Motivational Orientation, Boredom and Fun in Physical Education: The Mediation Role of Self-Esteem and Motor Self-Efficacy.

Adolescents who enjoy physical education (PE) classes are more likely to be active during out-of-school hours. Similarly, achievement goal theory suggests that task-oriented motivation is associated with higher levels of reported fun during PE classes. In contrast, ego-oriented motivation has been related to boredom in class, but some self-perceptions (e.g., self-esteem or motoric self-efficacy) may modify this relationship and are important for physical activity. Our aim in this paper was to analyze the relationships between motivational orientation and fun and boredom in PE classes by assessing the mediating effects of self-esteem and self-efficacy. We surveyed 478 teenagers between 13 and 18 years of age (M = 14.57; SD = 1.15) with the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), the Motor Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES), and the Intrinsic Satisfaction in Sport Scale (SSI-EF). We used a structural equation model to evaluate relationships between these variables of interest. We found a positive relationship between ego orientation and boredom and between task orientation and fun; and we found a negative relationship between task orientation and boredom in PE classes. Importantly, we observed indirect effects from self-esteem and motoric self-efficacy in the relationships between motivational orientation and boredom and fun in PE. These results highlight the importance of students' motivational orientations in PE classes and illustrate that self-perception of self-esteem and motoric self-efficacy can mediate these relationships.

Analysis of the Sports Psychological Profile, Competitive Anxiety, Self-Confidence and Flow State in Young Football Players.

The objective of this study was to analyse the correlations among the sports psychological profile, competitive anxiety, self-confidence and the flow state of young football players. Additionally, potential distinctions based on age category, competitive level and field position were explored. This study included 328 participants divided into two groups: Group 1, 14-15 year olds, and Group 2, 16-18 year olds (M = 15.85; SD = 1.44). Data were collected by using the Psychological Inventory of Sports Execution (IPED), the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R) and the Flow State Scale (FSS). The findings revealed positive associations between the sports psychological profile and self-confidence, as well as with the flow state. Conversely, competitive anxiety demonstrated negative relationships with the sports psychological profile, self-confidence and the state of flow. Moreover, superior scores were observed in the analysed variables for the older age category and higher competitive level, with no notable disparities based on field positions. These results underscore the interplay of psychological factors in the performance of football players and underline distinctions among players according to their category (age and level). This emphasises the importance of scrutinising these variables in athletes to comprehend their profiles and enable targeted interventions aimed at enhancing their psychological resources for competitive scenarios.

La modalidad de actividad físico-deportiva practicada determina el nivel de atención dividida en adultos jóvenes / O tipo de atividade físico-esportiva praticada determina o nível de atenção dividida em adultos jovens / The type of physical-sports activity practised determis the level of divided attention among young adults

El propósito del presente estudio fue determinar las diferencias en el nivel de atención dividida en función de la modalidad de práctica físico-deportiva realizada. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 610 deportistas (66.55% género femenino), con edades entre 20 y 35 años (M ± DT = 22.53 ± 2.72). Para evaluar la atención dividida se utilizó el Test de Círculos, el cual pertenece al software Procesos Atencionales y que está alojado en la plataforma de evaluación online MenPas 1.0 (www.menpas.com). Los resultados obtenidos pusieron de relieve que la práctica de actividad físico-deportiva de tipo colectiva estuvo asociada a una mejor puntuación en el Test de Círculos, encontrándose las mayores diferencias entre las modalidades colectivas e individuales. Estos hallazgos sugieren que practicar actividades físico-deportivas de tipo colectivo, debido a las características de estos deportes, podría contribuir a un mejor desarrollo de capacidades cognitivas como la atención dividida. (AU)

This study aims to determine the differences in levels of dividided attention according to the type of physical-sports activity practised. The sample consisted of 610 athletes (66.55% females) aged between 20 and 35 years (M ± DT = 22.53 ± 2.72). Divided attention was assessed using The Circles Test of the Attentional Processes software hosted on the MenPas 1.0 online assessment platform (www.menpas.com). The result show that the practice of collective physical-sport activity was associated with a better score in the Circles Test, with the greatest differences being between collective and individual modalities. These findings suggest that due to the characteristics of these collective physical-sports, they may contribute to improve Development of cognitive abilities such as divided attention. (AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar as diferenças no nível de atenção dividido de acordo com a modalidade de prática físico-esportiva realizada. A amostra foi composta por 610 atletas (66,55% do sexo feminino), com idade entre 20 e 35 anos(M ± SD = 22,53 ± 2,72). Para avaliar a atenção dividida, foi utilizado o Teste dos Círculos, que pertence ao software Processos de Atenção e está hospedado na plataforma de avaliação online MenPas 1.0 (www.menpas.com). Os resultados obtidos destacaram que a prática de atividade físico-esportiva coletiva esteve associada a uma melhor pontuação no Teste de Círculos, sendo as maiores diferenças encontradas entre as modalidades coletiva e individual. Esses achados sugerem que a prática de atividades físico-esportivas coletivas, devido às características desses esportes, poderia contribuir para um melhor desenvolvimento de habilidades cognitivas como a atenção dividida. (AU)

