Analysis of Game Actions and Performance in Young Soccer Players: A Study Using Sequential Analysis

The objective of this research is to analyze the performance of actions in a reduced game situation in a sample of young soccer players. This is a game format in which possession of the ball has to be maintained. The sample consisted of 85 young players aged between 12 and 16 years, observing a total of 58 reduced games and using an analysis instrument called the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI). The essential data quality analyses are carried out, including the use of correlation indexes, Cohen’s Kappa and the Phi index for intra- and inter-observer reliability. Generalizability and invariance analyses are also performed to estimate the reliability, validity and precision of the numerical structure and its generalizability to other samples or populations with similar distributions. An observational design of nomothetic, punctual and multidimensional types is used, and subsequently, a sequential analysis of the game actions is carried out from the observations. The results show significant relationships between decision-making behaviors (adequate and inadequate) and technical execution behaviors (adequate and inadequate). The findings have highlighted a clear relationship of interdependence between technical execution and decision making. This information is very useful for the design and planning of training oriented to the optimization of sport performance in soccer.Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Perceived Motivational Climate Determines Self-Confidence and Precompetitive Anxiety in Young Soccer Players: Analysis by Gender

The main objective of this study was to analyze whether the perception of the motivational climate in young soccer players determines the level of competitive anxiety and self-confidence. In addition, the results were explored according to gender, in order to observe if there were differences between the female and male categories. A total of 113 cadet and youth soccer players from six soccer teams in the provinces of Malaga and Granada, aged between 14 and 19 years, who competed in regional leagues, participated in the study. Of these, 50 were female and 63 were male. The Competitive Sport Anxiety (CSAI-2), Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 (PMCSQ-2), and Self-Confidence in Sport Competition Questionnaire (CACD) were used to collect the information. Correlation, linear regression and cluster analyses were performed. The data analyses carried out affirmed the relationship between the study variables, observing that the perception of ego climate was positively related to cognitive anxiety (p < 0.05) and insecurity (p < 0.01), and inversely to self-confidence (p < 0.05). By gender, boys showed a higher perception of an ego-oriented (p < 0.001) and lower perception of a task-oriented climate (p < 0.05) than girls. However, girls showed a greater intensity in the relationships related to ego climate and lower scores in self-confidence (p < 0.01), as well as higher scores in insecurity (p < 0.001). The results have shown positive relationships between self-confidence and a task-oriented climate, as well as negative ones with an ego-oriented climate. It is also observed that ego orientation generates more insecurity and anxiety, which is more evident in girls.Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Mála

Physical Self-Concept and Motor Self-Efficacy Are Related to Satisfaction/Enjoyment and Boredom in Physical Education Classes

Physical education (PE) classes promote extracurricular physical activity (PA). Therefore, having fun in this context is important for developing active lifestyles. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between motor self-efficacy and physical self-concept with enjoyment/satisfaction and boredom in school PE lessons. A total of 195 adolescents aged 14 to 15 years (M = 14.65; SD = 0.48) from the city of Malaga participated. The Motor Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES), the Children Physical Self Questionnaire (C-PSQ) and the Sport Satisfaction Instrument (SSI) were used to evaluate the variables under study. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed, finding positive and statistically significant associations between motor self-efficacy and physical self-concept with enjoyment/satisfaction in PE, as well as negative relationships with boredom. Specifically, motor self-efficacy and perceived physical competence were predictors of satisfaction or boredom in PE. The results suggest that some physical and motor self-perceptions at these ages could contribute to developing attitudes towards physical practice in this type of educational context, in addition to the importance that their extrapolation to other contexts of PA outside school hours could have

