Search Results (61)

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) post-sprain leads to persistent functional deficits. This study evaluated CAI’s specific impact on ankle dorsiflexion, heel lift function, stability, broader functional impairments, and quality of life. Methods: A case–control study enrolled 100 CAI patients (post-ankle sprain) and 100 healthy controls. Ankle strength (isokinetic dynamometer), stability (pressure plate), maximum dorsiflexion/plantar flexion ROM (mobility meter), functional limitations (0–10 activity scale), pain (VAS), coordination (Agility T-test, figure-of-eight test), and quality of life (FAOS) were compared. ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U tests were used. Results: Compared to controls, the CAI group showed significantly reduced ankle dorsiflexion strength (114.53 ± 10.47 N vs. 156.34 ± 13.26 N), heel lift strength (78.69 ± 5.44 N vs. 105.45 ± 8.28 N), stability scores (4.73 ± 0.52 vs. 8.65 ± 0.71 points), and ROM (dorsiflexion: 16.49° ± 1.23° vs. 22.35° ± 1.65°; plantar flexion: 27.58° ± 6.51° vs. 43.27° ± 5.45°). CAI patients reported higher activity limitation (6.34 ± 1.25 vs. 2.16 ± 0.55) and pain (5.37 ± 1.02 vs. 0.23 ± 0.01) and prolonged Agility T-test (11.24 ± 1.37 s vs. 7.51 ± 1.16 s) and figure-of-eight (16.35 ± 1.67 s vs. 12.43 ± 1.39 s) times. FAOS subscale scores (symptoms, daily activities, sports, pain) were significantly lower in the CAI group. All p < 0.05. Conclusions: CAI significantly compromises ankle dorsiflexion, heel lift strength, stability, and functional mobility, correlating with increased pain, activity restriction, and diminished quality of life. Rehabilitation should prioritize neuromuscular re-education, strength restoration, and dynamic stability training to improve outcomes. Full article

The present study examines the relationships between transformational leadership styles (i.e., transformational coaching and transformational parenting), basic psychological needs (BPN) satisfaction and thwarting, and burnout within sports and family settings among a sample of adolescents. Participants were 540 basketball players (184 girls) between 11 and 18 years old, representing five clubs in the province of Valencia, Spain. A non-experimental cross-sectional study was conducted, and structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships among the study variables. Both coaches’ and mothers’ transformational leadership styles were positively associated with BPN satisfaction and negatively associated with BPN thwarting. Fathers’ transformational parenting was negatively associated with BPN thwarting. BPN satisfaction and thwarting emerge as an indirect mediator between mothers’ transformational parenting and burnout. A direct association of transformational coaching with players’ burnout was supported, as well as being indirectly associated through BPN thwarting. This study suggests that BPN satisfaction and thwarting are the main mechanisms for understanding the development of player burnout. Coaches, within sports settings, and mothers in the family setting, emerge as fundamental figures for understanding the mechanisms of the relationships between transformational coaching and parenting with regard to player burnout. Full article

Background/Objectives: High-altitude hypoxia may affect ECG readings, but it is unclear whether the “live-low–train-high” approach prevents these changes in winter sports athletes. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed cardiovascular parameters in 102 winter-sport athletes (mean age 20 ± 4 y; 57% women), divided by training altitude into a high-altitude (HA) group (2500–3300 m, n = 70; skiers/snowboarders) and a low-altitude (LA) group (738 m, n = 32; ice hockey/figure skaters). Mid-season assessments included resting ECG, blood pressure, blood biochemistry, and three 24 h dietary recalls. Results: All ECG parameters were physiological, and no significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in heart rate, PR interval, or QTc between groups. However, HA group exhibited higher systolic blood pressure and a short QT interval. Lactate was significantly higher in HA (p = 0.028). The HA diet contained more saturated fat (p < 0.001), cholesterol (p = 0.013), magnesium (p = 0.003) and potassium (p = 0.001), whereas LA athletes consumed more glucose (p = 0.024). In HA, total energy expenditure correlated positively (p ≥ 0.05) with QRS (ρ = 0.52) and QT (ρ = 0.56), while heart rate correlated inversely with vitamin D (ρ = −0.59). In LA, QTc showed strong inverse correlations with zinc (ρ = −0.62) and selenium (ρ = −0.85). Conclusions: This finding suggests that intermittent high-altitude training did not alter ECG patterns when nutrient intake was adequate. High lactate level and specific nutrient correlations point to a residual physiological load and a modulatory role of electrolytes, B-vitamins, and vitamin D on cardiac repolarisation. Full article

