Search Results (354)

Soccer is practiced by professionals, amateurs, and recreational players. The physical assessment tools used by professionals are rarely available in recreational settings. Given the widespread participation and potential health benefits of soccer activity, it becomes essential to identify simple and accessible indicators that can help to characterize physical ability in non-professional players. This cross-sectional observational work explores which health status and lifestyle indices can be useful to estimate physical ability in recreational male soccer players when field testing is not feasible. Sixty-six participants volunteered in the study. Five performance field tests were conducted, and a related overall physical ability index (KPI_tot) was defined, while a questionnaire was developed to investigate nine BIO_Indices (BMI, age, physical activity level, job, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, sports career, occurring injuries, medical history). Data for the selected performance tests are reported for the recruited recreational athletes. KPI_tot was estimated from BIO_Indices, using a stepwise backward regression. The selected model, named SOCCER_Index, incorporates six out of nine BIO_Indices, excluding smoking habits, sports career, and medical history (R² = 0.536). In conclusion, with a simple questionnaire, an estimate of soccer players’ physical ability can be obtained. Further data collection is needed to obtain a more generalizable and robust SOCCER_Index. Full article

Background: In recent years, growing attention has been paid to the lifestyle factors that influence young adults’ well-being. University students represent young adults at risk of Sedentary Behavior (SB) and mental distress. Sport Science students represent a health-conscious population, less prone to mental distress. This study aims to investigate the associations between physical activity (PA) levels, different determinants of quality of life (QoL), orthorexia nervosa (ON) symptoms, and internet use among Sport Science students living in Naples. Methods: An online survey comprising General Data (GD) and eight validated questionnaires was used to assess PA levels, mood, sleep quality, eating habits, and digital behavior in a population of university students enrolled in Sport Science courses at Parthenope University, Naples. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, a Mann–Whitney U Test, frequencies, chi-square tests, and a Spearman’s rank correlation. All the analyses were performed using JASP and Jamovi software. Results: We surveyed 775 students (472 M; 303 F; 22.85 ± 3.85 y; BMI 23.74 ± 3.63 kg/m²). Regarding the MET-min/week, 65% of participants reported being highly active, 28% moderately active, and 7% inactive. Poor sleep quality was reported by 20% of those surveyed. Additionally, 84% of participants declared average internet use, which positively correlated with their emotional profile and sleep quality. High PA levels were directly associated with the presence of ON symptoms in 27% of the participants, most of whom exercised in gyms. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted on a study population of Sport Science University students addressing the complex and interconnected relationships between PA levels, QoL, ON symptoms, and internet use. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity represents the most common nutritional and metabolic disorder in industrialized countries and constitutes a major public health concern. In Italy, 20–25% of school-aged children are overweight and 10–14% are obese, with marked regional variability. Excess adiposity in childhood is frequently associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), predisposing to future cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objective: To investigate anthropometric indicators of cardiometabolic risk in 810 children and adolescents aged 7–17 years who underwent assessment for competitive sports eligibility at the Sports Medicine Unit of Modena, evaluate baseline knowledge of cardiovascular health aligned with ESC, AAP (2023), and EASO guidelines. Methods: 810 children and adolescents aged 7–17 years undergoing competitive sports eligibility assessment at the Sports Medicine Unit of Modena underwent evaluation of BMI percentile, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and blood pressure. Cardiovascular knowledge and lifestyle habits were assessed via a previously used questionnaire. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure (BP), and lifestyle-related knowledge and behaviors were assessed using standardized procedures. Overweight and obesity were defined according to WHO BMI-for-age percentiles. Elevated BP was classified based on the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics age-, sex-, and height-specific percentiles. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, group comparisons, chi-square tests with effect size estimation, correlation analyses, and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Overall, 22% of participants were overweight and 14% obese. WHtR > 0.5 was observed in 28% of the sample and was more frequent among overweight/obese children (p < 0.001). Elevated BP was detected in 12% of participants with available measurements (n = 769) and was significantly associated with excess adiposity (χ² = 7.21, p < 0.01; Cramér’s V = 0.27). In multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and sex, WHtR > 0.5 (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.32–3.47, p = 0.002) and higher sedentary time (OR 1.41 per additional daily hour, 95% CI 1.10–1.82, p = 0.006) were independently associated with elevated BP, whereas BMI percentile lost significance when WHtR was included in the model. Lifestyle knowledge scores were significantly lower among overweight and obese participants compared with normal-weight peers (p < 0.01). Conclusions: WHtR is a sensitive early marker of cardiometabolic risk, often identifying at-risk children missed by BMI alone. Baseline cardiovascular knowledge was suboptimal. The observed gaps in cardiovascular knowledge underscore the importance of integrating anthropometric screening with structured educational interventions to promote healthy lifestyles and long-term cardiovascular prevention. Full article

