Journal Motricidade (ISSN 1646-107X, eISSN 2182-2972) is a scientific quarterly journal published by Sílabas Didáticas Editions. Journal Motricidade publishes relevant original research and review articles, that are methodologically sound, theoretically grounded and that will potentially contribute to the scientific areas of sports, psychology and human development, and health-promoting the international debate on those themes. It is currently indexed in some of the most influential international databases such as Web of Knowledge/Scielo Citation Index (Clarivate Analytics), Elsevier (SCOPUS, EMCare), SCImago (SJR: Medicine, Health Professions), PsycINFO, IndexCopernicus, Scielo, CABI, Qualis, SPORTDiscus, EBSCO, CINAHL, Proquest, DOAJ, Latindex, Gale/Cengage Learning, SIIC Databases, BVS ePORTUGUESe, SHERPA/RoMEO, OCLC, Hinari/WHO, Swets Information Services, among others. Journal Motricidade complies with the guidelines of the International Committee of the Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the American Psychological Association (APA) for the presentation of scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.
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The Adult Developmental Coordination/Dyspraxia Checklist (ADC) in Greek Young Adults: a preliminary reliability study
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects motor coordination with a negative impact on daily activities. DCD persists from childhood to adulthood in 50–70% of individuals. The present study was a preliminary evaluation of the reliability of the Greek Adult Developmental Coordination Disorders/Dyspraxia Checklist (ADC) version, a self-reported questionnaire to screen adults for probable DCD. One hundred and three (N=103) young adults (aged 19-26), without a previous diagnosis of neurological disorders or disabilities, who completed the Greek version of the ADC checklist twice, with a three-week interval between test-retest measurements. The results showed that Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.77 to 0.92 for each of the three subscales and 0.93 for the total ADC scores, indicating a strong internal consistency. Similarly, test-retest reliability results showed intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.63 to 0.87 across each subscale and the total ADC score. Thus, the results revealed acceptable values and moderate to good reliability for the Greek ADC version. In conclusion, given that motor difficulties associated with DCD persist into adulthood and negatively affect motor coordination and daily activities, the Greek ADC version could be a reliable screening tool for identifying probable DCD in young adults. However, further research regarding validity issues in Greek young adults with and without developmental disorders, including DCD, is encouraged.
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Comparison of external load and physical performance of professional soccer players between a cup match and a league match: A preliminary study
Soccer is an intermittent sport characterised by frequent high-intensity actions, with performance varying based on the competition or tournament. This study aimed to compare the activity profiles of professional soccer players in a cup match versus a league match. Data were collected from two official matches played by a professional team from Brazil’s Serie B Men’s Championship during the 2018 season, in which the team participated in regional and national competitions organised by the Brazilian Football Confederation while maintaining regular training routines. The main variables analysed included total distance covered, highspeed running distance, number of sprints, accelerations, and decelerations. The results showed no significant differences in most variables, including heart rate, total distance covered, and number of sprints between the two match types. However, there was a significant reduction in the number of accelerations during the league match compared to the cup match. These findings suggest that league tournaments may feature fewer accelerations compared to cup matches, which could impact players’ physical demands and tactical preparation. Understanding these differences can help coaches optimise training and game strategies tailored to the specific demands of each competition type.
Mario Norberto Sevilio de Oliveira Junior
Development and validation of the transparency index
This study aimed to develop and validate the Transparency Index, a tool designed to measure transparency and integrity within sports organisations. The index comprises 15 items across three domains: governance, operational practices, and financial transparency. After expert review, the index underwent content validation and statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics revealed items ranging from 0.02 to 0.88 and standard deviations from 0.14 to 0.5. Reliability analysis showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.72 for the full index), which improved to 0.74 after removing items 9 and 10 due to their low inter-item correlations. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a four-factor solution, accounting for 56.53% of the variance, with factors representing governance, financial transparency, diversity policies, and collaboration with partners. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant differences between institutional levels (H = 63.29, p < .01), with World and National Federations demonstrating higher transparency scores than Regional Associations. No significant differences were found between evaluators, indicating consistency in scoring. These findings underscore the need for tailored transparency policies across different sports governance levels. The Transparency Index demonstrates potential as a valid and reliable tool for evaluating organisational transparency, with promising applications for enhancing governance practices in sports organisations. Further research is recommended to apply the Transparency Index to a broader sample and refine its dimensions.