Validación de un protocolo de Finger Tapping Test Informatizado / Validation of a Computerized Finger Tapping Test protocol

El Finger Tapping Test (FTT) es una prueba neurofisiológica con largo bagaje en el campo de la neuropsicología, utilizada para examinar el control motor. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue validar una versión informatizada del FTT, estimando su validez concurrente con pruebas estandarizadas de ansiedad y ansiedad precompetitiva. Formaron parte del estudio 102 participantes, de los cuales 47 practicaban actividad físico-deportiva de forma habitual y 55 no. El 34’31% de la muestra fueron hombres y el 65’68% mujeres. Se utilizaron dos versiones informáticas del FTT, junto a los cuestionarios Inventario del Estado de Ansiedad en Competición-2 (CSAI2), Cuestionario de Ansiedad Estado-Rasgo (STAI), Inventario de Situaciones y Respuestas de Ansiedad (ISRA), Inventario de Ansiedad Competitiva (SCAT) y Cuestionario de Regulación Emocional (ERQ). Se encontraron correlaciones entre los pulsos de la modalidad clásica y versión movimiento y con algunas de las escalas de los cuestionarios utilizados como fue supresión emocional, ansiedad cognitiva y somática y, especialmente, autoconfianza. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de relieve la alta validez concurrente del programa. (AU)

The Finger Tapping Test (FTT) is a neurophysiological test with a long history in the field of neuropsychology, used to examine motor control. The objective of the present investigation was to validate a computerized version of the FTT, estimating its concurrent validity with standardized tests of anxiety and precompetitive anxiety. A total of 102 participants took part in the study, of which 47 practiced physical activity and sports on a regular basis, and 55 did not. 34.31% of the sample were men and 65.68% were women. Two computerized versions of the FTT were used, along with the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory 2 (CSAI2), State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire (STAI), Situation and Response Anxiety Inventory (ISRA), Competitive Anxiety Inventory (SCAT) and Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Correlations were found between the pulses of the classic modality and movement version and with some of the scales of the questionnaires used, such as emotional suppression, cognitive and somatic anxiety, and, especially, self-confidence. The results show that the FTT has stability in terms of its evaluation, as well as high concurrent validit (AU)

MenPas 1.0: Plataforma online de evaluación psicosocial / MenPas 1.0: Online psychosocial Assessment Platform

El uso de instrumentos informatizados y en línea se ha incrementado notablemente en las últimas décadas. Sucesos como la COVID-19 han influido en la consolidación de su uso, siendo herramientas de trabajo muy útiles para evaluación e investigación. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar una plataforma de evaluación online denominada MenPas 1.0, explorando sus áreas de trabajo y el flujo de datos de los últimos años. Se ha seguido una estrategia descriptiva para analizar las posibilidades que ofrece la plataforma, así como el tráfico de datos que posee y número de usuarios. Los resultados muestran que esta plataforma ofrece herramientas vinculadas a las siguientes áreas: ansiedad, atención, autoconcepto, autorregistros, burnout, búsqueda de talentos, calidad de vida, dinámica grupal, entrenamiento mental, inteligencia emocional, estrés, generalizabilidad, hipnosis, liderazgo, motivación, observación, organizaciones/calidad, socialización, toma de decisiones o visualización. Actualmente, tiene más de 16 mil usuarios registrados y acumula más de un millón trescientos mil sucesos. Algunos de los cuestionarios alojados han sido respondidos más de 60.000 veces. Además, sus usuarios proceden de múltiples países europeos y asiáticos, americanos o de Oceanía. Los resultados ponen de relieve el amplio espectro de uso que tiene la plataforma, las posibilidades de almacenamiento y procesamiento de datos que permite y la universalización de los recursos informatizados. (AU)

Computerized online instruments use has been increased significantly in recent decades. Influenced by events as COVID-19, consolidating its use in assessment and research. Present work main goal is to analyze the online assessment platform named MenPas 1.0, by exploring its working areas as well as the traffic communication data in the last years. A descriptive strategy has been followed in order to analyze the several possibilities offered by the platform as well as its data traffic and number of users. The results show that this platform offers a set of for the following areas: anxiety, attention, self-concept, self-registers, burnout, talent search, quality of life, group dynamics, mental training, emotional intelligence, stress, generalizability, hypnosis, leadership, motivation, observation, organizations/quality, socialization, decision making or visualization. Currently, it has more than 16 thousand registered users and accumulates more than 1.3 million events. Some of the hosted questionnaires have been run more than 60,000 times. In addition, users come from many European, Asian, American, and Oceanian countries. The results highlight the wide using spectrum of the platform joined to the data storing and processing possibilities what allows the computerized resources universalization. (AU)

