SPORTS SCIENCE AND HEALTH

Anemia in Female Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study of Team and Individual Sports with Discipline-Specific Risks

2025-06-23T09:03:37+02:00

This study examined the prevalence of anemia among female athletes in team ball sports (volleyball, soccer, and basketball) and individual sports (karate, dance, and athletics) aged 11 to 35. The results showed no statistically significant difference in anemia prevalence between athletes in team sports (2.15%) and individual sports (1.73%). Older female athletes (19–35 years) demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of anemia compared to younger athletes (11–18 years), regardless of the type of sport. Within the individual sports group, significant differences were observed, with track and field athletes showing a higher anemia prevalence (7.14%) compared to athletes in karate and dance. These findings suggest that the type of sport does not significantly influence anemia risk, but specific disciplines with high aerobic demands, such as athletics, carry a higher risk. The study highlights the need for targeted approaches to anemia prevention and monitoring based on the sport and physical demands of individual disciplines.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation: A Review Article on Recent Rule Changes in Cricket

2025-06-23T09:18:06+02:00

Cricket, often referred to as a “gentleman’s game”, has a rich history and many traditions intricately woven into its fabric. Recent rule changes introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) have taken center stage, sparking discussion, debate and the occasional controversy. These changes, which came into force on 1 October 2022, symbolize cricket’s ability to adapt to modern standards while addressing issues related to fairness, safety and pace of play. The primary objective of this study is to determine the effects of recent rule changes in cricket; and to determine how these rule changes affected player behavior, the balance between batsman and bowler, and the overall dynamics of the game. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the implications of these rule changes, with particular attention to their role in preserving both traditional and modern elements of the sport. The study methods followed a five-stage methodological framework to identify the research question, identify the literature, select the study, draft the data, outline the data and report the data. Eight different changes made by the ICC are covered, covering areas such as batters’ return after catch, ball maintenance, incoming batters’ readiness, striker’s rights, fielding conduct, non-striker’s run-out, bowler action and penalties for slowing play rates. The results show the multi-faceted impact of these rule changes, affecting wicket-to-wicket transitions, strategies and the overall dynamics of the game. The study offers a number of recommendations to ensure a smooth transition to the new rules, focusing on education, consistency, technological integration, player development, research collaboration, fan participation and adjustment periods. These measures are aimed at promoting the coexistence of cricket’s traditions and evolution, preserving its intrinsic values while remaining relevant to modern norms. Cricket’s ongoing dialogue about rule changes reflects the sport’s adaptability as it strives to maintain its competitive spirit and provide a fair and safe environment for players and fans. As the game continues to evolve, these discussions will play a key role in shaping its future, striking a balance between adhering to tradition and embracing change.

Comparative analysis of heart rate variability in short-distance and ultramarathon runners: implications for training optimization

2025-06-23T09:29:03+02:00

This study investigated heart rate variability (HRV) as a biomarker for assessing athletes’ functional states and adaptation mechanisms to different training modalities. The objective was to develop a technology for monitoring and controlling the training process of runners using HRV indicators. Thirty participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of short-distance runners, and Group 2 included long-distance runners. HRV was assessed via electrocardiography using the “Variсard” system, while additional data were gathered through a Google Forms survey. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software (version 13.0).
Results revealed minimal differences in heart rate between the two groups, with the resting heart rate being lower in long-distance runners. The low-frequency component (%LF) exhibited a more pronounced response to the orthostatic test in short-distance runners (p<0.05). Regression analysis demonstrated that factors such as age, alcohol consumption, and smoking led to an increase in LF% and a decrease in parasympathetic activity.
HRV effectively reflects the adaptive capacity of runners and can be employed to monitor and control training processes. Non-training factors, including nutrition, health status, perceived load tolerance, age, and gender, also influence HRV and must be considered when preparing runners. These findings highlight the critical role of HRV in optimizing athletic performance and tailoring individualized training strategies for short- and long-distance runners.

