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Sports
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Second Edition: Sport Psychology Interventions for Athletes' Performance and Well-Being
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Second Edition: Sport Psychology Interventions for Athletes' Performance and Well-Being

A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 35244

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Selenia Di Fronso

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Interests: athletes’ performance; psychophysiological approach; recovery-stress balance; Yoga; wellbeing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A growing body of evidence supports the idea that the sport psychology interventions adopted by professionals do make a difference in athletes’ performance. Specifically, the scientific literature has reported that psychological interventions such as imagery, goal-setting, self-talk, relaxation and arousal regulation are those most widely adopted by practitioners and athletes to enhance performance. However, athletes face unique physiological and psychological stressors daily, which may contribute to injuries, overtraining, burnout, and/or other physical and mental health issues. Accordingly, the continuous exploration of interventions able to counteract physical and mental tension and other detrimental stressor effects when performing at high levels is needed. Moreover, it has been recognized that interventions that do consider athletes’ emotional, psychological and social well-being are crucial to achieving a high performance in sport. This Special Issue of Sports aims to provide a platform for constructive discussion on up-to-date scientific data in this area. Thus, we invite authors to submit original research and/or specific reviews that enhance our understanding of “Sport Psychology Interventions for Athletes’ Performance and Well-being”. Papers addressing novel outcomes obtained using traditional interventions (e.g., imagery, self-talk) and those on emerging techniques (e.g., yoga for athletes; technology-based interventions) are more than welcome.

Dr. Selenia Di Fronso
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sports is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • psychological skills training
  • performance enhancement
  • well-being
  • recovery interventions
  • technology-based interventions
  • yoga and meditation
  • self-regulation
  • imagery
  • decision making
  • self-talk

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1205 KiB  
Article
Combined Effects of Listening to Preferred Music and Video Feedback, during Warm-Up, on Physical Performance in Young Kickboxers
by Manar Boujabli, Nidhal Jebabli, Faten Sahli, Hajer Sahli, Makram Zghibi and Roland van den Tillaar
Sports 2024, 12(5), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12050131 - 14 May 2024
Viewed by 1162
Abstract
Although studies have indicated that the prior use of video feedback and music listening separately improves physical performance and positive feelings in various sports, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated their combined effect in combat-sports-specific tasks. The aim of this study was [...] Read more.
Although studies have indicated that the prior use of video feedback and music listening separately improves physical performance and positive feelings in various sports, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated their combined effect in combat-sports-specific tasks. The aim of this study was to determine the combined effect of listening to preferred music and video feedback on aerobic and anaerobic performance in male kickboxers. In a counterbalanced crossover study design, twenty kickboxers underwent three kicking exercises under one of three conditions: (1) control condition, (2) combined listening to preferred music and video feedback, and (3) video feedback during 10-min of rope warm-up. Kickboxers performed a ten-second kicking test, multiple ten-second kick test, and progressive taekwondo test. The total number of kicks, fatigue index, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, and feeling scale were measured. The combined music and video feedback condition improved the number of kicks with a better positive feeling scale (F ≥ 7.4, p ≤ 0.002, ηp2 ≥ 0.28) than the video feedback and control conditions in all three kicking exercises, while the video feedback alone led to better kick performances and a better feeling scale than the control condition in the ten-second and multiple ten-second kicking tests (p ≤ 0.016). The combined listening to preferred music and video feedback condition was more effective at enhancing the positive feeling scale and repeated roundhouse kick performance. Future investigations should examine the application of video feedback and listening to music in various kickboxing tasks including punches and kicks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition: Sport Psychology Interventions for Athletes' Performance and Well-Being)
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31 pages, 1197 KiB  
Article
Determining Factors Influencing Collegiate Players’ Intention to Pursue a Professional Career
by Mathew Gerald D. C. Lebria, Cymond R. Ochoa, Jasmin Marie P. Tionloc, Ardvin Kester S. Ong and Josephine D. German
Sports 2024, 12(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12040098 - 30 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2723
Abstract
The rise of professional careers in playing sports has been seen in the recent generation. Ranging from traditional sports to recent e-games, it can be seen that student athletes are not only considering these as motivational factors for education, but also as future [...] Read more.
The rise of professional careers in playing sports has been seen in the recent generation. Ranging from traditional sports to recent e-games, it can be seen that student athletes are not only considering these as motivational factors for education, but also as future career paths. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap about the factors influencing college athletes’ aspirations to play professionally. The study examines the complex web of athlete decision-making by utilizing the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and analyzing the roles of motivational factors, self-efficacy, affective behavior, and behavioral domains. With the use of structural equation modeling, the study deciphers the intricate links, emphasizing the critical role that attitude plays in affective behavior. It emphasizes how much optimism and self-efficacy shape an athlete’s behavior and subsequent pursuit of professional careers. The current research provides a benchmark for future studies exploring student athletes’ career goals. This research adds understanding to the knowledge gap regarding the complex decision-making procedures of aspiring professional athletes. Both theoretical and practical implications are provided based on the results of the study, which stakeholders and institutions may consider for student athletes wanting to pursue a professional sports career. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition: Sport Psychology Interventions for Athletes' Performance and Well-Being)
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Review

