Attila Szabo
8719927800
Publications - 54
One-year update on physical activity and smartphone addiction in university students: A systematic review of novel research
Publication Name: Preventive Medicine Reports
Publication Date: 2025-09-01
Volume: 57
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Objectives: Smartphone addiction is a growing health concern, especially among university students. This updated review expands our 2024 review by synthesizing recent empirical findings on the relationship between physical activity and smartphone addiction among university students. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a thorough search was conducted in PubMed, SSRN, Oxford Research Archive, JSTOR, and Google Scholar. The quality of studies was evaluated with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: Sixteen studies published between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, met the inclusion criteria: 14 cross-sectional, one randomized controlled trial, and one longitudinal. All emerged from Asia. Most found an inverse relationship between physical activity and smartphone addiction. Experimental and longitudinal studies indicated that structured physical activity could reduce smartphone addiction symptoms over time. However, the predominantly correlational designs warrant cautious interpretation. Still, the directionally consistent average effect size was moderate to large (Cohen's d = ≈ −0.62), highlighting physical activity's protective role. Conclusions: Regular physical activity may prevent or reduce smartphone addiction in university students. However, future studies should employ longitudinal designs, use objective measures, and incorporate qualitative validation. This review reinforces our earlier findings and supports the considerable inverse relationship between physical activity and smartphone addiction.
Open Access: Yes
An Assessment of Motor Skills in Infants at Risk of Atypical Psychomotor Development Using the Vojta Method
Publication Name: Children
Publication Date: 2025-08-01
Volume: 12
Issue: 8
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: Some neonates are assessed for the risk of atypical psychomotor development at birth and are referred for reflex locomotion therapy using the Vojta method. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between spontaneous motor activity (SMA), ideal movement patterns (IMPs), central coordination disorders (CCDs), vital signs at birth, involuntary reflexes, and postural asymmetry in infants. Methods: This study involved 90 female and 107 male subjects in the age interval of 1–16 months (4.15 ± 2.18). Their psychomotor development was assessed using the Vojta method. Age-appropriate involuntary reflexes were evaluated, and both parameters were correlated with perinatal risk factors. Results: Males scored significantly higher than females (difference of −0.7, p = 0.022) in the SMA test. In both genders, SMA (p < 0.001 in both genders) and IMP scores improved significantly with age. In male infants, higher CCD scores were associated with significantly lower SMA and IMP scores (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively). Significantly higher CCD scores were noted in female subjects with the Moro reflex and postural asymmetry (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively). In males, the Moro reflex was significantly correlated with the Vojta reaction (p = 0.012) and the Collis vertical suspension reflex (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Vital signs at birth, including birth weight, Apgar score, and type of delivery, can predict motor development disorders but do not clearly differentiate infants that require neurodevelopmental therapy.
Open Access: Yes
Five-day ski camp could enhance postural stability in young adults: A quasi-experimental study
Publication Name: Physiological Reports
Publication Date: 2025-08-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 16
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study investigated whether a 5-day ski camp could improve postural stability in young adults. It was hypothesized that skiing would reduce postural sway. In this quasi-experimental design, 43 undergraduate students who participated in a 5-day ski camp (approximately 20 h of skiing) were compared to 35 peers who did not attend. Postural stability was assessed using the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance protocol of the Balance Tracking System, which evaluates sway under four standing conditions: eyes open or closed, and on stable or unstable surfaces. Quade nonparametric ANCOVAs were used to compare percentage change scores between groups, controlling for age. No significant group differences emerged for standard, proprioceptive, or vestibular postural stability (p > 0.05). However, a statistically significant group effect was found for visual postural stability (p = 0.006), with improvement observed only in females (p = 0.003), not in males (p = 0.961). A 5-day ski camp significantly enhanced visual postural stability in females but did not affect males or other postural domains. These findings suggest a potential sex-specific adaptation to skiing and highlight the need for further research into the mechanisms underlying balance improvement.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.70501
Genetic Factors of Elite Wrestling Status: A Multi-Ethnic Comparative Study
Koichi Nakazato
Ildus I. Ahmetov
Seyrani Koncagul
Hirofumi Zempo
Mehmet A. Ergun
Andrey K. Larin
Naoki Kikuchi
Nikolay A. Kulemin
Hasan H. Kazan
Ryutaro Matsumoto
Ekaterina A. Semenova
Edward V. Generozov
Celal Bulgay
Mika Saito
Hiroki Homma
Ayumu Kozuma
Minoru Deguchi
Anıl Kasakolu
Shingo Matsumoto
Türker Bıyıklı
Giyasettin Baydaş
Takanobu Okamoto
Attila Szabo
Publication Name: Genes
Publication Date: 2025-08-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 8
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: In recent years, comprehensive analyses using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) have been conducted to identify genetic factors related to athletic performance. In this study, we investigated the association between genetic variants and elite wrestling status across multiple ethnic groups using a genome-wide genotyping approach. Methods: This study included 168 elite wrestlers (64 Japanese, 67 Turkish, and 36 Russian), all of whom had competed in international tournaments, including the Olympic Games. Control groups consisted of 306 Japanese, 137 Turkish, and 173 Russian individuals without elite athletic backgrounds. We performed a GWAS comparing allele frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between elite wrestlers and controls in each ethnic cohort. Cross-population analysis comprised (1) identifying SNPs with nominal significance (p < 0.05) in all three groups, then (2) meta-analyzing overlapped SNPs to assess effect consistency and combined significance. Finally, we investigated whether the most significant SNPs were associated with gene expression in skeletal muscle in 23 physically active men. Results: The GWAS identified 328,388 (Japanese), 23,932 (Turkish), and 30,385 (Russian) SNPs reaching nominal significance. Meta-analysis revealed that the ATP2A3 rs6502758 and UNC5C rs265061 polymorphisms were associated (p < 0.0001) with elite wrestling status across all three populations. Both variants are located in intronic regions and influence the expression of their respective genes in skeletal muscle. Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate gene polymorphisms associated with elite wrestling status in a multi-ethnic cohort. ATP2A3 rs6502758 and UNC5C rs265061 polymorphisms may represent important genetic factors associated with achieving an elite status in wrestling, irrespective of ethnicity.
Open Access: Yes
Work addiction among managers: a battery of demands and resources approach
Publication Name: Cogent Psychology
Publication Date: 2025-07-30
Volume: 12
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Work addiction negatively impacts health and well-being, yet little research has focused on managers, whose excessive work involvement can affect entire organizations. This study examined psychological predictors of work addiction and differences between work-addicted and non-addicted managers. Two hundred managers were assessed via the Qualtrics research platform, with work addiction classified using the Bergen Work Addiction Scale. We analyzed 11 psychological measures: exhaustion, disengagement, stress, obsessive and harmonious passion, well-being, work-family and family-work conflict, perceived physical and mental health, and sleep quality. Logistic regression significantly predicted group membership (p < 0.001), explaining 39.7%–57.0% of the variance and correctly classifying 84.5% of cases. Multivariate analysis of variance showed significant differences across all measures except one between the two groups. Work-addicted managers also showed poorer physical and mental health, and lower sleep quality. The prevalence of work addiction was high (29%) in this sample, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. As the first study to identify multiple psychological predictors of work addiction in managers, the findings may be valuable for organizations concerned with occupational mental health. However, cross-national replication is necessary before generalizing results. Recognizing the psychological toll of work addiction can help policymakers develop effective, sustainable interventions.
Open Access: Yes
The Efficacy of the Sensorimotor Training Program on Sensorimotor Development, Auditory and Visual Skills of Schoolchildren Aged 5–8 Years
Publication Name: Child and Youth Care Forum
Publication Date: 2025-04-01
Volume: 54
Issue: 2
Page Range: 323-352
Description:
Background: Around 800 million young children worldwide have cognitive-developmental limitations due to issues related to biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors. These problems lead to educational challenges, limited skill development, and higher unemployment rates. Therefore, timely interventions addressing the underlying problems in institutional settings are critically important. Objective: The authors created the “Sensorimotor Training Program” (STP) as a critical intervention to develop skills essential for starting school. This experimental study aimed to investigate the impact of the STP in an institutional setting, targeting the specific auditory and visual skills crucial for kindergarten and primary school learning. Methods: The STP comprises 120 training sessions focused on sensorimotor maturation. Seven hundred and seventy-two children aged 5–8 participated in the study, with 704 in the experimental and 68 in the control group, each containing a relatively balanced ratio of boys to girls. The study spanned six to eight months, with three to five weekly sessions. Results: The intervention resulted in significant improvements in sensorimotor development in the experimental compared to the control group [p <.001, effect size (d) =.483; auditory skills r =.605 p <.001, d =.366; visual skills r =.542, p <.001, d =.294]. The intervention group also improved compared to its baseline measurements. Conclusion: These results show that implementing the STP in school settings can improve sensorimotor development, impacting auditory and visual skills in children aged 5–8. These intervention-based improvements are above and beyond biological maturation.
