Influence of Sports Participation on the Behaviors of Customers of Sports Services: Linear and Qualitative Comparative Analysis Models.

Sports services have become an important enclave for our society. Due to its complete sports offer, customers can perform physical activity that helps them to improve their health and well-being. In fitness centers, managers try to know what their customers are looking for in order to create more personalized experiences, as well as to improve their health. This study seeks to understand the influence that sports frequency has on the future behavior of users of a sports center, using two complementary methodologies. A sample of 383 users of a private sports center was used. The two complementary methodologies used were linear models and comparative qualitative analysis, based on the combination of sets. The results show how sports frequency influences the process of creating users' future behaviors. Considering that none of the variables are necessary, it is observed that perceived value has a significant influence on users' future behaviors. The use of two complementary methodologies provides a more complete understanding, which helps sports managers to plan and manage effectively to ensure user satisfaction and loyalty. In addition, facilities can incentivize customers through loyalty programs and promotions to maintain their engagement, as well as healthy styles to encourage service recommendations.

Sports entrepreneurship during COVID-19: Technology as an ally to maintain the competitiveness of small businesses.

The sports sector, specifically the field of personal trainer entrepreneurship, has been severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. However, there are still few empirical studies that analyze how the actions taken before and during this crisis can affect sports entrepreneurs' performance. This research aims to analyze which combinations of sports entrepreneurs' personal characteristics and actions performed have been most and least effective in minimizing the negative impact of COVID-19 on their businesses. A validated online questionnaire was administered to personal trainer entrepreneurs from May to June 2020 before they reopened their facilities. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was performed to assess the impacts. The results show that both post-COVID measures (adaptation of the business model) and previous strategic orientation seemed essential. Specifically, high levels of sports entrepreneurs' resilience and innovation/R&D when competing against their closest competitors before the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased use of technologies (sports services digitization) during the pandemic have been essential to maintaining the performance of the sports business. Thus, improvements in the digital competencies of personal trainers' sports entrepreneurs, the development of strategic plans and activities related to innovation/R&D and process improvements are important measures to maintain the competitiveness of small sports businesses during crises.

Promoting Physical Activity Habits after Completing Secondary School: Does the Age Matter?

Physical inactivity is one of the most important problems in our society, especially during adolescence. During this stage of schooling, students practice physical activity in physical education classes, but after they finish school, many of them stop practicing it. This research aims to determine which variables predict the intention to practice physical activity after finishing secondary school and to discover the effect that age during adolescence has on these predictive variables. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of secondary school students. The results show that physical exercise identity influences the three antecedents of this theory, while the attitude towards the behaviour (ß = 0.13; p < 0.05), perceived behavioural control (ß = 0.46; p < 0.05), and physical self-concept (ß = 0.41; p < 0.05), have a statistically significant influence on the intention to be physically active. Moreover, when the age is lower, is more important to develop a positive perceived behavioural control and physical exercise identity. Moreover, for younger male adolescents instead of the physical exercise itself, identity seems more important in developing a positive attitude towards behaviour. Likewise, in young female adolescents a low level of support from their close environment (subjective norm) leads to dropping out. The research concludes with the importance of including these variables in physical education classes to promote physical activity practice after completion of secondary school. Some practical implications are presented.

Herramienta de evaluación de los programas deportivos para la promoción de la salud / Assessment tool for health-promotion sports programmes / Ferramenta de avaliação de programas desportivos para a promoção da saúde

El objetivo de este estudio fue elaborar una herramienta específica para evaluar el nivel de implantación de buenas prácticas en la organización de programas deportivos orientados al fomento y mejora de la salud. Para ello, se diseñó un instrumento ad hoc partiendo de una revisión bibliográfica previa al que se llamó ‘Piloto de Trabajo’. Este documento fue sometido a la revisión de un grupo de discusión hasta obtener un nivel de consenso adecuado. Seguidamente, se realizó una prueba piloto por dos investigadores de manera independiente, seleccionando 5 programas de buenas prácticas deportivas saludables en España. La versión final de la herramienta quedó compuesta por un total de 21 ítems, divididos en dos bloques: común (4 ítems) y específico (17 ítems). El instrumento de medida, denominado EVESBEPRAH, mostró buenos índices de validez (V de Aiken ≥ .96) y fiabilidad (К = .8122). Esta herramienta pretende orientar a los planificadores de programas deportivos hacia las buenas prácticas en la promoción de la salud, la participación activa y la calidad, lo que puede implicar un aumento en la adherencia a la actividad física en diversas poblaciones

The aim of this study was to develop a specific tool to assess the level of implementation of good practices in the organisation of sports programmes aimed at promoting and improving health. For this purpose, an ad hoc instrument based on a prior literature review called ‘Pilot Work’ was designed. This document was submitted for review by a discussion group until an adequate level of consensus was obtained. Then a pilot test was conducted by two researchers, independently, selecting five programmes for good healthy sporting practices in Spain. The final version of the tool consisted of a total of 21 items, divided into two blocks: Common (4 items) and specific (17 items). The measuring instrument known as EVESPRAH, showed good validity (V Aiken ≥ .96) and reliability (К = .8122) indices. This tool aims to guide planners of sports programmes for best practices in health promotion, active participation and quality, which can lead to an increase in adherence to physical activity in different populations