Revisión sistemática sobre la incidencia de los programas de actividad física en la mejora cognitiva en la infancia y adolescencia / Physical activity programs incidence in cognitive improvement of children and adolescents: A systematic review

La infancia y adolescencia son etapas importantes en el desarrollo cerebral y son la base de la vida adulta. En numerosas ocasiones se ha demostrado los efectos de la actividad física en la salud, así como en el desarrollo cognitivo y moral. No obstante, no toda actividad física llega a causar efectos en las funciones cognitivas al mismo nivel, siendo la actividad vigorosa y el aumento de actividad cardiorrespiratoria las que aportan mayores beneficios. Esta revisión pretende recoger los estudios de los diez últimos años sobre los efectos de programas de actividad física en la cognición en la infancia y adolescencia. Se busca conocer qué tipo de actividad física es más beneficiosa para qué tipo de habilidad cognitiva. Los datos mostraron que la actividad física produce beneficios en la cognición, aunque es la actividad vigorosa la que genera mayor impacto. Los juegos reducidos y las actividades aeróbicas combinadas con coordinación se han visto mejores para inhibición y flexibilidad cognitiva. Aunque parece ser más importante la intensidad de la actividad. Esto puede beneficiar la planificación de los programas de actividad física y los beneficios que conlleva. (AU)

Childhood and adolescence are important stages in brain development and are the basis for adult life. The effects of physical activity on health, as well as on cognitive and moral development, have been demonstrated on numerous occasions. However, not all physical activity can have the same level of effect on cognitive functions, with vigorous activity and increased cardiorespiratory activity providing the greatest benefits. This review aims to collect the studies of the last ten years on the effects of physical activity programs on cognition in childhood and adolescence. The aim is to know which type of physical activity is more beneficial for which type of cognitive ability. The data showed that physical activity produces benefits on cognition, although vigorous activity has the greatest impact. Reduced games and aerobic activities combined with coordination have been found to be better for cognitive inhibition and flexibility. Although the intensity of the activity seems to be more important. This may benefit the planning of physical activity programs and the benefits it brings. (AU)

El tipo de deporte practicado determina el nivel de atención selectiva en adultos jóvenes / O tipo de esporte praticado determina o nível de atenção seletiva em adultos jovens / The type of sport practiced determines the level of selective attention in young adults

El propósito principal del presente trabajo fue determinar las diferencias existentes en atención selectiva entre personas que practicaban regularmente diferentes modalidades de actividad físico-deportiva. La muestra estuvo compuesta por un total de 1038 participantes siendo el 68.30% (n=709) mujeres y el 31.70% (n=329) hombres, con edades comprendidasentre 20 y 29 años (M ± DT = 22.54 ± 2.35). Para evaluar la atención selectiva se utilizó un test informatizado de tachado numérico (matriz 5x5), que forma parte del software Procesos Atencionales y que se encuentra alojado en la Plataforma de Evaluación Psicosocial MenPas 1.0. (www.menpas.com). Los resultados pusieron de relieve la existencia de diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los tipos de deporte en el tiempo de ejecución de la prueba realizada. Específicamente, los practicantes de deportes individuales empleaban más tiempo en la ejecución de la tarea que los que realizaban deportes colectivos (Z = −2.46; p = .014, Cohen’s d = .23, 95% CI (.07, .38)) o de adversario (Z = −2.11; p = .035, Cohen’s d = .19, 95% CI (.01, .38)). En concreto, aquellos que jugaban al pádel y al fútbol fueron los que mejores tiempos de ejecución obtuvieron. Los resultados obtenidos pusieron de relieve que la modalidad de deporte practicado podría tener un impacto diferencial en el desarrollo cognitivo, específicamente en la atención selectiva. (AU)

The main purpose of this study was to determine the differences in selective attention between people who regularly practiced different forms of physical-sports activity. The sample consisted of a total of 1,038 participants, 68.30% (n=709) being women and 31.70% (n=329) being men, aged between 20 and 29 years (M ± SD = 22.54 ± 2.35). The evaluate selective attention, a computerized numerical cross-out test (a 5x5 matrix) was used, which is part of the Attentional Processes software and is hosted on the MenPas 1.0 Psychosocial Assessment Platform. (www.menpas.com). The results highlighted the existence of statistically significant differences between the types of sport in the execution time of the test performed. Specifically, individual sports practitioners spent more time performing the task than those who performed team sports (Z= −2.46; p= .014, Cohen'sd= .23, 95% CI (.07, .38)) or adversary(Z= −2.11; p= .035, Cohen'sd= .19, 95% CI (.01, .38)). Specifically, those who played paddle tennis and soccer were the ones who obtained the best execution times. The results obtained highlighted that the type of sport practiced could have a differentialimpact on cognitive development, specifically on selective attention. (AU)