Open Access: Yes
Relationship between primitive reflexes, functional fitness, handgrip strength, and physical activity in older adults aged 65 and over
Publication Name: Physiological Reports
Publication Date: 2025-04-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 7
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The reemergence of primitive reflexes (PRs) in older adults is associated with dementia and cognitive impairment. Recent experimental work suggests gentle sensorimotor exercises may halt or reverse PR's inverse development. These findings question whether physical activity (PA) is negatively related to PRs. This study aimed to test this relationship in 52 older adults aged 66 and over who were volunteers from seven Hungarian nursing homes. They were tested individually using the Senior Test, hand-grip strength, 13 PRs, and PA levels using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Apart from upper and lower body flexibility, all functional fitness indices and PA were negatively related to the number of PRs. A bootstrapped multiple hierarchical linear regression revealed that only PA was a statistically significant predictor (p < 0.001) of the PRs, accounting for 41% of the variance. This study is the first to demonstrate a robust negative relationship between PA and PRs and a weak negative association with hand-grip strength and four elements of functionality in older adults. The implications of the results could be significant for developing interventions to prevent or delay PRs' inverse development, which is associated with adverse mental health in older adults.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.70229
The Biopsychosocial Health Model Differentiates Long-Term Exercisers From Non-Exercisers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Publication Name: Health Science Reports
Publication Date: 2025-02-01
Volume: 8
Issue: 2
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background and Aims: The biopsychosocial (BPS) model considers that health and behavioral outcomes result from the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Regular exercise is an essential component of modern-day healthy living. All three factors in the BPS model are related to long-term exercise. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to compare adults exercising regularly for at least 3 years with their non-exercising counterparts on perceived health and stress (antagonistic, biopsychological), life satisfaction (psychological), and perceived income (psychosocial) while controlling for age, gender, and education level. Methods: Participants were 461 Hungarian volunteers (74.83% female) aged 18−73 years. There were 274 regular exercisers and 187 non-exercisers. They completed the study on the Qualtrics research platform. Results: A statistically significant (p < 0.001) multivariate analysis of covariance revealed that long-term exercisers scored lower on perceived stress and higher on perceived health, income, and life satisfaction than non-exercising adults. Consequently, the three factors of the BPS model differentiated the groups. Still, the effect sizes were relatively small. Finally, perceived stress was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) mediator of life satisfaction. Conclusion: These findings support the idea that long-term exercise behavior can be studied via the BPS model and the role of stress in life satisfaction. The results have practical implications for promoting a healthy and satisfactory life targeting multi-level development through exercise based on the BPS model.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70476
Positive and Negative Expectations Associated with Coffee and Energy Drinks: Implications for Placebo–Nocebo Research in Sports
Publication Name: Nutrients
Publication Date: 2025-02-01
Volume: 17
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: Nutritional expectations have been shown to influence exercise performance via placebo and nocebo effects. The present study aimed to evaluate performance-enhancement expectations for coffee and energy drinks using the Stanford Expectations of Treatment Scale. Methods: A total of 402 participants (48.5% male) with an average exercise history of 4.53 years, engaging in average physical activity 3.91 times per week, were included in the study. Data collection was conducted through the Qualtrics platform. Results: Participants exhibited significantly higher positive expectations for coffee compared to energy drinks (p = 0.002), whereas negative expectations were more pronounced for energy drinks than for coffee (p < 0.001). Males and individuals engaging in anaerobic exercise expressed more positive expectations for energy drinks than females and those participating in aerobic or mixed exercise regimens. Additionally, high-frequency exercisers (≥4 sessions per week) reported greater positive expectations for both beverages and fewer negative expectations for coffee than low-frequency exercisers (≤3 sessions per week). Correlational analyses revealed weak but significant associations between expectations and variables such as exercise history, frequency, intensity, and age. Conclusions: The findings suggest that coffee is perceived as a more effective performance enhancer and exhibits greater placebo-inducing potential than energy drinks, which may elicit stronger nocebo effects. These group-specific perceptions should be considered by trainers, coaches, and researchers when addressing placebo–nocebo mechanisms in the context of sports and exercise.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/nu17040628
Genome-Wide Association Study of Exercise Addiction Among Elite Wrestlers
Publication Name: Brain Sciences
Publication Date: 2025-02-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 2
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: Exercise addiction, marked by an inability to control exercise and associated with distress that clinically impairs daily activities, is a significant but underrecognized issue in physical activity and health. While its physiological, psychological, and behavioral aspects have been studied, the genetic basis of exercise addiction remains poorly understood, requiring further investigation. The present study conducted a genome-wide association study of exercise addiction among elite Turkish wrestlers. Methods: The sample comprised 67 male wrestlers (34 freestyle wrestlers and 33 Greco-Roman wrestlers). Exercise addiction was assessed using the Exercise Addiction Scale. Whole-genome genotyping was performed using DNA microarray. Results: Using a genome-wide approach (p < 1.0 × 10−⁵), we identified six suggestively significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with exercise addiction status. Of these, the high-addiction alleles of five SNPs (PRDM10 rs74345126, near PTPRU rs72652685, HADHB rs6745226, XIRP2 rs17614860, and near GAREM2 rs1025542) have previously been associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression or higher levels of physical activity. We also examined potential associations between the genetic markers previously linked to addiction-related traits such as obsessive–compulsive disorder and cigarette smoking, and personality traits linked to negative emotions including neuroticism. Using this candidate gene approach (p < 0.05), we identified three additional SNPs associated with exercise addiction in the same direction of association (DEFB135 rs4841662, BCL11A rs7599488, and CSRNP3 rs1551336). Conclusions: The present study provides preliminary evidence for the genetic basis of exercise addiction, highlighting specific SNPs that may play a role in the development of this condition among elite wrestlers.
Open Access: Yes
Do regular exercise, gender, and age influence smartphone addiction? Analyzing screen time and smartphone deprivation symptoms
Publication Name: Frontiers in Psychology
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 16
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: Headless smartphone use, known as smartphone addiction (SA), is associated with mental health issues and behavioral dependencies. While physical activity (PA) has been suggested as a protective factor, research remains inconclusive. The present study examines whether regular exercise influences SA, smartphone deprivation, and daily smartphone screen time while assessing gender and age as risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study with 701 participants (392 exercisers, 309 non-exercisers) assessed SA with the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS) and deprivation feelings with the Hungarian Smartphone Withdrawal Symptom Scale (HSWSS). Daily smartphone use was self-reported. Multivariate analysis of covariance examined the effects of exercise status, gender, and age on SA-related variables. Results: Exercise status did not significantly affect SA, deprivation feelings, or screen time (p > 0.05). However, the correlation between SA and smartphone screen time was stronger (p < 0.05) in non-exercisers (r = 0.407) than in exercisers (r = 0.274). Gender and age were significant predictors: females reported higher SA and usage, and younger age was associated with greater SA, deprivation symptoms, and more screen time. Conclusion: While exercise may not reduce SA, exercisers exhibit a weaker link between SA and smartphone use, suggesting less problematic usage, possibly due to more utilitarian (e.g., sports-related) rather than hedonic use. Females report higher SA, feelings of deprivation, and screen time than males, while age correlates with increased SA, feelings of deprivation, and screen time. Future research should examine psychosocial mechanisms and diverse smartphone usage patterns in addiction in connection with exercise behavior.
Open Access: Yes
What makes CrossFit exercise unique? Addiction, passion, or motivation?
Publication Name: Sport Sciences for Health
Publication Date: 2025-09-01
Volume: 21
Issue: 3
Page Range: 2167-2183
Description:
Background: CrossFit is one of the fastest-growing exercise regimens worldwide. Around 4 million people practice CrossFit in over 100 countries. This high-intensity training is performed with passion, often involving pain for gain, which sets CrossFit apart from most traditional exercises. Aims: Based on this premise, we aimed to test the hypothesis that the risk of exercise addiction (REA), obsessive passion (OP), harmonious passion (HP), and internal motivational regulations are greater in CrossFit than in other exercises. Methods: This study employed a between-participants research design, adopting a survey-based, cross-sectional approach. The study involved 507 participants (62.7% male), comprising 238 practicing CrossFit enthusiasts and 269 mixed exercisers classified as controls. Results: CrossFit practitioners scored significantly higher than controls on REA (Cohen’s d = 0.18) and both OP (d = 0.30) and HP (d = 0.32), but not motivational regulations. The effect sizes were small. However, after controlling for OP and HP, the group differences in REA vanished. The prevalence of “high” REA was 25.2% in the CrossFit group compared to 13.4% in the controls (p < 0.001). However, after controlling for OP and HP in a binary logistic regression, the group differences disappeared again. At the same time, OP (odds ratio [OR] = 0.795) and HP (OR = 0.653) remained statistically significant predictors in the model. Two group-by-gender interactions suggested that women in CrossFit had greater intrinsic-effective regulation and introjected regulation than controls. In comparison, men in CrossFit exhibited lesser introjected regulation compared to controls. Conclusion: The findings suggest that passion is what distinguishes CrossFit from other exercises, but gender-related differences may also exist at motivational levels.
Open Access: Yes
Body Mass and Aerobic Capacity are Robust Predictors of the 2000m Ergometer Rowing Performance: A Laboratory Study
Publication Name: International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 2
Page Range: 78-85
Description:
Purpose: Predicting performance in sports competitions is a popular topic in research. However, only a few studies exist in rowing sports, which suggest that some anthropometric and performance indices might predict performance in various situations. Methods: This work expands past research by examining the effects of five anthropometric measures, such as body mass index (BMI), height, weight, fat, and muscle, and three performance indicators, such as aerobic capacity, maximum speed, and force, while also considering the training history of 38 elite rowers (Mag e = 16.89 ± 1.85, range 14.7 to 22.6 years, 61% males) participating in a national championship. Results: Apart from BMI, all measures correlated statistically significantly with the 2000m rowing time. A bootstrapped forward multiple regression yielded the best model with only two predictors (R2 =.995), aerobic capacity and body mass, accounting for 99.5% variance in the 2000m rowing time. Conclusions: While the results support previous findings, such robust prediction has not been reported in the literature. We conjecture that the differences from other past works rest with the high-pressure 2000m performance preceding a national championship. If these findings could be replicated, their practical implication is substantial in preparatory training for rowing contests.