Effectiveness of the Outdoor Learning Model Containing Local Culture on Children’s Gross Motor Skills

2025-06-23T09:48:57+02:00

Outdoor learning is a model of learning conducted outside the classroom through direct utilization of the environment that provides authentic and concrete experiences for children. These experiences allow children to receive stimuli that can expand the learning environment and allow the development of various domains of child development. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of outdoor learning model with local culture on gross motor skills. The type of experimental research used in this study is quasi experimental research with the assumption that this study cannot fully control the variables that will affect the results of this study later. In this case, the sample was selected from a population that was not randomized because the subjects were already formed in class groups. The sample in this study were children aged 5-6 years with a total sample size of 42 children who were divided into two groups, namely the experimental group and the control group. Data collection instruments in the form of observation sheets. The data obtained were then analyzed statistically using an independent t-test on the SPSS.16 program to see the difference between the experimental group and the control group. The results showed that there was a difference between the experimental group using the outdoor learning model with local culture and the control group using the expository method with a value of 0.000 <0.05. This means that the outdoor learning model is effective in improving gross motor skills. Based on the findings, this study recommends teacher training in using outdoor learning model with local culture through new ways to improve gross motor development.

HRV Monitoring and Recovery Rates: An Experimental Study on Young Tennis Atheltes

2025-06-23T10:03:50+02:00

Heart rate variability (HRV) represents time variation between consecutive heartbeats and reflects the ability of the autonomic nervous system to adapt to different stimuli. Despite the growing focus on HRV as indicator of recovery in athletes, there is a lack in scientific literature on how HRV and recovery indices manifest and vary in young tennis athletes, limiting the understanding of physiological dynamics and strategies for optimizing recovery for these athletes. The aim is to identify specific patterns of physiological adaptation during the post-training and competition recovery process. The study aims to understand how HRV characteristics may reflect fatigue, recovery and response to physical stress, with the goal of developing strategies for recovery and performance optimization for this specific population. The study involved 120 young tennis athletes aged 16-18 years old, with 3 years of experience in the sport. The results showed a weak positive correlation with training performance (0.027) and a weak negative correlation with match performance (-0.010). The RMSSD shows weak positive correlations with both training performance (0.013) and match performance (0.031). The LF/HF ratio has a negative correlation with the training performance (-0.206) and there is a weak positive correlation with the match performance (0.110). The results underline the need for a holistic and multifactorial approach to optimize the performance of young tennis athletes. Regular monitoring of HRV provides valuable information on the balance of the autonomic nervous system and the athlete’s recovery status but should be complemented by other assessments such as psychological assessments and skill-based tests.

Key Game-Related Statistical Parameters Predicting Performance Index Rating for U16, U18, and U20 Basketball Players in Different Playing Positions

2025-06-23T10:38:39+02:00

The aim of this study was to determine which game-related statistical parameters could be used to predict the performance index rating of U16, U18, and U20 basketball players in different playing positions. A total of 167 games (box scores for 1813 players) of the finalists teams were analyzed at the FIBA Youth European Championships for men held from 2017-2022 across age categories: U16 (55 games, 595 players), U18 (56 games, 618 players) and U20 (56 games, 600 players). The game-related statistical parameters gathered as independent variables included: total points scored, free throw, 2 and 3-points attempts and made, rebounds, assists, steals, turnovers, personal fouls and blocks. The dependent variable was the Performance Index Rating. The basic descriptive statistics were calculated, while the models of dependency among the observed variables were defined using multiple regression analysis (backward method) at the significance level of p ≤ 0.05. For players in outside positions, total points scored, assists, steals and offensive and defensive rebounds have a positive impact on their performance index rating. A number of 2-point and free throw attempts, turnovers, 3-point attempts, blocks against and personal fouls committed, have a negative impact. For players in inside positions, positive impact have a number of made 2 and 3-point shots, as well as assists, steals, defensive rebounds and blocks in favour. The negative impact included a 2-point shot attempts, turnovers, and personal fouls committed. These results can help coaches design more effective training programs, to prioritize offensive and defensive skills that positively impact a player’s performance.