Analysis of thermal patterns in the knee: Comparative study between athletes and sedentary individuals
Infrared thermography is a non-invasive technique that detects skin-emitted radiation, providing insights into body temperature and identifying thermal changes related to inflammatory or degenerative processes. This study aimed to compare knee temperatures between sedentary individuals and athletes and to evaluate differences between the anterior and posterior knee regions. A convenience sample included 32 men, 16 sedentary individuals (1.71 ± 0.05 m; 71.7 ± 11 kg; BMI: 24.5 ± 0.39 kg/m²) and 16 athletes (1.79 ± 0.06 m; 73.29 ± 11 kg; BMI: 22.84 ± 2.52 kg/m²). Temperature assessments were conducted using infrared thermography. The results showed that the posterior knee region consistently exhibited higher temperatures than the anterior region in sedentary individuals (p < .001) and athletes (p < .001). Sedentary individuals had lower knee temperatures compared to athletes, both in the posterior regions (right: p = .0006; left: p = .0035) and anterior (right: p < .0001; left: p = .0009). These findings highlight that physical training influences localised thermal responses, with athletes demonstrating higher average knee temperatures and a consistent temperature gradient between the posterior and anterior regions in both groups.
Jefferson Fernando C oelho Rodrigues Junior
The Benefits of Ultimate and Disc Sports for Physical and Social Development in Portuguese Schools
Training in Ultimate and disc sports started in Portugal in 2005. The aim of the study is to find out to what extent Physical Education teachers already know and recognise the value and potential of disc sports and ultimate, and what contribution this can make to achieving the predetermined learning outcomes in pupils. This analytical study used a cross-sectional survey design to investigate the perceived importance of disc sports among 450 physical education teachers. Approximately 54.0% of Physical Education teachers use Ultimate because they think it is a different sport, 48.7% because pupils like it and 40.3% because it is self-refereed. The results show that 92.3% of Physical Education teachers believe that disc sports improve pupils’ motor skills. This study highlights the potential of disc sports to enhance Physical Education. The findings suggest the potential for widespread implementation of disc sports in different educational settings and countries.
Dyspraxias in specific motor areas in children with Developmental Coordination Disorders (DCD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Dyspraxias are neurodevelopmental disorders that affect one or more areas of motor development and can be expressed in different ways in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). The aim was to identify dyspraxia in specific motor areas in children with DCD and ADHD. Children (6-10 years old) were recruited from ten Brazilian public schools. The sample consisted of 49 children with ADHD and 11 with DCD. Additionally, 180 children with typical development (TD) were included as controls. The Motor Development Scale was used to identify dyspraxia in specific motor areas. Our findings revealed lower general motor quotient results in children with DCD and with ADHD when compared with TD children. More specifically, the ADHD group showed lower scores in perceptive domains compared to the DCD and TD groups. In the coordinative and proprioceptive areas, the DCD group showed lower scores than the ADHD and TD groups. These data suggest that dyspraxia acts in different motor areas for children with ADHD and DCD. We conclude that specific motor dysfunctions facilitate understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders, can contribute to differential diagnosis, and favour the development of motor intervention programs.
Public and sustainable development sports management applied in the Atlantic Axis of the Peninsular Iberian Northwest
A sustainable development sports program provided by local and regional governance policies will contribute to the well-being of the communities. The aim of the present study was to examine the public sports policies of the municipalities in the Northwest Atlantic Axis of the Iberian Peninsula (the northwest area of Portugal and the south area of Galicia, Spain). A structured questionnaire was applied to 16 municipalities (13 from Portugal and 3 from Spain), addressing the main key sports areas, including organisations, facilities, funding, and sports programs. The sports facilities and sports offering data showed that Portugal had significantly more infrastructure (t = 3.32, p = .0009) and sports activities than Spain (t = 13.74, p ≈ 0). However, the cities of Spain had a significantly higher sports budget than the cities of Portugal (t = -3.17, p = .0015). The findings highlight and provide some insights for managers and policymakers, proposing strategies to enhance the social impact of sports as a tool for inclusion and community development, particularly by promoting dialogue and knowledge exchange between municipalities (both within and beyond the region) to facilitate the adoption of innovative strategies and successful practices, and strengthening research collaborations with universities and research centres.
Unlocking the Fast Track: Exploring the Interplay between Body Composition and Athletes’ Performance in the 100 m Sprint
The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential association between body composition and 100-meter sprinter performance. Eight athletes' body composition parameters were measured using an InBCA (IN-F500) body composition analyzer and compared to their performance time in the 100 m sprint. The study participants (five males and three females) range in age from 21 to 25 years old and are the champion team of the Bangladesh Inter University Athletic Championship 2022. In addition, questionnaires were used to collect participants' demographic information, training history, and dietary habits. The comparison reveals that Athletes' 100 m sprinting performance is highly linked with their body composition characteristics, particularly the appendicular lean mass (R² = 0.7625, p < .001) and skeletal muscle mass (R² = 0.7932, p < .001). However, a weak and insignificant correlation was found with the body fat mass (R2 = 0.029, p > .05). The study's findings reveal that body composition characteristics influence the 100 m sprinting performance of both male and female athletes. We anticipate that these findings will contribute to our understanding of sprinters' body composition and have implications for athlete-specific training, performance improvement, and nutritional strategies.
