Indonesian Journal of Sport, Health and Physical Education Science

Facilitators and Barriers of Engaging in Physical Exercises by Tertiary Students at one Campus of the University of Eswatini

Thulani Ricardo Nhlabatsi — 2026-01-30

Background of study: Lack of physical exercise has significant influence on the rise of cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among university students globally. University students` engagement in physical excercises tend to decline when compared to previous school years. The decline is also observed in Eswatini`s university students. This study, therefore, described the facilitators and barriers of engaging in physical exercises by tertiary students of one Campus of the University of Eswatini.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was employed to describe the facilitators and barriers of physical exercise of ten purposively sampled students. Data was collected through audio-recorded face-to-face interviews utilising a researcher developed interview guide. Data were analysed using thematic analysis of Colaizzi’s descriptive method of data analysis.

Result: Four themes emerged from the study findings; 1) Students understanding of physical exercise, 2) Facilitators of physical exercise, 3) Barriers of physical excercise, 4) Strategies to improve physical exercise engagement.

Conclusion: Students` physical exercise participation is characterised by facilitators and barriers. Therefore, students need practical support from the university in terms of provision of enough variety of training facilities and equipment within the campus, and time alocated for physical activities within the course of their learning.

Analysis of Electromyographic Amplitude Parameters of Thigh and Calf Muscles During Vertical Jump Execution

Dilshodbek Mamajonov — 2026-01-30

Background: A key indicator of an individual's capability to generate explosive strength, the effectiveness of their neuromuscular coordination, and their stamina is assessed through the vertical jump test. Sports science research commonly uses surface electromyography (sEMG), a non-invasive technique for measuring muscles' electrical activity. In this study, we utilized electrical signal magnitude-based measurements to analyze the electrical activity of the Rectus Femoris, Gluteus Maximus, Gastrocnemius Medialis, and Biceps Femoris Caput Longus muscles in the thigh and calf during vertical jumps.

Methods: The study involved seventeen male athletes as participants. The FREEEMG system captured EMG signals at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz, and using MATLAB, the parameters RMS, MAV, MAD, and WAMP were computed.

Result: According to the findings, the Rectus Femoris and Gluteus Maximus muscles are crucial for producing explosive power in the propulsion phase, and their amplitude characteristics remained fairly consistent across multiple jumps. Conversely, the Gastrocnemius Medialis and Biceps Femoris muscles showed a steady decline in amplitude, which indicated the start of fatigue.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the thigh muscles were primarily responsible for generating force, whereas the calf muscles mainly aided in maintaining postural stability and the last stage of propulsion.

The Effect of Small-Sided Games Training on the Short Passing Ability of Bhanu Football Academy Players Aged 13–15 Years in Mukomuko

Ari Sucipto Suarman — 2026-01-31

Background: Short passing ability is a fundamental skill in football, particularly for youth players. One training method considered effective and appropriate for young athletes is Small-Sided Games, as it increases player involvement and creates game situations similar to actual match conditions. This study aimed to determine the effect of Small Sided Games training on the short pass ability of players at Bhanu Football Academy aged 13–15 years in Mukomuko.

Methods: This study employed an experimental method using a one-group pretest–posttest design. The sample consisted of 30 Bhanu Football Academy players aged 13–15 years in Mukomuko, selected through purposive sampling. The Johnson Soccer Test was used to measure short passing ability before and after the intervention. The Small-Sided Games training program was conducted for six weeks with a frequency of three sessions per week. Data were analyzed using normality tests, homogeneity tests, and a paired sample t-test at a significance level of 0.05.

Result: The results showed an increase in the mean short passing score from 28.43 in the pretest to 38.50 in the posttest. The t-test results indicated that the calculated t value (–38.832) was lower than the t table value (–1.699), demonstrating a significant effect of Small-Sided Games training on short passing ability. The improvement percentage reached 35.40%.

Conclusion: Small-Sided Games training is effective in improving short passing ability among football players aged 13–15 years. This training method can be recommended as an alternative approach in youth football development programs to enhance technical skills.

Stress Dynamics in Badminton Officials Through Heart Rate Variability Cognitive Load and Coping Mechanisms

Kumar P — 2026-01-31

Background: Badminton officials play a crucial role in ensuring fair play and accurate decision-making during competitions. However, officiating tasks are performed under high cognitive demands, time pressure, and social stressors, which can influence physiological responses and cognitive performance. Empirical evidence examining stress dynamics in badminton officials using objective physiological indicators remains limited.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive repeated-measures design involving 102 certified badminton officials during a national-level competition. Heart rate data were recorded across five conditions: early morning rest, sitting near the referee table, during game intervals, between matches, and after competition. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, repeated-measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni post-hoc tests to identify differences in physiological responses across officiating situations.

Result: Heart rate values increased progressively from resting conditions to peak levels during game intervals and between matches, indicating heightened physiological stress, before decreasing after the competition. Significant differences were observed across all measurement conditions (p < .001). Key stressors included spectator noise, high cognitive load, time pressure, and interpersonal and organizational demands. Elevated arousal levels suggested delayed physiological recovery during continuous officiating duties.

Conclusion: Badminton officiating is associated with substantial physiological stress, particularly during critical match phases. Sustained stress may negatively affect cognitive and emotional functioning. The findings highlight the importance of implementing effective coping strategies, such as controlled breathing, mindfulness, and structured recovery routines, to support officials’ performance, well-being, and long-term officiating capacity.

Dominant Factors That Influence the Interest of Gemati Tennis Academy Members

Pramudya Bagas Danuarta — 2026-01-31

Background: The increasing interest in tennis has contributed to the growth of local sports clubs, including the Gemati Tennis Academy in Trenggalek Regency, East Java. As a community-based sports organization, the academy supports technical skill development, character building, and active lifestyles. However, variations in members’ participation levels indicate that different factors may influence their interest in tennis training activities.

Methods: This study employed a quantitative descriptive design using a survey method. The participants were all 49 members of the Gemati Tennis Academy selected through total sampling. Data were collected using a closed-ended questionnaire covering 12 variables related to internal, external, and supporting factors. The instrument was tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis was conducted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with the assistance of SPSS software.

Result: The results of the PCA identified three dominant factors influencing members’ interest in tennis training. Internal factors had the highest eigenvalue (4.674), indicating the strongest influence, followed by external factors (eigenvalue = 1.361) and supporting factors (eigenvalue = 1.164). These factors were extracted from the 12 observed variables and explained the structure of members’ training interest.

Conclusion: Members’ interest in tennis training at the Gemati Tennis Academy is influenced by internal, external, and supporting factors, with internal factors being the most dominant. These findings provide valuable insights for coaches and club managers in developing effective and sustainable training programs to enhance member participation.