Disability-Based Inequalities in Elite Sport: The Perspective of Deaf Female Athletes in Croatia

2025-06-23T10:49:17+02:00

Many factors contribute to the disadvantage of women in sports, which are certainly even more pronounced when considering the position of women with disabilities. Hearing impairment is mostly defined as “hidden disability”, not only due to lack of visible symptoms, but also due to long-term stigmatisation and political neglect. The research problem of paper was to study possible inequality in the gender distribution between top Croatian athletes with disabilities (deafness) and without disabilities, and to direct further analysis towards the specificities of deaf female athletes. The sample of respondents consisted of 322 athletes of both gender who had a valid decision on allocating the athlete to the first category by the Croatian Olympic Committee and the Croatian Deaf Sports Association. The main results show that there are differences in gender distribution among top Croatian athletes with regard to the sports system. The difference obtained is in line with the assumption that there will be significantly fewer top deaf female athletes compared to top female athletes without disabilities. Special attention was given to the analysis of the specifics of deaf female athletes (age, region of residence, and number of sports with regard to classification, Olympic status and category). Women of all ages with any type of disability are generally among the more vulnerable and marginalized populations in society, therefore their problems need to be taken into account in all strategic processes in order to protect and promote their human rights and, where necessary, eliminate inequalities between women and men.

Relation Between Physical Education Quality and Teachers’ Communication Style – Differential Analysis

2025-06-23T13:23:11+02:00

The conducted research was focused on the communication aspect of the implementation of Physical Education (PE) with the main goal of determining the influence of different communication dimensions on the implementation quality of individual parts of the lesson. The sample of respondents consisted of 120 student teachers of kinesiology, who taught classes with upper primary school students. Data on teaching quality and communication modality were collected using the direct observation method with the application of the Questionnaire for the assessment of the teaching process quality (QT) and Questionnaire for the evaluation of interpersonal communication modality (QC). The influence of communication dimensions on the quality of individual parts of the PE lesson was determined by applying a series of regression analyses. The obtained findings confirmed the significant relations between the communication dimensions and the implementation quality of all lesson parts. The size of the relations grew with the increase in the duration and complexity of the individual lesson part, where the main parts of the lesson, in which the learning and teaching of more complex kinesiology content and the application of different methods and methodical organizational forms of work come to the fore, required more pronounced communication skills. The research confirmed the importance of quality communication in teaching with special emphasis on the need to develop these skills in future teachers, as a prerequisite for quality work in all aspects of the educational process.

Teachers’ Views on the Specificity of the Relationship Between Developmentally Appropriate Practice and Sports-Talented Students Within the Individual Curriculum

2025-06-23T13:34:03+02:00

The research was conducted on a sample of 102 respondents (teachers) employed in primary schools in the Zenica-Doboj Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The main objective of the research is to determine the attitudes and opinions and possible differences of the respondents on the specifics of the relationship between developmentally appropriate practice and gifted students who move from classroom to subject teaching within the individual curriculum, considering the gender, employment status, age and level of education of the respondents. The research used a five-point Likert scale questionnaire in which each statement was marked with 5 answers (1-I completely disagree, 2-I disagree, 3-I have no opinion/I am neutral, 4-I agree, 5-I completely agree). The questionnaire included general data on the respondents (gender, workplace/position, age, level of education) and 5 indicators of developmentally appropriate practice with a scale of indicators of developmentally appropriate practice in supporting students’ giftedness. For all indicators of teachers’ attitudes about the specificity of the relationship between developmentally appropriate practice and gifted students in sports who move from classroom to subject teaching within the individual curriculum, basic descriptive statistical parameters (arithmetic mean -AS and standard deviation -St. Dev.) were calculated and determined. To determine the statistical significance of differences between groups of respondents, the results of the t-test and analysis of variance of different groups with LSD Post Hoc comparison tests were applied. The arithmetic mean (AS) of all indicators of 3.92 shows that teachers/educators agree very well with the statements about developmentally appropriate practice. The standard deviation (SD) value of 0.82 indicates that the dispersion around the arithmetic mean is very weak, which is confirmed by the coefficient of variability (CV) of 20.92% and thus the very good homogeneity of the results obtained for this sample of respondents. The results of the T test and analysis of variance with LSD Post Hoc comparison tests indicate that there is no statistically significant difference in the attitudes of the respondents about the specificity of the relationship between developmentally appropriate practice and gifted students in sports who move from classroom to subject teaching within the individual curriculum with regard to gender, age and level of education of the respondents. The difference was determined only among the respondents with regard to employment status. In general, it can be concluded that teachers/educators have uniform attitudes about the specificity of the relationship between developmentally appropriate practice and gifted students in sports who move from classroom to subject teaching within the individual curriculum. The significance of the results obtained is that in this way, continuous and quality development of gifted students in sports who move from classroom to subject teaching can be ensured.

