University of Qom Functional Research in Sport Psychology 3060-8023 2 3 2025 09 23 A Letter to the Editor: Advancing the Field of Sport Psychology Through Integrated Research and Practice A Letter to the Editor: Advancing the Field of Sport Psychology Through Integrated Research and Practice 1 1 3621 10.22091/frs.2025.13399.1082 FA Mehdi Sohrabi Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad 0000-0002-4820-3486 Journal Article 2025 07 20 Sport psychology has emerged as a critical discipline in understanding and enhancing athletic performance, mental resilience, and overall well-being in sports. This letter synthesizes current knowledge and proposes future directions for research and practice in the field. Recent advances have demonstrated the effectiveness of psychological interventions, including cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness training, and mental skills development, in optimizing athletic performance across various sports and competitive levels. The growing recognition of mental health challenges among athletes has further highlighted the need for comprehensive psychological support systems within sports organizations. Additionally, technological innovations such as biofeedback and virtual reality are creating new opportunities for personalized mental training and performance enhancement. Despite these advancements, significant gaps remain, particularly in cross-cultural applications, lifespan approaches to athlete development, and the ethical integration of emerging technologies. Future research should prioritize interdisciplinary collaboration, culturally sensitive interventions, and longitudinal studies to better understand the psychological demands of athletes at different career stages. By addressing these challenges, sport psychology can continue to evolve as both a scientific discipline and an applied practice, ultimately contributing to the holistic development of athletes worldwide. This letter calls for strengthened partnerships between researchers, practitioners, and sports organizations to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that psychological insights translate into meaningful benefits for athletes at all levels of competition. Sport psychology has emerged as a critical discipline in understanding and enhancing athletic performance, mental resilience, and overall well-being in sports. This letter synthesizes current knowledge and proposes future directions for research and practice in the field. Recent advances have demonstrated the effectiveness of psychological interventions, including cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness training, and mental skills development, in optimizing athletic performance across various sports and competitive levels. The growing recognition of mental health challenges among athletes has further highlighted the need for comprehensive psychological support systems within sports organizations. Additionally, technological innovations such as biofeedback and virtual reality are creating new opportunities for personalized mental training and performance enhancement. Despite these advancements, significant gaps remain, particularly in cross-cultural applications, lifespan approaches to athlete development, and the ethical integration of emerging technologies. Future research should prioritize interdisciplinary collaboration, culturally sensitive interventions, and longitudinal studies to better understand the psychological demands of athletes at different career stages. By addressing these challenges, sport psychology can continue to evolve as both a scientific discipline and an applied practice, ultimately contributing to the holistic development of athletes worldwide. This letter calls for strengthened partnerships between researchers, practitioners, and sports organizations to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that psychological insights translate into meaningful benefits for athletes at all levels of competition.

