PURPOSE This study employed a markerless motion analysis system to categorize the block start of elite sprinters into a four-phase sequence and examined the relationship between the kinematic characteristics of each phase and first-step performance. METHODS Seven elite male sprinters (100 m personal best: 10.52 ± 0.14 s) participated in this study. Block start movements, from block clearance to first-step touchdown, were captured at 120 Hz. The collected video data were processed using Theia3D Markerless software. The block start motion was divided into four phases (P1–P4). For each phase, the following were analyzed: knee joint extension angular velocity in the sagittal plane, pelvic rotation angular velocity in the transverse plane, a coordination index, and a timing index. RESULTS Knee joint extension angular velocity differed significantly across the phases (F=41.11, p <.001), increasing rapidly after block clearance. Notably, the ability to maintain a high angular velocity through the initial flight phase (P3) was strongly positively correlated with normalized firststep length (r =0.872, p <.05). In contrast, the coordination index did not differ significantly across the phases. CONCLUSIONS During the block start, maximizing and maintaining knee extension angular velocity through P3 is a determinant of first-step performance. This phase-based analysis offers a scientific basis for training strategies focused on movement improvement in specific phases.
PURPOSE This study aimed to develop an evidence-based content framework for physical education to substantiate the educational rationale for establishing a physical activity–centered integrated curriculum for Grades 1 and 2 in Korea. The study also sought to provide concrete foundational data to inform future curriculum revisions and instructional practice. METHODS To ensure educational validity and practical applicability, a multi-layered evidence-based approach was employed. This included a comparative analysis of domestic and international curricula, a systematic review of relevant literature, and a synthesis of key theoretical perspectives. RESULTS The analysis identified four core content areas appropriate for Grades 1 and 2: (1) fundamental movement skills, (2) game-based activities, (3) movement expression, and (4) health and safety. These areas are grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Physical Literacy and Fundamental Movement Skills, and are consistent with the developmental characteristics of early childhood, the national Nuri Curriculum, and the revised Korean physical education curriculum for Grades 3–4. The proposed framework also reflects international curricular trends and contemporary academic discourses, thereby ensuring both structural coherence and practical applicability. CONCLUSIONS To maximize the effectiveness of this initiative, it is necessary to challenge the prevailing perception that “physical education equals play,” strengthen teacher expertise through practice-oriented training and cueing systems, secure adequate instructional time (at least three sessions per week), and build collaborative networks linking schools with local communities. With these support mechanisms in place, physical education in Grades 1 and 2 can serve as a foundational platform for fostering children’s holistic development and lifelong well-being through meaningful movement experiences.
PURPOSE Despite the public’s strong interest in sport, most clubs lack a stable revenue stream tied to their fanbase. Instead, much of their operating budget depends on parent companies and local governments, leaving many with accumulated deficits and capital impairments. This study develops a financial distress prediction model using sport clubs’ financial data and identifies the main determinants of capital impairment to propose improvement strategies. METHODS Financial data from clubs classified under the “Sport Club Operation” sector of the Korean Standard Industrial Classification were collected from 2011 to 2023. After preprocessing, a logistic regression–based prediction model was built and used to analyze factors influencing capital impairment. RESULTS Of the eight independent variables examined, the current asset ratio and working capital to total assets significantly affected capital impairment at the 5% level. CONCLUSIONS Stakeholders in professional sport clubs should focus on securing net working capital by reducing current liabilities rather than merely increasing current assets. To address deficits, clubs must strengthen their internal financial structure, while governments and institutions should provide effective policy support to ease chronic financial distress.
PURPOSE This study sought to examine the psychological responses of nextgeneration national team athletes to injuries as well as on-site coping strategies and explore effective ways to apply these in practice. METHODS A total of 60 nextgeneration national team athletes and 5 national team coaches participated in indepth interviews and answered semistructured questionnaires to better understand psychological responses to injury. The collected data were then subjected to semantic and inductive content analysis. RESULTS The data produced three main themes: perceptions of injury (positive and negative), psychological responses to injury, and coping strategies such as rehabilitation processes and injury prevention. Analysis of negative psychological responses generated three categories: psychological withdrawal (104/58.4%), slumps (37/20.8%), and trauma (37/20.8%). Meanwhile, all positive psychological responses fell under one theme: positive attitude (28/100%). Additionally, an examination of national team coaches’ perceptions of player injuries highlighted three key areas: causes of injury (loss of concentration, psychological pressure, and arousal during competition), coaches’ response processes (immediate responses and hindering factors), and injury management strategies for field application (internal and external measures). CONCLUSIONS Psychological factors that emerge during the injury process of next-generation national team athletes must be identified to understand the challenges they face and allow coaches to implement appropriate support strategies in response to sports injuries.
