the need for diverse, inclusive and autonomy-supportive activities, enhanced teacher recognition and training, community and parental engagement, supportive government policies, and continuous research. Applying Bronfenbrenner's framework, the study explains how factors within microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems and macrosystems influence physical education practices and policies within the BRICS nations, and brings forth recommendations for the elevation of physical education status, equal access to quality physical education resources, supportive learning environments, and learner-centred approaches to foster engagement and promote active lifestyles across diverse contexts within the BRICS nations.
Snapping hip syndrome (SHS) is prevalent among dancers, affecting their well-being and increasing injury risk. Little is known about SH and its relationships with factors commonly associated with injury. The study aimed to describe and compare (affected vs. unaffected sides) dynamic balance, hip muscle strength, functional turnout (FTO), compensated turnout (CTO) and passive hip external rotation (HER) range of motion (ROM) in nonprofessional dancers with SH and explore interrelationships. The cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of adult and adolescent nonprofessional dancers diagnosed with SH, from multigenre dance schools in Cape Town, South Africa. Demographic information was collected. Outcome measures were the numeric pain rating scale (pain), Y balance test (dynamic balance), goniometry (active and passive HER) and handheld dynamometry (hip muscle strength). Affected and unaffected sides were randomly tested. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests for side-to-side comparisons, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for age comparisons across pain categories, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients to explore relationships between variables. Twenty-three women voluntarily participated (mean age: 22 (6.4) years). Study outcomes did not differ between affected and unaffected sides (p=0.28–0.70). HER muscle strength on the affected side and CTO demonstrated a moderate positive correlation (r=0.51, p=0.01), suggesting that improving HER muscle strength will improve FTO.
This study investigates best practices in physical education according to education experts across Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), with the aim of providing recommendations and guidelines for the enhancement of the implementation of quality physical education. Employing qualitative research within Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems theoretical framework, data were collected via open-ended questionnaires from 11 purposefully selected physical education educators representing the BRICS nations. Themes identified through inductive content analysis encompassed physical education activities and pedagogy, status and support of physical education teachers, community involvement and governmental policies and initiatives. Participants highlighted the needfor diverse, inclusive and autonomy-supportive activities, enhanced teacher recognition and training, community andparental engagement, supportive government policies, and continuous research. Applying Bronfenbrenner's framework, the study explains how factors within microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems and macrosystems influence physical education practices andpolicies within the BRICS nations, and bringsforth recommendations for the elevation of physical education status, equal access to quality physical education resources, supportive learning environments, and learner-centred approaches to foster engagement and promote active lifestyles across diverse contexts within the BRICS nations.
Netball is a popular, high-intensity team sport played globally by more than 20 million players. Due to the high intensity and high participation levels, there is a high injury prevalence. The lower back region has been identified as the third most common site of injury within female team sports, with somatotype also influencing injury rates within netball. The objective of this research was to evaluate changes and explore relationships between somatotype and lower back strength (LBS) during a single netball season in university-level female netball players. A lack of evidence was found to support a relationship between changes in LBS and changes in a raw ectomorph (p=0.741), mesomorph (p=0.677) and endomorph (p=0.81) somatotype score during a single netball season in university-level female netball players. Statistically significant differences were noted for mesomorph somatotype score which increased LBS (12.35 kg) at the end of the season compared with the beginning of the season (p=0.004). A relationship between whole-body muscle strength and a dominant mesomorph somatotype score is important in netball because increased strength leads to adequate lumbo-pelvic hip-complex stability, thus reducing injuries and improving athletic performance.
This study aimed to explore the interplay of neuromuscular characteristics of handgrip and morphological characteristics, along with personality traits, in well-trained and elite athletes. The research involved a sample of 155 well-trained and elite athletes. A cross-sectional design was employed. A sliding device that measures isometric finger flexor force was used to assess handgrip neuromuscular characteristics. Key morphological characteristics, including body height, body mass and body mass index, were measured using a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Personality traits were evaluated using the Big Five plus Two Questionnaire. The study found numerous significant correlations, among which the positive association of positive valence and maximum force of the dominant (r=0.77) and non-dominant (r=0.82) hand in a group of female elite athletes stand out. The results revealed gender-specific patterns in the relationships examined. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated the presence of statistically significant discriminant functions for all variables assessed, both in female (Wilks's Lambda=0.44, chi 2(22)=37.67) and male samples (Wilks's Lambda=0.59, chi 2(20)=41.18), with 90% accuracy for females and 80% accuracy for males when discriminating between elite and well-trained athletes. The results support the needforfurther research in this area to enhance our understanding of the identified correlations.