Análise da validade convergente de um instrumento informatizado para avaliar a atenção nos atletas: Rejilla 1.0.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la validez convergente de un programa informatizado denominado Rejilla 1.0, que se construyó con el objetivo de evaluar la atención selectiva y para ser utilizado en contextos como el deporte. Un total de 99 participantes colaboraron en el estudio, con edades entre 19 y 36 años (M ± DT= 25.15 ± 3.56). Para valorar la validez convergente se realizaron análisis de correlaciones con otros instrumentos que se han utilizado tradicionalmente para evaluar la atención selectiva, como son el Test de Atención D2 y el Test Toulouse-Piéron. Los resultados encontrados pusieron de manifiesto correlaciones moderadas y bajas entre los instrumentos, lo cual sugiere relaciones entre ellos, aunque se deben tomar con cautela. Las medidas principales del Test de Atención D2 y el Test Toulouse-Piéron mostraron niveles moderados con los aciertos de Rejilla 1.0, pero las medidas secundarias manifestaron asociaciones bajas. Se sugiere que otras funciones cognitivas, además de atención selectiva, podrían participar en la realización de los ejercicios de Rejilla 1.0, lo cual se discute en el trabajo.ABSTRACT:The objective of this research was to analyze the convergent validity of a computerized program called Rejilla v.1, which was built with the aim of evaluating selective attention and to be used in contexts such as sport. A total of 99 participants collaborated on the study, aged between 19 and 36 years old (M ± SD = 25.15 ± 3.56). To assess convergent validity, correlation analyses were performed with other instruments that have traditionally been used to evaluate selective attention, such as the D2 Attention Test and the Toulouse-Piéron Test. The results found revealed moderate and low correlations between the instruments, suggesting relationships between them, although they should be taken with caution. The main measures of the D2 Test and the Toulouse-Piéron Test showed moderate levels with the hits of Rejilla v.1, but the secondary measures showed low associations. It is suggested that other cognitive functions, in addition to selective attention, could participate in the performance of Rejilla v.1 exercises, which is discussed at work.RESUMO: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a validade convergente de um programa informatizado chamado Rejilla 1.0, que foi construído com o objetivo de avaliar a atenção seletiva e ser utilizado em contextos como o esporte. Um total de 99 participantes colaboraram no estudo, variando na idade de 19 a 36 anos (M ± DP= 25.15± 3.56). Para avaliar a validade convergente, foram realizadas análises de correlação com outros instrumentos que tradicionalmente têm sido usados para avaliar a atenção seletiva, como o Teste de Atenção D2 e o Teste Toulouse-Piéron. Os resultados encontrados revelaram correlações moderadas e baixas entre os instrumentos, sugerindo relações entre eles, embora devam ser tomadas com cautela. As principais medidas do Teste D2 e do Teste toulouse-Piéron mostraram níveis moderados com os hits da Rejilla 1.0, mas as medidas secundárias mostraram associações baixas. Sugere-se que outras funções cognitivas, além da atenção seletiva, possam participar do desempenho dos exercícios Rejilla 1.0, que é discutido no trabalho

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&reg; 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 &lt; 0.001; &eta;2 = 0.10), processing speed (p &lt; 0.001; &eta;2 = 0.09) or general self-efficacy (p &lt; 0.001; &eta;2 = 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 developmen

Physical activity is related to mood states, anxiety state and self-rated health in COVID-19 lockdown

The main goal of this research is to study the relationships between physical activity, mood states and self-rated health in the Spanish lockdown (March 2020–April 2020) due to the state of alarm caused by COVID-19. The participants were 328 people aged between 19 and 59 years (M = 37.06; SD = 10.82). Females comprised 63.70% of the participants, and 36.30% were male. An associative, comparative and predictive design was used in this research. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Profile of Mood State (POMS), the state anxiety scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire (STAI) and the General Health Questionnaire GHQ−12 were applied in order to measure the study variables. Both correlation and linear regression analyses were performed, showing that physical activity is positively related to health perception and mood. Similarly, data have shown that moderate physical practice predicts better health perceptions and positive mood states than vigorous physical activity. Specifically, moderate physical activity is the only variable that predicts the anxiety state (R = 0.22; R 2 adjusted = 0.05; F = 15.51; p < 0.001). In addition, it has been detected that mood is related to the perception of the state of health. Outcomes suggest that practicing moderate physical activity during these types of situations could amortize its negative effects on psychological health and benefit a more positive mental state. Future studies should consider the employment status of the sample to detect possible differences based on this variable