Browse
Erratum. Initial Validation of the Teaching Methods Scale in Physical Education
Journal of Teaching in Physical Education
Examining the Effects of a 24-Week Exercise Program on Functional Capacity, Cognitive Capacity, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Miguel Jacinto, Raul Antunes, Diogo Monteiro, Filipe Rodrigues, Nuno Amaro, Maria João Campos, José Pedro Ferreira, and Rui Matos
This study investigated the effects of two physical exercise programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Twenty-one participants were assigned to an indoor group (IG, n = 7; 24-week gym intervention with machine), an outdoor group (OG, n = 7; 24-week outdoor intervention with low-cost materials) or a control group. The outcomes assessed included quality of life, dementia, and functional capacity. The IG significantly improved physical well-being compared with the control group (p = .017). There were no significant differences in dementia score between groups and moments. Postintervention, the IG showed improvements compared with the control group for the 30-s sit-to-stand test (p = .03), timed up-and-go (p = .00), and 6-min-walk test (p = .033) and between moments in the IG for 30-s sit-to-stand test (pre ≠ post; p = .007) and 6-min-walk test (pre ≠ post; p = .007). Outdoor interventions appeared effective for physical well-being, while indoor interventions using weight-training machines benefited functional capacity. No significant effects were observed for dementia/cognitive decline.
Instructional Alignment in Physical Education Student Teachers’ Lesson Plans for Individual Sports
Peter Iserbyt, Jackie Lund, and Fien Lux
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the instructional alignment of unit and lesson plans in physical education. Methods: Unit and lesson plans of 31 student teachers from one Physical Education Teacher Education program were analyzed. Trained coders assessed the quality and alignment of unit goals and lesson outcomes, assessments, and tasks. Interobserver reliability was 93% based on the full sample. Results/Discussion: Only 7% of unit goals (n = 145) were assessable and feasible. There was strong alignment between unit goals and assessment in 61% of the sample. Only 26% of unit goals were assessed. For lesson outcomes (n = 476), only 8% were assessable and feasible. For tasks (n = 1,806), 51% of the sample were strongly aligned with lesson outcomes and 50% with unit goals. Conclusion: There was limited instructional alignment in unit and lesson plans. Providing more support for student teachers to improve their instructional alignment is needed.
Recommendations for Physical Activity in Segments of the School Day Support the Increase in Daily Physical Activity in Adolescents
Karel Frömel, Dorota Groffik, Josef Heidler, Josef Mitáš, and Michael Pratt
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of segment-specific physical activity (PA) recommendations during the school day on the daily PA in both boys and girls. Methods: A total of 426 Czech and 219 Polish adolescents participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: one receiving segment-specific PA recommendations for the school day and the other receiving general daily PA recommendations. The Youth Activity Profile questionnaire, the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index, and the wearable Garmin vívofit were used in the research. Results: The application of segment-specific PA recommendations during the school day was significantly associated with higher PA on school days. It also increased the odds of meeting the recommendations of 6,000 steps/day after school (odds ratio = 1.63, confidence interval [1.19, 2.24], p = .003) and 11,000 steps/day (odds ratio = 1.59, confidence interval [1.16, 2.18], p = .004) on school days. Conclusions: Segment-specific PA recommendations during the school day are effective and should be integrated into physical education curricula, comprehensive school PA programs, and broader school educational strategies.
Observation of the Achilles Tendon and Gastrocnemius Muscle’s Passive Stiffness During an Incremental Running Protocol
Anh Phong Nguyen, Laurent Bosquet, Laureen Cugnet-Evans, Christine Detrembleur, and Philippe Mahaudens
Objective: Passive stiffness, a biomechanical parameter, has a potential influence on running economy, thus playing a pivotal role in performance. This study aimed to quantify passive stiffness of the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle using myotonometry throughout an incremental running protocol. Methods: Twenty-one male participants underwent a multistage incremental test (Bordeaux test) on a treadmill until exhaustion. Passive stiffness of the gastrocnemius muscle and Achilles tendon was measured using a MyotonPRO device. Measurements were taken before, during, and after the incremental test. Results: Our findings indicated that passive stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius decreased at rest between prerun and postrun assessments (−20.12 N·m−1, P = .012). Furthermore, during the test, stiffness increased at low intensity (at 50% of maximal aerobic speed: +104.8 N·m−1, P = .042), returning to baseline values as intensity increased. Conclusions: Throughout an incremental running protocol, both Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle stiffness initially increased and then decreased with escalating percentages of maximal aerobic speed. A deeper understanding of stiffness in running can inform more effective recommendations for runners’ strengthening and training.
University Rankings in Sport Science: A True Reflection of Excellence?
Ivana Matic Girard and Olivier Girard
Background: University rankings often serve as benchmarks for excellence in academic evaluation. For example, ShanghaiRanking data from 2016 to 2023 for the Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments reveal consistent dominance by Australia (23.1%), Canada (18.0%), and the United States (12.0%), collectively counting over half of the top 50 universities worldwide. Nevertheless, there is uncertainty about how the methodology behind these rankings shapes a reality as much as it reflects one. Purpose: Our intention is to discuss the complexity of university rankings, using ShanghaiRanking as an example, to highlight how these rankings reflect academic excellence within the field of sport science. Current Evidence: When ranking universities in sport science, several aspects of academic excellence could be considered in addition to research metrics currently considered in ShanghaiRanking (publication, citation, citations per publication, top 25% journal publications, and internationally collaborated publications). These aspects may include (1) teaching quality, (2) practical training, (3) industry links and employability, (4) support services, (5) facilities and equipment, (6) international network, (7) community engagement, (8) sustainability and ethical practices, and (9) interdisciplinary approach. Altogether, they could provide a more comprehensive view of the quality and effectiveness of a sport-science program. Conclusions: The ranking of sport-science institutions poses a complex challenge due to diverse factors influencing academic excellence. Engaging in a broader dialogue and refining internationally relevant evaluation methodologies are crucial. These steps enable comparability between countries and provide a holistic understanding of the multidimensional nature of academic excellence in sport science.
