SPORTLOGIA

Initial Study on Normative Data for Hand Grip Strength and Explosive Strength in Lebanese Population

Zahi Andraos — 2024-12-01

The primary aim of this study is to define the norms as initial standards for handgrip strength for the Lebanese population. The secondary aim is to make a comparative analysis of these values with other available data. The study involved 303 healthy adults (179 males and 124 females) who represented diverse educational and training backgrounds across different regions of Lebanon. Participants’ height and weight were assessed. Grip strength was measured for both dominant and non-dominant hand using a standardized handgrip strength protocol. Handgrip strength values were presented as absolute and relative (i.e., normalized to body mass) values. The analysis indicates that the summarized maximal force from both hands (Fmax_SUM) and summarized rate of force development (RFDmax_SUM) in males and females align closely with international findings, within ±1 standard deviation. Compared to international standards, Lebanese handgrip strength values differ by 2.14% for males and 3.32% for females. However, more significant disparities are observed in explosive strength, with differences of 13.44% for males and 22.81% for females. Significant between-sex difference could be observed in Fmax_SUM (45.35%) and RFDmax_SUM (48.75%), with males showing higher values than females.

Physical Activity and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Saša Kovačević — 2024-12-01

Objective: This review explores the complex relationship between physical activity, mental health, and specific challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to analyze changes in physical activity patterns, psychological effects of restrictions, and explore innovative approaches to maintaining an active lifestyle during the pandemic. A systematic literature review of five databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was conducted against inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria involved research providing relevant insights into changes in physical activity and their impact on mental health. This review identified increased awareness of the importance of maintaining physical activity during the pandemic. Changes in exercise patterns and their impact on mental health have been observed. The analyzed research consistently indicates a link between physical activity and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of promoting physical activity as a means of preserving mental health during periods of social distancing and lifestyle changes. Further research and implementation of targeted public health interventions are crucial to supporting population health during the pandemic. Research clearly demonstrates the importance of physical activity in maintaining mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and in daily life. Further promotion of physical activity and the development of tailored public health strategies are essential to support population well-being.

Graduate Versus Undergraduate Interrater Reliability of the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) and Less-Real Time

Megan B. Thompson — 2024-12-01

The study sought to determine if the LESS and LESS-RT scoring criteria are reliable when scored by graduate and undergraduate kinesiology students with minimal experience. Eleven graduate (7 male: 28.29 ± 3.251 years; 4 female: 28.00 ± 4.082 years) and 19 undergraduate (7 male: 21.57 ± 1.512 years; 12 female: 21.42 ± 4.870 years) students participated as raters. Raters with minimal (< 2 hours) or no experience with the LESS watched 30 videos and evaluated jump-landing mechanics using the LESS and LESS-RT across four sessions (two per criteria). A 4-way repeated measures ANOVA analyzed interactions among trials, groups, videos, and scoring sheets. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), and minimal difference (MD) values were calculated, with an alpha level of 0.05. ICC values for the whole group and undergraduates (R = 0.102 – 0.780) demonstrated “poor” to “good” reliability, while graduate students (R = 0.356 – 0.814) demonstrated “poor” to “excellent” reliability. The CV for the whole group, graduate, and undergraduate students (14.24 – 29.90%), were all above the 10% threshold thus, reliable. Prior experience with the LESS may impact the quality of assessment, therefore, providing a single training session could drastically improve the quality of ratings, even for novice raters.

Gender Representation in Management and Coaching Roles in Sports: A Case Study of the Banja Luka Region

Adriana Ljubojević — 2024-12-01

This study investigates gender representation in management and coaching roles within sports organizations in the Banja Luka region, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research aims to provide a detailed insight into the extent of women’s participation in decision-making roles and sports activities, revealing existing inequalities. A structured online questionnaire was distributed to 54 sports organizations from eight different types of sports to assess gender distribution in managerial, executive, and coaching roles. The results indicate that men overwhelmingly dominate management leadership positions, with 96.29% of managerial roles occupied by men and 62.9% of organizations having no women in management leadership. Similarly, 52.8% of the clubs do not employ any female coaches. Only 11.1% of organizations reported having policies addressing gender equality, reflecting the absence of formal mechanisms to address these disparities. The findings emphasize persistent barriers, including stereotypes and organizational culture, that hinder the inclusion of women in leadership and coaching roles. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions, including policy changes and educational efforts, to promote gender equality in sports organizations in the region.

Effect of Acute Beetroot Supplementation on Exercise Performance of CrossFit® Male Athletes: Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study

Liliana M. Espino — 2024-12-01

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of beetroot supplementation on the number of repetitions in the Cindy test of male athletes who practice CrossFit® to improve their exercise performance. Twenty male CrossFit® athletes (age = 28 ±3 years, height = 1.71 ± 0.2 m, weight = 72.2 ± 4.2 kg) were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover study. The participants consumed a beetroot supplement (515 mg (8.24 mmol) of nitrate) or placebo (starch) 90 min before starting the Cindy workout. Student's t-tests for paired samples were used to compare the performance between the beetroot supplement and placebo conditions and to examine for a learning effect between the first and the second sessions. No significant differences were found in performance between the beetroot supplement and the placebo conditions (17.4 ± 2.7 vs. 16.7± 2.3 rounds, t = 1.48, p = 0.078). However, a significant learning effect was determined between the first and the second session (16.6 ± 2.4 vs. 17.5± 2.6 rounds, t = 1.94, p= 0.034). Overall, the intake of 515 mg of beetroot nitrate (8.24 mmol) before a Cindy workout did not increase the number of repetitions performed. More studies are needed to confirm whether nitrate in beetroot can be used as an effective performance improvement strategy in CrossFit® male athletes, considering that a learning effect could be present in the practice of CrossFit® workouts.

Validity and Reliability of an Adapted Leg/Back Isometric Strength Testing Device

Robert G. Lockie — 2024-12-20

The leg/back dynamometer (LBD) is a valid lower-body strength test. For people stronger than the typical device, a crane scale could provide an adapted leg/back dynamometer (ALBD), although validity and reliability analyses are needed. Fifty participants completed three testing sessions, consisting of three LBD and ALBD trials each. One-sample t-tests determined whether LBD and ALBD mean differences were significant compared to 0. Paired samples t-tests and effect sizes (d) compared average and maximum LBD and ALBD. Pearson’s correlations and regression derived LBD and ALBD relationships. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) assessed reliability. A three-way repeated measures ANOVA compared between-session LBD and ALBD. Test usefulness was analyzed by typical error (TE) and smallest worthwhile change (SWC). The mean differences analyses indicated a fixed bias (p≤0.04); the LBD recorded greater values than the ALBD (p<0.01; d=0.43-0.89). Relationships between the LBD and ALBD across all sessions were significant (p<0.001; r=0.902-0.985), with 94% explained variance. The ICCs and CVs for all sessions were acceptable (ICC≥0.97; CV≤6%). There were no significant LBD or ALBD differences between Sessions 1 or 2. However, average and maximum LBD for Session 3 was greater than Sessions 1 and 2; Session 3 average ALBD was greater than Sessions 1 and 2 (p≤0.002); and maximum ALBD was greater than Session 1 (p≤0.042). The LBD and ALBD were useful (TE=5.13-5.65kg; SWC=7.26-7.99kg). The ALBD can measure strength, although the data was lower than the LBD. The LBD and ALBD are reliable and useful; two practice sessions could enhance reliability.