Position statementThe International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) provides an objective and critical review regarding the timing of macronutrients in reference to healthy, exercising adults and in particular highly trained individuals on exercise performance and body composition. The following points summarize the position of the ISSN:1.Nutrient timing incorporates the use of methodical planning and eating of whole foods, fortified foods and dietary supplements. The timing of energy intake and the ratio of certain ingested macronutrients may enhance recovery and tissue repair, augment muscle protein synthesis (MPS), and improve mood states following high-volume or intense exercise.2.Endogenous glycogen stores are maximized by following a high-carbohydrate diet (8–12 g of carbohydrate/kg/day [g/kg/day]); moreover, these stores are depleted most by high volume exercise.3.If rapid restoration of glycogen is required ( 70) glycemic indexb)the addition of caffeine (3–8 mg/kg)c)combining carbohydrates (0.8 g/kg/h) with protein (0.2–0.4 g/kg/h)4.Extended (> 60 min) bouts of high intensity (> 70% VO2max) exercise challenge fuel supply and fluid regulation, thus carbohydrate should be consumed at a rate of ~30–60 g of carbohydrate/h in a 6–8% carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (6–12 fluid ounces) every 10–15 min throughout the entire exercise bout, particularly in those exercise bouts that span beyond 70 min. When carbohydrate delivery is inadequate, adding protein may help increase performance, ameliorate muscle damage, promote euglycemia and facilitate glycogen re-synthesis.5.Carbohydrate ingestion throughout resistance exercise (e.g., 3–6 sets of 8–12 repetition maximum [RM] using multiple exercises targeting all major muscle groups) has been shown to promote euglycemia and higher glycogen stores. Consuming carbohydrate solely or in combination with protein during resistance exercise increases muscle glycogen stores, ameliorates muscle damage, and facilitates greater acute and chronic training adaptations.6.Meeting the total daily intake of protein, preferably with evenly spaced protein feedings (approximately every 3 h during the day), should be viewed as a primary area of emphasis for exercising individuals.7.Ingestion of essential amino acids (EAA; approximately 10 g)either in free form or as part of a protein bolus of approximately 20–40 g has been shown to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS).8.Pre- and/or post-exercise nutritional interventions (carbohydrate + protein or protein alone) may operate as an effective strategy to support increases in strength and improvements in body composition. However, the size and timing of a pre-exercise meal may impact the extent to which post-exercise protein feeding is required.9.Post-exercise ingestion (immediately to 2-h post) of high-quality protein sources stimulates robust increases in MPS.10.In non-exercising scenarios, changing the frequency of meals has shown limited impact on weight loss and body composition, with stronger evidence to indicate meal frequency can favorably improve appetite and satiety. More research is needed to determine the influence of combining an exercise program with altered meal frequencies on weight loss and body composition with preliminary research indicating a potential benefit.11.Ingesting a 20–40 g protein dose (0.25–0.40 g/kg body mass/dose) of a high-quality source every three to 4 h appears to most favorably affect MPS rates when compared to other dietary patterns and is associated with improved body composition and performance outcomes.12.Consuming casein protein (~ 30–40 g) prior to sleep can acutely increase MPS and metabolic rate throughout the night without influencing lipolysis.
Objectives. To synthesize contemporary scientific approaches to interpreting physical education of schoolchildren within the logic of a managed learning process and to clarify the role of pedagogical control, modelling, and age-related developmental regularities in shaping learning outcomes.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted as a narrative review of publications addressing physical education theory, pedagogical control, modelling of the learning process, age-related developmental regularities, and the teaching of physical exercises in general secondary education. The analysis was carried out from systems-based and learning-oriented perspectives on the organisation of physical education.
Results. The review supports interpreting physical education of schoolchildren as a managed learning process in which learning outcomes emerge through the interaction of pedagogical control, modelling, and learners’ age-related developmental characteristics. Age-related regularities are best treated as parameters of learning models that define the boundaries for valid interpretation of pedagogical-control results. Pedagogical control acquires a regulatory function only when embedded within a model of the learning process. The synthesis also allows the learning of physical exercises to be interpreted as the formation and dynamics of learning states that can serve as objects of pedagogical control and regulation.
Conclusions. The proposed synthesis enables interpreting outcomes of physical education as consequences of the organisation of the learning process rather than as autonomous normative indicators. This narrative review delineates theoretical and methodological frames for further research aimed at empirically testing models of managed physical education and refining tools of pedagogical control in general secondary education practice.
