Health Nexus
Volume:1 Issue: 4, Autumn 2023

Emerging sports, due to their increasing attractiveness among various age groups in society, are considered a novel path for enhancing physical activities within communities. The aim of this research is to design a model for the development of emerging sports with a perspective on the development of mass sports. Given the dimensions and type of research, the methodology was conducted with a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative). In the qualitative section, the research strategy was exploratory and carried out using grounded theory methodology. In the quantitative section, the ANP method was used to prioritize factors. To extract factors, interviews were conducted with 13 experts selected based on purposive sampling method and theoretical saturation. Accordingly, four categories were presented: design of processes and infrastructures, characteristics of emerging sports, facilitators, and barriers to the development of emerging sports. Based on prioritization, operational infrastructures with a weight of 0.247 ranked first, management infrastructures with a weight of 0.212 in second priority, sports organizations as facilitators in third priority with a weight of 0.169, structural characteristics with a weight of 0.094 in fourth priority, performance characteristics with a weight of 0.080 in fifth priority, community as a facilitator with a weight of 0.074 in sixth priority, barriers in organizations with a weight of 0.063 in seventh priority, and barriers at the community level with a weight of 0.057 in eighth priority. Considering the findings of the research, it is suggested that the presented factors be utilized in the General Sports Federation for the development of emerging sports.

Emotions and psychological states significantly affect the severity of symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), with patients experiencing considerable distress due to various physical symptoms and negative emotions. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on emotional self-regulation and sense of coherence in patients with IBS. This study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test design with a control group and a two-month follow-up period. The population consisted of patients with IBS who visited the Gastrointestinal and Liver Research Center in Tehran in the first quarter of 2023. Thirty patients were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received ACT in ten 90-minute sessions, once a week. The instruments used included the Gross and John (2003) Emotional Self-Regulation Questionnaire and the Felsenberg et al. (2006) Sense of Coherence Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance with SPSS version 26. The results showed that ACT significantly impacted emotional self-regulation (p=0.002, F=11.57) and sense of coherence (p=0.004, F=9.88) in patients with IBS. It can be concluded that ACT can be an effective intervention for improving emotional self-regulation and sense of coherence in patients with IBS.

In an unprecedented way, COVID-19 patients in Bangladesh have suffered greatly due to the severity of the complications. Additionally, treatment management was also a grave concerning issue. This study explored the extent of COVID-19 complications associated with the pattern of COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment Management in the context of Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study included 659 COVID-19-positive patients aged 18 and up who were treated at home or in hospitals and lived in Dhaka city From April to September 2021. The results showed that 20.5% had a mild COVID-19 infection. Family income, the number of co-morbidities, and the location of therapy were found to have a substantial impact on recovery time. In addition, there were high correlations between age, the number of co-morbidities, level of education, and the place of treatment with the severity of Covid-19 infection. The government should place a greater emphasis on training and resources to ensure efficient hospital management and widespread public knowledge as a precaution for further phenomena like COVID-19.

The primary aim of this research was to investigate the effect of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on the enhancement of static balance and self-efficacy in elderly individuals. This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test and post-test design, encompassing two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The study involved elderly women aged between 65 and 70 years from Mashhad. Twenty participants from this age group were voluntarily and selectively recruited in accordance with the objectives of the study. They were then randomly divided into two groups: one receiving EMS training and the other serving as a control group. Data collection involved administering the Elderly Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and conducting static balance tests, including the use of a Biodex device and the Sharpened Romberg test, at both the pre-test and post-test phases. The EMS training lasted for 8 weeks, with two 20-minute sessions per week, and was divided into three phases: adaptation (2 weeks), initial exercises (2 weeks), and main exercises (4 weeks). The control group did not receive any intervention during this period. Post-test evaluations were conducted for both groups, similar to the pre-test. The Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) was used to analyze changes both within and between groups, employing a significance threshold of less than five percent, with the analysis conducted using SPSS software, version 24. The findings indicated that EMS exercises significantly improved static balance in the elderly (p < 0.05). However, these exercises did not demonstrate a significant effect on the elderly's self-efficacy (p < 0.05). Given these results, coaches and caregivers are encouraged to consider electrical muscle stimulation as a viable, safe method to augment balance and independent mobility in elderly women.

Anxiety in athletes is a pivotal factor affecting performance, mental health, and career longevity. This comprehensive review synthesizes current research on psychological interventions aimed at managing athlete anxiety, offering insights into their effectiveness and applicability in sports psychology. Employing a systematic methodology, the review analyzes studies from peer-reviewed journals published between 2010 and 2023, focusing on interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and motivational interviewing. The findings indicate that tailored, context-specific interventions yield the most significant improvements in reducing anxiety and enhancing athletic performance. Moreover, the review highlights the need for holistic approaches that consider individual athlete needs, sport-specific demands, and cultural factors. The synthesis of empirical data suggests that integrating psychological interventions into athletes' training regimes can lead to positive outcomes in both mental well-being and performance. This review underscores the importance of psychological support in sports and serves as a resource for practitioners and researchers in developing effective strategies for managing athlete anxiety.

