Search Results (877)

Introduction. Sleep is an essential component in the recovery, performance, and injury prevention processes of soccer players. Associated psychological variables, such as the balance between stress and recovery, have been less explored, despite their potential influence on rest and injury vulnerability. This study aims to examine the relationship between sleep quality, quantity, and chronotype and injury risk in soccer players, also incorporating the modulating role of stress and recovery. Method. A PRISMA systematic review was conducted using searches in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Ovid, EBSCO, MDPI, Springer Nature Link, SPORTDiscuss (full text), and Dialnet. Original studies and reviews on sleep and its relationship with sports injuries in soccer players or comparable athletic populations were included. Eighteen studies were selected that addressed sleep indicators (quality, quantity, chronotype), injury incidence, and, to a lesser extent, measures of stress and recovery using instruments such as the RESTQ-Sport or wellness questionnaires. Results. There is evidence of an association between poor sleep quality or quantity and an increased risk of injury or illness. Chronotype is an emerging variable of interest, although still insufficiently researched. Regarding stress and recovery, direct evidence is limited, although studies that address this issue show that an imbalance between these two dimensions negatively impacts sleep quality and increases susceptibility to injury. Conclusions: Sleep and the stress–recovery balance are key and interdependent factors in the risk of injury in soccer players. Future research should consider including these variables to further understand the mechanisms underlying the injury process and optimize prevention and recovery strategies. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a sensitive period for psychological, academic, and social development, and sports participation has been described as a potential protective factor for academic performance and psychological well-being. However, limited research has examined the combined influence of sports involvement, sport type, and family background on adolescents’ academic and psychological outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the associations between organized sport participation, sport type (football vs. judo), psychological well-being, psychosomatic symptoms, academic performance, and family socioeconomic background among adolescent boys. Methods: The sample consisted of 52 boys aged 11–14 years from a rural school, divided into football players (n = 13), judo athletes (n = 13), non-athletes (n = 13), and a contextual subgroup of students with special educational needs (SEN; n = 13), with the latter included for exploratory purposes only. Data included school-record-based academic performance and validated self-report measures of life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, psychosomatic complaints, perceived physical fitness, and socioeconomic background. Results: Athletes demonstrated significantly higher academic achievement than non-athletes in overall grade point average (p < 0.001), mathematics (p < 0.001), Romanian (p < 0.001), English (p = 0.03), and Hungarian (p < 0.001). They also reported higher life satisfaction (p < 0.001) but simultaneously showed slightly elevated depressive symptom scores (p < 0.001), indicating a paradoxical pattern of concurrent psychosocial benefits and psychological strain. Parental education (p < 0.001), parental occupational status (p = 0.01), and fathers’ occupational position (p = 0.02) were significantly higher among athletes’ families. Perceived physical fitness was also rated higher by athletes (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in body mass index, family structure, or most psychosomatic symptoms. Conclusions: Sport participation was associated with more favorable academic and psychological indicators, yet also with elevated depressive symptoms, highlighting the dual nature of organized sport during adolescence. Future research should apply longitudinal designs, include female participants, and incorporate objective indicators of training load. Full article

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide important insights into recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Previous research suggests that males and females recover differently after ACLR, with females reporting greater pain, slower functional gains, and lower psychological readiness at later stages of rehabilitation. However, it is unknown if patient-reported outcomes differ by sex early after ACLR. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis comparing patient-reported outcome measures between sexes three months after ACLR. We hypothesized that females would report worse PROMs compared to males. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used data from a prospectively maintained ACL reconstruction cohort. Fifty-six individuals (female: 23 and male: 33) with primary, unilateral ACLR completed PROMs three months after surgery. These PROMs included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS; Symptoms, Pain, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation, Quality of Life), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS), Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI), and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK). All outcomes were expressed on a 0 to 100 percent scale, with higher scores indicating better outcomes, except for TSK, where lower scores indicated better outcomes. Normality was assessed within sex, using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Two-tailed independent-samples t-tests with Welch correction were used for approximately normal variables; otherwise, Mann–Whitney U tests were utilized (α = 0.05). Several outcomes had limited statistical power to detect MCID-sized differences, and findings for these measures should be interpreted cautiously. Results: No significant differences between sexes were found for any of the PROMs. Males trended towards having better KOOS Sport and Recreation and IKDC, but these were not statistically significant, and the effect sizes were small-to-moderate. Conclusions: No statistically significant sex-based differences were detected in PROMs at approximately 3 months after ACLR, indicating that any sex-related divergences between these measures may not occur until later in recovery. Full article