Aim: This study aimed to assess self-reported oral and orofacial health, hygiene habits, and oral health knowledge among Croatian athletes, and to determine factors influencing that knowledge. Differences between contact and non-contact sports, as well as the occurrence of dental trauma and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms, were also examined. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 1007 athletes (56% male, 44% female) aged 18–42 years, recruited through national sports federations and university sports clubs. The instrument comprised 85 items divided into five domains: sociodemographic data, oral hygiene habits, self-assessed oral health, TMJ symptoms, and oral health knowledge. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, and generalised linear modelling (p < 0.05). Results: Athletes demonstrated moderate oral health knowledge (mean score 11.3 ± 4.4/18). While 92.2% recognised that poor oral hygiene leads to caries and periodontitis, only 52.4% correctly identified the ideal time to replant an avulsed tooth. Female participants, older age groups, and those with higher education had significantly better knowledge (p ≤ 0.05). Recreational athletes scored higher than amateurs (p = 0.002), and those with prior dental trauma experience also showed greater awareness (p = 0.028). No significant difference was found between contact and non-contact sports (p = 0.287). Despite good brushing habits (86.9% brushed twice daily), only 25.4% regularly used dental floss or interdental brushes. A small proportion of athletes reported symptoms related to temporomandibular joint function, most commonly joint clicking (18.2%), tooth wear (13.4%), and nocturnal bruxism (14.3%). There were no significant differences between contact and non-contact sports, except for muscle stiffness near the temples (p = 0.024) and daytime or stress-related teeth grinding (p = 0.013 and p = 0.018). Conclusions: Croatian athletes demonstrated moderate oral health knowledge and satisfactory hygiene habits, but preventive practices remain inadequate. Education level, gender, and previous dental trauma were key determinants of knowledge. Systematic preventive programmes and targeted education are necessary to improve oral health awareness in sports populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diet and physical activity are key lifestyle behaviours associated with sleep quality, yet their combined and sex-specific associations remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the associations between dietary behaviours and sleep quality among university students and assessed whether physical activity formed part of an indirect statistical association between these variables, with sex considered as a moderator. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 students (199 males, 219 females) from the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences. Body height and body mass were measured using standard anthropometric procedures. Sleep quality (SQ) was registered with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), dietary habits were assessed with the Questionnaire of Eating Behaviours (QEB) and physical activity (PA) was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data-driven feature-selection methods were applied to identify dietary behaviours associated with sleep quality, which were combined into a Synthetic Dietary Behaviour Index (SDBI). A moderated mediation model, adjusted for body mass index (BMI), was then used to examine the statistical associations between dietary behaviours, physical activity, sleep quality, and sex. Sleep quality was modelled as a continuous PSQI score in mediation analyses, while the dichotomised PSQI category was used only for feature selection. Results: Machine-learning feature selection identified nine dietary behaviours statistically associated with sleep quality. Unfavourable behaviours—fast food, fried meals, sweetened beverages, energy drinks and alcohol—were linked to poorer sleep, whereas vegetables, curd cheese and wholegrain bread were associated with better sleep. Poor sleep was more prevalent among females (45.2% vs. 14.6%, χ² (1) = 65.4, p < 0.001). The mediation model indicated that physical activity formed part of a statistically significant but modest indirect association between dietary behaviour and sleep quality, with sex moderating the IPAQ → PSQI path (β = −0.45, p = 0.006). Indirect associations were significant for both sexes but stronger among females (males: β = 0.032, p = 0.021; females: β = 0.102, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Unfavourable dietary patterns and lower physical activity were statistically associated with poorer sleep quality, with a stronger indirect statistical effect observed among females. These findings support the relevance of integrated, sex-sensitive lifestyle approaches addressing both dietary behaviours and physical activity, while acknowledging the cross-sectional nature of the data. Full article