Open Access: Yes
Relationships Between Body Attitude, Loneliness, Problematic Smartphone Use, and Associated Feelings of Deprivation
Publication Name: Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is an increasing global concern, particularly among young people, and emotional factors can play a crucial role in PSU. This study investigated the relationships between loneliness, body attitudes, PSU, and smartphone deprivation (withdrawal) feelings using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. A total of 697 Hungarian participants (74.8% female, Mage = 23.51 ± 7.26) completed the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale, the Loneliness Scale, the Body Attitude Test, the Smartphone Withdrawal Symptom Scale, and demographic questions. The results revealed that loneliness was positively related to PSU and smartphone deprivation, with body attitude mediating these relationships. Age was a protective factor since older individuals reported less PSU and feelings of deprivation. While an alternative non-mediated model yielded a comparable fit, the mediated model provided a more thorough perspective. Overall, the findings suggest a potentially vicious cycle in which loneliness, negative body attitude, and PSU reinforce one another, with feelings of smartphone deprivation further exacerbating PSU. This cycle not only deepens psychological distress but also underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance body image and social well-being as a means of mitigating PSU. Given the broader implications, further empirical research, particularly cross-cultural validation, is essential to ensure the findings apply across diverse populations and inform globally relevant strategies.
Open Access: Yes
Association between hand grip strength and exercise addiction among high-level athletes: differences by sport category and sex in elite athletes
Publication Name: Frontiers in Psychology
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 16
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Introduction: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a key indicator of upper-body strength and overall physical fitness. While its links to health and sports performance have been widely studied, its relationship with the risk of exercise addiction (REA) remains unclear. Thus, the present study examines the relationship between HGS and REA across various sports disciplines, sexes, and national contexts, aiming to deepen our understanding of their intricate interplay. Methods: Using a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 1,211 high-level athletes from Türkiye (n = 656) and Hungary (n = 555), spanning a wide range of competitive sports. The measures involved demographic questions, the Exercise Addiction Inventory to assess REA, and HGS assessments. Results: We found significant negative correlations between HGS and REA among Turkish female athletes competing in racquet and water sports (p < 0.05). In contrast, significant positive correlations emerged in team sports played with hands and target-based sports (p < 0.05). Statistically significant HGS-REA correlations were also observed among Turkish male athletes participating in gymnastics and esthetic sports (p < 0.05). Among Hungarian athletes, a significant HGS-REA correlation was found in male racquet sports athletes and female athletes engaged in combat sports (p < 0.05). Regardless of sports discipline, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed exclusively among Turkish female athletes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study reveals that the correlations between HGS and the risk of REA may vary depending on country, sex, and type of sport. The findings indicate that HGS may be either positively or negatively associated with REA in specific sports disciplines.
Open Access: Yes
Psychometric Validation of the Modified, Short Version of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale in Serbian
Publication Name: Sexual Health and Compulsivity
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 32
Issue: 2
Page Range: 105-128
Description:
Pornography is used worldwide, and 3% of individuals may experience problematic pornography use (PPU, i.e. poorly controlled use resulting in significant distress and negative consequences). Therefore, instruments gauging PPU are needed in nation-specific languages. This study aimed to validate a modified version of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale-6 (PPCS-6) in the Serbian language among 1413 adults (52.9% males) aged from 18 to 54 (Mag e = 24.96, SD = 4.46). Exploratory factor analysis on the sample’s random half yielded a single factor explaining 43% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis on the sample’s other half revealed an acceptable model fit. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was acceptable. The scale exhibited configural and partial metric invariance across genders and convergent validity. Latent profile analysis identified that 8.1% of the participants were at risk of experiencing PPU. In comparison, this value was 9.6% based on a calculated cutoff score (≥ 19) with acceptable values (.69 and.96) of sensitivity and specificity. To conclude, the Serbian modified version of the PPCS-6 appears to be a valid and reliable scale for screening PPU.
Open Access: Yes
Changes in primitive reflexes in older adults and their relationship to mental health indices: An experimental investigation
Publication Name: Experimental Gerontology
Publication Date: 2024-10-15
Volume: 196
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The reemergence of primitive reflexes (PRs) in older age is related to cognitive impairment. Currently, there are no means to prevent or slow their reappearance, but research evidence exists for their control in children. Therefore, this experiment investigated whether a 16-week special sensorimotor exercise program could benefit older adults and whether the intervention-induced changes (if any) may be associated with various indices of mental health. Of 115 adults over 60, 95 completed the study (mean age = 76.37 ± SD = 7.04 years, 22 % men). The experimental group (n = 38) showed an almost threefold decline in PRs compared to controls. In contrast, the control group (n = 57) exhibited a nearly threefold increase in PRs compared to the intervention group. Cognitive function increased in the experimental but not in the control group. Changes in PRs over the 16-week intervention were positively related to negative mental health indices (hopelessness and perceived stress) and negatively related to well-being. These findings suggest that the here-presented mild sensorimotor exercises could affect older adults' reemerging PRs and that changes in PRs are associated with mental health benefits. These results may open new research avenues toward preventing cognitive and psychological decline in older adults.
Open Access: Yes
Analysis of the Laboratory and In-Competition Characteristics of Adolescent Motocross (MX) Riders: An In Situ Case Study
Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland
Publication Date: 2024-09-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 18
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Motocross is one of the most popular high-speed motorcycle races, which takes place on a naturally closed track with significant challenges. This study aimed to characterize anthropometric, circulatory, and lower and upper limb muscle properties based on laboratory and race-recorded characteristics. Male competitors (n = 3) aged 14 years (MX) were included in the study. All three boys have national and international experience. Metabolic characteristics (ventilation, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production) and heart rate (HR) were measured in the laboratory while HR and speed were measured while racing. No significant difference was found between the three competitors in terms of HR during the race. In terms of number of sprints (No. sprint) and maximum speed (Speedmax), we found the most successful runner (highest finisher) to have the most sprints and maximum speed. Comparing the metabolic characteristics, it was found that racing was between the respiratory breakpoint (VT1 ) and the respiratory compensation point (RCP), but, in several cases, crossed the anaerobic threshold. While motocross riders are exposed to extreme conditions and high physical demands, in motorsport, victories depend not only on the athlete’s physical abilities but also on several factors such as driving technique, mental effort, equipment efficiency and resistance, race strategy, and team competence.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/app14188232
Placebo and nocebo interventions impact perceived but not actual proprioceptive accuracy
Publication Name: Plos One
Publication Date: 2024-08-01
Volume: 19
Issue: 8
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Changes in performance caused by positive and negative expectations (i.e., placebo and nocebo responses) were found to play an important role in many aspects of motor performance. This study aimed to test the impact of placebo/nocebo responses and the assumed moderating role of dispositional optimism and anxiety on proprioceptive accuracy, an essential aspect of motor functions. 78 undergraduate university students completed questionnaires assessing dispositional optimism, state anxiety, and motivation to cooperate, then were randomly assigned to three experimental groups. A sham subliminal electric stimulation was applied with claimed positive (placebo group, n = 26), negative (nocebo group, n = 26) or neutral (control group, n = 26) impact on proprioceptive accuracy. Proprioceptive accuracy was measured with active and passive versions of the Joint Position Reproduction task before and after the intervention. Expected and perceived changes in performance were also assessed; changes in state anxiety, optimism, and motivation to cooperate were used as control variables (covariates). Mixed analyses of variance indicated that the experimental manipulation did not affect actual proprioceptive accuracy but impacted expected and perceived performance. Adding the covariates to the models did not substantially change the results. Further, no significant association emerged between actual and perceived change in performance in the active test, and only a weak correlation was found in the passive test. Expected performance did not predict actual performance but predicted perceived performance in both tasks. The results suggest that only perceived (subjective) aspects of proprioceptive accuracy are susceptible to placebo and nocebo interventions.
