Sport TK Vol.15 (2026)

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http://hdl.handle.net/10201/212681

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Open Access
Eating habits, lifestyle, and sports practice among primary school students in Valladolid
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universiadad de Murcia, 2026) Carta-Monje, Carla; Fernández-Sanabria, Alicia; Diez Fernández, Pelayo; Ruibal-Lista, Brais; Sin departamento asociado
El sobrepeso, la obesidad y la falta de ejercicio físico en la infancia causa graves problemas de salud en la infancia y en la etapa adulta. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los hábitos alimentarios, el estilo de vida y la práctica deportiva de alumnos de Educación Primaria en Valladolid (España). Se utilizó el cuestionario de hábitos de vida saludables de alimentación y actividad física (CHVSAAF) en 130 estudiantes de 11-12 años. El análisis estadístico para comparar a ambos grupos reveló que más del 80% de los niños no padecen sobrepeso ni obesidad, destacando un consumo bajo de alimentos ultraprocesados y una alta frecuencia de conductas alimentarias saludables como beber agua y comer fruta y verdura. Además, se observó que la práctica deportiva es común fuera de las clases de Educación Física. Las correlaciones mostraron que un mayor consumo de frutas y verduras está asociado con un menor peso (p<0.05), mientras que ver la televisión más de dos horas al día se relaciona con un mayor peso y consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados (p<0.05). Este estudio resalta la importancia de promover hábitos saludables desde una edad temprana y el papel crucial de la familia en el desarrollo de estos hábitos.
Open Access
Tiempo de entrada al mercado laboral y características de los graduados en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte en puestos de gestión deportiva
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad de Murcia, 2026) Grimaldi-Puyana, Moisés; Gálvez-Ruiz, Pablo; Sánchez-García. Andrés; Bernal-García. Ainara; Sin departamento asociado
La importancia del deporte en la sociedad actual ha incrementado la demanda de profesionales en este ámbito. Los graduados en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (CCAFYDE) desempeñan roles variados, incluyendo docencia y gestión deportiva. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el tiempo de acceso a puestos de gestión por parte de los egresados en CCAFYDE y estudiar sus condiciones laborales. La muestra estuvo compuesta por egresados universitarios en CCAFYDE, 694 colegiados (68.3 % hombres, 31.3% mujeres, que representa el 3.7 % de todos los colegiados afiliados en 2023. El estudio concluyó que la mayoría de estos profesionales accedió a su primer trabajo en menos de un año, aunque solo el 28.5 % logró un empleo estable en ese tiempo. La red de contactos fue clave para el 45.8 % de los encuestados al buscar empleo. En cuanto a salarios, la mayoría percibe entre 1,001 € y 1,500 € mensuales, lo que sugiere la necesidad de mejorar las condiciones laborales en este sector. La titulación en CCAFYDE es fundamental para acceder a estos puestos, destacando la importancia del networking en la carrera profesional.
Open Access
Prevalence, risk factors of forward head posture and its health consequences on physical outcomes among the adult population in Saudi Arabia
(Universidad de Murcia: Servicio de Publicaciones, 2026) Abdelmoniem Ibrahim, Ahmed; Alshubrami, Shatha Saleh; Abdualrahman Alrahili, Remas; Abdullah Alaqil, Munirah; Alshehri, Salihah; Hakami, Ghazi; Alsuwat, Mousa; Alghamdi, Wajdi Abdulrahim; Almeshyakhi, Salha Mohammed; Alsulaimani, Ebtehal Fahad; M. Hussein, Hisham; Sin departamento asociado
This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and health consequences associated with forward head posture (FHP) among Saudi Arabia's adult population. The authors screened 533 adult males using a photographic technique to calculate the craniovertebral angle (CVA), and used direct questions to determine the average screen time per day, the existence of neck pain, and the average number of pain attacks. Body composition was indicated by body mass index (BMI). The numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) assessed the average neck pain intensity. Of the 533 participants, 211 (39%) demonstrated a CVA of 48° or less, indicating FHP. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between screen time exposure and the value of CVA (r=-.651; p<.001). Similarly, a statistically significant positive correlation existed between BMI and FHP (r= -.470; p<.001). The existence of pain, its intensity, and the average number of attacks were statistically significantly correlated with the CVA (Rpb= -.692; p<.001). (r=-.621; p<.001). (r=-.801; p<.001), respectively. In conclusion, FHP is a common neck problem among adult males in Saudi Arabia. Reducing exposure to smart screens and optimizing body composition could reduce the incidence of FHP and subsequent neck pain.
