Scientific Journal of Sport and Performance

Analysing the lack of humanistic care in sports news reporting current situation and strategic insights

Abdul Qadir Jalali — 2025-05-27

This paper analyzes the current state and challenges of sports news reporting in Afghanistan, particularly focusing on the lack of humanistic consideration and the neglect of less popular athletes and teams. Case Studies: Various instances of sports news reporting in Afghanistan and regional countries were examined to identify the underlying issues. Analytical Framework: Based on the perspective on news, the analysis emphasizes the importance of human emotions and the representation of "vulnerable groups" in media content. To identify the root causes of the lack of humanistic values in Afghan sports news reporting. To reveal the essence of sports spirit and the realities of less celebrated athletes. To enhance the standards of sports journalism in Afghanistan and promote the country's "soft power." Lack of Humanistic Consideration: There is minimal attention given to less popular athletes and teams, with a disregard for their feelings and experiences. Inappropriate Content Selection: Sports news reports often prioritize traffic over fairness, failing to uphold the true spirit of sports. Unprofessional Reporting Styles: The language and content often lack depth, reducing the portrayal of sports spirit to superficial narratives. This study aims to promote humanistic values in sports news reporting and strengthen Afghanistan's international standing.

Using COVID-19 response policy to estimate open water and swim drafting effects in triathlon

Felix Reichel — 2025-05-27

This study investigates the causal effects of open-water swim drafting by leveraging a natural experiment induced by staggered race starts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before 2020, athletes started in groups, enabling drafting benefits, while pandemic-related restrictions significantly reduced these opportunities. Using agglomerative hierarchical clustering of swim-out times, I analyze optimal drafting positions and estimate their impact on Swim-Out performance. Our empirical findings reveal that swim drafting benefits were statistically insignificant in 2020 but persisted post-pandemic at slightly reduced levels. I find that drafting becomes advantageous only from the third trailing position onward, with earlier positions primarily serving to minimize fatigue. To mitigate endogeneity, I employ athlete and event fixed effects. The seemingly inverse decaying nature of drafting benefits partially addresses some concerns of simultaneous reverse causality and omitted variable bias. This study provides the first largescale causal estimate of drafting effects in real-world triathlon race settings.

Optimizing basketball-specific physical performance through core strength training

Yangyang Tang — 2025-04-10

Basketball is a highly competitive sport that demands superior physical coordination and stability of the upper and lower body. Core strength training, a multifaceted approach targeting the core region, has been increasingly recognized as an effective method for enhancing basketball-specific physical fitness. This study investigates the impact of core strength training on basketball players’ physical performance, particularly focusing on trunk stability, movement coordination, and skill execution. By employing methods such as literature review, experimental comparison, and statistical analysis, the study evaluates key performance metrics, including layups, dribbling, shuttle runs, and shooting accuracy. The results reveal that core strength training significantly improves players' physical attributes, with marked advancements in movement efficiency, stability during dynamic motions, and overall skill performance. These findings aim to provide practical insights for optimizing basketball training methods and advancing the development of school-level basketball programs.

Developing an artificial intelligence system to analyse and evaluate performance technical kata movements in karate

Ethar Jawad Kadhim — 2025-05-27

Kata, a fundamental component of karate, embodies a series of offensive and defensive movements performed in a structured pattern, showcasing artistic and technical prowess. Evaluating kata performance traditionally faces challenges like human bias and inaccuracies, which emphasize the need for objective evaluation methods. This study aims to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) system to analyze and assess the technical execution of kata movements in karate using image processing and machine learning techniques. The proposed AI system captures high-quality video recordings of athletes performing specific kata, such as Heian Jodan, and employs convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to extract critical motor parameters, including timing, balance, accuracy, and joint angles. It then evaluates performance against predefined technical standards. The system also provides immediate, detailed feedback to players and coaches, highlighting areas of strength and areas requiring improvement. The study was conducted on a sample of 50 brown-belt karate athletes, divided equally into experimental and control groups. The experimental group utilized the AI system for performance evaluation, while traditional coach evaluations assessed the control group. Statistical analyses, including T-tests, revealed that the AI system delivered accurate feedback, closely aligning with the traditional coach assessments, with a minimal difference of 1.11% to 1.19%. Key findings highlighted high accuracy levels (89%-95%) in simpler movements like "Yui (Preparation)" but challenges in maintaining balance during backward movements and slower reaction times in defensive moves. Recommendations include specialized exercises to improve balance, reaction speed, and energy management, alongside integrating the AI system into training programs for consistent and objective performance analysis. This research signifies a technological shift in sports training, offering a reliable, advanced tool to enhance performance evaluation and skill development in karate, bridging gaps in traditional assessment methods while promoting, professional growth in martial arts.