Snapping hip syndrome (SHS) is prevalent among dancers, affecting their well-being and increasing injury risk. Little is known about SHand its relationships with factors commonly associated with injury. The study aimed to describe and compare (affected vs. unaffected sides) dynamic balance, hip muscle strength, functional turnout (FTO), compensated turnout (CTO) and passive hip external rotation (HER) range of motion (ROM) in nonprofessional dancers with SH and explore interrelationships. The cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of adult and adolescent nonprofessional dancers diagnosed with SH, from multigenre dance schools in Cape Town, South Africa. Demographic information was collected. Outcome measures were the numeric pain rating scale (pain), Y balance test (dynamic balance), goniometry (active and passive HER) and handheld dynamometry (hip muscle strength). Affected and unaffected sides were randomly tested. Statistical analyses includedpaired t-tests forside-to-side comparisons, oneway analysis ofvariance (ANOVA) for age comparisons across pain categories, and Pearson's correlation coefficients to explore relationships between variables. Twenty-three women voluntarily participated (mean age: 22 (6.4) years). Study outcomes did not differ between affected and unaffected sides (p=0.28-0.70). HER muscle strength on the affected side and CTO demonstrated a moderate positive correlation (r=0.51, p=0.01), suggesting that improving HER muscle strength will improve FTO.
Excessive production and accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species during exercise may cause oxidative stress and impact exercise performance. Rooibos with polyp henolic constituents may modulate the effects of oxidative stress during physical activities. This blinded randomised, cross-over placebo-controlled study included 30 adult males who consumed 375 ml of standardised fermented rooibos herbal extract or placebo beverage before completing a sub-maximal exercise, followed by 10 sprint bouts on a Wattbike. Rooibos appears to enhance the endogenous antioxidant defence system with increased levels of circulatory total and reduced glutathione in the participants and decreased levels in serum markers of muscle damage, creatinine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase. Mean submaximal trials (effort=75%-80% of maximum heart rate and/or 13 RPE Borg Scale) indicated after consuming rooibos, participants cycled for longer (291.83 s vs. 253.50 s: difference=14.05%), further (2790.30 m vs. 2434.93 m: difference=13.60%); produced 3.65% more power (W) and 2.42% more force (N). Mean cardiovascular responses during rooibos were modest when compared with the increased time and distance achieved, (134.55 bpm vs. 131.26 bpm: difference=2.40%) and relative oxygen uptake (27.32 ml/min/kg vs. 25.84 ml/min/kg: difference=5.53%). This suggests that rooibos may benefit metabolic responses during submaximal exercise, demonstrating its potential as an ergogenic aid.
"parkrun" is an international organisation holding weekly, timed 5-km parkruns were suspended globally, with gradual resumption in South Africa from October 2021. Comparison of participant event choice and performance when COVID-1 9 began, endabling questioning of previously recruited volunteers on their physical activity and wellness during suspension and after parkrun resumed, to determine effects on fitness and wellbeing. All respondents maintained some physical activity during suspension but missed the camaraderie and emotional support of parkrun. After reopening, 81% of respondents resumed parkrun within 1 year (i.e., by September 2022). Their stated motivations and benefits of parkrun were the same as pre-COVID-19. Enthusiasm for parkrun increased, although commitment to regularly attending a specific parkrun event reduced. The remaining respondents reported losing the habit of attending parkrun, developing new exercise routines, or moving to areas with no parkrun nearby. In the first quarter of 2022, total participation in NMBM parkruns was 29% of pre-COVID-1 9 numbers; by first quarter 2024 this increased to 69%. Individual parkrun times were initially reduced, but mean participant performance 1 year after resumption was not significantly impaired.
This study aims to evaluate the place and importance of physical activity in education through the views of high school students and teachers. Using a qualitative methodology, semistructured interviews were conducted with physical education and sports teachers and students in high schools located in Hakkari and Van, Turkey. The sample consisted of 31 students (29% female, 71% male, mean age=15.32 years) and 15 teachers (47%female, 53%male, mean age=33.80 years). A phenomenological design was adoptedto explore the perceived effects ofphysical activity on students' academic, personal, and social development. Findings suggest that physical activity contributes positively to students' motivation, physical fitness, responsibility, and life experience. However, time management difficulties and reduced study time were identified as negative aspects. Participants highlighted that sports classes and school teams enhance students'self-confidence, discipline, and social interaction skills. Challenges such as limited emphasis on sports in the education system, lack of specialised teachers and inadequate physical infrastructure were also noted. In addition, students'perceptions ofviolence during sports activities were examined, revealing various negative psychological effects. Overall, the study emphasises the needfor regionally sensitive, balanced and well-structured physical activity programmes to support students' educational and developmental outcomes.