Open Access
Difference in balance ability levels in children with Down syndrome compared to those with typical development
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad dde Murcia, 2026) Ibrahimi, Arta; Obertinca, Rilind; Kaçuri, Dafinë Ibrahimi; Sin departamento asociado
Children with Down Syndrome (DS) experience motor delays due to muscle weakness and hypotonia, especially on the lower extremities. These impairments affect their general physical health and ability to perform daily activities. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability to perform motor activities that involve keeping the balance of a group of children with DS. This study included 60 children aged 6 to 12 years: 30 with Down syndrome and 30 with typical development. The children were evaluated using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). The scale includes 14 balance related tasks, each scored from 0 points (lowest function) to 4 points (highest function). The results showed significantly lower scores in children with DS across all assessed activities (p<0.01). The most significant difficulties were detected in tasks such as standing with eyes closed, standing with feet together, standing with one foot in front, standing on one foot, placing alternate foot on stool (p<0.01). They only exception was the standing unsupported test, which had no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Children with DS performed lower abilities in achieving balance skills compared to typically developing peers. This highlights the need for tailored interventions to improve balance abilities in children with DS.
Open Access
Examining the relationship between social appearance anxiety, self-confidence, and fitness tendency in sedentary individuals
(Universidad de Murcia: Servicio de Publicaciones, 2026) Kavas, Elif Tuğçe; Yiğit, Şıhmehmet; Sin departamento asociado
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between social appearance anxiety and self-confidence levels among sedentary individuals participating in fitness activities and to evaluate the findings through comparative analysis. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 255 participants, including 90 males and 165 females, who attended fitness centers in different provinces during the 2024–2025 period. The study utilized a demographic information form, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, and the Self-Confidence Scale. The results indicated that as social appearance anxiety increased, internal self-confidence, external self-confidence, and total self-confidence decreased (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in internal self-confidence, external self-confidence, total self-confidence, or social appearance anxiety scores according to age and gender variables (p>0.05). While no significant differences were found in internal self-confidence, external self-confidence, and total self-confidence scores according to education level (p>0.05), a significant difference was found in social appearance anxiety scores (p<0.05). In addition, no significant differences were found in internal self-confidence, external self-confidence, total self-confidence, or social appearance anxiety scores according to weekly training frequency (p>0.05). In conclusion, this study found a moderate negative relationship between social appearance anxiety and internal, external, and total self-confidence among sedentary individuals.
Open Access
Examining the relationship between taekwondo coaches' attitudes towards coaching and their self-esteem
(Universidad de Murcia: Servicio de Publicaciones, 2026) Pepe, Şirin; Sadik, Reşat; Sin departamento asociado
This study aimed to examine the relationship between taekwondo coaches’ attitudes toward the coaching profession and their self-esteem. The sample consisted of a total of 106 coaches, including 31 females (29.2%) and 75 males (70.8%). In addition to a demographic information questionnaire developed by the researchers, the “Attitude Scale Toward the Coaching Profession”, and the “Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale” and adapted into Turkish were used. The research was conducted using a relational survey model. Since the data did not show a normal distribution according to the statistical analyses, non-parametric statistical methods were employed. Research findings revealed that there is a positive and moderately significant relationship between self-esteem and attitudes towards the coaching profession (p<0.05). This shows that coaches with high self-esteem develop more positive attitudes towards their profession, and this situation is related to multidimensional psychosocial variables such as professional motivation, communication skills, leadership qualities, and general life satisfaction. The fact that female coaches exhibit more positive results, particularly in the behavioral attitude dimension, also raises the need for more in-depth analysis of gender roles. Such findings highlight the fact that the coaching profession should be based not only on technical knowledge but also on psychological and social dimensions.
