The outbreak of COVID-19 and the changes to normal societal function and in particular quarantine has increased mental distress in many nations. A survey of 22,112 COVID-19-negative quarantined participants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (age: 18–40 years, 42.6%; 40–60 years, 53.3%; over 60 years, 4.1%; mass, 78.9 ± 14.8 kg; stature, 167 ± 8.7 cm) were assessed for depressive symptoms using the online Beck Depression Inventory self-report questionnaire. The relationship between pre-quarantine physical activity and mental health and wellbeing during lockdown has been investigated. A significant difference in body mass index (BMI) between active and inactive participants (p = 0.03) was observed; with females also recording a 3% higher BMI than males. All participants showed a decrease in mental health compared to pre-quarantine. However, pre-quarantine inactivity was found to result in a greater negative impact on mental health and well-being than those active pre-quarantine (p < 0.01). The sedentary population had a 4-fold greater incidence of mild-depression than the active population. This suggests that activity level plays an important role in shielding people from anxiety and stress, whilst it builds mental strength in individuals that can be called upon in trying and difficult situations. Nevertheless, pre-quarantine activity levels did not lead to any significant change in levels of extreme depression in the sample population.

Background: Early childhood is a critical developmental period during which weight status, 24-hour movement behaviors (MB), executive functions (EF), and motor skills (MS) interact to influence long-term health and development. However, few studies have simultaneously examined these domains among preschool children in North African countries, particularly considering urban–rural differences. Therefore, this study investigated urban–rural differences in body mass index (BMI) categories, 24-hour MB, EF, and MS among Tunisian preschool children. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Tunisian preschool children. The sample included 112 children, of whom 74 were from urban areas and 38 from rural areas (50 boys and 62 girls), aged 4–5 years (mean age: 4.10 ± 0.58 years). BMI categories were defined according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Anthropometric measurements were used to calculate BMI-for-age z-scores and classify children as below normal, normal, or above normal. Twenty-four-hour MB, including physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep, were objectively assessed using accelerometers over five consecutive days. EF (inhibition and working memory) were assessed using standardized cognitive tests. Gross MS were evaluated using the Supine Timed Up and Go, One-Leg Standing Balance, Hand Grip Dynamometer, and Standing Long Jump tests, while fine MS were assessed using the 9-Hole Pegboard Test. Results: Significant differences between BMI categories were found for most anthropometric variables. Children with BMI above normal showed higher body weight and BMI-for-age z-scores. No significant differences were observed for accelerometer-derived MB, EF, or MS. However, BMI categories were associated with adherence to some 24-hour movement recommendations. While 76.4% met physical activity guidelines and 81.3% met sleep recommendations, only 18% adhered to all integrated guidelines. Conclusions: These findings suggest associations between BMI categories and anthropometric differences, while no clear associations were observed with variations in MB, EF, or motor competence. Urban–rural differences in adherence to some movement recommendations suggest a potential role of environmental context in children’s daily behaviors. Given the cross-sectional and observational design, results should be interpreted with caution. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the complex interactions between weight status, MB, cognitive development, and MS in early childhood.

Background: Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the Dualistic Model (DM) of Passion, this study examined the motivational mechanisms underlying psychological well-being among Tunisian physical education teachers. The objectives were twofold: to examine validity evidence of the Arabic version of the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS) and to test an integrative structural model linking harmonious passion, need satisfaction and frustration, well-being, vitality, happiness, and perceived stress. Methods: A representative sample of physical education teachers (1238) completed standardized instruments to assess passion, basic psychological needs, and well-being. To conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the group was randomly divided into two independent subgroups. Reliability and validity were assessed using additional psychometric indicators, and a structural equation model was used to test the hypothesized relationships. Results: The results support the multidimensional structure and psychometric validity of the scale in the Tunisian context. Harmonious passion appears to be a positive factor in the satisfaction of psychological needs and a negative factor in cases of frustration. The satisfaction of these needs is closely linked to a high level of well-being, whereas their dissatisfaction is associated with adverse consequences. Well-being is also associated with increased vitality, greater happiness, and reduced stress, reflecting adaptive psychological functioning. Conclusions: Harmonious passion and basic psychological need satisfaction emerge as central resources for sustaining teacher well-being, vitality, and resilience against stress in educational contexts.

