International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports

Morphometric Analysis of Key Foot Dimensions Across Selected Shoe Sizes in Young Indian Adults: A Pilot Study

Chandan Ram — 2025-12-30

Foot anthropometric data is important for footwear designing. As shoe sizes increases; foot dimensions influence overall foot morphology. As yet, limited studies explored the progressive changes of foot dimensions across different shoe sizes, particularly implication in footwear design. Present study collected foot anthropometric data from Indian young adults, categorized by shoe sizes and examine the variation across key foot dimensions. One hundred fifty volunteers (N=150; aged 18-25 years) were stratified by self-reported by shoe sizes: UK5 (n=50; age , height and weight were 22.56 ± 6.71 years, 156.49 ± 3.94 cm, 58.46 ± 12.29 kg), UK6 (n=50; age 22.28 ± 6.34 years, height 160.32 ± 4.90 cm, weight 60.22 ± 11.88 kg) and UK7 (n=50; age 20.82 ± 3.83 years, height 165.67 ± 4.34 cm, weight 62.69 ± 11.58 kg). Feet dimensions were obtained using 3D foot scanner, and statistical analysis was performed by SPSS v26. Pearson correlation (r) between Foot sizes and foot dimensions showed significant (p<0.01) positive correlation, across most foot dimensions. One Way ANOVA and post hoc ANOVA showed the significant differences (p<0.05) in most foot dimensions except arch height and heelpiece total length. In this study major dimensions were increased proportionally with increased shoe sizes (UK 5, 6 and 7); while arch height and heelpiece total length were relatively decreased. These findings provide actionable evidence for footwear last design; however, results should not be generalized for the entire Indian population. Further comprehensive studies are required to develop a robust database of foot dimensions across age groups, genders, and different ethnic backgrounds.

Somatotype Characteristics of U-17 Badminton Players of Tripura

Anmol Saha — 2025-12-14

Individual characteristics and physical composition are important determinants of physical attributes such as speed, endurance, agility, and power in badminton. The aim of the study is to investigate the somatotype characteristics of U-17 badminton players in the state of Tripura. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 male players (aged 8.9–16.7 years) from the Netaji Subhas Regional Coaching Centre, Agartala, including state, national, and club badminton players. Anthropometric data were taken and somatotypes were calculated based on the Heath–Carter method. Result indicates that national players are statistically significantly older and taller among the rest of their peers (p<0.01). Within the club category, players were assigned a mesomorphic endomorph profile (6.2–4.0–3.0), state players an ectomorphic endomorph profile (4.7–2.9–3.4), and national players endomorphic–ectomorph profile (3.4–2.9–3.8). There were statistically significant differences in endomorphy with national players exhibiting advanced traits as opposed to club players (p<0.01). The higher Mesomorphy observed in club players was probably attributed to natural growth rather than functional adaptation. The group averages for ectomorphy did not differ significantly, although national players exhibited slightly higher linearity. The somatochart demonstrated a shift progressively from endomorphic to balance meso-ectomorphic at the higher levels of play. For optimal badminton performance, youth players in Tripura seem to be taller, have lesser endomorphy, and possess meso-ectomorphic physique greater balance. As the study and data sets suggest, more structured training and nutrition to control fat levels and help international participation would be of regional significance for talent identification.

Short-term Sleep Extension in Adolescent Swimmers: Real-world Crossover Findings on Sleep, Mood, and Performance

Yossi Haleva — 2025-12-19

Objectives: To test whether short-term sleep extension affects sleep, mood, and swim performance in adolescent competitive swimmers under real-world training. Methods: A pragmatic within-group, two-period crossover compared Regular and Extended sleep during routine in-season training. Outcomes included device-based sleep (with HRV-derived staging), pool performance (50-m sprint; mean 10×50-m pace; 800-m time trial), post-set physiology, and mood (EFI). Primary inference focused on the within-subject Regular vs Extended contrast; three-phase (Preliminary/Regular/Extended) ANOVAs were descriptive. Results: Total sleep time increased with Extended vs Regular, confirming successful manipulation. Group-level pool performance did not improve across tests (all paired contrasts non-significant). Mood changes were small and non-significant. Physiological responses were largely unchanged; however, post-set blood lactate after the 10×50-m set was modestly lower with Extended (Holm-adjusted p = .035). Sleep architecture shifted: Deep sleep was lower and arousal indices higher under Extended. Conclusions: In adolescent swimmers, short-term sleep extension is feasible and increases sleep duration under real-world conditions but does not yield immediate gains in pool performance. A small reduction in post-set lactate and alterations in sleep architecture warrant cautious interpretation. Findings temper expectations for near-term performance benefits and motivate longer, individualized protocols with monitoring of achieved extension dose.