O objetivo principal deste estudo foi determinar as diferenças na atenção seletiva entre pessoas que praticavam regularmente diferentes formas de atividade físico-esportiva. A amostra foi composta por um total de 1.038 participantes, sendo 68,30% (n=709) mulheres e 31,70% (n=329) homens, com idade entre 20 e 29 anos (M ± DP = 22,54 ± 2,35). Para avaliar a atenção seletiva, foi utilizado um teste numérico computadorizado cruzado (uma matriz 5x5), que faz parte do software Processos de Atenção e está hospedado na Plataforma de Avaliação Psicossocial MenPas 1.0. (www.menpas.com). Os resultados evidenciaram a existência de diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os tipos de esporte no tempo de execução do teste realizado. Especificamente, os praticantes de esportes individuais gastaram mais tempo realizando a tarefa do que aqueles que realizaram esportes coletivos (Z= −2,46; p= 0,014, Cohen'sd= 0,23, IC 95% (0,07, 0,38)) ou adversário (Z = −2,11; p= 0,035, d de Cohen= 0,19, IC de 95% (0,01, 0,38)). Especificamente, aqueles que jogaram paddle e futebol foram os que obtiveram os melhores tempos de execução. Os resultados obtidos destacaram que o tipo de esporte praticado pode ter um impacto diferencial no desenvolvimento cognitivo, especificamente na atenção seletiva. (AU)

Effects of Physical Exercise on Executive Function in Adults with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Executive function is among the most affected cognitive dimensions in depression. Physical exercise may improve executive function (e.g., working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility), although this is without consensus on adults with depression. Through this systematic review, we aim to elucidate the effects of physical exercise programs on executive functions in adults with depression. The literature search was performed in four relevant electronic databases, combining keywords and medical subject headings, from inception until September 2022. Controlled interventions, involving adults with depression, and reporting working memory, inhibition, and/or cognitive flexibility pre-post-intervention data, were considered includable. Results from meta-analyses included effect size (ES, i.e., Hedges' g) values reported with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs), with p set at ≤0.05. Seven studies were included, including 202 men and 457 women (age: 21.0-51.2 years; mild-moderate depression). For working memory, a small favoring effect was observed in the experimental groups compared with controls (ES = 0.33, 95%CI = 0.04-0.61; p = 0.026; I2 = 64.9%). For inhibition, physical exercise had a small favoring non-significant effect compared with controls (ES = 0.28, 95%CI = -0.17-0.74; p = 0.222; I2 = 72.4%). Compared with the control group, physical exercise had a trivial effect on cognitive flexibility (ES = 0.09, 95%CI = -0.21-0.39; p = 0.554; I2 = 68.4%). In conclusion, physical exercise interventions may improve working memory behavioral measures in adults with mild-to-moderate depression when compared with active and passive control conditions. However, the reduced number of available high-quality studies precludes more lucid conclusions.

Efficacy of Electromyographic Biofeedback in Muscle Recovery after Meniscectomy in Soccer Players.

Electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) is a therapeutic technique that has been used successfully in the rehabilitation of injuries. Although it has been applied to athletes, its use in this field is not very widespread. The objective of this study is to analyze its effectiveness in the recovery of electromyographic activity of the quadriceps after meniscectomy, evaluated through isometric contraction of the vastus lateralis. The sample comprised ten professional footballers in the Spanish League (2nd Division A) who had previously suffered a meniscus injury in their knee and had undergone a meniscectomy. The intervention consisted of EMG-BF treatment lasting between 6 and 10 sessions. The electromyographic signal was recorded using a Thought Technology ProComp Infiniti 8-channel biofeedback unit with a sampling rate of 2048 samples/second. For each session, a within-subject ABA design of 6 or 10 trials per session was used, with three pre- and three post-measures, which determined the gain for each session. The results indicated (1) improvements in all cases, (2) EMG-BF was effective, (3) the working model was statistically significant with an explained variance of between 67% and 75%, and (4) the generalizability analysis showed that the results are reliable and generalizable. The results indicate that EMG-BF is effective in neuromuscular rehabilitation after this type of intervention.

Logical Intelligence and Mathematical Competence Are Determined by Physical Fitness in a Sample of School Children.