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42 pages, 1724 KiB  
Review
Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health
by Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez, Laura Augusta Gostian-Ropotin, Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco, Noelia Belando-Pedreño, Juan Antonio Simón, Clara López-Mora, Eduardo Navarro-Jiménez, José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
Sports 2024, 12(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12010037 - 22 Jan 2024
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 28378
Abstract
The symbiotic relationship between sports practice and psychological well-being has, in recent times, surged to the forefront of academic and public attention. The aim of this narrative review is to comprehensively explore the intricate pathways linking physical engagement in sports to its subsequent [...] Read more.
The symbiotic relationship between sports practice and psychological well-being has, in recent times, surged to the forefront of academic and public attention. The aim of this narrative review is to comprehensively explore the intricate pathways linking physical engagement in sports to its subsequent impacts on mental health and synthesize the multifarious effects of sports on psychological health, offering insights for integrating physical and psychological strategies to enhance well-being. From neurobiological underpinnings to therapeutic applications, this comprehensive manuscript provides an in-depth dive into the multifaceted world of sports and psychology. Highlighting evidence-based interventions, this review aspires to offer actionable insights for practitioners, athletes, and individuals alike, advocating for a holistic approach to mental well-being. This manuscript highlights the profound impact of sports on mental health, emphasizing its role in emotional regulation, resilience, cognitive function, and treating psychological conditions. It details how sports induce neurochemical changes, enhance brain functions like memory and learning, and aid against cognitive decline. This review also notes the benefits of regular exercise in mood improvement, stress management, and social skill enhancement, particularly when combined with mindfulness practices. It underscores the importance of considering cultural and gender perspectives in sports psychology, advocating for an integrated physical–psychological approach to promote overall well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition: Sport Psychology Interventions for Athletes' Performance and Well-Being)
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Other

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18 pages, 264 KiB  
Case Report
It Takes a Team—Enhancing Student-Athlete Health and Well-Being through an Interprofessional Approach
by Rebecca Steins, Anthony P. Breitbach, Michael Ross, Erica Ciarlo, Elena Melillo and Olivia Brant
Sports 2024, 12(8), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12080209 - 30 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1537
Abstract
Student-athlete well-being is a key objective for individuals working with or for university athletic departments. This paper will describe how a university athletic department used a team approach to enhancing student-athlete health and well-being. The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies of (1) [...] Read more.
Student-athlete well-being is a key objective for individuals working with or for university athletic departments. This paper will describe how a university athletic department used a team approach to enhancing student-athlete health and well-being. The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies of (1) Values and Ethics; (2) Roles and Responsibilities; (3) Communication; and (4) Teams and Teamwork provide a guiding framework for interprofessional collaboration. (IPC; Interprofessional Education Collaborative, 2023). However, significant barriers exist in implementing IPC in university athletic departments and little research exists on how to overcome these barriers in university athletic departments to enhance student-athlete wellness. To address this gap, this paper will first provide a review of the literature on athlete well-being, followed by an applied section that describes the experience of an interprofessional wellness team (IWT) consisting of a clinical sports psychology doctoral student, a licensed mental health professional, an athletic trainer, and a sports dietitian. A case vignette is used to demonstrate how IPEC core competencies are operationalized by the team to address athlete health and well-being through IPC. Recommendations on the further implementation of IPC centered around student-athlete well-being will be provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition: Sport Psychology Interventions for Athletes' Performance and Well-Being)
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