Awareness of Sport Massage Therapy among University Level Football Players in Pakistan

Sports massage is very common among the athletes of developed nations. Since many of studies have been conducted and revealed positive benefits of Sports massage (SMT). The results of different studies show that it improves health, enhance immunity, speedy recovery after an injury, and after intensive training. This study is aimed to investigate the knowledge of university level athletes in Pakistan about the concept of Sport Massage Therapy (SMT). 125 participants were participated in this study, the sample was selected using convenient sampling technique and data was gathered using sport massage questionnaire developed by Lloyd Leach and Mignon Schilz. The results show that there is very little awareness and knowledge about Sport Massage Therapy among the University Football Players. The results of this study also indicate athletes perceive that sport massage helpful in rehabilitation and just an event of enjoyment. It was concluded on basis of results that athlete have very little knowledge about the role of sport massage in Sport Performance.

Analysis of China-Pakistan Leisure Sports Industry under the Background of "The Belt and Road"

Scholars stress the importance of leisure sports activities for a healthy body and mind. There is a positive correlation between socioeconomic uplift and leisure sports activities. China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) is the flagship project under the “The Belt and Road” initiative led by the Chines government, with pouring in of huge investment centered around CPEC. It is hoped that it would have positively affected leisure sports activities. Relying on qualitative and quantitative data, the study analyzed the impact of CPEC on leisure sports activities. The findings suggest the positive impact of CPEC on leisure activities. These activities were facilitated with the provision of sports facilities, infrastructure development, economic uplift, and cultural influence.

Impact of Positive Reinforcement Theory on Weightlifter’s Performance

A common problem was observed at local level weightlifting clubs in Lahore, Pakistan i.e., coaches use inappropriate ways (shouting and abusing) to get desired performance results but, it ends in young weightlifter’s resentment and take them away from their sport targets and some choose to quit weightlifting sport as well. The existing literature about acquiring desired results in sports suggests; only positive approach can be useful i.e., Positive Reinforcement Theory ‘PRT’ developed by B F Skinner (Marzieh Gordan, 2014). Hence, in this applied deductive type quantitative study, an eight-week experiment was conducted in Lahore which tested the implications of Positive Reinforcement Theory on young weightlifters’ performance. The objectives of this study were; (a) to apply Positive Reinforcement Theory in weightlifting sport to examine the cause-and-effect relationship between positive reinforcement and young weightlifter’s performance, (b) to test if the study’s Positive Reinforcement Program ‘PRP’ model helps young weightlifters to achieve desired targets within given timeframe or not? At first, pre-competition was administered to record standard performance results of both groups. Secondly, ‘PRP’ Model based on ‘PRT’ was introduced to experimental group and then post-competition testing was conducted to record and compare performance results of both groups. The results of both groups’ Paired Sample t-test and Independent Sample t-test, using statistical package SPSS version 23, showed a significant impact of ‘PRP’ model on the young weightlifter’s performance. Therefore, it is concluded that; acquisition of young weightlifters’ desired performance results. Coaches should use ‘PRP’ model rather than applying inappropriate ways to motivate young weightlifters. The PRP model also helps young weightlifters to achieve their targeted performance results within given timeframe.

Relationship between Coaches' Leadership Style and Athletes' Performance in Kwara State Sports Council

Leadership in coaching is a critical component to enhance and sustain optimal sports performance and athletes’ satisfaction. This study investigated the influence of coaches' leadership styles on athletes’ performance in Kwara State Sports Council. Descriptive survey design of correlational type was employed. The sample of the study comprised 150 athletes selected using simple random and proportionate sampling techniques. Standardized questionnaire (Leadership Scale for Sports) was the instrument for data collection. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) statistic was used to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed that training behavior, autocratic behavior, democratic behavior, social support, and rewarding behavior of the coach have significant influence on athletes' performance in the study area. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the management of Kwara State Sports Council should establish a mechanism for positive feedback and social support to foster good leadership behaviour to assist in enhancing athletes' performance.

Coaching Strategies and Sports Performance of Female Athletes

The measurement of perceptions of female athletes about coaching strategies and their effect on athlete satisfaction and sport performance is vital for success. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perceived coaching strategies during training and self-reported satisfaction of athletes and their sport performance. A total number of 120 female athletes of individual and team sports from seven different universities of Lahore, Pakistan participated in this study. Three different scales were used to measure participant responses relative to strategic thinking, leadership and flow. Results indicated that female athletes Scale for Athletic Performance. The results indicated that female athletes of individual and team sports were satisfied with their coaches’ coaching strategies (p=0.001) and a significant relationship between coaches’ coaching strategies and sporting performance was also reported by female athletes (p=0.001). A significantly positive relationship was observed between problem solving strategies and sports performance of female athletes (p=0.000), no significant association between team building and sports performance was observed (p=0.812), and a significantly positive relationship was observed between leadership and sports performance of female athletes (p=0.000). Based upon results, coaches' problem solving and leadership skills were significantly associated with sport performance as compared to team building. It is recommended that additional research be conducted using different age groups and males to determine a more definitive perspective related to athlete perceptions.

