The variability of competitive performance and pacing strategies in different rounds of the 400 m and 800 m freestyle swimming races at the 2017-2024 World Swimming Championships.

Introduction: This study aims to analyze the competitive performance and pacing strategies (PS) of medalists and non-medalists in different rounds of the 400 m and 800 m freestyle at the World Swimming Championships.

Method: The 2017-2024 World Swimming Championships and 161 elite swimmers were selected. First, intra-athlete coefficients of variability (CVs) were evaluated using linear mixed effects modeling and changes in competitive performance (Δ); second, descriptive statistics of position lap time; finally, a computer algorithm was used to obtain PS, then a two-way ANOVA was performed.

The Combined Impact of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Executive Functions in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The interplay between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) significantly influences cognitive health in older adults, with executive functions (EFs) being particularly vulnerable to lifestyle factors. However, previous research on older adults focused mainly on PA and is limited due to the lack of comprehensive consideration of other factors that influence EFs. Current guidelines suggest an association between sedentary behavior (SB) and EFs, yet few studies have examined the combined effects of PA and SB on EFs.

Global trends in importance of 24-hour movement behaviors to pediatric health: implications for South Korea.

Cultivating a 24-hour movement behavioral profile conducive to health and well-being, marked by adequate levels of physical activity, limited screen time, and sufficient sleep, has emerged as an important avenue for promoting pediatric health. We aimed to provide evidence of this potential, this multiphase, multimethod, and integrative review comprehensively investigated the global trends in health promotion initiatives and status of the Korean pediatric population. This integrative review comprised 3 phases employing various review methods: an environmental scan of existing guidelines for 24-hour movement behaviors worldwide, a rapid review of physical activity-related indicators from Global Matrix data, and a systematic review of 24-hour movement behaviors among children and adolescents in South Korea.

Exploring the essence of a creative dance programme for older adults: Programme overview and research insights.

Introduction: Dance is recognised as a safe, effective, and enjoyable means to boost physical, mental, and cognitive health in older adults. Detailed content of dance programmes for this age group is sparsely described.

Aims: This study provides a comprehensive description and evaluation of a Creative Dance Programme for older adults.

Physical activity interventions: an update on advancing sedentary time, technology, and dissemination and implementation research.

Approximately 28% of American adults meet both the physical activity (PA) and strength training guidelines despite the numerous health benefits associated with a physically active lifestyle. The purpose of this paper is to provide an update of the 2017 Society of Behavioral Medicine PA Special Interest Group article that outlined future directions in sedentary time reduction interventions, technology-based PA interventions, and the dissemination and implementation of PA interventions. Since the prior review, there has been significant progress on effective interventions for reducing sedentary time.

Rapid Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Determination of Total and Free Testosterone in Human Serum and Its Application to Monitoring Biomarker Response of Elite Athletes.

Total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (FT) are important biochemical markers for anabolism of the human body, and can also serve as early screening indicators for overtraining syndrome (OTS). Presently, there is no fast and reliable serum TT and FT determination method in the field of sport science that can meet the requirements of sports research. Thus, a rapid and accurate determination method for serum TT and FT to fill the gap is needed urgently in sports training.

Socio-Demographic Influences on Dietary Habits and Nutritional Awareness: A Case Study of Polish Biathlon Association National Team Members.

Introduction: This study investigated the influence of sociodemographic factors on the dietary habits of athletes of the Polish Biathlon Association. Focusing on age, education, employment status, and gender, this research assesses food choices, meal preparation, and nutritional awareness within a structured sports environment. A cross-sectional survey of 54 athletes was conducted using a modified "Eating Habits of Poles" questionnaire to explore food selection, preparation methods, consumption patterns, and nutritional perspectives.

The quality of psychosocial health and psychosocial illness among women with and without shelter homes: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Existing research on the psychosocial wellbeing of sheltered women is primarily from Western contexts, with limited studies from collectivistic cultures like Pakistan. This study aims to compare the psychosocial health and illness of sheltered women in Pakistan with those of women living with their families.

Methods: A total of 184 sheltered women and 207 women from the general population from four Pakistani cities participated in this study.

Resistance but not endurance training suppresses glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) expression in human skeletal muscle.

Purpose: Within human skeletal muscle, statin treatment leads to elevated levels of the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ). Further, GILZ mediates the muscle-related side effects of statins. Physical exercise leads to GILZ suppression, in a mechanosensitive manner.

Effects of variable resistance training within complex training on strength and punch performance in elite amateur boxers.

Objectives: This study explored the effects of 6 weeks of variable resistance training (VRT) and constant resistance training (CRT) within complex training, on muscle strength and punch performance.