The impact of mental games on improving shooting accuracy among young basketball players in Iraqi clubs

Omar Waleed Abdulkareem — 2025-05-27

This study investigates the effectiveness of mental games in enhancing shooting accuracy among young basketball players. Initially, baseline shooting accuracy was assessed through tests conducted prior to a three-week intervention involving mental games. A follow-up test revealed a significant improvement in participants' shooting accuracy following the intervention. Given the noticeable differences in the new shooting scores compared to the initial assessments, a second set of pre-intervention tests was conducted. These tests reaffirmed the significant enhancement in shooting accuracy, substantiating the hypothesis that mental games positively affect performance. The findings highlight the importance of these intervention programs for young athletes aiming to improve their shooting abilities. Supporting literature reinforces the study's conclusions, demonstrating that mental exercises, particularly techniques focused on thought control, can effectively amplify basketball performance. Specifically, guard makeover games implemented during the intervention sessions emerged as a particularly effective strategy for boosting shooting accuracy. Ultimately, this research underscores the value of mental training interventions in enhancing the performance levels of young basketball players, equipping them with the tools necessary to manage distractions and elevate their gameplay.

Evaluation of the flexibility parameter in gymnastic girl`s 6-8 years old

Ferdinand Mara — 2025-05-27

Flexibility in the sport of gymnastics is a key component which affects the sports performance of this sport. Gymnastics is a sport that is not often practiced in Albania. The purpose of this study was to identify the level of the flexibility parameter among children in gymnastics in Tirana of Albania. Method; Subjects are girls (No.11) and boys (No.7) aged 6-8 years old (7.19 ± 1.6). Subjects training 3~4 times a week for 90 minutes. Anthropometric parameters; Girls- Body Height (BH) 116.13 ± 17.91 cm, Body Weight (BW) 24.34 ± 4.02 kg and BMI 14.65 ±1.48 kg/m² and Boys - Body Height (BH) 118.1 ± 14.9 cm, Body Weight (BW) 23.14 ± 2.02 kg and BMI 13.54 ± 1.28 kg/m². Sit and Reach Flexibility Test (SRF) and the Static Flexibility Test (SF) were applied to test interactions on the dependent variables of physical performance. Results; The results showed that there were significant differences between girls and boys in the values of the SRF and SF tests. But there were also differences between individual girls and boys in the test results. Conclusion; In conclusion, more training schedules and moderate training programs should be applied that significantly improve the flexibility of gymnasts aged 6-8 years.

Three-dimensional characteristics and sex-based differences in sprinting movements in adolescent athletes

Kosuke Hiruma — 2025-05-27

In this study, we aimed to use three-dimensional analysis to describe the characteristics and sex-based differences in sprinting movements during adolescence, with a specific focus on the upper limbs and trunk. A three-dimensional analysis of arm swing and trunk movement during sprinting was conducted in eight boys (aged 13–14 years) and eight girls (aged 13–14 years) belonging to a junior high school track and field club. The girls showed greater torsional movement of the trunk than the boys, and swung their arms laterally rather than longitudinally. These results indicate the existence of clear sex-based differences in adolescent sprinting movements. In addition, the large trunk rotation observed during sprinting in girls had a negative effect on pitch, suggesting that these movements are undesirable when attempting to improve sprinting performance

Training intensity, sleep, and athletes’ well-being during COVID-19 lockdowns

Guy Mor — 2025-05-27

This study investigates the impact of training intensity, contingent self-worth in sport, and sleep on athletes' well-being during COVID-19 lockdowns. The pandemic disrupted training routines, social interactions, and mental health. Using online surveys, data were collected from 161 athletes across three periods: pre-lockdown, during lockdown, and post-lockdown. The study employed the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale and the Contingent Self-worth in Sports (CSWS) questionnaire. A Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) identified two athlete profiles based on self-worth dependence on sports performance. Results showed reduced training frequency and increased sleep during lockdown. Athletes with moderate-to-high training intensity and lower self-worth dependence on performance demonstrated greater mental resilience and well-being. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining structured training and balanced self-worth to support athletes’ mental health during disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evaluation of explosive strength in U16 girls basketball players in Tirana of Albania