Background: Executive functions, notably attention and processing speed, are essential for athletic performance, especially in sports that require quick reactions and decision-making under pressure. The current study aims to assess the impact of the SmartACT program—a psychological intervention that includes acceptance and commitment therapy, hypnosis, and guided imagery—on attentional processes and psychological flexibility in adolescent student-athletes. Methods: This 7-week quasi-experimental controlled study investigated the efficacy of SmartACT in adolescent student-athletes aged 15 to 18. A total of 309 individuals were divided into three groups using convenience sampling: SmartACT (n = 93), MAC (Mindfulness–Acceptance–Commitment, the standardized Gardner & Moore technique; n = 109), and control (n = 107). The d2 test was used to examine attention and visual processing, while the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire—II (AAQ-II) was used to assess psychological flexibility, both before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using mixed-design repeated-measures ANOVA and paired-samples t-tests. Results: The SmartACT group showed significant improvement on both tests, specifically in the total number of items processed in the d2 test (457.83 to 600.24; p < 0.001), and experiential avoidance, measured by AAQ-II, decreased (18.48 to 12.80; p < 0.001), indicating increased psychological flexibility. Conclusions: The main findings of our study suggest that integrating ACT with hypnosis and imagery may enhance cognitive attentional functions and psychological flexibility in adolescent student-athletes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Lower-extremity injuries are common among female athletes; however, their multifactorial predictors remain insufficiently understood. Given the interplay between physiological and psychological readiness in athletic performance, identifying the factors that influence lower limb performance is crucial for effective injury prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive effects of physiological (VO₂peak, anaerobic power, agility, and isokinetic strength) and psychological (resilience and self-efficacy) variables on functional performance related to risk of injury. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 athletes with a mean age of 24.5 ± 6.90 years and mean body mass index of 23.12 ± 3.6 kg/m² (range: 16–30 kg/m²). The testing protocol included anthropometric measurements, the Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT), Wingate anaerobic cycling test, assessments of aerobic capacity, isokinetic muscle strength, and jumping performance (Single-Leg Hop [SLH] and Standing Long Jump [SLJ] tests). Psychological assessments included the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and a resilience questionnaire. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed. Results: The participants trained 5 ± 2 days per week and had 42 ± 39 months of sports experience. The mean VO_2peak was 40.82 ± 5.8 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, relative anaerobic peak power was 7.53 ± 1.92 W/kg, and fatigue index was 60.63 ± 15.41%. The mean isokinetic knee extension and flexion torque were 184.55 ± 44.60 N·m and 95.08 ± 21.44 N·m, respectively, with a flexion-to-extension ratio of 53.5%. The mean LEFT completion time was 160 ± 22 s. The participants demonstrated moderate resilience (BRS = 21 ± 4) and good self-efficacy (GSES = 33 ± 7.5). Among the psychological variables, GSES exhibited a modest negative correlation with LEFT (r = −0.28, p = 0.02). No significant associations were found between LEFT and psychological resilience. Longer LEFT completion times were associated with lower VO_2peak, mean power, and jump distance (p < 0.01). In the final model (R² = 0.58, p = 0.02), SLH (β = −0.54), VO_2peak (β = −10.32), and GSES (β = −0.70) were the strongest independent predictors of LEFT performance. Conclusions: SLH distance, VO_2peak, and general self-efficacy are key predictors of functional performance on the LEFT among female athletes. These factors may serve as practical indicators for identifying athletes who could benefit from targeted injury prevention programs. Full article

The gut microbiota represents a complex microbial ecosystem with the potential to influence athletic performance, energy metabolism, inflammatory responses, and recovery capacity in athletes. However, the specific relationship between microbiota and performance in combat sport athletes remains poorly characterized. This scoping review systematically maps current evidence on gut microbiota-combat sports performance relationships, identifies microbial response patterns to training and competition, evaluates nutritional prebiotic and probiotic interventions, and highlights methodological gaps to guide future research. Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, 8 studies were identified, which included 247 elite and high-level athletes, comprising 169 males and 78 females, with sample sizes ranging from 12 to 53 across wrestling, mixed martial arts, martial arts, judo, and taekwondo. Associations were observed between gut microbiota characteristics and training intensity, competition level, weight management, and pre-competition psychological states. Limited taxonomic consistency was observed across studies, with most bacterial genera appearing in a single investigation, precluding the identification of robust sport-specific microbial signatures. Preliminary trials demonstrated improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms, aerobic performance, and psychological fatigue with prebiotic and probiotic interventions. However, small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity across studies limit generalizability and preclude definitive conclusions regarding the role of gut microbiome in combat sports performance. Full article

