Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

Positional differences in peak- and accumulated-training load relative to match load in highly-trained female football players

2026-04-01

Ivan Baptista, Pedro Figueiredo, Dag Johansen, Svein Arne Pettersen

IntroductionThe evaluation of the physical load of the training process is paramount not only as an attempt to decrease injury rates or to verify the effectiveness of interventions but mostly to find the best way to stimulate the players and optimise their physical capacity. Literature has focused mainly on professional meńs football and future research on female football is mandatory. Thus, this study aimed to compare a) the peak periods in training sessions and matches and b) the accumulated-training load of microcycles and official matches by playing position in female football players.MethodsA total of 80 female football players competing in the Norwegian top-division were involved in this study in which match load (ML) and training load (TL) from a total of 103 official matches and 120 training sessions were collected. Physical parameters analysed included total distance (TD), acceleration distance (Accdist), high-speed running distance (HSRD), sprint distance (SpD), 5-min peak TD (TDpeak), 30-sec peak of HSRD (HSRDpeak), 30-sec peak of SpD (SpDpeak), and maximum speed.ResultsWhile TD covered during the microcycle was higher than in the match for every playing position, no significant differences were observed for HSRD and SpD. While TDpeak in match was higher for FB, CM, WM and FW (p < 0.001), differences in HSRDpeak were only observed for FB (p < 0.001) and WM (p = 0.002).DiscussionThe present study corroborates the evidence reported in men's football, where the lower training/match ratios of HSRD and SpD when compared with TD and accdist reveal that the common build-up of training weeks might not give the contextual opportunities for the appearance and/or accumulation of high-speed actions.

Sustainability of top-performance athletes’ mental health and career retirement support services: European major sports organizations’ perspective

2026-04-01

Flavia Guidotti, Francesca Di Rocco, Cristian Romagnoli, Simone Ciaccioni, Sabrina Demarie, Laura Capranica, Elvira Padua

IntroductionThe transition out of elite sports presents a complex array of psychological, financial, career, and social challenges requiring tailored and sustainable support services for elite athletes. Thus, this study explored policies, programs, and practices surrounding elite athletes' mental health, career transitions, and retirement support services.MethodsA tailored semi-structured survey was administered to major sports organizations to assess typology, modality, funding, and perceived challenges of services delivery to elite athletes.ResultsRespondent organizations (n = 17, mostly National Olympic Committees) highlighted issues in ensuring athletes adequate support and a fragmented approach in services implementation and delivery. Services are offered mainly to medalists in international competitions. Access to external professionals (34%), awareness training (20%), and in-house psychologists (17%) resulted the most cited mental health support services. However, the sustainability and quality of services are affected by a lack of funding (41%) and different assessment methods. For career transitions and additional services, educational workshops (29%), career counselling (19%), nutrition (21%), financial (19%), social (19%), and travel/logistics (19%) support resulted the most cited, meeting athletes' practical needs related to performance and well-being through internal organizational support networks (40%) and coach/staff referrals (33%).DiscussionsResults highlighted the absence of regulatory frameworks for career assistance and temporary initiatives/activities or informal support as the common practice. Multi-faceted programs and comprehensive, athlete-centered systems are needed to foster a sustainable and effective support for elite athletes.

Eating attitudes and behaviors characteristics in high-level Kenyan female and male distance runners

2026-04-01

Lauri Õnnik, Martin Mooses, Silva Suvi, Diresibachew W. Haile, Robert Ojiambo, Amy R. Lane, A. C. Hackney