Ozge Ece Gunaydin, Sercan Onal Aykar, Esin Ergin
et al.
Abstract Objective Thoracic mobility significantly enhances athletic ability and performance. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of thoracic mobility exercises on the physical attributes of strength, endurance, flexibility, and the speed of serve and spike in female adolescent volleyball players. Method In this study, 36 adolescent female adolescent volleyball players participated. Participants were divided into 2 groups as mobility added training and only training program. In the mobility group, thoracic mobility exercises were applied in addition to the training program for 4 weeks. The athletes were evaluated in terms of internal and external rotation strength, endurance, thoracic mobility, spike and serve speeds. A 2 × 2 ANOVA was used to compare the differences between the groups. Results In this study, significant increases were observed in strength, scapular endurance, thoracic rotation angles, smash and serve speed in both the thoracic mobility group and the control group (p < 0.05). However, it was determined that changes in some parameters differed between groups; right internal rotation strength increased only in the control group, while hyperextension increased only in the thoracic mobility group (p < 0.05). However, no group was found to be superior to the other in terms of any parameter in the intergroup comparisons (p > 0.05). Conclusion The results indicate that thoracic mobility exercises added to training programs yield similar results to the control group in terms of strength, endurance, flexibility, spike and serve speed. Future studies with longer-term interventions, dose-response design, and different sports disciplines may further contribute to the literature. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07203209, 24.09.2025. Retrospectively registered.
يهدف البحث الحالي إلى دراسة دور تمارين الإطالة والتحفيز العضلي في تحسين وظائف أوتار الركبة لدى لاعبي كرة القدم، اعتمدت الباحثة في ذلك على المنهج التجريبي بتصميم المجموعة الواحدة وذلك لملائمة مشكلة البحث، تكونت عينة البحث من لاعبي نادي المقدادية لكرة القدم للموسم الرياضي 2023 وعددهم 23 لاعبًا، وكانت اهم الاستنتاجات: ساهمت ممارسة تمارين الإطالة بانتظام في زيادة مدى حركة الركبة وتقليل خطر الإصابات، وأوصت الباحثة بإدراج تمارين الإطالة والتحفيز العضلي ضمن برامج التدريب الدوري للاعبي كرة القدم.
AbstractPosition statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) provides an objective and critical review of the mechanisms and use of probiotic supplementation to optimize the health, performance, and recovery of athletes. Based on the current available literature, the conclusions of the ISSN are as follows: 1)Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (FAO/WHO).2)Probiotic administration has been linked to a multitude of health benefits, with gut and immune health being the most researched applications.3)Despite the existence of shared, core mechanisms for probiotic function, health benefits of probiotics are strain- and dose-dependent.4)Athletes have varying gut microbiota compositions that appear to reflect the activity level of the host in comparison to sedentary people, with the differences linked primarily to the volume of exercise and amount of protein consumption. Whether differences in gut microbiota composition affect probiotic efficacy is unknown.5)The main function of the gut is to digest food and absorb nutrients. In athletic populations, certain probiotics strains can increase absorption of key nutrients such as amino acids from protein, and affect the pharmacology and physiological properties of multiple food components.6)Immune depression in athletes worsens with excessive training load, psychological stress, disturbed sleep, and environmental extremes, all of which can contribute to an increased risk of respiratory tract infections. In certain situations, including exposure to crowds, foreign travel and poor hygiene at home, and training or competition venues, athletes’ exposure to pathogens may be elevated leading to increased rates of infections. Approximately 70% of the immune system is located in the gut and probiotic supplementation has been shown to promote a healthy immune response. In an athletic population, specific probiotic strains can reduce the number of episodes, severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections.7)Intense, prolonged exercise, especially in the heat, has been shown to increase gut permeability which potentially can result in systemic toxemia. Specific probiotic strains can improve the integrity of the gut-barrier function in athletes.8)Administration of selected anti-inflammatory probiotic strains have been linked to improved recovery from muscle-damaging exercise.9)The minimal effective dose and method of administration (potency per serving, single vs. split dose, delivery form) of a specific probiotic strain depends on validation studies for this particular strain. Products that contain probiotics must include the genus, species, and strain of each live microorganism on its label as well as the total estimated quantity of each probiotic strain at the end of the product’s shelf life, as measured by colony forming units (CFU) or live cells.10)Preclinical and early human research has shown potential probiotic benefits relevant to an athletic population that include improved body composition and lean body mass, normalizing age-related declines in testosterone levels, reductions in cortisol levels indicating improved responses to a physical or mental stressor, reduction of exercise-induced lactate, and increased neurotransmitter synthesis, cognition and mood. However, these potential benefits require validation in more rigorous human studies and in an athletic population.
