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Health, Sport, Physical Activity and Education: Innovations in Improving the...
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Health, Sport, Physical Activity and Education: Innovations in Improving the Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "School Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 7778

Special Issue Editors

Dr. David Manzano-Sánchez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Body Expressión. Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Interests: education; physical activity; pedagogical models; physical education; psychology; athletics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Manuel Gómez-López

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Murcia, 30720 Murcia, Spain
Interests: sport psychology; physical education; motivation; sports; team sports; handball; performance; perfectionism; anxiety and stress; fear of failure; adherence to sport; perceived barriers; resilience
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jorge Carlos-Vivas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Interests: health sciences; active methodologies; physical education
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

We are facing a society in which the rates of obesity and overweight are very high, and we are aware of the number of problems regarding both physical and mental health that these conditions bring with them.

However, from the field of education and, more specifically, physical education and extracurricular activities, efforts have been made to reduce sedentary lifestyle rates and increase the intention to perform physical activity, and with it, improve the quality of life of people.

We are pleased to invite any researcher in the field of health or social sciences to contribute to this Special Issue, as well as anyone interested in making their research known in order to contribute to social development and the progress of research.

This Special Issue aims to create a scientific base, particularly one that is experimental in its nature (including field studies and systematic reviews), within the field of child and adolescent health, especially including research that includes physical activity and/or active methodologies in the classroom. Educational psychology studies in which the importance of psychological health is seen are also welcome.

This Special Issue therefore seeks studies that work with a complete paradigm of health, not only physical, but also mental, social and emotional, understood as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not just the absence of conditions or diseases (World Health Organization).

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Systematic reviews or meta-analyses on physical education or physical activity in children and/or adolescents.

Differentiation studies between gender or age in aspects related to physical activity and psychology.

Interventions with active methodologies.

Interventions with populations in contexts outside of formal education.

Research in extracurricular sports activities.

Any type of research where the health of children and adolescents is addressed with sufficient academic rigor and quality.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. David Manzano-Sánchez
Dr. Manuel Gómez-López
Dr. Jorge Carlos-Vivas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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

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

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical education
  • health promotion
  • psychology
  • physical activity
  • pedagogical models
  • active methodologies
  • lifestyle