Previous research has shown positive relationships between fitness level and different cognitive abilities and academic performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between logical-mathematical intelligence and mathematical competence with physical fitness in a group of pre-adolescents. Sixty-three children (50.79% girls; 49.21% boys) from Castro del Río (Córdoba, Spain), aged between 11 and 12 years (M = 11.44, SD = 0.64), participated in this research. The Superior Logical Intelligence Test (SLIT) and the EVAMAT 1.0-5 battery were used. Physical fitness was evaluated by the horizontal jump test, the 4×10 meter speed-agility test, and the Course Navette test. The analyses showed positive relationships between physical fitness with logical-mathematical intelligence and mathematical competence. Specifically, linear regression analyzes indicated that the 4×10 speed-agility test significantly predicted mathematical competence (R 2 = 0.16; ß = -0.41) and the horizontal jump test significantly predicted logical-mathematical intelligence (R 2 = 0.24; ß = 0.50). These results are in agreement with previous research, highlighting the importance of improving physical fitness from an early age due to its benefits for intellectual and academic development.

Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ): Psychometric Properties in Its Digital Version.

The Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire's (TEOSQ's) psychometric properties have been explored in previous studies but never in its digital version, which facilitates data collection. The objective of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the online TEOSQ by MenPas 1.0. The sample was composed of 2320 users (58.4% women; 41.6% men), between 18 and 65 years old (M = 25.27, SD = 7.39). The methods used were Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and invariance analysis from the original 13-item model. The CFA was corrected for all samples (CFI = 0.92-0.94, TLI = 0.93-0.95, RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.06; df = 64; Bollen-Stine Bootstrap p = 0.02-0.07): general sample (χ2 = 720.72, χ2/df = 11.26), women (χ2 = 496.85, χ2/df = 7.76), men (χ2 = 321.67, χ2/df = 5.03), individual sports (χ2 = 525.26, χ2/df = 8.21), and team sports (χ2 = 306.01, χ2/df = 4.78). The results also indicate optimal adjustments for invariance: convergent, discriminant and composite reliability validity. The study evidence demonstrates the adequate psychometric properties of the digital version. To conclude, considering the results obtained, the model shows a good psychometric fit for the sample in its online format. The principal limitations were computer failures, as well as that the large part of the sample were users between 20 and 25 years old, so the heterogeneity should be improved. The practical implications of this study could improve the efficacy of data collection in sports motivation using the online TEOSQ.

Data Mining and Polar Coordinates in the Analysis by Gender of Finishing Behaviors in Professional Basketball Pick and Roll.

The open nature of basketball gives it a large uncertainty that makes hard the tactical analysis of the situations that happen in the game. Specifically, screens are one of the offensive tactical elements most used in basketball and one example of a tactical situation that needs the highest preparation level to get a good performance in the competition. The aim of this study is to differentiate these player behaviors by gender using data mining and polar coordinates analysis. Therefore, one ad hoc observational tool made by 17 criteria and 97 exhaustive and mutually exclusive (E/ME) categories has been designed and validated using the data quality analysis (correlation coefficients and concordance index 0.98) and generalizability analysis (G coefficients 0.94) to perform such a study. The observational design is nomothetic, punctual, and multidimensional. A total of 176 ball screens situations have been analyzed for the men's category and 118 for women's category, corresponding to three different teams of each gender playing in the highest competition level in Spain during the 2018/2019 season using Hoisan software tool. The analysis of the relationships among behaviors has been performed using Polar Coordinates analysis as well as data mining analysis: clustering and decision tree classifier. Results show significant relationships that allow us to tactically interpret the pick and roll situations in men's and women's professional basketball players in Spain, allowing us to develop more intervention programs which will optimize training and improve players performance.

Use of Data Mining to Determine Usage Patterns of an Online Evaluation Platform During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

MenPas is a psychosocial assessment platform developed by the University of Malaga in 2008. There has been a significant increase in data traffic during the period of confinement by COVID-19 (March and April '20) compared to the same period in the previous year. The main goal to achieve in this work is to determine the patterns of use of this platform on both period of time. So, we want to respond to the following question: So, we the following question: Has the COVID-19 Pandemic changed the pattern of the Menpas users? In order to respond it, cluster analysis techniques (Data Mining) have been used to classify people taking surveys into quotient sets (cluster). This is a multivariate technique for dividing data into sets to that are as homogeneous as possible within themselves and heterogeneous among themselves. Specifically, the K-Means algorithm has been used for this analysis, which is based on the evaluation of the distance between data and the average of each variable. So, it is recommended to discover patterns or relationships among the data. Specifically, the use of the following questionnaires has been analyzed: Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Profile of Mood State (POMS), Resilience Scale (RS), Sport Performance Psychological Inventory (IPED), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Self-concept Form-5 (AF-5). The analyses have shown changes in cluster formation between 2019 and 2020 based on the variables gender, age, marital status or physical practice. Therefore, the analyses carried out have been sensitive to determine several profiles of people using the MenPas platform because there are changes in the characteristics of the user groups that have carried out the analyzed tests.