O objectgivo deste estudo foi elaborar uma ferramenta específica para avaliar o nível de implantação de boas práticas na organização deprogramas desportivos orentados para o fomento e melhoria da saúde. Para tal, delineou-se um instrumento ad hoc partindo de uma revisão bibliográficaprévia à que se chamou “Piloto de Trabalho”. Este documento foi submetido a uma revisão de um grupo de discussão até ser obtido um nível de consensoadequado. Seguidamente, realizou-se uma prova piloto por dois investigadores independentes, selecionando 5 programas de boas práticas desportivassaudáveis em Espanha. A versão final da ferramenta ficou composta por um total de 21 itens, divididos em dois blocos: comum (4 itens) e específico(17 itens). O instrumento de medida, denominado EVESBEPRAH, mostrou bons índices de validade (Vde Aiken ≥ .96) e fidelidade (К= .8122). Estaferramenta pretende orientar a planificação de programas desportivos visando as boas práticas na promoção da saúde, a participação activa e a qualidade,o que pode implicar um aumento na adesão à actividade física em diversas populações

Effect of the Game Design, the Goal Type and the Number of Players on Intensity of Play in Small-Sided Soccer Games in Youth Elite Players.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of game design modification, the type of the goal and the number of players on the intensity of play in small-sided soccer games (SSGs) in youth elite players. Twenty young soccer players (age 13.7 ± 0.5 years, body mass 57.4 ± 7.8 kg, body height 1.67 ± 7.8 m, maximal heart rate 201.1 ± 8.2 beats/min) performed three types of SSGs (possession play (PP) vs. regular goals (RG) vs. small goals (SG)) in both four-a-side and six-a-side formats. The heart rate responses were recorded and analysed as an indicator of the intensity of play. The four-a-side format obtained higher intensity of play than six-a-side for PP (p<0.05), but not for SG and RG. SG showed higher intensity of play than RG for four-a-side (p<0.001), but not for six-a-side. PP registered higher intensity of play than RG (p<0.05), but not than SG in four-a-side, whereas in six-a-side no differences were found between the three formats. In conclusion, the modification of variables such as the number of players, the game design and the type of the goal influences the intensity of play in small-sided soccer games in youth players.

Physical activity habits in a European sports event: a case study / Hábitos de atividade física em um evento do European Sports: um estudo de caso / Hábitos de actividad física en un evento deportivo europeo: un estudio de caso

The aim of this study is to learn more about the physical activity habits of participants in a popular sporting event such as European Sports Day, which is held simultaneously in five European countries (Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Ireland, and Hungary), and to measure the influence of socio-demographic variables on these habits. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of 856 participants, stratified by gender, age, and nationality. We statistically analyzed five variables related to physical activity habits: frequency of physical activity practice, places of practice, motives of practice, perceived fitness level, and popular event attendance. Of the participants, 76.8% said they perform physical activity weekly. Fitness/health improvement (34.63%) and entertainment/leisure (26.52%) are the main reasons for the practice of physical activity. Age and nationality are differentiating factors on physical activity habits...

"Hábitos de atividade física em um evento do European Sports: Um estudo de caso."O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os hábitos dos participantes de um evento popular como o Dia Europeu do Desporto realizado simultaneamente em cinco países europeus (Espanha, Itália, Chipre, Irlanda e Hungria), e medir a influência das variáveis ​​sociodemográficas sobre esses hábitos. Este é um estudo transversal, composto por uma amostra de 856 participantes, estratificada por sexo, idade e nacionalidade. Foram analisados ​​estatisticamente cinco variáveis ​​relacionadas aos hábitos de atividade física: frequência de atividade física, local de práticas, motivações para a prática, nível de condicionamento físico percebido, e frequência de participação em eventos populares. Dos participantes, 76,8% disseram que se envolver em atividade física semanal. Melhorar fitness/saúde (34,63%) e entretenimento (26,52%) foram os principais motivos para a prática de atividade física. Idade e nacionalidade são um fator de diferenciação sobre os hábitos de atividade física...

"Hábitos de actividad física en un evento deportivo europeo: Un estudio de caso." El objetivo de este estudio es conocer los hábitos de actividad física de los participantes en un evento popular como el Día del Deporte Europeo, que se celebra simultáneamente en cinco países europeos (España, Italia, Chipre, Irlanda y Hungría) y medir la influencia de las variables sociodemográficas sobre esos hábitos. Este es un estudio transversal compuesto por una muestra de 856 participantes, estratificados por género, edad y nacionalidad. Se analizaron estadísticamente cinco variables relacionadas con los hábitos de actividad física: frecuencia de práctica de actividad física, lugar de práctica, motivaciones de práctica, nivel de condición física percibido y frecuencia de asistencia a eventos populares. De los participantes, el 76,8% aseguraron que realizaban actividad física semanalmente. Mejorar la condición física/salud (34,63%) y el ocio y entretenimiento (26,52%) son las principales razones para la práctica de actividad física. Edad y nacionalidad son un factor diferenciante sobre los hábitos de actividad física...

Perceived quality of basketball spectators. A measurement scale validation

El objetivo del presente estudio fue obtener una escala de calidad percibida por los espectadores de baloncesto válida, fiable y reducida. Mediante la aplicación de modelos de ecuaciones estructurales se redujo la escala Eventqual a nueve ítems y tres dimensiones con buenos indicadores de fiabilidad y validez. La estructura factorial resultante determinó como dimensiones de calidad para los espectadores de baloncesto a los tangibles, el personal y los servicios complementarios (AU)

The aim of the study was to obtain a valid, reliable and reduced measurement scale of basketball spectators. Trough application of structural equation modelling Eventqual scale was reduced to nine items and three dimensions with good indexes of reliability and validity. The resulting factor structure determined the tangibles, the personnel and the complementary services as quality dimensions for basketball spectators (AU)