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  • Improving physical self-perception and health-related fitness through gamification in physical education: A cluster randomized controlled trial

    Ferdinando Cereda1
    1. The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan , IT
    2026-03-08
    doi https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.677
    Published Online: 08 March 2026
    |
    page 7-27
    Abstract

    Background: The global decline in adolescent physical activity necessitates pedagogical innovation to counter disengagement. Traditional norm-referenced physical education (PE) often alienates less skilled students, whereas gamification offers a promising criterion-referenced strategy to enhance motivation and learning.

    Objectives: This study investigated the efficacy of a 12-week gamified didactic intervention on perceived physical self-concept, health-related fitness, and physical activity enjoyment among high school students.

    Methods: A two-arm, parallel-group, cluster randomized controlled trial (Cluster-RCT) was conducted with 210 Italian adolescents (mean age 15.4 ± 0.9 years) nested within 10 intact classes (average cluster size = 21). Intact classes were randomised to an experimental group (gamified ‘MoveQuest’ module, k = 5) or a control group (traditional direct instruction, k = 5). Data were collected using the Revised Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP-R-IT), the ALPHA-FIT test battery, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Following a per-protocol analytical approach, Linear mixed models (LMMs) were employed to analyse the data, accounting for the nested structure of the educational setting and handling cluster-level variance intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Significance levels were interpreted considering the multiplicity of outcomes.

    Results: Significant group × time interactions were observed, with the gamified group demonstrating superior improvements in sports competence (d = 0.65), physical self-worth (d = 0.58), and enjoyment (d = 0.82) compared to the control group. Physiologically, the experimental group showed significantly greater gains in cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O₂ max) and agility, while body attractiveness remained stable in both groups.

    Conclusions: Gamified didactics significantly enhance psychological engagement and specific motor performance parameters by prioritising individual progress over social comparison. This approach represents a valuable pedagogical tool for fostering physical literacy in secondary PE.
    APA Citation Style
    Cereda, F. (2026). Improving physical self-perception and health-related fitness through gamification in physical education: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 7-27. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.677

  • A critical analysis of the disconnection between science and practice in weight training

    Ferdinando Cereda1
    1. The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan , IT
    2025-04-07
    doi https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i1.499
    Published Online: 07 April 2025
    |
    page 46-59
    Abstract

    Background: Resistance training (RT) has emerged as a powerful tool for health promotion, with substantial scientific evidence supporting its beneficial effects across multiple physiological systems and psychological domains. Despite this robust knowledge base, a significant disconnection persists between scientific evidence and practical implementation in both clinical and everyday settings.

    Objectives: This study aims to critically examine this science-practice gap by analyzing common misconceptions surrounding RT and proposing strategies to enhance knowledge translation.

    Methods: Through a narrative review of scientific literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, the research synthesizes evidence regarding RT's scientifically validated benefits, prevalent myths, and effective communication approaches.

    Results: Findings show a concerning lack of scientific awareness among practitioners and end-users. Persistent misconceptions, such as "RT reduces flexibility" and "plant-based proteins are inferior for muscle hypertrophy," continue to circulate despite contradictory evidence.

    Conclusions: Improved scientific communication via targeted educational programs, digital platforms, and collaboration between researchers and policymakers is urgently needed to bridge this gap and maximize RT’s public health impact.

    APA Citation Style
    Cereda, F. (2025). A critical analysis of the disconnection between science and practice in weight training. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 46-59. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i1.499

  • Medical observations and injury analysis: All Girls Touch Rugby Championship 2024

    Mohamad Nizam Nazarudin1, Yong Qin Tan2, Ardo Okilanda3, Yovhandra Ockta4, Reshandi Nugraha5
    1. National University of Malaysia , MY
    2. National University of Malaysia , MY
    3. State University of Padang , ID
    4. Universitas Teuku Umar , ID
    5. UniversitasPendidikan Indonesia , ID
    2025-04-04
    doi https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i1.495
    Published Online: 04 April 2025
    |
    page 32-45
    Abstract

    Background: Touch rugby is a high-intensity, non-contact sport requiring agility, speed, and coordination. This study analyzes injury distribution, treatment effectiveness, and preventive measures among youth touch rugby players.

    Objectives: This study examined injury patterns among adolescent female athletes during the 2024 All-Girls Touch Rugby Championship (AGTR 2024).

    Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using medical reports from the two-day All-Girls Touch Rugby Championship 2024 (AGTR 2024) at Universiti Putra Malaysia. The study examined 484 female athletes (ages 9–18 years), with 176 injuries recorded and categorized as soft tissue injuries (52.3%), abrasions (23.9%), and sprains (14.2%). Descriptive statistics were used to assess injury distribution, while chi-square analysis (χ² = 10.45, p < 0.01) evaluated the relationship between injury type and age group.

    Results: Younger players (10–14 years) sustained more abrasions (60%), whereas older athletes (15–18 years) had a higher incidence of soft tissue injuries (68%). Injuries increased by 66.7% on Day 2, highlighting the impact of cumulative fatigue and tournament intensity. Ice therapy (68%) and bandaging (55%) were the most utilized treatments, with only 7% of cases requiring outpatient referrals.

    Conclusions: Findings underscore the need for structured warm-ups, enhanced hydration protocols, and targeted strength training to reduce injury risks. The study emphasizes the role of injury surveillance, playing surface improvements, and gender-specific training programs in preventing injuries and enhancing athlete safety. Implementing evidence-based preventive strategies can promote the long-term development and sustainability of touch rugby for adolescent athletes. Future research should focus on longitudinal injury tracking and tailored intervention strategies.

    APA Citation Style
    Nazarudin, M. N. , Tan, Y. Q. , Okilanda, A. , Ockta, Y. , & Nugraha, R. (2025). Medical observations and injury analysis: All Girls Touch Rugby Championship 2024. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 32-45. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i1.495
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