Physical Fitness, Selective Attention and Academic Performance in a Pre-Adolescent Sample.

The purpose of the current study is to analyze the relationships between physical fitness, selective attention, and academic performance in pre-teens. The sample here consists of 135 participants between the ages of 10 and 12 (M = 11.05; SD = 0.61), with 39.26% female (n = 53) and 60.74% male (n = 82) participants. Horizontal and vertical jump distances, speed, and cardio-respiratory fitness were evaluated to assess physical fitness. The d2 Test of Attention was used to evaluate selective attention. In addition, data were obtained regarding participant academic performance by analyzing the academic performance. The results show significant relationships between the measures analyzed, highlighting positive associations between physical fitness, cognitive functioning, and academic performance. Thus, participants who were fitter scored better on tests of attention (Z133 = -4.07; p < 0.00007, Cohen's d = 0.75, 95% CI (0.39, 1.11)) and concentration (t133 = -3.84; p < 0.0007, Cohen's d = 0.69, 95% CI (0.33, 1.05)), as well as having higher academic performance (Z133 = -2.84; p < 0.0035, Cohen's d = 0.39, 95% CI (0.04, 0.75)). Cardiorespiratory fitness was the measure of physical fitness that best explained these relationships. The results suggest that maintaining and improving the physical fitness of children and adolescents may help their brain function develop better.

Mixed-Methods Analysis of Emotional Quality in Sports Organizations: Facial Expressions of Child Users of Sports Services as Data.

Proper quality management of sports services requires knowledge of the needs, perceptions, expectations, and emotions of users. Facial expressions provide relevant information about the immediate perception of stimuli. The objective of this study was therefore to analyze how a group of child users of sports services expressed their satisfaction with the programs in which they participated through facial expressions during an in-depth interview tailored to their age. Nineteen child users of a sports organization (aged from 5 to 12 years) were interviewed, involving both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The analysis of facial expressions was performed using Face Reader v.6.1.10, which automatically analyzes eight categories of facial expressions (six basic emotions, one neutral, and one unidentified). The data collection and transformation procedures fully satisfied the requirement for flexibility and provide new perspectives for incorporating data into the study of biopsychosocial factors in everyday contexts using a Mixed-Methods approach. In addition, the generalizability analysis itself, carried out to determine the levels of reliability, generalizability and precision of the sample (with relative and absolute G indexes of between 0.86 and 0.93 for the three analyses performed), was also a Mixed-Methods procedure.

Relationships between Controlling Interpersonal Coaching Style, Basic Psychological Need Thwarting, and Burnout, in Adolescent Soccer Players.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationships between a controlling interpersonal style, psychological need thwarting and burnout in adolescent soccer players and to test a structural equation model to analyze whether (a) a controlling interpersonal style is a predictor of psychological need thwarting and whether (b) psychological need thwarting is a predictor of burnout. A total of 103 male soccer players between the ages of 12 and 17 participated in the research (M= 14.91; SD= 5.56). The Controlling Coach Behaviors Scale, the Psychological Need Thwarting Scale, and the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire were used to evaluate the variables under study. The analyses revealed significant relationships between a controlling interpersonal style, psychological need thwarting and burnout. Furthermore, the proposed structural equations model, using the partial least squares (PLS) method, showed that a controlling style is a positive predictor of basic psychological need thwarting and that the latter is a predictor of burnout, as well as revealing an indirect relationship between a controlling style and burnout. This indirect effect of the controlling style variable on burnout can be enhanced (or attenuated) by the basic psychological need thwarting variable, which acts as a modulator.

Physical Fitness Level Is Related to Attention and Concentration in Adolescents.

The main goal of this study was to analyze the relationships among physical fitness, selective attention and concentration in a group of 210 teenagers (43.81% male, 56.19% female) from the city of Málaga (Spain), aged between 11 and 15 years old (M = 13.27, SD = 1.80) that participated in the study. D2 attention test was used in order to analyze selective attention and concentration. Physical fitness was evaluated using the horizontal jump test, the Course Navette test and the 5 × 10 meters speed test. The analysis taken indicated a significant relationship among the physical fitness level, the attention and the concentration, as in the general sample as looking at gender. Linear regression tests performed showed that oxygen consumption is the best predictor of attentional parameters. Cluster analysis shows two groups characterized by a greater or lower physical fitness level. So, the highest physical fitness level group scores better in the attention (e.g., boys: p < 0.001, d' Cohen = 1.01, 95% CI [0.57, 1.44]; girls: p < 0.01, d' Cohen = 0.61, 95% CI [0.24, 0.98]) and the concentration tests (e.g., boys: p < 0.001, d' Cohen = 0.89, 95% CI [0.46, 1.32]; girls: p < 0.01, d' Cohen = 0.58, 95% CI [0.21, 0.95]). Results indicate that physical fitness analysis can be used as a tool for observing differences in the attention and concentration level of the analyzed adolescents, suggesting that a physical performance improvement could be an adequate procedure to develop some cognitive functions during adolescence.