Motivation for sports practice and its relationship with the level of physical activity and satisfaction with practice in children
This study analysed the relationship between motivation to practice sports, satisfaction with practice, and the level of physical activity in children aged 7 to 11. A total of 1,089 students from public schools in the Midwest of Santa Catarina, Brazil, took part. Motivation was assessed using the Pictorial Scale of Children's Sports Motivation (EPMDI), satisfaction was measured using a visual analogue scale of happiness, and the level of physical activity was evaluated using the Previous Day's Physical Activity Questionnaire (QUAFDA). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the validity and reliability of the EPMDI. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed hypothetical model. The results showed that intrinsic motivation was the main predictor of satisfaction with the practice, followed by extrinsic motivation, while demotivation had a significant negative effect. Satisfaction, however, did not directly predict the level of physical activity. Boys were significantly more active than girls, although both showed high levels of intrinsic motivation for sport. The findings highlight the importance of promoting intrinsic motivation in childhood to increase satisfaction with sport. Additional strategies may be needed to transform motivation into greater physical involvement.
Emotional experiences of immigrant students in Physical Education and Health classes in a Chilean school
This study aims to examine the negative emotions that affect the subjective well-being of immigrant students in their curricular experiences in Physical Education and Health. A qualitative methodology was used, with an interpretative-phenomenological perspective and a case study design. Ten female and male students participated, with an average age of 13.5 years. The students attended a Chilean public school in the Central Station district of the Metropolitan Region of Chile, which is known for admitting immigrant students. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview and subjected to inductive content analysis using ATLAS.ti 22. The results present three categories that allude to boredom, fear, shame, and anger. These categories include meanings about motor skills, corporeality, social interactions, and pedagogical dissatisfaction with physical exercise. The results do not directly allude to xenophobia but include indirect meanings that can be associated with implicit and structural discrimination due to migrant status. It is concluded that negative emotions are not only related to immigrant status, but also to interaction with gender stereotypes and lack of empathy. Chilean Physical Education would have the challenge of continuing to strengthen ethical training and inclusive practices in teacher training.
Developing cultural intelligence in sport: A qualitative study of coaches’ perceptions of cross-cultural training
Coaches worldwide are required to interact frequently with people from different cultures. This can create some personal and professional challenges for coaches working with foreign athletes. Coaches' training programmes have the responsibility to give them the right skills and prepare them to work in a global sports market, which involves several cross-cultural interactions. A cross-cultural training programme for sports coaches was implemented with 56 coaches from a Portuguese-speaking country. This research focuses on the qualitative evaluation of a cross-cultural training programme, using Thematic Analysis and NVivo software. The themes identified in the qualitative analysis were: a recommendation of training to other coaches; the importance of the coaching role; the important role of cultural training; the importance of growing as an individual and as a coach; and a recommendation for the training to be part of the coaching courses. The themes related to the Reflective Practice were the following: the experience with different cultures; learning from the cultural experience; and the importance of planning cultural experience beforehand. Future studies should consider recruiting more coaches with international experience during their careers. Interviews or focus groups should also be considered to get more in-depth information about the coaches’ perceptions of cross-cultural training.
Use of reflective journals in initial teacher training in Physical Education in Mexico
This study aims to achieve two goals: 1) To analyse the didactical/teaching experience of physical education teacher education students using reflective journals; and 2) To correlate the learning service methodology and the reflective process within the Experiential Learning cycle. This was a descriptive, qualitative, and hermeneutic study that analysed the reflective journals of ten undergraduate students in physical education teacher education. The data analysis was completed with a systematic design as a reference. The following categories were identified: a) emotional expressions; b) soft skills development; c) learning acquisition; d) performance reflection; e) teaching identity development. These categories were correlated within the Experiential Learning cycle, which allowed us to visualise a way in which the reflective process of students is congruent with Kolb's tenets. It can be concluded that reflective journals can contribute to a better academic performance in teacher education students.
