Search Results (95)

Youth sport participation provides undeniable physical, emotional, and social benefits. However, the current landscape of pediatric athletics has shifted toward early sports specialization (ESS), year-round training, and heightened competitive pressures. This has led to an increased prevalence of overuse-related traumatic injuries in adolescent patients, as well as increased risk of worsening mental health due to burnout, depression, suicide, and general psychological distress. There are numerous innovations and solutions aimed at addressing the increased risk of injury associated with current sporting trends, such as neuromuscular training programs, delayed specialization, promotion of free play, and pediatric specific surgical techniques mindful of future growth, such as those seen for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R). However, the social factors associated with an injury remain problematic and are not adequately addressed; these include social isolation, depression, anxiety, and academic decline. Sport psychology is a promising solution to address many risk factors associated with poor performance, address the challenges associated with injury, and increase return-to-play in adolescent sports medicine. Integrating sport psychology into pediatric sports medicine offers the ability to directly address the emotional and cognitive demands of injury and recovery. Emphasizing mental health support and redefining success in youth sports—prioritizing enjoyment, personal growth, and long-term health over scholarships and professional aspirations—are key steps in preserving the overall benefits of pediatric sport participation. Yet sport psychology remains often underutilized and has been slow to gain traction, particularly in youth sports. This editorial serves to highlight the current state of mental health advocacy in pediatric sports medicine and how sport psychology can help young athletes manage the mental stress of high-performance athletics and mitigate the detrimental effect of injury and delayed return to sport. Full article

This study interrogates whether mental toughness (MT) and self-compassion (SC)—historically framed as oppositional constructs—can coexist synergistically among NCAA Division II, III, and NAIA collegiate athletes, with mindfulness as a hypothesized mediator. A cross-sectional survey of 396 participants (mean age: 19.8 yrs ± 1.9 SD; females: 51%), revealed a robust MT–SC correlation (r = 0.46), which attenuated to 0.31 when mindfulness was modeled, signaling its role as a partial mediator. Hierarchical regression controlling for sex showed that MT and sex together explained 22% of the SC variance (ΔR² = 0.22, p < 0.001). Adding mindfulness increased the total explained variance to 39% (ΔR² = 0.17, p < 0.001). Females scored slightly lower on SC (β = –0.14, SE = 0.05, p = 0.008). Sobel testing confirmed significant partial mediation (Z = 7.22, p < 0.001), with mindfulness explaining 33% of MT’s total effect on SC. Mindfulness-based interventions that exploit athletes’ intrinsic attentional resources can simultaneously enhance mental toughness and self-compassion. By reconciling performance-oriented rigor with resilient self-regard, such strategies hold promise for athletes operating at diverse competitive levels. Full article

Health and wellness tourism is a rapidly expanding segment of the global tourism industry, driven by increasing consumer awareness of well-being and lifestyle enhancement. As the demand for wellness travel grows, destinations are expected to offer high standards of safety, hygiene, rehabilitation, and holistic experiences. This study aims to identify and evaluate the key attributes and determinants for developing health and wellness tourism destinations by applying the 6As Tourism Development framework: Attractions, Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, Available Packages, and Ancillary Services. A multi-criteria decision-making approach, specifically the TOPSIS, was employed to assess destination potential through a case study of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The results indicate that Attractions, Accessibility, and Amenities are the top three priorities for wellness tourists. Sub-criteria such as natural scenery, cultural significance, accessibility for all, safety, and accommodation quality are particularly influential. Three districts in Nakhon Ratchasima were found to exhibit distinct strengths—Pak Chong is best suited for rehabilitative tourism (e.g., aroma and water therapy), aligning with mind and nutrition wellness components; Wang Nam Khiao is ideal for ecotourism and cultural experiences, supporting environmental and nutritional dimensions; while Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima excels in sports tourism, supporting physical and nutritional well-being. The study offers practical insights for policymakers and tourism stakeholders to design sustainable, visitor-centered wellness destinations. The proposed framework supports strategic planning and resource allocation for health-focused tourism development. Full article