Background: Field hockey is a high-intensity intermittent sport, where nutrition and sleep play an important role in the performance and health of all players, especially in women, who often exhibit a dietary pattern characterized by low energy and carbohydrate intake, along with poor nighttime habits. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the profile of female field hockey players by analyzing their energy and macronutrient intake, prevalence of LEA risk, use of SS, and sleep characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study was carried out with 75 female players. Validated questionnaires were used to determine general sports nutrition knowledge (NUKYA) and specific knowledge of carbohydrates in sports (CEAC-Q), sleep quality (ASSQ), low energy availability risk (LEAF-Q), and use of sport supplements. In addition, a 7-day dietary record was analyzed. Results: Players showed a high general nutrition knowledge (NUKYA mean: 66.0 ± 8.5 points; 68.0% scored high), but a pronounced deficiency in specific carbohydrate knowledge (CEAC-Q mean: 24.3 ± 14.9 points; 84.0% scored low). Dietary intake analysis revealed significant deficiencies: mean energy intake was 31.9 ± 10.8 kcal/kg/day, resulting in insufficient intake for 78.7% of players. Carbohydrate intake was particularly low (3.6 ± 1.5 g/kg/day), with 86.7% failing to meet recommendations. Furthermore, 33.3% of players were at risk of Low Energy Availability (LEA). LEA risk (LEAF-Q score) was negatively correlated with both protein (r = −0.363; p = 0.001) and carbohydrate intake (r = −0.347; p = 0.003). Regarding sleep, the mean disturbance score (SDS) was 6.5 ± 2.9 (mild disturbance), with 33.3% showing moderate–severe disturbance, and 92.0% sleeping ≤8 h. Finally, 78.7% of players used supplements, with usage correlated with CEAC-Q scores (r = 0.233; p = 0.044), and 86.4% were guided by non-professional sources. Conclusions: Female hockey players do not meet dietary recommendations for energy and carbohydrates and exhibit a high prevalence of low energy availability and sleep disturbances, despite having acceptable general sports nutrition knowledge. It is recommended to implement specific educational and nutritional strategies to enhance the knowledge, performance, and health of female hockey players. Full article

