Special Issue "Physical Activity, Education and New Methodologies"

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2021.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Pedro Valdivia-Moral
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Education. Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Body Expression, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain
Interests: Didactics of Physical Education; Coeducation; Sport Psychology; Healthy Lifestyle; New Teaching Methologies
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals
Dr. Jose Luis Ubago
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Education. Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Body Expression, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain
Interests: Didactics of Physical Education; Psychosocial Factors; Healthy Lifestyle; Mediterranean Diet
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, Physical Activity has been influenced by new methodologies. The new methodologies provoke new developments in the area of Sports Performance, Healthy Physical Activity, Sports Management and Physical Education, always from a sustainable perspective.
The school context provides new strategies, resources and experiences on a daily Basis to create a new understanding of the teaching of sport and physical activity at school from a personal and sustainability learning perspective.
Focusing on Physical Education classes, didactic and sustainable aspects such as inclusive education, evaluation, equal education, psychological aspects and many additional elements affecting students and teachers. The scientific community needs to study these issues in order to promote Physical Education Didactics development. To this aim, cross-sectional, longitudinal and intervention studies that analyse motivation and teaching methodologies in the context of physical education, physical activity and sports for different ages can be presented. Furthermore, validations of measurement instruments linked to the study topic of this special issue are of interest. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are also of great interest to the scientific community.

Dr. Pedro Valdivia-Moral
Dr. Jose Luis Ubago
Guest Editor

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 papers will be 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. Sustainability 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 1900 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
  • Sport Psychology
  • Coeducation
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Sustainability
  • New teaching methodologies

