International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports (IJPEFS)
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Exploring Athletes' Preferences of Coaching Leadership Behaviours in Strength and Conditioning Coaching: A Mixed Methods Study at a British University
Full text linkThe study investigated athletes’ preferred coaching leadership behaviours in strength and conditioning coaching at a British University, integrating quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the confirmation or divergence of results. Athletes' preferences were explored to offer novel perspectives in this area. A convergent mixed methods design with parallel databases was implemented, using quantitative data through an electronic questionnaire using the athletesˈ preference version of the Revised Leadership Scale for Strength and Conditioning and qualitative data through semi-structured interviews based on the constructs of that scale. A total of 49 male and female British university athletes completed the questionnaire, and 13 participated in follow-up interviews. The qualitative purposeful sample was a subset of the convenience quantitative sample. The mixed-methods findings are the meta-inferences drawn by comparing the matched quantitative and qualitative findings across six behavioural dimensions: autocratic, democratic, positive feedback, situational consideration, social support, and training and instruction behaviours. The survey results illustrate the preferences of behaviours, and the qualitative findings confirmed and further expanded the survey results. Athletes appreciate a mix of autocratic and democratic behaviours, valuing authority when necessary but predominantly collaboration, especially in goal-setting. Positive feedback and instructions are highly valued when genuine, contextually appropriate, and provided during significant efforts, such as when lifting heavy weights or learning new techniques. Athletes appreciate coaches who maintain professional boundaries whilst showing empathy, strong social interaction skills, and the capacity to consider situational factors to set achievable goals. An integrated mixed-methods analysis highlights how behaviours cannot be evaluated independently of context and that strength and conditioning coaches should exhibit adaptability and a genuine interest in developing personal connections. These findings offer a basis for further research to expand the investigation of coaching leadership behaviours in strength and conditioning coaching
Do Final Fitness Scores Correlate to Final Academic Scores Among Police Cadets?
Full text linkObjective: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a relationship between specific physical fitness tests and academic test scores exists with police cadets. Design: Retrospective, non-identifiable data from three training cohorts was selected for this investigation. Methods: 86 (70 males, 16 females) cadets in three different cohorts volunteered for this investigation during a single 16-week (640 hours) police training academy at the same law enforcement agency (LEA). Cadets were screened for five fitness components, consisting of vertical jump, 1-minute push-up test, 300m sprint, 1-minute sit-up test, and the 2.4km run after 16 weeks of fitness training along with a comprehensive reading, mathematics, and general law enforcement exam, following the completion of all 16 law enforcement modules. Results: There was no significant relationship between final fitness scores and final academic exam scores. Conclusion: Specific physical fitness scores did not significantly correlate with final academic exam scores in police cadets. It was noted cadet physical training should focus on psychomotor activities not only to improve academic scores but overall successful fitness outcomes to successfully graduate from a police academy
Assessment of Body Composition in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts
Full text linkThe primary aim of this study was to examine the body composition of young female rhythmic gymnasts and draw comparative insights from the collected data. Additionally, the results were compared with other studies that shared identical or analogous research objectives. 36 girls divided into three age groups participated in the research: Group 1 (age: 8.57 ± 0.66), group 2 (age: 10.32 ± 0.48) and group 3 (age: 12.90 ± 0.74). Body composition was determined using an octopolar bioelectrical impedance analysis device InBody 370. Among the various variables assessed, the groups exhibited statistically significant differences across most parameters, with exception of body fat (%). Our results, consistent with prior research studies, revealed that our participants also exhibited the characteristic body composition commonly observed in rhythmic gymnastics. These findings suggest that rhythmic gymnastics primarily affects body weight and the percentage of body fat tissue, while also contributing to the development of muscle mass over years of training and sports experience
Predictive Modeling of Heart Rate Dynamics based on Physical Characteristics and Exercise Parameters: A Machine Learning Approach