The perception of football as a male-dominated sport by society, coupled with the socio-cultural and economic barriers faced by women, has constrained their presence in the domain of football and revealed the manifestation of gender norms within the sport. This exclusion further masculinizes sport, negatively affecting social unity and cohesion, and deepening inequality within sport. Within this context, the study seeks to reveal how football fans perceive female and male referees through metaphorical representations. Participants, selected using purposive sampling, are individuals who regularly attend football matches and have experience watching games officiated by female football referees. The research employed a phenomenological approach to analyse metaphors generated by 352 football fans regarding female and male referees. Data were collected online through the Google Forms platform, which was accessible only to the researcher via password-protected access. During the analysis process, metaphors were coded, categorized, and transformed into meaningful interpretative formats. Results indicate that female referees are predominantly described with metaphors associated with sexist objectification, such as “flower”, “rose”, and “queen.” Female referees are represented by social roles and stereotypes metaphors like “mother,” and “gold,” yet they are also confronted with violence and disparaging metaphors such as “trash” and “chaos.” Conversely, male referees are perceived through metaphors evoking strength, toughness, and authority, including “lion”, “stone”, “authority”, “king”, and “leader.” These metaphorical representations highlight the persistence of gender norms within sport, demonstrating how women’s professional competencies are overshadowed by societal codes. Moreover, they are depicted as figures of power and discipline, reflecting masculinity within the sporting context. Ultimately, the research seeks to raise awareness about gender-based perceptions and foster transformation towards greater gender equality in sport. Full article

Background: Although the difficulty level of figure skating programs has increased in the last two decades, particularly at the junior level, trends in performance have not been reported. This retrospective observational study investigated performance development trends among the top five junior figure skaters competing at international levels in both the ladies’ and men’s singles disciplines from 2005 to 2020. Data from 160 junior single ladies and 160 junior single men were analyzed. The focus was on the progression of technical elements—particularly jumps—and their potential correlation with injury risk. It was hypothesized that younger athletes are increasingly performing jumps with more revolutions, thereby enhancing overall competition standards. Materials and Methods: Using data from the Junior World Championships and Junior Grand Prix Finals, linear regression analysis and one-way ANOVA were conducted to track the frequency of double, triple, and quadruple jumps, as well as trends in age development among athletes in the singles categories from 2005 to 2020. Results: The results indicate a significant increase in the execution of higher-revolution jumps among junior athletes. Between 2005 and 2012, the frequency of double jumps declined across all events, with the most pronounced reductions observed in the Ladies’ Junior World Championships (Δ = 0.216, p = 0.004, d = 1.64) and the Men’s Junior World Championships (Δ = 0.500, p = 0.001, d = 1.82). From 2005 to 2011, the frequencies of triple and quadruple jumps increased, while double jumps remained stable or showed only slight increases. Triple jumps showed slight downward trends (e.g., R² = 0.0202 at the Men’s Junior World Championships). Although still rare, the frequency of quadruple jumps has shown a consistent upward trend across multiple competitions. Between 2000 and 2009, all four events exhibited declining age trends, with decreases ranging from −0.029 to −0.078 years of age per year. In the subsequent decade (2010–2020), when averaged across all events, the observed difference slope (Δ = 0.014) indicated a continued decline in athlete age. Conclusions: In summary, increases in more difficult jumps were found, with simultaneous decreases in less difficult jumps. As jump complexity rises, a parallel increase in sport-specific injury incidence can be anticipated, highlighting the need for proactive strategies for injury prevention and athlete well-being. Full article