Assessment for Brazilian Children’s Physical Literacy tools: content validity, feasibility, and reliability
Physical literacy is a phenomenon that has the potential to improve our engagement in an active life. However, there are no appropriate and validated instruments for the Brazilian context. This study aimed to present the Assessment for Brazilian Children’s Physical Literacy tools and evaluate their content validity, reliability, and feasibility. Five instruments — the Perception of Motor Competence Scale and Confidence Scale for Involvement in Physical Activity (affective domain), the Sedentary Behavior Scale and Organized Physical Activity Questionnaire (behavioral domain), and the Scale of Knowledge and Understanding of Physical Activity (comprehension domain) — were tested for content validity with a panel of 19 judges (Delphi method). The Content Validity Coefficient (> .8) confirmed the validity for all instruments; subsequently, schoolchildren aged 8 to 13 years (n = 19) answered the instruments. Correlations confirmed the tools’ reliability (good to excellent); feasibility results ranged from good to excellent. These Assessment for Brazilian Children’s Physical Literacy tools proved to be valid, reliable, and feasible for this Brazilian sample.
Change in young swimmers’ anaerobic potential in response to taper
The current study aims to determine the effect of one-week tapering on the anaerobic potential of young swimmers based on a simple and non-invasive test. Twenty competitive young swimmers (12.83 ± 1.08 years) performed an all-out 25 m front crawl sprint coupled to an electromechanical speedometer before and after a week of taper. The variation of the velocity along time [v/(t) curves] was determined for each swimmer. The push-off maximum velocity, push-off velocity decay, maximum and average gliding velocity, maximum and average swimming velocity, fatigue index, swimming velocity decay, velocity variation coefficient, total number of cycles, and total swim time were calculated. An individual anaerobic fatigue threshold was determined by applying a mathematical procedure based on wavelet analysis to the aforementioned v/(t) curves. The number of upper limb cycles performed was registered using video. The blood lactate concentration was measured at rest and after the 25 m sprint. The swim duration time of 25 m (pretaper: 17.91 ± 1.69; post-taper: 17.90 ± 2.18 s, p= .976) and the post-effort blood lactate (pre-taper: 4.92 ± .85 and post-taper: 4.77 ± 1.80 mmol/l, p= .780) did not change with the taper. The other variables also did not change, except for the velocity decay (-1.19 ± .94 vs. -.52 ± .21 m.s-1, p= .016). The moment of occurrence of the anaerobic fatigue threshold was no different after the taper. The one-week taper did not significantly change young swimmers’ anaerobic potential.
Positive Development, Personal and Social Responsibility and Sport… what relationship? – “A Study carried out in a Portuguese School with priority intervention”
This study aimed to analyze the relationships between the sporting practice of Portuguese students from a school considered a Priority Intervention Educational Territory with their levels of positive youth development and personal and social responsibility. Four hundred and thirty students of both sexes (45.6% female), aged between 10 and 20 (M = 13.94 and SD = 2.61) participated in this study. To assess Positive Development, was used the PYDp/red questionnaire to assess Personal and Social Responsibility, the PSRQ questionnaire was used. The results showed that only 24.2% of young people practised sports more regularly. Regarding positive youth development, the results showed that female individuals had higher average levels in the Care/attention dimension. Regarding the Character dimension, it was verified that students in older groups seemed to show greater respect for the rules, while the younger ones showed higher average levels of Connection. Also was found that the perception of social responsibility was higher than that of personal responsibility. Finally, a trend was identified: the more years of sports practice and weekly frequency, the higher the positive youth development and personal and social responsibility values.
Active commuting of adolescents to school: barriers according to gender, socioeconomic status and area of residence
This study analysed the barriers to active commuting to school among adolescents according to gender, residential area, and socioeconomic status. The variables were collected through questionnaires (Neighborhood Impact on Kids and Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa). A total of 1,431 students aged between 12 and 17 participated. The dichotomized categorical variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test with a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of p< .05. The main reported barriers to active commuting were: in the urban area: “the weather is very hot, and I sweat a lot” and “there is a lot of traffic”; in the rural area: “there are no sidewalks or bike paths” and “the school is far away”; urban area girls: “the school is far away” and “there is a lot of traffic”; rural area girls: “the route was tiring”; rural area boys: “the route was not well-lit”; socioeconomic status: low socioeconomic status students from urban area and rural area reported “the school is far away”. The main barriers to active commuting relate to hot weather, distant schools, traffic, and built environment, mainly impacting students with low socioeconomic status from both residential areas, requiring decision-making by policymakers to facilitate active commuting for adolescents.
