Martial arts (MA) and combat sports (CS) are physical activities that may be associated with health-related outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize and evaluate the available evidence on the relationship between MA and CS training and mental health of adult practitioners (≥18 years). CochraneLibrary, EBSCOhost, Web-of-Science, and Scopus databases were searched up to September 2022 for measures of self-related constructs, ill-being and well-being, cognition and brain structure/function, in adult MA/CS practitioners. Seventy cross-sectional and two longitudinal studies were retained and submitted to risk of bias assessments through an adapted version of the Cochrane Collaboration's Tool. Associations between MA/CS practice and self-related constructs were inconclusive for both consistency and strength of evidence. Limited evidence of significant associations emerged for sub-domains of ill-being (i.e., externalizing and internalizing emotion regulation), and well-being. In regard to cognitive and brain structural/functional variables, evidence of positive association with MA/CS practice was consistent with respect to perceptual and inhibition abilities but limited with respect to attention and memory. Evidence on negative associations of boxing with changes of brain structure integrity due to concussions was also inconclusive. Functional imaging techniques could shed light onto brain activation mechanisms underlying complex cognitive performance. In relation to moderators, mixed results were found for activity exposure, expertise, level of competitive engagement (which often covary with the length of training) and sex and type of MA/CS. The MA/CS' multifaceted nature may produce different, sometimes conflicting outcomes on mental health. Studies on MA/CS represent a flourishing research area needing extensive improvement in theoretical and practical approaches.

The present systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of sport management relevant knowledge, competencies, and skills analyzing and harmonizing the European skills classification for sport management employment profiles and evidence-based information from the scientific literature in this field. The information search in the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations platform resulted in four main sport management professional profiles, whereas literature searches in SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases resulted in 48 manuscripts meeting the inclusion criteria. The main findings showed a substantial scholars’ interest in deepening the understanding of necessary sport management-related knowledge/competencies/skills from different research perspectives. However, a disconnect between industry demands and students and/or employees’ preparedness and performance emerged, which substantiates the need to systematically update education and training in the sector to foster the sustainable development of this scientific area. Furthermore, in recognizing the centrality of the background, foundational, sport management-related knowledge, the crucial role of competencies and soft skills emerged. The present study not only provided a comprehensive, evidence-based, overview on sport management relevant knowledge/competencies/skills but also proposed a harmonized framework grounded on different relevant clusters that should be considered in developing and implementing educational sustainable programs for sport managers and leaders.

This systematic overview aimed to review studies investigating the benefits and risks of judo training in older people, and to explore practical methodological applications (Registration ID: CRD42021274825). Searches of EBSCOhost, ISI-WoS, and Scopus databases, with no time restriction up to December 2022, resulted in 23 records meeting the inclusion criteria. A quality assessment was performed through the following tools: ROBINS-I for 10 experimental studies, NIH for 7 observational studies, and AGREE-II for 6 methodological studies. A serious risk of bias emerged for 70% of the experimental studies, whereas 100% of the observational and 67% of the methodological studies presented a “fair” quality. When involving 1392 participants (63 ± 12 years; females: 47%), the studies investigated novice (n = 13), amateur/intermediate (n = 4), expert (n = 4), and unknown (n = 3) level judoka by means of device-based, self-reported, and visual evaluation measures. Mean training encompassed 2 ± 1 sessions. week⁻¹ of 61 ± 17 min for 7 ± 6 months. In relation to judo training exposure and outcomes, three main themes emerged: (i) health (56% of studies; e.g., bones, anthropometry, quality of life); (ii) functional fitness (43%; e.g., balance, strength, walking speed); and iii) psychosocial aspects (43%; e.g., fear of falling, cognition, self-efficacy). Although the included studies presented relevant methodological weaknesses, the data support the positive effects of judo training with advancing age. Future research is needed to help coaches plan judo programs for older people.

The present umbrella review aimed to: (i) analyze review manuscripts on sport management knowledge/competencies/skills; (ii) propose a harmonized, evidence-based, competency framework for a comprehensive understanding of the intertwined relationships between knowledge, competencies, and skills in determining sport managers’ expected working performance and need for training; and (iii) provide insights for a sound implementation of educational curricula. Based on the PRIO guidelines, inclusion criteria encompassed systematic and narrative literature peer-reviewed review manuscripts relevant to sport management knowledge/competencies/skills, published between 2012 and 2022 in English. The search was performed on three databases, resulting in twenty-two retained review manuscripts representing different research topics. From 277 recorded elements, 72 knowledge/competencies/skills items were extracted. Leadership skills, Finance and administration, Marketing, and Effective communication accounted for the highest representation. Based on the identified evidence, a sport management comprehensive framework was developed including: (1) Life-long learning; (2) Necessary knowledge; (3) What is needed to be done; (4) How things get done; (5) Modulating factors; (6) Transversality within the industry; and (7) Dynamic interaction and intertwined relations. In considering the research propositions and relative recommendations for curricula implementation and future research, the present findings could foster the debate for the sustainable growth of this research area.