Background: Athletic performance is influenced by interacting nutritional, psychological, physiological, and hydration-related factors, yet their combined relationships remain insufficiently explored. This study investigated associations between dietary behaviors, psychological characteristics, physical and physiological performance, body composition, and hydration status in young athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 156 male athletes aged 17–22 years. Dietary behaviors were assessed using an Arabic-adapted Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, while psychological characteristics were evaluated using the Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style. Physical performance was assessed using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, handgrip strength, and standing broad jump. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and hydration status was assessed using urine specific gravity. Pearson correlations with Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate correction were used to examine associations. Results: Fruit and vegetable consumption and healthier fat-related behaviors were positively associated with muscular strength, whereas sugar and salt intake were negatively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness. Nutritional awareness, environmental factors, and emotional eating were not significantly associated with physical fitness measures. Attention characteristics showed predominantly broad external and internal attentional profiles, while hydration status was weakly associated with selected attentional characteristics. Conclusions: Overall, dietary quality was more consistently associated with physical performance than nutritional awareness alone. The findings support an integrated approach to athlete health and performance that considers nutritional, psychological, and hydration-related factors.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been investigated as a potential ergogenic supplement, but its effects on sprint and change-of-direction performance in competitive handball players remain unclear. This randomized, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of eight weeks of supplementation with 600 mg/day of standardized Withania somnifera root extract containing 5% withanolides in 24 male national second-division handball players (Ashwagandha, n = 12; placebo, n = 12). Participants maintained their habitual training, and resting heart rate, blood pressure, handgrip strength, Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Modified Agility Test (MAT), and 10- and 20-m sprint performance were assessed before and after the intervention. Mixed-design repeated-measures analyses revealed significant Group × Time interactions for resting heart rate, MAT performance, and 10- and 20-m sprint times. The Ashwagandha group (AG Group) showed lower resting heart rate and improved change-of-direction and sprint performance compared with baseline, whereas no significant Group × Time interactions were observed for body mass, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, handgrip strength, SJ, or CMJ. These preliminary findings suggest that eight weeks of Ashwagandha supplementation may improve selected sprint and change-of-direction outcomes in competitive male handball players. Larger trials with prespecified primary outcomes, tighter training-load monitoring, independently verified extracts, and appropriate multiplicity control are warranted.

Introduction: Bilateral asymmetry reflects strength or functional differences between dominant and non-dominant limbs, which can influence performance. Investigating asymmetry and muscle co-activation during the two-armed kettlebell swing may clarify its role in performance enhancement and injury risk. This study specifically examined co-activation and asymmetry in shoulder and trunk muscles during the exercise. Method: Twenty-four participants (age: 23.9 ± 2.5 years; body mass: 82.8 ± 8.0 kg; height: 177.8 ± 6.5 cm) were included in the study. Surface electromyography signals were recorded using a wireless EMG system and data were collected bilaterally from twelve muscles (six muscles per side: anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, erector spinae longissimus, erector spinae iliocostalis, external oblique, and rectus abdominis). Each participant completed two trials of the two-armed kettlebell swing, with at least five repetitions. Results: The results showed that the shoulder co-activation index significantly increased on both sides during the float, drop, and deceleration phases (Right side: F = 35.12; p < 0.001; Left side: F = 69.80; p < 0.001). Additionally, co-activation between the erector spinae and rectus abdominis, as well as between the erector spinae and external oblique muscles, was highest during the float and drop phases (Right side: F = 165.1; p < 0.001; Left side: F = 100.08; p < 0.001). The findings revealed some asymmetry in muscle co-activation, particularly during the float phase (22.39%). However, overall asymmetrical levels remained low during the more mechanically demanding phases (propulsion, drop, and deceleration). Conclusion: The study shows clear phase-dependent muscle activation patterns, with anterior deltoid and spinal extensors leading during propulsion, and greater posterior engagement and co-activation stabilizing the float, drop, and deceleration phases. A small asymmetry appeared mainly in the float phase, while the overall asymmetry index stayed low during the more demanding phases.