“parkrun” is an international organisation holding weekly, timed 5-km community events for runners and walkers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, parkruns were suspended globally, with gradual resumption in South Africa from October 2021. Comparison of participant event choice and performance at two Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) parkruns was ongoing when COVID-19 began, endabling questioning of previously recruited volunteers on their physical activity and wellness during suspension and after parkrun resumed, to determine effects on fitness and wellbeing. All respondents maintained some physical activity during suspension but missed the camaraderie and emotional support of parkrun. After reopening, 81% of respondents resumed parkrun within 1 year (i.e., by September 2022). Their stated motivations and benefits of parkrun were the same as pre-COVID-19. Enthusiasm for parkrun increased, although commitment to regularly attending a specific parkrun event reduced. The remaining respondents reported losing the habit of attending parkrun, developing new exercise routines, or moving to areas with no parkrun nearby. In the first quarter of 2022, total participation in NMBM parkruns was 29% of pre-COVID-19 numbers; by first quarter 2024 this increased to 69%. Individual parkrun times were initially reduced, but mean participant performance 1 year after resumption was not significantly impaired.
Student wellbeing is a growing research field, with limited research in a South African context, especially on the benefits of campus recreation sport (CRS) to students. This study determines the correlations between the frequency of participation in CRS, leisure boredom, and satisfaction with life (SWL) of undergraduate students at North-West University (NWU). A cross-sectional design was used with 512 students completing an online survey. Demographic information and data on frequency of participation, SWL, and leisure boredom were used. Spearman’s correlation was used to determine relationships between variables. Students were 48% male and 52% female and included white (71%), black (22%), coloured (6%) and “other” (1%) students. A significant negative correlation was found between SWL and leisure boredom (r=-0.170). Frequency of participation across all forms of CRS had a significant negative correlation with leisure boredom (r=-0.146) and a significant positive correlation with SWL (r=0.135). Outdoor activities showed the strongest positive correlation with SWL (r=0.143) and negative correlation with leisure boredom (r=-0.149). A significant positive correlation exists between active participation and satisfaction with life, and a significant negative correlation between total participation and leisure boredom, although these correlations were weak. The results indicate the potential of CRS to benefit students’ SWL.
Netball is an intermittent court-based sport that requires athletes to perform numerous tasks demanding refined physical attributes. The aim of the study was to compare the anthropometric and physical performance metrics across the various playing positions in netball players. A cohort of 150 female netball players (age: 18.8±1.39 years; height: 161.5±7.56 cm; body mass: 56.4±9.24 kg) volunteered for participation. All participants completed a barrage of physical performance tests: anaerobic and aerobic capacities, planned agility, sprint, flexibility, and lower limb and upper body power tests. All data were assessed using Kruskal–Wallis test with pairwise comparisons (p<0.05). Body height (p<0.001), mass (p<0.001) and composition (body fat percentage) (p<0.001) were significantly different across various playing positions. No statistical differences for aerobic (p=0.069), or anaerobic (p=0.273) capacities, and planned agility tests (p=0.156) were noted between playing positions. However, positional differences in sprint times (p<0.001), flexibility (p<0.001) and jump heights (p=0.009) were noted. The study reported differences in anthropometric and physical parameters across the different playing positions, which may have influenced the in-game positional demands and helped determine the key attributes required for each netball position player should have to perform.
The use of dietary supplements (DS) is rapidly increasing, with the industry valued at R7 billion annually in South Africa. University students, particularly vulnerable to DS use, often lack awareness of potential risks. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, knowledge and association of DS usage with physical activity among University of KwaZulu-Natal students. An online questionnaire gathered data on DS knowledge and usage related to physical activity. Descriptive statistics summarised the data, while inferential statistics determined significance, set at p≤0.05. Results showed 13.6% of students used DS, with no significant difference between health science (58.3%) and life science students (41.7%) (p=0.8). Physically active DS users (41.7%) outnumbered sedentary users (16.7%) (p=0.03). Primary motives for DS use included enhancing energy, improving performance and boosting immunity. Health science students exhibited significantly higher DS knowledge than their non-health science peers (p=0.02). The study concludes that educational interventions are necessary to increase awareness of DS hazards and promote safe usage among students, especially those involved in physical activities, regardless of their academic discipline. Future research should focus on using larger, randomly selected samples to improve the generalisability of the findings.
