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10th Anniversary of Sports: Feature Papers in the Interdisciplinary Papers of Sport Sciences and Public Health

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A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 20568

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Prof. Dr. Andrew M. Lane

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Education, Health and Well-Being, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, UK
Interests: sport psychology; emotion; mood; interventions; self-regulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Richard B. Kreider

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Guest Editor

Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Human Clinical Research Facility, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Interests: exercise physiology; sports nutrition; performance enhancement; weight loss; women's health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The recent COVID-19 crisis spotlighted the value of science to guide practice. Using theory and evidence to inform decisions has become common parlance in academia, applied sports science and government. For research findings and data to have impact they need to be understood by the user. Athletes, exercisers and members of the general public recognize the value of interdisciplinary rather than unidisciplinary applied work. Researchers have often appreciated the value of interdisciplinary research, but struggled to find outlets for their work. Indeed, journals with a goal to publish high-quality work seek experts to review their work, and as such, the struggle to find experts is a challenge and has contributed to the stalling of interdisciplinary work. The need for high-quality interdisciplinary work remains despite these drawbacks. Therefore, to mark the 10^th Anniversary of Sports, we are developing a Special Issue that will feature interdisciplinary papers on Sport Sciences and Public Health.

Prof. Dr. Andrew M. Lane
Prof. Dr. Richard B. Kreider
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sports is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

behaviour change
intervention
self-regulation
individual differences
public health
psychology
physiology
biomechanics
nutrition
motor Learning
skill

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 2668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a 16-Week Training Program with a Pyramidal Intensity Distribution on Recreational Male Cyclists

by Pedro M. Magalhães, Flávio Cipriano, Jorge E. Morais and José A. Bragada

Sports 2024, 12(1), 17; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports12010017 - 04 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1904

Abstract

Different training intensity distributions (TIDs) have been proposed to improve cycling performance, especially for high-competition athletes. The objectives of this study were to analyze the effect of a 16-week pyramidal training intensity distribution on somatic and power variables in recreational cyclists and to explore the training zone with the greatest impact on performance improvement. The sample consisted of 14 male recreational cyclists aged 41.00 ± 7.29 years of age. A number of somatic variables were measured. During an incremental protocol, power at a 4 mMol·L⁻¹ blood lactate concentration (P4), corresponding power to body mass ratio (P/W P4), and heart rate (HR P4) were also measured. Among the somatic variables, the percentage of fat mass showed the greatest improvement between moments (p < 0.001, d = 0.52). Both P4 (p < 0.001, d = 1.21) and P/W P4 (p < 0.001, d = 1.54) presented a significant increase between moments. The relative improvement in P4 (% P4) showed a significant correlation (R_s = 0.661, p = 0.038) and relationship (R² = 0.61, p = 0.008) mainly with training zone Z2 (blood lactate levels ≥ 2 and <4 mMol·L⁻¹). It seems that spending more time in Z2 promoted an improvement in both somatic and power variables in recreational cyclists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Sports: Feature Papers in the Interdisciplinary Papers of Sport Sciences and Public Health)

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14 pages, 1401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Characteristics of the Brazil Mood Scale among Youth and Elite Athletes Using Two Response Time Frames

by Izabel Cristina Provenza de Miranda Rohlfs, Franco Noce, Tim J. Gabbett, Carolina Wilke, Marcelo Vido, Victoria R. Terry and Peter C. Terry

Sports 2023, 11(12), 244; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports11120244 - 14 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1592

Abstract

Regular assessment of the mood construct as an indicator of psychological wellbeing is used in Brazil to screen athletes for risk of mental health issues. The present study tested the psychometric characteristics of the Brazil Mood Scale (BRAMS) using both “right now” and “past week” response time frames and investigated between-group differences in mood based on athletes’ sex, age, and social vulnerability. Participants were 898 athletes (511 male, 387 female, age range: 12–44 years) from eight sports. The factorial validity of the BRAMS was supported using both response time frames independently and in a multi-sample analysis. Subscale reliability was supported for both time frames. Fatigue, depression, and tension scores were higher using the “past week” time frame than the “right now” time frame. Males reported higher vigor scores than females, and younger participants (<18 years) reported lower scores for anger and depression than older participants (18+ years). No significant differences in mood (p > 0.05) were found between participants identified as socially vulnerable and those who were not socially vulnerable. Findings supported the psychometric integrity of the BRAMS and its use as a screening measure for psychological wellbeing among youth and elite athletes in Brazil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Sports: Feature Papers in the Interdisciplinary Papers of Sport Sciences and Public Health)

