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Effects of Short- Versus Long-Distance Repeated-Sprint Ability Training on Physical Performance in Youth Male Soccer Players

Diego Fernández-Penedo, Alberto García-Santamaría, Miguel Lorenzo-Martínez, Samuel Carrera, Alexis Padrón-Cabo, Pablo B. Costa, and Ezequiel Rey

Purpose: To examine the effects of 2 repeated-sprint ability (RSA) training protocols using short sprints (15 m, RSA-15) and long sprints (30 m, RSA-30) on sprinting, maneuverability, intermittent endurance, and RSA in young soccer players. Method: Thirty-one male U-18 players were randomly assigned to the RSA-15 (n = 15) and RSA-30 (n = 16) groups. The intervention programs were conducted twice a week over 6 weeks. Results: Significant improvements in 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprints, as well as the Yo-Yo test, from pretest to posttest in the RSA-15 group (8.17%, 5.92%, 5.02%, and 16.59%) and the RSA-30 group (9.21%, 7.44%, 5.64%, and 18.79%) were observed. Players in the RSA-30 group demonstrated a significant enhancement in maneuverability from pretest to posttest (4.42%). Both the RSA-15 and RSA-30 protocols resulted in enhancements in RSA, particularly in terms of total time (4.71% and 2.30%, respectively), average time (4.71% and 2.30%, respectively), and fastest time (2.97% and 2.32%, respectively). However, only the RSA-15 protocol significantly enhanced the RSA percentage of decrement (24.06%). Conclusion: The present results provide further evidence that, if the primary focus is to maximize RSA performance, RSA-15 should be preferred. When the goal is to enhance maneuverability, implementing RSA-30 is recommended over using RSA-15.

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Exploring How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted the Coach–Athlete Relationship for Travel Sport Coaches: A Qualitative Study

Keith McShan and E. Whitney G. Moore

During the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining the quality of the coach–athlete relationship (CAR) became a significant challenge for travel sport coaches. The first aim of this study was to explore the coaches’ perceptions of how the CAR’s characteristics (i.e., closeness, commitment, and complementarity) were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The second aim was to explore the differences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in CAR quality from the coaches’ perspective. Fourteen travel/club coaches from Ontario took part in 90-min semistructured interviews. Generally, coaches believed that their closeness was maintained, commitment levels improved, and complementarity decreased within their CAR. Past relationships between the coach and athletes helped to maintain their closeness. The resiliency of athletes was thought to aid in the increased commitment. Lack of face-to-face interactions hampered complementarity. Three themes—barriers, variability, and benefits—emerged as differences within the CAR during the pandemic. Recommendations from this study are that coaches focus on the characteristic of complementarity to enhance their CAR quality following the COVID-19 pandemic.

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More Questions About Excellencism, Perfectionism, and Attitudes Toward Cheating in Professional Baseball: A Look at Potential Mediators and Doping Attitudes

Patrick Gaudreau, Laurence Boileau, and Benjamin J.I. Schellenberg

The Model of Excellencism and Perfectionism has been proposed to differentiate the pursuit of high but realistic standards (excellencism) from the pursuit of perfectionistic standards. In a recent study, perfectionistic standards were positively linked to bottom-line mentality, moral disengagement, and tolerance toward electronic sign stealing (cheating) in professional baseball. In this follow-up study, we investigated the reactions of sports fans when the Houston Astros qualified for the 2021 World Series of Baseball 2 years after being found guilty of cheating. We found that fans of the Astros (n = 202) displayed a higher tolerance toward cheating than those of the Atlanta Braves (n = 265). Results of multiple regression (controlling for in-group vs. out-group status) showed higher tolerance toward cheating and doping in perfection strivers compared with excellence strivers. A winning-at-all-cost mentality and moral disengagement mediated the relationships between perfectionism and cheating attitudes.

