Search Results (881)

Tikanga Māori, the indigenous system of values, principles, and practices in Aotearoa New Zealand, offers a relational, ethics-based framework for responding to contemporary global challenges such as geopolitical instability, environmental degradation, and digital disruption. Dominant Western approaches, often grounded in individualism and resource extraction, are increasingly limited in addressing these issues. Drawing on Aotearoa New Zealand as a case study, tikanga is presented as a living system centred on interconnectedness, responsibility, and collective wellbeing. Examples from law, health, research ethics, and sport demonstrate how these values shape both institutional practice and everyday behaviour. Rather than functioning as a cultural add-on, tikanga provides an alternative way of understanding relationships between people, communities, and the environment. The analysis highlights the relevance of tikanga-informed approaches for rethinking governance, leadership, and sustainability in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Full article

Based on the KANO model, this study investigates the demand structure and optimization pathway for sports park facilities in Xi’an, integrating green and low-carbon principles into the planning and operation process. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 584 residents across six representative sports parks in Xi’an, covering 30 facility items classified into sports facility types and supporting facilities/services. Using KANO categorization combined with Better–Worse coefficient analysis and the importance coefficient (ID), the results reveal eight important-quality items (e.g., badminton courts, basketball courts, table tennis facilities, square dance areas, fitness equipment, rest areas, toilets, and drinking water dispensers), thirteen expected-quality items, six charm-quality items, and three irrelevant-quality items. The importance ranking further identifies high-priority must-be and expected elements, providing a quantifiable basis for supply sequencing. The study proposes a phased optimization strategy: first guarantee important-quality across all parks with low-cost green measures, then improve expected-quality items to enhance satisfaction, and finally pilot charm-quality features as differentiated “one park, one product” features under feasibility and budget constraints. This KANO-based integrated framework not only addresses the research gap in multi-dimensional demand classification and priority ordering for sports parks but also offers a replicable decision-making model for sustainable, user-centered facility allocation in Xi’an and similar cities, advancing the transition from “total quantity” to “multi-dimensional adaptation” in national fitness infrastructure. Full article

Chronic joint disease is a major cause of lameness and reduced performance in sport horses and is characterized by persistent synovial inflammation and protease-mediated matrix degradation. This exploratory prospective pilot study investigated clinical outcomes and synovial biomarker changes following intra-articular administration of an α-2-macroglobulin plasma-derived preparation. Twenty client-owned sport horses were observed in the treatment group (n = 10) or a comparison group (n = 10) and monitored for up to 180 days under field conditions. Clinical outcomes were assessed longitudinally, while synovial fluid was analyzed at baseline and 30 days post-treatment only in treated horses. Mixed-effects analysis showed significant group × time interactions for American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) lameness score, flexion test response, and joint effusion. Treated horses showed early and sustained improvement in clinical scores, whereas minimal changes were observed in the comparison group. At 30 days, treated horses exhibited consistent within-subject reductions in synovial total protein, total nucleated cell count, polynuclear cell percentage, pro-inflammatory cytokines (PGE₂, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9, MMP-13), sulphated glycosaminoglycans, and neurogenic mediators (NGF, Substance P). These findings indicate a coherent pattern of clinical improvement associated with parallel changes in synovial biomarkers in treated horses. However, as longitudinal biomarker data were not collected in the comparison group, these observations should be interpreted as exploratory and do not establish causality. The observed findings support the rationale for further investigation of protease-targeted approaches in equine joint disease. Full article

