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Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of sport-related concussions (SRCs) in Japanese university sports and to identify factors associated with experiencing multiple SRCs within a single season. Methods: Data were collected through a web-based survey conducted from June to October 2022, focusing on injuries sustained between April 2021 and March 2022. Participants were recruited from universities affiliated with the Japan Association for University Athletics and Sport and were required to be actively participating in sports. Results: Overall, 10,978 participants were analyzed; 195 reported SRCs, whereas 10,783 did not. Athletes who reported SRCs were significantly taller and heavier, had a higher body mass index, and included a higher proportion of male athletes than those who did not report SRCs. SRCs were most frequently reported in rugby football, American football, soccer, and lacrosse. Among athletes with SRCs, those with multiple SRCs tended to be taller and were significantly heavier. They also had a significantly higher proportion of severe first SRCs during the season. Conclusions: SRCs were most frequently reported in rugby football, American football, soccer, and lacrosse, and greater severity of the initial SRC in a season was associated with multiple SRC occurrence. These findings should be interpreted with caution because SRCs were self-reported and not clinically verified, mild cases may have been underreported, and time-loss-based severity may not reflect clinical severity.

In the published paper [...].

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently present impairments in executive functions and motor skills, which can negatively affect academic performance, adaptive behavior, and daily functioning. Exergames have emerged as a potentially engaging cognitive-motor intervention. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the effects of exergame-based interventions on executive function components (particularly inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility) and motor skills in children with ASD. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, with the protocol registered in PROSPERO. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC. Intervention studies published within the last five years and assessing exergame-based interventions in children with ASD were included. Methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Exergame-based interventions were associated with improvements in executive functions, particularly inhibitory control (reported in two studies using Stroop- and Flanker-type tasks) and cognitive flexibility (assessed in two studies using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), although results varied depending on intervention duration and design. Acute interventions (single-session) primarily influenced inhibitory control, whereas longer-term programs showed broader cognitive and motor adaptations. Improvements in motor outcomes, including gross motor development, coordination, and fundamental motor skills, were reported in four studies. Methodological quality ranged from 4 to 6 points on the PEDro scale, indicating fair to good quality. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in intervention protocols, duration, and outcome measures. Exergame-based interventions may represent a potentially promising approach for targeting executive functions and motor skills in children with ASD; however, the current evidence is limited and heterogeneous. Not all included studies assessed both cognitive and motor outcomes, and findings should therefore be interpreted with caution. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these effects and establish optimal intervention parameters.

Background: Although menstrual cycle-based training has attracted increasing attention in endurance sports, research has predominantly focused on ergometric parameters. However, the subjective perspectives and lived realities of athletes remain relatively underexamined. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore performance perceptions and self-regulatory experiences of female endurance athletes within real-life training and competitive contexts.

Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve female endurance athletes (ages 18-42) across triathlon, running, swimming, cycling, and skiing. Data were analysed inductively using descriptive thematic analysis in MaxQDA.

Results: Six themes emerged related to menstrual cycle experiences: body awareness and cycle-related perceptions; the influence of expectations and self-efficacy on perceived performance; heterogeneous approaches to cycle-based training; training and recovery adjustments; the ambivalent role of digital tracking tools; and communication openness and barriers. Overall, cycle-based training was applied inconsistently and served more as a framework for interpreting physical symptoms than as a means of optimising performance.

Conclusions: In this sample of endurance athletes, cycle-related effects on performance and symptom perceptions were primarily shaped by biopsychosocial factors rather than physiological considerations alone. The menstrual cycle supported self-regulation, but rigid interpretations may risk reinforcing negative expectancies. These insights extend existing work by foregrounding athlete-centred, flexible approaches over deterministic training models.