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Moving Beyond Mean Levels: Associations Between Subject-Level Variability in Psychological Determinants and Physical Activity in Older Adults

Jaclyn P. Maher, Jeffrey D. Labban, Brynn L. Hudgins, Derek J. Hevel, Kelsey M. Bittel, Laurie Kennedy-Malone, and Donald Hedeker

Background: Research investigating the psychological determinants of physical activity (PA) tends to conceptualize determinants as stable, trait-like factors. Growing evidence suggests that people and the processes that regulate people’s behavior fluctuate over short timescales (eg, hours and days). This study explores the extent to which subject-level variability (vs stability) in determinants of PA, as well as the interaction between subject-level mean and variability in those determinants, is associated with moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) in older adults. Methods: Older adults (N = 202) enrolled in a measurement burst design study with 3 data collection waves occurring over a 1-year period. Each data collection wave consisted of accelerometers and ecological momentary assessment to capture MVPA and psychological determinants of MVPA, respectively. Mixed-effects location scale modeling was first used to estimate subject-level means and variability in psychological determinants. These estimates were then used as predictors of daily MVPA using multilevel modeling. Results: Subject-level variability in PA intentions (β = 0.199, SE = 0.062, P = .001), self-efficacy (β = 0.133, SE = 0.064, P = .037), and planning (β = 0.154, SE = 0.062, P = .014) were positively associated with daily MVPA. Associations between subject-level variability in PA intentions and self-efficacy decreased in strength, becoming nonsignificant at higher mean levels of PA intentions (β = −0.147, SE = 0.062, P = .018) and self-efficacy (β = −0.116, SE = 0.063, P = .062). Conclusions: Greater subject-level variability in psychological determinants may be adaptive for PA engagement, especially among older adults experiencing low levels of those determinants. Moving beyond mean levels to include subject-level variability in psychological determinants of PA may help to improve our understanding of the processes that drive PA engagement.

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Running Through the Haze: How Wildfire Smoke Affects Physical Activity and Mental Well-Being

Luisa V. Giles, Cynthia J. Thomson, Iris Lesser, and Jason P. Brandenburg

Background: With a warming climate, extreme wildfires are more likely to occur, which may adversely affect air quality, physical activity (PA), and therefore, mental well-being. Methods: We assessed PA engagement and mental well-being between periods with and without wildfire smoke, and whether there were associations between changes in PA behavior and mental well-being. Questionnaires on PA and mental well-being during a period of wildfire smoke were completed by 348 participants; of these participants, 162 also completed a follow-up PA and mental well-being questionnaire during a period without wildfire smoke. Data were analyzed using generalized/linear mixed models. Relationships between mental well-being and PA were analyzed using repeated-measures correlations. Results: Leisure-time walking, moderate PA, and vigorous PA were all significantly lower during periods of smoke compared to periods without smoke. Participants also experienced significantly higher symptoms of stress (11.63 [1.91] vs 10.20 [1.70], P = .039), anxiety (7.75 [2.24] vs 4.38 [1.32], P < .001), and depression (9.67 [0.90] vs 7.27 [0.76], P < .001) during the period of wildfire smoke. Vigorous PA, the proportion of PA time spent outdoors, and the sum of PA during leisure time, were significantly negatively correlated with mental well-being, therefore, it is possible that PA could be used as a tool during times of wildfire smoke. Conclusions: These data suggest that PA and mental well-being are adversely impacted during wildfire smoke events. Future research should consider the impact of strategies to support PA during wildfire events on PA and mental well-being.

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Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test: Normative Values in Firefighters and Relationship to Shoulder Mobility

Sharon A. West-Sell, Addison S. Gallagher, Alex F. Roque, Cameron A. Williams, and Mark M. Goriye

The job of a firefighter requires high levels of physical fitness and musculoskeletal function. In the United States, firefighters experience over 60,000 injuries annually, predominantly musculoskeletal issues. Screening tests can help identify musculoskeletal dysfunction. This study aimed to establish Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-UQ) normative data in firefighters and identify factors that influence upper extremity functional ability in this population. We found firefighters’ Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test composite scores were comparable to other physically active populations but lower than U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement personnel. Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test scores were negatively affected by increasing age and body mass and reduced shoulder mobility in our sample. These findings support the need for targeted weight loss and mobility interventions to improve functional outcomes in firefighters.

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The Use of the FIFA 11+ For Kids as an Injury Prevention Program in Youth Soccer Players: A Critically Appraised Topic

Kohei Osumi and Chelsea Kuehner-Boyer

The FIFA 11+ For Kids was developed as an injury prevention program for youth soccer athletes between 7 and 13 years of age. Since its development, it has been introduced to youth soccer players worldwide, however, a critical summary of high-level randomized control trials to assist clinicians in determining how to effectively implement the program for injury prevention is lacking in the current literature. This critically appraised topic sought to determine the best practice recommendations for the implementation of the FIFA 11+ For Kids program to effectively prevent injuries in youth soccer players. A search of the literature was completed in December of 2023 using the terms “FIFA 11 for kids” and “randomized control trials” and “injury prevention.” Studies were included if they scored higher than 6/10 on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. A critical appraisal of high-level randomized control trials found that clinicians can use the FIFA 11+ For Kids as an effective injury prevention program for youth soccer players when factors including the frequency of application, the time needed to complete the program, compliance with the program, and training of team personal who lead the program are considered.