Physical Activity and Psychological Well-being in Gym Exercisers During COVID-19 Lockdowns

Skampardoni S — 2025-12-23

The present study investigated the impact of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on physical activity (PA) levels, gender differences in activity, and the relationship between PA, well-being, and mood among gym exercisers. A cohort of 366 gym exercisers (126 males, 240 females) aged 15 to 59 years (M_age = 34.63 ± 9.27) willingly participated in this study. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF) for PA and sedentary behavior, the Short Diet Behavior Questionnaire for Lockdowns (SDBQ-L) for healthy eating, the 4-Dimensional Mood Scale (4DMS) for mood, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) for anxiety, and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index for mental well-being. Additionally, participants’ attitudes and intentions toward exercise and returning to fitness centers were assessed. The findings revealed that moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and healthy eating behaviors significantly predicted participants' well-being and positive energy. Conversely, sedentariness along with healthy eating behaviors were significant predictors of negative arousal. Males reported higher levels of MVPA and intention to be physically active compared to females. Younger participants showed higher VPA, depression, and anxiety, and lower BMI compared to older participants. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining regular PA, particularly at moderate or vigorous intensities, and healthy eating habits for mental well-being during public health crises. These insights hold considerable value for shaping future policies and intervention strategies aimed at mitigating the detrimental consequences of prolonged physical inactivity.

From the Ancient Greek Gymnasium to The Fit Stop: A Genealogy of Fitness Discourses in the Philippines

Manuel R Enverga — 2025-12-26

This article traces the genealogy of fitness culture in the Philippines by examining how discourses of physical training have traveled, changed, and taken root over space and time. It follows these ideas from their early articulation in ancient Greece, through their reinterpretation in Medieval and Renaissance Europe, into modern forms shaped by colonial and postcolonial conditions. Rather than moving in a linear fashion, discourses on exercise and bodily cultivation were repeatedly translated, adapted, and contested as they circulated across historical periods and geographical spaces. The case of The Fit Stop, a pseudonym for a contemporary gym in the Philippines, provides a concrete illustration of this process. Its practices and promotional language reflect the local uptake of global fitness ideals, showing how long-standing discourses of health, strength, and bodily improvement are reworked within a specific social context. Read genealogically, The Fit Stop can be understood as a localized globalism, rooted in earlier traditions of physical training while shaped by local histories and conditions.

A Phenomenological Study of Parental Involvement in Youth Soccer Following a Parent Education Program

Kallirroi Ntalachani — 2025-12-30

This qualitative study examines parents' changing views on their children’s participation in organized sport, focusing on shifts before and after a structured parent education program. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), data were collected through pre- and post-focus group interviews with 17 parents (average age 47.6) of football players aged 10–12. The program, held bi-monthly near the training venue, included ten sessions on communication, parental roles, anxiety, and child development. The study investigates how targeted pedagogical support influences parental attitudes, expectations, and behaviours. Findings showed changing parental interpretations of youth sport. Prior to the intervention, parents reported feelings of pride and enthusiasm, as well as concerns about injury, fairness, and coaching influence. Gender stereotypes influenced their views on participation and goals. After the program, parents noted three main changes: (a) better communication with children, (b) increased awareness of sport's psychosocial aspects, and (c) greater recognition of their influence on sports experiences. However, they also faced challenges in guiding children’s health habits and performance, prompting broader debates on responsibility and adult boundaries in youth sport. The program encouraged parents to rethink their views of sport beyond competition, recognizing its role in personal growth, social skills, and values. Despite challenges with motivation, routines, and norms, parents showed more reflexivity, autonomy-supportive communication, and openness to change. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of well-structured educational programs in enabling parents to develop the skills and perspectives needed to navigate the complex realities of youth sport, thereby encouraging constructive, supportive, and ethically grounded involvement.

Do Final Fitness Scores Correlate to Final Academic Scores Among Police Cadets?

Andrew L. Shim — 2025-12-11

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a relationship between specific physical fitness tests and academic test scores exists with police cadets. Design: Retrospective, non-identifiable data from three training cohorts was selected for this investigation. Methods: 86 (70 males, 16 females) cadets in three different cohorts volunteered for this investigation during a single 16-week (640 hours) police training academy at the same law enforcement agency (LEA). Cadets were screened for five fitness components, consisting of vertical jump, 1-minute push-up test, 300m sprint, 1-minute sit-up test, and the 2.4km run after 16 weeks of fitness training along with a comprehensive reading, mathematics, and general law enforcement exam, following the completion of all 16 law enforcement modules. Results: There was no significant relationship between final fitness scores and final academic exam scores. Conclusion: Specific physical fitness scores did not significantly correlate with final academic exam scores in police cadets. It was noted cadet physical training should focus on psychomotor activities not only to improve academic scores but overall successful fitness outcomes to successfully graduate from a police academy.