Al-Rafidain Journal For Sport Sciences

The importance of this strategy lies in its ability to make learners active participants in the classroom, encouraging them to draw on their prior knowledge and use it in discussions to solve problems they may encounter while learning scouting skills.
The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the realistic teaching model on cognitive achievement in scout education and on the development of critical thinking among first-year students in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences.
The researcher employed the experimental method due to its suitability for the study's nature. The research population consisted of first-year students in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Mosul for the academic year (2024–2025). The research sample was selected purposively and comprised two sections (D and T) totaling 40 students. They were divided into two groups (experimental and control), with 20 students in each group.
The independent variables were the realistic teaching strategy and the traditional method. The experimental group was taught using the realistic teaching strategy, while the control group was taught using the traditional method. The experiment lasted 8 weeks for both groups, with one instructional unit per week.
Pre- and post-tests were administered for the research variables (the critical thinking test and the cognitive achievement test). The researcher used SPSS to analyze the results.
The findings indicated that the realistic teaching strategy effectively improved cognitive achievement in acquiring some concepts of scout education and developed critical thinking. The experimental group outperformed the control group in both cognitive achievement and critical thinking

The research aims to:
- Detection of the effect of hypoxic exercises using the altitude training mask on strength and endurance respiratory muscles during physical exertion in a sample of young soccer players.
In order to achieve the objectives of the research the researcher imposed the following
- There are no significant differences for the effect of hypoxic exercises using the altitude training mask on strength and endurance respiratory muscles during physical effort in a sample of young soccer players.
The researcher used the experimental approach due to its suitability to the nature of the research. The sample and the research community consisted of Qaraqosh Sports Club football players for ages (16-19) years, who numbered (16) players selecting the sample in an intentional way, and the sample was divided into two groups control and experimental with (8) players.
Hypoxia exercises and exercises were prepared for the experimental group. The implementation of the exercises took a period of (9) weeks, with four training units per week. These exercises were implemented during the specified period from 4/6/2022 to 4/8/2022. The data were treated statistically using the mean, standard deviation, torsion rate, q-value.
The researcher concluded the following:
1- The hypoxic training using the altitude training mask had a positive effect on strength and endurance respiratory muscles during the physical effort.
2- Hypoxic training using an altitude training mask had a greater positive effect
on strength and endurance respiratory muscles during physical exertion compared with training in the traditional way.

Article history:
Received:12/07/2025
Accepted:20/01/2026
Published online:15/04/2026 This study set out to build a predictive model using a multilayer perceptron (MLP) to gauge the relative importance of physical and skill tests for applicants to the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Mosul. The researchers drew on data that included scores from five fitness assessments—60 m sprint, 540 m run, standing long jump, one-minute abdominal test, and pull-ups—and five skill evaluations—football, basketball, volleyball, handball, and gymnastics—alongside two key factors: each applicant’s chosen specialization and their preparatory school GPA. After cleaning, encoding, and scaling these inputs, the dataset was partitioned into training, testing, and validation subsets. The MLP was then trained with tuned architecture and early-stopping to avoid overfitting. Findings revealed that preparatory GPA was by far the most influential predictor, followed by specialization, gymnastics aptitude, and handball skill, whereas short-distance speed tests contributed the least. These results demonstrate the power of neural networks to uncover feature importances, offering a data-driven foundation for fairer, more objective admission criteria. By adopting this approach, academic committees can revamp their evaluation forms and tailor preparatory programs to focus on the indicators that truly drive student success.

The study aimed to evaluate the performance of football clubs using digital indicators and to analyze the relationships among digital activity, fan sentiment, fan loyalty, and clubs' financial performance. Traditionally, club performance has been assessed mainly through match results and players’ performance levels. However, the rapid growth in social media and online interaction has called for more comprehensive and in-depth evaluation methods.
The study examined the relationship between digital indicators—such as social media activity, popularity levels (number of mentions), and sentiment trends—and traditional performance metrics as well as financial results. Data were gathered over a full year from the official club websites, verified social media accounts, and publicly available fan databases for five professional football clubs, whose identities were anonymized (Clubs A–E).
The data were analyzed using SPSS with descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and percentages) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to identify significant relationships. The results showed significant positive links among digital engagement, fan loyalty, and financial performance. This suggests that more active clubs on digital platforms tend to achieve better financial results and higher fan retention.
The study confirmed the practical importance of integrating digital indicators into models for evaluating club performance, as this integration can support more efficient and effective strategic decision-making.
.

