Modern Sport

The study sought to develop two measurement scales—design thinking and excessive sensitivity to criticism—and to determine their levels among athletes participating in selected track and field events. In addition, to examine the role of design thinking in reducing excessive sensitivity to criticism among these athletes. The methodology is descriptive, employing a correlational approach was adopted. The population consisted of athletes in selected track and field events representing clubs in Baghdad Governorate, youth category, who were actively training during the local sports season. The population included 186 athletes distributed across various sprint distances, hurdle races of different distances, shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw. All athletes were intentionally as the primary research sample, which was divided into three sub-samples. the data were analyzed using SPSS software. The results showed that the measures of design thinking and excessive sensitivity to criticism had an appropriate degree of validity and validity, allowing them to be used with confidence to measure these two variables among athletes in the selected track and field events. moreover, the sample members possessed acceptable levels of design thinking and hypersensitivity to criticism, with a significant inverse correlation, as higher design thinking was associated with lower hypersensitivity to criticism

The importance of the research lies in identifying exercises in the fixed and variable styles, using targets of different sizes and working at varying distances to improve players' skill performance. The research aimed to prepare exercises according to the distance and size of the targets and to identify the extent of the impact of these exercises on the scoring skill performance of futsal players by measuring the accuracy and speed of the skill. The researcher used the experimental method with a two-group design, selecting the research sample purposively from the College of Arts, University of Baghdad, futsal team. The sample consisted of 12 players, divided into two experimental groups using individual and paired division, with each group consisting of 6 players, based on pre-test results to achieve skill parity between groups. After conducting the experiment and the post-test, skill performance was measured using the modified Fitts' Law, also known as the law of skill performance for accuracy and speed. After statistically processing the data, the researcher found differences between the pre-test and post-test results in favour of the post-tests, as well as differences between the post-tests in favour of the variable training group.

The prevalent use of smartphones has raised significant concerns regarding smartphone addiction among university students. This addiction can lead to a range of psychological problems, which may ultimately affect their academic performance and overall well-being. Engaging in exercise has been linked to improved mental well-being, mainly by regulating endorphin levels, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have become effective strategies for tackling different psychological challenges. Evidence indicates that mindfulness practices can significantly decrease stress, anxiety, and depression levels. Combining exercise with mindfulness (EM) techniques can boost their overall effectiveness and provide additional mental health benefits for university students undergoing these interventions. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the practicality and efficacy of an EM in addressing psychological symptoms among female university students with smartphone addiction. A total of 30 participants took part in a two-week training programme. Psychological symptoms were evaluated using the DASS-21 questionnaire. The content validity was assessed via the CVI and evaluations from experts. Statistical evaluations were conducted utilizing SPSS version 25.0. The findings from the content validity assessment indicated a high correlation among the items of the DASS-21 (CVI = 0.833, kappa = 0.816). Additionally, the internal reliability throughout the various dimensions of the questionnaire was deemed satisfactory, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging is 0.832 to 0.930. Although retention and adherence rates were elevated, there was no significant change in psychological symptom scores following the EM. This study highlights the feasibility and acceptability of the EM intervention for female university students experiencing smartphone addiction. While no significant improvements in psychological symptoms were observed, the findings suggest a need for further research into more comprehensive, long-term interventions to investigate the possible advantages of EM within this demographic.

The importance of this research is based on investigating mood-based thinking in physical education teachers, as well as the relation to decision making in secondary schools within the Directorate of Education in Baghdad Governorate. Consequently, this contributes to granting teachers a positive role in carrying out their responsibilities correctly and efficiently. The research problem focuses on the two variables of mood-based thinking and decision-making among physical education teachers in secondary schools within Baghdad Governorate, given their positive role and the need to identify the outcomes of such decisions in professional performance and their influence on students. The study therefore sought to investigate these variables. The objectives of the study were to construct measurement scales for mood-based thinking and decision-making among physical education teachers in secondary schools affiliated with the Baghdad Directorate of Education (Rusafa and Karkh), to identify the current status of both variables among these teachers, and to determine the nature of the correlational relationship between them within the studied community. Methodologically, the researchers employed the descriptive approach using the survey method and correlational analysis. The research population was consisted of 90 male and female physical education teachers randomly selected from schools affiliated with the Rusafa and Second Karkh Directorates of Education. The research concluded that it is feasible to create a scientific tool for assessing mood-based thinking among teachers of physical education in secondary schools within Baghdad Governorate (Rusafa and Karkh). Moreover, the results showed a high level of the research sample on both variables, mood-based thinking, and decision-making.

Identifying the impact of psychomotor exercises on the skill performance of players at the Espanyol Academy aged 16-18 years. The researchers opted to rely on exercises to develop skill performance, as the psychological aspect affects the player’s mindset, which in turn reflects on the player’s overall performance and skill performance in particular. The researchers decided to use psychomotor exercises and adopted the experimental method to align with the nature of the research. The sample consisted of 24 players from the Espanyol Academy, divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The control group received traditional exercises, while the experimental group underwent the training program. Pre-tests were conducted for both groups, followed by the implementation of the training program with the experimental group over 24 training units. At the end of the study, post-tests were conducted, and all data were subjected to statistical analysis to derive reliable results. The study concluded that psychological-motor exercises have a statistically significant positive effect on enhancing the skill performance of Espanyol Academy players. This approach is based on the integrative combination of the motor-skill component and the cognitive-psychological component thru intelligent training scenarios that simulate the pressures and realities of matches, thereby developing their psychological aspect.