https://frs.qom.ac.ir/article_3621_7afb90f117ddaab20654457387fd6099.pdf

University of Qom Functional Research in Sport Psychology 3060-8023 2 3 2025 09 23 The Effect of Mindfulness Practices and Music on Physical and Mental Fatigue in Elite Basketball Athletes The Effect of Mindfulness Practices and Music on Physical and Mental Fatigue in Elite Basketball Athletes 2 16 3517 10.22091/frs.2025.12664.1047 FA Mohammadreza HamidiMatloob Department of Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahab Danesh University. Qom, Iran 0000-0003-8765-1234 Mahdi Fahimi Department of sport sciences, Faculty of Letters and Humanities, University of Qom, Qom, Iran 0000-0002-6581-1125 Journal Article 2025 03 31 Objective: Basketball is a sport characterized by open skills, where actions are unpredictable and dynamics are constantly shifting, leading professional players to experience varying levels of physical and mental fatigue. This study aimed to explore and compare how mindfulness and music training affect physical and mental fatigue in elite basketball players. Method: In this quasi-experimental research, 27 elite basketball players were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness-based training group, a music-based training group, or a control group. Blood samples were taken under fasting conditions to assess the study variables before and after the intervention. Data analysis involved one-way analysis of variance (ACNOVA), paired t-tests with a significance threshold (P ≤ 0.05), and the Bonferroni post hoc test to identify intra-group and inter-group differences. SPSS version 27 was utilized for these analyses. Results: When comparing the groups, there was no significant difference in the impact of mindfulness and music on physical fatigue at a significance level (P ≤ 0.05). Similarly, the effect of mindfulness and music on changes in inflammatory markers such as lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein was not significantly different at the same significance level. However, the effect of mindfulness and music on mental fatigue showed a significant difference at a significance level (P ≤ 0.05), indicating that mindfulness significantly reduces psychological fatigue. Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed no significant difference between the effectiveness of mindfulness-based training and music in terms of physical fatigue and changes in serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein. However, in the area of mental fatigue, mindfulness-based training demonstrated a significant reduction in mental fatigue in the post-test. Objective: Basketball is a sport characterized by open skills, where actions are unpredictable and dynamics are constantly shifting, leading professional players to experience varying levels of physical and mental fatigue. This study aimed to explore and compare how mindfulness and music training affect physical and mental fatigue in elite basketball players. Method: In this quasi-experimental research, 27 elite basketball players were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness-based training group, a music-based training group, or a control group. Blood samples were taken under fasting conditions to assess the study variables before and after the intervention. Data analysis involved one-way analysis of variance (ACNOVA), paired t-tests with a significance threshold (P ≤ 0.05), and the Bonferroni post hoc test to identify intra-group and inter-group differences. SPSS version 27 was utilized for these analyses. Results: When comparing the groups, there was no significant difference in the impact of mindfulness and music on physical fatigue at a significance level (P ≤ 0.05). Similarly, the effect of mindfulness and music on changes in inflammatory markers such as lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein was not significantly different at the same significance level. However, the effect of mindfulness and music on mental fatigue showed a significant difference at a significance level (P ≤ 0.05), indicating that mindfulness significantly reduces psychological fatigue. Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed no significant difference between the effectiveness of mindfulness-based training and music in terms of physical fatigue and changes in serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein. However, in the area of mental fatigue, mindfulness-based training demonstrated a significant reduction in mental fatigue in the post-test.

https://frs.qom.ac.ir/article_3517_420dbc5cec513ed3eb0e479cad0a5857.pdf

University of Qom Functional Research in Sport Psychology 3060-8023 2 3 2025 09 23 Cross-Cultural Validity of Persian Version of Senior Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument Cross-Cultural Validity of Persian Version of Senior Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument 17 29 3541 10.22091/frs.2025.13123.1058 FA Farzaneh Hamidi Department of motor behavior, Faculty of sport sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran 0009-0002-0293-0503 Masoumeh Shojaei Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0001-5116-8039 Shahram Malekzadeh Orthopaedic surgery Department, Medical Faculty, Qazvin University, Qazvin, Iran 0009-0000-5936-1095 Journal Article 2025 05 04 Objective: Given the growing elderly population in Iran and the relationship between physical literacy and health, assessing physical literacy in this population is important. However, there are limited studies on the assessment of physical literacy in the elderly. The present study aimed to examine the cross-cultural validity of the Persian version of Senior Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (SPPLI). Method: At first, the translation/back translation process and content validity were carried out through the Content Validity Index (CVI) with opinion of five experts. Subsequently, concurrent and construct (age differences and convergent) validity, and internal consistency were examined in a sample of 78 older adults (aged 60–90 years) randomly selected from nursing homes and physiotherapy centers in Qazvin. Construct validity of the SPPLI was assessed by comparing age-related differences and its correlation with age and its convergent validity with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the short-form Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and concurrent validity was evaluated through the its relationship with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) as a measure of actual physical literacy. Results: The CVI results confirmed the content validity of all SPPLI items. The results of Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference in perceived physical literacy between the two age groups (p = 0.42). Spearman’s correlation between total scores of SPPLI and age was weak and non-significant (r (78) = 0.123). The Spearman correlation coefficients of SPPLI with total scores of SFT, PASE, and short FES-I were 0.501, 0.452, and -0.001, respectively. Conclusions: The content and concurrent validity of the SPPLI was confirmed, and its internal consistency was good. However, convergent validity was moderate with the PASE and very weak with the short FES-I, while construct validity based on age differences was not confirmed. In conclusion, the Persian SPPLI exhibits appropriate cross-cultural validity. Objective: Given the growing elderly population in Iran and the relationship between physical literacy and health, assessing physical literacy in this population is important. However, there are limited studies on the assessment of physical literacy in the elderly. The present study aimed to examine the cross-cultural validity of the Persian version of Senior Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (SPPLI). Method: At first, the translation/back translation process and content validity were carried out through the Content Validity Index (CVI) with opinion of five experts. Subsequently, concurrent and construct (age differences and convergent) validity, and internal consistency were examined in a sample of 78 older adults (aged 60–90 years) randomly selected from nursing homes and physiotherapy centers in Qazvin. Construct validity of the SPPLI was assessed by comparing age-related differences and its correlation with age and its convergent validity with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the short-form Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and concurrent validity was evaluated through the its relationship with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) as a measure of actual physical literacy. Results: The CVI results confirmed the content validity of all SPPLI items. The results of Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference in perceived physical literacy between the two age groups (p = 0.42). Spearman’s correlation between total scores of SPPLI and age was weak and non-significant (r (78) = 0.123). The Spearman correlation coefficients of SPPLI with total scores of SFT, PASE, and short FES-I were 0.501, 0.452, and -0.001, respectively. Conclusions: The content and concurrent validity of the SPPLI was confirmed, and its internal consistency was good. However, convergent validity was moderate with the PASE and very weak with the short FES-I, while construct validity based on age differences was not confirmed. In conclusion, the Persian SPPLI exhibits appropriate cross-cultural validity.

