Aim: This study evaluated the effects of plyometric training with different set configurations on sprint speed, change of direction (COD), jump performance, and perceived exertion in youth football players. Method: Twenty-four U-19 players were randomized into three groups: Cluster Set (CLS, n = 8), Traditional Set (TRD, n = 8), and Control (CON, n = 8). CLS performed 8–10 sets of 2–3 repetitions, while TRD completed 2–3 sets of 8–10 repetitions in an 8-week plyometric program (2 sessions/week). The CON group did not train. Performance measures included 10 m, 20 m, and 30 m sprints, COD, Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Reactive Strength Index (RSI), and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE). A repeated measures ANOVA analyzed group*time interactions. Results: Significant improvements were observed in CLS and TRD groups for sprints (10 m: f = 21.44; 20 m: f = 19.40; 30 m: f = 49.56; p < 0.001), COD (f = 14.66; p < 0.001), CMJ (f = 51.50; p < 0.001), and RSI (f = 24.91; p < 0.001). No changes occurred in CON (p > 0.05). Conclusions: CLS and TRD plyometric training improved sprint speed, COD, and jump performance, with CLS showing slightly superior results and better fatigue management.

This study utilized a relational screening model to examine the relationship between mental well-being and emotional regulation levels among basketball referees. The research sample consisted of 327 active field referees officiating in Turkish basketball leagues during the 2021–2022 season, selected using an accessible sampling method. The sample included 13.50% (n = 44) female referees and 86.50% (n = 283) male referees, with 67.30% (n = 220) holding national accreditation and 32.70% (n = 107) being regional referees. Data collection involved a personal information form, the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) and the Referee Emotion Regulation Scale (RERS). Statistical analyses, such as Pearson's correlation coefficient, regression analysis, t-tests, and ANOVA, were conducted using SPSS 21 software, with a significance level set at p < .05. The results of this study indicated that gender and educational status did not significantly influence mental well-being, Suppression, and Cognitive Reappraisal levels among basketball referees. However, the level of refereeing emerged as a significant variable impacting mental well-being, Suppression, and Cognitive Reappraisal levels. Notably, a positive and significant correlation was observed between mental well-being, Suppression, Cognitive Reappraisal levels, age, and experience of basketball referees. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between referees' mental well-being and emotional regulation levels, highlighting the interplay between these factors. The findings underscore the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and emotional regulation for enhancing the performance of basketball referees. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need to nurture these aspects to improve referees' psychological resilience and overall performance. Practical research on mental well-being and emotion regulation in refereeing can contribute significantly to the existing literature, providing valuable insights for referee training and support programs.

Background/Objectives: Despite its well-established health benefits, adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife) has declined globally, including in its region of origin, alongside a significant shift toward ultra-processed food consumption. Understanding the factors associated with MedLife adherence is essential for developing targeted interventions and tailored policy recommendations. As part of the MEDIET4ALL PRIMA project, this cross-sectional study aimed to comprehensively examine geo-demographic, socio-economic, psychological, behavioral, and barrier-related factors associated with and potentially contributing to MedLife adherence. Methods: Data were collected from 4010 participants aged 18 years and above across ten Mediterranean and neighboring countries using the multinational MEDIET4ALL e-survey, which included the validated MedLife index, along with various other questionnaires. Results: Results indicate that only 22% of respondents demonstrated high adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife), with significant variability observed across countries, age groups, education levels, and health statuses. Spain had the highest proportion of participants with high adherence (38%). Factors associated with significantly higher adherence rates include older age, living in the Mediterranean region, higher education levels, a greater awareness of MedLife principles, lower perceived barriers, normal BMI, better health status, and stable economic and marital conditions (p-values ranging from 0.04 to <0.001). Additionally, individuals with high MedLife adherence exhibited more socially and physically active lifestyles and experienced less psychological strain (p < 0.001). Regression analyses identified MedLife awareness as the strongest positive predictor of adherence (β = 0.206), followed by social participation (β = 0.194) and physical activity (β = 0.096). Additional positive contributors include life satisfaction, sleep quality, living in the Mediterranean region, age, and education (β ranging from 0.049 to 0.093). Conversely, factors that are negatively associated with adherence include sedentary behavior, living environment, and barriers such as low motivation, taste dislike, price unaffordability, limited availability, and the time-consuming nature of preparing Mediterranean food (MedFood; β ranging from −0.036 to −0.067). Conclusions: These findings indicate that fewer than one in four adults across Mediterranean and neighboring countries demonstrate high adherence to MedLife, supporting prior evidence of suboptimal adherence even within Mediterranean regions. This study identified a range of behavioral, socio-demographic, and environmental factors—both positive and negative predictors—that can help guide the design of targeted, culturally adapted interventions to promote MedLife behavior. Future research should incorporate objective measurements and longitudinal monitoring to better understand underlying mechanisms, establish causality, and develop sustainable strategies for enhancing MedLife adherence in diverse populations.