In aging societies, physical activity may benefit functional fitness influencing the health of older people. The aim of this study was to explore the interrelation between age and perception of health and quality of life, and the mediating effects of functional fitness in older individuals. One hundred and sixty-six late middle-aged (55–64 years, young-old (65–74 years), and old (75–84 years) adults, divided into senior athletes (n = 44), physically active (n = 59), and sedentary individuals (n = 63) were evaluated for functional fitness (flexibility, strength, interlimb coordination, endurance) and physical (Physical Component Summary-PCS) and mental (Mental Component Summary-MCS) health and quality of life perception. Multiple mediation analyses were applied to assess the relationship between age and PCS and MCS indices and the role of functional fitness-related mediators. For MCS only, the mediation analysis showed a positive total and direct effect of age and a negative total indirect effect through mediators. No effects emerged for PCS. Despite a decline in their functional fitness, older individuals were able to maintain a mental health perception, also demonstrating how beneficial effects of physically active lifestyle on functional fitness can positively impact the cognitive-emotional dimension of mental health with advancing age.

Historically, combat sports have been predominantly conceptualized within the framework of elite competition, emphasizing physical aptitude, technical proficiency, and strategic execution (1-3). Despite their traditional and peculiar constitutions and developments, disciplines such as judo, karate, taekwondo, wrestling, fencing, boxing, and mixed martial arts have commonly been associated with high-performance athletes striving for competitive excellence on national and international stages (1, 4-6). However, contemporary discourse increasingly recognizes their expansive role in contributing to physical and psychological well-being, and social inclusion of the practitioners (7, 8). This paradigmatic shift underscores the capacity of combat sports to function as inclusive and accessible modalities for fostering multidimensional health benefits across diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities and other marginalized groups (9-13).The interdisciplinary exploration of physical activity and health highlights the intricate interrelationship between structured sports engagement and holistic well-being (14). Whilst conventional team and individual sports have long been acknowledged for their physiological and psychosocial benefits, combat sports exhibit distinct characteristics that might amplify these advantages (15, 16). Within combat sports, the synergistic interplay of rigorous physical conditioning, the cognitive engagement, adherence to rules, competition dynamics, respect, externalizing emotions regulation, are intertwined with pedagogical and philosophical values, thus presenting a unique framework for enhancing psychological resilience, cognitive adaptability, and emotional control. Consequently, the systematic practice of combat sports has been increasingly examined as a way of promoting mental health, stress modulation, and social cohesion (17, 18).The inclusive nature of many combat sports programmes further accentuates their relevance in dismantling stereotypes, facilitating integration, and fostering equity and social integration (19-21). In fact, they demonstrated significant adaptability to accommodate individuals with disabilities (e.g., physical impairments, developmental, emotional, intellectual disorders), thereby ensuring equitable access and fostering empowerment (9, 22). Adapted judo, para-taekwondo, and other modified combat disciplines provide individuals with disabilities a structured platform to engage in physical activity, cultivate self-efficacy, and develop meaningful social connections within a supportive and adaptive environment (23). From a public health perspective, the integration of combat sports within community-based health initiatives offers a compelling opportunity to engage populations that may not traditionally participate in structured physical activity programmes (7, 8, 19). The distinctive accessibility of combat sports, which cater to practitioners of all skill levels (e.g., from novices to elite athletes) sets them apart from many other sports. While their structured progression, adaptability, and emphasis on holistic development make them a viable option for lifelong and intergenerational participation (19, 24, 25), the mentorship and pedagogical frameworks cultivate positive role modeling, discipline, and intrinsic motivation, which are integral for sustaining long-term adherence to health-promoting behaviors (8).Furthermore, the intersection between combat sports and mental health has increasingly emerged as a focal point within academic and clinical research (17) with empirical evidence suggesting an association between participation and enhanced self-regulation and self-efficacy, and reduction in anxiety and depressive symptomatology (8, 26, 27). In necessitating sustained focus, adaptability, and emotional equilibrium, combat sports inherently require cognitive and affective demands, which align closely with established psychological frameworks that underpin mental well-being (28, 29). Moreover, the integration of mindfulness techniques, stress management strategies, and resilience-building paradigms within combat sports training substantiates their potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for addressing various mental health challenges (e.g., autism spectrum and oppositional defiant disorders) (30, 31).Despite these advantages, the discourse surrounding combat sports and well-being necessitates a critical examination of inherent risks and potential challenges. Issues related to injury risk, hypercompetitive environments, eating disorders, sexual harassment, and the psychological stressors associated with high-intensity training warrant careful scrutiny (32-36). The implementation of evidence-based injury prevention protocols, the establishment of ethically responsible coaching methodologies, and the promotion of safe training environments are imperative to ensure that the benefits of combat sports are maximized while minimizing adverse outcomes.Against this backdrop, this opinion paper seeks to examine the role of combat sports in advancing health and social inclusion among athletes and practitioners. Through a synthesis of contemporary empirical findings, theoretical paradigms, and applied insights, this paper aims to contribute to the evolving discourse on the potential of combat sports as a catalyst for holistic well-being. By delineating the multidimensional impact of combat sports on physical, psychological, and social health, this paper endeavors to underscore their transformative potential as an instrument for fostering individual and community well-being within different populations.DiscussionWhilst an expanding body of research and an evolution in scholarly discourse is recognizing the combat sports’ broader implications for holistic well-being (30, 37), a rigorous evaluation of the investigation methodologies, the validity of hypotheses, and the translational potential of recent findings is...