One of the most prominent topics in contemporary research is how individuals can adopt behaviors and attitudes that support successful aging (SA) throughout their life course. Participation in sport is widely regarded as an important behavioral strategy that contributes to physical, psychological, and social resources relevant to SA. This study examined the association between Tennis Involvement (TI) and orientations toward successful aging in a sample of 224 masters tennis players with a mean age of approximately 51 years. Data was collected using the Tennis Involvement Scale and the Successful Aging Scale, which was applied to assess strategies and predispositions related to successful aging rather than aging outcomes. A structural model was tested using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The hypotheses assumed that all factors of tennis involvement would be positively correlated with SA, “tackling problems-TP”, and “healthy lifestyle-HL”. However, the SEM analysis results provided partial support for hypotheses H1a and H1c. Only the “social bonding” factor showed a significant and positive correlation. Remarkably, however, the “centrality” factor showed a negative trend, contrary to expectations, and statistically significant correlations were found. No significant correlations were identified between age, TI, and SA. However, there were positive and significant correlations between players’ weekly tennis playing time (both in days and hours) and SA, TP, and HL. In conclusion, the results indicate that, among middle-aged masters tennis players, tennis involvement is associated with both positive and negative aspects of successful aging, and longer tennis playing duration is associated with more favorable successful aging strategies. Full article

The issue of children’s mental health is becoming increasingly prominent worldwide. Research indicates that insufficient physical activity constitutes a significant risk factor for various health issues. As primary school campuses serve as the primary setting for children’s physical activities, their spatial design currently fails to adequately support children’s psychological needs, thereby hindering improvements in mental well-being. This study, grounded in the theory of basic psychological needs, employs a combined approach of quantitative bibliometric analysis and qualitative content analysis to systematically investigate the relationship between children’s psychological needs and the design of physical activity spaces within school environments. The study identified six major research clusters: children’s health, self-determination theory, evaluation, physical education, user-centred design, and physical health. These reveal the multidimensional relationship between spatial design and children’s well-being. The key findings suggest that optimising facility diversity, designing progressively challenging activity zones, and implementing function-oriented colour coding can fulfil children’s fundamental psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These measures significantly enhance their mental well-being and overall happiness. This study extends the application of basic psychological needs theory to the field of campus spatial design, providing practical guidance for designers, educators, and policymakers. It aims to collectively advance the continuous optimisation of school sports facilities, thereby creating more favourable conditions for children’s healthy development. Full article

Fishing is a widely practiced recreational activity that offers psychological, physical, and social benefits, but it also poses risks such as acute trauma and chronic overuse injuries. This narrative review aims to (1) synthesize current evidence on the musculoskeletal disorders, psychological outcomes, and environmental factors associated with recreational and sport fishing; (2) identify the physical, mental, and social health benefits reported across different angling disciplines; (3) characterize acute and chronic injury risks, including overuse syndromes and environment-related hazards; and (4) highlight gaps in the literature to guide future research directions in public health, rehabilitation, and preventive medicine. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted in accordance with SANRA guidelines. A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar identified studies published between 2000 and 2025. Eligible sources included population surveys, clinical studies, therapeutic angling programs, epidemiological reports, and case studies addressing physical, psychological, or injury-related outcomes in recreational or sport fishing. Studies on commercial or occupational fishing were excluded. Evidence was synthesized thematically across benefit and risk domains. A total of 565 records were identified across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar). After screening, duplication, and full-text assessment, 41 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the narrative synthesis. The evidence indicates significant psychological benefits of fishing, including reductions in stress, improved mood, and clinically meaningful decreases in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms reported in therapeutic fly-fishing programs. Musculoskeletal outcomes were more heterogeneous: chronic conditions such as low back pain and repetitive strain injuries of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist were commonly reported among regular anglers, particularly in physically demanding disciplines. Ice and sea fishing were associated with distinct environmental risks, including hypothermia, frostbite, and rare but documented fatal incidents. The results of this narrative review highlight the therapeutic potential of both recreational and sport fishing. However, they also point to the need for greater awareness of the risk of injury and environmental hazards associated with this type of fishing. Full article