Background: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a limb-threatening surgical emergency most commonly associated with fractures or high-energy trauma. Non-fracture-related ACS in athletes is uncommon and may lead to delayed diagnosis. Repetitive blunt trauma during combat sports has rarely been described as a potential mechanism. Case Methods: The case concerns a 21-year-old elite-level kickboxing athlete who developed acute compartment syndrome of the left lower leg following repeated calf kicks sustained during sparring. The patient presented with rapidly progressive calf pain, swelling, compartment firmness, paresthesias and weight bearing difficulties. CT angiography demonstrated diffuse edema of the posterior compartments associated with a large intramuscular soleus hematoma without active arterial bleeding. Results: In view of the severity of the symptoms and the characteristic clinical presentation, an emergency fasciotomy was performed in operating room. Progressive closure was achieved using the vessel loop shoelace technique, allowing gradual tension-free closure. Wound healing progressed without infection, and physiotherapy was introduced with joint mobilization. The patient achieved full functional recovery after 6 months. Conclusions: This case illustrates an atypical etiology of ACS—repetitive targeted calf strikes—and underscores the importance of early recognition even in the absence of fracture or major trauma. Clinical vigilance remains paramount, and prompt surgical intervention is critical to prevent irreversible muscle and nerve damage. Awareness of such mechanisms is particularly relevant for clinicians managing athletes in combat sports. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of ACS secondary to repeated calf kicks in kickboxing. Full article

Training distress is a multifactorial psychophysiological response resulting from the interaction of sustained high-intensity training, insufficient recovery, and additional psychosocial stressors. It manifests through mood disturbance, elevated perceived stress, fatigue, sleep disruption, and physical symptoms, and represents a precursor to maladaptive outcomes such as overtraining syndrome. The Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS) integrates these dimensions into a single monitoring framework; however, no validated Italian version has been available. The present study aimed to develop and provide a validation of the Italian Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (IMTDS). The IMTDS was administered to 536 Italian-speaking recreational and competitive sport participants (276 males, 260 females; age range = 16–35 years, M = 25.31, SD = 5.62). Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling supported the hypothesized six-factor structure (Depression, Vigor, Physical Symptoms, Sleep Disturbances, Stress, Fatigue), demonstrating acceptable model fit (CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.10). Internal consistency was satisfactory to high across subscales (ω = 0.82–0.88), and test–retest analyses indicated temporal stability. Intercorrelations among dimensions were consistent with theoretical expectations. These findings provide evidence that the IMTDS is a reliable instrument for monitoring training distress in Italian-speaking athletes. Full article

This study explores how youth masculinities are constructed in Eswatini’s high schools. Using hegemonic masculinity theory as an analytical lens, data were coded to identify patterns of dominance, strength, and gender hierarchy, thereby highlighting the study’s original contribution to understanding the local manifestation of hegemonic masculinity and advancing theoretical knowledge in this context. Data were collected through a qualitative case study approach involving 36 adolescents aged 16 to 18, comprising equal numbers of 18 boys and 18 girls, from six coeducational high schools. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups revealed that hegemonic masculinity shapes perceptions of gender roles, often promoting aggression in boys and marginalising girls. Sports, especially rugby, are key symbols of masculinity, emphasising strength, dominance, and competitiveness, while girls are excluded from these activities, reinforcing gender inequalities. Institutional practices like task allocation and disciplinary methods further sustain stereotypes, influencing youth identities within cultural and peer pressure contexts. The findings highlight persistent gendered power dynamics and stereotypes that perpetuate inequality. The study makes a significant contribution to the scientific literature by demonstrating how hegemonic masculinity manifests uniquely in Eswatini’s educational and cultural context, thus extending regional studies and providing insights for broader applications. It recommends gender-transformative curricula, increased girls’ participation in male-dominated sports, and gender-neutral disciplinary practices to foster more inclusive, equitable environments. Full article