Exploring the impact of music on strength training performance in physically active women: a randomised crossover
The influence of music on movement velocity and power during strength training has been poorly investigated in female athletes. A total of 14 physically active female participants completed two random visits with different conditions: 1) Music (MUS) and 2) No music (No-MUS). Jumping ability (countermovement jump), movement velocity and power in the back-squat at 50 and 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), muscular endurance, rate of perceived exertion and motivation were analysed. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06070064). No differences were found between MUS and No-MUS conditions in jump height, nor in movement velocity and power in the back-squat exercise. With the MUS condition, an increase was observed in the number of repetitions to failure at 75% of 1RM (p= .034), as well as greater motivation (p= .029) and reduced perceived effort (p= .021). Listening to music induced an increase in muscular endurance performance with no effect on movement velocity and power during back-squat in physically active women.
Psychophysiological characterisation of water polo: comparison between training sessions of a microcycle
The aim of this study was to describe and compare the characteristics of 3 different training sessions from a microcycle of a highperformance male water polo team at the national level based on the Heart Rate (HR) intensity zones and the internal and external training loads. A total of 10 athletes were monitored during 3 sessions: the first and last of the microcycle and a practice match. Each athlete’s HR was monitored using a heart rate monitor. Internal load was assessed using the session’s Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPEs) and the Training Impulse (TRIMP) method, while external load was quantified by the total distance swum and the planned training intensity. Results indicated RPEs 400 ± 111 and TRIMP 159 ± 76 in session 1, RPEs 708 ± 79.9 and TRIMP 88 ± 44.3 in session 2, and RPEs 71 ± 0 and TRIMP 41 ± 23 in the practice match. The results highlighted that the specific external load of each training session may elicit different perceptions of internal load. Additionally, the sequence of training sessions within a microcycle can lead to the accumulation of internal load throughout the training period.
Impact of COVID-19 on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and general health status in adults and older adults: a retrospective observational study
The present study aimed to compare physical activity, sedentary behavior, and general health status pre-diagnosis and post-recovery in individuals diagnosed with COVID-19; to assess the influence of COVID-19 signals, symptoms, and clinical outcomes on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and general health status in adults and older adults. A total of 509 individuals (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 2020 and February 2021 in Ribeirão Preto/SP were evaluated. The short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior, and the “profile of people diagnosed with COVID-19” questionnaire was used to self-report general health status. Data were collected via telephone regarding the week before the COVID-19 diagnosis (pre-diagnosis) and during the interview (post-recovery). There was a significant reduction in physical activity in adults and older adults (p < .001) post-recovery. Sedentary behavior increased in adults (p = .021). General health status worsened in both adults and older adults (p < .001). Symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, and muscle pain affected physical activity; respiratory difficulty and the need for oxygen support negatively influenced sedentary behavior. Sore throat, fatigue/tiredness, and muscle pain affected general health status in adults and older adults. COVID-19 signals and symptoms negatively influenced physical activity, sedentary behavior, and general health status.
How discrete emotions arise during the "heat" of sport competition: A naturalistic study in Roller Hockey
Emotions have an undeniable influence on sports competition. Therefore, studies focused on their antecedents are essential for understanding emotions in sports. Within the Cognitive-motivational-relational theory (CMRT) framework, this study intended to explore cognitive appraisal processes and discrete emotions during Roller Hockey competitions. Five elite roller hockey players (M = 28.6 years) were interviewed about three different games using a self-confrontational approach. The players identified eleven discrete emotions: happiness, relief, discouragement, anxiety, confidence, anger, disgust, pride, tranquillity, sadness, and shame. Positive emotions were more likely to arise in situations that brought the players closer to their goals, whereas negative emotions were more frequent in situations that threatened their goals. Findings suggest that primary appraisals often precede positive emotions, whereas secondary appraisals are more associated with negative emotions. These findings support the link between cognitive appraisals and emotions and highlight the need for continuing this line of study.
Decoding futsal defensive game situations through the eyes of coaches
Following an interpretative approach, this study sought to understand, from the perspective of elite futsal coaches, the critical information that shrouds the game dynamics of defensive situations in futsal game (i.e., defensive organisation, defensive set pieces, strategical defence). Ten male futsal coaches (age: 48.30 ± 5.85 years; experience 18.10 ± 4.12 years) who currently coach elite futsal teams were selected. A total of thirty-four video clips related to different defensive situations were selected. Qualitative data was obtained through semi-structured interviews and analysed by content analysis. In analysing defensive game situations, coaches emphasised both individual and collective defensive behaviours. Much of the focus was on individual actions to maintain defensive stability, such as tracking, defensive exchanges, marking, and roles within the team’s defensive structure. Still, when the coaches intended to characterise defensive information, they focused on understanding information related to the attack and its inherent strategies. Expert coaches balance their knowledge about and of the environment in preparing their team for competition. Thus, the ability to recognise and retrieve critical information both before through video analysis and in-loco, during competition are vital to guide the team. Thus, developing these skills must be paramount in coach education courses in futsal.