https://frs.qom.ac.ir/article_3541_2062037d600bb9049462b58265f0f1f2.pdf

University of Qom Functional Research in Sport Psychology 3060-8023 2 3 2025 09 23 Dependence of Learning of a Soccer Skill on the Environment Light Condition: Examining Specificity of Practice Dependence of Learning of a Soccer Skill on the Environment Light Condition: Examining Specificity of Practice 30 37 3594 10.22091/frs.2025.13099.1057 FA Daryoush Khajavi Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Arak, Arak, Iran 0000-0001-5778-5089 MohammadSadegh MoradiVeghar Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Razi University of Kermanshah, Kermanshah, Iran. 0009-0008-5605-0986 Journal Article 2025 06 02 Objective: The study aimed to investigate the specificity of practice hypothesis in soccer by examining the impact of environmental light conditions on the learning of a soccer push pass. Specifically, it sought to determine whether practicing under natural or artificial light would influence skill acquisition and transfer when visual conditions changed. Method: Twenty-six male students (mean age 20.67 ± 1.78 years) with no prior experience in the experimental task were matched and divided into two practice groups based on their pre-test scores in the Mor-Christian Push Pass Test. One group trained under natural sunlight (daytime), while the other practiced under artificial gym light (nighttime) for six sessions (three times per week). Following the training phase, participants underwent immediate retention tests under the same light conditions as their practice. A delayed retention test was conducted ten days later. Data were analyzed using a 2 (group: natural vs. artificial light) × 2 (test condition: natural vs. artificial light) × 2 (test delay: immediate vs. delayed) repeated measures ANOVA via SPSS-16. Results: The results revealed no significant differences in skill acquisition between the two practice groups during training. However, during transfer tests where light conditions were altered, both groups exhibited a significant decline in performance. This finding supports the specificity of practice hypothesis, indicating that skill learning is context-dependent and performance deteriorates when environmental conditions change. Conclusions: The study confirms that soccer push pass performance is sensitive to the environmental context in which it is practiced. While both natural and artificial light conditions yielded similar skill acquisition, the inability to maintain performance under altered lighting suggests that practice specificity plays a critical role in motor learning. These findings highlight the importance of training under varied conditions to enhance adaptability and transferability of sport skills. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the specificity of practice hypothesis in soccer by examining the impact of environmental light conditions on the learning of a soccer push pass. Specifically, it sought to determine whether practicing under natural or artificial light would influence skill acquisition and transfer when visual conditions changed. Method: Twenty-six male students (mean age 20.67 ± 1.78 years) with no prior experience in the experimental task were matched and divided into two practice groups based on their pre-test scores in the Mor-Christian Push Pass Test. One group trained under natural sunlight (daytime), while the other practiced under artificial gym light (nighttime) for six sessions (three times per week). Following the training phase, participants underwent immediate retention tests under the same light conditions as their practice. A delayed retention test was conducted ten days later. Data were analyzed using a 2 (group: natural vs. artificial light) × 2 (test condition: natural vs. artificial light) × 2 (test delay: immediate vs. delayed) repeated measures ANOVA via SPSS-16. Results: The results revealed no significant differences in skill acquisition between the two practice groups during training. However, during transfer tests where light conditions were altered, both groups exhibited a significant decline in performance. This finding supports the specificity of practice hypothesis, indicating that skill learning is context-dependent and performance deteriorates when environmental conditions change. Conclusions: The study confirms that soccer push pass performance is sensitive to the environmental context in which it is practiced. While both natural and artificial light conditions yielded similar skill acquisition, the inability to maintain performance under altered lighting suggests that practice specificity plays a critical role in motor learning. These findings highlight the importance of training under varied conditions to enhance adaptability and transferability of sport skills.