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21 pages, 829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Greek Translation of the Brunel Mood Scale: Initial Validation among Exercise Participants and Inactive Adults

by Symeon P. Vlachopoulos, Andrew M. Lane and Peter C. Terry

Sports 2023, 11(12), 234; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports11120234 - 27 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1918

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to provide initial validity evidence of a Greek translation of the 24-item Brunel Mood Scale, referred to as the BRUMS-Greek, a measure of anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, tension, and vigour. Data were collected from 1417 Greek adult exercise participants and 369 physically inactive adults, totaling 1786 adults (male = 578, female = 1208) aged 18–64 years (M = 34.73 ± 11.81 years). Given the large univariate and multivariate non-normality, a confirmatory factor analyses treating responses as ordered categorical variables was conducted which supported the hypothesised six-correlated factor measurement model. The internal consistency reliability of the BRUMS-Greek subscales was supported via Cronbach alpha coefficients. The construct validity of the scales was supported (a) via correlations in the hypothesised direction with trait positive and negative affect, (b) with more positive and less negative moods reported immediately after participation in a single exercise class compared to pre-exercise mood, and (c) with exercise participants reporting more positive and less negative mood states compared to physically inactive adults. Women reported higher tension and lower vigour scores than men. Tension scores were higher and confusion scores lower among younger participants (≤35 years) than older participants (≥36 years). Participants with obesity reported higher negative mood scores than those who were underweight or normal weight. In sum, the BRUMS-Greek demonstrated acceptable psychometric characteristics, and is proposed to be a suitable measure for use with exercise participants, physically inactive adults, and other Greek populations to explore research questions related to mood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Sports: Feature Papers in the Interdisciplinary Papers of Sport Sciences and Public Health)

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12 pages, 1070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Technical–Tactical Actions in High-Level Table Tennis Players: Differences between Sexes

by Francisco Pradas de la Fuente, Miguel Ángel Ortega-Zayas, Víctor Toro-Román and Alejandro Moreno-Azze

Sports 2023, 11(11), 225; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports11110225 - 14 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1431

Abstract

Table tennis is a sport played at a high speed; therefore, the technical–tactical variables are very important. The objective of the research is to analyze the technical and tactical characteristics of high-level TT players according to sex. A total of 48 high-level players (24 women and 24 men) participated in the present study. The investigation was carried out during two championships. The matches were recorded and subsequently analyzed by notational analysis. The results indicate that women stroke the ball more times during the rallies. In the men’s competition, the forehand technique predominates over the backhand technique. The flip was the most used in the male sex (p < 0.05). At the tactical level, more winning actions were performed in the men’s competition than in the women’s, both with the forehand and backhand game. Men performed more losing technical actions when using the forehand and backhand flips. The pivot footwork tactical action was higher in the men’s competition. The analysis of the technical–tactical actions highlighted important differences between the sexes. The predominant losing techniques among players are forehand and backhand flip. Female players use more defensive strokes, while male players use more offensive strokes, in particular the flip technique. The potential biomechanical progress of the male player characterized by a larger wingspan biotype could facilitate a better technical–tactical performance. The results obtained are of interest to improve the performance of the players as they must train at a technical–tactical level differently depending on the sex and style of play. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Sports: Feature Papers in the Interdisciplinary Papers of Sport Sciences and Public Health)

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20 pages, 6331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery Phase Nutrition and Insulin Strategies for a Collegiate Distance Runner with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Study

by Amie E. Schroeder, Richard R. Rosenkranz, Linda K. Yarrow, Mark D. Haub and Sara K. Rosenkranz

Sports 2023, 11(11), 214; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports11110214 - 03 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1717

