Search Results (236)

Turfgrass systems in European urban green spaces, including sports fields, golf courses, and residential lawns, must balance high performance with compliance with stricter pesticide regulations. This review examines Synergistic Pest Management (SPM), an advanced form of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that integrates monitoring, biological, cultural, and targeted chemical strategies for sustainable control of major turfgrass pests. Focus is placed on key insect pests such as Tipula spp. larvae and chafer beetle grubs (Scarabaeidae) and fungal pathogens, including Microdochium nivale, Clarireedia spp., Laetisaria fuciformis, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae, and Colletotrichum spp., which cause significant losses in Central Europe and similar regions. Effective combinations include entomopathogenic nematodes with fungi, endophyte-infected cultivars with optimized mowing and irrigation, and low-dose insecticides paired with biological agents. The review considers how soil conditions, environmental timing, and maintenance practices influence success. Practical tools such as decision-support matrices and a seasonal calendar are provided for regional use. SPM can reduce chemical inputs, enhance biodiversity, and improve turf resilience, but adoption is limited by biological sensitivity, product availability, costs, and technical demands. SPM aligns with EU Directive 2009/128 and offers a pathway to sustainable turfgrass pest management. Future efforts should focus on regional validation, practitioner training, and precision technologies. Full article

Adequate initial training should ensure that future physical activity and sports sciences (PASS) professionals acquire skills that include not only in-depth knowledge of the content to be taught but also an understanding of the most effective teaching strategies for its transmission. The objective of this descriptive, exploratory, and quantitative study was to analyze the degree of acquisition of gymnastics teaching competencies of 107 future Portuguese PASS professionals, according to gender and training course. The research instrument was the Physical Education Teaching Competence Perception Scale, adapted to the gymnastics context. The main results showed that Portuguese students perceived themselves as having acquired medium levels of teaching competencies for gymnastics across all the dimensions analyzed, and feeling less competent in adapting curricular specifications. Regarding gender and training year, female students perceived themselves as more competent in the dimension related to the ability to use gymnastics content as teaching tools, with a significant difference. First-year students perceived a higher level of competence compared to their second- and third-year peers. Therefore, there is a need for more contextualized and reflective initial training, incorporating experiential learning modules that simulate real scenarios for adapting the gymnastics classroom. Full article

Basketball is a sport whose regulations require quick and complex refereeing decisions. Since the inception of sports, research on sports judgment and refereeing has been consistently present in the scientific literature. However, decision-making and the psycho-emotional factors that influence it remain somewhat unexplored in studies. The decision-making of the basketball referee has been analyzed using the DMQ II questionnaire. To achieve this, 58 referees from the Spanish Basketball Federation collaborated, comprising 45 men and 13 women, all between the ages of 18 and 38 (M = 26.5, SD = 5.5). Participants completed the 31-question DMQ II questionnaire online, yielding results with significant differences based on age and gender about stress in decision-making. A modification of the referee’s teaching methodology that includes psychological strategies is proposed both in the initiation course and throughout the refereeing career. The findings highlight the need for mental health support systems for referees, particularly addressing stress management in young and female officials. This aligns with global efforts to safeguard psychological well-being in sports professionals. Full article

This study addresses the shortcomings of traditional exercise volume assessment methods in dynamic modeling and individual adaptation by proposing a multi-modal data fusion framework based on a spatio-temporal attention-enhanced LSTM neural network for personalized exercise volume optimization in college basketball courses. By integrating physiological signals (heart rate), kinematic parameters (triaxial acceleration, step count), and environmental data collected from smart wearable devices, we constructed a dynamic weighted fusion mechanism and a personalized correction engine, establishing an evaluation model incorporating BMI correction factors and fitness-level compensation. Experimental data from 100 collegiate basketball trainees (60 males, 40 females; BMI 17.5–28.7) wearing Polar H10 and Xsens MVN devices were analyzed through an 8-week longitudinal study design. The framework integrates physiological monitoring (HR, HRV), kinematic analysis (3D acceleration at 100 Hz), and environmental sensing (SHT35 sensor). Experimental results demonstrate the following: (1) the LSTM-attention model achieves 85.3% accuracy in exercise intensity classification, outperforming traditional methods by 13.2%, with its spatio-temporal attention mechanism effectively capturing high-dynamic movement features such as basketball sudden stops and directional changes; (2) multi-modal data fusion reduces assessment errors by 15.2%, confirming the complementary value of heart rate and acceleration data; (3) the personalized correction mechanism significantly improves evaluation precision for overweight students (error reduction of 13.6%) and beginners (recognition rate increase of 18.5%). System implementation enhances exercise goal completion rates by 10.3% and increases moderate-to-vigorous training duration by 14.7%, providing a closed-loop “assessment-correction-feedback” solution for intelligent sports education. The research contributes methodological innovations in personalized modeling for exercise science and multi-modal time-series data processing. Full article