Regular physical activity is essential for health promotion, yet participation patterns and the motivational determinants of exercise vary widely among recreational exercisers. This study examined exercise behavior and motivational profiles among members of two Hungarian fitness centers using the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS). A cross-sectional survey was completed by 1087 adults, assessing demographics, BMI, exercise frequency, service use, and eight motivational dimensions. Health- and body-related motives were most strongly endorsed, while intrinsic motives (Mastery, Enjoyment) and social or external motives showed greater variability. Exercise frequency was positively associated with Mastery and Competition/Ego motivation, and regression analysis identified Mastery as a significant predictor of attendance, whereas age and female gender were negative predictors. Appearance motivation was positively related to BMI, Affiliation predicted participation in group fitness classes, and Others' Expectations predicted the use of personal training services. Significant gender- and age-specific motivational differences were also observed. The findings demonstrate that although health and appearance motives dominate, intrinsic and social motives are more strongly linked to sustained engagement. These results highlight the need for motivation-sensitive approaches in fitness programming and public health strategies aimed at promoting long-term exercise adherence and disease prevention.

Throwing velocity is a key performance factor in handball and may be enhanced through strength training. The aim of the present study was to quantify improvements in throwing velocity in handball players and to compare the effects of a free-weight strength training programme (FW; n = 14; 18.07 ± 1.27 years; 86.19 ± 9.67 kg; 1.85 ± 0.08 m) and a flywheel-based eccentric overload training programme (FLYW; n = 13; 17.77 ± 1.17 years; 85.5 ± 8.38 kg; 1.85 ± 0.06 m). A total of 27 elite male youth handball players (n = 27; 17.93 ± 1.21 years; 85.86 ± 8.90 kg; 1.85 ± 0.07 m) participated in the study. Participants were allocated to groups using a stratified randomisation approach based on team and playing position. Of these, 14 performed the FW training program and 13 completed the FLYW training protocol. The FW group performed 3 sets of 6 repetitions at 80% of 1RM, with 3 min of rest between sets, using the exercises half squats, bench presses and pullovers. The FLYW training group trained with flywheel devices, executing 3 sets of 6 repetitions using four inertial loads, performing each repetition at maximal intended velocity, with 3 min of rest between sets, using the exercises unilateral press, overhead elbow extension, and trunk rotation. Both groups trained twice per week for 8 weeks, in combination with regular handball-specific training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the indirect estimation of one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the half squats, bench presses, and pullovers, as well as throwing velocity. The FW group showed significant improvements in all variables (bench press, half squat, pullover, and throwing velocity; all p < 0.05). In contrast, the FLYW group showed significant improvements only in half squats (p = 0.034) and throwing velocity (p = 0.008). An 8-week strength training program using free weights and flywheel methods improved throwing velocity in elite youth handball players; however, neither method demonstrates clear superiority when throwing velocity is the primary outcome.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of Pilates-based exercise on mental health, psychological well-being, and quality of life (QoL) across clinical and healthy populations. Thirty-two randomized and quasi-experimental trials (total N = 1264) were included, representing adolescents, adults, and older adults across diverse clinical and non-clinical groups. Outcomes encompassed depressive symptoms, anxiety, QoL, self-esteem, and well-being. The unadjusted random-effects model indicated a suggestive but statistically inconclusive overall effect (p = 0.061). However, adjusting for outcome type via meta-regression yielded a statistically significant pooled effect (g = 0.393, p = 0.023). Substantial heterogeneity remained across studies (I² = 91.7%). Meta-regression identified outcome type as the only significant moderator, whereas age group, delivery mode, and clinical status did not significantly influence the pooled effect. Subgroup analyses suggested comparable benefits between remote and in-person delivery formats in general adult samples. Evidence from individual studies indicated that supervised, face-to-face instruction may be advantageous for older adults. Low-frequency programs, including once-weekly sessions, were also associated with improvements, although variability in intervention duration and structure limits conclusions regarding optimal dosage. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of the pooled effect. Overall, the findings support Pilates as a feasible exercise modality with demonstrated benefits for positive psychosocial outcomes (QoL and self-esteem), while evidence for negative psychological indicators (e.g., depression, anxiety) remains limited or non-significant. Future research should standardize outcome measures, report training parameters consistently, and examine contextual factors contributing to heterogeneity in psychosocial responses.

