| Project Name | Project Description |
|---|---|
| Plyometric exercises training improve psychological and physical performance among rugby and soccer players: a comparative study | The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of plyometric training on psychological and physical performance parameters among rugby and soccer players A total of sixty players were recruited from rugby and soccer university teams All the players participated in six-weeks of plyometric exercise training three times a week Psychological parameters were measured by Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Trait Sport-Confidence Inventory, short-form Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and Competitive Sport Anxiety Inventory-2 The physical performance parameters were measured by 20-m sprint test, Illinois agility run test, Sargent jump test, and sit-up test Pre-and post-test measurements were taken A paired t-test (two-tailed) was employed to assess the significant differences between pre and post-test for psychological and physical performance parameters Result showed improvements in psychological and physical fitness performance variables after the intervention However, aggression has significant difference (t = 287, p = 012) between pre-and post-test in rugby players Soccer players demonstrated significant differences between pre-and post-tests in confidence (t = −299, p = 010) and endurance (t = −437, p = 001) Plyometric training has significant potential to enhance the psychological and physical performance parameters in rugby and soccer players To explore the long-term psychological and physical benefits of plyometric training and identify individual factors that influence these outcomes, further research is demanded |
| Effect of physical activity on mental toughness and quality of life in gender-specific participants: a cross-sectional examination | Background and aims: Mental toughness is a psychological construct related to resilience and perseverance, and quality of life encompasses physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, which are critical indicators of overall health and wellbeing This study aims to investigate the effects of different levels of physical activity on mental toughness and quality of life in both male and female participants Methods: This cross-sectional study consists of 220 participants with the age range of 18–31 years The data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Gender specific differences were determined using an independent t-test (two-tailed) The effect of varying levels of physical activity in male and female participants was determined by analysis of variance Results: Significant differences were found between male and female participants for physical activity levels as high (t = 421, p ≤ 0001, d = 87180), moderate (t = 372, p ≤ 0001, d = 130959), and low (t = 321, p = 0002, d = 52091) physical activity participants Statistically significant differences were also found between gender for mental toughness parameters [handling pressure (t = 1796, p ≤ 0001, d = 125), concentration (t = 1607, p ≤ 0001, d = 122), mental rebounding (t = 1334, p ≤ 0001, d = 145), winning attitude (t = 1201, p ≤ 0001, d = 117)] and quality of life parameters [physical (t = 1316, p ≤ 0001, d = 158), mental (t = 617, p ≤ 0001, d = 169), social (t = 458, p ≤ 0001, d = 205), environmental (t = 835, p ≤ 0001, d = 495)] Conclusion: Statistically significant differences were found between genders in levels of physical activity, mental toughness, and quality of life Future research should aim to unravel the complex interlink between physical activity, mental toughness, and quality of life, using longitudinal designs and diverse populations to validate the findings and explore the underlying mechanisms further |
| The Star Excursion Balance Test: A predictor of lower-extremity injury risk and a measure of an athletes readiness to return to play | Lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries are commonly predicted, prevented, and rehabilitated using dynamic balance as a criterion Dynamic balance is used as a functional performance assessment to determine injury risk An increased risk of injury has been associated to a lack of dynamic stability and a balance deficit The star excursion balance test is a functional test utilized by sports scientists and physical therapists to assess the neuromuscular control that determines the athletes dynamic balance The star excursion balance test is a valid and reliable tool for assessing or predicting the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, lower leg muscle strength, coordination, balance, flexibility, co-contraction, passive stiffness of the lower limbs, and lumbopelvic stability This review aimed to enlighten the need for and importance of the star excursion balance test in predicting the risk of injuries in the lower leg and assess improvements in dynamic balance following training for rehabilitation purposes and return to play after injury A comprehensive search has been made to complete this review Several factors have been identified as having an impact on the performance of the star excursion balance test The present review provides an insight into sportspersons, coaches, fitness trainers, sports scientists, and physical therapists with useful information regarding the importance of functional testing (star excursion balance test) as a screening tool prior to participating in any sporting activities at any level to avoid the risks of lower leg injuries and can assist in the return-to-play decision-making process |