Physical Activity for Psychological and Cognitive Development

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity has multiple benefits for people’s cognitive functions, psychological variables, social skills and health, among others. The latest research and scientific studies reflect the evolution and growing interest in this area. Even so, we must keep researching this topic. The aim of this Special Issue is to disseminate high-quality research related to cognitive and psychological development through physical activity. Authors are invited to submit original research (empirical, quantitative, or qualitative) manuscripts, as well as systematic reviews or meta-analyses. All of them will be welcome, as long as they deepen and expand our understanding of the role of physical activity in relation to cognitive performance, psychological variables, physical, mental and psychosocial health, academic achievement, well-being, inclusive practices and equal opportunities, physical activity level and good habits, social skills, group cohesion, or emotions.

Dr. Josune Rodríguez-Negro
Prof. Dr. Víctor Arufe-Giráldez
Guest Editors

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• physical activity
• cognitive functions
• physical education
• psychology
• creativity
• attention
• emotions
• academic performance
• psychosocial health
• stress

Title: Analyisis of bullying in Physical Education: Descriptive study in Spanish adolescents
Authors: Juan de Dios Benítez-Sillero; Diego Corredor-Corredor; José Manuel Armada-Crespo; Álvaro Morente-Montero; Javier Murillo-Moraño
Affiliation: 1 Department of Specific Didactics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain. 2 Laboratory for Studies on Coexistence and Prevention of Violence (LAECOVI), Cordoba, Spain. 3 Counseling of education, Junta de Andalucía, Andalucía, Spain. 4 Teacher Training College “Sagrado Corazón”. Ascribed to the University of Cordoba
Abstract: The subject of physical education can be both a place where bullying and harassment take place and a powerful strategy to prevent it. The present study analyses bullying and the behaviour of schoolchildren as proactive or passive observers in a general educational context and in physical education classes. A sample of 958 adolescents aged 12 to 18 was studied. A questionnaire was used to analyse victimisation and perpetration in bullying and behaviour in observation. The results showed a lower incidence than in other studies in Physical Education classes, a higher perpetration by boys than girls, more proactive behaviour of rejection of aggression by victims and girls. On the other hand, the passive attitude was higher among perpetrators and boys. The observers' attitudes were similar in both contexts. The scenario in which the subject takes place could reduce the risk of these phenomena occurring. Therefore, physical education teachers should analyse and intervene especially in the awareness of boys.

Title: Multicomponent exercise program effect on self-perceived quality of life in overweight or obese people aged 60 years or older.
Authors: Yazmina Pleticosic-Ramirez,; Victor Arufe-Giraldez; Josune Rodriguez-Negro; Marcos Mecías-Calvo; Rubén Navarro-Patón
Affiliation: Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Abstract: The ageing of society is considered a problem of sociodemographic change that has been increasing in recent decades. Ageing brings with it physical limitations or chronic diseases that cause a lack of full well-being in this sector of the population. This lack of well-being can be reduced and diminished through the practice of physical exercise (PE), which, consequently, causes an increase in the self-perceived quality of life in older adults. Multicomponent exercise is a form of PE, in which various physical qualities (strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility and balance) are developed with an equal distribution of volume in the same session (approximately 60 minutes). Thus, the objective of this research was to verify the effect of multicomponent training on self-perceived quality of life in older Chilean people with overweight or obesity. To this end, a quasi-experimental study with a control group was designed to assess self-perceived Quality of Life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life, brief version [Global Quality of Life (GCL); Global Health (GH); Physical Health (PH); Psychological Health (PsH); Environment (E); Social Relations (SR)]. 70 older people with overweight or obesity between the ages of 60-86 participated (M= 73.15; SD = 5.94) who were randomized into a control group (CG, n= 35) and an experimental group (EG, n= 35). The results in the EG (pre vs post-intervention) indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the GCL (p = 0.005); GH (p = 0.014); PH (p < 0.001); PsH (p < 0.001); E (p = 0.015); SR (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were found in any of the CG variables (p > 0.050) except in RS (p < 0.001). Based on the results obtained, we can say that a multicomponent physical exercise program, applied for 6 months, in overweight or obese older people, produces improvements in self-perceived quality of life.

Title: Exploring constraints and sport experiences: A case study of adult workers in Singapore
Authors: Heetae Cho; Ghazanfar Ali Abbasi; Hyoung-Kil Kang; Ye Hoon Lee
Affiliation: Department of Physical Education, Kyungnam University, Changwon, Republic of Korea
Abstract: Although rapid economic growth can produce various positive outcomes, the fast-paced society that inevitably accompanies it often results in longer working hours and higher stress levels, leading to reduced participation in sport activities among employees. To better understand this phenomenon, we aimed to explore the constraints and experiences of adult workers. We collected data from adult workers in Singapore who desired to participate in sport activities but were unable to do so due to various constraints. Nine individuals were purposefully selected for interview. This study identified four key themes: (a) factors causing the reduction of sport participation opportunities, (b) changes in sport activities and satisfaction, (c) nostalgic feelings associated with sport activities, and (d) sport involvement. The findings of this study suggest the possibility of adapting the conceptual model of nostalgia to sport activities, as well as identifying four factors that hinder employees from engaging in sport activities.