With the rapid advancement of maritime sports, the integration of auxiliary unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) has emerged as a promising solution to enhance the efficiency and safety of maritime education, particularly in tasks such as buoy deployment and escort operations. This paper presents a novel high-precision trajectory tracking control algorithm designed to ensure stable navigation of the USVs along predefined competition boundaries, thereby facilitating the reliable execution of buoy placement and escort missions. First, the paper proposes an improved adaptive fractional-order nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control (AFONFTSMC) algorithm to achieve precise trajectory tracking of the reference path. To address the challenges posed by unknown environmental disturbances and unmodeled dynamics in marine environments, a nonlinear lumped disturbance observer (NLDO) with exponential convergence properties is proposed, ensuring robust and continuous navigation performance. Additionally, an artificial potential field (APF) method is integrated to dynamically mitigate collision risks from both static and dynamic obstacles during trajectory tracking. The efficacy and practical applicability of the proposed control framework are rigorously validated through comprehensive numerical simulations. Experimental results demonstrate that the developed algorithm achieves superior trajectory tracking accuracy under complex sea conditions, thereby offering a reliable and efficient solution for maritime sports education and related applications. Full article

Viribay and colleagues published a meta-analysis called “Effects of Arginine Supplementation on Athletic Performance Based on Energy Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” in Nutrients in May of 2020. This meta-analysis sought to quantify the effects of arginine supplementation on aerobic and anaerobic performance outcomes. In the course of conducting this analysis, the researchers made multiple errors that are common among meta-analyses in the field of sports nutrition. This comment discusses how these issues impact the results and interpretation of the paper, and how individuals who are interpreting or conducting sports nutrition meta-analyses in the future can identify or avoid similar errors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Injury prevention programs (IPPs) are evidence-based interventions that reduce musculoskeletal injuries in youth sports. Despite their proven benefits, the adoption of IPPs by coaches remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, usage, and perceptions of IPPs among youth sports coaches in Poland and to identify factors associated with their implementation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based survey tailored to youth sports coaches in Poland. Coaches of athletes aged 9–17 were recruited through targeted outreach to clubs and professional networks. The survey assessed IPP awareness, implementation, perceptions, and sources of information. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, non-parametric comparisons, Firth’s logistic regression, and cluster profiling. Results: Only 54.6% of coaches (59 out of 108) were aware of IPPs, and among them, just 47.5% reported using them. No significant associations were found between IPP use and demographic variables such as gender, sport, or place of residence. Coaches who were aware of IPPs were significantly younger than those who were unaware (p = 0.029). The information source was the strongest predictor of IPP implementation: coaches trained via formal courses were over 20 times more likely to use IPPs compared to those learning from peers (OR = 20.4, p < 0.001). While coaches generally perceived IPPs as beneficial for fitness and recovery, 28.6% expressed doubts about their effectiveness in reducing injury risk. Conclusions: Despite broadly positive beliefs, only 47.5% of coaches who were aware of IPPs reported using them. Formal training significantly enhances the likelihood of adoption. These findings emphasize the need for structured educational efforts and improved dissemination strategies to promote evidence-based injury prevention in youth sports settings. Full article

Background: Dog agility is a rapidly growing sport involving a partnership between a dog and the handler, running through an obstacle course. Despite its increasing popularity and physical benefits, research on handler injuries remains limited. This study aimed to assess injury epidemiology of athletes practicing dog agility. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a comprehensive online survey consisting of 124 items, available in both English and Italian. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: Introduction collected demographic data and medical history; Materials and Methods focused on agility-related activities; Results explored injuries sustained in the past 12 months; Discussion examined training habits unrelated to agility. Results: Among 389 participants, the most represented age group ranged between 30 and 40 years old. Overall, 7% reported upper limb injuries, while 27% experienced at least one lower limb injury. Additionally, 20% of participants used medication, and 25% reported at least one chronic illness. On average, handlers trained twice per week and competed in two events per month. Lower limb injuries were predominantly muscular (49%) or ligamentous (14%) and most commonly occurred on grass pitches (56%). These injuries were more common in participants with a higher BMI, those using dynamic handling styles, and those competing at higher levels. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study highlighted the importance of identifying risk factors associated with dog agility handlers. Lower limb injuries were the most common, often associated with increased physical demands and handling styles involving intensive running and correlated with reduced physical fitness. Athletic conditioning, including structured warm-up and cool-down practices, might help decline injury risks. Full article