https://frs.qom.ac.ir/article_3594_5c85e1988918baa62e614c1f586b3fe1.pdf

University of Qom Functional Research in Sport Psychology 3060-8023 2 3 2025 09 23 Effects of Exercise Causality Orientations and Behaviour Regulation on Mental, Physical and Spiritual Well-Being in Pakistani Adults- Mediation of Health Promoting Lifestyle Effects of Exercise Causality Orientations and Behaviour Regulation on Mental, Physical and Spiritual Well-Being in Pakistani Adults- Mediation of Health Promoting Lifestyle 38 50 3610 10.22091/frs.2025.13198.1065 FA Yumna Ali Department of Psychology, Hazara University 0000-0002-5364-5238 Syed Mubashar Iqbal Shah Department of Sports, Punjab Sports Board, Lahore, Pakistan 0009-0002-5257-4818 Ekaterina Zabelina Department of Psychology, Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia 0000-0002-2365-6016 Journal Article 2025 06 13 Background and Aims The study aims to explore the effects of exercise causality orientations and behaviour regulation on mental, physical and spiritual well-being in Pakistani adults. The goal is to investigate the health-promoting lifestyle pattern in the community to compare cross-country results in future cross-sectional studies. Materials and Methods: : A quantitative cross-sectional correlational study was conducted through a purposive sample. A total of 184 adults (males,n=122, females=62), with the age range between 18 upto 72 )were taken from educational and sports institutes in Pakistan. Valid and reliable instruments were used to conduct descriptive and inferential statistics through IBM SPSS v.25.The instruments of Effects of Exercise Causality Orientations [1] Behaviour Regulation [2], Mental, Physical and Spiritual Well-Being [3]. Only English-proficient adults were included in the study. Pearson product moment correlation was used. Multiple linear regression was used to test the effects. Mediation was testing through Hayes Process Macro. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to test the impact of age and gender on the constructs. . . Results: : The analysis shows that the constructs robustly correlate. the constructs robustly association along. Multiple regression analysis shows that the Effects of exercise, causality orientations, and behaviour regulation significantly affect mental, physical and spiritual well-being in adults. Hayes Process Macro mediation analysis shows that health-promoting lifestyle and sub-dimensions have a significant effect on lifestyle in terms of health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations and stress management and on behaviour regulation and overall well-being. Multivariate analysis of variance shows that gender has a main impact on all the constructs. Age does not differ across the all constructs. Conclusion: The induction of physical and cultural promotion is integral in Pakistani educational and sports systems.It is important to inculcate psychological tailored therapies for the sports persons across all age groups. Moreover, there is underrepresentation of Central Asian countries in the global sports spheres. Sports must be presented as a universal pivot of cultural interaction, global connection and for intra personal well-being too. Background and Aims The study aims to explore the effects of exercise causality orientations and behaviour regulation on mental, physical and spiritual well-being in Pakistani adults. The goal is to investigate the health-promoting lifestyle pattern in the community to compare cross-country results in future cross-sectional studies. Materials and Methods: : A quantitative cross-sectional correlational study was conducted through a purposive sample. A total of 184 adults (males,n=122, females=62), with the age range between 18 upto 72 )were taken from educational and sports institutes in Pakistan. Valid and reliable instruments were used to conduct descriptive and inferential statistics through IBM SPSS v.25.The instruments of Effects of Exercise Causality Orientations [1] Behaviour Regulation [2], Mental, Physical and Spiritual Well-Being [3]. Only English-proficient adults were included in the study. Pearson product moment correlation was used. Multiple linear regression was used to test the effects. Mediation was testing through Hayes Process Macro. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to test the impact of age and gender on the constructs. . . Results: : The analysis shows that the constructs robustly correlate. the constructs robustly association along. Multiple regression analysis shows that the Effects of exercise, causality orientations, and behaviour regulation significantly affect mental, physical and spiritual well-being in adults. Hayes Process Macro mediation analysis shows that health-promoting lifestyle and sub-dimensions have a significant effect on lifestyle in terms of health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations and stress management and on behaviour regulation and overall well-being. Multivariate analysis of variance shows that gender has a main impact on all the constructs. Age does not differ across the all constructs. Conclusion: The induction of physical and cultural promotion is integral in Pakistani educational and sports systems.It is important to inculcate psychological tailored therapies for the sports persons across all age groups. Moreover, there is underrepresentation of Central Asian countries in the global sports spheres. Sports must be presented as a universal pivot of cultural interaction, global connection and for intra personal well-being too.