Open Access: Yes
Placebo and Nocebo Effects on Sports and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Literature Review Update
Publication Name: Nutrients
Publication Date: 2024-07-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 13
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Sports performance could be affected by placebo and nocebo effects. The last literature review on placebo and nocebo effects on sports and exercise performance was published in 2019. In the past five years, several new studies have been published. This review aimed to update the previous synthesis and evaluate the results of new studies focusing on placebo or nocebo interventions in sports and exercise by determining the form and magnitude of their effect. Hence, we searched for empirical studies published from 2019 until the end of May 2024 indexed in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Google Scholar databases. The search yielded 20 eligible studies with control or baseline-control conditions, focusing on nutritional, mechanical, and other mixed ergogenic aids. They yielded small to large placebo effects (Cohen’s d) for nutritional (d = 0.86), mechanical (d = 0.38), cream and gel (d = 0.05), and open-label placebo (d = 0.16) interventions. The pooled effect size for placebo effects was moderate to large (d = 0.67), larger than in the earlier review, suggesting that placebo effects can improve motor performance even more than previously reported. However, based on five measures from three studies, the nocebo effects were almost twice as large (d = 1.20). Accordingly, the current findings support and expand the last review in the field by yielding additional support for placebo and nocebo effects in sports and exercise.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/nu16131975
Chasing a Phantom Dysfunction: A Position Paper on Current Methods in Exercise Addiction Research
Publication Name: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Publication Date: 2025-12-01
Volume: 23
Issue: 6
Page Range: 4600-4611
Description:
Exercise addiction has been investigated for almost half a decade in well over 1000 published papers. Studies adopt different terminologies like exercise addiction, overexercise, exercise dependence, compulsive exercise, obligatory exercise, and the like to refer to the same concept while creating conceptual confusion and rendering cross-study comparability challenging. The paradox is that fewer than ten research articles cover cases of clinical significance, yielding an extremely high ratio of publications to problematic cases. While there is evidence that significantly more clinically attention-meriting cases might exist, they surface in clinical practice rather than research settings. It is also peculiar that scholars search for a common path or shared etiology for exercise addiction, while each case, like those in substance use disorder, is unique, as also predicted by clinical models. Furthermore, the survey method uses scales yielding risk scores without diagnostic value. Most research in this direction, therefore, seems to be futile. Thus, it is not surprising that more than 10 years ago, the panel editing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) found insufficient evidence for exercise addiction being a mental dysfunction. As a result, exercise addiction has no clinical diagnostic criteria. This position paper aims to identify conceptual and methodological research barriers that hinder progress in this field, ultimately calling for a paradigm shift toward more productive research. In conclusion, the position of this paper is that most currently used research methodologies on exercise addiction are unsatisfactory and, consequently, a paradigm shift is urgently needed.
Open Access: Yes
Psychometric Properties of the Italian Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale Relationship to Weight Stigma and Body Esteem
Publication Name: Stigma and Health
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Physical inactivity is a growing problem that contributes to a range of negative health consequences, such as psychological and physical issues and weight gain. Recent evidence suggests that the tendency to avoid physical activity is associated with weight stigma and low (body-related) self-esteem. New cross-culturally validated psychometric scales for assessing nonparticipation in physical activity could help researchers and practitioners better understand the psychosocial factors contributing to avoidance of physical activity and for the more efficient promotion of an active lifestyle. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale (TAPAS) by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis and calculating the scale’s internal consistency and convergent/ discriminant validity. An Italian sample (N = 235; 57.4% females, Mage = 35.17 years; SD = ±10.83) participated in an online survey. The measures included the TAPAS, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–21, Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, Body Esteem Scale, and Exercise Addiction Inventory–Revised. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported a first-order one-factor scale, and the TAPAS showed good internal consistency. Additionally, the TAPAS was positively associated with body mass index, weight stigma, anxiety, stress, and depression; it was negatively associated with self-esteem and body self-esteem. The results suggest that the TAPAS is a psychometrically reliable and valid measure for assessing the tendency to avoid physical activity and sport among Italian-speaking individuals. The study also expands the knowledge of psychosocial factors involved in avoiding sports and participation in physical activity.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1037/sah0000579
Can automatic reactions mirror exercise dependence?
Publication Name: International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 23
Issue: 7
Page Range: 1207-1233
Description:
While physical activity (PA) has numerous health benefits, in rare cases it can become addictive and lead to adverse health effects. Automatic reactions to addiction-related cues are a hallmark of addiction, however, their association with exercise dependence (ED) remains unknown. This research examined the links between ED and automatic reactions to PA-related cues in physically active individuals with low-to-moderate levels of ED through two studies. Study 1 (N = 65) used a dot-probe task with eye-tracking to assess the association between attentional bias toward PA and ED scores measured by the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised. Study 2 (N = 125) used a manikin task and a single-category implicit association test to examine the association of approach-avoidance tendencies and implicit affective attitudes toward PA with ED scores. Results revealed ED scores were positively associated with behavioral indicators of attentional bias (i.e., reaction times), but not with eye-tracking indicators (i.e., first-gaze localization, gaze duration). Similarly, ED scores were unrelated to approach-avoidance tendencies or implicit affective attitudes toward PA. Therefore, our research provides limited evidence supporting the hypothesis that automatic reactions to PA may reflect a “signature” of ED. Our findings do not robustly support the link between automatic processes and ED, raising questions about whether the psychological mechanisms involved in ED might differ from those observed in other addictive behaviors where automatic processes are key. However, due to our sample's low-to-moderate levels of ED, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. Further research with individuals exhibiting addiction-related dependence, personalized stimuli, and neurophysiological methods is needed.
Open Access: Yes
Prevalence of the Risk of Exercise Addiction Based on a New Classification: A Cross-Sectional Study in 15 Countries
Ricardo De La Vega
Mia Beck Lichtenstein
Emilio Landolfi
Thomas Zandonai
Abril Cantù-Berrueto
Liye Zou
Umberto Granziol
Robert M. Portman
Merve Denizci Nazlıgül
Mike Trott
Peiying Yang
Aleksei Y. Egorov
Merve Alpay
Mark D. Griffiths
Bhavya Chhabra
Angelica Larios
Mustafa Yildirim
Marco Solmi
Oliver Stoll
Takayuki Akimoto
Mark D. Griffiths
Attila Szabo
Publication Name: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Publication Date: 2025-10-01
Volume: 23
Issue: 5
Page Range: 3815-3836
Description:
Exercise addiction is widely studied, but an official clinical diagnosis does not exist for this behavioral addiction. Earlier research using various screening instruments examined the absolute scale values while investigating the disorder. The Exercise Addiction Inventory-3 (EAI-3) was recently developed with two subscales, one denoting health-relevant exercise and the other addictive tendencies. The latter has different cutoff values for leisure exercisers and elite athletes. Therefore, the present 15-country study (n = 3,760) used the EAI-3 to classify the risk of exercise addiction (REA), but only if the participant reported having had a negative exercise-related experience. Based on this classification, the prevalence of REA was 9.5% in the sample. No sex differences, and few cross-national differences were found. However, collectivist countries reported greater REA in various exercise contexts than individualist countries. Moreover, the REA among athletes was (i) twice as high as leisure exercisers, (ii) higher in organized than self-planned exercises, irrespective of athletic status, and (iii) higher among those who exercised for skill/mastery reasons than for health and social reasons, again irrespective of athletic status. Eating disorders were more frequent among REA-affected individuals than in the rest of the sample. These results do not align with recent theoretical arguments claiming that exercise addiction is unlikely to be fostered in organized sports. The present study questions the current research framework for understanding exercise addiction and offers a new alternative to segregate self-harming exercise from passionate overindulgence in athletic life.
Open Access: Yes
Does self-esteem mediate the relationship between stress and exercise addiction?
Publication Name: Psychology Hub
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 41
Issue: 3
Page Range: 23-30
Description:
Background: The risk of exercise addiction is generally associated with high levels of stress and low self-esteem. Previous studies have revealed a significant association between stress, risk of exercise addiction, and self-esteem. However, the mediating effect of the latter was not examined. Aims: Based on the Interactional Model of Exercise Addiction, we hypothesized that stress might influence the risk of exercise addiction through the mediating role of self-esteem. Method: This cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 200 Italian exercisers aged 18 to 69 (M = 35; SD = 4.05; 62% females). Participants completed demographic and exercise habits-related questions, the revised Exercise Addiction Inventory, Stress subscale of DASS-21, and the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale in an online survey. Results: A positive association was found between stress and the risk of exercise addiction. However, a negative association emerged between stress and self-esteem. Furthermore, self-esteem was also related negatively to the risk of exercise addiction. Notably, self-esteem partially mediated the association between stress and the risk of exercise addiction. Conclusions: Self-esteem plays a role in the stress and exercise addiction relationship. Overall, the results contribute to a better understanding of the complex set of mechanisms that underlie the effects of stress on exercise addiction.
Open Access: Yes
The impact of neurolinguistic programming on anxiety, self-confidence, self-esteem, and performance in non-elite finswimmers
Publication Name: Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Publication Date: 2025-10-01
Volume: 93
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: Few studies have addressed mental health in finswimmers. Objective: This study examines the effect of NLP used as mental training on the finswimmers’ anxiety, self-confidence, self-esteem, and swimming records. Methods: The NLP intervention lasted two months. The study involved thirty young finswimmers (mean age M = 15.53, SD = 1.024), divided equally into two groups: the experimental and the control group. We carried out a pre- and post-test research design and conducted a follow-up test. We used two questionnaires, the French version of the CSAI-2R and the French version of the PSPP, along with semi-structured interviews for all three tests. Results: In the post-intervention test, the experimental group significantly decreased their cognitive anxiety (β = −3.47, p < .001) and somatic anxiety (β = −2.20, p = .001). Significantly increased their self-confidence (β = 2.07, p < .001), their global self-esteem (β = 1.93, p = .002), and their physical self-worth (β = 2.13, p = .004). The same parameters, except for the global self-esteem, also recorded significant change in the follow-up test, p < .005. Time effect did not show significance in the body attractiveness, physical strength, physical conditioning, and sport competence. Furthermore, outcomes showed notable between-subject variability in the mental skills, suggesting substantial variability in baseline parameter levels between individuals. Consequently, the finswimmers enhanced their swimming records. Conclusions: NLP showed a powerful impact in optimizing finswimmers’ mental health and, accordingly, their athletic performance. Besides, the technique showed relatively durable effectiveness. Coaches can reinforce the effect through ongoing NLP training.
