Journal of Sports Research

Research on national fitness policy (1995-2021) from the perspective of objectives and tools

Mingxing Yu — 2024-04-19

This study delves into the intricate landscape of China's national fitness policy, emphasizing the pivotal role of policy tools in crafting and executing effective strategies. Through a meticulous examination of 13 policy texts, significant disparities in tool utilization emerge, revealing issues such as imbalances and varying degrees of emphasis on content system construction. Leveraging Rothwell and Zegveld's classification method, the study categorizes national fitness policy tools into supply, demand, and environment types, elucidating their unique impacts and roles. It advocates for a strategic selection and utilization of policy tools to rectify existing imbalances and bolster effectiveness. The study underscores the importance of a balanced approach between supply and demand-oriented tools, advocating for transparency, flexibility, and accountability in policy adjustments. Additionally, it highlights the significance of maintaining stable utilization of supply-oriented tools and strengthening efforts in talent development and social guidance teams to sustain momentum. Overall, the study advocates for a holistic and dynamic approach to policy tool selection and utilization, ensuring alignment with overarching goals and fostering a healthier, more active society. By offering nuanced insights and pragmatic recommendations, it aims to catalyze the realization of a stronger and healthier nation through the implementation of effective national fitness policies, thereby uplifting the well-being of its citizens and nurturing a vibrant and resilient society.

Exploring the impact of hyperlipidemia on cardio-motor function and exercise adaptability in Hispanic-Latinos living with HIV

Martin G Rosario — 2024-07-09

HIV may precipitate a myriad of health-related complications, potentially culminating in disabilities that detrimentally affect the quality of life. Certain conditions, such as hyperlipidemia (LP), which are exacerbated by HIV, can pose additional difficulties for this particular demographic. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of LP on the cardio-motor profile of Hispanic Latinos living with HIV. The methodology of this study consisted of a submaximal cardiovascular assessment (Ross Test) to collect relevant cardio-motor data for this research. These data were sourced from the records of individuals registered at La Perla de Gran Precio Community Centre for HIV in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The motor profile captured included treadmill speed and incline. Cardiovascular parameters recorded were blood pressure and heart rate at the cessation of the Ross Test. A total of 291 participants were classified into 229 in the non-LP group and 62 in the LP group. The findings of this study showed similar average CD4 counts. An ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) in the LP group, including decreased cardio time and treadmill incline compared to their counterparts. Hispanic Latinos living with HIV and LP exhibit notable deficits in motor gait. Gait parameters are particularly compromised in individuals affected by both conditions. The practical implication is to alert healthcare providers to integrate the specific cardio-motor assessments discussed in this study to address the factors influencing gait, which in turn may impact the quality of life of those with HIV.

Performance analysis in sport and soccer: Past, present and future – narrative review

Connor McGillick — 2024-10-01

As performance analysis (PA) in sport and soccer has developed, numerous methods of analysis are available to provide objective video and data insights on performances. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss PA in sport and soccer, critically appraise past and present PA techniques and preview the future of PA to enhance knowledge and inform PA practices. The methodology featured a literature review of key research papers within the areas of manual and computerised notational analysis, manual and computerised time motion analysis, wearable technology, stadium infrastructure, artificial intelligence and ethical considerations of PA. The findings of this review determined there are varied methods of PA available to practitioners to conduct technical, tactical and physical analysis within sport and soccer. Each technique features varied workflows and budget requirements which influence process advantages, disadvantages and accessibility. The evaluation of methods allowed the review to determine a decision-making matrix that can be used by practitioners to identify the most applicable PA procedures related to their resources, infrastructure and analytical aims. Alongside the decision-making matrix, the review also found that there are key ethical considerations regarding the delivery of PA insights. Given the wide array of PA tools available, and artificial intelligence influences likely to increase in the future, practitioners need to carefully consider what analysis is conducted, when insights are delivered and how information is provided to ensure effective, ethical practices.

Organizational predators of disability sports participation of secondary school students with special needs in Ibadan, Nigeria

Oladipupo Oluwaseyi Samson — 2024-10-30

Active participation of students with disability in adapted sport is dependent on several organizational predators. The purpose of this study is to examine how organizational predators independently and jointly contribute to disability sport participation among secondary school students with special needs in Ibadan, Nigeria. The methodology featured Chain-Referral (snowball) to identify stakeholders, coaches, organizers and teachers involved in organizing disability sport for students with disability and probability sampling technique to choose the schools to be visited. The findings revealed that Strategic planning (ß=0.289, t=2.816, p=0.008), logistics (ß=0.612, t=7.103, p=0.000), interest of coaches (ß=0.536, t=7.795, p=0.000) and knowledge of organizing personnel (ß=0.500, t=7.836, p=0.000) were independently tested significant on disability sport participation while network capacity (ß=0.171, t=1.772, p=0.085), funding sources (ß=0.082, t=1.360, p=0.182) and sport infrastructure (ß=0.111, t=1.948, p=0.059) were not independently tested significant on disability sport participation. Also, there is a composite joint contribution of strategic planning, network capacity, infrastructure, funding, logistics, interest of coaches, and knowledge of organizing personnel on disability sports participation among secondary school students with special needs in Ibadan, Nigeria (F(7,39)=100.210, p=0.00). The result also generated a coefficient multiple regression of R=0.977 and R2 =0.955; implying that about 95.5% of variance was accounted for by the independent variable. Strategic planning, logistics, interest of coaches, and knowledge of organizing personnel individually and collectively showed a positive contribution to disability sport participation, hence, there is a need to consider them on the subject of disability sport participation in schools of individuals with special needs in Ibadan, Nigeria.