This study aims to analyze the role of managerial ethics as a fundamental approach to enhancing organizational performance within the General Directorate of Sport in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The research stems from the vital contribution of public institutions to sustainable development and the significance of ethical values in promoting transparency, accountability, and improved service quality. The descriptive survey method with correlational design was employed, and the study population consisted of 78 employees, from whom exploratory, construction, and application samples were selected. Two measurement scales were developed to assess managerial ethics and organizational performance. The findings revealed a high level of managerial ethics (M = 3.88), with “compliance with laws and regulations” ranking first, while “institutional integrity” ranked lowest, indicating a need to strengthen transparency and trust. Results also showed a high level of organizational performance (M = 3.93), with “coordination and innovation” scoring the highest. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a significant positive relationship between managerial ethics and organizational performance, where ethics explained approximately 60.7% of the variance in performance. Institutional integrity, justice and equality, and responsibility and accountability were the most influential dimensions, whereas compliance with regulations did not show a statistically significant impact. The study concludes that managerial ethics represent a strategic factor for improving organizational performance and offers recommendations to enhance transparency, ethical training, and a supportive work environment.

The great challenge facing individuals and sports institutions is determined by a series of leaderships and the quality of performance that vary in their nature, size, and stimulating factors. There is no doubt that one of these sports institutions is the Youth and Sports Forums that seek to perform their tasks and achieve their goals under normal conditions. As for the importance of the research, it lies in that it sheds light on one of the relatively modern concepts in sports management, namely the strategic leadership of the directors of Youth and Sports Forums and the extent of their interaction with it wisely and competently through a set of processes and procedures necessary to manage the Youth and Sports Forums according to plans and programs prepared for this purpose, including organizational prosperity, job performance, and making appropriate decisions. research objectives (preparing and applying the measures of strategic leadership, organizational prosperity, and job performance of the directors of Youth and Sports Forums in Iraq from the point of view of the sports supervisors), and the descriptive approach with the survey method was used for its suitability and the nature of the research problem, where the research population and its samples were determined. The researcher followed the steps of preparing and applying the three measures.
The most important conclusion (Diagnosing the Youth and Sports Forums of leaders with strategic thinking represents the first step to building and developing their forums and managing them effectively), and the most important recommendation (Supporting the development of organizational policies and work environments that stimulate personal and professional growth in the forums and work to enhance the well-being of employees and appreciate their efforts)..

The research aims to:
Identification of "the degree of digital leadership practice of high school principals in their teaching staff from the point of view of sports education teachers in the city of Mosul. The descriptive curriculum was used in the survey method and included the overall research sample 235 Teachers of Sports Education for Boys' High Schools" in the Nineveh Governorate Education Directorate in Mosul City, and for data acquisition and measurement of digital leadership of high school principals in Mosul City, the researcher used the previously prepared Digital Driving Scale ( Saleh, 2022) including five dimensions (persuasion, knowledge, digital competence, digital strategy planning, discrimination in professional practice) After its adaptation has been applied after the availability of scientific requirements in it of sincerity and consistency, the data has been treated statistically through The researcher reached "several conclusions, namely, that secondary school principals in Mosul generally possess a high level of digital leadership among their teaching staff from the perspective of physical education teachers. In addition, secondary school principals are distinguished among their teaching staff and possess a very high level of digita"l leadership from the perspective of physical education teachers in its dimensions (persuasion and knowledge). He also recommended the necessity of strengthening the role of secondary school principals in Mosul to continuously progress and give "continuously by participating in educational and developmental courses on digital applications and ways to use them in the educational process for all teachers and employees in general. In addition, a similar study should be conducted on digital leadership on other samples such as youth and sports directors, heads of sports" federations, heads of scientific departments, or directors of other sports institutions from the perspective of their members .

The study aimed to identify cognitive anxiety and its relationship with sports achievement motivation among female futsal players in Duhok Governorate. The researcher used the descriptive method, as it was considered appropriate for the nature of the research and for achieving its objectives and hypotheses.
The research sample was intentionally selected from female futsal players at Duhok Club and Zakho Club, totaling 26 players. From this group, 20 players were used as the main research sample. In addition, 3 players were included to conduct the scientific procedures and the pilot study. Another 3 players were excluded due to irregular participation in training sessions. Consequently, the final main sample of the study consisted of 20 players.
The researcher used the Sport Achievement Motivation Scale prepared by G. Willes (1998) and the Sport Cognitive Anxiety Scale developed by Rainer Martens (1994). The most important conclusions indicated that there was a high level of cognitive anxiety among female futsal players, as well as a high level of achievement motivation among them. The results also showed a statistically significant correlation between the dimensions of cognitive anxiety and the level of achievement motivation among female futsal players.
The study recommends increasing health and psychological awareness among talented female players, directing specialists to address the issue of anxiety experienced by athletes, and adopting measures that may help reduce anxiety levels. It also emphasizes the importance of developing a range of assessment scales to study the psychological conditions of talented players better.