https://frs.qom.ac.ir/article_3610_36f69cd87c7b81306443c2bc1f8931fb.pdf

University of Qom Functional Research in Sport Psychology 3060-8023 2 3 2025 09 23 Comparative Study of Sportspersonship, Competitive Anger and Aggression among Professional and Recreational Female Football Players Comparative Study of Sportspersonship, Competitive Anger and Aggression among Professional and Recreational Female Football Players 51 62 3626 10.22091/frs.2025.13144.1062 FA Javad Aadabi Firouzjah Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Qom. Qom, Iran 0000-0002-2036-3998 Mehdi Jedi Senior expert in sports management, Faculty of Humanities, University of Qom. Qom, Iran. 0009-0002-6496-2930 Fatemeh Gholamian Senior expert in sports management, Faculty of Humanities, University of Qom. Qom, Iran. 0000-0002-5872-1201 Hossein Alimohammadi Associate Professor, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Qom. Qom, Iran. 0000-0002-5872-1201 Journal Article 2025 06 06 Objective: This study aims to provide a comparative analysis of Sportspersonship, competitive anger, and aggression among professional and recreational female football players in Iran. Method: Utilizing an applied, causal-comparative design, data were collected from 330 participants—150 professional players from the Iranian Women’s Premier League and 180 recreational players active in Tehran. Three validated instruments were employed: the Sportspersonship Questionnaire Vallerand and Brière (1), the Competitive Anger Scale Maxwell and Moores (2) and the Aggression Questionnaire Buss and Perry (3). statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 24. One Sample T-Test and independent t-test were used. Results: The findings of the study showed that the levels of aggression, anger, and violence in professional and recreational female soccer players are significantly higher than average. There is a significant difference between the levels of anger and violence among professional and recreational female soccer players. The results revealed that professional players exhibited significantly higher levels of competitive anger than recreational players. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of Sportspersonship. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for targeted psychological and behavioral interventions to address competitive anger and promote ethical behavior, particularly in professional women’s football. Emphasizing Sportspersonship and ethical conduct can contribute to a healthier sporting culture and mitigate the normalization of aggressive behaviors in both competitive and recreational contexts. Objective: This study aims to provide a comparative analysis of Sportspersonship, competitive anger, and aggression among professional and recreational female football players in Iran. Method: Utilizing an applied, causal-comparative design, data were collected from 330 participants—150 professional players from the Iranian Women’s Premier League and 180 recreational players active in Tehran. Three validated instruments were employed: the Sportspersonship Questionnaire Vallerand and Brière (1), the Competitive Anger Scale Maxwell and Moores (2) and the Aggression Questionnaire Buss and Perry (3). statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 24. One Sample T-Test and independent t-test were used. Results: The findings of the study showed that the levels of aggression, anger, and violence in professional and recreational female soccer players are significantly higher than average. There is a significant difference between the levels of anger and violence among professional and recreational female soccer players. The results revealed that professional players exhibited significantly higher levels of competitive anger than recreational players. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of Sportspersonship. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for targeted psychological and behavioral interventions to address competitive anger and promote ethical behavior, particularly in professional women’s football. Emphasizing Sportspersonship and ethical conduct can contribute to a healthier sporting culture and mitigate the normalization of aggressive behaviors in both competitive and recreational contexts.