Development of innovative functional foods is a key sports nutrition strategy to enhance physical performance, support recovery, and promote overall health. Plant-based protein-rich products have emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal-protein sources, offering nutritional benefits and reducing environmental impact. This study aimed to develop high-protein plant-based cookies using a conventional formulation enriched with carrot, broccoli, and legume flour, and to evaluate their effects in a preclinical model. The nutritional composition was determined using standard food analysis methods and microbiological assays were conducted to ensure safety. Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to either a standard diet group or a cookie-supplemented group. The intervention consisted of daily administration of cookies at a dose of 5.3 g/kg body weight for 15 days. Physiological and biochemical parameters, including body weight, glucose, lipid profile, renal function, muscle thickness, and grip strength, were assessed. Despite no significant differences in glucose and lipid profiles between groups, increased muscle thickness (pubococcygeus and gastrocnemius), improved grip strength and higher levels of urea and creatinine were observed in the supplemented group. These findings indicate that high-protein plant-based cookies are safe in preclinical conditions and may promote functional benefits such as enhanced muscle strength and lean mass development. Therefore, they represent a promising and sustainable functional food for sports nutrition applications. Full article

Background and Objectives: Pediatric forearm fractures are among the most common childhood injuries. COVID-19-related societal restrictions, including school closures and suspension of sports activities, altered children’s daily routines and may have influenced injury patterns. This study aimed to evaluate whether periods of stricter COVID-19 restrictions were associated with changes in the incidence of pediatric distal and diaphyseal forearm fractures after accounting for seasonal variation and long-term temporal trends. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational time-series study analyzed pediatric patients aged 0–17 years who underwent forearm radiography between January 2018 and June 2023 at a tertiary pediatric trauma center. Cases with radiologically confirmed distal or diaphyseal forearm fractures or epiphyseal injuries were included. Monthly fracture counts were analyzed using generalized linear models with logarithmic link functions. Exposure variables included a COVID-19 restriction index based on governmental measures and a binary pandemic indicator. Seasonal variation and long-term temporal trends were included as covariates. Results: A total of 5702 forearm radiographs were identified, of which 4041 trauma-related presentations met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 2014 children had confirmed forearm fractures. Boys accounted for 61% of cases, and the median age was 9 years (IQR 5). Most fractures were treated conservatively (88%). The most frequent injury mechanisms included soccer-related injuries (9.6%) and bicycle falls (7.3%). In regression analyses adjusted for seasonal variation and temporal trends, neither the COVID-19 restriction index (IRR 1.01, 95% CI 0.87–1.17; p = 0.95) nor the pandemic period indicator (IRR 0.99, 95% CI 0.37–2.65; p = 0.98) was significantly associated with monthly fracture counts. The wide confidence interval of the pandemic indicator reflects limited statistical precision and suggests that both clinically relevant decreases and increases in fracture incidence cannot be excluded. Conclusions: No sustained long-term changes in the incidence or injury patterns of pediatric forearm fractures were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary fluctuations during early lockdown phases were not independently associated with governmental restrictions after adjustment for seasonal variability and long-term trends. Full article

Sports non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have rapidly emerged as tradable digital goods within platform-mediated marketplaces, reshaping how sports organizations, athletes, and brands design fan experiences and monetize digital assets. To consolidate fragmented scholarship and clarify the concept space, this study conducts a systematic quantitative literature review combined with thematic analysis, following PRISMA 2020 and a SPIDER-guided review logic. Searches across six major databases (Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ProQuest) plus Google Scholar (2017–March 2025) yielded 40 peer-reviewed studies that met predefined inclusion criteria and passed quality appraisal. Results show a sharp growth of sports-NFT research from 2021 to 2024, with strong inter-disciplinary convergence spanning sports marketing, information systems, computer science, and law. Integrating findings through a consumer-value lens, we inductively propose a five-type taxonomy—collectible, empowerment, identity/authentication, physical-asset linked, and virtual-interaction NFTs—each associated with distinct value mechanisms and e-commerce functionalities. The thematic synthesis further identifies four dominant research streams (industry digitalization, consumer psychology/behavior, legal–regulatory issues, and digital marketing), while revealing gaps in theory operationalization, method diversity (e.g., limited experiments/longitudinal designs), cross-context generalizability, and governance/sustainability. The study contributes to marketing and management scholarship by positioning sports NFTs as emerging technologies that reorganize customer engagement, brand-community building, and governance in platform-mediated sport markets, and it offers a research agenda for measuring consumer, brand, and organizational effects. Full article