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been widely applied in clinical contexts; however, its systematic adaptation to elite sports, particularly precision-based disciplines such as shooting, remains underexplored. The present study aimed to develop and preliminarily validate an ACT-based psychological training program—the Acceptance and Commitment Performance Training for Shooters (ACPT-S)—by reframing ACT from a therapeutic intervention into a performance-oriented training framework. Using a multiphase formative evaluation design, a needs assessment was first conducted with 28 elite and collegiate shooters to identify sport-specific psychological demands. Based on these findings, a ten-session ACPT-S program was developed by integrating the six core ACT processes with shooter-specific routines, embodied exercises, and performance-relevant metaphors. The program was subsequently examined through two pilot studies: Phase 1 with four collegiate/corporate athletes and Phase 2 with 15 national-level shooters. Data were collected via session reflections, focus group interviews, and expert panel evaluations, and the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) analysis was used to assess conceptual clarity and implementation feasibility. The results indicated that ACPT-S was perceived as both feasible and contextually appropriate, with athletes reporting improvements in attentional focus, emotional acceptance, value-based motivation, and reduced anxiety. Qualitative analyses demonstrated strong engagement with ACT principles and their functional integration into shooting performance contexts, while all program components achieved CVR scores of ≥0.80, indicating a strong expert consensus. Program refinements were guided by feedback related to activity sequencing, metaphor resonance and personalization strategies. Overall, this study reconceptualizes ACT as a performance-enhancement framework rather than a purely clinical approach and introduces the ACPT-S as a novel, theory-driven, and scalable psychological training model for precision sports, providing a robust foundation for future longitudinal and comparative research. Full article

Background: Ankle sprains affect approximately 8% of the general population, and recurrence occurs in as many as 80% of patients participating in high-risk sports. The aim of this review was to assess the impact of physiotherapy interventions on chronic ankle stability (CAI), providing evidence for the effectiveness of clinical treatment and care for patients with CAI. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in athletes with CAI following injury were analyzed. PubMed, Embase, PEDro, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched. A modified McMaster Critical Review Form for quantitative studies was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies, in accordance with the guidelines. Results: The literature search yielded 316 results, of which 13 articles met all required eligibility criteria and were included in the study. The RCTs included 490 athletes with CAI. Interventions included various types of exercises, including balance training (BT), plyometric training, CrossFit, and neuromuscular training. The duration of the intervention was 4–12 weeks. Both subjective and objective measures were used to assess the effectiveness of the therapy in the following seven domains: Dynamic Balance, Static Balance, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Kinematic Outcomes, Proprioception, Body-Composition, and Strength Assessment. Conclusions: The evidence supports the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions in athletes with CAI. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials, incorporating control groups and long-term follow-up, are needed to better determine the robust impact of conservative management on improving both the physical and psychological health of patients with CAI. Full article

Background: Falls are a leading cause of injury, disability, and loss of independence among community-dwelling older adults. Although exercise-based interventions are widely recommended for fall prevention, the comparative effectiveness of different exercise modalities remains insufficiently synthesized. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Randomized and controlled trials were identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL, including studies involving adults aged ≥60 years who participated in balance-based, strength-based, multimodal, Tai Ji Quan, Otago Exercise Program, or perturbation-based reactive balance training interventions. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (ROB-2) tool. Due to substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity across interventions and outcome measures, a narrative synthesis was undertaken. Results: Twenty-seven trials met the inclusion criteria. Exercise interventions consistently reduced fall incidence across studies. Tai Ji Quan interventions were associated with approximately 31–58% reductions in falls, the Otago Exercise Program with 23–40% reductions, and multimodal strength–balance training with 20–45% reductions. Perturbation-based reactive balance training demonstrated particularly strong effects on laboratory-induced falls, with reductions ranging from 50–75%. Functional outcomes also improved across intervention types, including faster Timed Up and Go performance, increased gait speed, improvements of approximately 1.2–2.5 points in Short Physical Performance Battery scores, 15–35% gains in lower-limb strength, and enhanced reactive balance responses. Longer-duration interventions (12–24 months) generally demonstrated sustained reductions in fall risk. Conclusions: Evidence from randomized and controlled trials indicates that structured exercise interventions, particularly Tai Ji Quan, the Otago Exercise Program, multimodal strength–balance training, and perturbation-based reactive balance training, are effective in reducing falls and improving balance, mobility, and strength in community-dwelling older adults. These findings support the use of targeted, evidence-based exercise programs as central components of fall-prevention strategies in older populations. Full article