The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine convened a panel of experts to provide an evidence-based, best practices document to assist sports medicine physicians and other members of the athletic care network with the detection, treatment and prevention of mental health issues in competitive athletes. This statement discusses how members of the sports medicine team, including team physicians, athletic trainers and mental health providers, work together in providing comprehensive psychological care to athletes. It specifically addresses psychological factors in athletes including personality issues and the psychological response to injury and illness. The statement also examines the athletic culture and environmental factors that commonly impact mental health, including sexuality and gender issues, hazing, bullying, sexual misconduct and transition from sport. Specific mental health disorders in athletes, such as eating disorders/disordered eating, depression and suicide, anxiety and stress, overtraining, sleep disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, are reviewed with a focus on detection, management, the effect on performance and prevention. This document uses the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy to grade level of evidence.
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers’ acceptance and use of sports and fitness wearable devices based on technology readiness (TR). In addition, the technology readiness and acceptance model (TRAM) will be used to investigate consumers’ intention to use sports wearable devices (for simplicity, sports wearable devices will be simplified to the term “sports wearables”).Design/methodology/approachConvenience sampling was conducted from Korean consumers (n=247). Data were analyzed by partial least squares–structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 3.0.FindingsThe results found that positive TR has a positive influence on perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU), and negative TR had a negative influence on PEOU and PU. PEOU had a positive influence on perceived usefulness (PU). Both PEOU and PU led to intention to use sports wearable devices. Also, the multi-group analysis found a positive correlation between TR and PEOU for especially male users.Originality/valueThe findings of this study provide a better understanding of consumers’ behavioral intent to use sports wearables. Particularly, it also provides evidence that the TRAM is an appropriate framework for predicting users’ intention to use sports wearables. This study also stresses the important role of TR in consumers’ psychological processes leading up to the actual use of novel sports wearables.
Biomechanics is the application of the principles of mechanics to humans; that is, the study of the motion of bodies and the causes that determine it [...]
Fahimeh Pakravan, Ali Yousefian Najafabadi, Zohreh Meshkati
et al.
Abstract Introduction Injuries sustained during physical activities are a common concern among athletes, with dental trauma representing a significant yet often under-addressed component. Timely and appropriate intervention is critical to successful outcomes, making the awareness and performance of first-line responders—particularly physical education graduates—an essential focus. This study evaluates their knowledge and practices regarding emergency management of dental trauma. Materials and methods This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed 206 physical education graduates in Isfahan between 2024 and 2025. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire comprising 12 targeted items, validated with a content validity ratio (CVR > 0.51) and confirmed reliability (ICC = 0.884). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 26), including descriptive measures (mean, standard deviation, frequency) and inferential tests (independent t-tests, ANOVA). Results Participants demonstrated moderate proficiency in dental trauma awareness and self-reported practical knowledge, with an overall mean score of 9.74 ± 4.80 (scale: 0–20). Awareness and performance scores were closely aligned (9.08 ± 4.99 and 9.07 ± 5.39, respectively). Significant predictors of higher competency included academic achievement (P = 0.023), direct exposure to dental trauma (P = 0.001), engagement in high-contact sports such as martial arts (P = 0.016), and formal training in trauma management (P = 0.012). Conversely, gender, general athletic history, and school-level sports involvement were not statistically associated with performance outcomes. Conclusion Most PE graduates demonstrated limited preparedness for managing dental trauma. Academic progression, trauma exposure, and targeted training were associated with better awareness and applied knowledge. These findings support the integration of oral emergency response modules into sports education curricula and certification programs—promoting health literacy and alignment with WHO health promotion objectives.