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Contextual Measurement of Sources of Exercise Amotivation: The Revised Amotivation Toward Exercise Scale-2

Symeon P. Vlachopoulos

The aim of the study was to modify the Amotivation Toward Exercise Scale-2 by dropping the outcome amotivation beliefs subscale while retaining the capacity, effort, value, and task characteristics amotivation beliefs. Data from 515 Greek nonexerciser adults aged 19–64 years and 399 Greek nonexerciser older adults aged 65–82 years, men and women, supported the latent four-factor structure of the Revised Amotivation Toward Exercise Scale-2 scores within each sample separately. The hierarchical model was also supported. Measurement invariance of Revised Amotivation Toward Exercise Scale-2 scores was supported across groups of gender, age, body mass index, and educational levels within adults and older adults. Configural measurement invariance supported a replicable factor structure across adults and older adults. Metric and strong invariance was supported across middle-aged and older adults but not between younger and older adults. Full measurement invariance was supported between younger and middle-aged adults.

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Core-Temperature Responses at the 3-km World Aquatics Open-Water Swimming Masters Championships in Doha 2024

Chris J. Esh, Valentin Dablainville, Feriel Dalansi, Sayyam Kathuria, and Marco Cardinale

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize core-temperature (Tc) responses of swimmers competing at the 2024 3-km World Aquatics Masters Open Water Swimming Championships. Methods: Within a cross-sectional observational study design, swimmers (n = 48 [23 male, 25 female]) ingested a telemetric Tc pill 4 hours before their race. Water temperatures were 20.9 °C (male; mean wet-bulb-globe temperature 25.9 °C) and 20.5 °C (female; mean wet-bulb-globe temperature: 25.4 °C). Linear mixed models determined differences between males and females for race-start, mean in-race, and peak Tc. Random coefficient models determined relationships between (1) sex, race time, body mass index (BMI), body-mass change or age, and Tc peak; (2) sex, race time, BMI, body-mass change or age, and Tc nadir; (3) sex, Tc peak, BMI, body-mass change or age, and race time, and (4) sex, Tc peak, BMI, body-mass change, or age and race ranking. Results: The mean in-race Tc was 37.8 °C (36.1–38.8 °C); however, there were highly variable individual Tc responses (−3.1 to +2.7 °C). One swimmer experienced mild hypothermia (Tc ≤ 35.0 °C), and 5 exceeded 39.0 °C, a risk factor for heat-related illness. There were no statistical differences between males and females for race-start, mean, and peak Tc (P ≥ .243). Higher peak Tc was associated with faster race time (P = .05), higher race rank (P = .027), and higher BMI (P = .001). Conclusions: Highly variable Tc responses (−3.1 to +2.7 °C) were observed, demonstrating that organizers of mass-participation open-water swimming events should always be prepared for, and provide facilities to treat, swimmers experiencing cold-/heat-related health incidents during competition.

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Effect of Target Differentiation, Prioritization, and Environmental Clutter on Quiet Eye Duration in First-Person Shooter Esports: A Brief Report Pilot Study

Brodie Hampshire and Ian Tyndall

The burgeoning prominence of esports underscores its increasing relevance in sport and performance psychology. To enhance its integration into scholarly discourse, established cognitive research paradigms should be applied. In this study, we focused on first-person shooter esports, identifying specific variables unique to this domain and examining their impact on quiet eye (QE) duration—an indicator strongly correlated with successful performance. Using eye-tracking equipment, we analyzed gaze data related to the QE, the final fixation point preceding a motor response. Our pilot sample (n = 9) participated in three block trials exploring the effects of environmental clutter, target differentiation, and target prioritization on QE duration. Paired t tests compared mean QE duration between experimental tasks and control trials with single targets. Although trend effects of environmental clutter and target prioritization were observed, none reached statistical significance. These findings echo certain aspects of the existing esports literature, particularly regarding the reduced prominence of QE in scenarios involving multiple targets. Acknowledging study limitations, we offer recommendations for future research to deepen understanding of cognitive processes and performance outcomes in esports.