Open Access
Correlation between low back pain and disability among physical therapy students at Horus University, Egypt: Across-sectional study
(Universidad de Murcia: Servicio de Publicaciones, 2026) Mohamed, Eman K.; El-Naser Ghareeb, Mohamed Abd; Abdelhaleem, Mahmoud Diab; Elshinnawy, Ahmed M.; Eraky, Zeezy S.; Aly, Sobhy M.; AbdElnabi Mousa, Nehad Mohamed; Abdallah, Ehab A; Sin departamento asociado
Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability and has been associated with several factors, including postural habits, physical inactivity, and psychosocial factors among university students. The precise cause of LBP is often difficult to find, with activity imbalance and postural changes being common contributors. Students in healthcare-related fields are particularly susceptible to LBP. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between LBP and disability among physical therapy students at Horus University, Egypt. A total of 200 physical therapy students (59% females and 41% males), aged 20 to 25 years enrolled in the current study, at Horus University, Egypt.. To measure pain and functional level, both Acute LBP Screening Questionnaire (ALBPSQ) and Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire (ODI) were used. The current study revealed that there was a moderate correlation between ALBPSQ score and ODI score (p<0.05). Also, there was a moderate correlation between pain intensity in terms of VAS (Visual Analog Scale) score and dysfunction level in terms of ODI (p<0.05). The findings highlight the relationship between pain intensity and functional impairment in physical therapy students with LBP. Universities and healthcare institutions might consider implementing policies that promote better posture, regular physical activity, and ergonomic practices to reduce the incidence of LBP among students.
Open Access
Principios Didácticos desde los deportes alternativos: la voz de educadores que trabajan en espacios no formales
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad dde Murcia, 2026) Almonacid-Fierro, Alejandro; Becerra-Silva, Gabriela; Medina-Rojas, Gabriel; Pezoa-Fuentes, Paz; Merellano-Navarro, Eugenio; Oviedo-Silva, Francisco; Sin departamento asociado
Las manifestaciones deportivas alternativas nacen de adaptaciones de las disciplinas tradicionales o como ejercicio natural de creación e innovación, y se practican generalmente en lugares y espacios poco convencionales, tanto al aire libre como en recintos cerrados. A pesar de su crecimiento, aún son escasas las investigaciones desarrolladas que analicen al educador que orienta y facilita estas disciplinas. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer los principios didácticos de las manifestaciones deportivas alternativas en espacios no formales desde la percepción de sus educadores. Se realizó un estudio con enfoque cualitativo, de carácter fenomenológico-hermenéutico, en el que la muestra estuvo compuesta por 9 educadores de 9 deportes alternativos. Para la recolección de datos se implementó un guion adaptado de preguntas, previamente validado para este propósito, y el análisis de la información se llevó a cabo en las etapas de transcripción, codificación y categorización. Los resultados destacan las condiciones y particularidades del despliegue didáctico, así como sugerencias metodológicas para su integración en espacios formales y su aporte a la formación integral, principalmente en lo valórico. En conclusión, las condiciones en las que se desarrollan los deportes alternativos son distintas a las de los deportes tradicionales y su incorporación en el ámbito educativo puede constituir un complemento al currículum nacional, mientras que el despliegue didáctico de los educadores emerge desde un escenario integral con un fuerte enfoque en la transmisión de valores.