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

Article
Cooperative Learning Contribution to Student Social Learning and Active Role in the Class
Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8644; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158644 - 03 Aug 2021
Viewed by 323
Abstract
An emphasis on providing authentic and inclusive educational experiences to students has been recommended in many educational systems as essential for motor, social, and psychological development. Despite the focus of recent studies on the preparation of physical education (PE) teachers for entering the [...] Read more.
An emphasis on providing authentic and inclusive educational experiences to students has been recommended in many educational systems as essential for motor, social, and psychological development. Despite the focus of recent studies on the preparation of physical education (PE) teachers for entering the profession, little attention has been paid to beginner teachers and how these teachers can promote educationally rich PE experiences. Therefore, this study sought (1) to understand how a novice PE teacher implemented the cooperative learning model and shared the responsibility for teaching–learning processes with students; and (2) to examine students’ perspectives about their cooperative experiences and student-centered learning. Participants included 25 high school students and one novice PE teacher. Through an action-research design, data were collected by utilizing three qualitative techniques and analyzed using thematic analysis. CL was found to be a complex model that needed time to be implemented effectively and allow students to take advantage of its potential. The development of cooperative relationships allowed students to assume greater responsibility in the lessons. Novice teachers should be encouraged to adopt CL and promote a gradual process of sharing responsibility with students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Education and New Methodologies)
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Article
The Coach–Athlete Relationship and Self-Talk in Turkish Athletes
Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5764; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115764 - 21 May 2021
Viewed by 502
Abstract
Background: The first purpose of the study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Automatic Self-Talk Questionnaire for Sports (ASTQS) in the Turkish language and the secondary purpose was to examine the relationship between the quality of the coach–athlete relationship and [...] Read more.
Background: The first purpose of the study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Automatic Self-Talk Questionnaire for Sports (ASTQS) in the Turkish language and the secondary purpose was to examine the relationship between the quality of the coach–athlete relationship and athletes’ self-talk. Methods: 477 athletes (females = 252, males = 225) completed the Turkish versions of the Coach–Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q) and the ASTQS. Results: ASTQS showed good psychometric properties in the Turkish language. Findings on the construct validity of the scale were consistent with the original scale’s 8-factor structure. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.65 to 0.91. Furthermore, path analysis results showed that closeness had a direct effect on disengagement, psych-up, and anxiety control. The commitment had a direct effect on somatic fatigue, and complementarity had a direct effect on worry, confidence, and instruction. Conclusions: Finally, the results from the present study indicated that the Automatic Self-Talk Questionnaire provided a reliable and valid measure for Turkish athletes. The results revealed the importance of the coach–athlete relationship in sport and its’ role in shaping athletes’ self-talk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Education and New Methodologies)
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Article
Effects of Motor-Games-Based Concurrent Training Program on Body Composition Indicators of Chilean Adults with Down Syndrome
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5737; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105737 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 464
Abstract
Background: Concurrent training of strength and endurance has been widely ued in the field of health, with favorable effects on body composition. However, the effect on the body composition of a ludic-motor concurrent proposal in adults with Down syndrome has not been quantified [...] Read more.
Background: Concurrent training of strength and endurance has been widely ued in the field of health, with favorable effects on body composition. However, the effect on the body composition of a ludic-motor concurrent proposal in adults with Down syndrome has not been quantified yet. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a concurrent training program based on motor games on body composition indicators and cardiometabolic risk on schooled male adults with Down syndrome. Methods: The sample is composed of 15 male adults with Down syndrome from Chile. Body composition variables such as body mass index, waist circumference, height to waist ratio, skin folds, perimeters, and muscle areas were assessed at the beginning and end of the program. Subsequently, a program of motor games was designed and implemented for 10 months. Results: Mean and standard deviation for body fat were pre (25.36 ± 5.60) and post (23.01 ± 6.20)%; waist circumference pre (86.00 ± 8.97) and post (82.07 ± 8.38) cm. Brachial perimeter and muscle area were pre (22.30 ± 2.80) and post (23.61 ± 2.28) cm; pre (40.19 ± 10.09) and post (44.77 ± 8.48) cm2, respectively. Our findings showed significant results (p < 0.05): body fat %; sum of folds; waist circumference; height to waist ratio; brachial perimeter and brachial muscle area. Conclusion: A concurrent training program implemented through motor skills games decreases body fat and cardiovascular risk and increases the muscle mass in male adults with Down syndrome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Education and New Methodologies)
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Article
Abdominal Obesity in Overweight Schoolchildren from Portoviejo (Ecuador). Conicity Index Cut-Points for Sustainable Health
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5583; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105583 - 17 May 2021
Viewed by 347
Abstract
(1) Background: Abdominal obesity describes the accumulation of visceral fat. Monitoring of abdominal obesity in children aids prognosis of atherogenic risk and prediction of the emergence of different comorbidities, many of which persist into and throughout adulthood. For this reason, it is of [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Abdominal obesity describes the accumulation of visceral fat. Monitoring of abdominal obesity in children aids prognosis of atherogenic risk and prediction of the emergence of different comorbidities, many of which persist into and throughout adulthood. For this reason, it is of great diagnostic value to the sustainability of health in populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate abdominal obesity in overweight schoolchildren from Portoviejo (Ecuador) and propose conicity index cut-points for sustainable health. (2) Methods: The sample was formed by 356 schoolchildren whose BMI z-score deemed them to be overweight. Height, weight, waist circumference (wstC), various skinfolds, percent body fat, conicity index (CI) and overweight classification according to wstC were determined. (3) Results: The mean age was 6.83 ± 1.2 years, 17.4% were obese, 34.8% were overweight and 47.8% were at risk of being overweight according to their BMI z-score. The mean height was 1.29 ± 0.12 m, whilst the mean weight was 35.21 ± 11.57 kg. When classifying according to wstC, 37.9% were identified as obese, 28.1% had high-risk abdominal adiposity and 34% were normal. The average CI was 1.16 ± 0.06, whilst that of body fat was 19.34 ± 6.03, with 56.2% of individuals having body fat values lower than 20%. (4) Conclusions: The sample showed a high prevalence of central obesity. Significant agreement was not found between classifications of nutritional status according to BMI z-score and wstC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Education and New Methodologies)
Article
Effect of Basket Height Adaptation on Technical–Tactical Skills, Self-Efficacy, Cooperation, and Students’ Perception in a Basketball Unit
Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 10180; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122310180 - 06 Dec 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 465
Abstract
The adaptation of sports equipment seeks to adjust the learning environment to students’ characteristics. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of adapting the basket height on the execution and decision-making of technical–tactical skills, self-efficacy, cooperation, and students’ perception in [...] Read more.
The adaptation of sports equipment seeks to adjust the learning environment to students’ characteristics. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of adapting the basket height on the execution and decision-making of technical–tactical skills, self-efficacy, cooperation, and students’ perception in a basketball unit. A quasi-experimental design with a control group, pre-test, and post-test was carried out in an eight-session basketball unit. The control group completed the tasks with a basket height of 3.05 m, and the experimental group completed the tasks with a basket height of 2.80 m. The execution and decision-making involved in passing, shooting, and one-on-one situations, students’ self-efficacy, and cooperation were assessed before and after the basketball unit. Students’ perception was assessed throughout the basketball unit. The use of an adapted basket height promoted better execution, more occurrence, and more efficacy for shooting, as well as an increase in the specific individual self-efficacy. The use of the standard basket height involved different technical and tactical solutions by the students as well as an increase in the occurrence and efficacy in one-on-one situations. The students in the control group did not increase their specific individual self-efficacy. The scaled equipment resulted in more variability in the solutions performed by the students (balance between shooting and one-on-one actions). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Education and New Methodologies)
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