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates how the flipped classroom model—considered as a neurocognitive training environment—affects cognitive–motor integration and brain-mediated motor skill performance in university students, providing scientific evidence for optimizing higher-education physical education pedagogy (a course related to physical literacy and the cultivation of physical and mental health, rather than a training program for professional physical education teachers). Methods: In order to compare the effects of flipped classroom and traditional teaching on the motor skill performance of university students, this study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA rules, whereby studies were screened according to specific inclusion criteria and data were extracted, assessed for quality, and then meta-analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the flipped classroom model in improving motor skill performance. Results: A total of 12 original randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the study. The meta-analysis results indicated that the flipped classroom model significantly outperformed traditional teaching methods in improving university students’ motor skill scores (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.64–1.79, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed significant effects in both general major students and sports science major students, with no significant difference between studies conducted in China and those conducted in non-China regions. Conclusions: The flipped classroom model demonstrates significant advantages over traditional PE teaching methods in improving motor skill performance. It enhances students’ skill acquisition and classroom engagement, showing promising potential for future implementation in university PE programs. Further research should explore the model’s applicability across different sports and student populations, as well as its long-term impact on skill retention and postgraduation sports participation. Full article

The rise of mental health concerns in today’s Higher Education (HE) students is a growing concern. Integrating mental health principles into curricular design can enhance the student experience and improve outcomes such as continuation, completion, and success. This paper aims to integrate mental health guidance into the design of a revalidated curriculum in sport, exercise, and health sciences. A further aim is to provide recommendations for future mentally healthy curricular design. A case study design exploring how mental health does, and might, feature across curricula was undertaken, employing a qualitative methodology. A range of stakeholders, including students, participated in workshops, interviews, and revalidation events over a 4-month period. The analysis and interpretation of the resulting transcripts proposed two main lines of action; ‘building students’ (centring on helping them navigate the nuances of the academic process and developing confidence in their university self, for example, through systematic scaffolding) and ‘building connections’ (focusing on enhancing social connections and psychological safety, for example learning student names). Recommendations proposed by this research highlight that induction should be primarily social, progressing to more fundamental skills, behaviours, and knowledge. Systematic scaffolding and mapping of relevant skills, behaviours, and knowledge throughout the course are fundamental to building students’ confidence. This could reduce both academic staff and students’ frustrations about a lack of ‘know-how’. Staff–student interactions and a focus on micro-behaviours could further enhance a student’s sense of belonging and desire to engage. Full article

Background: Being breastfed, following a healthy diet and staying active during childhood shape health trajectories across the life course, promoting long-term well-being. Despite the growing immigrant child population in Portugal, evidence on these behaviours, particularly among preschool-aged children, remains limited. In this context, this study examines the associations between migrant status and breastfeeding patterns, fruit and vegetable consumption, and participation in sports among children living in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Methods: A cross-sectional study nested within a cross-sequential cohort was carried out in the Lisbon region between May 2022 and April 2024. Approximately 760 children (49.4% immigrants) born in 2018 and 2020 were enrolled in the study. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview with parents, using a structured questionnaire with information on socioeconomic variables, migration history, breastfeeding habits, and children’s diet (fruit and vegetable consumption) and physical activity. We used parametric and non-parametric tests to compare migrant and non-migrant children. To quantify factors associated with the main outcomes, we estimated a logistic regression model and calculated crude and adjusted odds ratios and their respective 95%CI. Results: Immigrant children were disproportionately represented in socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Breastfeeding initiation rates were higher among immigrant mothers (96.3% vs. 87.6%, p < 0.001). Additionally, immigrant mothers had a longer median duration of any breastfeeding (14 vs. 8 months, p < 0.001) and of exclusive breastfeeding (6 vs. 4 months, p < 0.001). Immigrant children had significantly lower odds of consuming three or more portions of fruit (aOR = 0.700; 95%CI: 0.511–0.959; p = 0.027) and two or more portions of vegetables per day (aOR = 0.489; 95%CI: 0.350–0.684; p < 0.001) compared with non-immigrant children. They were also twice as likely to not engage in sports (aOR = 2.185; 95%CI: 1.512–3.158; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Breastfeeding was better implemented in immigrant children. The findings highlight the need to address social determinants of health and the challenges faced by immigrant families in promoting a balanced diet and sports participation for their children. Multisectoral, culturally appropriate interventions that sustain and promote good breastfeeding practices, improve access to healthy food, and encourage sports are crucial to reducing health inequalities. Full article