Purpose: This preliminary study examined the associations between a 6-week sprint interval training (SIT) program and mental-fatigue (MF) related neurophysiological and subjective indicators in elite skateboarders. Methods: In this preliminary study, a single-group, repeated-measures design was employed. Twelve elite skateboarders completed a 6-week sprint interval training (SIT) program. Mental fatigue was assessed at three time points—pre-intervention (Week 0), mid-intervention (Week 3), and post-intervention (Week 6)—using a standardized 60 min Stroop task, with post-task EEG, HRV, and VAS measures collected to characterize neurophysiological and subjective responses. Results: Across the intervention, EEG indices indicated higher central nervous system activation and more stable post-task neural profiles. HRV indices suggested more flexible autonomic regulation, with favorable changes in low- and high-frequency components, sympathovagal balance, and recovery-related scores, whereas baseline-related indices such as RMSSD and SDNN showed no clear change. VAS ratings showed stable MF, accompanied by increased mental exertion and motivation and reduced physical fatigue over time. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that a 6-week SIT program may be associated with enhanced resistance to Stroop-related MF in elite skateboarders, potentially through coordinated adaptations in neural activation, autonomic regulation, and psychological factors. Future randomized studies incorporating behavioral performance and sport-specific cognitive tasks are warranted to confirm and extend these observations. Full article

Background: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most psychologically demanding injuries in professional sport. This study aimed to describe a structured psychological intervention conducted during the rehabilitation process following an ACL rupture in a professional female futsal player. Methods: A single-case longitudinal design was implemented with three phases (pre-test, intervention, post-test) across a 12-month rehabilitation period. Psychological assessment was conducted at four key points: initial evaluation, rehabilitation follow-up, medical discharge, and three- and six-month follow-ups. The battery included perfectionism (FMPS), anxiety (STAI), depression (BDI-II), mental health indicators (DASS-21, GHQ-12), sleep quality (PSQI), pain perception and catastrophizing (VAS, PCS), mood states (POMS), psychological readiness for return to play (PRIA-RS), and perceived intervention effectiveness. The program consisted of 15 individual sessions plus a follow-up, combining cognitive–behavioral therapy principles, mindfulness-based techniques (relaxation, body scan, visualization), cognitive restructuring, sleep hygiene, goal setting, problem-solving, and emotional expression strategies. Results: Progressive and sustained improvements were observed in mood states and pain catastrophizing, along with enhanced sleep quality, psychological readiness, and reintegration into competition. Improved overall mental health indicators were also observed, supporting adherence to rehabilitation and return-to-play confidence. Conclusions: This case highlights the relevance of structured psychological intervention as an integral component of injury rehabilitation in professional athletes with ACL rupture, supporting its inclusion in multidisciplinary care and future research to optimize recovery and prevent maladaptive outcomes. Full article

Objectives: The objective is assessing whether the placebo effect can influence the time course of recovery following a football match. Methods: Using a randomized crossover design, eighteen youth male players (age: 15.3 ± 0.5 years, stature: 178.7 ± 6.4 cm, body mass: 65.3 ± 7.6 kg, playing experience: 8.6 ± 1.5 years) completed two friendly matches, followed by placebo (PLA; sham vagus nerve stimulation) or passive rest (CON). To assess the impact of PLA, countermovement jump height (CMJ), 10 and 20 m sprint times, heart rate variability (Ln-rMSSD), static and dynamic muscle soreness, and perceived fatigue were measured at pre-match, post-match, post-recovery, and 24 h post-match. Results: Our findings indicate that match play induced substantial fatigue, with significant deteriorations [p ≤ 0.002, small-to-large effect sizes (ES)] in CMJ, 10 and 20 m sprint performance, Ln-rMSSD, muscle soreness, and perceived fatigue at post-match and post-recovery compared to pre-match (except Ln-rMSSD between pre-match and post-recovery: p = 0.151, small ES). Although no significant between-intervention differences were found for any variable at any time point (p > 0.05), effect size analysis showed moderately lower perceived fatigue (r = 0.40) and dynamic soreness (r = 0.32) in PLA compared to CON at post-recovery. Conclusions: These findings suggest that while placebo stimulation did not affect performance or heart rate variability, it may support perceptual recovery. This holds relevance for both research and practice, as including placebo conditions can help isolate psychological effects from true treatment responses, while promoting positive expectations may enhance the perceived effectiveness of recovery strategies. Full article