Participation in sports may influence negative body image and Social Physique Anxiety (SPA) as there is pressure by significant others to have a certain body image. The aim of the present study was to examine possible differences in SPA and perceived pressure to be thin between female preadolescent and adolescent ballet dancers, rhythmic gymnastics, and swimming athletes, and to predict SPA by global self-esteem, pressure to be thin, BMI, and training age. In the study participated 23 ballet dancers, 47 rhythmic gymnastics athletes, and 32 swimming athletes. They completed self-reported questionnaires assessing SPA, perceived pressure to be thin by coaches, parents and friends, global self esteem, and body image. There were no significant differences between groups in SPA, global self-esteem, perceived pressure to be thin, and in rates of body image (χ² = 1.65, p = .800). Hierarchical linear regression showed that SPA was predicted significantly by global self-esteem and BMI (R = .58, R² = .34, F(6,95) = 8.13, p < .001). It seems that there are similarities between ballet dancers, rhythmic gymnastics athletes, and swimming athletes although ballet is considered as a non-competitive physical activity. Intervention programs in order to reduce SPA and enhance global self-esteem should be addressed to each group.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between perfectionism, a personality trait, and state anxiety experienced by Physical Education students during practical exams, and how this relationship, as an experiential learning process could increase their professional readiness for coaching. A total of 305 students (146 male and 159 female) participated in the study. They completed questionnaires on demographics, and perfectionism, and before each exam they completed the STAIC-2. The results revealed differences between rhythmic gymnastics (RG) exams and handball exams in somatic anxiety and self-confidence, as well as between female and male participants. Also, the negative dimension of perfectionism was the main predictor of somatic and cognitive anxiety. Practical indications are discussed in relation to the professional development of future coaches.

This study evaluated shoulder rotator muscle strength, conventional and functional external/internal rotation (ER/IR) strength ratios, and fatigue responses in competitive male artistic gymnasts, compared to a control group consisting of physical education (PE) students. Twenty-six participants were included: 13 competitive gymnasts (22.7 ± 2.3 years) and 13 PE students (22.6 ± 1.5 years), free of shoulder disorders. Shoulder rotator muscle strength was assessed isometrically and isokinetically (60°·s⁻¹ and 180°·s⁻¹) before and after a fatigue protocol comprising 50 maximal concentric internal and external rotations at 240°·s⁻¹. Gymnasts demonstrated significantly higher body mass-normalized peak torque than PE students across the key strength conditions. Before fatigue, conventional and functional strength ratios were generally comparable between groups. Following fatigue, condition-specific changes in ER/IR strength ratios were observed, with gymnasts generally maintaining their pre-fatigue values. Normalized peak torque progressively declined across the 50-repetition protocol in both groups, with no significant between-group difference in the pattern or rate of torque decline. Exploratory analyses of derived fatigue-related measures showed limited and condition-specific between-group differences. Overall, competitive gymnasts demonstrated greater shoulder rotator strength capacity than PE students, whereas the findings did not support a generalized between-group difference in fatigue-related responses. Comprehensive assessment of shoulder strength, ER/IR strength ratios, and fatigue responses may provide useful information for performance monitoring and individualized training.

Body image and related issues are issues that have attracted research interest for many years before COVID-19 period. There are still many points that can be revealed. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether body image, social body anxiety, and social media use differed following the COVID-19 pandemic in young adults. In the present study participated 384 young adults with mean age 22.88 years (SD = 6.04). Before COVID-19 period participated 203 subjects (108 males and 95 females) after COVID-19 period participated 181 subjects (80 males and 101 females). They completed self-reported questionnaires examining sociocultural attitudes toward appearance (SATAQ-4), Social Physique Anxiety, the use of Social Media and personal demographic information. After COVID period internalization/ muscular and internalization/ thin decreased and men scored higher than women. On the other hand, pressure by media increased especially for women. There were no differences in pressure by others (family or peers). Before COVID period men and women hand similar levels of pressure for thin body, as they scored higher in the pressure by media, but after COVID period men and women reported different levels of pressure to be thin. In Social physique Anxiety women had higher levels than men and higher levels after COVID period than before. The prediction of SPA revealed significant differences before and after COVID-19 period. Studies should be conducted after the COVID -19 period in young adults, as body image and social media usage have changed.