South African secondary school (SASS) Christian (in this case) athletes and their coaches were faced with the postponement of athletics during the COVID-19 lockdown period; however, the athletes and their coaches were able to employ information and communication technology (ICT) and other means to continue training. In the latter part of 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted, and athletes could resume their training. A qualitative approach was adopted with a case study design, and a Christian lens was used to share their negative and positive experiences during the lockdown period and transition into the new normal. Focus group interviews were conducted with the participant athletes, and questionnaires were completed by each of their coaches and a sports motivator. Various coding methods were used to analyse the data. We were guided by Elliot, Drummond, Prichard, Drummond and Mason’s four themes related to sport: recognising struggle, reconnection, re-engaging after restrictions and re-imagining sport, to arrive at our three emergent themes. Recommendations are offered to sustain and promote SASS athletics and create international participation opportunities.
This study analysed the effects of different exercise programmes on basketball players. Participants were randomly assigned to core stability (CSG), neuromuscular exercise (NEG) or control group (CG). Over 8 weeks, CSG performed core exercises, NEG neuromuscular exercises, and CG routine warm-ups. Assessments included the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), vertical jump (VJ), horizontal jump (HJ) and sprint tests. Post-test results showed improvements in deep squat, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility push-up, rotational mobility and FMS-total scores for CSG and NEG compared with CG (p<0.05). Post-test rotary stability scores were higher in CSG compared with NEG and CG, while active straight leg raise and trunk stability push-up scores were greater in CSG than CG (p<0.05). Both CSG and NEG showed improvements in VJ and sprint scores compared with CG (p<0.05). CSG improved in deep squat, trunk stability push-up, rotary stability and FMS-total scores compared with NEG and CG, while NEG had greater increases in VJ and sprint scores than CSG and CG (p<0.05). While core stability and neuromuscular exercises enhanced explosive power and FMS scores, suggesting a potential reduction in injury risk, the study did not directly measure injury incidence. Therefore, these exercises should be considered part of a broader injury prevention strategy.
e-Sports has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the sports industry. However, the research trends in e-sports rely heavily on traditional research trends in sport management. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to generate a strategic development plan for e-sports based on an in-depth analysis of the current status of the e-sports industry. The two studies conducted used big data analysis and qualitative research methods. For Phase 1, the overall schema of e-sports was established through the analysis of big data on the internet. In Phase 2, three Delphi surveys were conducted and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) analysis was used, involving 13 experts in the field of e-sports in South Korea. Study 1 produced 15 keywords related to the development of e-sports, while 12 subcategories required for the development of e-sports were generated through Study 2. The detailed guidelines for each subcategory were based on the results of this study.
Several tests have been designed to assess the ability of judoka to repeat specific and intense efforts of short duration. To be accepted and adopted, the reliability and construct validity of the test should be confirmed. This study aimed to examine the relative and absolute reliability and the external responsiveness of an intermittent test simulating judo combat (the Uchi-Komi Fitness Test). Seventeen judo athletes of two different levels of performance (elite and nonelite), performed the Uchi-Komi Fitness Test during three sessions separated by 72 hours. The number of Uchi-Komi was recorded. In addition, blood lactate concentration and rating of perceived exertion were measured. The Uchi-Komi Fitness Test showed good relative and absolute reliability in detecting small and meaningful changes. The performances were better in elite vs. non-elite counterparts (p=0.006). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the Uchi-Komi Fitness Test was able to discriminate athletes of different competitive level (receiver operating characteristic curve 0.83). The Uchi-Komi Fitness Test is a good indicator of physical fitness specific to judo and can discriminate between elite and non-elite judokas.
e-Sports has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the sports industry. However, the research trends in e-sports rely heavily on traditional research trends in sport management. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to generate a strategic development plan for e-sports based on an in-depth analysis of the current status of the e-sports industry. The two studies conducted used big data analysis and qualitative research methods. For Phase 1, the overall schema of e-sports was established through the analysis of big data on the internet. In Phase 2, three Delphi surveys were conducted and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) analysis was used, involving 13 experts in the field of e-sports in South Korea. Study 1 produced 15 keywords related to the development of e-sports, while 12 subcategories required for the development of e-sports were generated through Study 2. The detailed guidelines for each subcategory were based on the results of this study.