The Effect of Six Weeks Plyometric Box Jump and Drop Jump Training on Leg Muscle Explosive Power and Strength

2025-06-23T13:50:17+02:00

The purpose of this study is to enhance the performance of athletic athletes through plyometric box jump and plyometric drop jump training methods. Thirty selected athletes meeting the criteria underwent a pretest to determine the grouping into the plyometric box jump, plyometric drop jump, and control groups. A back leg dynamometer was used to measure leg muscle strength, while the jump MD test was used to assess leg muscle explosive power. Each group underwent progressive training for six weeks, with three training sessions per week. The results of the paired sample t-test showed that the plyometric box jump training method had a significant effect on both leg muscle strength and explosive power. Meanwhile, the plyometric drop jump training method demonstrated a significant effect on leg muscle strength. It can be concluded that both plyometric box jump and plyometric drop jump training methods are effective for improving the two key physical components: leg muscle strength and explosive power.

The Relation Between Disruptive Factors and Succes In Sailing

2025-06-23T13:58:50+02:00

There are many factors that affect the success of sailors. Psychiological factors are some of the unavoidable ones that are connected to the sports performance. One of the key factors is anxiety which is changing according to the experience and the situation the sportsmen find themselves in. The goal of this paper was to determine the effect of disruptive factors on the success in sailing conducted on 29 students of Kinesiology faculty in Zagreb. In the research wave height, visibility, wind strength and anxiety level were measured and analysed. Anxiety was analysed through multidimensional approach to anxiety as a temporary state of the examinee, and the anxiety as a personality trait. Every examinee has filled out the Endler EMAS-T questionnaire which evaluates the anxiety as a personality trait, while everyday they were filling out EMAS-S questionnaire prior to every regatta, so that current anxiety could be compared to the regatta results. Statistically significant correlation between anxiety and success in sailing was proved in 2 out of 8 regattas, so it can hardly be said that the hypothesis was proved. Statistical significance was proved in lessening of the somatic anxiety level of sailors in correlation with the number of days and the exposure to the stressor. It can be concluded that the level of anxiety is changing the more days passes and the more the sailor is exposed to the stressor and that some inidcations of the correlation of anxiety and the success in regatta sailing exist.

Elevating user experience and service excellence in sports facilities via integrated management information systems: a systematic review

2025-06-23T14:20:12+02:00

With the growing public interest in sports, sports facility management is facing increasing demands to improve the quality of its services and enhance the user experience. To address these challenges, this paper comprehensively discusses the development of an integrated management information system (MIS). This discussion is based on existing literature and aims to contribute to the advancement of sports facility management. This study investigates the development of an Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) to improve user experience and service quality in sports facilities. Employing a systematic review (2018-2023) of 7 articles from Scopus, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar, the research explores how IMIS can address evolving industry needs. The system facilitates user access to information, online transactions, and feedback mechanisms, while enabling personalization and recommendations. Implementation involves evaluating facility needs, staff training, and user introduction. Data security and privacy are crucial. Future integration of AI, IoT, and mobile applications holds promise for further enhancing IMIS effectiveness. Overall, IMIS implementation has demonstrably improved user experience and service quality. By prioritizing user experience and adapting to technological advancements, sports facilities can remain competitive in a digital age.

Strategies for Developing Local Wisdom-Based Sport Tourism to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) in South Sulawesi Province