Abstract

Purpose: There is scant published research regarding nutrition and insulin strategies for athletic performance in collegiate distance runners with type 1 diabetes mellitus (CDRT1). Acute carbohydrate supplementation (CHOsup) and insulin reduction used to minimize hypoglycemia during exercise may result in deteriorated glycemic control post exercise in CDRT1. The present case study of a CDRT1 investigated outcomes associated with a moderate-carbohydrate (ModCHO) diet and 24 h insulin adjustment during recovery phases for improved glycemic control and reduced use of acute strategies. Methods: During an 8-day period, a female CDRT1 followed a ModCHO (~4 g/kg/day) nutrition program. Recovery phase adjustments to insulin doses were made using an equation developed to estimate reduced insulin needs post exercise, as a function of exercise intensity and duration. Daily training was performed in the fasted state at 6:00 a.m. and included additional exercise strategies to reduce glycemic variability when needed. Daily blood glucose time-in-range (TIR) and use of CHOsup were assessed. Athlete well-being was determined using the Student-Athlete Well-Being Scale (SAWS)^TM at baseline, and days 1, 3, and 7. Results: Throughout the 8-day period, mean TIR increased (77% versus < 50%) and the magnitude of glycemic excursions decreased (~3.8–15 versus ~3.0–26 mmol/L) relative to a prior comparison period. Minimal pre-exercise CHOsup was employed and CHOsup during exercise was not required. Additionally, the athlete achieved a new lifetime best in the 5000 m run and maintained positive well-being. Conclusion: The present case study provides examples of recovery phase strategies (i.e., ModCHO diet and 24 h insulin adjustments) that may support glycemic control and athletic performance in CDRT1 and provides potential considerations for nutrition and insulin strategies for use by athletes and coaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Sports: Feature Papers in the Interdisciplinary Papers of Sport Sciences and Public Health)

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13 pages, 746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Term L-Citrulline Supplementation Does Not Affect Blood Pressure, Pulse Wave Reflection, or Arterial Stiffness at Rest and during Isometric Exercise in Older Males

by Andrea Tryfonos, Filippos Christodoulou, George M. Pamboris, Stephanos Christodoulides and Anastasios A. Theodorou

Sports 2023, 11(9), 177; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports11090177 - 07 Sep 2023

Viewed by 2510

Abstract

Hypertension and arterial stiffness are significant factors contributing to cardiovascular disease. L-citrulline, a nitric oxide precursor, has been proposed as a nutritional, non-pharmacological blood pressure-lowering intervention. This study aimed to investigate the impact of L-citrulline on central and peripheral blood pressure, pulse wave reflection, and central arterial stiffness at rest and during an isometric knee extension exercise protocol. Twelve older males received 6 g of L-citrulline or a placebo for six days using a double-blind crossover design. Blood hemodynamics parameters (i.e., aortic and brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, heart rate), pulse wave reflection (i.e., augmented pressure, augmentation index, forward/backward wave pressure), and arterial stiffness (i.e., carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity) were measured at baseline, post-supplementation, and during isometric exercise. No significant effects of L-citrulline supplementation were observed at rest or during exercise on blood pressure, pulse wave reflection, or arterial stiffness. Both central and peripheral blood pressure were increased during the exercise, which is consistent with isometric contractions. The results of the present study do not support any blood pressure-lowering effect of short-term L-citrulline at rest or during low-intensity isometric exercise compared to the pre-exercise values in older males. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Sports: Feature Papers in the Interdisciplinary Papers of Sport Sciences and Public Health)

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13 pages, 1743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Profiling the Physical Performance of Young Boxers with Unsupervised Machine Learning: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Rodrigo Merlo, Ángel Rodríguez-Chávez, Pedro E. Gómez-Castañeda, Andrés Rojas-Jaramillo, Jorge L. Petro, Richard B. Kreider and Diego A. Bonilla

Sports 2023, 11(7), 131; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports11070131 - 07 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3281

Abstract

Mexico City is the location with the largest number of boxers in Mexico; in fact, it is the first city in the country to open a Technological Baccalaureate in Education and Sports Promotion with a pugilism orientation. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the physical–functional profile of applicants for admission to the baccalaureate in sports. A total of 227 young athletes (44F; 183M; 15.65 (1.79) years; 63.66 (14.98) kg; >3 years of boxing experience) participated in this study. Body mass (BM), maximal isometric handgrip (HG) strength, the height of the countermovement jump (CMJ), the velocity of straight boxing punches (PV), and the rear hand punch impact force (PIF) were measured. The young boxers were profiled using unsupervised machine learning algorithms, and the probability of superiority (ρ) was calculated as the effect size of the differences. K-Medoids clustering resulted in two sex-independent significantly different groups: Profile 1 (n = 118) and Profile 2 (n = 109). Except for BM, Profile 2 was statistically higher (p < 0.001) with a clear distinction in terms of superiority on PIF (ρ = 0.118), the PIF-to-BM ratio (ρ = 0.017), the PIF-to-HG ratio (ρ = 0.079) and the PIF-to-BM+HG ratio (ρ = 0.008). In general, strength levels explained most of the data variation; therefore, it is reasonable to recommend the implementation of tests aimed at assessing the levels of isometric and applied strength in boxing gestures. The identification of these physical–functional profiles might help to differentiate training programs during sports specialization of young boxing athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Sports: Feature Papers in the Interdisciplinary Papers of Sport Sciences and Public Health)