Excessive use of the Internet and digital devices has become a growing public health concern, contributing to mental health issues, sedentary lifestyles, and decreased well-being. Despite the increasing prevalence of digital overuse, there is no consensus on effective interventions to mitigate its impact. This article aimed to provide an updated perspective on current research into problematic use of digital devices and the Internet, and to explore the potential of physical exercise as a key strategy in prevention and treatment programs aimed at reducing such use. Based on the two previous objectives, this study also aimed to provide author-informed recommendations for digital detox interventions, supporting the inclusion of regular exercise, particularly outdoor exercise in natural environments, as a central component of such programs. Thirteen recommendations for physical exercise programs to be included as core parts of digital detox are suggested: (a) the type of physical exercise selected according to the participant’s motivations, (b) exercise intensity and volume adapted to the participant’s characteristics, (c) the avoidance of digital devices during exercise, (d) a duration of ≥12 weeks and ≥3 days/week, (e) the integration of other physical activities for a more active lifestyle, (f) the enhancement of mental health as a main goal, (g) collaborative and competitive physical exercise and sports, (h) the participant’s awareness of the improvements through feedback and information, (i) mindful activities, (j) outdoor physical activities and exercise, especially in natural environments, (k) conducted by multidisciplinary teams, (l) assessments using validated tests and scales, and (m) evaluation of long-term effects. In summary, this perspective article supports the inclusion of physical exercise as a key strategy in digital detox programs by offering recommendations for intervention designs aimed at reducing problematic digital use and enhancing overall well-being in individuals who have developed maladaptive patterns of digital device use. Full article

This review examines the relationship between tennis participation and mental health, highlighting both the psychological benefits and challenges associated with the sport. Using a retrospective, citation-based methodology, peer-reviewed studies published in English, French, and Greek between 2000 and March 2025 were included. The findings indicate that tennis participation is associated with reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms, improved self-confidence, and enhanced resilience. However, competitive tennis also presents significant psychological demands, including elevated stress levels and susceptibility to maladaptive coping behaviors. To address these complexities, this review introduces the Resilience Racket Model, a conceptual framework representing the integration of physical readiness, psychological resilience, and systemic support. The model uses the metaphor of a tennis racket: the handle reflects foundational physical skills; the strings represent resilience components; the frame denotes environmental and organizational support; and the sweet spot signifies the optimal balance between physical and mental readiness. The review also highlights the effectiveness of psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, in supporting athlete well-being. These findings advocate for a holistic approach to athlete development, emphasizing parity between mental health and physical training, and call for further research into tailored, sport-specific mental health interventions in tennis. Full article

Background: Water polo (WP) is a high-intensity team sport that requires a combination of physical endurance, muscular strength, speed, and specific technical skills. Due to the demanding and prolonged nature of this sport, adequate and balanced nutrition plays a fundamental role in athletes’ performance, recovery, and overall health maintenance. Objectives: We aimed to compile all available information on the importance of ergonutrition and supplementation in the recovery of WP players. This will help in understanding this sport’s specific challenges and requirements, enabling players and coaches to design more effective recovery plans to optimize performance, achieve goals, and successfully cope with intense training and competition. Method: English-language publications were searched in databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO Citation Index, Medline (PubMed), KCI Korean Journal Database, and Current Contents Connect using a series of keywords such as WP, nutrition, recovery, and ergogenic aids individually or in combination. Results: In the field of ergonutritional recovery in WP, certain supplements such as whey protein, beta-alanine, L-arginine, spirulina, and copper can be beneficial for improving performance and recovery. In some cases, WP athletes may consider using ergogenic supplements to further improve their performance and recovery process. However, it is important to bear in mind that any supplement should be carefully evaluated under the supervision of a health professional or a sports nutritionist, as some supplements may present side effects or unwanted interactions. Conclusions: Adequate ergogenic nutrition adapted to the needs of WP players is essential not only to optimize their athletic performance but also to ensure effective recovery and maintain their long-term health and general well-being. The application of these strategies should be evidence-based and tailored to the individual needs of the players and the specific demands of the sport. Future experimental research that can confirm our results is essential. Full article

Online gamers have increased exponentially in the last few years in all types of online games, including mind-sport games. These games, like Bridge or Chess, have been traditionally played face-to-face. Nowadays more and more players prefer to use online platforms to play mind-sport games. Previous studies have investigated different aspects of online games and even a few on mind-sport games. However, the frameworks WOM (Word-of-Mouth) and SCT (Social Cognitive Theory) have been sparsely used in this context. In this manner, the present article proposes two objectives: (1) using the SCT in order to analyse the impact of the sociological factor on user engagement in mind-sport online games and (2) analysing how the WOM affects user engagement in mind-sport online games. Specifically, the proposed PLS-SEM model is defined by combining five constructs from these frameworks: (1) health consciousness, (2) WOM and emotional behaviour, (3) self-efficacy, (4) cognitive engagement, and (5) behavioural intention. The findings reveal that health consciousness affects WOM and emotional behaviour in a positive way as players desire well-being. Also, WOM and emotional behaviour affect cognitive engagement, as positive comments encourage high-skill gamers in mind sports. Finally, this study shows how the environmental factor of SCT is represented by WOM and emotional behaviour in an indirect way and the personal factor represented by self-efficacy in a direct way to positively influence behaviour intention. Full article