Factors associated with changes in physical activity practices among Brazilian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic
The present research aimed to analyse sociodemographic, university affiliation, and lifestyle factors associated with changes in physical activity among Brazilian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study with 1,151 students from Estácio de Sá University, Brazil. Factors related to the dependent variable “moderate physical activity” were analysed using Odds Ratio and 95% confidence intervals through multinomial logistic regression. 35.5% of the students reported an increase in physical activity, while 25.7% reported a decrease. There was a higher likelihood of a decrease among men, daytime students, those less stressed about leaving home, and those who monitored their blood pressure. Students taking up to three courses were less likely to reduce their physical activity. Increases in physical activity were influenced by being male, residing in the capital, studying in health-related courses, doing the daytime study, reducing sedentary behaviour, and monitoring blood pressure. A lower chance of increase occurred among students who maintained or increased physical distancing in open spaces. Sociodemographic factors, university affiliation, and health-related behaviours were associated with both reductions and increases in physical activity.
Coach encouragement feedback during circuit training: is it possible to increase the fitness, grit and technical demands of youth sepak takraw athletes?
This study aims to investigate the impact of coach encouragement feedback circuit training (CEFCT) on the level of fitness, grit, and technical performance of youth sepak takraw athletes. A randomised control trial (RCT) design during 8 weeks was adopted. There were 80 young male sepak takraw athletes allocated into two groups: the CEFCT group (n = 40, 17.4 ± 1.22 years) and the control group (CG, n = 40, 17.5 ± 1.24 years). Paired sample t-test showed significant differences in fitness, grit and technical performance in CEFCT (all, p < .05) and CG (all, p < .05) from pre-test until post-test. In the 2-way ANOVA repeated measures test, we observed a significant time effect on physical fitness (all p < .05), along with a group effect (p < .05); however, there was no effect on the CMJ parameter (p > .05). Moreover, there was an interaction time * group in some parameters (p < .05), but it was not found in 10-mST (p > .05). At the same time, we found a time effect on grit (all, p < .05), but no difference in the group effect (all, p > .05). Furthermore, there was a time * group interaction on grit-maintaining interest (MI) (p < 005), but it was not found in grit-continuing efforts (CE) (p > .05). Finally, we found that there was an effect of time (all, p < .05) simultaneously with group (all, p < .05), but there was no time * group interaction (all, p > .05). The coach must apply encouragement during the circuit to increase the level of physical fitness, grit and technical performance of youth sepak takraw athletes.
Relationship between Flexibility and Front Crawl Swimming Performance in Amateur Swimmers at Different Distances
The study aimed to analyse the correlation between flexibility and performance in the front crawl stroke at different distances. Flexibility was assessed with a goniometer for the shoulder, ankle, and lumbar spine joints. Twenty-nine amateur swimmers (16 male and 13 female), aged between 17 and 33, participated in the study. Three-time trials were conducted at different distances (25-, 50-, and 100-meter front crawl swimming), and swimming velocity (V), stroke rate, and stroke length (SR and SL) were calculated. Isolated moderate correlations between groups, joints, variables, and distances suggest some influence of flexibility on performance. For example, the inverse correlation between horizontal abduction and shoulder extension with the SL for males at distances of 25 and 50m. However, most variables showed weak, non-significant relationships, indicating that, for most joints, normal levels of flexibility are sufficient for practising the sport. There may be other factors that have a more significant influence on the performance of amateur swimmers.
Negative self-rated health, physical activity and sitting time in Brazilian adolescents: moderating effects of sociodemographic and behavioural aspects
Insufficient physical activity and sedentary behaviour can impact perceived health levels, which are important markers for the occurrence of morbidities and early mortality. The aim was to estimate the prevalence and direct associations, as well as to consider possible moderating effects of sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics, between physical activity and sitting time with negative self-assessment of health, according to gender, in Brazilian adolescents. This cross-sectional study uses data from the 2019 National School Health Survey (PeNSE). The outcome was negative self-assessment of health. The independent variables were physical activity and sitting time. The association measure employed was Prevalence Ratios (PR), supplemented by 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The prevalences of negative self-assessment of health were 2.8 (95%CI 2.4–3.3) and 5.8% (95%CI 5.1–6.5) among boys and girls, respectively. The prevalence of negative self-assessment of health in Brazilian adolescent girls was 1.5 times higher for those with high sitting time. Younger male adolescents with sitting time ≥ 3 hours/day had 2.64 (95%CI 1.38–5.05) times higher prevalence of negative self-assessment of health. It is concluded that girls were more prone to negative self-assessment of health. Age influenced the association between sedentary behaviour and perceived health level in boys.