BackgroundEast African middle- and long-distance runners have dominated international running events for decades. This success is likely derived from the combination of genetics, training, environment, lifestyle, and social factors. Physiological capacity and training regimes-histories have been reported extensively, however, research addressing lifestyle factors is relatively scant. Examination of eating behaviors and attitudes is based upon small sample sizes, and nutritional behaviors are compared and framed relative to European or Western country cohorts.MethodsTherefore, we chose to conduct surveys of select aspects of eating attitudes and behaviors with a focus on DE/ED (disordered eating/eating disorder) risks in a group of high-level Kenyan female and male distance runners (Athletes; n = 50) in comparison to healthy, but Sedentary (n = 58), Kenyan females/males. Participants visited our laboratory areas (Eldoret or Nairobi) and were provided with an eating attitudes and behaviors questionnaire (EAT-26) to complete.ResultsWithin the three EAT-26 sub-scores, only the Dieting and Oral Control components displayed significant differences. Specifically, the female Sedentary group had higher scores (p < 0.01) than the female Athletes for Dieting; while the male Athlete group had higher scores for Oral Control (p < 0.05) than the male Sedentary group and also there was a trend in male Athletes group to have a higher proportion of individuals with ≥20 points on the EAT-26 (i.e., diagnostic cut-point for increased risk of DE/ED.ConclusionsA greater Oral Control component sub-score is associated with “self-control of eating and the perceived pressure from others to gain weight.” The very slightly elevated sub-score observed in this score and the trend of a greater 20-point proportion do suggest, to a small degree, that our male Athletes might be at an increased risk of DE/ED behaviors. However, female Athletes displayed lower risk than their respective Sedentary counterparts.

The role of exercise-induced myokines in cancer-associated inflammation and immune regulation: mechanisms and prospects

2026-03-30

Anna Li, Rong Sun, Yi Wu, Qing Zhang, Rong Mao, Xiangdong Sun, Liqun Wang, Xueying Ren

Skeletal muscle is increasingly recognized as an endocrine organ, and contraction-induced myokines are viewed as key mediators of the systemic benefits of exercise. This review synthesizes evidence on the roles and molecular mechanisms of major myokines—including IL-6, irisin, SPARC, oncostatin M (OSM), and decorin—in exercise-associated modulation of cancer-related inflammation and tumor progression. We propose two principal routes: direct effects on tumor cells (e.g., reduced proliferation and metastatic potential) and indirect effects mediated by remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment. Nevertheless, the literature remains heterogeneous, and reported effects are strongly context dependent, contributing to ongoing debate. Personalized exercise prescriptions, together with deeper mechanistic studies, may accelerate the clinical translation of myokines as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.

Editorial: Epidemiology of orthopaedic sports trauma and injuries

2026-03-30

Amir Human Hoveidaei, Jack Parker, Mohammad Razi, Ramona Ritzmann, Jakob Adolf, Sean A. Tabaie

Enhancing the knowledge and understanding domain of physical literacy: instrument validation and a Kahoot-supported intervention in physical education

2026-03-27

Bogdan Sorin Olaru, Teodora Mihaela Iconomescu, Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir

IntroductionThe Knowledge and Understanding (K&amp;U) domain plays a fundamental role in Physical Literacy (PL), yet Physical Education (PE) lessons in Romania—and many Eastern European countries—remain largely sport-based, with limited emphasis on K&amp;U. To support PL-oriented instructional practices, validated tools are needed to assess students' knowledge, as well as pedagogical approaches integrating digital learning methods. This study aimed (1) to develop and validate a standardized instrument for assessing the K&amp;U domain of PL in PE, and (2) to examine the effectiveness of a year-long Kahoot-supported intervention designed to enhance this domain.MethodsThe instrument was developed through a multi-stage validation process, including item generation, expert evaluation, pretesting, student interviews, and test–retest reliability assessment. Intervention effectiveness was examined using a mixed-methods design. The quantitative component employed a quasi-experimental design with an experimental group (n = 27) and a control group (n = 27). The experimental group participated in 14 Kahoot-supported theoretical lessons integrated into the PE curriculum, while the control group followed traditional lessons. A qualitative focus-group interview was conducted with the experimental group after the intervention, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe instrument demonstrated high clarity, relevance, balanced difficulty, and excellent reliability (r = 0.94). Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group's K&amp;U scores [t(25) = −8.66, p < 0.001; d = 1.7], while the control group showed no change [t(20) = −0.48, p = 0.63]. Post-test comparisons also favored the experimental group [t(45) = −4.75, p < 0.001; d = 1.39]. Qualitative thematic analysis revealed four themes: increased enthusiasm, positive competitiveness, facilitated learning, and suggestions for diversification.DiscussionThe findings indicate that theoretical learning does not occur spontaneously during traditional sport-based PE lessons. Structured theoretical instruction, especially when supported by gamified digital tools, can enhance students' K&amp;U and aligns with the holistic philosophy of PL.ConclusionThis study introduces the first standardized knowledge assessment instrument for Romanian PE and demonstrates the effectiveness and feasibility of Kahoot-supported theoretical lessons. This approach offers a practical pathway for countries transitioning from sport-based PE toward PL-oriented practices.