Open Access
Exploring differences in body composition and physical fitness between U11 and U12 soccer players: Implications for health promotion and athletic performance
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad dde Murcia, 2026) Castillo-Rodriguez, Alfonso; Sánchez-Abselam, Omar; González-Fernández, Francisco Tomás; Callejas Rosales, Rafael; Sin departamento asociado
Soccer is a highly demanding sport requiring the integration of physical, technical, and tactical skills. This study aimed to compare anthropometric characteristics and physical performance between Spanish male soccer players aged 11 (U11) and 12 (U12), and to examine the relationships between body composition and fitness variables. Forty-two participants (21 U11 and 21 U12) underwent assessments of height, weight, body fat percentage, BMI, countermovement jump (CMJ), 10-meter sprint, 505 change-of-direction test (505 COD), and estimated VO₂max. Results showed that U12 players were significantly taller, heavier, and had lower body fat percentages than U11 players (p< 0.05). Physically, U12 players outperformed U11 in CMJ height (+27.7%), sprint speed (+3.4%), change-of-direction ability (+3.9%), and aerobic capacity (+9.5%). Correlation analysis revealed that better body composition profiles, specifically lower fat percentage and BMI, were associated with superior physical performance metrics (p<0.05). These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring growth and body composition in youth soccer for optimizing training and talent identification. Early physical development appears critical for enhancing athletic performance, supporting individualized training programs that integrate physical and technical preparation.
Open Access
Influence of blood groups on maximum oxygen consumption and explosive power among high-level basketball players in Palestine
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad dde Murcia, 2026) Yousef, Iyad; Qadoume, Ali; Qadumi, Abdelnaser; Sin departamento asociado
The study aimed to identify the influence of blood groups on maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and explosive power in high-level basketball players in Palestine. The researchers used a descriptive-analytical approach. The study was conducted on a healthy random sample of 44 players, whose age, height, and body mass were 25.81 ± 5.79 years, 187.79 ± 9.52 cm, and 89.97 ± 15.61 kg, respectively. The players were tested using the vertical jump test and the Cooper 12-minute run test. The results of the study revealed that the mean explosive power was 47.27 cm, and the mean maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) was 42.04 mL/kg/min. In addition, blood group had a statistically significant effect on both maximum oxygen consumption and explosive power, with blood type B showing higher explosive power and blood type O showing higher VO2max (p < 0.05). Blood group appears to influence physiological performance in high-level basketball players, with blood type O associated with higher aerobic capacity (VO2max) and blood type B associated with greater explosive power. These findings suggest that blood type may be a factor to consider in athlete assessment and training.
Open Access
Scientific mapping of somatotype research publications: A bibliometric analysis (1944–2023)
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad de Murcia, 2026) Budiono, Enrico Ananda; Ilyas, Muhana Fawwazy; Hidayat, Saiful; Bakti, Ananda Perwira; Ghozali, Dhoni Akbar; Sin departamento asociado
The aim of this study was to map the global somatotype research trends using a bibliometric analysis. The method employed a bibliometric analysis of data sourced from the Scopus database, yielding 2,438 relevant studies authored by 7,609 individuals. To analyze these data, VOSviewer and Biblioshiny were employed to visualize publication trends, key authors, institutions, journals, and keywords. Key findings include a significant research focus in "Medicine" (39.6%) and "Health Professions" (13.1%), with emerging interdisciplinary opportunities in "Psychology" and "Engineering." Notable research themes include "somatotype components", "BMI", and "body image", with emerging studies focusing on 3D human models and artificial neural networks. Despite these advancements, international collaboration remains limited, mainly among industrialized nations. Additionally, the analysis highlights the critical role of somatotype in sports science for optimizing athlete performance and talent identification. Furthermore, new technologies, such as 3D scanning and machine learning, promise advancements in somatotype assessment. Future research should focus on enhancing validity and reliability by integrating advanced technologies and fostering international collaboration to overcome scientific isolation. In conclusion, somatotype research has significantly evolved, with concentrated efforts in medicine and health professions and expanding interdisciplinary collaborations. This study provides valuable insights, emphasizing the need for technological advancements and greater global collaboration.