Physical Exercise, Fitness, Cognitive Functioning, and Psychosocial Variables in an Adolescent Sample.

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the relationship between physical exercise and physical fitness with cognitive and psychosocial functioning in a group of adolescents. 167 teenagers between 14 and 15 years old (M = 14.53; SD = 0.50) from the city of Malaga (Spain) participated in the study. This research used a comparative and predictive type of design. The Tanita® Body Composition Monitor BC-601, some Eurofit battery tests, the D2 Attention Test, the WISC-IV Scale Symbols and Keys tests, the Form 5 Self-Concept Questionnaire (AF5), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used to evaluate the study variables. The results found in this research pointed to a positive relationship between physical exercise and physical fitness with cognitive and psychosocial functioning in the adolescents analyzed. For example, adolescents who practiced more physical exercise had better scores on variables such as selective attention (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.10), processing speed (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.09) or general self-efficacy (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.15). In addition, cardiorespiratory fitness was the best predictor of test scores to assess cognitive ability and psychosocial variables. These findings suggest the need to promote physical exercise among young people because of its implications for various facets of their health and development.

El juego combinativo ofensivo en el balonmano de élite: diferencias por género mediante análisis de coordenadas polares / The offensive combinative game in elite handball: gender differences through polar coordinate analysis / O jogo de combinação ofensiva no handebol de elite: diferenças de género através da análise de coordenadas polares

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar mediante el análisis de coordenadas polares la eficacia de las conductas que se muestran durante el juego combinativo ofensivo en el balonmano de élite masculino y femenino en España. Se observaron 10 equipos pertenecientes a la Liga ASOBAL en la categoría masculina y a la Copa La Reina en la femenina. Se utilizó una herramienta observacional ad hoc de 12 criterios y 62 categorías con un diseño observacional Nomotético/Puntual/Multidimensional. La unidad de análisis fue el ataque posicional. Se seleccionaron cuatro conductas focales: los medios tácticos colectivos simples, la combinación de los medios tácticos, las transformaciones y el lanzamiento ventajoso. Se realizó un análisis de coordenadas polares con el software HOISAN considerando significativos los módulos ≥1.96. Los resultados evidenciaron diferencias en el flujo de comportamientos entre el juego femenino y masculino. La categoría femenina con acentuadas acciones en la zona derecha del terreno. Los resultados más consistentes concuerdan con los primeros cuarenta minutos de juego y con la utilización de los medios tácticos colectivos simples y las combinaciones. En la categoría masculina se evidenció buen desempeño táctico durante todo el tiempo de juego. La combinación de los medios tácticos colectivos mostró una relación directa con el triunfo. En ambas categorías la transformación de los sistemas induce las finalizaciones en lanzamientos forzados. Las diferencias sugieren intervenir en la preparación de ambas categorías con una orientación específica hacia las mejoras en el desempeño del juego posicional combinativo

The aim of this study was analyse by means of polar coordinate analysis the efficacy of the behaviors shown during offensive combinative game in elite male and female handball in Spain. Ten teams belonging to the ASOBAL League were observed in the male category and to the Queen's Cup in the female category. An ad hoc observational tool of 12 criteria and 62 categories with a Nomothetic/Punctual/Multidimensional observational design was used. The unit of analysis was the positional attack. Four focal behaviours were selected: simple collective tactical means, combination of tactical means, transformations and advantageous launchs. An analysis of polar coordinates was carried out with the HOISAN software, considering the modules ≥1.96 to be significant. The results showed differences in the flow of behaviors between the male and female game. The female category with accentuated actions in the right zone of the field. The most consistent results coincide with the first forty minutes of play and with the use of simple collective tactical means and combinations. In the male category, good tactical performance was evident throughout the game. The combination of the collective tactical means showed a direct relation with the victory. In both categories the transformation of the systems induces the completions in forced launchs. The differences suggest to intervene in the preparation of both categories with a specific orientation towards the improvements in the performance the combinative positional game