Migena Plasa — 2025-05-27

Basketball requires repeatedly different movements while taking brief breaks. Players must continuously improve the components of strength, speed, etc. Aim is to document the explosive strength through the test (CMJ) of U16 female basketball players under the impact of a recommended training of 11 weeks. Method: No. 60 young girls' basketball players will be randomly selected into experimental group (EX-No.31 aged 16.2 ± 0.4) and Control (CO-No.29 years 16.1 ± 0.3). Both groups were subjected to anthropometric measurements: Body Height (BH), Body Weight (BW) and Test countermovement jump (CMJ) before and after the implementation of the training program with the Experimental group for 11 weeks with three blocks of exercises; Instruments used to GRFP "Leonardo" offer objective diagnosis power, force, jump height and efficiency. Results: Descriptive statistics resulted in BH (EX -168.2 cm) and BH (CO- 169.2 cm), BW (EX 60.7 kg) and BW (CO 62.2 kg) and CMJ improvements were observed on EX-JH 0.03m after training while the control group had a decrease in JH of 0.01m. Conclusion: Coaches should standardize their work in terms of improving both explosive strength and monitoring short- and long-term training. These data are of great interest for the basketball training process.

Race development in men’s 400 m track and field events

Takaya Yoshimoto — 2025-05-27

This study aimed to clarify race development in men’s 400 m track and field events. We analyzed 457 races involving 155 male long sprinters, including 400 m race records and each 50 m split time. The races were categorized into seven groups based on 400 m race times: 43.0-second (n = 6), 44.0-second (n = 21), 44.5-second (n = 25), 45.0-second (n = 21), 45.5-second (n = 26), 46.0-second (n = 33), and 47.0-second (n = 23). The percentage of each 50 m split time relative to the 400 m race time (%ST) was calculated. Running speeds in all sections were higher in races with faster 400 m times. The %ST in the 0–50 m section was significantly greater in 43.0- and 44.5-second groups than in the 46- and 47-second groups. The %ST in the 0–50 m section showed a negative correlation with the 400 m race time, whereas %ST in the 100–150 m, 150–200 m, and 250–300 m sections exhibited positive correlations. These findings show that faster races were characterized by relatively lower running speeds in the first 50 m and higher speeds in the second 200 m, suggesting strategic race development in faster long sprinters.

Drop jump characteristics of basketball players based on the multi contact time jump test

Takuro Aoki — 2025-05-27

In this study, we examined the drop jump characteristics of 27 male college basketball players using the multi-contact time jump test. The participants jumped off a 30-cm platform, and the time until their landing on the floor randomly varied from approximately 0.1 to 1.0 s in 0.1-s increments. Their jumping time was measured, and the jumping height was calculated. In this study, the countermovement time during the trial in which the maximum jumping height was achieved was defined as the optimum value of the countermovement time for the individual. Therefore, the participants’ optimal countermovement time was distributed from 0.4 to 1.1 s, and the mode was 0.7–0.8 s. The rebound drop jump index increased with decreasing optimal countermovement times. Cluster analysis of the relationship between the optimal countermovement time and jumping height showed that the patterns were classified into three patterns (Patterns 1–3). There was a significant difference in the optimal countermovement time for each pattern (p < .01). However, there was no significant difference in the maximum jumping heights among the patterns.

Effects of blood flow restriction exercise on muscle adaptations

Hizbullah Bahir — 2025-05-27

Purpose: This article analyzes the effects of compression or blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with aerobic exercise and resistance exercise on human muscle strength and volume-related indicators through systematic literature search and screening. to evaluate its possible effects on muscles. Methods: Based on the pre-established literature retrieval, screening, entry, and evaluation methods, the relevant literature was retrieved, screened, and evaluated. Results: Compression/blood flow restriction combined with aerobic exercise was better than the control group in terms of quadriceps muscle volume, thigh muscle volume, knee extension strength, and torque (30°/180°) (p < .05); plus The combination of blood pressure or blood flow restriction and resistance exercise was also better than the control group in terms of mid-thigh muscle circumference, joint flexor muscle cross-sectional area, knee extension 1-repetition maximum strength, right knee flexion strength, and left knee extension strength. (p < .05). Conclusion: Systematic compression or blood flow restriction combined with aerobic exercise and resistance exercise can effectively increase muscle size and circumference and optimize muscle strength. Follow-up related research can conduct more detailed discussions in terms of pressurization pressure, method, load, cycle, indicators, time, and safety evaluation.