https://frs.qom.ac.ir/article_3626_403026b29843bd15ada730ad7bee7fd1.pdf

University of Qom Functional Research in Sport Psychology 3060-8023 2 3 2025 07 25 Machine Learning-Driven Prediction and Personalized Intervention for Athlete Burnout: Integrating Biometric and Psychological Markers Machine Learning-Driven Prediction and Personalized Intervention for Athlete Burnout: Integrating Biometric and Psychological Markers 63 76 3627 10.22091/frs.2025.13436.1085 FA Fatma Hilal Yagin Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya Turgut Ozal University, Malatya, Türkiye. 0000-0002-9848-7958 Sameer Badri Al-Mhann Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; Kelantan, Malaysia. 0000-0001-9063-0185 Journal Article 2025 02 28 Objective: Athlete burnout, which is a multidimensional syndrome and consists of emotional exhaustion, reduced accomplishment, and sport devaluation, is associated with detrimental outcomes to performance and well-being. The aim of this study was to design and validate a machine learning model by combing real-time physiological monitoring and psychological testing to predict and prevent burnout in elite athletes. Method: We recorded multimodal data for 120 national-level athletes (60 males, 60 females) from three sports over a 6-month period; we obtained heart rate variability (HRV), salivary cortisol, sleep measures, and standardized burnout scales. An ensemble model of XGBoost and LSTM architectures had the best predictive performance (AUC-ROC = 0.91), which was significantly better than that of the traditional logistic regression (AUC-ROC = 0.72, p < 0.001). Results: Distinguishing physiological predictors were HRV (β = -0.34, p < 0.001), cortisol awakening response attenuation (β = 0.29, p = 0.001) and deep sleep reduction (β = -0.27, p = 0.001), with the relationships being moderated by TrL (pinteraction < 0.05). In the three-month implementation trial, the system prospectively identified 68% of the burnout cases early on (median lead time = 18 days); it decreased the incidence by 37% relative to the controls (OR = 0.43, 95% CI [0.28, 0.66]). The model had strong temporal stability (AUC drift < 0.02/month), but there is potential for decreased generalizability to recreational athletes and technology-based restricting widespread application. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the potential for machine learning-empowered combinatory continuous biometric monitoring and psychological screening to operationalize burnout as a preventive (rather than reactive) challenge in elite sports. The model offers coaches and medical teams’ actionable information to intervene in an individualized manner, but future research is needed to examine menstrual cycle effects and to design cost-effective interventions in youth sports systems. Objective: Athlete burnout, which is a multidimensional syndrome and consists of emotional exhaustion, reduced accomplishment, and sport devaluation, is associated with detrimental outcomes to performance and well-being. The aim of this study was to design and validate a machine learning model by combing real-time physiological monitoring and psychological testing to predict and prevent burnout in elite athletes. Method: We recorded multimodal data for 120 national-level athletes (60 males, 60 females) from three sports over a 6-month period; we obtained heart rate variability (HRV), salivary cortisol, sleep measures, and standardized burnout scales. An ensemble model of XGBoost and LSTM architectures had the best predictive performance (AUC-ROC = 0.91), which was significantly better than that of the traditional logistic regression (AUC-ROC = 0.72, p < 0.001). Results: Distinguishing physiological predictors were HRV (β = -0.34, p < 0.001), cortisol awakening response attenuation (β = 0.29, p = 0.001) and deep sleep reduction (β = -0.27, p = 0.001), with the relationships being moderated by TrL (pinteraction < 0.05). In the three-month implementation trial, the system prospectively identified 68% of the burnout cases early on (median lead time = 18 days); it decreased the incidence by 37% relative to the controls (OR = 0.43, 95% CI [0.28, 0.66]). The model had strong temporal stability (AUC drift < 0.02/month), but there is potential for decreased generalizability to recreational athletes and technology-based restricting widespread application. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the potential for machine learning-empowered combinatory continuous biometric monitoring and psychological screening to operationalize burnout as a preventive (rather than reactive) challenge in elite sports. The model offers coaches and medical teams’ actionable information to intervene in an individualized manner, but future research is needed to examine menstrual cycle effects and to design cost-effective interventions in youth sports systems.