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, accounting for around one in six deaths worldwide. This highlights the need to find effective prevention and recovery strategies. Physical activity, encompassing all bodily movements that consume energy, is significantly linked to cancer risk and survival. 28% of adults are insufficiently active, making physical inactivity the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Approximately one-third of cancer deaths are due to low physical activity and a poor diet. This narrative review explores the relationship between physical activity and cancer prevention, recovery, and recurrence. The findings indicate that adhering to recommended physical activity levels can significantly reduce the risk of various cancers, including breast, endometrial, kidney/renal, colon, rectal, liver, lung, bladder, head and neck cancer, gastric cardia, esophageal adenocarcinoma, myeloma, myeloid leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Physical activity aids in cancer recovery by reducing treatment side effects, enhancing physical fitness, mental health, and quality of life, and reducing recurrence risk. It influences cancer progression by controlling genomic instability, metabolic regulation, hormonal balance, and mitochondrial and immune function enhancement. Despite the known benefits, integrating physical activity into cancer care is not widespread due to barriers like pain, fatigue, a lack of motivation, and insufficient information. In conclusion, increasing physical activity across all life domains can markedly reduce cancer's burden and improve well-being. Personalized physical activity goals are recommended for individuals of all ages, including children with cancer. The study also recommends further research into different types of physical activities and their impact on various cancer types This is crucial for developing targeted interventions and comprehensive care strategies to harness the full potential of physical activity in cancer control.

The study used a systematic literature review approach to evaluate the effectiveness of tailored exercise programs on cognitive abilities and decline in the elderly. Data collection involved searching databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar, along with manual searches of reference lists. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies with participants aged 60 and above, involving tailored exercise interventions with measurable cognitive outcomes. The article reviews evidence on the role of exercise in improving cognitive functions in the elderly. It explores theoretical models explaining the impact of exercise on cognition and evaluates different types of exercise, such as aerobic, strength training, and yoga. The article also investigates how these interventions can delay cognitive decline, addresses the quality and limitations of existing studies, and suggests future research directions. It emphasizes the need for personalized exercise programs based on individual capabilities and environmental considerations to optimize cognitive benefits.

This letter to the editor provides an extensive overview of the current state and future directions of sports management, integrating insights from a wide range of scholarly research. It highlights the dynamic and complex nature of the sports industry, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship, high-quality research, and the adoption of shared value perspectives in addressing the challenges faced by sports managers. Through a detailed analysis of various studies, the letter discusses the integration of corporate social responsibility, the impact of digital technology, the significance of education in preparing future leaders, and the interconnectedness of sports with broader economic and societal goals. It calls for a multidisciplinary approach to sports management that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, underscoring the role of continuous innovation and ethical management practices. The letter concludes by advocating for closer collaboration between academia and industry to foster a more resilient, inclusive, and innovative sports industry, capable of contributing to the well-being of communities worldwide.

This article presents a comprehensive literature review on the role of team cohesion in success, focusing on psychological perspectives. It explores theoretical frameworks, including definitions, models, and components of team cohesion, alongside factors influencing it at individual, team, and environmental levels. The review synthesizes empirical evidence on the impact of team cohesion on performance, discusses strategies for enhancing cohesion, and highlights the challenges involved. Future research directions and practical implications for leaders, organizations, and researchers are proposed, emphasizing the importance of understanding and leveraging team cohesion for optimizing performance in various contexts.

This narrative review aims to consolidate existing knowledge on nutritional strategies that optimize athletic performance and recovery, highlighting the significance of tailored nutritional plans for athletes. A comprehensive literature search was performed across several databases, focusing on peer-reviewed studies, reviews, and consensus statements related to sports nutrition. The review emphasizes macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, supplementation, and the timing of intake in relation to athletic performance and recovery. The review identifies that personalized nutrition plans, which consider individual athlete needs and sport-specific demands, are crucial for enhancing performance and facilitating recovery. It also underscores the importance of hydration, balanced intake of macronutrients, and the cautious use of supplements. Nutritional strategies are fundamental to achieving peak athletic performance and optimal recovery. Future research should focus on personalized nutrition and the effects of long-term supplement use. Athletes and professionals are encouraged to adopt evidence-based nutritional practices tailored to individual needs and sport-specific requirements.

This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of group mindfulness training on psychological flexibility and perceived stress in adolescents of divorce. The research method was quasi-experimental, employing a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The population consisted of adolescents of divorce who had visited a counseling and psychological services clinic in Tehran in 2022. The sample included 28 adolescents of divorce selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Questionnaires were used to collect data on psychological flexibility and perceived stress. The adolescents in the experimental group received mindfulness training in eight 60-minute sessions. The findings indicated that there was a significant difference in the mean scores between the two groups for both psychological flexibility and perceived stress variables. Given the results, it can be said that group mindfulness training has an effect on psychological flexibility and perceived stress in adolescents of divorce.