Full text linkTo accurately forecast heart rate changes during exercise, which is essential for customized health monitoring and improving training regimens, it is necessary to comprehend both the physiological foundations and the technical capacities for data processing. This research utilizes Machine Learning (ML) methodologies to predict heart rate reactions based on physical characteristics and activity variables. Our research focuses on the health and sports aspects of our results, using a comprehensive dataset that includes a wide range of activity types and ambient circumstances across 12,000 sets. We establish a connection between the ability of models such as Linear Regression (LR) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) to predict outcomes and their practical use in exercise management and optimizing athlete performance. These models accurately forecast variations in heart rate and also provide insights into the cardiovascular demands of various physical activities. Standard metrics measure the effectiveness of these models. The Linear Regression (LR) model achieved a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.419, a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.294, a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.543, and an R-Squared value of 0.997. On the other hand, the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) Regressor model achieved a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.421, a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.335, a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.578, and an R-Squared value of 0.996. These metrics demonstrate the usefulness of these models in real-world scenarios. Our study's findings demonstrate that the combination of physiological data and powerful machine learning models may improve an individual's comprehension of fitness levels and the requirements for adaptive training. This study not only adds to the field of computational physiology, but it also aids in the creation of adaptive, real-time therapies for improving health and performance
Physical Exercise as a Modulator of the Levels of Leptin/Adiponectin Relation and Inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease
Full text linkChronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important factor of loss of quality of life and high rates of morbidity and mortality, where cardiovascular diseases are the main responsible for this poorer prognosis. It is verified that CKD is associated with high inflammatory levels in the body, or that it seems to contribute to these cardiovascular events. Thus, CKD is characterized by a high inflammatory profile, as well as possibly a large imbalance in adipokines due to changes in body composition. Thus, adiponectin and leptin emerge as possible inflammatory modulators, although their popular effects are not completely elucidated. On the other hand, it is proven that physical exercise can be a great tool in the treatment of CKD and in the modulation of biomarkers, stimulating in an anti-inflammatory way and promoting an adjustment in the main causes of morbidity and mortality in this population. Thus, this review seeks to elucidate the role of exercise as a modulator of inflammation and the leptin/adiponectin relationship in order to contribute to the better quality of life of this population, in addition to demonstrating the important role that exercise can exert in modulation of these biomarkers, aiming to minimize the cardiovascular effects that these biomarkers exert on this population
Exploring Soccer Coaching Methods: Design and Validation of a Measurement Instrument
Full text linkSoccer coaches, although not prominently featured in the foreground, are essential to the outcomes of the sport. They are key figures between athletes and organizational goals. Choosing, retaining, and developing the greatest athletes is the cornerstone to a successful coaching career. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire that was determine the characteristic soccer coaching styles. A experimental study involved the participation of 207 soccer coaches (B, A and PRO UEFA coaching license). The questionnaire comprises 14 themes and consists of 65 items designed to evaluate soccer coaching styles, developed from the updated Leadership Scale for Sport. The validation of the developed instrument in this empirical study was conducted using two procedures: (1) factor analysis (PCA with oblique rotation) and (2) an internal consistency assessment (Scale Reliability Analysis – Cronbach's Alpha). Nineteen significant factors were extracted, and they are as follows: Player contribution to the game system; Cooperation/ Opinions; Implementation of coach's requirements; Teaching; Motivation; Conflict resolution; Informations; Sanction; Expressing an opinion; Error correction at own discretion; Highlighting the good and bad sides of players; Instructions; Team goal setting; Highlighting positivism/ negativism; The coach's personal expectations; Team solutions; Strategy creation; Social support; The influence of the team on coaching decision-making. By analyzing the data, it was determined that “B” football coaches are characterized by the coaching style "positive feedback", “A” soccer coaches by the "training and instructor" and "positive feedback" styles, while “PRO” coaches are characterized by the "positive feedback" style and a slightly lower frequency by the "training and instructor" style. Using only one coaching/leadership style is certainly a limiting factor, as different situations require different coaching approaches