When feelings matter: moderating role of affective attitude on cognitive attitude and adolescents’ out-of-school physical activity

2026-03-27

Xiaozhen Guo, Yaogang Han, Ying Liu, Pan Li

IntroductionThis study tested whether affective attitude toward physical activity (PA) acts as a boundary condition for the cognitive attitude–behavior link in adolescents.MethodsParticipants were 1,849 middle- and high-school students in Shanghai, China (51% male; Mage = 15.12). Affective and cognitive attitudes were assessed with semantic differential scales, and out-of-school PA behavior was assessed 5–7 days later.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis supported distinct affective and cognitive attitude factors. Moderation analyses indicated a significant Cognitive × Affective interaction (β = .48, p 4.16 on the 7-point scale) and increased progressively at higher affective levels.DiscussionThese findings extend attitude—behavior models by indicating that affective evaluations condition the strength of the cognitive attitude—behavior association and generate a testable hypothesis for future intervention research—namely, that enhancing positive affective evaluations/enjoyment may increase the effectiveness of cognitive benefit messaging—which should be evaluated in experimental designs.

Editorial: Optimizing performance and injury prevention in combat sports and martial arts: methodologies for control and monitoring

2026-03-27

Alex Ojeda-Aravena, Rafael Lima Kons, Eduardo Báez-San Martín, Xurxo Dopico-Calvo

Mediating effects of physical activity enjoyment on physical activity levels in adults with cystic fibrosis

2026-03-27

Matthias Welsner, Jin-Sun Schermaul, Jose Guillermo Ortiz, Liron Lechtenberg, Christian Taube, Florian Stehling, Wolfgang Gruber

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of physical activity enjoyment (PAE) on various physical activity (PA) levels in adult people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) concerning disease-specific and non-disease-specific factors.MethodsA total of 168 adult pwCF (39.3% females; mean age 36.7 ± 11.9 years) completed questionnaires assessing PAE (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, PACES) and PA levels (7-day Physical Activity Recall, PAR). Participants’ demographics (age, sex) and clinical characteristics [ppFEV1; percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and BMI; body mass index (kg/m2)]) were extracted from medical records. Mediation analysis was used to examine the direct and indirect effects of disease-specific and non-disease-specific factors on PA, considering PAE as a potential mediator.ResultsCorrelation analyses indicated a weak but statistically significant association between ppFEV1 and very vigorous physical activity (VVPA) (r = 0.177; p = 0.021) and PAE (r = 0.221; p = 0.004). PAE was linked to time spent in vigorous physical activity (VPA) (r = 0.202; p = 0.009), VVPA (r = 0.238; p = 0.002), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (r = 0.152; p = 0.049). Mediation analysis revealed that PAE fully mediated the association between lung function (ppFEV1) and vigorous PA (VPA), very vigorous PA (VVPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) but not moderate PA (MPA). PpFEV1 and PAE together accounted for 26–49.3% of the variance in PA, suggesting the presence of other influential factors. No mediation effect was observed between PAE and age and BMI on any of the PA levelsConclusionsOur findings underscore the importance of both physiological and psychological factors in shaping PA among adults with CF. Beyond traditional clinical management, strategies that enhance PAE may be crucial for promoting sustained PA engagement. Future research should examine additional psychological and environmental factors influencing PAE and develop comprehensive approaches to support active lifestyles in this population.