Open Access
Enhancing educational support through sports-inspired engagement: exploring factors impacting teacher commitment in special needs schools
(Universidad de Murcia: Servicio de Publicaciones, 2026) Strigas, Athanasios; Dashi, Marinela; Sin departamento asociado
Teacher engagement in special needs schools is pivotal to the delivery of inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education. This study investigated the multidimensional factors influencing teacher engagement by examining the roles of experience, training, collaboration, Sports involvement, and school resources in special education settings. Utilizing a sample of 850 teachers involved in educational support during the Athens Marathon from 2018 to 2022, the study employed the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test five hypotheses. Results indicated that teacher experience (β = 0.27, p < 0.001), training (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), and collaboration (β = 0.25, p < 0.001) significantly influence student outcomes and teacher satisfaction, while sports involvement and resource availability emerge as critical factors in enhancing emotional development and job contentment. Despite initial model limitations, a refined SEM model offers improved explanatory power, reinforcing the need for adaptive frameworks in assessing teacher motivation and satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of systemic support, professional development, and stakeholder collaboration in sustaining effective educational practices in special needs environments.
Open Access
The role of motivational support in shaping the training activity of young athletes
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad de Murcia, 2026) Skrypka, Iryna; Chyzh. Viktor; Leshchenko, Hennadii; Kuryliuk, Serhii; Buhrii, Stanislav; Sin departamento asociado
This study analyzed modern approaches to motivating young athletes based on Deci and Ryan’s self determination theory, Dweck’s growth mindset theory, and Wallerand’s concepts of motivational profiling. Particular attention was paid to a critical analysis of traditional training methods that focus mainly on physical fitness and technical skills, often ignoring the specific psychological needs of young athletes. It is shown that effective motivation of athletes goes beyond a simple desire to win and includes intrinsic motivation, social and emotional competencies, psychological stability and creative thinking. A comparative analysis of international practices of working with talented young athletes, in particular the successful experience of the Scandinavian countries, was carried out. The influence of socio-economic factors on the development of sports talents and the problem of inequality of opportunities for children from low-income families was investigated. The modern possibilities of using digital technologies, adaptive learning and artificial intelligence to personalize the training process are considered. The importance of professional development of coaches and the need for their training to work with talented young athletes are emphasized. The study indicated the need to develop comprehensive motivational support programs that would take into account the individual needs of each athlete and contribute to the formation of a competitive generation of national sport.
Open Access
The mobile learning technique for measuring internal intensity in recreational basketball
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad dde Murcia, 2026) Pérez-Toledano, Miguel Ángel; Villafaina, Santos; García-Ceberino, Juan Manuel; Sánchez-Lima, Alejandro; Sin departamento asociado
Coaches seek to identify the task constraints that compel players to exert greater effort to enhance performance. This empirical, cross-sectional study, conducted using a single-case manipulative strategy, compared the internal intensities elicited by different tasks (i.e., 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2, 3 vs. 3, 4 vs. 4, and 5 vs. 5) in recreational basketball using a mobile learning technique during a session of increasing complexity. In addition, perceived effort was analysed. It involved 59 players (34 boys and 25 girls; mean age = 14.61±1.78 years) from a public institution in the southwest of Spain. Intensities measured included heart rate, monitored via smartphones, and perceived effort, assessed using a pictorial-curvilinear scale. The correlation between both measures of intensities was calculated using Pearson's correlation, revealing positive correlations in the training tasks (p<0.05). Tukey's post hoc test revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in heart rate between the 3vs.3 in ½ court and 4vs.4 with space repetition compared to the 5vs.5 game. Both tasks should be incorporated in training as they elicited physiological demands similar to those in a competition situation.