Dance Pedagogy used by Physical Education Teachers in Enhancing Skill Acquisition, Mastery and Self-Image
Full text linkEffective teaching practices in dance cover a variety of theoretical and practical approaches and techniques and individual teaching and learning styles. This study focused on dance pedagogy used by physical education teachers in enhancing skill acquisition, mastery, and self-image. Specifically, the study investigated the extent of the use of dance pedagogy by physical education teachers in five teacher education institutions to enhance skill acquisition, mastery, and self-image. The total number of participants of the study was twenty-three (23) wherein fifteen (15) were females and eight (8) males and with experiences in teaching ranging from 1 to 25 years. A questionnaire comprising 65 items that exemplify the sixteen dance teaching guidelines for strengthening students' dance skill acquisition, knowledge, and self-image was used to gather data supported by classroom observation. The items were adapted from the sixteen guidelines for teaching and learning identified by Mainwaring and Krasnow, which were categorized into three major areas: process and goals, influences that affect dancers' progress, and structure and content of the class. The data were treated using descriptive statistical tools. The results showed that the physical education teachers always practice dance pedagogies that enhance dance skill acquisition, mastery, and self-image. Dance pedagogies are needed to maximize the potential of every learner who wants to progress and become their best
Cross-Faculty Analysis of Physical Fitness and Health Metrics among Turkish University Students
Full text linkThis research examined the health-related physical fitness profile, body composition, and musculoskeletal fitness of students enrolled in various departments at a university. Using a cross-sectional experimental approach, 130 participants (age: 22.49 ± 3.84 years; weight: 69.09 ± 17.6 kg; height: 169.4 ± 9.9 cm; 55% male and 45% female) were recruited, representing the Faculties of Architecture and Design (n=20), Engineering (n=20), Gastronomy and Culinary (n=20), Health Sciences (n=20), and Sports Sciences (n=50). Data were analyzed to assess normal distribution using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and descriptive statistics of mean, frequency distributions, and percentages to answer the research questions. Physical fitness indicators across various groups were compared using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The findings indicated that students enrolled in the Faculty of Sports Sciences exhibited higher levels of health-related physical fitness compared to their counterparts in other faculties. Significant differences were identified in body fat percentage, flexibility, upper and lower muscle strength, and cardiovascular endurance. This research underscores the importance of cross studies to monitor the evolution of health-related physical fitness among Turkish university students over time
A Review of Scientific Methods for Measuring Body Composition: Advancements and Emerging Techniques
Full text linkThe present research paper's goal is to examine the most recent, accurate, and useful techniques for measuring human body composition. The techniques to measure Human body composition are continuously being met by emerging data results. Key efforts include the usage of imaging to help explain ectopic fat depots, quantifiable magnetic resonance for entire body water, fat and lean tissue measurement, and multi-divisional and multi-repetitive bioelectrical impedance analysis. Assessments of total body fat, fat-free mass, total body water, bone mineral content, cellular water, visceral, subcutaneous, skeletal muscle, major organs, and abnormal body fat depots are all approved using the relevant methodologies. The need for a method that generates data on biological and metabolic processes is constant. Clinicians and scientists can measure a variety of body elements and, observe changes in health and disease with implications for understanding the effectiveness of nutritional and medical disruptions, assessment, deterrence, and treatment in clinical settings. This is made possible by the wide range of measurable characteristics, analytical techniques, and designated total body composition models. The increased requirement to comprehend health risk precursors starting before conception has left a gap in the proper assessment techniques, with implementation starting during gestation, or foetal development
Effectiveness of Lifetime Fitness Course Activities in Improving Movement Efficiency
Full text linkUniversity physical education courses are meant to teach the fundamentals of various sports and exercise techniques. The main purpose of this study was to determine how effective lifetime fitness (LF) courses in higher education can enhance movement efficiency (ME). Eleven participants performed the Fusionetics movement efficiency test at the beginning, middle, and end of the academic semester. Overall ME scores showed a significant effect, whereby the scores increased from the pre- to the mid-test but fell from the mid- to the post-test. Both the 1- and 2-leg squat subtests revealed a similar pattern. The second half of the semester's increased use of endurance-based class activities may have caused the ME score to decline