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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13 pages, 277 KiB  
Article
A Preliminary Study on the Effect of an Intervention Based on Green Exercise on Mental Health and Physical Fitness of Adolescents
by Santiago Gómez-Paniagua, Carmen Galán-Arroyo, Antonio Castillo-Paredes and Jorge Rojo-Ramos
Healthcare 2025, 13(7), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13070809 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 381
Abstract
Background: The latest data on physical inactivity and mental health among adolescents raise concerns about the quality of life and development of young people. The expert scientific community in this field has focused its efforts on researching tools that facilitate the improvement [...] Read more.
Background: The latest data on physical inactivity and mental health among adolescents raise concerns about the quality of life and development of young people. The expert scientific community in this field has focused its efforts on researching tools that facilitate the improvement of these variables, such as self-perceived physical condition and life satisfaction, with evidence supporting the effects of green spaces on health. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of a physical activity intervention in the natural environment on life satisfaction and self-perceived physical condition in adolescents. Methods: For this purpose, a 12-day quasi-experimental study was carried out, consisting of nature activities (such as canyoning or canoeing) twice a day in an adolescent population that attended camps in the region. Results: The results showed improvements in both variables, with increasing levels of life satisfaction and self-perceived physical condition after the intervention. Conclusions: Physical activity in natural environments is an effective strategy to improve the physical and mental health of young people, acquiring vital importance as a protective factor against numerous psychological and social disorders. Interventions that promote physical activity in the natural environment have proven successful in improving life satisfaction and self-perceived physical condition among young people, simultaneously addressing issues of inactivity, quality of life, and healthy habits in this demographic group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Sport, Physical Activity and Education: Innovations in Improving the Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents)
16 pages, 642 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Association Between Adolescents’ Health Literacy and Health Behavior by Using the Short Health Literacy (HLS19-Q12) Questionnaire
by Saulius Sukys, Gerda Kuzmarskiene and Kristina Motiejunaite
Healthcare 2024, 12(24), 2585; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12242585 - 22 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1113
Abstract
Background: Health literacy (HL) is an important element of public health that is linked to health behavior in children and adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the structural validity and reliability of the HLS19-Q12 in the adolescent population, to measure the [...] Read more.
Background: Health literacy (HL) is an important element of public health that is linked to health behavior in children and adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the structural validity and reliability of the HLS19-Q12 in the adolescent population, to measure the general HL of adolescents, and to assess the relationship between adolescents’ HL and health behavior. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 825 students aged 15–19 years attending Lithuanian gymnasiums. The participants completed an online survey that collected information on key sociodemographic, HL, and health behavior indicators. Factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, and McDonald’s omega were used to validate the Lithuanian version of the HLS19-Q12. Health behavior indicators, including physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, self-rated health, and body mass index (BMI), were measured. We used regression analyses to assess the associations. Results: The HLS19-Q12 showed an acceptable reliability index (Cronbach’s α = 0.885, McDonald’s omega ω = 0.877) and adequate structural validity (comparative fit index  =  0.89, Tucker and Lewis’s index of fit  =  0.88, root mean square error of approximation  =  0.06). We found that 67.1% of the adolescents had excellent or sufficient HL, 27.7% had problematic HL, and 5.2% had inadequate HL. Compared with girls, boys had greater HL. HL was positively related to physical activity and self-rated health and negatively related to alcohol use and smoking. Conclusions: HLS19-Q12 is a reliable and valid measure of HL among adolescents in upper grades; higher levels of HL have been found to result in better health behaviors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Sport, Physical Activity and Education: Innovations in Improving the Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents)
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9 pages, 239 KiB  
Article
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Regular Dart Training on Visual Perception and Attention Level in Pre-Adolescent Children
by Çalık Veli Koçak, Umut Canlı, Veli Başal and Monira I. Aldhahi
Healthcare 2024, 12(22), 2272; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12222272 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 942
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of dart exercises on the visual perception and attention parameters of pre-adolescent students. Methods: This study included 40 pre-adolescent secondary school students (n = 20 participants in the exercise group [10 girls and 10 [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of dart exercises on the visual perception and attention parameters of pre-adolescent students. Methods: This study included 40 pre-adolescent secondary school students (n = 20 participants in the exercise group [10 girls and 10 boys] and n = 20 participants in the control group [10 girls and 10 boys]). A pre-test of visual perception and attention was conducted prior to the start of the structured dart exercise program, which lasted 12 weeks. The exercises were performed three days a week, with each session lasting 90 min. After 12 weeks, the visual perception and d2 attention tests were administered to both the exercise and control groups. Repeated measures 2 × 2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) (group × time) was conducted for statistical analysis. Results: The results show that there was a statistically significant difference in the group × time interaction for the parameters of visual perception, focusing (E2), concentration (CP), and attention level (TN-E) (p < 0.05) Conversely, there was no statistically significant difference in the parameters of psychomotor speed (TN) and selective attention (E1) (p > 0.05). In addition to the pre- and post-test scores of the control and exercise groups, it was observed that the exercise group scores showed a significant improvement compared with the control group. Conclusions: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that dart exercises can improve the visual perception and attention levels of pre-adolescent secondary school students. These results have implications for the use of dart exercises as a potential cognitive training tool in this age group. Further research could explore the long-term effects and optimal dosage of such a program. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Sport, Physical Activity and Education: Innovations in Improving the Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents)