https://frs.qom.ac.ir/article_3627_2e292a82fb9c4aa423510b1df341d688.pdf

University of Qom Functional Research in Sport Psychology 3060-8023 2 3 2025 07 25 Applying Choice Theory to Prevent Athlete Burnout: A Longitudinal Study on Autonomy and Psychological Needs Applying Choice Theory to Prevent Athlete Burnout: A Longitudinal Study on Autonomy and Psychological Needs 77 92 3628 10.22091/frs.2025.13455.1088 FA Matheus Santos De Sousa Fernandes Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Brazil 0000-0002-1066-9176 Razvan Sandu Enoiu Faculty of Physical Education and Mountain Sports,Transylvania University of Brașov, Braşov, Romania 0000-0001-8488-818X Journal Article 2025 03 25 Objective: Athlete burnout remains a significant concern in competitive sports, with growing evidence highlighting its detrimental effects on performance and mental health. This study examined the efficacy of a Choice Theory-based intervention in reducing burnout symptoms by enhancing autonomy and psychological need satisfaction among elite athletes. Method: Using a longitudinal, randomized controlled design, 156 elite athletes (aged 18–32) from endurance, team, and skill-based sports were allocated to either an 8-week Choice Theory intervention group or a control group receiving standard mental skills training. The intervention incorporated weekly workshops on need identification, cognitive restructuring ("choose to" vs. "have to" thinking), and autonomy-supportive goal setting, alongside coach training in autonomy-supportive communication. Burnout was assessed using the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), while psychological needs were measured via the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction in Sport Scale (BPNSSS). Physiological markers (salivary cortisol, heart rate variability) provided objective stress indicators. Results: Results demonstrated significant reductions in emotional exhaustion (p < 0.01, d = 0.72) and sport devaluation (p < 0.05, d = 0.54) in the intervention group compared to controls at 12-month follow-up. Mediation analysis revealed that increased autonomy (β = -0.38, p < 0.001) and competence (β = -0.29, p < 0.01) fully mediated burnout reduction. Physiological data corroborated these findings, with improved HRV recovery (p < 0.05) and lower cortisol levels (p < 0.01) in the intervention group. Conclusions: These findings support Choice Theory as an effective framework for athlete burnout prevention, emphasizing the critical role of autonomy-supportive environments in sustaining long-term athlete well-being. The study advances current practice by demonstrating that structural changes in coaching approaches—particularly empowering athletes with meaningful choices—can significantly mitigate burnout risk. Future research should explore the generalizability of these effects across diverse athletic populations and cultural contexts. Objective: Athlete burnout remains a significant concern in competitive sports, with growing evidence highlighting its detrimental effects on performance and mental health. This study examined the efficacy of a Choice Theory-based intervention in reducing burnout symptoms by enhancing autonomy and psychological need satisfaction among elite athletes. Method: Using a longitudinal, randomized controlled design, 156 elite athletes (aged 18–32) from endurance, team, and skill-based sports were allocated to either an 8-week Choice Theory intervention group or a control group receiving standard mental skills training. The intervention incorporated weekly workshops on need identification, cognitive restructuring ("choose to" vs. "have to" thinking), and autonomy-supportive goal setting, alongside coach training in autonomy-supportive communication. Burnout was assessed using the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), while psychological needs were measured via the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction in Sport Scale (BPNSSS). Physiological markers (salivary cortisol, heart rate variability) provided objective stress indicators. Results: Results demonstrated significant reductions in emotional exhaustion (p < 0.01, d = 0.72) and sport devaluation (p < 0.05, d = 0.54) in the intervention group compared to controls at 12-month follow-up. Mediation analysis revealed that increased autonomy (β = -0.38, p < 0.001) and competence (β = -0.29, p < 0.01) fully mediated burnout reduction. Physiological data corroborated these findings, with improved HRV recovery (p < 0.05) and lower cortisol levels (p < 0.01) in the intervention group. Conclusions: These findings support Choice Theory as an effective framework for athlete burnout prevention, emphasizing the critical role of autonomy-supportive environments in sustaining long-term athlete well-being. The study advances current practice by demonstrating that structural changes in coaching approaches—particularly empowering athletes with meaningful choices—can significantly mitigate burnout risk. Future research should explore the generalizability of these effects across diverse athletic populations and cultural contexts.