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar, através de uma análise por coordenadas polares, a eficácia dos comportamentos demonstrados durante o jogo ofensivo combinado em andebol masculino e feminino de elite em Espanha. Foram observadas dez equipas pertencentes à Liga ASOBAL na categoria masculina e a Copa da Rainha na categoria feminina. Foi utilizada uma ferramenta observacional ad hoc de 12 critérios e 62 categorias com um desenho observacional Nomotético/Pontual/Pontual/Multidimensional. A unidade de análise foi o ataque posicional. Foram selecionados quatro comportamentos focais: meios táticos coletivos simples, combinação de meios táticos, transformações e arremesso vantajoso. Uma análise das coordenadas polares foi realizada com o software HOISAN, considerando os módulos ≥1.96 como significativos. Os resultados mostraram diferenças no fluxo de comportamentos entre o jogo feminino e o masculino. A categoria feminina com ações acentuadas na zona direita do campo. Os resultados mais consistentes coincidem com os primeiros quarenta minutos de jogo e com o uso de meios táticos coletivos simples e combinações. Na categoria masculina, o bom desempenho tático ficou evidente durante todo o jogo. A combinação dos meios táticos coletivos mostrou uma relação direta com a vitória. Em ambas as categorias a transformação dos sistemas induz as terminações em lançamentos forçados. As diferenças sugerem intervir na preparação de ambas as categorias com uma orientação específica para as melhorias no desempenho do jogo posicional combinado

Análisis de coordenadas polares para el estudio de los sistemas defensivos en balonmano / Polar coordinate analysis for the study of defensive systems in Handball / Análise de coordenadas polares para o estudo de sistemas defensivos no handebol

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la relación de diferentes comportamientos tácticos ofensivos con las conductas mostradas en los dos principales sistemas defensivos en balonmano. Para ello se realizó un análisis de coordenadas polares utilizando como conductas focales aquellas que identifican los principales sistemas defensivos y las acciones ofensivas con o sin transformaciones. Se observaron 538 situaciones correspondientes a 5 partidos de la primera división nacional española masculina con el software Hoisan utilizándose una herramienta diseñada ad hoc. El diseño observacional usado fue nomotético, puntual y seguimiento, siendo la unidad de observación la situación de defensa del equipo observado. Los resultados del análisis de la Calidad del Dato y Generalizabilidad muestran índices convincentes para los modelos utilizados. Los resultados del análisis de Coordenadas Polares muestran la mayor capacidad de oposición del sistema defensivo 5:1 al ataque. También destaca que la transformación atacante de 3:3 a 2:4 se usa más ante defensas abiertas y elicita el aumento de aparición de sanciones disciplinarias La herramienta observacional diseñada y la utilización de la técnica de coordenadas polares para la estimación de relaciones tácticas permite definir procedimientos de intervención que optimicen los recursos del entrenamiento y la competición en balonmano

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of different offensive tactical performances with the behaviours shown in the two main defensive systems in handball. For this, an analysis of polar coordinates was carried out using as focal behaviors those wich identify the main defensive systems and the offensive actions with or without transformations. There were 538 situations corresponding to 5 matches of the first Spanish national men's division with the Hoisan software by making use of an ad hoc tool. The observational design used was nomothetic, punctual and monitoring, the observation unit being the defense situation of the monitored team. The results of the Data Quality and Generalizability analysis show convincing rates for the models used. The results of the Polar Coordinates analysis show the greater oppositional capacity of the 5: 1 defensive system to attack. It also highlights that the attacking transformation from 3:3 to 2:4 is used more in the face of open defenses and it elicits an increase in the appearances of disciplinary sanctions. The observational tool designed and the use of the polar coordinate technique for the estimation of tactical relationships allows to define intervention procedures that optimize the resources of training and competition in handball

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a relação de diferentes comportamentos táticos ofensivos com os comportamentos mostrados nos dois principais sistemas defensivos do handebol. Para tanto, foi realizada uma análise das coordenadas polares utilizando como comportamentos focais aqueles que identificam os principais sistemas defensivos e as ações ofensivas com ou sem transformações. Havia 538 situações correspondentes a 5 partidas da primeira divisão masculina nacional espanhola com o software Hoisan, usando uma ferramenta projetada ad hoc. O desenho observacional utilizado foi nomotético, pontual e de acompanhamento, sendo a unidade de observação a situação de defesa do equipamento observado. Os resultados da análise de qualidade dos dados e generalização mostram índices convincentes para os modelos utilizados. Os resultados da análise das coordenadas polares mostram a maior capacidade de oposição do sistema defensivo 5: 1 de ataque. Destaca também que a transformação de ataque de 3: 3 para 2: 4 é mais usada em face de defesas abertas e provoca o aumento da aparência de sanções disciplinares. A ferramenta de observação projetada e o uso da técnica de coordenadas polares para a estimativa de relações táticas permitem definir procedimentos de intervenção que otimizam os recursos de treinamento e competição no handebol