Open Access
Teachers' perspectives toward bullying on physical education in elementary schools
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad de Murcia, 2026) Ragil, Kurniawan Wahyu; Fatkhur, Rozi; Mugiyo, Hartono; Ipang, Setiawan; Sin departamento asociado
Bullying in physical education (PE) classes remains a significant issue, impacting student well-being and participation in physical activities. This study explored the perspectives of PE teachers regarding bullying in elementary school settings. Through qualitative analysis, four key themes emerged: teacher awareness of bullying, PE as a trigger for bullying, the role of learning approach models, and the impact of bullying on students. The findings indicate that while many PE teachers recognize bullying as a problem, their responses vary from proactive interventions to perceptions of bullying as normal peer interactions. Additionally, the study highlights how the competitive nature of PE can exacerbate bullying behaviors, particularly among students with lower skill levels. The selection of appropriate learning approaches, such as cooperative and inclusive teaching methods, is suggested to mitigate bullying incidents. The study further emphasizes the need for professional development programs to equip teachers with effective bullying prevention strategies. Future research should explore intervention models tailored to PE settings and conduct longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effectiveness of different teaching methodologies in reducing bullying.
Open Access
Attitude scale toward traditional children’s motor games: a validity and reliability study
(Universidad de Murcia: Servicio de Publicaciones, 2026) Akbulut, Mehmet Kadir; Eşkil, Kezban Gülşen; Varol, Yaprak Kalemoğlu; Topateş, Tuba Kizilet; Eşkil, Remzi; Sin departamento asociado
The aim of this study was to develop a scale that can validly and reliably measure students' attitudes towards traditional children's motor games. While developing the scale, an item pool was created, expert opinion was taken, a preliminary application was made and then validity and reliability studies were conducted. At first, an item pool was created with 31 students. Afterwards, a preliminary application was made on a group of 15 or 20 people. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted with 795 participants, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted with 392 participants. A valid and reliable measurement tool was developed based on the responses of a total of 1,187 participants. As a result of EFA, it was determined that the final scale consisted of 20 items and 2 sub-dimensions named as Positive Attitudes and Negative Attitudes, and this structure was confirmed by CFA. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients were calculated as .95 for the Positive Attitudes sub-dimension, .91 for the Negative Attitudes sub-dimension and .95 for the whole scale. As a result, the findings show that the developed scale can measure students' attitudes towards traditional children's motor games in a valid and reliable way.
Open Access
Percepción y conocimiento mediático de los corredores de maratón sobre el rendimiento deportivo y la calidad del aire
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad dde Murcia, 2026) Parejo-Cuéllar, Macarena; De-Casas-Moreno, Patricia; Pinilla-Gonzalez, José M.; Sin departamento asociado
Actividades deportivas como los maratones se convierten en inmensos laboratorios atmosféricos. Por eso, resulta necesario que los atletas sean conocedores del aire que respiran para preservar su salud y asegurar su rendimiento. Que los deportistas, sepan manejar la información puede ayudarles a escoger las mejores condiciones para organizar una carrera, competir o simplemente entrenar. Precisamente, en este estudio enmarcado en un proyecto de investigación sobre comunicación y calidad del aire (COMUNICAIRE) se ha analizado y cuantificado la percepción y conocimiento sobre la relación del rendimiento deportivo y la calidad del aire de las personas deportistas. Los resultados obtenidos a través de metodología cuantitativa de corte exploratorio y descriptivo, a un total 148 corredores participantes de la 34 edición del Medio Maratón Elvas-Badajoz, ha permitido identificar la escasa alfabetización medioambiental. Este colectivo ha manifestado que, en líneas generales, desconocen los canales de acceso al monitoreo y predicción de estos datos y que se informan de aspectos sobre deporte y salud, fundamentalmente a través de las redes sociales. Además, se aprecia que los medios de comunicación tradicionales no están jugando para ellos el papel educomuncativo que le es imperativo. Con todo, se hace necesario diseñar para este colectivo estrategias de comunicación medioambiental.