This research aims to design a sensor-based hand-eye coordination measuring tool and test its validity and reliability. A total of 9 experts were involved in assessing its feasibility, each of them 3 sports measurement experts, 3 motor experts, and 3 technology experts. Meanwhile, 50 students at one of the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Indonesia participated in field trials. Participants were students taking physical condition courses (aged 18-20 years), consisting of male (n1=30) and female (n2=20). A validation questionnaire was prepared and discussed with experts as a guide in providing an assessment of the relevance of the instrument (suitability, accuracy, ease, and practicality of the tool), and test-retest reliability for field trials carried out twice with the difference between the first and second tests being one week. Data were analyzed using Aiken's V Index, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and Pearson correlation. The research results showed that the assessment of all aspects of the measuring instrument was in the high category, and the ICC value also showed no differences between assessments (P>0.05). Then, the test-retest reliability testing results obtained a significant regression analysis with a high correlation coefficient (r=0.801; P<0.05). In conclusion, this measuring tool can collect data to improve performance in sports involving hand-eye coordination (such as volleyball, badminton, tennis, basketball, hockey, martial arts and other sports that predominantly use the hands), both for coaches, athletes and sports practitioners. Keywords: validity, reliability, coordination, sensors

Background/Objectives: Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has declined even within Mediterranean regions, while its adoption has become more common in non-Mediterranean contexts. This study compares Germany and Türkiye, two culturally contrasting contexts traditionally classified as non-Mediterranean and Mediterranean, respectively, to examine cross-cultural differences and patterns in MedDiet adherence and related lifestyle behaviors. Specifically, it aims to compare adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife), physical activity, and social participation, and to analyze their associations within each country. Methods: Using data from the MEDIET4ALL survey, 1184 valid responses (609 from Germany and 575 from Türkiye) were analyzed for dietary behaviors, perceived barriers to MedDiet adherence, physical activity, and social engagement, with adherence assessed via the MEDLIFE index. Results: The majority of respondents were healthy (79%), employed (67%), young adults (56%), of normal weight (51%), living in urban environments (72%), and showed a gender balance (52.5% female). Most were classified as medium MedDiet adherent in both Germany (45%) and Türkiye (56%), with no significant difference in total MedLife scores. However, block- and item-level analyses revealed that Turkish participants showed higher adherence to Mediterranean food consumption (p < 0.001), particularly in limiting processed meat and consuming legumes, dairy, nuts/olives, and olive oil. In contrast, German participants adhered more closely to recommendations for red meat and cereal intake. German participants also scored higher on lifestyle-related behaviors (e.g., regular napping and recommended sleep duration), while no significant differences were found in the dietary habits block. Awareness of the MedDiet was significantly higher among German participants (p < 0.001), with country-specific differences in perceived barriers (i.e., higher total score among Germans with p = 0.03). Germans reported more barriers related to social norms and health conditions, while Turkish respondents more often cited attitudes, cost, and individual beliefs. Physical activity levels were significantly higher in Germany, whereas Turkish respondents reported greater social participation (p < 0.001). Weak to moderate correlations (r = 0.09 to 0.035) were found between MedLife adherence and both physical activity and social participation, with stronger associations observed among German participants. Conclusions: These findings highlight the culturally embedded nature of lifestyle behaviors related to MedDiet adherence. Despite similar overall adherence levels, Germans and Turks differ in specific dietary patterns, lifestyle practices, and perceived barriers, underscoring the need for culturally tailored interventions to improve adherence.

This study explores the relationship between motivation for physical activity participation and enjoyment levels across various demographic groups. A total of 384 participants (44.5% female, 55.5% male) were selected using a convenience sampling method in Turkiye. All participants were either high school (32.3%) or university (67.7%) students, representing varied educational backgrounds and sports experience, with 47.7% holding a sports license. Participants completed the Motivation Scale for Participation in Physical Activity (MSPPA) and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Findings indicate that female participants scored significantly higher than males in both PACES (M=49.88 vs. M=48.05; p=0.05) and MSPPA (M=65.56 vs. M=62.33; p<0.01), highlighting gender-based differences in motivation and enjoyment. Surprisingly, possessing a sports license did not significantly impact motivation or enjoyment, suggesting that formal sports involvement may not be a primary determinant of sustained engagement. Educational level played a role. High school students showed greater motivation from environmental factors (M=22.37 vs. M=21.15; p=0.04), while university students reported higher demotivation (M=16.99 vs. M=14.62; p<0.01). A weak but significant positive correlation was found between age and both motivation (r=0.16; p<0.01) and enjoyment (r=0.14; p<0.01), suggesting that older individuals may experience greater intrinsic benefits from physical activity. These findings provide valuable insights for designing intervention programs prioritizing intrinsic motivation and enjoyment in physical activity. Such programs should foster autonomy, competence, and relatedness in various settings, including schools, workplaces, and community sports initiatives. Future research should examine how motivation and enjoyment influence the long-term adoption of physical activity as a lifestyle.