Background/Objectives: Retirement from elite sport often disrupts structured routines and performance-driven nutrition habits, leaving athletes vulnerable to maladaptive eating behaviours and body image concerns. This study aimed to explore the experiences of former elite athletes regarding healthy eating after retirement, focusing on preparedness, barriers, and enablers during the transition to post-sport life. Methods: A qualitative design was employed using semi-structured interviews with former Australian athletes (national, international, or Olympic level) recruited via snowball sampling and professional networks. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis framework to identify key themes and subthemes. Results: Sixteen elite or highly trained athletes (56% female) were interviewed. Four overarching themes were apparent: (1) navigating life beyond elite sport, (2) detaching from sporting culture and belief systems, (3) reframing food, body, and control, and (4) the journey to healthy behaviours and food freedom. Participants reported identity loss, inadequate transition support, and persistent body image concerns. Over time, many described a gradual shift towards intuitive eating and improved relationships with food and self, though residual “food noise” and restrictive tendencies persisted for some. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for athlete-centred dietetic and psychological interventions across the athletic lifecycle and post-retirement. Culture change within elite sport and the development of tailored, accessible transition resources that include digital and AI-supported tools may facilitate healthier eating behaviours and long-term wellbeing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nutrition is essential for both physiological and physical health. The study aimed to explore dietary habits, nutritional intake and supplementation in association with the indirect omega-3 index (ω-3I) magnitude in a cohort of professional athletes. Methods: A 3-day food record was used as an approach to document all the dishes and beverages consumed by athletes over three consecutive days. Additionally, in aiming to assess the dietary habits and supplementation as well as the estimated ω-3I, both a food frequency questionnaire and a valid equation proposed by Swiss scientists were applied. The body composition of athletes was assessed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: Given that carbohydrate-containing foods were relatively frequently consumed by athletes, the average daily carbohydrate content (5.5 g/kg of body weight/day) did not reach the minimum recommended limit. A Western pattern diet applied to professional athletes ensured a sufficient level of protein intake (1.7 g/kg of body weight/day) and resulted in the overconsumption of dietary fat (40.3% of energy intake (EI)), especially saturated fatty acids (FAs) (13.8% of EI). The frequency of the consumption of fish products was considered to fulfill the lowest rank, which in turn, led to the lowest average intakes for polyunsaturated (6.2% of EI), ω-6 (5.7% of EI), and ω-3 (0.3% of EI) FA. Also, the dietary ω-3 FA deficiency generated an unhealthy ω-6/ω-3 FA ratio of 18.4:1 which was not directly related to the intermediate-desirable level (5.5–9.8%) of the estimated ω-3I in a sample of professional athletes. Conclusions: Taking into account the predicted regression model which was adjusted for sports and sex, the estimated ω-3I was significantly and positively associated with the higher consumption of polyunsaturated FA supplementation (β 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3; 1.6, p < 0.001), fish products (β 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0; 1.2, p < 0.001), and the energy percentage obtained from the dietary ω-3 FA (β 0.8, 95% CI: 0.1; 1.6, p = 0.049) in a cohort of professional athletes. Therefore, whilst acknowledging that the increased fish consumption may serve as an equally strong potential predictor for the indirect ω-3I magnitude, the supplementation with polyunsaturated FA also becomes an important strategy for maintaining the optimum ω-3I levels among professional athletes. Full article

Background: Orthorexia nervosa (OrNe) and healthy orthorexia (HeOr) are two distinct but related dimensions of interest in eating behavior research. Evidence regarding their associations with sociodemographic, dietary, and sport-related variables in physically active young adults remains limited. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 190 physically active young adults (53.2% women; mean age = 23.16 ± 5.13 years). Participants practiced a variety of sports including fitness (25.3%), soccer (13.7%), handball (10.5%), athletics, martial arts, cycling, and other individual or team sports. Although all participants belonged to organized sports teams or structured training groups, 38.9% were not actively competing at the time of data collection. Participants completed validated instruments assessing OrNe, HeOr, and eating-related cognitions, alongside questionnaires on sociodemographic data, dietary habits, sport discipline, training frequency, and supplement use. Hierarchical and K-means clustering were applied using the standardized scores of HeOr, OrNe, and the EHQ total score. Group differences were assessed using t-tests and ANOVA with effect sizes (η²p) reported. Results: Age correlated positively with OrNe, HeOr, and eating-related cognitions, indicating greater consolidation of rigid eating patterns in young adulthood. BMI was associated with OrNe only among men. Vegetarian participants showed higher nutritional knowledge but lower overall orthorexia scores. Supplement users in fitness-related sports reported higher OrNe, whereas participants in collective sports reported lower scores. Three distinct orthorexia profiles were identified, characterized by lower, slightly above-average, and higher scores on orthorexia-related variables. Participants in the higher-scoring profile showed significantly higher EHQ total, OrNe, and HeOr scores compared with the other groups (η²p range = 0.11–0.19). Correlations among orthorexia dimensions were positive and moderate to large. Differences between clusters in sport modality, training frequency, and supplement use underscored the influence of the sporting context. Conclusions: Orthorexia in young physically active adults reflects heterogeneous patterns shaped by the interplay of individual (age, sex, BMI), dietary, and sport-related factors. The identification of differentiated profiles reinforces the multidimensional nature of orthorexia and underscores the relevance of considering specific sport environments when interpreting orthorexic tendencies. Longitudinal research is warranted to examine the stability or variability of these patterns over time and to enable the use of more robust multivariate approaches that further clarify the characterization of orthorexia. Full article