Background: Cheerleading is an emerging and increasingly popular sport among girls. The figures performed during routines require a high level of balance from the athletes. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of participation in cheerleading classes on body balance in girls during early adolescence. Methods: A total of 35 female cheerleaders from the Power Stars Sząbruk Club (Poland) were divided into three age groups: 8–9 years (n = 15), 10–11 years (n = 11), and 12–14 years (n = 9). Balance assessment was performed using the E.P.S R/1 pedobarographic platform. The Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni post hoc correction was used to analyze intergroup differences in foot load distribution and balance parameters. Results: The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the pressure on the forefoot area of the right foot (p = 0.007) between the 8–9 and 12–14 age groups, and in the balance level between the youngest group (8–9 years) and the oldest group (12–14 years) at p = 0.028, as well as between the middle group (10–11 years) and the oldest group (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Participation in cheerleading classes may influence the increase in balance, particularly in terms of the distance of center of pressure (C.O.P.) shifts and the average speed of these shifts. In adolescence, muscle development is crucial, and when closely linked with motor coordination, it helps maintain body stability. Full article

Objectives: Adolescents’ health is positively influenced by the performance of physical activity. Regarding soccer, a very popular sport, the aims of the study were to assess changes in body composition and body image of late adolescent players during pre- and in-season training periods, analyzing the relationships between dissatisfaction and body composition parameters. Methods: A sample of 16–19-year-old male soccer players was examined longitudinally by three surveys. The body composition was assessed by anthropometric method. Body image perception was evaluated using two different figural scales related to shape and muscularity. Results: During the period examined, fat-free mass increased, and changes in perceived and ideal figures occurred, showing a desire toward more robust and muscular figures. Body image dissatisfaction was generally low, with a decrease in muscle dissatisfaction during the period. Body composition parameters significantly predicted body image dissatisfaction. Conclusions: Our findings suggest anthropometric and body image perception changes during soccer training with improvements in body composition parameters and a decrease in musculature dissatisfaction. These results highlight the importance of incorporating physical and psychological monitoring into training programs to support the healthy development of athletes’ body image and body composition. Full article

Sport in Spain during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939–1975) underwent significant evolution across three distinct political phases: autarky, the technocratic stage, and late Francoism. Each of these periods was characterized by different approaches and uses of sport within the regime’s political structure. In the early years, sport was primarily employed as a tool for propaganda and social control, aligning with the authoritarian values of the state. Subsequently, with the rise of technocrats in the 1960s, reforms were implemented to promote the structural development of the sports system, fostering its modernization and the creation of specialized institutions. Finally, in the late Francoist period, sport became an instrument for international projection, as Spain increased its participation in international competitions and hosted sporting events. This entry analyzes the primary governmental initiatives for the organization and promotion of sport during the Franco regime, with particular attention to the administrative roles played by figures such as José Antonio Elola-Olaso and Juan Antonio Samaranch in the evolving structure of the Spanish sports system. Through an analysis based on documentary sources, it provides a comprehensive overview of Francoist sports policies, their objectives, and their impact on Spanish society. In this regard, sport under Franco’s rule was not only a means of political control but also laid the foundation for the later professionalization and globalization of Spanish sport. Full article