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Review

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22 pages, 2769 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pre-Event Self-Efficacy and Sports Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

by Marc Lochbaum, Cassandra Sisneros, Sydney Cooper and Peter C. Terry

Sports 2023, 11(11), 222; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports11110222 - 12 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2840

Abstract

The relationship between self-efficacy and performance exclusively within the sports environment is yet to be quantified. Hence, we meta-analysed this relationship by following the PRISMA guidelines. Two previous meta-analyses, five relevant databases, and Google Scholar were searched. Forty-four articles published between 1983 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria, with 55 independent samples. Comprehensive meta-analysis software version 4 was used for all meta-analytic calculations using a random-effects model to calculate the mean effect size, and a mixed-effects model was used for moderation analyses. The mean pre-event self-efficacy and performance effect size was r = 0.31 (95% CI 0.22, 0.40). For moderation analyses, notable mean differences (p values ≥ 0.08) resulted for concordance [concordant (r = 0.37), nonconcordant (r = 0.22)], sports skill [closed (r = 0.37), open (r = 0.23)], and athlete level [elite (r = 0.40), sub-elite (r = 0.28)]. The true effect prediction interval ranged from negative (i.e., self-efficacy impairing performance) to positive (self-efficacy improving performance) for all moderator variables except self-referenced vs. other-referenced performance. In conclusion, the relationship between pre-event self-efficacy and performance is positive and moderate in magnitude, although with prediction intervals ranging from debilitating to facilitating performance. Researchers and practitioners should note that high athlete-rated self-efficacy might not always improve impending competitive sports performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Sports: Feature Papers in the Interdisciplinary Papers of Sport Sciences and Public Health)

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Other

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20 pages, 1088 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

“Does Physical Exercise Promote Health Benefits for Diabetic Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic?”: A Systematic Review

by Erivaldo de Souza, Daniela Meneses-Santos, Josué Cruz Santos, Felipe J. Aidar, Carla Roberta de Oliveira Carvalho, Jymmys Lopes dos Santos and Anderson Carlos Marçal

Sports 2023, 11(10), 192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports11100192 - 03 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1813

Abstract

Patients affected by COVID-19 are prone to facing disorders in multiple systems and organs, which can lead to deleterious diseases; in addition, people with pre-existing diseases may be more prone to the worst outcomes, and the most vulnerable are patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of physical activity and/or physical exercise prescribed to individuals with diabetes on the maintenance of plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies were found by searching PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, SportDiscus, Bireme/BVS and Google Scholar databases. The inclusion criteria were articles that addressed only patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (T1D and T2D) who had evaluated the level of physical activity or physical exercise and described the effects on plasma glucose and/or glycated hemoglobin in cross-sectional, retrospective, and observational studies, meeting the main criteria established by GRADE. The PICO and GRADE strategies were used to select and assess the methodological quality of studies. Two reviewers searched and selected the articles in databases independently and blindly, during which oppositions and disagreements about the inclusion of articles were discussed and resolved by a third reviewer. Evidence corroborates that levels of physical activity were reduced due to the lockdown, leading to increased body weight and worse glycemic control. On the other hand, individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) (T1D and T2D) who maintained and/or increased levels of physical activity or physical exercise showed reduced plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Adequate levels of physical exercise and physical activity are beneficial for glucose and HbA1c control in diabetic patients (type 1 or type 2). In addition, maintaining adequate levels of physical activity can contribute to reducing health problems when these patients are infected with COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Sports: Feature Papers in the Interdisciplinary Papers of Sport Sciences and Public Health)

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10th Anniversary of Sports: Feature Papers in the Interdisciplinary Papers of Sport Sciences and Public Health

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