The effects of athletes’ moral identity on clean sport behavior intentions: a cross-national study of the mediating role of moral disengagement and self-efficacy

2026-03-26

Martina Giorgi, Andrea Chirico, Tommaso Palombi, Vindice Deplano, Daniel Gotti, Alessandra De Maria, Federica Galli, Luca Mallia, Roberto Codella, Arnaldo Zelli, Fabio Lucidi

IntroductionIn recent years, doping has increasingly been recognized not just as a health risk for athletes, but also as a factor undermining the credibility of sports as a whole. The scientific discussion is gradually shifting: rather than simply predicting risky behavior, there is growing emphasis on fostering a genuine “clean sport identity,” meaning a conscious commitment to shared ethical values. In this study, we draw on both Social Cognitive Theory and moral identity perspectives to explore which socio-cognitive variables may influence the intention to support ethical sporting behavior.MethodsA total of 429 track and field athletes from Italy (n = 229) and France (n = 200) participated in the study. Participants completed validated questionnaires measuring moral identity, moral disengagement, self-regulatory efficacy, and clean sport behavior intentions. Structural equation modeling and multigroup invariance analyses were employed to test the theoretical model and examine cross-national differences.ResultsThe results demonstrate that moral identity is negatively associated with moral disengagement and positively associated with self-regulatory efficacy. Moral disengagement was identified as the strongest predictor of clean sports behavior intentions. Mediation analysis indicated that moral identity influences clean sports behavior intentions primarily by inhibiting mechanisms of moral disengagement. When comparing groups, we observed notable cross-national differences. Specifically, the link between moral identity and moral disengagement appeared stronger among French athletes, whereas self-regulatory efficacy had a more pronounced impact on Italian athletes’ intentions to engage in clean sports behavior.DiscussionThese results underscore the importance of incorporating value-driven approaches and fostering moral identity within anti-doping interventions. Preventive strategies should focus on minimizing cognitive rationalizations for unethical conduct and strengthening athletes’ ability to self-regulate when facing external pressures, ultimately supporting a long-term dedication to clean sport.

Effects of intermittent hypoxia and hypoxia–hyperoxia exposure on recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness in physically active men: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

2026-03-25

Sebastian Philippe Hansen Quiblier, Guillermo García-Pérez-de-Sevilla, Catalina Santiago-Dorrego, Tamara Iturriaga Ramírez, Rebeca Benítez-Valero, Carlos Revuelta Parra, Alejandro Fernández Carrasco, Diego Domínguez-Balmaseda

IntroductionThe objective of this study is to evaluate whether intermittent hypoxia can enhance physical recovery following the induction of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).Methods and analysisA randomized controlled trial will be conducted with male participants aged 18–35 years who engage in at least two organized training sessions per week. After a DOMS induction protocol targeting the hamstrings, participants will be randomized to receive either intermittent hypoxia, hypoxia–hyperoxia, or placebo for five consecutive days. During this period, several outcome variables will be assessed, including: cognitive function—attention and executive functions (D2 Test and Trail Making Test A and B); stress (DASS-21 questionnaire); physical performance—VO2max, countermovement jump (CMJ, My Jump App), 30-m sprint speed (MySprint App), one-repetition maximum in half-squat (Vitruve linear encoder), isometric hamstring strength (ActivForce2 dynamometer), muscle soreness (VAS scale), heart rate variability, muscle oxygen saturation, hip flexion range of motion with extended knee (Goniometer Pro App); and blood inflammatory markers: HIF-1α, PGC-1α, Klotho protein and lactate. To analyze the effects of the intervention, a repeated-measures ANOVA will be performed to assess Group × Time interactions.Ethics and disseminationsThe study was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain (internal code 25/446-E) prior to data collection. If effective, intermittent hypoxia and hypoxia-hyperoxia could be implemented as non-pharmacological recovery strategies for athletes and physically active populations, offering a novel alternative to current methods with inconsistent results. The findings may guide future research on hypoxic conditioning, inform clinical practices for rehabilitation and performance recovery, and potentially shape policy regarding safe, evidence-based applications of hypoxia in sports medicine.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://www.anzctr.org.au/, registration code ACTRN12625001404415.