Rapid weight loss in combative sports

Karn Jariya M. Amado — 2025-05-27

Rapid Weight Loss (RWL) is a widely practiced strategy among combat sports athletes aiming to qualify weight classes within a short timeframe. While perceived as a competitive advantage, RWL poses significant risks to athletes’ physiological and psychological well-being. Severe weight-cutting methods can lead to dehydration, impaired cognitive function, decrease muscle strength, and long-term complications. This systematic review evaluates existing literature on RWL, focusing on its methods, physiological and psychological effects, and potential safer alternatives. The researches’ findings suggest that moderate RWL, defines as losing less than 5% of body mass, is unlikely to impair athlete’s short-term performance. However, excessive RWL significantly increase the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, renal dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances, all of which may compromise both health and athletic performance. Additionally, RWL can negatively impact mood, mental clarity, and decision-making abilities, further affecting competitive outcomes. To mitigate these risks, stricter regulation on weight management, enhanced education for athletes and coaches, and further research into safe and effective weight control strategies are recommended. By promoting evidence-based approaches to weight management, combat sports organizations can prioritize athlete well-being while maintaining fair competition. A more sustainable approach to weight regulation s crucial for both short-term performance and long-term health.

Comparative assessment of cardiorespiratory function and physical fitness in students with chronic respiratory diseases versus healthy students

Abderrahman Abdelouaheb — 2025-05-27

This study aimed to evaluate the functional performance of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as the physical fitness levels, of students aged 14–17 years with chronic respiratory diseases compared to their healthy peers. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, including analysis of scientific literature, pedagogical observation, and functional assessments. A pedagogical experiment was conducted at two secondary schools in Mostaganem, Algeria, involving 26 students with chronic respiratory conditions (17 boys, 9 girls) and 25 healthy peers (18 boys, 7 girls). Key indicators such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, vital lung capacity, and results from the Stange and Henchi tests were measured. Physical fitness was assessed through a 30-meter sprint, medicine ball throws, pull-ups, and flexibility tests. Results: Significant differences were observed between the two groups. Students with chronic respiratory diseases exhibited higher diastolic blood pressure (p < .05) and elevated heart rates at rest, post-exercise, and during recovery, indicating reduced cardiovascular adaptability. Respiratory function tests revealed substantial age lags (Stange: 21.7% in boys, 21.0% in girls; Henchi: 47.5% in boys, 39.7% in girls). Vital lung capacity was significantly lower (43.7% lag in boys, 51.8% in girls). Physical fitness tests demonstrated notable deficits in speed, strength, and flexibility, with significant differences (p < .05) across all metrics. Discussion: The findings highlight the profound impact of chronic respiratory diseases on cardiovascular and respiratory function, as well as physical fitness, in students. These results underscore the need for personalised physical education programs and healthcare interventions to address these differences. Implementing inclusive strategies and targeted support can enhance the quality of life and long-term health outcomes for students with chronic respiratory conditions.

Doping in athletics

Avelina Shao — 2025-05-27

Doping continues to be a significant issue in competitive sports, posing ethical, health, and legal challenges while undermining fair play and integrity. Attitude toward doping is an important predictor of doping behaviour. This study aimed to assess the attitudes toward doping among Tanzanian running athletes and to examine how demographic factors of age, gender, education level, and experience, influence these attitudes. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 117 athletes across 12 running camps in the Arusha and Dar es Salaam regions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Mann-Whitney test. The results indicated that Tanzanian competitive running athletes exhibited a less permissive attitude toward doping, with a PEAS score of 41.12 ± 11.09. Age significantly influenced attitude (p = .03), while gender, education level, and experience did not significantly impact attitude (p > .05). The study underscores the need to strengthen anti-doping education programs, raise awareness of the long-term health risks associated with performance-enhancing substances, and ensure that anti-doping policies are rigorously enforced. Future research should explore additional factors, such as peer influence and the specific competitive environments in which athletes train and compete, to better understand the complex factors that influence doping attitudes.