Purpose: This case study examines the anthropometric characteristics and body composition changes of a 41-year-old Cuban Greco-Roman 130 kg wrestler, a five-time Olympic gold medalist (2008–2024). To optimize his preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, another athlete participated in the qualifying process, allowing him to train without competition gear. Methods: The study monitored changes in body composition using anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) at three key time points in 2024: January, June, and July. The final assessment occurred 25 days before the Olympic event, coinciding with the final phase of his preparation. Results: The analysis revealed a significant reduction in total body mass, from 150 kg in January to 138.5 kg in July, with fat mass decreasing from 37.06 kg (24.11%) to 29.7 kg (21.5%). Muscle mass decreased slightly (77.41 kg to 72.3 kg), while bone mass remained stable. The somatotype classification was endomorphic–mesomorphic at all assessments, with slight shifts in its components (4.6–10.4–0.1 in January to 4.4–10.3–0.1 in July), reflecting an improved muscle–fat ratio. Notably, hydration levels and cellular integrity remained stable, as indicated by BIVA analysis. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the anthropometric characteristics and body composition of an elite Greco-Roman wrestler, as well as the changes observed during his preparation for his final Olympic participation. These data serve as a valuable reference for wrestlers and sports professionals, highlighting the physical profile of one of the most emblematic figures in Olympic history. Full article

This qualitative research explores the intersection of social media, personal branding, and perceived authenticity in sports figures, focusing on Deion Sanders’s digital presence as head football coach at the University of Colorado. Two interrelated studies examine how Sanders manages his authenticity on social media and how audiences perceive his authenticity. Study 1 employs a six-factor framework applied to eight focus groups to understand what factors social media audiences consider most important in developing Sanders’s perceived authenticity as a digital content creator. Study 2 utilizes a two-factor model of authenticity management to examine Sanders’s personal social media content during his inaugural season as CU’s head coach. The research incorporates a spatial perspective from sport sociology. This approach examines how Sanders’s social media activity creates and shapes virtual spaces where interaction and identity formation occur. Findings reveal that while Sanders is generally perceived as authentic, digital charisma emerged as the most significant factor in constructing his perceived authenticity. The study contributes to understanding the evolving nature of authenticity in digital spaces and the role of digital charisma in personal branding for public figures balancing multiple roles. Full article

Athletes today are no longer defined solely by their performance on the pitch; they have evolved into powerful personal brands that shape advertising narratives and influence consumer behavior globally. Their charisma, public personas, and ability to engage with audiences often make them as marketable as traditional celebrities. This research investigates the phenomenon of athlete branding, focusing on the intersection of personal identity and commercial partnerships. A prime example of this evolution is Zlatan Ibrahimović, whose outspoken, rebellious personality, humor, and confidence have allowed him to transcend the typical boundaries of sports endorsements. Applying the Model of Athlete Brand Image (MABI) framework, this study explores how Ibrahimović’s unique persona dominates advertising campaigns, often taking center stage alongside the brands he represents. Through a content analysis of commercials, the research highlights how Ibrahimović’s personal brand drives engagement and resonates with consumers, offering insights into the growing significance of authenticity and individuality in advertising with athletes. Ibrahimović’s case exemplifies how modern sports figures extend beyond the realm of athletics, becoming influential cultural icons and redefining the dynamics of brand partnerships. Full article

Can Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer or “ChatGPT” and other Large Language Models (LLMs) be used to create challenging and creative assignments for undergraduate students? This article explores the use of ChatGPT as an interview proxy for students. Drawing inspiration from the medical community’s concept of the simulated patient, ChatGPT was employed to act as an imagined proxy for a figure from the world of sports. Students in an undergraduate “Politics of Sport” course conducted interviews with the ChatGPT proxy using questions derived from peer-reviewed academic research. The assignment had two main objectives: to challenge students to engage meaningfully with academic research and apply it to real-world situations by simulating real-world conditions and to help students consider the limitations of ChatGPT when handling real-world scenarios. Despite some issues that arose during the module, student feedback and coursework indicated that this approach was engaging, fun, and creative for students. It is suggested that this method could be effectively applied across various academic disciplines. Full article

