Accuracy, speed, and coordination are key factors in executing fencing techniques, and understanding these movements could enhance the effectiveness of gender-differentiated training. We sought to investigate biomechanical differences between men and women in fencing techniques using inertial sensors and their influence on sporting performance. Observational, cross-sectional, and quantitative studywith 24fencersfrom the Liga Vallecaucana de Esgrima (Colombia), national and international competitors. Techniques of touch to the Palestre, backhand, and arrowwere performed by placing Xsens Dot inertial sensors on the biceps, forearm, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius. Linear mixed models (MixedLM) were analysed. This approach allowed for control of intra-and inter-group variability. Results were expressed as regression coefficients, standard errors, and .-values, enabling determination of the statistical significance of observed differences. All analysis was performed using specialised statistical software (Python), ensuring the accuracy and validity of the results. The techniques employed yielded consistent results for the Euler_X and Euler_Z variables, with sex a significant factor. Linear mixed models revealed considerable variability between groups (identified by Code), particularly in the Euler_X and Euler_Z variables.
This paper explores the factors influencing brand loyalty among soccer fans in Ecuador, drawing on organizational reputation, brand equity, and fan traits' literature. The research uses a sample of 216 Ecuadorian soccer fans, an internet-based survey, and applies a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) estimation. The study finds that three key factors significantly influence fan loyalty: team reputation, fan identification with the team, and sport involvement. Stadium atmosphere, a non-product related attribute, demonstrates a weak association with loyalty, potentially influenced by data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic when stadium attendance was restricted, which is a limitation of the study. Another limitation is the possible selection bias resulting from an Internet survey. While prior research in Latin America (e.g., Brazil and Peru) has examined loyalty and behavioral intentions from a narrower theoretical approach, the proposed model contributes by integrating concepts from organizational reputation, brand equity, and fan traits. Furthermore, this research is the first empirical investigations of its kind in the Ecuadorian context, nurturing Latin American sports marketing research. Managerially, the study suggests that soccer clubs should focus on building and maintaining a positive team reputation, fostering fan identification, and engaging fans through various sport-related domains to enhance loyalty.
Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition among competitive swimmers, and its occurrence may be related to biomechanical alterations in the lower limb. However, few studies have explored the influence of distal joint mobility on its development. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 157 federated swimmers (86 males and 71 females), divided into four categories: infant (14-15 years; n =#35), junior (16-20 years; n =#38), senior (>= 21 years; n =#36), and master (>25 years; n =#48). The presence of low back pain was assessed using the NRPS-11 scale, and joint mobility was measured in the hip (flexion, extension, internal and external rotation), ankle dorsiflexion (with knee flexed and extended), and posterior muscle flexibility using the Seat and Reach test. Atotal of 66 swimmers (42.0%) reported low back discomfort. These swimmers showed significantly lower values in hip internal rotation and ankle dorsiflexion in both limbs (p <#.05). Differences were consistent across all categories and swimming styles, with greater involvement observed in butterfly, backstroke, and master swimmers. An association was also found between reduced posterior flexibility (Seat and Reach test) and the presence of low back pain (p <#.001). Limited joint mobility in the hip and ankle may be associated with low back pain in competitive swimmers. Systematic assessment of these factors may be useful for the prevention and management of muscle discomfort in this athletic population.
Familyenvironment plays a fundamental role in the development of healthy habits in adolescents. Parenting styles and parental stress have been identified as key factor influencing physical activity and dietary behaviors during adolescence. This study aims to examine the causal relationship between parenting styles, perceived parental stress, adolescents' physical activity levels and Mediterranean Diet adherence. A cross-sectional design was applied with a sample of 647 adolescents (14.86 +/- 1.60) and their parents (39.92 +/- 9.02). Parents completed the Perceived Stress Scale and Parenting Styles Scale questionnaires. Adolescents completed the KIDMED questionnaire and the PAQ-C. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics and IBM SPSS Amos 23.0. The model showed a good fit (X2 = 21.262, df = 1, pl = 0.003, IFI = 0.982, CFI = 0.982; NFI = 0.982; TLI = 0.924; RMSEA = 0.077). Both parenting styles were positively associated with perceived stress. The affective-communication style positively influenced Mediterranean diet adherence (beta = 0.162; p < .05), while criticism-rejection style had a negative effect (beta = -0.316; p < .05). As a conclusion, pareting styles and parental stress significantly impact adolescents' healthy habits. Promoting empathic and communicative parenting may foster better physical and dietary behaviors in adolescents
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, levels of stress, anxiety and depression have increased among university students, exacerbated by academic demands, strict schedules and risky behaviors. The present study analyzed the relationship between levels of stress, anxiety, depression and perceptions of physical fitness in Chilean university students. A cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 584 students from different university careers, average age 20.98 (SD = 2.68). Psychological variables were assessed using the Anxiety, Depression and Stress Scale (DASS-21), while perceptions of physical fitness were measured using the International Fitness Scale (IFIS).The results showed a significant correlation between perceived physical fitness and levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Additionally, women reported higher levels of anxiety and stress, but not depression. However, linear regression models were run which showed that 4% of the variance in depression could be explained by general physical condition and muscle strength. In case of anxiety, 11% of the variance is explained by general physical fitness and cardiovascular fitness. Finally, 5% of the variance in stress is explained by gender. Therefore, it can conclude that psychological factors have a relevant impact on perceptions of physical fitness, highlighting the importance of comprehensive strategies that address both mental and physical health in this group.