Article history:
Received:18/11/2025
Accepted:17/03/2026
Published online:15/04/2026 The study aimed to investigate the psychological, health-related, and social effects of sports participation among a sample of bodybuilding gym-goers based on the gender variable. It also sought to explore the role of physical activity in strengthening social bonds and improving both morale and physical well-being.
The study adopted a descriptive methodology using a questionnaire tool. The sample included 217 participants attending bodybuilding gyms in the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq in Oman, with males comprising 73.7% of the sample.
The findings revealed that psychological effects ranked highest at 83.2%, followed by health effects at 80.4%, and social effects at 75.4%. Statistically significant differences were found in favor of female participants regarding the psychological effects of sports participation. According to the study's results, the study put forward several recommendations, the most prominent of which include conducting training workshops focused on raising awareness about achieving social and psychological balance through exercise, and developing smart applications dedicated to managing workout sessions within fitness centers and gyms..

Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in athletes, affecting muscle strength, balance, and range of motion, which necessitates effective rehabilitation programs to promote recovery. The current study aimed to examine the effect of a therapeutic program on recovery from ankle sprain. The researcher hypothesized that there would be statistically significant differences between pre- and post-test measurements of the studied variables. A single-group pretest-posttest experimental design was employed. The sample consisted of four athletes with ankle sprains, selected intentionally. Muscle strength, balance, and range of motion were assessed using standardized tests before and after the program, along with weekly monitoring of pain levels. The researcher implemented an intensive physical therapy program over six weeks, with four sessions per week (a total of 24 sessions), including muscle strengthening exercises, balance training, range of motion exercises, as well as cool-down and flexibility exercises, with progressive intensity to ensure athlete safety and promote recovery. The results indicated significant improvements in muscle strength, balance, and range of motion following the program, confirming the effectiveness of the intervention in accelerating recovery and enhancing functional performance. The researcher recommends applying intensive and progressive physical therapy programs for athletes with ankle sprains to ensure rapid recovery, minimize complications, and reduce the risk of re-injury..

The research aims to:
construct a training situation test to measure passing skill among futsal players representing the University of Mosul college teams, and to establish normative scores and standard levels for the training situation test used to measure passing skill among futsal players of the University of Mosul college teams. The researchers adopted the descriptive method due to its suitability for the research problem.
The research population consisted of players from the University of Mosul's college teams for the academic year (2024–2025), totaling 23 colleges. The research sample included players from 16 college teams, representing (69.56%) of the total research population. The total number of players in the research sample was 143. The construction sample consisted of (104) players, representing (72.72%) of the original research sample, while the application sample included (39) players, representing (27.27%) of the original research sample.
To obtain the required data and information, the researchers used questionnaires, tests, and personal interviews, and applied scientific criteria such as validity, reliability, and objectivity. The statistical tools employed in the study included: the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, percentage, Pearson’s simple correlation coefficient, independent samples t-test with equal sample sizes, skewness coefficient, chi-square test, and the standard score (δ-6). Based on the results, it was concluded that
• The designed test is appropriate for the research sample,
• The adopted test follows a normal distribution
Special tables of scores and standard levels for the test were successfully established

Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes, is considered one of the major health challenges of the modern era, as it negatively affects quality of life through physiological disorders such as impaired blood glucose regulation, neurological and vascular complications, in addition to psychological and social aspects such as anxiety, depression, and movement limitations. This abstract, based on systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, aims to evaluate the impact of rehabilitative exercises as a non-pharmacological intervention for improving the quality of life of patients with diabetes, with a focus on both direct effects (such as glycemic control and physical fitness) and indirect effects (such as improvement in psychological well-being and social integration).
The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of rehabilitative exercises on improving functional abilities and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes, and to measure the effect of a rehabilitative exercise program on blood glucose control (HbA1c).
The study adopted an experimental method using a pre-test and post-test design. This methodology was selected for its suitability to the nature of the research. Two groups were selected: an experimental group and a control group. The sample consisted of (15) individuals aged between (40–60) years who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least two years.
The results of the study indicated that rehabilitative exercises have a positive, direct effect on blood glucose control by reducing the risk of chronic complications and increasing insulin sensitivity. Regular exercise also improves the psychological state of patients and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, leading to a noticeable improvement in quality of life.
The researcher recommends emphasizing the importance of rehabilitative exercises as an essential component of diabetes management rather than merely a secondary option..