This article explores the emergence of the concept of glocalization in contemporary societies and more precisely, the glocalization of sport to highlight a social innovation borne through the interaction between global dynamics and local specificities in the development of sport. The glocalization, considered as a theorical framework to rethink local social innovation which answered to the limit of the globalization, is examined in this article through an in-depth bibliographic analysis conducted using the Lillocat metasearch engine (covering 354 articles since 1992 across 11 thematic areas, 29 of which are related to sports). The use of IRaMuTeQ software version 0.7 alpha2 (Interface for Multidimensional Text and Questionnaire Analysis) enabled comprehensive textual and lexical analyses, including frequency analyses, hierarchical classifications, and principal component analyses (PCA). These analyses were presented in the form of figures such as histograms, dendrograms, and word clouds, thereby facilitating the identification of lexical co-occurrence relationships and the understanding of emerging trends. Findings reveal that glocalization enables sports organizations to integrate global strategies with local cultural identities, fostering fan engagement, economic sustainability, and cultural diversity. Global events such as the FIFA World Cup, the NBA’s international expansion, and the Tour de France illustrate how global frameworks adapt to local contexts. Glocalization emerges as a strategic driver of social innovation, balancing internationalization with localized adaptation. This study provides insights for researchers and practitioners, considering glocalization as a theorical framework useful for the analysis of a local social innovation in the context of globalization and sport as a propitious field of research. Full article

Taekwondo is a weight-classified combat sport. Taekwondo athletes often resort to restrictive eating behaviors and weight reduction, especially just before competitions, which, in the long run, endanger their physical and mental health. This study aimed to determine the incidence of eating disorder (ED) symptoms regarding sex, age, and competitive level categories and examine the correlation and contribution of coach behavior, body satisfaction, and goal orientation to the development of ED symptoms in different subgroups. A total of 335 active Croatian taekwondo athletes, with a mean age of 14.7 years, among whom were 132 males and 203 females (range 10–26 yrs, SD = 3.06), completed the Croatian version of the Eating Attitude Test, Figure Rating Scale, Croatian Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire, Negative Coach Behavior Questionnaire, and a questionnaire related to taekwondo practice. The results showed that ED symptoms were more present in female than male athletes (p < 0.001), while there was no statistically significant difference among the age and competitive level categories between elite and non-elite athletes. The risk of ED was significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with taekwondo athletes’ body dissatisfaction, coach pressure, and task goal orientation. In general, regression analyses showed that athletes’ body image dissatisfaction (β = 0.310; p < 0.001), coach pressure on diet and weight (β = 0.156; p < 0.005), and athletes’ task goal orientation (β = 0.120; p < 0.032) are statistically significant predictors that explain the variance in ED symptoms in Croatian taekwondo athletes. The culture of taekwondo sports represents a risk factor for ED development. Full article

Background: Monitoring player mobility in wheelchair sports is crucial for helping coaches understand activity dynamics and optimize training programs. However, the lack of data from monitoring tools, combined with a lack of standardized processing approaches and ineffective data presentation, limits their usability outside of research teams. To address these issues, this study aimed to propose a simple and efficient algorithm for identifying locomotor tasks (static, forward/backward propulsion, pivot/tight/wide rotation) during wheelchair movements, utilizing kinematic data from standard wheelchair mobility tests. Methods: Each participant’s wheelchair was equipped with inertial measurement units—two on the wheel axes and one on the frame. A total of 36 wheelchair tennis and badminton players completed at least one of three proposed tests: the star test, the figure-of-eight test, and the forward/backward test. Locomotor tasks were identified using a five-step procedure involving data reduction, symbolic approximation, and logical pattern searching. Results: This method successfully identified 99% of locomotor tasks for the star test, 95% for the figure-of-eight test, and 100% for the forward/backward test. Conclusion: The proposed method offers a valuable tool for the simple and clear identification and representation of locomotor tasks over extended periods. Future research should focus on applying this method to wheelchair court sports matches and daily life scenarios. Full article