Background: Self-efficacy is an important psychological factor for healthy aging, but how long-term sport participation builds self-efficacy in older adults is not fully understood. This study explored how playing tennis for many years shapes self-efficacy in older South Korean adults and identified the key mechanisms. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 older male adults (aged 65–75 years) who had played tennis for 15–25 years and remained active at least twice per week. Participants were recruited from tennis clubs in South Korea through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged. (1) Mastery Through Progressive Achievement: gradual skill development and competitive success were perceived to support confidence that extended beyond the tennis court; (2) Social Embeddedness and Collective Efficacy: peer encouragement and observing similar others succeed were described as supporting participants’ belief in their own capabilities; (3) Physical Vitality as Confidence Foundation: sustained physical fitness and functional independence derived from tennis participation were perceived to support broader self-confidence in daily life; and (4) Mental Resilience and Cognitive Engagement: the strategic demands of tennis and its stress-relieving effects may contribute to psychological resilience and a continued sense of purpose in later life. Conclusions: Long-term tennis participation was perceived to support self-efficacy through multiple interconnected pathways consistent with Bandura’s social cognitive theory. These findings suggest that structured, community-based tennis programs may contribute to supporting psychological well-being and promoting healthy aging in rapidly aging societies. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the global shift to e-learning, raising concerns about its sustainability, student well-being, and educational inequality. This study evaluates e-learning in higher education during crises by examining its psychological, behavioral, social, and academic impacts on university students in the United Arab Emirates over two academic years of remote learning. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from two cohorts (n = 228): Group 1 (G1, n = 76; 2020–2021) and Group 2 (G2, n = 152; 2021–2022). Analysis included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and thematic analysis. The results revealed significant differences between groups across most domains (p < 0.001). G2 reported higher psychological distress, including increased depression, stress, and reduced focus, while G1 demonstrated stronger behavioral and social adaptation, such as better self-care, family communication, and engagement in hobbies and sports. Regression analysis showed a strong linear relationship between online and campus grade distributions (R² = 0.7862), indicating academic consistency across learning modes. However, the findings highlight a sustainability paradox: although e-learning enhances flexibility and access and reduces environmental impact, prolonged reliance is linked to psychological strain, behavioral risks, and widening social inequality. The study underscores the need for a resilient and sustainable education model that supports students academically, psychologically, and socially to ensure the well-being and public health of all. These insights are particularly relevant amid ongoing regional crises and the continued expansion of e-learning and generative AI in education. Aligning with sustainable education goals, such approaches contribute to SDGs 3, 4, and 10, and support broader progress toward the 2030 Agenda. Full article

Background/Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease for which conservative treatments often provide limited long-term benefit. Adipose-derived stromal cells delivered as stromal vascular fraction (SVF) represent a minimally invasive orthobiological approach with potential anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of intra-articular autologous SVF therapy and to explore patient- and treatment-related factors influencing outcomes over one year. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 48 patients with knee OA Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade II–III treated with a single intra-articular injection of autologous SVF between June 2020 and February 2022. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at baseline and at 3 and 12 months post-treatment. Associations between clinical outcomes and age, sex, body mass index (BMI), OA grade, and administered cell dose were analyzed. Results: Significant improvements were observed in all KOOS domains at 3 months post-treatment (p < 0.001). At 12 months, improvements remained significant across domains, although Symptom scores showed slight attenuation. Higher administered cell dose was associated with greater improvement in KOOS Quality of Life (CFU-F indicators, r_s = 0.41–0.45, p < 0.01) and Sport and Recreation (TNC indicators, r_s = 0.36–0.38, p < 0.05) at 12 months, while younger age predicted greater QoL improvement and normal BMI was associated with better Symptom outcomes. Radiographic OA severity did not significantly influence treatment response, and sex-related differences were minimal. No serious adverse events were recorded. Discussion: SVF therapy was associated with sustained functional improvement and demonstrated a favorable safety profile in patients with moderate knee OA. Although demographic and treatment-related factors showed limited influence, cell dose, BMI, and age may affect selected outcomes. Prospective controlled studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up are required to optimize patient selection and treatment protocols. Conclusions: These findings suggest that autologous SVF therapy may represent a safe and effective complementary treatment option for patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis seeking alternatives to more invasive interventions; however, these results should be confirmed in prospective controlled studies. Full article