Background: The positive effects of Pilates on balance, resistance, strength, and flexibility have been described several times. Additionally, positive effects on psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, were documented. However, the change in behaviors at risk for stress-related physical disorders has not yet been validated in a group of people practicing Pilates. In light of these assumptions, changes in risk behaviors for stress-related physical disorders were assessed along with psychological symptoms, comparing a group of people practicing Pilates with non-active controls. Methods: The study was observational. Data from an experimental group of twenty-five people practicing Pilates (five males and 20 females between 50 and 64 years old) were compared to those of a control group of 24 people (seven males and 17 females between 54 and 65 years). Psychological symptoms were assessed through the Symptom Questionnaire (SQ) while the P Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) investigated risk behaviors for stress-related physical disorders. Results: The analyses attested a significant decrease in anxiety (time × group effect: F = 17.38; p < 0.001), depression (time × group effect: F = 5.44; p < 0.05), and somatization (time × group effect: F = 11.25; p < 0.01), as well as an improvement in stress-risk behaviors, especially in the ability to benefit from spare time by “taking one’s mind away” from commitments (time × group effect: F = 8.56; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Although the literature describes benefits for anxiety and depression following moderate-intensity sporting activities, our study also noted positive effects from Pilates on stress and psychological symptoms. Our findings suggest that Pilates may be appropriate for people who can perform light to moderate exercise. Full article

Purposes: The Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) has been considered the best available measure of body awareness, but it is not currently available in Spanish. Methods: To address this shortcoming, a sample of 281 Spanish participants completed a survey with a Spanish version of the BAQ, as well as the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2), the Self-Compassion Scale-Short (SCS-S) and the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Short (NSSS-S). Results: Analysis of the Spanish BAQ showed good reliability: α = 0.82. Positive correlations with the BAS-2 and the SCS-S, and no significant correlation with the NSSS-S, support the convergent and discriminant validity of the Spanish BAQ. In conceptual validity, the Spanish BAQ further successfully discriminated between meditators and non-meditators, showing additional support for the conceptual validity of the measure. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported a two-factor structure, rather than a one-factor or four-factor version, as proposed for the original English version. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the BAQ has shown adequate reliability and validity and would be a good scale to continue exploring in clinical Spanish population samples, e.g., in patients with chronic pain, and non-clinical ones, e.g., after interventions in sexuality or sport. It could be an interesting questionnaire to assess outcomes of mindfulness-based interventions. Full article

Physical and psychological distress frequently challenges athletes throughout their careers. The perception of pain and coping strategies are often crucial factors in achieving victory. These factors not only reflect their commitment to daily training, but can also indicate their level of athletic performance. This study is a cross-sectional research using convenience and snowball sampling methods. It explores the relationship between mindfulness and athletes’ distress tolerance, revealing the mediating roles of cognitive reappraisal and mental toughness. A sample of 285 athletes was drawn from universities, youth training centers, and sports academies in Hunan, Hubei, and Sichuan provinces in China. To assess the proposed hypotheses, structural equation modeling was conducted using AMOS v23. The findings identified a significant positive correlation between mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal, and mental toughness. Additionally, both cognitive reappraisal and mental toughness were positively associated with distress tolerance. Further analysis demonstrated that cognitive reappraisal and mental toughness function as mediators in the mindfulness–distress tolerance relationship. These results indicate that athletes with higher mindfulness levels exhibit enhanced cognitive reappraisal skills, greater mental toughness, and improved distress tolerance. This means that athletes with higher mindfulness levels are more likely to detach from negative psychological states in a timely manner, utilizing emotional regulation skills such as cognitive reappraisal, and face training and competition with greater mental resilience. This can help athletes alleviate negative psychological states and, to some extent, reduce their experience of pain, enabling them to better cope with challenges. Therefore, athletes can actively engage in mindfulness practices combined with cognitive reappraisal strategies to achieve better psychological states, which can support their adherence to training and rehabilitation plans. Full article

During their career, most professional players in team sports encounter club-to-club transfers (CCTs). Indeed, it is unusual for a player to remain with a single club throughout their professional career, making these transitions pivotal moments in elite sports environments. However, there is lack of knowledge as concerns the psychosocial skills involved when players encounter CCT challenges. The current study was concerned with integrating Social Adaptability Skills (SAS) simultaneously with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to assist athletes with overcoming CCT challenges. A linear mixed model analysis using the likelihood ratio test revealed significant improvements in SAS, p < 0.05. Furthermore, the main effect of period was significant F(2, 203.17) = 286.07, p < 0.001, indicating that the propensity to enact and deploy SAS varied across the measurement periods (pre-, post-, and retention-test). These findings suggest that ACT-based mindfulness interventions may play a crucial role in reinforcing athletes’ enactment of SAS in overcoming CCT challenges. Overall, the results confirm that the SAS educational intervention effectively equipped athletes with the necessary psychosocial attributes to navigate CCT challenges. This study provides a foundation for future research and practical applications, emphasizing the need for structured psychological support within talent development programs. Full article