Open Access: Yes
Psychometric Analyses of the Italian 8-Item, 9-Item, and 12-Item Versions of the Depression, Stress and Anxiety Scale
Publication Name: Evaluation and the Health Professions
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The present study aimed to validate the Italian 8-item, 9-item, and 12-item versions of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), addressing the need for shorter yet psychometrically robust measures. Two studies were conducted with different samples. In Study 1 (n = 541), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability testing of the short-form versions of the DASS were performed, and their convergent validity with life satisfaction and mental well-being was examined. Study 2 (n = 321) extended this validation by reassessing factor structure, reliability, and convergent validity using constructs associated with psychological distress, including positive and negative affect, self-esteem, and perceived stress. Results demonstrated that all short-form versions retained the three-factor structure of the original DASS-21, with overall sufficient fit indices, especially the 9-item model. Reliability metrics confirmed internal consistency (all Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega ≥0.70). Convergent validity analyses indicated strong correlations between the short-form versions of DASS-21 (min = 0.675, max = 0.956) and associated psychological constructs, aligning with theoretical expectations. The scales captured the relationships between psychological distress, positive and negative affect, perceived stress, mental well-being, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Findings suggest that the Italian versions of the DASS-8, DASS-9, and DASS-12 provide feasible and reliable alternatives to the DASS-21 for assessing depression, anxiety, and stress, supporting their usefulness in clinical and research contexts, particularly in circumstances in which brevity is essential.
Open Access: Yes
Exercise Addiction: a Thematic Analysis of Self-Reported Cases for Clinical Insight and Prevention
Publication Name: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Exercise addiction (EA) is a potentially harmful behavioral disorder that remains clinically undefined, with research often relying on symptom-based models that overlook subjective experiences. This study reviewed 63 self-reported EA cases using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis to identify recurring experiential patterns that may go beyond the component model of addictions (CMA). Nine themes emerged: loss of control, diverse exercise engagement, identity fusion, emotional coping, social disconnection, health denial, gender disparity, compulsive quantification, and severe physical consequences. The findings provide ecologically valid insights into the psychological and social dynamics of EA. Some themes partially overlapped with the CMA, but also with obsessive passion and self-determination, highlighting the limitations of current research frameworks and the need for more inductive, person-centered approaches. The results have practical implications for prevention, early detection, and intervention strategies and contribute to the ongoing effort to establish clinical diagnosis criteria for EA.
Open Access: Yes
COVID-19 Alters Respiratory Function Associations in High-Level Athletes
Publication Name: Medicina Lithuania
Publication Date: 2025-09-01
Volume: 61
Issue: 9
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected multiple physiological systems, including respiratory function, which is critical for athletic performance. Although alterations in pulmonary dynamics have been observed in high-level athletes recovering from COVID-19, the effects on respiratory function remain unclear. In this context, the present study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the interrelationships among respiratory function parameters in high-level athletes. Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight high-level athletes participated in the present study, including 34 with a history of COVID-19 and 34 controls without prior infection. Respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength were assessed using a digital spirometer (Pony FX, Cosmed, Italy). Key variables included Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1 ), and Maximum Inspiratory/Expiratory Pressure (MIP/MEP). Results: High-level athletes with prior COVID-19 infection exhibited significant differences in the correlations (p < 0.05) between FVC and PEF, FVC and MVV, FEV1 and FEV1 /FVC, and MIP and MVV compared to controls. Conclusions: These findings suggest that COVID-19 can disrupt the interrelationships among respiratory function parameters in high-level athletes, highlighting the need for further longitudinal investigations.
Open Access: Yes
The ACTN3 R577X Nonsense Allele Is Underrepresented in Professional Volleyball Players and Associated with an Increased Risk of Muscle Injury in Female Players
Publication Name: Genes
Publication Date: 2025-09-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 9
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: Muscle injuries pose a significant challenge in sports, leading to decreased performance and shortened career longevity. Individuals homozygous for the nonsense X allele of the ACTN3 rs1815739 (R577X) polymorphism, characterized by a complete absence of α-actinin-3, have been associated with reduced power performance and may have an increased injury risk. This study aimed to investigate the association between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and both volleyball player status and the risk of non-contact musculoskeletal injuries in female volleyball players. Methods: The study included 5382 Turkish and Russian subjects of European descent (187 professional volleyball players and 5195 controls), of whom 50 female players provided injury data. Sport-related injury information was obtained from medical records maintained by team physicians and physiotherapists. Results: A pooled analysis of the two cohorts demonstrated that the frequency of the ACTN3 X allele was significantly lower in volleyball players than in controls, with an odds ratio of 0.763 (95% CI: 0.61–0.95, p = 0.02). In the pre-specified recessive contrast (XX vs. RR + RX) among 50 players, exact methods indicated higher injury odds for the XX genotype (OR = 7.87, 95% CI: 0.94–374.58; p = 0.0366), which was classified as borderline/exploratory. Penalized (Firth) regression produced estimates of a similar magnitude after adjustment for age and playing position (adjusted OR = 5.92, 95% CI: 1.12–60.98), although confidence intervals remained wide. Conclusions: The ACTN3 X allele is underrepresented in professional volleyball players, and it is associated with an increased risk of muscle injury in female players.
Open Access: Yes
Quantifying the relationship between physical performance and mental wellbeing in older adults: a field study
Publication Name: Frontiers in Aging
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 6
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Introduction: Although the relationship between functionality, as reflected in physical performance (PHP), and mental health in older adults has been researched, its strength remains unclear. Methods: This field study aimed to determine the strength of this relationship in adults aged 60 and above using seven PHP indices and six psychological measures. We individually tested 114 older adults. Objective measures included six PHP indices consisting of the Senior Test and handgrip strength. Subjective measures included resilience, wellbeing, happiness, perceived stress, hopelessness, and life satisfaction. Results: Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed two latent constructs: PHP and mental wellbeing (MWB): robust fit (MLR): X2 (75) = 136.28, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.967; TLI = 0.960; RMSEA = 0.066 (90% CI [0.000, 0.128]); SRMR = 0.088. The latent partial correlation between PHP and MWB (adjusted for Age) was φ = 0.46, indicating ∼21% shared variance. The correlation between the two latent factors was moderate (r = 0.46), suggesting that other unassessed factors might account for the relationship. Discussion: Based on objective PHP and subjective MWB measures, these results suggest a modest connection, with the two latent constructs sharing ∼1/5 of their variances. Consequently, further research is needed to identify other factors affecting the studied relationship in older adults. These cross-sectional findings, suggesting a moderate association, should be interpreted with caution. Still, they support recommending physical activity as one component of broader, multi-domain strategies to support the wellbeing of older adults.
Open Access: Yes
Exercise Addiction: A Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Evidence
Publication Name: Current Addiction Reports
Publication Date: 2025-12-01
Volume: 12
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Purpose of Review: Exercise addiction (EA) is a maladaptive pattern of compulsive and excessive exercise that mirrors key features of behavioral and substance addictions. While psychological and behavioral characteristics of EA have been extensively studied, its neurobiological underpinnings remain underexplored. This systematic review aims to synthesize current neuroimaging evidence to identify brain structures and mechanisms implicated in EA. Recent Findings: Eight eligible studies using neuroimaging techniques were identified through a comprehensive search of five databases (PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar), following PRISMA guidelines. The findings indicate structural and functional differences in brain regions associated with reward processing, executive control, and emotional regulation, particularly the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), inferior frontal gyrus, and amygdala. Lower gray matter volume in the OFC was consistently linked to EA symptoms. Differences in functional connectivity within the default mode network and abnormalities in white matter tracts in frontal-subcortical circuits were also noted, resembling patterns seen in other behavioral addictions. Summary: Current neuroimaging evidence supports the view that EA shares neurobiological characteristics with other recognized addictive disorders. These findings reinforce the conceptualization of EA as a behavioral addiction. However, further longitudinal and experimental research is needed to clarify causal mechanisms and inform clinical recognition. OSF Registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9USBP.
Open Access: Yes
Association of ANKK1 and DRD2 gene polymorphisms with exercise addiction among elite athletes
Publication Name: International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Exercise addiction is a behavior that may dysregulate athletic performance, and social and professional interactions of athletes. Whereas environmental factors including training routines and personal traits could contribute to exercise addiction, recent studies have emphasized the importance of genetic predisposition, leading to development of a subfield known as sports psychogenetics. In sports psychogenetics, ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1) and dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) genes, located on chromosome 11 in a close proximity, have attracted research interest due to their involvement in dopaminergic signaling playing a crucial role in reward processing, motivation, cognition and behavior. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate potential associations between 14 polymorphisms in ANKK1/DRD2 and exercise addiction among elite badminton players (n = 39) and elite wrestlers (n = 68). Exercise addiction was assessed using a psychometric screening instrument and allele frequencies of the selected polymorphisms were analyzed through genotyping with a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray. Results indicated that two SNPs, rs7118900 and rs4436578, were significantly and independently associated with exercise addiction. Rs7118900 has previously been associated with an increased risk of drug addiction, neuroticism, and depressed effect whereas rs4436578 has been associated with neuroticism. In addition to those SNPS, rs2283265 and rs1125394 SNPs were also linked to exercise addiction in a branch-independent manner. Therefore, it is proposed that these SNPs could serve as genetic markers for identifying individuals at high risk of exercise addiction among athletes. However, further research is needed to understand the involvement of these SNPs in exercise addiction more comprehensively.