Interest and participation in organized sports for children, preadolescents, and adolescents continue to grow. Because of increased participation, and younger entry age, in organized sports, appropriate practice, game schedules, and content become more important, taking into account athlete developmental stage and skills. Parental support for organized sports in general, with focus on development and fun instead of winning, has emerged as a key factor in the athlete’s enjoyment of sports. Schools and community sports organizations who support multiple levels of sport (eg, recreational, competitive, elite) can include more youth who want to play sports and combat sport dropout. This report reviews the benefits and risks of organized sports as well as the roles of schools, community organizations, parents, and coaches in organized sports. It is designed to complement the American Academy of Pediatrics clinical reports “Physical Activity Assessment and Counseling in Pediatric Clinical Settings” and “Sports Specialization and Intensive Training in Young Athletes” by reviewing relevant literature on healthy organized sports for youth and providing guidance on organized sport readiness and entry. The report also provides guidance for pediatricians on counseling parents and advocating for healthy organized sports participation.
It is possible to prevent sports injuries. Unfortunately, the demonstrated efficacy and effectiveness of injury prevention approaches are not translated into lasting real-world effects. Contemporary views in sports medicine and injury prevention suggest that sports injuries are ‘complex’ phenomena. If the problem we aim to prevent is complex, then the first step in the ‘sequence of prevention’ that defines the ‘injury problem’ already needs to have considered this. The purpose of this paper is to revisit the first step of the ‘sequence of prevention’, and to explore new perspectives that acknowledge the complexity of the sports injury problem. First, this paper provides a retrospective of the ‘sequence of prevention’, acknowledging contemporary views on sports injuries and their prevention. Thereafter, from the perspective of the socioecological model, we demonstrate the need for taking into account the complex nature of sports injuries in the first step. Finally, we propose an alternative approach to explore and understand injury context through qualitative research methods. A better understanding of the injury problem in context will guide more context-sensitive studies, thus providing a new perspective for sports injury prevention research.
Objectives This study aimed to explore the relationship between body image, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and sports participation by gender, grade, and specialty and then to provide a reference for promoting participation in sports and physical activities in college students. Methods Using stratified random sampling, undergraduate students in western China were selected as participants. The data obtained in this study were processed by SPSS 19.0 and AMOS 21.0 statistical software. Results Body image was significantly positively correlated with self-efficacy, self-esteem, and sports participation. Self-efficacy was significantly positively correlated with self-esteem and sports participation. Self-esteem was significantly positively correlated with sports participation. Body image had a direct effect on sports participation, with an effect value of 0.124. Furthermore, the mediating effects of self-efficacy (0.079) and self-esteem (0.108) were significant in the relationship between body image and sports participation. Meanwhile, the chain mediating role of self-efficacy–self-esteem was also obvious (0.035). Conclusion Body image, self-efficacy, and self-esteem had significant influence on sports participation in college students. At the same time, the mediating effect of self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-efficacy–self-esteem on body image and sports participation were established, and self-esteem was the key factor to sports participation.
Elena-Andreea Trandafirescu, Vladimir Potop, Ilie Mihai
et al.
Background and Study Aim. Fear of failure, choking under pressure, financial disparities in income, and concerns related to body image and social pressure may intensify on-field challenges. These factors make the competitive environment particularly demanding for female soccer players. The aim of the current review is to map the available evidence on anxiety in women's football over the past decade and to identify interventions designed to manage anxiety among female soccer players.
Material and Methods. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. An extensive search was carried out across four major databases for publications dated between 2014 and 2024. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, followed by full-text screening and data extraction. Any disagreements were resolved by a third researcher. The findings were tabulated and synthesized in a narrative format. The study was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework.
Results. The search yielded 2885 unique records. A total of 21 texts were reviewed in full, and the final sample included 14 studies. Some of the records included mentioned modifications to psychosocial interventions, such as Virtual Reality (VR) relaxation sessions, pre-exercise sporting massage, and psychological training programs (including psycho-neuromuscular theory and visualization techniques). These interventions led to a reduction in anxiety, though their effectiveness varied significantly across different approaches. Our results suggest that research on women's football may disproportionately focus on psychological interventions for managing anxiety. This highlights the need for broader investigations into other factors that influence athletes' performance and well-being.
Conclusions. This scoping review helps clarify the current landscape of anxiety research in women's soccer. It highlights both promising interventions and gaps in the research over the past decade. Although the body of evidence on anxiety interventions is small, it suggests that psychological interventions may be effective in reducing anxiety among female soccer players.