Methods: Twenty-four elite female boxers from the China National team were divided randomly between an experimental group (VRT) and a control group (CRT). Maximum strength of the upper and lower limbs, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and punch performance (single, 10s and 30s continuous) were assessed pre- and post- intervention.

Kinematic differences between female national and provincial athletes in the tennis serve.

Background: Tennis, the second-largest ball game in the world, has a particularly wide audience. To date, little research has been conducted on the biomechanics of female serves.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to capture the key moments by using 1,000 frames/s high-speed video analysis, to analyze the kinematics of the serving techniques of national athletes and provincial athletes, to determine the differences between the two levels of athletes, and to provide theoretical references for the improvement of scientific training level.

Psychological and physiological health outcomes of virtual reality-based mindfulness interventions: A systematic review and evidence mapping of empirical studies.

Objective: In the past two decades, mindfulness, rooted in Buddhist traditions, has gained considerable scientific interest. Virtual reality (VR) technology, in particular head-mounted displays, offers immersive experiences and is examined in this systematic review in terms of VR-based mindfulness interventions and their effects on psychological and physiological health outcomes.

Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta Analyses guidelines, a systematic search was conducted with the following search terms: [(mindful* OR "meditat*") AND ("virtual reality" OR "VR") AND (health OR physio* OR psycho* OR mental OR physical)].

Kinect-Based Mixed Reality Exercise Program Improves Physical Function and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose: Exercise is an effective non-pharmacological approach for alleviating treatment-related adverse effects and enhancing physical fitness in breast cancer survivors. A Kinect-based mixed reality device (KMR), with real-time feedback and user data collection, is an innovative exercise intervention for breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of KMR exercise program on quality of life (QOL) and physical function in breast cancer survivors.

Perceptions of celebrity athletes involved in social cause endorsement.

Introduction: Due to their ability to evoke unique associations in people's minds, professional athletes are considered prime ambassadors for companies, brands or organisations to add intangible values, credibility and awareness to their products or services. Based on that premise, using celebrity athletes for supporting social causes has also become a frequent practice over the past years. Empirical knowledge on how such activities are being perceived by involved athletes is scarce.

Translating and validating the Ghosting Questionnaire into Arabic: results from classical test theory and item response theory analyses : Short title: the arabic version of the Ghosting Questionnaire.

Background: Ghosting refers to the sudden cessation of communication in interpersonal relationships. Ghosting has gained attention as a phenomenon commonly encountered in the context of digital communication. Earlier studies on ghosting mostly focused on Western societies while, in Arab societies, research into this practice has yet to be initiated.

The influence of scanning behaviour on performance during 4v4 small-sided games in youth female football.

Scanning is an important perceptual skill that enables football players to gather information about opponents, teammates and the environment in real-time. This study investigated scanning before and during ball possession and its effect on the success of the subsequent action in U19 female footballers. Sixty-one elite and grassroots players (age: 16.

Discipline-specific adaptation patterns in respiratory and lower limb musculotendinous structures: cyclists vs. basketball players.

Background: This study aimed at assessing how chronic exposure to specific exercise training (high-intensity intervals vs. endurance), comparing experienced basketball-players (BP, N.=16), cyclists (CY, N.

Training environment and sponsorship dynamics in Hungarian artistic swimming.

The present study examines the training environment and sponsorship dynamics in Hungarian artistic swimming, with a particular focus on competitiveness. Through the utilization of a linear regression method ample aspects were identified, such as coach qualifications, funding sources, and facilities, that positively impact the number of qualified competitors. The availability of funding sources, when coupled with governmental assistance, has a favorable effect on the number of competitors, whereas membership fees have a deleterious impact.

Sports-Related Genomic Predictors Are Associated with Athlete Status in Chinese Sprint/Power Athletes.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between variant loci significantly associated with sports-related traits in the GWAS Catalog database and sprint/power athlete status, as well as to explore the polygenic profile of elite athletes. Next-generation sequencing and microarray technology were used to genotype samples from 211 elite athletes who had achieved success in national or international competitions in power-based sports and from 522 non-athletes, who were healthy university students with no history of professional sports training. Variant loci collected from databases were extracted after imputation.

The Experiences of Motor Skill Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Reflected through Parental Responses.

: Understanding movement development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is critical for creating effective intervention strategies. This study aims to explore parental perspectives on the movement development of children with ASD, focusing on identifying common challenges and successful strategies. The objective is to analyze the experiences of parents to highlight the most effective approaches to support motor, communication, and social skills development in these children.

Insights from expert coaches on technical performance evaluation in rowing: a pilot study.

Introduction: Since rowing became an Olympic sport in 1900, rowers have made significant performance gains, partly attributed to increased research, training, and competition knowledge. Rowing technique and biomechanics play an essential role in rowing performance. While some aspects can be quantified with modern tools, coaches' expertise remains essential for technical performance evaluation.