https://frs.qom.ac.ir/article_3628_98369d1be4eeef3e07a8d69336d65d0f.pdf

University of Qom Functional Research in Sport Psychology 3060-8023 2 3 2025 09 23 The Role of Neurofeedback and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (tDCS/rTMS) in Enhancing Athletic Performance and Psychological Resilience in Elite Athletes The Role of Neurofeedback and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (tDCS/rTMS) in Enhancing Athletic Performance and Psychological Resilience in Elite Athletes 93 105 3642 10.22091/frs.2025.13496.1092 FA Georgian Badicu Department of Physical Education and Special Motricity, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500068 Braşov, Romania. 0000-0003-4100-8765 Rui Miguel Silva Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo, Portugal; ResearchCenter in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT), Melgaço, Portugal 0000-0003-3380-864X Seifeddine Brini Research Unit, Sportive Sciences, Health and Movement, High Institute of Sports and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba, 7100 Kef, Tunisia 0000-0002-2194-265X Francisco Tomas Gonzalez-Fernandes Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Granada, Granada, Spain 0000-0002-1480-7521 Luca Paolo Ardigò Department of Teacher Education, NLA University College, 0166 Oslo, Norway. 0000-0001-7677-5070 Journal Article 2025 04 29 Objective: This study investigated the synergistic effects of neurofeedback (NF) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on enhancing athletic performance and psychological resilience in elite athletes, addressing critical gaps in standardized protocols and long-term efficacy within sports neuroscience. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled crossover design was employed with 60 national-level athletes (30 male, 30 female) stratified by sport type (endurance/skill-based). Participants underwent 10 sessions of either: (1) active NF (SMR upregulation via 64-channel EEG) + active tDCS (2mA over left DLPFC), (2) active NF + sham tDCS, (3) sham NF + active tDCS, or (4) sham NF + sham tDCS. Primary outcomes included sport-specific performance metrics (reaction time, time-to-exhaustion) and psychological resilience (CD-RISC-25), with secondary EEG measures (beta power, P300) assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 8-week follow-up. Results: The combined NF+tDCS group demonstrated superior improvements versus sham controls: 15.2% faster reaction time (p < 0.001, d = 1.21), 12.4% increased endurance (p = 0.002), and 22.3-point higher resilience scores (p < 0.001). EEG revealed sustained beta power elevation over the left DLPFC (+2.1 dB at follow-up, p = 0.01), mediating 41% of resilience gains through reduced amygdala reactivity (HRV analysis, β = 0.64, p = 0.003). Skill-based athletes showed greater cognitive benefits, while endurance athletes exhibited stronger psychological gains, with sex-specific effects noted (females: better tDCS response; males: superior NF anxiety reduction). Conclusion: Combined NF and tDCS induces durable, sport-specific enhancements in both performance and resilience, likely through prefrontal-amygdala circuit plasticity. These findings advocate for personalized neuromodulation protocols in elite sports while highlighting the need for ethical frameworks governing neuroenhancement technologies. Objective: This study investigated the synergistic effects of neurofeedback (NF) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on enhancing athletic performance and psychological resilience in elite athletes, addressing critical gaps in standardized protocols and long-term efficacy within sports neuroscience. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled crossover design was employed with 60 national-level athletes (30 male, 30 female) stratified by sport type (endurance/skill-based). Participants underwent 10 sessions of either: (1) active NF (SMR upregulation via 64-channel EEG) + active tDCS (2mA over left DLPFC), (2) active NF + sham tDCS, (3) sham NF + active tDCS, or (4) sham NF + sham tDCS. Primary outcomes included sport-specific performance metrics (reaction time, time-to-exhaustion) and psychological resilience (CD-RISC-25), with secondary EEG measures (beta power, P300) assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 8-week follow-up. Results: The combined NF+tDCS group demonstrated superior improvements versus sham controls: 15.2% faster reaction time (p < 0.001, d = 1.21), 12.4% increased endurance (p = 0.002), and 22.3-point higher resilience scores (p < 0.001). EEG revealed sustained beta power elevation over the left DLPFC (+2.1 dB at follow-up, p = 0.01), mediating 41% of resilience gains through reduced amygdala reactivity (HRV analysis, β = 0.64, p = 0.003). Skill-based athletes showed greater cognitive benefits, while endurance athletes exhibited stronger psychological gains, with sex-specific effects noted (females: better tDCS response; males: superior NF anxiety reduction). Conclusion: Combined NF and tDCS induces durable, sport-specific enhancements in both performance and resilience, likely through prefrontal-amygdala circuit plasticity. These findings advocate for personalized neuromodulation protocols in elite sports while highlighting the need for ethical frameworks governing neuroenhancement technologies.

https://frs.qom.ac.ir/article_3642_13d738c84782cda10c91c7b233bcd8a4.pdf