Is the light at the end of the tunnel bright? Associations between preference and tolerance of the intensity, basic psychological needs and behaviour in exercise context
In recent years, sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity have seen an evident increase. Many individuals who embark on an exercise regimen end up leaving it within the first three to six months, often citing barriers such as a lack of time or motivation. Research shows that the pleasure and enjoyment derived from exercise play a crucial role in preventing people from giving up. This suggests that theories related to the emotional aspects of exercise, including an individual’s exercise intensity preference and tolerance, should be integrated into broader motivation theories such as Self-Determination Theory (SDT). This chapter aims to provide a theoretical framework for these theories, emphasised by empirical evidence and proposes potential avenues for future research.
Global research trends on transgenders in sports: a bibliometric analysis
Taking into account the complexity of transgenderism in sports, the sensitive nature of the subject and the wide spectrum of concerned disciplines addressing this theme, a bibliometric network analysis has been carried out. As of December 31, 2024, 454 articles related to transgender individuals in sports were identified. In these articles, we carried out the following network analyses: a) countries and collaborations, b) authors and collaborations, c) journals, and d) high-frequency keywords. The most cited articles were also reported.
Could motor intervention programs have a positive association with the motor competence of children with typical development aged 6 to 10 years? – A Systematic Review
Motor competence (MC) plays a significant role in predicting physical activity in the youth and is an integral component of youth health and performance. According to Barnett et al. (2009) and Logan et al. (2015), the MC interact with physical activity (PA) during early childhood. This study aimed to synthesise evidence on the associations between MC and PA, training/sports practice, and physical education in children. The review was registered in PROSPERO and carried out in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) framework. Eleven thousand two hundred ninety-four articles were found in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. After the screening phase, the selection was reduced to 18 studies, all of which were randomised clinical trials that used validity and reliability methods, according to the eligibility criteria. The studies included a total sample of 2858 children aged 6–10 years. As the analysis of the articles revealed, that all the intervention programs were beneficial for the development of MC, regardless of program (duration of program, weekly frequency and session duration) and instrument, as a proposal for the future, and based on the results of our research, it is proposing an intervention programme lasting 8 to 12 weeks, with sessions lasting 45 to 60 minutes and 2-3 times a week. The TGMD-2, TGMD-3 or KTK could be used as the proposed instrument for assessing motor competence.
Social support, resilience and subjective well-being in Portuguese athletes with disabilities
This review aims to summarise the studies’ insightful exploration of the relationship between adapted sport, social support, resilience, and well-being among Portuguese athletes with disabilities. The research emphasises the crucial role of social support in access to sport, but interestingly, it may not always be directly correlated with resilience or subjective well-being. Athletes with disabilities show high resilience and positive affect while scoring lower regarding negative affect. Technical support is vital for federated athletes with disabilities, and friendships are universally significant. Resilience emerges as a central factor, with strong associations with subjective well-being, indicating its importance in the sporting context. In addition, resilience appears to buffer negative emotions, emphasising its crucial role. In conclusion, these results challenge existing assumptions and emphasise the multifaceted nature of the relationship between social support, resilience and well-being among athletes with disabilities. This knowledge has practical implications for stakeholders, including parents, coaches, therapists, psychologists, and society. They underline the importance of fostering inclusive sports programmes and promoting awareness and partnerships to improve the well-being, resilience and social support of individuals with disabilities, ultimately contributing to their personal development, quality of life and social integration. Policymakers and organisations should consider these conclusions when formulating education and sports policies.
Does long-term sports experience change the body balance of athletes? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Sports practice promotes physiological adaptations influenced by the characteristics of training stimuli, and postural balance appears to play an important role in athletic performance. To analyze postural control in athletes - obtained from the displacements of the center of pressure during orthostatic posture, considering elite athletes and control groups (non-athletes or athletes with a lower competitive level). Method: The search in electronic databases was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and Scielo until April 2023, with works selected between 1976 and 2023. An assessment of the methodological quality of the studies was carried out. In addition, in the meta-analysis, the main center of pressure variables used were oscillation area, mean velocity, and total mean velocity. Results: Twenty studies were included, and the meta-analysis showed differences in favor of athletes in the conditions of single-leg support with eyes open and eyes closed, with a greater difference in the second situation. Overall, athletes presented better postural balance compared to the non-athlete group and, among athletes, those with a higher competitive level presented the best postural strategy. Conclusions: The results suggest that sports training improves postural control and that the differences in favor of athletes are greater in more challenging/unstable postural conditions.