Erratum. Sweat Mineral-Element Responses During 7 h of Exercise-Heat Stress
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism
Inside the Defensive Playbook: Pick-and-Roll Tactical Adjustments Impact the External and Internal Loads During Small-Sided Games in Female Basketball Players
Abdelaziz Qarouach, Pierpaolo Sansone, Marco Pernigoni, Rasa Kreivyte, and Daniele Conte
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of playing different pick-and-roll (PnR) defensive tactical options during small-sided games (SSGs) on external and internal loads in female basketball players. Methods: Twelve female basketball players (age 28 [2] y; stature 175 [6] cm; body mass 65 [7] kg; playing experience 18 [4] y) belonging to a team competing in the Lithuanian second division were recruited for this study. Across 3 experimental sessions and in a randomized order, players performed 3 SSGs sharing the same features but using 3 defensive strategies on the middle PnR action: Switch, Trap, and Drop. External load was measured using PlayerLoad (PL); the number of accelerations, decelerations, and changes of direction, classified based on their intensities as low (<2.5 m·s−2), medium (2.5–3.5 m·s−2), and high (>3.5 m·s−2); and jumps categorized as low (<40 cm) and high (≥40 cm). Internal load was measured via rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results: Higher PL values in SSGs including Trap defense were found compared with Drop (P < .001, ES = 0.69, moderate) and Switch (P = .001, ES = 0.60, moderate). Additionally, a higher number of accelerations was registered in Trap defense compared with Drop defense (P = .027, ES = 0.99, moderate). Trap defense also led to higher RPE compared with Switch (P = .003, ES = 1.49, large) and Drop (P = .004, ES = 1.42, large) defense. Conclusions: Different defensive strategies on the middle PnR can influence the external and internal loads during SSGs, and female basketball coaches should consider the high demand of the Trap defense when designing SSGs.
Optimal Support for Elite Sprinters Using a Minimal, Adequate, and Accurate Approach
Jad Adrian Washif and David B. Pyne
Background: In high-performance sport, the support provided by sport scientists and other staff can be a valuable resource for coaches and athletes. Purpose: We propose and detail here the approach of “minimal, adequate, and accurate” sport-science support to ensure that programs of work and solutions are both economical and effective. Methods: Our support provision advocates for utilization of “minimal” resources (employing the least amount of time, tools, and funding) necessary to achieve the desired outcomes. We strive for “adequate” information that fulfills specific objectives without excess and with the requirement that methods and data used are “accurate” (valid and reliable). To illustrate the principles of this approach, we outline a real-world example of supporting 100-m track (athletics) sprinters preparing and competing in an international competition. The provision of performance support emphasizes an integrated approach, combining knowledge and insights from multiple sport-science disciplines. The key facets managed under this approach are (1) neuromuscular readiness, (2) wellness monitoring, (3) movement observation, (4) motivation, (5) biomechanics and performance analysis, and (6) qualitative feedback. These facets are based on the specific performance determinants and influencing factors of an event (100-m dash). Conclusions: Application of this quantitative and qualitative approach can enhance the ability to make informed decisions. Nevertheless, the approach must be planned, evaluated, and refined on a regular basis to enable effective decision making in sport-science support. The 3-element approach of “minimal, adequate, and accurate” should be codesigned and supported by the athletes, coaches, and staff to ensure successful implementation.
The Effect of a Synthetic-Grass Sport Surface on Physiology and Perception During Intermittent Exercise in Hot Conditions
Gurpreet Singh, Kyle J.M. Bennett, Hannah McGuigan, Scott G. Goddard, and Christopher J. Stevens
Purpose: The current study aimed to determine the effect of a synthetic-grass sport surface on core body temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, thermal sensation, thermal comfort, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during intermittent exercise in hot conditions. Methods: Using a randomized crossover design, 13 trained/developmental team-sport athletes completed two 50-minute standardized intermittent running protocols on a synthetic and a natural-grass surface, on separate days (control-condition air temperature 32.6 °C [1.3 °C], relative humidity 43.2% [5.3%]). Results: Final skin temperature was significantly higher on synthetic compared with natural grass at the calf (40.1 °C [2.5 °C] vs 33.4 °C [0.6 °C]; P < .001), shoulder (36.6 °C [1.7 °C] vs 33.7 °C [0.7 °C]; P < .001), and chest (33.2 °C [1.1 °C] vs 31.8 °C [1.2 °C]; P = .02). Thermal sensation (median: 2.3; interquartile range [0.5] vs 2.2 [0.5], P = .03) and sweat rate (1.5 [0.4] L·h−1 vs 1.2 [0.3] L·h−1; P = .02) were also significantly higher on synthetic grass. While final core body temperature was significantly higher on the natural than synthetic grass (38.4 °C [0.3 °C] vs 38.2 °C [0.4 °C]), there were no significant differences in delta core temperature, as well as heart rate, thermal comfort, or RPE. Conclusions: Higher skin temperatures, thermal sensation, and sweat rates suggest that exercising on synthetic grass in hot conditions may increase some markers of heat strain during exercise. However, delta core body temperature, heart rate, thermal comfort, and RPE remained unaffected.