Open Access: Yes
Effects of Exercise Addiction and the COL1A1 Gene rs1800012 Polymorphism on Injury Susceptibility in Elite Female Volleyball Players
Publication Name: Genes
Publication Date: 2025-11-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 11
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Objectives: The objective of this study was to separately examine the effects of exercise addiction and the Collagen Type I Alpha 1 Chain (COL1A1) gene rs1800012 G/T polymorphism on injury susceptibility in elite female volleyball players, and to test the hypothesis that the T allele, previously identified as a risk allele, is underrepresented in volleyball players compared to the general population. Methods: The study included 50 professional Turkish female volleyball players with documented injury data, along with 557 Turkish controls, 53 professional Russian volleyball players, and 810 Russian controls. The Turkish participants were enrolled in a case–control study, an injury study, and an exercise addiction study, whereas the Russian participants were enrolled solely in a case–control study. Results: Injured players had significantly higher scores in the Delay of Individual Social Needs and Conflict subscale of the Exercise Addiction Scale compared to their uninjured counterparts (p = 0.036). The random-effects meta-analysis revealed a significantly lower frequency of the COL1A1 T allele in volleyball players compared to controls (pooled OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41–0.96, p = 0.031). Athletes who had not undergone surgery had a significantly higher frequency of the G allele compared to controls (89.2% vs. 78.7%, p = 0.037; OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.1–4.7). Among injured athletes, those carrying the GT genotype were significantly more likely to experience prolonged recovery (≥3 months) (57.1%) compared to those with the GG genotype (28.0%, p = 0.017). Conclusions: Exercise addiction and the COL1A1 rs1800012 T allele were associated with a higher incidence of injury in female volleyball players. The T allele was also associated with a longer recovery time following injury.
Open Access: Yes
Exercise addiction revisited: From symptoms to treatment
Publication Name: Theory and Psychology
Publication Date: 2026-02-01
Volume: 36
Issue: 1
Page Range: 68-89
Description:
This paper critically examines “exercise addiction,” a form of dysfunctional exercise behavior often mischaracterized as “exercise dependence.” While dependence is part of addiction, compulsion plays an equally significant role. Unlike substance-based addictions, exercise addiction involves delayed gratification achieved through intense physical effort. It often includes a masochistic drive to uphold self-imposed personal standards or maintain a positive social image. This addiction presents unique symptoms and significant challenges in assessment, as evaluations among healthy exercisers only yield questionnaire-based “risk” scores. The rate at which such high-risk scores turn into morbidity is unknown. Thus, the literature can be misleading via an artificial connection between research-based risk scores and clinically problematic cases. Indeed, such cases typically surface in clinics, not research settings. This complex and diverging path between research endeavors and applied medicine hinders the gathering of robust evidence for exercise addiction being a mental dysfunction, which is the reason why it is currently not classified as a dysfunction in the DSM-5. This paper clarifies exercise addiction and presents evidence for problematic cases based on symptoms and areas of self-harm. Furthermore, the paper distinguishes between commitment and addiction to exercise, presenting the most common theoretical models for exercise addiction. Finally, the work forwards a hierarchical 10-stage treatment framework. Overall, the paper emphasizes the urgent need for close collaboration between researchers and clinicians to accurately classify and address this complex behavioral disorder.
Open Access: Yes
Masked by the mean: how aggregating placebo responders and non-responders distorts clinical trial outcomes
Publication Name: Current Medical Research and Opinion
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 41
Issue: 11
Page Range: 2061-2066
Description:
The placebo effect, often dismissed as statistical noise, is a real mind–body phenomenon caused by conditioning and expectation. We should distinguish between the placebo effect (the psychobiological process) and the placebo response (the outcome). This commentary argues that placebo effects are often underestimated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) because trial outcomes are reported as averages of both responders and non-responders. Averaging can conceal meaningful effects, distort comparisons with active treatments, and generate inaccurate conclusions about treatment efficacy. To illustrate this, I use data from my research to show how averaging across participants diminishes the statistics-based placebo effect. Therefore, ignoring response heterogeneity can reduce accuracy and mask actual effects in responders. This issue extends beyond methodology. Underestimating placebo responses can lead to Type I errors in drug approvals, while in clinical practice, it can prevent practitioners from leveraging placebo mechanisms as part of holistic care. Ethical concerns also arise when the total placebo response approaches that of a drug, raising questions about exposing patients to unnecessary medication risks. Future trials should capture individual differences, such as expectancy assessments, prior-experience measures, stratified randomization, latent-class models, and biomarker research. Although these approaches pose challenges, they could incorporate heterogeneity into analysis and practice. In conclusion, embracing variability in placebo and treatment responses is more than a technical change; it is a shift toward greater validity, reliability, and personalized medicine. Moving beyond group averages and recognizing individual differences can help research produce more reliable evidence to guide treatment decisions.
Open Access: Yes
Financing football players’ careers from Africa to Europe: Does it follow a pecking order?
Publication Name: Sport Business and Management an International Journal
Publication Date: 2025-11-24
Volume: 15
Issue: 6
Page Range: 657-684
Description:
Purpose – This study examines how professional African footballers finance their international careers and proposes an equitable model for distributing earnings among contributors, using the pecking order theory (POT) as a guiding framework. It seeks to determine whether players’ financing behaviour follows a pecking order and how earnings can be fairly shared among stakeholders to reduce conflict. Design/methodology/approach – Employing a mixed-methods design, the study draws on in-depth interviews with 36 African footballers from across the CAF zones who have played in over 30 professional leagues in UEFA countries. Primary qualitative data is supported by secondary sources, including player profiles, media reports, club websites and academic publications. Findings – The findings reveal that financing players’ careers in Africa follows a pecking order. Footballers initially rely on cheap internal financing sources (family and personal efforts) before turning to external, debt-like and equity-based support (community sponsors, local managers and agents) to pursue professional opportunities abroad. The study proposes a tripartite model for earnings distribution, allocating proportional returns to family, debt contributors and equity stakeholders, based on timing, risk and level of support. This addresses the financing gap and offers a practical solution to disputes over financial entitlements. Originality/value – This research is among the first to systematically apply POT to athlete financing in Africa and propose a model that reflects the informal yet critical roles played by non-institutional actors. By drawing parallels with startup financing, it contributes new theoretical and policy insights into sports migration, career development and conflict resolution in football. It also sets an agenda for further research into athlete financing in other sports and developing regions.
Open Access: Yes
Superstitious Behaviors in Sports and Exercise: A Systematic Literature Review Update
Publication Name: Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
Publication Date: 2026-06-01
Volume: 67
Issue: 3
Page Range: 708-724
Description:
Superstitious behavior is highly prevalent in sports, providing athletes control over anxiety, psychological comfort, and perceived performance benefits. The first literature review on the topic was published in 2016. Since then, new research has expanded the knowledge in the area from cultural, psychological, and situational perspectives. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aimed to update and expand the first review on the area. PubMed and Google Scholar articles were scrutinized after the original 2016 review (from 2016 to 2024), and Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases (not included in the original review) were examined without a time limit. We found 27 eligible studies, including 26 observational and one experimental study. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) to assess study quality. The included studies stem from India, Canada, Taiwan, Greece, Türkiye, Ghana, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, the UK, the USA, Italy, Serbia, and Congo. Data extracted included age, gender, sport type, athletic level, cultural influences, psychological traits, and validated measurement tools. Superstitions in sports remain widespread. About 55.1% of athletes reported engaging in at least one superstition, and over 90% reported sport-specific rituals. Younger athletes exhibited higher levels of superstition than older ones. Gender differences were nuanced and context-dependent. Team and elite athletes relied more on superstitions than individual sports and amateurs. Cultural practices strongly influence superstitions, which often serve as coping mechanisms. They reduce anxiety and improve performance through placebo-like effects. However, excessive reliance on them can lead to burnout. This review confirms the enduring relevance of superstitions in sports. It emphasizes their cultural, psychological, and situational roles. The findings highlight gaps in understanding the placebo effects and long-term impacts of superstitious behaviors. Multidisciplinary research is needed to deepen insights into this complex phenomenon.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1111/sjop.70059
Passion and Addiction in Aerobic, Anaerobic, and Mixed (CrossFit) Exercises
Publication Name: Studia Sportiva
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 19
Issue: 2
Page Range: 235-249
Description:
This study employed exercise dependence and four-phase models to investigate the relationship between passion for exercise and the risk of exercise addiction (REA) among practitioners of aerobic, anaerobic, and CrossFit exercises. Participants (N = 424; 60.8% female; meanage = 38.29 ± 9.71 years) were recruited from fitness centers and social media in Hungary. The sample included 234 CrossFit, 126 aerobic (e.g., running, cycling, swimming), and 64 anaerobic (bodybuilding) exercisers. Data were collected online on Qualtrics, which included demographic questions, the Exercise Addiction Inventory-3, and the Passion Scale-8. CrossFit participants exhibited the highest exercise frequency and intensity, with a greater prevalence of REA (25.2%) compared to the anaerobic (15.6%) and aerobic (14.3%) groups. Cross Fitters also scored higher on salience, withdrawal symptoms, and passion. However, group differences in absolute REA scores vanished after controlling for passion and exercise characteristics. Gender differences emerged, with females showing a stronger affective connection to exercise and higher withdrawal symptoms. Passion was strongly correlated with REA (r = 0.55) and accounted for 28% of the variance in it. Further research is needed to distinguish between passion-driven exercise and addiction.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.5817/StS2025-2-17
Correction: Association between hand grip strength and exercise addiction: differences by sport category and sex among elite athletes (Frontiers in Psychology, (2025), 16, (1597239), 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1597239)
Publication Name: Frontiers in Psychology
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 16
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Sport Psychology The title of this article was erroneously given as: Association between hand grip strength and exercise addiction among high-level athletes: differences by sport category and sex in elite athletes. The correct title of the article is: “Association between hand grip strength and exercise addiction: differences by sport category and sex among elite athletes.” The original version of this article has been updated.