Improving and maintaining an ideal body composition is important for sporting achievement and good health. Body composition assessment is therefore a tool used to monitor training and to evaluate the objectives of a training plan for health purposes. Ultrasound (US) emerges as an alternative to evaluate the thickness of subcutaneous cellular tissue, as well as muscle thickness: (1) Background: We aim to evaluate and compare the anthropometric and ultrasound measurements used to quantify the effects of strength training. (2) Methods: A total of 31 students (22.3 ± 4.14 years of age), 25 men and 6 women, from the Professional Programme in Sport were enrolled in the Physical Preparation course at the Institución Universitaria Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid. Protocol: Pre- and post-intervention ultrasound and anthropometric evaluations of a strength training programme with a predominance of the eccentric component were performed three times a week for 4 weeks. For the pre- and post-intervention relationship of the quantitative anthropometric and ultrasound variables, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used; the effect size of a Wilcoxon test was also calculated using the rank correlation, and the correlation of the anthropometric and ultrasound variables was determined using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. (3) Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the anthropometric variables assessed, but there were significant differences in measures of quadricep muscle size and in the control parameter echo-intensity (EI) of subcutaneous fat in the variables. (4) Conclusions: The US of the quadriceps can measure changes in muscle thickness even without changes in muscle mass assessed by anthropometry, making it an excellent tool for the evaluation and monitoring of strength training. Full article

Non-contact injuries are common in collegiate throwing athletes. Identifying musculoskeletal issues that predispose athletes to injuries would be valuable for reducing the associated risk. The purpose of this pilot study was to use binomial logistic regression to identify injury-prone athletes with multiple pre-season functional measures and demographic information. Eighteen Division II baseball and softball athletes underwent pre-season functional testing including measures of manual muscle testing of the dominant shoulder muscles (MMT), the functional movement screen (FMS), and closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability (CKCUES). A certified athletic trainer at the university diagnosed and documented the injuries that these athletes sustained over the course of the season. Binomial logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of FMS composite score, CKCUES normative score, MMT scores, and demographic information on the likelihood that participants would sustain (a) any type of injury and (b) a shoulder injury during the competitive season. The model for injury was not significant (p = 0.822), correctly classifying 72.2% of cases. The model for shoulder injury was significant (p = 0.039) and correctly classified 100% of cases. These results suggest that shoulder injury incidence may potentially be predicted using sport-specific movement tests in baseball and softball athletes. A larger sample size is needed to verify these results in the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: Universities serve as crucibles for molding future healthcare providers, instilling medical expertise and ethical frameworks crucial for their role as custodians of health. Yet, integrating anti-doping education into university curricula remains largely underexplored, particularly among future physicians. The aim of this research was to evaluate the students’ understanding of anti-doping within the bachelor’s degree in medicine in Mexico. Methods: Five hundred and forty-nine bachelor students in medicine (151 males, 351 females, and 7 participants identifying as non-binary) from six universities in Mexico filled out a validated questionnaire regarding general anti-doping knowledge. This questionnaire was an adapted form of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Play True Quiz and included 36 multiple-choice questions. The results were converted into a scale from 0 to 100 points to evaluate anti-doping knowledge. Results: Students scored 55.30 ± 9.08 points (range = 28–83 points). Fourteen questions indicated an error rate higher than 50% within the sample. The course had no impact on the scores achieved in the anti-doping knowledge questionnaire (p > 0.05). Students who engaged in sports demonstrated higher scores in anti-doping knowledge compared to those who did not participate in any type of exercise (56.10 ± 9.04 vs. 54.19 ± 9.10 points; p = 0.008). Conclusions: It was determined that the knowledge of essential anti-doping regulations and doping prevention strategies among bachelor’s degree medical students in Mexico was found to be suboptimal. Doping prevention should be included in the syllabus of the bachelor’s degree in medicine to help future doctors avoid professional errors, whether negligent or intentional. Full article

Can Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer or “ChatGPT” and other Large Language Models (LLMs) be used to create challenging and creative assignments for undergraduate students? This article explores the use of ChatGPT as an interview proxy for students. Drawing inspiration from the medical community’s concept of the simulated patient, ChatGPT was employed to act as an imagined proxy for a figure from the world of sports. Students in an undergraduate “Politics of Sport” course conducted interviews with the ChatGPT proxy using questions derived from peer-reviewed academic research. The assignment had two main objectives: to challenge students to engage meaningfully with academic research and apply it to real-world situations by simulating real-world conditions and to help students consider the limitations of ChatGPT when handling real-world scenarios. Despite some issues that arose during the module, student feedback and coursework indicated that this approach was engaging, fun, and creative for students. It is suggested that this method could be effectively applied across various academic disciplines. Full article