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This study examined the psychophysiological responses of players to mental fatigue (MF) during simulated badminton matches. Sixteen badminton athletes (age = 19.06 ± 1.29 years) participated in this study voluntarily. Before starting the measurements, the players were informed about the measurements, and anthropometric measurements were performed. Official badminton competition rules and formats were used. Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) responses were recorded before and after the games. At the end of each set, the players' perceived exertion (RPE), visual analogue scale (VAS), and enjoyment scale values were determined. Mental fatigue increased perceived exertion and mental fatigue levels during the match, and at the same time, the enjoyment of badminton players decreased (p<0.05). Based on mood responses, an increase in negative moods, such as anger and fatigue, was observed after MF, whereas a decrease in vigour mood occurred (p<0.05). However, no mood change was observed before or after the match without MF (p>0.05). After the game was played with MF, only a decrease in the feeling of vigour was detected compared to the game without fatigue (p<0.05). The results may help coaches and sports psychologists better understand their athletes and take appropriate measures when necessary. Understanding the effect of MF on athlete performance may help athletes direct their training programs directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychomotricity is a broad term that encompasses different approaches to bodily action to support children and adolescents to reach their highest motor and cognitive potential. The aim of the study was to highlight gender differences in the manifestation of psychomotor behaviors in 8-9-year-old children who practice sports swimming. The subjects (N=52, 26 males, 26 females) are children aged 8.0-9.11 years (M = 8.80; SD = ±0.65) who practice swimming in one of the swimming pools of a city in Romania. They were tested, using specific instruments, to assess the level of manual dexterity, body schema, hand laterality, body balance, body balance on water/buoyancy, general coordination. For four of the variables (manual dexterity, body schema, hand laterality and spatial orientation) no statistically significant differences were found, while for the other three (body balance, body balance on water and general coordination) statistically significant differences were recorded. The results indicate differences between the two genders, girls in this age group who practice swimming having more developed psychomotor skills compared to boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: This paper examines the convergence of the opinions of European higher education institution (HEI) experts on possible implementation of dual career policies and provision areas at university level. Methods: An online 32-item questionnaire encompassing 26 dual career aspects collected the opinion of European HEI experts as the last phase of a Delphi method preceded by i) focus groups with student-athletes who aimed to identify needs for dual careers and ii) a workshop with 21 dual career experts to generate the statements to be included in the survey. Seventy-one HEI experts from 12 EU member states participated in the survey, rating each dual career aspect identified in previous phases. Results: The relative position of each aspect has been plotted based on relevance (x-axis) and feasibility (y-axis). The Quadrant IV of the resulting scatterplots identified the following nine aspects rated as highly relevant and highly feasible for implementation: tutorship/mentorship, psychological support, programmes based on integration of academic departments and sports services, and adaptable programmes to the needs of each student-athletes (assistance/tutorship area), individual study plans and distance learning (curricula requirements area), publicity for student-athletes and initiatives for increasing the awareness of student-athletes and knowledge of dual career issues (social support area), and access to educational facilities (logistic support area). Discussion and conclusions: The HEI experts' views represent a coherent and useful starting point to develop a deep understanding of the considered 26 aspects founded on a phenomenological lifeworld-led approach and emphasizes the need for a minimum standard for dual career policies and provisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]