Open Access
Relationship between hand dynamometer results and blood plasma lactic acid as indicators of muscle fatigue
(Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad de Murcia, 2026) Ramba, Yonathan; Kapoor, Gaurav; Hendrik, Hendrik; Arpandjam’an; Sin departamento asociado
Fatigue is a protective mechanism of the body that prevents continuous injury and allows recovery after rest. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the results of examining the level of muscle fatigue in the hands of computer operators between the measurement of the blood plasma lactic acid method and the hand dynamometer method. This study was conducted using an observational, cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of male computer operators aged 20–30 years. The sample was selected based on the following inclusion criteria: no history of specific medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, or kidney disorders, and at least one year of experience as a computer operator. Based on these criteria, the final sample included 127 subjects. The results of the paired t-test showed a significant decrease in handgrip strength measured with a dynamometer, with values of 43.25±3.32 before work and 41.45±3.62 after work (p<0.05). Similarly, blood plasma lactic acid levels showed a significant increase, from 2.93±0.29 before work to 3.67±0.57 after 4 hours of typing (p<0.05). These results indicate a relationship between handgrip strength and lactic acid levels, supporting their use as indicators of arm muscle fatigue in computer operators.
Open Access
The impact of sport-based extracurricular activities on student engagement and academic achievement among Vietnamese students
(Universidad de Murcia: Servicio de Publicaciones, 2026) Tuyet Mai, Le; Thi Thoan, Duong; Thi Cuc, Cao; Thi Thu Hoa, Pham; Thi Thanh, Nguyen; Thi Ha Lan, Nguyen; Sin departamento asociado
This study investigated the impact of sport-based extracurricular activities on student engagement and academic achievement among Vietnamese university students, addressing a gap in localized research. Employing a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 300 students and 60 faculty members across four universities. Quantitative data, derived from a student engagement questionnaire, grade point average (GPA) records, and participation surveys, were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analyses. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 20 students and 10 faculty members were analyzed thematically. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between sports participation and engagement (r = 0.62, p < 0.01) and a moderate correlation with academic achievement (r = 0.35, p < 0.05), with engagement and sports participation explaining 32% of the variance in GPA (R² = 0.32). Qualitative findings highlighted enhanced motivation, social connectedness, and institutional barriers, such as limited facilities, as key factors. These results align with motivation theories, emphasizing the role of sports in fulfilling students’ needs for competence and relatedness. The study underscores the potential of sport-based extracurricular activities to enhance student outcomes in Vietnamese higher education, while highlighting the need for improved institutional support to overcome barriers.
Open Access
Investigation of e-sports attitudes among prospective physical education and sports teachers
(Universidad de Murcia: Servicio de Publicaciones, 2026) Toçoğlu, Sinem; Kiratli, Tuncay; Yildirim, Yavuz; Saritemur, Büşra; Vural, Engin; Sin departamento asociado
This study aimed to examine the e-sports attitudes of prospective physical education and sports teachers. A total of 304 participants, including 154 (50.7%) females and 150 (49.3%) males, with a mean age of X̄ = 21.17±2.10, studying in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Teaching at three different state universities, were included in the study. A Personal Information Form developed by the researchers and the “E-Sports Attitude Scale” were used to assess e-sports attitudes. According to the study results, a statistically significant difference was found in mean e-sports attitude scores according to the gender variable (p<0.05). It was determined that there were no statistically significant differences in mean e-sports attitude scores according to class level (p>0.05). However, statistically significant differences were observed in mean e-sports attitude scores based on the duration of gameplay (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was found that males exhibited more positive attitudes toward e-sports, grade level did not significantly affect e-sports attitudes, and participants' attitudes toward e-sports became more positive as gameplay duration increased. Future studies may consider exploring other demographic factors influencing e-sports attitudes, which are expected to contribute further to the literature.