2025-06-23T14:33:11+02:00

This study explored the development strategies of sport tourism based on local wisdom in South Sulawesi Province to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in poverty reduction. The SDGs, adopted in Indonesia through Presidential Regulation No. 59 of 2015, prioritized poverty alleviation as a primary goal. This research assessed the potential of sport tourism by leveraging the diversity of nature and local culture to enhance the rural economy. South Sulawesi, rich in natural and cultural resources, offered significant potential for sport tourism. Activities such as marathons at the Maros GeoPark, mountain biking in Malino Pine Forest, and jet ski festivals at Tanjung Bira Beach attracted tourists and stimulated the local economy. However, the decline in tourist visits highlighted the need for new strategies. A qualitative method was used to analyze the potential and obstacles in sport tourism development. The results showed that sport tourism based on local wisdom could reduce poverty through job creation and increased income from tourist spending. The elements of “something to see,” “something to do,” and “something to buy” in South Sulawesi enhanced tourism appeal and the local economy. Challenges such as infrastructure, stakeholder coordination, and community training needed to be addressed. This study suggested better traffic systems, effective communication, and the enhancement of local human resource capacities. An inclusive approach in planning and managing tourist destinations was expected to maximize economic benefits while preserving the local environment and culture, making sport tourism based on local wisdom a sustainable development model for South Sulawesi.

Development of IA Trainer Learning Media Based on Android Application to Improve Groundstroke Ability of Beginner Tennis Players

2025-06-23T16:48:45+02:00

The tennis lecture process that has been carried out so far is still conventional, so it is less effective in improving the learning outcomes of beginner tennis players. Therefore, a more effective learning media is needed and can trigger an increase in the learning outcomes of beginner tennis players. This study aims to develop learning media that suits the needs of beginner tennis players in tennis lectures. For this reason, researchers developed an android application-based IA trainer learning media to improve the groundstroke ability of beginner tennis players at FIK UNM. The feasibility test of the developed media was carried out by involving expert validators in conducting media validation, learning media validation, and material validation. Based on the average results of product validation, a score of 90.4% was obtained which was categorized as very feasible. So it can be concluded that the learning media IA trainer based on android applications to improve the groundstroke ability of beginner tennis players at FIK UNM is very feasible to use. Meanwhile, based on the results of the paired sample t test, the mean value of the beginner tennis player’s groundstroke pre-test data is 13.55 and the mean groundstroke post-test data is 17.67, so that the mean difference is 4.117. So from the test results it is known that the groundstroke ability of beginner tennis players has increased. The results of the effectiveness test on the paired sample t test results above show that the difference in the pre-test and post-test results of beginner tennis player groundstroke skills. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the android-based IA trainer media has an effect on improving the groundstroke skills of beginner tennis players.

Effect of financial support of the first companion brand in social media on the quality of brand-consumer relationship in Iranian premier football league

2025-06-23T16:59:25+02:00

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of supporting the first financial brand in social media on the quality of the brand-consumer relationship and brand-consumer compliance in Iranian premier football league. The current thesis was used in terms of intent, and the data was collected using descriptive survey research. This study’s statistical demographic included both Iranian Premier League fans and spectators. Standard questionnaires were used to evaluate the study theories, and structural equation simulation with SPSS and Smart pls applications was used to collect data. Following the determination of the coefficient, 40 questionnaires were spread to Premier League viewers and followers. There were 332 samples for the dependent variable’s stability and volatility, as well as its location in Cochran’s formula. To be sure, 400 questionnaires were circulated to the audience in a non-probable manner, and the data from 332 questionnaires were analyzed. The results showed that the financial support of Hamrahe Aval brand of sports activities on social media affects brand-consumer compliance. Considering the significance coefficient of Z in the relationship between the financial support of Hamrahe Aval brand of sports activities on social media with the brand-consumer adaptation, which is equal to 19.915, this hypothesis has been confirmed the effect is similar to 0.654. To sum up, as Hamrahe Aval brand sponsorship of sports activities in social media and brand-consumer compliance increase, the brand-consumer relationship quality will improve.

Fitness Profile of Central Java Paragliding Athletes

2025-06-23T17:25:50+02:00

Background: Health and fitness, both physically and mentally, are very important in supporting achievements in the sport of paragliding.
Objective: to see the fitness level of Central Java paragliding athletes.
Method: quantitative survey on 30 paragliding athletes in Central Java. A total of 15 male athletes and 15 female athletes. Data collection techniques using a quality-of-life questionnaire survey and measurement of age, height, weight, blood pressure, HR, MHR, BMI, and endurance, strength and flexibility tests. Statistical analysis using SPSS.
Results: showed that the fitness level of Central Java athletes was good in terms of anthropometry, physical and mental health tests, and fitness tests.
Conclusion: The Central Java paragliding athlete test showed good health fitness, sufficient physical fitness, and good mental fitness.