Developing reliable and valid instruments to assess habits and correlates of physical activity and sports (PAS) in children can contribute to generating scientific evidence for implementing effective public policies to promote PAS in children. There is a significant lack of questionnaires that assess the habits and correlates of PAS in a multidimensional way. Therefore, this study aimed to gather evidence on the construct validity of the PASHQ-C, which was designed to assess the habits and correlates of PAS in schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 years in Gipuzkoa. In total, 306 schoolchildren (153 girls and 153 boys) completed the 20-item, 9-dimensional questionnaire online, which assessed general physical activity (PA), transportation from and to school, recreational screen time, family and friends’ support, spaces and facilities, sleep time, barriers, motivations, and current and future status of PA. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for each item of the questionnaire, as well as total values and values categorised by the variables of gender, course, type of school, and population. The evidence obtained in the present study demonstrates good preliminary construct validity, as the overall results align with those found in previous studies, and the differential evidence discriminates according to gender, grade, school, and municipality. However, further studies are needed using more robust psychometric techniques and in other contexts to verify and extend these findings. Full article

Background/Objectives: The proportion of middle-aged and elderly people in the total population is increasing, and it is of utmost importance to monitor their quality of life (QoL), which largely depends on mobility, health and mental state, diet, nutritional status (especially overweight and obesity). The population in Croatia is among the leading in terms of the proportion of overweight and obese people, therefore the aim is to study QoL and determine which aspects can potentially be mitigated by public health actions. Methods: In accordance with the available data from the SHARE study (Survey on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe), data were taken from the most recently published—9th wave conducted in 2021/2022. In this study, the Croatian population older than 50 years is represented by 4687 respondents. Health-related parameters were monitored (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mental health, handgrip strength (HGS) as a biomarker in older people and body mass index) and quality of life (self-assessed quality of life (CASP, self-assessed health SPH, physical activity) and dietary habits. A logistic regression model was used to link HGS as a biomarker in older people with quality of life and health parameters. Results: There is an undeniable decline in social and physical activity with age; the proportion of people engaged in vigorous physical activity decreased from 47% in the 51–64 age group to only 5.4% in people over 85 years of age, while physical inactivity increased from 3% to 37.7%. Chronic diseases, especially hypertension, accumulate with age, while self-rated health worsens with age, as does mental health (the proportion of depressed people (according to the EURO-D scale) increased significantly from 21.1% in the 51–64 age group to 54.1% in those over 85 years of age). Results of multinomial logistic regression showed that sports (in)activity was consistently associated with a lower likelihood of reduced handgrip strength (OR = 1.94 for low strength, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Sports activities and social engagement are crucial for maintaining good handgrip strength. Higher BMI, lower education and adverse psychological states are risk factors for a weaker handgrip. These findings highlight the need for an integrated public health approach that promotes physical activity, balanced nutrition and mental and social well-being in the older population. Full article

Anabolic resistance, consisting of a diminished ability of aging muscle to respond to anabolic stimuli such as exercise and protein intake, is a key contributor to age-related declines in muscle mass. However, diseases and lifestyle factors associated with aging, including insulin resistance states, overweight/obesity, persistent inflammation and specifically—as a focus herein—physical inactivity and inadequate dietary protein-intake habits, might interact with chronological impairments in muscle anabolism. In this context, master athletes, as individuals who have engaged in lifelong structured exercise, including regular training and sports participation, offer a valuable model for studying processes of chronological vs. inactivity-related aging. While these lifelong exercisers may present improved body composition parameters and other potential benefits in terms of muscle mass and function, it remains unclear whether exercise practice throughout life can prevent the development of anabolic resistance associated with aging. Albeit limited, evidence has indicated that even in lifelong-trained older individuals there is a blunted post-exercise muscle anabolic response compared to younger athletes. However, there is a paucity of data to systematically understand the differences in postprandial anabolic response to varying protein doses in older vs. young athletes. In lieu of the above, it seems reasonable that master athletes may benefit from increasing protein intake closer to the upper limit of current recommendations (1.6–2.0 g/kg/day). In addition, supplementing their diet with ingredients that have established anabolic potential, including branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, the leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), and n3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA), may potentiate the anabolic response to protein and exercise. Full article