14 pages, 802 KiB  
Article
Psychological Antecedents of Italian Sport Coaches’ Coaching Behaviors: The Role of Basic Psychological Needs, Motivation and Subjective Vitality
by Cristiano Inguglia, Sonia Ingoglia, Ignazio Leale, Nicolò Maria Iannello, Antonino Gennaro, David Manzano-Sánchez, Manuel Gómez-López and Giuseppe Battaglia
Healthcare 2023, 11(20), 2797; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11202797 - 22 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2037
Abstract
The extant literature has identified some variables that are associated with sport coaches’ coaching style, like their basic psychological need satisfaction, their motivation for coaching, and their psychological well-being. Framed from a conceptual framework based on Self-Determination Theory applied to sport coaches, the [...] Read more.
The extant literature has identified some variables that are associated with sport coaches’ coaching style, like their basic psychological need satisfaction, their motivation for coaching, and their psychological well-being. Framed from a conceptual framework based on Self-Determination Theory applied to sport coaches, the current study explored how sport coaches’ basic psychological needs are associated with their motivation (intrinsic vs. external), subjective vitality, and coaching behaviors (autonomy-supporting vs. need-thwarting). Participants were 184 Italian sport coaches (males = 65%, Mage = 40.22, SD = 11.55, age range 19–74 years) from the “Centro CONI” project. They were requested to fill out online self-report questionnaires assessing the study variables. Structural equation modeling analyses suggested that sport coaches’ satisfaction of basic psychological needs was associated with higher levels of intrinsic motivation to train as well as with higher levels of vitality that, in turn, were associated with coaching behaviors supporting athletes’ autonomy. Moreover, sport coaches’ frustration of basic psychological needs was associated with higher levels of external motivation to train that, in turn, were associated with higher levels of a need-thwarting coaching style. Overall, the findings provided additional support for understanding how sport coaches’ basic psychological needs relate to their coaching styles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Sport, Physical Activity and Education: Innovations in Improving the Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents)
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16 pages, 563 KiB  
Protocol
Effectiveness of an Ecological Model-Based Active Transport Education Program on Physical and Mental Health in High School Students (MOV-ES Project): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
by Eugenio Merellano-Navarro, Andrés Godoy-Cumillaf, Daniel Collado-Mateo, Mirko Aguilar-Valdés, Jorge Torres-Mejías, Alejandro Almonacid-Fierro, Pablo Valdés-Badilla, Frano Giakoni-Ramírez, José Bruneau-Chávez and Pedro R. Olivares
Healthcare 2024, 12(13), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12131259 - 25 Jun 2024
Viewed by 2135
Abstract
The United Nations, through its 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, advocates for the establishment of conducive environments for physical activity, following the ecological model. In line with this initiative, active transportation emerges as an accessible, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to augmenting daily [...] Read more.
The United Nations, through its 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, advocates for the establishment of conducive environments for physical activity, following the ecological model. In line with this initiative, active transportation emerges as an accessible, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to augmenting daily physical activity levels. This study protocol endeavors to assess the impact of an active transportation education program rooted in the ecological model on the physical and mental well-being of high school students. Drawing upon scientific insights, we hypothesize that a 16-week active transportation intervention will lead to a 3% reduction in average body fat percentage and a noteworthy enhancement in executive function (including inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory), physical fitness (comprising cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength), and mental health (encompassing mood disorders and cognitive functioning). If this intervention proves effective, it could offer a viable solution for the school community, especially in reducing congestion within the school environment. The study protocol aims to evaluate the impact of an active transportation educational program based on the ecological model on the physical and mental well-being of high school students. Three high schools located in the urban area of Talca, Chile, will be randomly selected (one public, one privately subsidized, and one private non-subsidized). Each high school will be randomly assigned an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30; without intervention). The experimental groups will receive an active transportation educational intervention during their physical education classes for four months (60 to 90 min sessions, once a week), while the control group will receive no intervention. The primary outcome will provide information on body composition and executive function. Secondary outcomes will include objective physical activity level, physical fitness, mental well-being, academic achievement, health-related quality of life, perception of environmental urban features, physical activity barriers, and adherence to active transportation. It is expected that the results of the MOV-ES Project will transcend the physical health of schoolchildren and will have an impact on the school community, especially by decongesting the school environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Sport, Physical Activity and Education: Innovations in Improving the Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents)
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