Defining the profile of runners for medium and long distances, in addition to adequate analysis of anthropometric characteristics, body composition, involves the detection and evaluation of motor (physical) abilities, which are often defined by the term fitness profile. Based on good detection, analysis and evaluation of these parameters, it is possible to propose and define the so-called future fitness model runners. The results will be all the more relevant if the fitness profile of top-level runners is evaluated with notable results. The current study analyzes the fitness profile of U.G., a middle and long distance runner who has exceptional results at the national level in the 3000m (8:37.06min) and 5000m (15:04.05min).

Physical activity plays a vital role in the prevention and treatment of Type2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) (Hayes and Kriska, 2008). During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical activity is shown to be imperative in helping support a strong immune system (Chastin et al., 2021) and patients with COVID-19 who have been consistently physically inactive have a significantly higher risk of severe outcomes than patients who were doing some activity (Sallis et al., 2021). Therefore, the objective of this qualitative study was to evaluate the sufferer’s perception of physical inactivity and its social determinants among people with diabetes. Interviews were conducted with 14 participants with diabetes aged 40-60 years old living in the UAE in June-July 2021. The barriers of physical activity were explored through in-depth, semi-structured, audio-taped interviews. Barriers for physical inactivity were grouped around five themes: (1)Life-altering COVID-19: the pandemic that changed the world (2)Social and cultural norms: Islamic faith and family are the two most important influences among Arabs (3)Fatigue: prolonged sitting (due to long commute and sedentary jobs) and in some participants post-viral fatigue syndrome due to COVID-19 infection (4)Fear of illness: due to hyperthermia and comorbidities (5)Impact of lockdown. The prevalence of physical inactivity is high among Arabs. Weather restrictions and cultural obligations may lead to reduction in physical activity levels. Therefore, meeting physical activity guidelines can reduce the risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes among infected adults and is likely to prevent increases in diabetes incidence in this population.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyse the frequency of consuming selected groups of food products among Polish handball players depending on their sports experience and level of generalised self-efficacy. Methods: The research was conducted among a group of 142 men aged 20-36, using an author-designed questionnaire regarding the frequency of consuming selected food groups and the Generalised Sense of Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Statistical analysis of the results was carried by estimating Spearman's signed rank correlation coefficients. Results: The examined handball players usually included the following in their diet: vegetables and fruits, and several times a week: refined and whole grain cereal products, milk and dairy products, eggs, poultry and pork meat, processed meats, sweets and confectionery products. Typically, once a week, they ate: sea fish, vegetable oils, nuts, fast food products, and sweetened carbonated beverages. It was shown that along with the experience in competition, the consumption of fruit and vegetables (p=0.045) and vegetable oils (p<0.001) increased, while consuming eggs (p<0.001) and fast food products became less frequent (p=0.001). A positive correlation was also found between the level of self-efficacy and the frequency of consuming vegetables (p<0.001) as well as milk and dairy products (p=0.004), and a negative correlation with the frequency of consuming eggs (p=0.049) and alcoholic beverages (p=0.007). Conclusions: In the studied group of Polish handball players, nutritional errors related to the low frequency of consuming whole grain cereals, dairy products and nuts, as well as a tendency towards more rational nutritional choices along with longer professional experience and a more intense sense of self-efficacy, were demonstrated.

There is a lack of research regarding the life stressors which male high school and collegiate cross country runners encounter. The Collegiate Student Athlete Life Stress Scale (CSALSS) assess eight life stressor subscales consisting of: performance demands, coach relationships, training adaptations, family relationships, romantic relationships, academic requirements, intrapersonal relationships, and sports injuries. Having an understanding of how these life stressors impact male high school and collegiate cross country runners may provide athletes, parents, and coaches with insight regarding the nature of how these athletes perceive their current life challenges. Purpose: The current study attempted to measure the life stressors which male high school and collegiate cross country runners encounter as assessed by the CSALSS and to determine if differences in the CSALSS subscales exist between the high school and collegiate athletes. It was hypothesized that college cross country runners would have significantly higher scores in the subscales of sports injury, performance demand, coach relationships, and training adaptations. Additionally, it was hypothesized that college student cross country runners' scores on the subscales of academic requirements, intrapersonal relationships, romantic relationships, and family relationships would be similar to high school cross country runners. Methods: Male high school (n=14) and college cross country runners (n=14) completed the CSALSS questionnaire. Independent t-tests were used to compare CSALSS subscales between the high school and collegiate runners (α≤0.05). Results: No differences were found between the high school and collegiate athletes for any of the CSALSS subscales (p< 0.05). The high school and collegiate cross country runners found the subscales concerning sports injuries and academic requirements to be most stressful respectively. Coaching relationships, training adaptations, and interpersonal relationships were the least stressful subscales for these athletes. Conclusion: Within the parameters of this study, male high school and collegiate cross country runners report similar life stressors.

The purpose of the study was to examine whether higher levels of adolescents’ perceptions of intimidating behavior and negative conditional regard by the PE teacher, thwarting of the psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, fear of failure, contingent self-worth, and challenge avoidance are linked to the presence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in physical education. Motor proficiency was evaluated using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (2nd ed.) in a sample of 336 adolescents. Students’ perceptions on motivational constructs were measured via self-report questionnaires and compared between adolescents with DCD and typically developing peers. Independent of gender, presence of DCD was linked to significantly higher levels of the above negative motivational constructs. Independent of DCD, boys reported significantly higher levels on all negative motivational constructs than girls except contingent self-worth. Among adolescents with DCD, boys reported greater autonomy and competence thwarting compared to girls. Within boys, those with DCD reported greater levels of intimidation, autonomy thwarting, competence thwarting, and fear of failure compared to typical boys. No differences emerged between girls with and without DCD. Adolescents with DCD seem to report higher levels of negative motivational experiences in school physical education compared to their typically developing peers. The present study extends the evidence base of psychosocial variables of a motivational nature in physical activity linked to the presence of DCD.

The current study explored the situation of motives and coaching behaviour preferences by players as the main factors acting on their potential and leading them to active or passive dedication towards team goals. This is due to the fact that the success of players will depend on how they effectively collaborate with their coach, how they interpret various behaviour and commanding styles that their coach uses as well as individual player motives. 165 players from the Rwanda top tier Handball league answered the perception model of leadership scale for sports and the physical activity and leisure motivation scale. The collected data’s reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s reliability test and the results were respectively 0.816 and 0.856 showing better and reliable data results. The identified motives of Rwanda handball players are Enjoyment 94.4%, Physical conditions 89.8%, Affiliation 81.9% while the highly perceived coaching behaviors are those during training and instructions with 52.2% (often) and 38.2% (always) seconded by how players and coaches socialize with 54 % (Often) and 20.6% (Always). The Pearson correlation analysis revealed weak association between coaching behavior and sports motives with most correlation coefficients belonging below 0.039** (Mastery versus Training and Instruction, Social Support). Significant Differences in perception of coaching behaviors were also observed with regard to team ownership F3,164=12.724, p(0.000) < a(0.05), Marital status F2,164=13.868,p(0.000)< a(0.05) and Age range F5,164=5.434, p(0.000) < a(0.05) with Tukey post hoc tests revealing that significant differences lye between school owned teams (with Government and privately owned teams) as well as age category 15-20 (with 20-25 and 30-40). No significant differences in motives were observed. The overall finding emphasizes that motives and coaching behaviors play a big role in players’ psychological and physical potential hence they are important and worth exploration for the best of the team, players and the whole management as well as game followers.