Open Access: Yes
Mindfulness-based interventions for gambling disorder: A systematic review
Publication Name: Journal of Behavioral Addictions
Publication Date: 2026-03-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Page Range: 115-134
Description:
Background and Aims: Gambling disorder (GD) presents significant psychological, financial, and social consequences. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as promising adjunctive treatments. However, the evidence base remains heterogeneous. The present systematic review evaluated the current empirical literature on MBIs for GD, focusing on their efficacy, methodological quality, and limitations.MethodsScopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and PsycINFO were searched for English-language studies published between 2012 and April 2025. The final sample comprised 12 studies: five randomized controlled trials, one controlled pilot study, two repeated-measures studies, one mixed-methods study, and three single-group pretest–posttest studies. A narrative synthesis evaluated MBI impacts.ResultsMBIs consistently reduced gambling frequency and cravings while enhancing psychological outcomes. Studies combining mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy showed significant declines in problem gambling behavior. Psychological distress and cravings also decreased notably across interventions. The mindfulness components employed varied in focus and application, adding nuance to outcome interpretation. However, it remains unclear to what extent the observed effects can be attributed to mindfulness-specific mechanisms.Discussion and ConclusionsMBIs show promise as a complementary treatment for gambling disorders, although small sample sizes and methodological limitations suggest a need for more robust research.
Open Access: Yes
Identifying behavioural addictions in endurance and ultra-endurance runners: a population at risk?
Publication Name: International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Behavioural addictions may negatively impact athletic performance and overall health. Little data exist on endurance runners. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study in endurance (≥21.1 km to 42.2 km) and ultra-endurance runners (≥42.2 km), screening for alcohol misuse, substance use (SU), gambling, and exercise addictions (EA) while assessing potential associated risk factors. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, the Kruskal–Wallis H-test with post-hoc Dunn´s test, a Multivariable Logistic Regression model, and a CatBoost Classifier, with model interpretability techniques such as Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) and Partial Dependence Plots (PDPs). Of 601 runners, 222 were females (37%); their mean age was 42.8±10.1 years; 28.6% screened positive for alcohol, 26.1% for SU, 18.1% for EA, and 8.0% for problematic gambling. SU was more prevalent among female runners (p = 0.02) and half-marathoners (p = 0.007), whereas gambling was more common among men (p = 0.02). Women reported higher EA than men (p < 0.001). Risk factors for alcohol misuse included younger age (25–33 years, p = 0.007), fewer workouts (p = 0.025), and higher income (p < 0.001). SU risk was associated with competition frequency (p = 0.011), injury-related absences (p = 0.002), and EA (p = 0.044). SU included caffeine, cannabis, nicotine, cocaine, ecstasy, and solvents. Gambling risk was associated with younger age (p < 0.001) and EA (p = 0.049). More workouts (p = 0.025) were related to higher EA. Based on these results, we recommend raising awareness, implementing broader screening programmes, and providing educational and support for athletes and staff.
Open Access: Yes
Exploring well-being disparities between employees and managers
Publication Name: Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Based on cognitive-behavioral and self-determination theories, this study examined differences in work-related well-being between managers and employees, focusing on perceived stress, life satisfaction, health, and income. It also explored the role of physical activity (PA) and its social support. Structural equation modeling supported the development of a well-being index. The sample included 446 employees and 110 managers, with a female majority (75.7%). Participants completed several demographic questions and two validated psychometric questionnaires, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale, on the Qualtrics research platform. A multivariate analysis of covariance, controlling for age, PA, work environment, and education level, found that managers reported higher perceived income and life satisfaction than employees. However, the variance explained was under 4.0%. No significant interaction was found between gender and job position; however, women in both groups reported lower incomes than men. PA and its social support were positively correlated with life satisfaction and negatively correlated with stress. Childhood PA was linked to current PA, aligning with previous research. These findings suggest that the anecdotal well-being gap between managers and employees is far smaller when key influencing factors are controlled. The cross-cultural and gender-balanced reliability of these findings should be further evaluated.
Open Access: Yes
The role of yoga in enhancing spiritual and psychological health: Evidence from a large cross-sectional study
Publication Name: Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Publication Date: 2026-05-01
Volume: 97
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background Research has rarely explored yoga’s link to spirituality, and none have examined spiritual well-being via Fisher’s four-domain model. Comparative studies with active control groups are also lacking. Objective This study examines the relationships between spirituality, subjective well-being (SWB), and mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, and stress) among yoga practitioners, physically active individuals, and inactive controls. Methods A total of 1.167 Hungarian adults (79 % females), mean age 34.52 years (SD ± 14.97), completed an online survey assessing spiritual health attitudes and behaviors, SWB, and mental health symptoms, along with the frequency of physical activity. Results Multivariate analyses showed significant group differences (Wilks’ Λ =.811, F(26, 2304) = 9.77, p < .001, partial η² = .099) across the combined dependent variables. Yoga practitioners reported significantly (p < .001) higher well-being and spirituality, and lower depression, anxiety, and distress than both regular exercisers and inactive participants. Regular exercisers also demonstrated more favorable psychological outcomes than inactive individuals, though to a lesser extent than yoga practitioners. Weekly physical activity frequency was positively associated with well-being and negatively associated with mental health symptoms across groups. Correlation patterns revealed several spirituality-related variables that were uniquely and more strongly associated (p < .001 to p < .023) with health indicators in the yoga group. Conclusions These findings support the mental health benefits of regular physical activity and emphasize yoga's distinct contribution to spiritual well-being. The results highlight the integrative value of embodied spiritual practices, such as yoga, in promoting psychological resilience and holistic well-being.
Open Access: Yes
Psychometric properties of the Expanded Exercise Addiction Inventory 3 (EAI-3) in a Danish sample
Publication Name: Current Psychology
Publication Date: 2026-03-01
Volume: 45
Issue: 5
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The risk of exercise addiction, characterized by an uncontrollable urge to engage in physical activity, poses significant health risks yet lacks clinical diagnostic criteria. The need for its assessment is increasing in research and applied settings. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and reliability of the Expanded Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI-3) within a Danish population. The present study involved 392 Danish adults who were all regular exercisers. Participants completed the EAI-3, the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R), the SCOFF Questionnaire for eating disorders, the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and measurement invariance testing were performed to assess the factor structure and reliability of the EAI-3 across biological sex. The results indicated strong reliability and validity for the EAI-3, with good fit indices across models (CFI =.981, RMSEA =.054). The scale scores demonstrated configural, metric, and scalar invariance, indicating consistent performance across male and female exercisers. Reliability analyses yielded high internal consistency (α =.85, ω =.88), and ROC analysis established a cut-off score of 33.5 for potential exercise addiction risk, with high specificity (.856) and sensitivity (.889). Similar good results emerged from the bifactor model, but the original structure was still preferable. The present study supports the EAI-3 as a valid and reliable tool for screening the risk of exercise addiction among Danish adults, facilitating early identification and potential intervention. Further research should focus on longitudinal studies and clinical validations to enhance the understanding and management of exercise addiction.
Open Access: Yes
A qualitative exploration of narratives among problematic exercise experiences
Publication Name: Journal of Behavioral Addictions
Publication Date: 2026-03-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Page Range: 497-508
Description:
Background and Aims: Exercise is recognized as essential for health, but exercise addiction remains a lesser-known phenomenon. Unlike substance addictions, excessive exercise is often celebrated, making it difficult to distinguish between dedication and compulsion. To understand what exercisers perceive as problematic within their exercise context, a qualitative study was conducted investigating personal experiences.MethodsThrough a reflexive thematic analysis, the present study analyzed 153 narratives from individuals who experienced physical, psychological, or emotional problems due to exercise.ResultsFour main themes emerged: (i) The social pressure of a performativity-oriented culture; (ii) Everything seemed to be going well until the injuries appeared; (iii) Time is money: Interpersonal conflicts; and (iv) It is my responsibility: Intrapersonal conflict. The results suggest that a culture of performance provides an interpretive framework that shapes and sustains problematic exercise experiences. Participants internalized performative values, leading to strict demands and fear of failure, resulting in severe injuries in over 70% of cases. In participants' narratives, the forced interruption of activity was associated with the reported emergence of withdrawal symptoms, with health and morality discourses providing the framework for rationalizing their excessive dedication.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that problematic exercise is not an individual issue, but an expression of a broader culture prioritizing performance. These results underscore the importance of shifting toward biopsychosocial interventions that foster identity flexibility and prioritize holistic well-being and enjoyment over performance metrics.