Luis Aureliano Imbiriba da Silva Imbiriba
A holistic approach to the diagnosis of football players: the psychological factor example
The construction of tools is crucial to achieving knowledge advances, as Ian Hacking suggests. In a world where information dictates rules, there is a necessity for solutions that counteract the superficiality imposed by a positivist scientific model. The primary aim of this work is to set the basis to help develop a diagnostic tool that really embraces the complexity and globality of the human (trans)formation process. With a systemic approach to sports, this exploratory and descriptive study aims to justify the conceptual framework that enables the integration of a new vision for sports diagnosis, beginning with a critical reflection on feedback gathered from a sample of top-level football coaches (n= 10) regarding the assessment of psychological competences. The results show consensus about the importance of the psychological performance factor, as well as the necessity for tools to assess it better. We conclude that a holistic perspective on sports diagnosis and intervention, considering data from different fields of knowledge coherently, is needed and already possible.
Elevating Assisted Stretching: Redefining the Operational Technique for Professional Credibility and Stretching Efficiency
Assisted stretching is a prevalent practice in exercise and fitness settings, frequently employed to enhance flexibility, facilitate recovery, and promote relaxation. However, the absence of standardised methodological guidelines has constrained its professional credibility and raised concerns regarding practitioner safety, client comfort, and inappropriate physical proximity. Furthermore, conventional methods often depend heavily on manual force and intrusive body positioning, which may undermine both the effectiveness and ethical standards of the practice. This research note introduces a structured methodological framework for operationalising assisted stretching techniques. The framework is based on four core principles: minimising unnecessary physical contact through clear communication and informed consent; adopting non-intrusive, outward practitioner positioning to respect personal space and enhance postural safety; defining the force-applying and control hands relative to the client’s medial line; and prioritising the use of the practitioner’s body weight over isolated arm strength to apply stretching force efficiently and safely. Illustrative examples and practical applications demonstrate that the proposed approach enables assisted stretching to be performed with reduced physical intrusion, improved biomechanical efficiency, and enhanced safety for both practitioners and clients, including scenarios with significant differences in body mass. This methodological proposal seeks to establish assisted stretching as a credible professional technique by promoting ethical practice, technical consistency, and a more favourable external perception within exercise and rehabilitation contexts.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating Physiology, Strength and Innovation to Enable a Women’s Sub-4 Minute Mile
This Letter explores the physiological, biomechanical and strategic factors underpinning the possibility of a woman running a mile in under 4 min - a barrier historically viewed as symbolic and physiologically prohibitive. Drawing on recent projections, we examine the interplay between aerobic power, anaerobic work capacity, neuromuscular coordination and mechanical efficiency, highlighting how targeted strength training, tendon stiffness, and reactive force development may contribute to bridging the remaining 7.65 s gap (6.42 in a non-official recently made record). The discussion integrates advancements in pacing strategies, oxygen uptake kinetics and footwear technology, alongside sociocultural and institutional enablers. We argue that individualised long-term development models, supported by data-driven monitoring and sex-specific interventions, are critical to this pursuit. Far from a speculative goal, the sub-4 min mile for women now stands as a strategically actionable target. Today, this endeavour is strongly supported by several scientific studies and concepts, but its realisation will require a convergence of current knowledge with the preparation, training organisation and belief that enabled Bannister’s breakthrough in 1954.
The Forgotten World of Coaching Masters Sport in Portugal: Implications for Research and Practice
Master (adult) sports can contribute to healthy ageing and increase the quality of life. Nonetheless, few efforts have been deployed to identify and reflect on guidelines for quality master sports coaching in Portugal that can contribute to these outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this critical commentary is to provide insights into the current status of master sports in Portugal, as well as present implications for researchers and practitioners. In Portugal, eligibility for competition is based on age. Master sports is a structured and competitive physical activity that is associated with teams or individuals with a strong emphasis on formal competition across provincial, national, and/or international championships. There exist efforts by the government to have adult sports play a role in contributing to holistic athlete development throughout the lifespan and towards healthy ageing. This is not incompatible with competition, which is a critical component of the Portuguese sports culture. However, competitions may need to be carefully organised and used as a resource for holistic athlete development, focusing on adult athletes’ health and well-being. Moreover, adult sports may also be positioned as non-structured physical activity, as well as by diverse types of competitive events and activities. Moving forward, there is a need to initiate dialogue between all actors of the sports system and identify alternative ways to position, imagine and use master sports in a challenging contemporary landscape.