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in youth athletes are multifactorial, and the relative contributions of neuromuscular and neurocognitive variables remain inadequately comprehended. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 220 young handball players (104 girls and 116 boys; mean age 16.3 ± 1.4 years) participated in functional testing with the Back in Action system and baseline neurocognitive evaluation with the ImPACT battery. During the 24-month follow-up period, orthopedic specialists identified ACL damage, which was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Univariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted to evaluate predictive capability. Results: During the 24-month follow-up, 26 athletes sustained an ACL injury. Prolonged plyometric ground contact time was significantly associated with ACL injury occurrence in logistic regression analysis (p = 0.019) and demonstrated fair discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.63) (OR = 0.98 per ms; 0.98 95% CI: 0.964–0.997). Female sex emerged as a profound and independent risk factor (OR = 5.74). Conclusions: Neuromuscular performance, specifically plyometric ground contact time and female sex, has predictive ability for ACL damage in youth handball players, while separate cognition assessments failed to independently differentiate injury risk. These findings support the use of objective neuromuscular evaluation in comprehensive injury prevention strategies in youth sport. Full article

This study investigates the spatial distribution of ambient dose equivalent rates (ADER) on Avala and Kosmaj mountains, two protected landscapes located within the territory of the City of Belgrade, Serbia. Both sites, characterized by rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, were analyzed to assess their radiological safety and suitability for outdoor recreation. In mid-October 2025, in situ measurements were conducted at 42 sampling points using the Radex RD1503+ GM counter. The recorded values ranged from 0.085 to 0.2 µSv/h, remaining below the recommended safety threshold of 0.2 µSv/h. To visualize the gamma dose spatial variability, all field data were georeferenced and processed in QGIS 3.28.10 using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method. Integration of GIS and Remote Sensing techniques enabled the correlation between gamma radiation patterns, land cover, and elevation gradients derived from digital elevation models (DEMs). The comprehensive GIS-based approach confirms that Avala and Kosmaj maintain low natural background radiation levels comparable to global averages for similar geomorphological settings, and therefore are safe and suitable for sports, tourism and recreation. The applied combination of field dosimetry, Remote Sensing, and geostatistical modeling provides a valuable framework for continuous environmental monitoring and sustainable landscape management in protected mountainous landscapes in Central Serbia. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of sport-related concussions (SRCs) in Japanese university sports and to identify factors associated with experiencing multiple SRCs within a single season. Methods: Data were collected through a web-based survey conducted from June to October 2022, focusing on injuries sustained between April 2021 and March 2022. Participants were recruited from universities affiliated with the Japan Association for University Athletics and Sport and were required to be actively participating in sports. Results: Overall, 10,978 participants were analyzed; 195 reported SRCs, whereas 10,783 did not. Athletes who reported SRCs were significantly taller and heavier, had a higher body mass index, and included a higher proportion of male athletes than those who did not report SRCs. SRCs were most frequently reported in rugby football, American football, soccer, and lacrosse. Among athletes with SRCs, those with multiple SRCs tended to be taller and were significantly heavier. They also had a significantly higher proportion of severe first SRCs during the season. Conclusions: SRCs were most frequently reported in rugby football, American football, soccer, and lacrosse, and greater severity of the initial SRC in a season was associated with multiple SRC occurrence. These findings should be interpreted with caution because SRCs were self-reported and not clinically verified, mild cases may have been underreported, and time-loss-based severity may not reflect clinical severity. Full article