The introduction of carbon plate fibre shoes (CFPSs) has been a very significant development in long-distance road running, resulting in an unprecedented number of records being broken across all standardized road distances. This has triggered intense ethical debate regarding the use of those shoes in competitions. This paper examines how ethical factors, on the basis of the multiple ethical scale (MES), explain the acceptance of these shoes among amateur athletes in a sample of 252 amateur athletes. Relationships between variables were modelled using a structural equation model adjusted with partial least squares (PLS-SEM). We also conducted a necessarycondition analysis (NCA) to determine whether one or more ethical factors are necessary conditions forthe acceptance of CFPSs. The PLS-SEM results indicate that relativism and consequentialism, which include egoist and utilitarian motivations, are significant and influential ethical variables for explaining the acceptance of CFPSs. Similarly, NCA shows that all the moral variables contained in the MES and considered in this study (moral equity, relativism, egoism, and utilitarianism) are necessary for the behavioral intention to use CFPSs in competitions. The use of the MES constructs as antecedents to evaluate the acceptance of advancements in sport technology and its implementation with both PLS-SEM and NCA is novel in the assessment of new sport equipment acceptance. The results of this paper suggest that the MES can be a valuable approach for assessing attitudes toward technological advances in sports.
The aim of the study was to analyze differences in the perception of teacher autonomy support in Physical Education classes, motivation, and emotional intelligence based on gender and age among a group of secondary school students. The sample consisted of 1,069 students (522 boys) aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14.55; SD = 1.54). To collect data, participants completed the Learning Climate questionnaireto Physical Education, the Sport Motivation Scale-II motivation questionnaire, and the Trait Meta-Mood Scale emotional intelligence questionnaire, all validated in Spanish. The results showed that autonomy support was positively related to motivation. Girls exhibited lower motivation levels than boys, less emotional clarity and repair, and a greater need for emotional attention compared to boys. Regarding age, no significant differences were found within the secondary school stage, although younger students showed higher extrinsic motivation and less dependence on emotional attention. This highlights the need to work on aspects that promote motivation and autonomy, particularly among girls.
This paper describes and justifies the methodology of the ACTIVA-MENTE project, designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention program based on the inclusion of physically active lessonsthrough co-teaching among secondaryeducation students. This is a quasi-experimental study involving 1,200 secondaryschool students (aged 12-17) from 10 schools in Extremadura (Spain). Control groups (25 classes) and experimental groups (50 classes) are assigned in each school. The experimental groups carry out a 26-week intervention consisting of one weekly physically active lesson, jointly designed and delivered by physical education teachers and subject-specific teachers. The effects on physical activity levels, physical fitness, sedentary behavior, and motivational and academic variables are evaluated using repeated measures ANOVA. Interviews and focus groups are conducted to explore students' and teachers' perceptions. The program is expected to help reduce sedentary behavior in schools, improve health and academic indicators, and promote more active, sustainable, and collaborative educational environments. As the first institutionalized program of its kind in Spain, its potential for transfer and social impact are especially significant, with real possibilities for expansion to other educational contexts.
Currently, youngfemale tennis players participate in international tournaments awayfrom home, which can affect their performance. The study aimed to analyze changes in body composition, stroke speed, and muscle power after a five-week international tour in young Chilean female tennis players. The sample consisted of thirty young female players (16.2 +/- 0.7). Body weight, height, skinfolds and body perimeters were measured. Body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were calculated. Service speed, forehand and backhand strokes were monitored with a speed radar (Pocket Radar (R)). Muscle power was evaluated with horizontal jump (HJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and medicine ball throw (MBT). The results show decreases in SMM and body fat (p<.01; d= 0.89 and 0.75). In muscular power, there was a loss in MBT, CMJ, and HJ (p<.01; d= 0.59 to 0.98). In addition, the speed of serve, forehand, and backhand decreased (p<.01; d= 1.16, 0.27, and 0.46, respectively). We conclude that, after a five-week international tour, there is a significant decrease in serve speed, forehand, backhand, MBT, CMJ, and HJ, and a loss in bodyfat and SMM.
The objectives of this study were three: i) analyze the RAE of the elite soccer players who played in the FIFA World Cup between 1962 and 2022 for men and 1991 until 2023 for women; ii) check if there are differences between the distributions by date of birth of the players about the phase reached in the World Cup; iii) analyze the RAE according to the different confederations. The differences between the observed and expected distributions were analyzed using the Chi-square adjustment goodness test and Odds ratio. The dates of birth of 9.064 male athletes and 3.580 female athletes were evaluated. These findings are related to those of the present study, where it has also been determined that there is a significant RAE for 11 of the 15 men's world championships and 7 of the ninewomen's world championships analyzed that resulted in championships. As for the analysis by the teams that obtained a significant RAE, it was determined that of the 14 teams that have been champions or runners-up in the men's and women's World Cups, onlythe teams of England for men and Norway, Sweden, and the United States for women turned out to be significant for the champion. For the analysis of the RAE according to confederation, it has been determined that there is only two significant RAE for the champion team (CONCACAF and CAF), three for the runner-up teams (AFC, CONCACAF and CAF) and three for the third place (AFC, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL).
Scientific knowledge has developed thanks to the proliferation of scientific journals that publish research providing evidence. However, the information received by the population, especially adolescents, flows through other channels, such as social media. While rigorous research generates knowledge, the speed of social media favours the spread of incorrect information. In this ecosystem, influencers play a decisive role. Their communication skills and aesthetics often give them a perceived authority that sometimes lacks scientific basis. When it comes to physical exercise in fitness centers, and even more so in strength training using weights, the selection of information is a key skill. In order to distinguish between evidence and beliefs, it is necessary to work from a rigorous analysis of the information in order to provide recommendations that can be integrated into the educational curricula of the subject of Physical Education