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the imagery strategies of elite Taekwondo demonstrators during the match preparation period. METHODS The participants were 30 elite Taekwondo demonstration athletes enrolled in the Korea University Taekwondo Federation. Data were collected using open-ended questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The study referred to the qualitative approach for data collection proposed by Gould et al. (1992). Inductive content analysis of an imagery was conducted based on the imagery classification frameworks outlined by Paivio (1985) and Suinn (1996). Three experts independently reviewed and categorized raw data and imagery cases. RESULTS The findings revealed that elite Taekwondo demonstration athletes typically utilized the types of imagery described by Paivio (1985) and Suinn (1996). Among the factors, imagery of skills appeared with the highest frequency followed by imageries of competition, anxiety regulation, mental skills, and motivation. Furthermore, 2 weeks and 1 day prior to a competition, the elite Taekwondo demonstrators mainly used imageries of skills and competition, respectively. On the day, they use imageries of anxiety regulation and mental skills. CONCLUSIONS After the competition, they mainly used imagery of skills. In summary, the elite Taekwondo demonstrators employed personalized imagery strategies for enhancing training effectiveness and optimizing performance during competition. These strategies varied according to specific phases or contexts of the competition
PURPOSE This study aims to validate the applicability of the Metacognitive Beliefs About Performances Questionnaire (MBPQ) for athletes developed by Love et al. (2019a) to Korean adolescents athletes. METHODS The study recruited a total of 311 adolescent athletes registered with the Korea Sports Council. To examine the psychometric properties of the MBPQ and assess model fit, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted. Construct validity, internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), and cross-validation across gender and sport type were also evaluated. Criterion validity was verified through correlation analysis with the Metacognitive Processes During Performance Questionnaire (MPPQ). RESULTS The CFA results supported the original five-factor structure of the scale, while overall model fit indices indicated an acceptable level of fit. Although the construct validity and internal consistency only partially met the most stringent criteria, they were deemed acceptable. Furthermore, cross-validation and criterion validity were satisfactorily established. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide empirical support for the validity of the MBPQ in the context of South Korean adolescent athletes. The scale could serve as a useful tool in future studies that explore metacognition as a key psychological construct in sports performance.
PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the effects of three perceived benefits of physical activity classes on class satisfaction, college satisfaction, well-being, and workout intention, as well as the moderating effects of sports characteristics on the relationships between the benefits and outcomes. METHODS A total of 282 questionnaires were collected from university students enrolled in physical activity classes during the semester. Confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM), measurement invariance testing, and multi-group SEM were conducted using the Mplus 7.0. RESULTS Euphoric and social benefits positively affected class satisfaction. Class satisfaction, in turn, influenced college satisfaction, well-being, and workout intention. Sports characteristics moderated this relationship between the benefits of physical activity class and class satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS These findings offer practical insights for promoting student engagement and long-term participation in physical activity.
PURPOSE This study explains how the combination of autonomy support (A) and holistic attentional focus (HF) affects golf putting performance among beginners. METHODS A total of 72 novice golfers were randomly assigned to (1) external focus (EF), (2) HF, (3) A–EF, (4) A–HF, (5) A, and (6) control groups, and their putting accuracy and consistency were measured. RESULTS The experimental findings showed that the group that received only A showed better accuracy than the control group in the acquisition stage and that the best accuracy and consistency were observed when A and HF were combined. The A–HF group maintained their accuracy even after the test. CONCLUSIONS Functional performance can be enhanced simply by providing A, and more positive effects can be expected when A interventions are implemented with HF than with EF.
PURPOSE This study examines how fitness centers’ care services affect the MZ generation’s perceived value, exercise attitude, and exercise commitment and how perceived value mediates this impact. METHODS Patrons aged 20–30 who used fitness centers in the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions participated in a questionnaire survey from January to February 2024, providing a total of 233 responses. Using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0, the data underwent frequency analysis, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. RESULTS First, perceived caring services had a significant effect on perceived value. Second, perceived value had a substantial influence on exercise attitude. Third, perceived value had no significant effect on exercise commitment. Fourth, exercise attitude significantly drives exercise commitment. Fifth, perceived caring services did not significantly affect exercise attitude or commitment. Sixth, perceived value fully mediates the relation between perceived caring services and exercise attitude. Seventh, perceived value had a full mediating effect on the association between perceived caring services and exercise commitment. Finally, tailored services and emotional support were identified as key factors in fostering MZ individuals’ positive exercise experiences and commitment. CONCLUSIONS Fitness centers should develop strategic services reflecting their customers’ goals and values to enhance their exercise attitudes and commitment and ultimately secure long-term customer loyalty.
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week unstable surface Pilates training on physical fitness, abdominal muscle thickness, lumbar isokinetic muscle function, and pain in women aged 30–40 who are living a sedentary lifestyle and experiencing nonspecific low back pain. METHODS The training group (TR, n = 15) performed Pilates using small apparatuses on an unstable surface for 50 min/session, three sessions per week for 8 weeks, whereas the control group (n = 13) maintained their usual living pattern during the same intervention period. RESULTS 1) The body weight, body mass index, percent body fat, and fat mass decreased significantly in the TR, 2) whereas the hand grip strength, trunk extension, sit-andreach, and modified Schober test scores improved significantly. 3) The thickness of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis increased significantly in the TR. 4) Lumbar isokinetic flexor strength per body weight increased significantly in the TR. The endurance and endurance per body weight of the lumbar isokinetic extensor and lumbar isokinetic flexor also significantly increased in the TR. 5) The Korean Oswestry disability index (KODI) and the visual analog scale (VAS) score decreased significantly in the TR. 6) Significant negative correlations were found between the change rates in the KODI and nondominant hand grip strength, external oblique thickness, transversus abdominis thickness, and lumbar isokinetic extensor endurance. A significant negative correlation was found between the change rates in the VAS score and external oblique thickness. CONCLUSIONS The results revealed that the 8-week unstable surface Pilates training was beneficial in improving physical fitness, abdominal muscle thickness, lumbar isokinetic muscle function, disabilityindex, and pain levels in women aged 30–40 years who were having a sedentary lifestyle and experiencing nonspecific low back pain.