Open Access: Yes
Can Older Adults Become Exercise Junkies? Commentary on ‘Exercise Addiction in Older Adults: Health Preservation or Fear of Death?’ by Surenkok and Colleagues
Publication Name: Psychogeriatrics
Publication Date: 2026-03-01
Volume: 26
Issue: 2
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
No description provided
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1111/psyg.70154
Demographic Predictors Associated With Elevated Screen Use in Preschoolers: A Multinational Cross-Sectional Study Based on Parents' Reports
Publication Name: Child and Family Social Work
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The widespread use of smartphones and tablets has greatly increased screen exposure among preschoolers. Since early childhood is crucial for cognitive, behavioural and social development, excessive screen time represents a major public health concern. Identifying factors influencing young children's screen use is vital for creating effective family guidance and health policies. Using convenience sampling, this study collected data from 633 parents across 31 countries to examine how family composition, parental and child characteristics affect the screen time of preschoolers (aged 1–5 years). The model, based on Ordinary Least Squares regression, explained 42% of the variance in children's screen time. Parental device-giving frequency emerged as the strongest predictor, with more frequent giving linked to greater exposure. Screen time also increased with child age and the number of children in the family. Children supervised by mothers had significantly less screen time than those supervised by fathers. Parental age, number of adults in the home, child's sex and temperament were not significant predictors. These findings highlight the significant impact of parental behaviour and household dynamics on preschoolers' screen habits. Interventions should directly target these factors, and family screen time guidelines must evolve to reflect the modern technology landscape, promoting balanced and healthy use.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1111/cfs.70175
Visual assessment of performance-related stimulus expectancy and its implications for placebo response dilution
Publication Name: Acta Psychologica
Publication Date: 2026-05-01
Volume: 265
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Expectancy effects are crucial determinants of placebo responses; however, neglecting differences in agent-specific beliefs may lead to an underestimation of response effects. This study had two main goals: (1) to theoretically explore how individual differences in expectations about agents influence response outcomes, and (2) to create a visual tool for assessing stimulus-specific expectancies. The sample included 435 adults (58.5% female) who answered demographic questions and completed six image-based items (red pill, white powder, green drink, chocolate bar, injection syringe, and electrical stimulation device), each designed to assess beliefs about the potential of these agents to boost performance. Expectancy assessments focused on anticipated physical and mental performance effects rather than on clinical or therapeutic outcomes. Logistic modeling illustrated that combining high- and low-expectancy individuals can attenuate apparent group-level expectancy effects, highlighting a potential measurement and inference concern in placebo research. Participants who were non-superstitious and non-religious reported significantly lower stimulus expectancy than others. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the unidimensional structure of the Stimulus Expectancy Assessment Tool (SEAT), showing excellent fit (CFI = 0.974, TLI = 0.952, RMSEA = 0.086, SRMR = 0.032) and good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.84). The latent factor accounted for an average of 48% of the variance in expectations, ranging from 21% to 66% across the six indicators. These results suggest that placebo effects may be underestimated when variability in expectancy is ignored. The SEAT offers a flexible, image-based method for identifying stimulus-specific expectancy profiles.
Open Access: Yes
Genome-Wide Association Study of Vertical Jump Performance Among Elite Badminton Players
Publication Name: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Publication Date: 2026-03-01
Volume: 27
Issue: 6
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Vertical jump performance is known to be a moderately heritable trait. However, previous studies on sport genetics have largely relied on candidate-gene approaches, which do not adequately reflect the polygenic nature of explosive performance, particularly among elite badminton players. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify genetic variants associated with lower-limb explosive performance, assessed via vertical jump measures, among elite Turkish badminton players using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach. The present study included 90 elite male (n = 47) and female (n = 43) badminton players, and 557 non-athletic controls sourced from a public database. Performance-related traits were evaluated through countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and their differential. Genome-wide genotyping was performed using DNA microarrays, and associations were examined using linear mixed models fixed for sex/gender, body mass index, and sport experience. Although no variants reached genome-wide significance (p < 1.00 × 10−7), 13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) exceeded the suggestive threshold (p < 1.00 × 10−5). CMJ-associated variants were rs4905767, rs2911702, rs10246591, and rs9842454; SJ-associated variants were rs55817650, rs62318127, rs115197840, rs78317172, and rs35930589; and CMJ–SJ-associated variants were rs34638064, rs6679342, rs4931233, and rs9442615. The present study provides preliminary evidence that lower-limb explosive performance among elite badminton players is polygenic, involving regulatory and signaling pathways rather than single performance genes.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/ijms27062533
The long-term impact of COVID-19 on the physical activity, motor fitness, and maximum heart rate values of female university students
Publication Name: Biomedical Human Kinetics
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Page Range: 12-23
Description:
Aim: This study examined the relationship between COVID-19 and the maximum heart rate (HRmax ) achieved by female university students during maximal physical effort. It also analyzed how participants’ physical activity (PA) levels and anthropometric and physiological characteristics were related to HRmax 10 months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 was no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Materials and methods: Eighty-two female university students aged 19.0–28.0 years (21.23 ± 1.57) were assigned to three groups: G1 – 40 healthy participants, G2 – 29 participants with confirmed COVID-19, and G3 – 13 participants previously hospitalized due to COVID-19. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. PA was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and HRmax was measured during the 12-min Cooper test performed on a rowing ergometer. Results: Healthy students (G1 ) showed the highest PA levels, followed by groups G2 and G3 . Group G1 also exhibited more favorable body composition, with lower values of body mass, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, visceral fat, fat mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass (p < 0.001). Maximum heart rate was highest in group G1 (175 beats per minute, bpm) and exceeded the values noted in groups G2 and G3 by 7 and 15 bpm, respectively (p = 0.028). Conclusions: Female students hospitalized due to COVID-19 had lower PA levels, reduced motor fitness, and worse body composition, which may explain their lower HRmax values observed 10 months after the pandemic.
Open Access: Yes
Exercise addiction: A review and evaluation of current research and theory
Publication Name: Journal of Behavioral Addictions
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background and Aims: While regular physical activity provides many health benefits, exercise can cause more harm than good when done excessively to the point where a person loses control. This condition has been called various names, but the most accurate term is ‘exercise addiction’ (EA) because it reflects both compulsive behavior and dependence. EA is classified as a non-substance-related addictive disorder, or behavioral addiction, and has been the subject of research for over fifty years. However, it is not officially recognized in major diagnostic systems, mainly due to significant conceptual and measurement challenges. This paper provides an overview of current knowledge on EA, including its causes, assessment issues, epidemiology, associated conditions, negative effects, and options for treatment and prevention. Methods: An evaluation-driven narrative review was conducted which synthesized findings from empirical research and theoretical models adopted across EA research. It critically examined prevailing conceptualizations, methodological challenges, and potential treatment approaches. Results: Epidemiological findings are inconsistent and report inflated prevalence rates, partly due to reliance on self-report instruments that often fail to distinguish pathological exercise from passion. Etiological models emphasize the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and behavioral factors. Negative consequences include physical injury, emotional distress, and social strain. Evidence for effective interventions remains sparse. Discussion and Conclusions: Despite growing interest, progress remains slow. There is a need for larger, longitudinal, and experimental studies to advance understanding. Though not included in the DSM-5, greater clinical awareness is vital for early detection and prevention. EA is clinically relevant but still poorly defined, requiring robust empirical and theoretical work.
Open Access: Yes
Psychophysiological measures of a SuperEnduro athlete during a world championship: an in-situ case study
Publication Name: Frontiers in Psychology
Publication Date: 2026-03-31
Volume: 17
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Introduction – SuperEnduro is a high-risk motorcycle sport with no prior empirical data. This case study analyzed an elite rider during the fifth round of the 2023/2024 SuperEnduro Grand Prix. Methods – Psychological measures included core-, positive-, and negative affect, expected and perceived performance, mental and physical exhaustion, perceived risk of racing addiction, and a post-race interview. Physiological measures encompassed heart rate, caloric expenditure, work intensity, and training loads. Results – Results showed a decline in core affect, with positive affect remaining high and negative affect low after three races. Anxiety decreased progressively, but perceived and objective performance remained low. Elevated physiological measures and subjective perceptions confirmed SuperEnduro’s intensity. The participant self-identified himself as addicted to racing. However, his addiction score was low, suggesting passion or emotional attachment—a blend of pleasure and pain—driving his commitment to race even when injured. Discussion – These findings provide insight into the physical and psychological demands unique to SuperEnduro athletes.
Open Access: Yes
Psychometric validity and reliability of the Turkish exercise addiction inventory-3
Publication Name: Addicta the Turkish Journal on Addictions
Publication Date: 2026-03-13
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Page Range: 137-146
Description:
The Exercise Addiction Inventory-3 is the latest version of the Exercise Addiction Inventory, whose use has become more frequent in several countries. The present study investigated its psychometric properties among Turkish adults. The study recruited 389 participants through online social media platforms. Reliability was tested through Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. Validity was tested through correlations among the Exercise Addiction Inventory-3 score and scores on the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised, Ten-Item Personality Inventory, SCOFF Questionnaire, and Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised. Structural validity was tested via confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance. The findings suggested that the Turkish version of the Exercise Addiction Inventory-3 is reliable. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the models demonstrated good to excellent fit indices. Partial measurement invariance was observed. The Exercise Addiction Inventory-3 scores were positively correlated with the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised and Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised scores. The total scale score and the Addiction Tendency subscale score were negatively correlated with SCOFF scores but not the Health Relevance subscale scores. The Turkish Exercise Addiction Inventory-3 is a reliable and valid instrument to assess the risk of exercise addiction that differentiates at-risk groups from passionate exercisers. Implications for future studies are discussed.
Open Access: Yes