Obesity represents a major public health crisis in Mexico, affecting over 70% of adults, and although strength training is effective for improving body composition, direct maximal strength testing (1RM) poses risks in this population. Mobile applications have emerged as popular tools for exercise prescription, yet their effectiveness compared to supervised, scientifically-based protocols remains unknown. To compare the effects of a supervised strength training program based on indirect 1RM estimation (S1RM group) versus a mobile application-generated program (App group) on body composition, anthropometric measures, and strength gains in male adults with obesity. Twenty male participants (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to either the S1RM group or the App group. Both groups trained three times per week for 12 weeks. Body composition (bioelectrical impedance), anthropometric measures (waist and hip circumference), and estimated 1RM were assessed pre- and post-intervention. A mixed repeated-measures ANOVA (Group × Time) was conducted, with effect sizes (η2p) and 95% confidence intervals calculated. Both groups showed significant improvements in most outcomes (p < 0.05). However, significant group × time interactions favored the S1RM group for waist circumference (F(1,18) = 14.50, p = 0.001, η2p = 0.45) and hip circumference (F(1,18) = 217.90, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.92). A significant between-group difference was also observed for visceral fat (F(1,18) = 4.91, p = 0.040, η2p = 0.21). For muscle and fat mass, interactions showed large effect sizes (η2p = 0.18-0.19) with trends toward significance (p = 0.057-0.096). Strength increased significantly in all exercises for the S1RM group (14.9-22.0%, p < 0.01). These findings support the implementation of indirect 1RM estimation methods in obesity populations and highlight the added value of professional supervision in strength training programs.

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is widely used as a simple anthropometric indicator, but its functional relevance to physical fitness in physically active populations, such as Physical Education students, remains debated.

Aim: This study examined the association between BMI and selected components of physical fitness in Physical Education students, considering sex and country differences.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate Physical Education students from Poland and Romania (n = 515; mean age: 21.64 ± 1.34 years). BMI was calculated from measured height and body mass and analyzed as both a continuous and categorical variable. Physical fitness was assessed using three Eurofit tests evaluating upper-limb movement speed, trunk muscular endurance, and lower-limb explosive power. Analyses included correlation methods and multiple linear regression models with subgroup analyses, interaction terms, and quadratic BMI terms to assess nonlinearity.

Results: Associations between BMI and fitness components were small in magnitude and inconsistent (r = -0.28 to 0.143; β = -1.614 to 0.005) and varied across tests and subgroups. No significant interaction effects by sex or country were observed, as interaction terms were not statistically significant, and no clear nonlinear relationships were identified. Sex and country were significantly associated with performance levels, whereas BMI contributed only marginally to explaining variability (ΔR² = 0.005-0.011).

Conclusions: BMI showed limited and inconsistent associations with the assessed fitness components in this relatively homogeneous group of Physical Education students. It should be interpreted cautiously as a functional indicator and complemented with more precise measures of body composition and physical fitness.

This narrative review synthesizes existing literature on outdoor physical activity and youth well-being, with mountain biking considered as an illustrative example of a high-engagement, nature-based activity. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple academic databases, including Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, SocINDEX, ERIC, and additional hand searches in Google Scholar and Web of Science. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using an iterative thematic approach. Three primary themes emerged: resilience, mood and emotional well-being, and social connectedness. Across studies, outdoor physical activity was associated with improvements in self-efficacy, stress reduction, and peer relationships. However, most studies examined outdoor activity broadly, with limited evidence specific to mountain biking. While prior literature suggests that biological and psychosocial processes (e.g., engagement with nature, social interaction, and perceived competence) may underlie these associations, these mechanisms were not directly tested in most included studies. Findings should therefore be interpreted as indicative of associations rather than causal effects. Overall, outdoor physical activity represents a promising, accessible approach for supporting youth well-being. Future research should further examine activity-specific impacts, including mountain biking, and prioritize longitudinal and experimental designs to better understand mechanisms and long-term outcomes.