One of the main icons of the Roman civilisation are thermal baths, built as public places for personal hygiene, body and mind relaxation, recreation, social encounters, and sport. In Sicily, there is evidence of several thermal buildings dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. Notably, the “Terme della Rotonda”, in the city of Catania, have always attracted strong interest due to their intricate and fascinating architecture. However, at present the dating of the building remains within the complex is still uncertain, and diverse assumptions have been advanced on their original use. In this framework, this study presents the findings of a multidisciplinary research initiative aimed at advancing knowledge of this thermal complex. To this end, a 3D integrated survey of the complex was carried out, and architectural, typological, and construction analyses were conducted to examine the primary building elements. These investigations enabled us to provide detailed insights into the materials and construction techniques used, leading to a new hypothesis on the original layout of the thermal rooms. Additionally, a virtual platform of the archaeological site was developed to serve as a spatial information database, facilitating both scientific research and the dissemination of knowledge about the complex. Full article

The existing environmental imbalances and the need to promote actions that minimize the impact and promote awareness and behavioral change are now primary needs. As a reflection of this situation, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are faced with the need for more sustainable development practices in their environmental, social, and economic aspects both in curricular and non-curricular spaces. This paper aims to show how the activities developed under the International University Sports Federation (FISU)’s Healthy Campus (HC) program can be an asset in promoting the environment, sustainability, and social responsibility in an HEI in Portugal. The methodology reflects a case study at the Polytechnic Institute of Beja (IPBeja) and includes (1) diagnosis, (2) drawing up the action plan, and (3) preparation, development, and monitoring of activities. The methodology approach adopted to analyze the activities uses the following: (1) the Mentimeter tool; (2) a mind map; and (3) a SWOT analysis. The results show that when activities are designed in a collaborative and participatory way, they end up geared towards the aspirations of the participants, allowing for greater involvement of people and growth of the institution in the aspects of the environment, sustainability, and social responsibility. The HC program is an asset program to align HC requirements, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrated and transdisciplinary approaches, and people’s environmental awareness and sustainable mindset. In political terms, this case study contributes to what is recommended in the institutional strategic plan. Full article

The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the effect of different non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) on Problematic Internet Use (PIU). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception to 22 December 2023 were searched in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, and WanFang Data. We carried out a data analysis to compare the efficacy of various NPIs using Bayesian NMA. A battery of analyses and assessments, such as conventional meta-analysis and risk of bias, were performed concurrently. Two reviewers extracted data and evaluated bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool independently. We identified 90 RCTs including 15 different NPIs (5986 participants), namely sports intervention (SI), electroencephalogram biological feedback (EBF), reality therapy (RT), positive psychology therapy (PPT), sandplay therapy (ST), educational intervention (EI), compound psychotherapy (CPT), electroacupuncture therapy (AT), group counseling (GC), family therapy (FT), electrotherapy (ELT), craving behavior intervention (CBI), virtual reality therapy (VRT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and mindfulness therapy (MT). Our NMA results showed that SI, EBF, RT, PPT, ST, EI, CPT, AT, GC, FT, ELT, CBT, CBI, VRT, and MT were effective in reducing PIU levels. The most effective NPI was SI (SMD = −4.66, CrI: −5.51, −3.82, SUCRA = 95.43%), followed by EBF (SMD = −4.51, CrI: −6.62, −2.39, SUCRA = 90.89%) and RT (SMD = −3.83, CrI: −6.01, −1.62, SUCRA = 81.90%). Our study showed that SI was the best NPI to relieve PIU levels in youth. Medical staff should be aware of the application of SI to the treatment of PIU in youth in future clinical care. Full article

Social mindfulness entails the consideration of the interests of others while respecting their autonomy. Although long-term group identity generates in-group favoritism in social mindfulness decisions, the effect of temporary group identity on social mindfulness remains to be validated. This study examined this effect by recruiting a convenience sample of 74 adolescents from a youth basketball club, who were randomly assigned to either an in-group or out-group decision-making condition. A basketball game scenario was used to establish temporary group identities, referencing the Minimal Group paradigm for grouping while applying the SoMi paradigm in a real-world context. The results showed that adolescents exhibited higher social mindfulness (χ² = 22.774, df = 1, p < 0.001) and preference-adjusted social mindfulness (χ² = 6.861, df = 1, p < 0.01) toward in-group compared to out-group members. Conversely, they displayed higher levels of preference-adjusted social hostility toward out-group members (χ² = 11.291, df = 1, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that even temporary group identities, formed in a sports setting, can lead to intergroup bias in adolescents’ social decision-making, promoting goodwill toward the in-group while restricting the autonomy of out-group members. Full article