Hyrox© is a hybrid competition that is gaining prominence in the competitive field due to its physical demanding nature and broad appeal to athletes from various backgrounds. Understanding athlete profiles and performance determinants in these events is essential to optimize training and recovery strategies. Objectives: This study aimed to examine and describe the profile of athletes participating in Hyrox© competitions, focusing on variables related to their sports background, training habits, recovery strategies, physical capacities, and motivational aspects. Methods: A descriptive analysis was conducted using an ad hoc questionnaire fulfilled by 80 active Hyrox© athletes. The questionnaire addressed aspects such as training frequency and structure, previous athletic experience, strength and endurance levels, recovery practices, and personal goals. Results: The findings revealed a predominantly male athlete profile with high physical demands and prior experience in functional or endurance-based sports. Participants generally exhibited well-developed strength and endurance capacities. However, recovery strategies were often unstructured or insufficient, potentially compromising performance and increasing injury risk. Conclusions: Athletes competing in Hyrox© share characteristics with those in other high-intensity or hybrid modalities, including strong aerobic and anaerobic capacities. Nonetheless, a gap remains in the implementation of structured recovery protocols. These results highlight the need to incorporate comprehensive recovery strategies alongside physical preparation to optimize performance and athlete longevity in hybrid events. Full article

Objective: To identify major sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption patterns among Chinese children and adolescents and examine their associations with childhood overweight/obesity. Methods: Data were drawn from the Chinese Food Consumption Survey (2017–2020), including 7979 children and adolescents. SSB intake was assessed using a non-consecutive 3-day 24 h dietary recall and classified into nine types. Principal component analysis identified SSB consumption patterns. Nutritional status was defined using BMI Z-scores, following the World Health Organization growth standards. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between SSB patterns and overweight/obesity, with subgroup analyses by sex, age, and residence area. Results: Three major SSB patterns were identified: (1) Carbonated Beverage and Milk Tea Pattern (dominated by carbonated beverages and milk tea); (2) Functional Beverages Pattern (dominated by coffee beverages and sports beverages); and (3) Plant Hybrid Pattern (dominated by plant protein beverages and plant-based beverages). Preschool-aged children exhibited lower scores across all three patterns. Higher pattern scores were observed among school-aged children and adolescents and those with lower parental education levels, parents working as unskilled labor or homemakers, lower family annual income per capita, and residence in rural areas. All three identified SSB consumption patterns demonstrated significant positive associations with overweight/obesity in children, where higher consumption levels corresponded to greater odds of overweight/obesity. Children exhibiting higher scores in two or more patterns had higher odds of being overweight/obese (Medium-high: OR = 1.249, 95% CI = 1.053, 1.482; High: OR = 1.256, 95% CI = 1.081, 1.459). Subgroup analysis further indicated that the association between the Plant Hybrid Pattern score and overweight/obesity varied significantly by sex. Conclusions: Three SSB consumption patterns were associated with a higher likelihood of overweight/obesity among Chinese children, particularly among those with preferences for multiple SSB types. Interventions should be tailored to SSB consumption habits and socioeconomic contexts, with special attention to rural populations. Full article

Self Determination Theory posits that individuals may be more likely to initiate and maintain behaviors tied to intrinsic (vs. extrinsic) motivations and may provide a useful framework for understanding youth participation in novel sports. Using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) and Patient-Centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise Plus Nutrition (PACE+) surveys, motivation and physical activity habits were explored in 27 children/adolescents (ages 7–16) enrolled in Parkour, an individual, non-competitive youth sport. Fifteen Parkour participants were also interviewed to gain an understanding of their motivations for participating. Study participants had high median IMI subscale scores related to interest/enjoyment (6.71/7) and perceived choice (6.40/7) compared to the whole scale. Similarly median sub-scale Pros and Self-Efficacy scores for physical activity from the PACE+ were high (4.25/5 and 3.91/5, respectively). The themes of autonomy and enjoyment were consistently reported in the qualitative interviews, expanding on the quantitative results. Other themes included appreciation for camaraderie, creativity, and a drive for improvement. These results provide early evidence that Parkour, and similar lifestyle sports, may be tied more to intrinsic than extrinsic motivations and could have potential for adoption and maintenance by youth with low motivation to engage in physical activity to promote healthy behaviors. Full article