Physical tests and fitness components—particularly the extraordinary power of limbs—are fundamental factors in achieving high athletic performance, as they play a direct role in the successful technical execution of gymnastics skills, especially the vault over the apparatus. Given the noticeable weakness in the technical level of this skill among some students, and examination of the relationship between explosive strength and technical performance is required.
The study sought to identify the contribution rate of explosive arm and leg strength to the measured technical performance level of the straddle vault among second-year students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, and to predict the level of technical performance based on these variables.
A descriptive correlational survey method was employed. The sample consisted of 60 students from Salahaddin University. Explosive strength tests and technical performance evaluation were used, and SPSS was used to analyze the data, revealing a significant contribution of explosive strength to technical performance, enabling the development of accurate predictive equations.
In light of this, the researcher recommends focusing on the development of explosive power within educational and training programs..

Team sports, especially handball, require a close link between physical fitness and cognitive skills. Excellent performance is not just about strength; it also relies heavily on perception, focus, and rapid decision-making during competitions. Considering this importance, the present study aimed to develop an educational framework based on cognitive modeling strategies and to assess its impact on enhancing the accuracy of jump shots among fourth-year students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Al-Muthanna, during the 2024–2025 academic year.
The researchers used an experimental design with two comparable groups and pre- and post-tests. The sample included 20 students who were randomly chosen and evenly split into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group participated in a six-week instructional program based on the cognitive modeling strategy, aiming to connect mental understanding of performance with motor execution requirements. Meanwhile, the control group continued training using traditional teaching methods.
The statistical results demonstrated improvements in the accuracy of the jump shot for both groups; however, the experimental group experienced a significantly greater increase, with a development rate of 45.88% compared to 17.18% for the control group. The study concluded that the cognitive modeling strategy is an effective instructional tool for integrating thinking with motor performance, and that it enhances decision-making efficiency and skill accuracy among handball students.

elf-learning is an instructional approach that focuses on the learner’s activity and their ability to direct their own learning at their own pace and within their capabilities. When this approach is integrated with modern technologies, such as interactive educational video, it results in what is known as video-guided self-learning. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential of this developed instructional method for teaching basic football skills and to examine its effectiveness compared to traditional skill-instruction methods.
The current research aims to:
1. Design a proposed instructional program using a video-guided self-learning strategy to teach some basic football skills (dribbling, passing, and shooting).
2. Identify the effect of applying the proposed program (video-guided self-learning) on mastering the specified basic football skills among the research sample students.
3. Compare the effect of the video-guided self-learning approach with the conventional method in developing the level of mastery of basic football skills (dribbling, passing, and shooting).
The researchers adopted the experimental method due to its suitability for the nature of the study. The research sample consisted of (32) students, divided into two groups: (16) students in the experimental group and (16) students in the control group, selected randomly from first-year students for the academic year (2025–2026). The psychometric properties of the tests were verified, and the instructional program lasted for (4) weeks, with two instructional units per week.
The researchers concluded that the experimental group, which learned using the self-learning (independent) approach, showed a significant and statistically meaningful advantage over the control group on post-tests for all skills. This indicates that the teaching method used with the experimental group was more effective and efficient at developing technical performance.

Background: Wrestling requires both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. The second ventilatory threshold (RCP) indicates the shift toward anaerobic metabolism, which leads to fatigue. This study investigates the effect of the second ventilatory threshold on wrestling performance during critical moments.
Methods: Six male professional wrestlers participated in the study. They performed a series of wrestling drills to assess execution time, accuracy, and success rate before and after reaching the second ventilatory threshold. A graded exercise test was used to determine the second ventilatory threshold, and participants completed the same skill-performance drills before and after reaching this threshold. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests to compare differences in performance.
Results: The results showed a significant increase in execution time (p = 0.003), a decrease in accuracy (p = 0.005), and a reduction in success rate (p = 0.002) after participants reached the second ventilatory threshold. These findings indicate that fatigue resulting from anaerobic energy production significantly impairs wrestling performance.
Conclusions: Reaching the second ventilatory threshold significantly weakens wrestling performance, as evidenced by increased execution time and decreased accuracy and success rate. These findings highlight the impact of anaerobic fatigue on skill execution. Improving anaerobic endurance and recovery strategies in training may help mitigate these effects.