Pattern of Facebook Usage and its Impacts on Physical Activity

Objectives: The study was to find out the relationship between Facebook usage and participation in physical activities. Methods: During the year 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 identified students from 5000 in the faculty of Allied Health Science at the University of Lahore, Pakistan. According to this survey use the technique of convenience sampling, after the formula of sampling by Yamane (1967). All of the questioners of the independent and the dependent variable are used for the measure Facebook addiction of the participation in physical activity. Results: Demographic data male participation 134 (53.6%) and 116 (46%) females in this study. The relationship among variables is .11, which is significant at p> .001. This result shows that there is a greater than a 0.1% chance that the independent variable (F.B) affects participation in the physical activity. The study reveals the limited benefits excessive use of Facebook is a little effect on participation in physical activity. Conclusion: As per this result, the limited benefits excessive use of Facebook is a little effect on participation in physical activity; another aspect may be an effect on the participation on the physical activity like social, educational, behavioral and economic, etc.

Effect of Playing Venue on Hormonal Responses and Psychological State of Inter-University Volleyball Players

The home advantage is a powerful wonder that happens in the realm of amateur and professional games where most teams win more than 50% of matches. The present study compared the effects of playing venue on hormonal responses and psychological state of inter-university volleyball players at home and away ground. A total of 96 male players age, 18 to 24 years from eight different public and private universities were selected as the subject in this study. Matches were scheduled in such a manner so that each team would play one match on home ground and one on away ground. The results of this study showed that a 13% reduction in the testosterone level of players was seen on the opponent’s home ground before playing the match, whereas, 18% elevation in cortisol level of players was recorded on the opponent’s home ground before-match. Psychological measures indicated that players’ cognitive and somatic anxiety levels were increased on away ground (10% and 13%, respectively) whereas, their self-confidence level declined by 17% on an opponent’s home ground before the commencement of the match. The present study supports the notion that there are differences in pre-competition hormonal and psychological states that may play a key role in ‘the home advantage’ which could affect players’ behavior and match outcomes.

The Effect of Circuit Resistant Training on Cardiorespiratory indices; Implication for Developing a Test Model for Soccer Players of Higher Education Institutions

The current research aimed to incorporate appropriate circuit resistant training protocol in the current literature and device that could help improve cardio-respiratory endurance of soccer players. A pre-test and post-test longitudinal research format was applied because the suggested parameters of cardiorespiratory endurance were appropriately calculated by such research designs. A sample of (n=40) healthy volunteers equally distributed into two different groups namely, an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The circuit resistant training (CRT) 3 times per week with specified intensity, repetition, set and rest period continued for 06 weeks among experimental group. Results of the analyzed data revealed a significant increase in the cardiorespiratory indices (CO, SV, IRV, ERV) among the participants of experimental group (p < .05). These results tend to interpret that cardiorespiratory fitness of soccer’s players can be improved with the help of 06 week (CRT) program. Apart from this, health and physical education teachers, physiotherapists and other relevant persons can recommend CRT for lifestyles improvement.

Psychological Effects of Caffeine on Players Performance

The present study conducted to check the effects of caffeine on players performance through survey research. A caffeine-based 20 Statements (questionnaire) filed to the players, who were regular consumers of caffeine. 20 statements mentioned related to the positive effects of caffeine. Most of the players, who addicted to take caffeine on regularly basis approved all statements which showed that caffeine could affect the athlete's performance. The majority athletes agreed that caffeine enhanced their concentration, alertness and attention level. The primary effect of caffeine on vigilance granted by most of the players. Caffeine can enhance the working capacity of players by increasing their vigilances. Results show that caffeine helped them to train longer and harder which showed its benefits between male and female athletes, especially in off-season training periodization.

Nutritional Supplements & Athletes- An Analysis of Potential Side Effects

Nutritional supplements are commonly accessible products used as an extension to the normal diet and are mostly used by athletes. Among all users of supplements, the utilization among athletes tends to be more noteworthy than the overall public. With such a vast number of athletes utilizing dietary supplements, it is vital to evaluate about side effects of nutritional supplements among gymnasium going athletes. This study was Analytical, conducted on 57 male athletes from Lahore, who were regularly going to gymnasium since past three months and were using nutritional supplements at the time of evaluation. The most frequently used supplements were the mostly consumed nutritional supplements were protein or whey protein powders (61.4%), multivitamins (56.1%), and creatine (38.6%). Most common side effects after utilizing nutritional supplements were Dry Mouth/Dehydration (n=28, 49.1%), Constipation (n=22, 38.6%), Insomnia/Lack of Sleep (n=18, 31.5%) Nausea (n=17, 29.8%) and Heart Palpitations/Abnormal Heartbeats (n=16, 28%). Pearson’s Correlation indicated that the casein protein and soy protein were the major cause of many side effects. It is concluded that athletes were having some side effects after utilizing nutritional supplements and they were utilizing supplements without consulting a proper nutritionist/dietitian.