University of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-525910220260501The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Enhancing Self-Efficacy and Intrinsic Motivation among Adolescent Athletes112421010.22098/jast.2025.17621.1423ENHamedKheirollahi MeidaniPhD student in Sports Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, IranFatemehBehrooz DamirchiMaster of Sports Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.MasoudKamaliMaster of Sports Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.NaserRasoulzadeh JediMaster of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, IranRezeQabousiM.Sc. Student in Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20250607Background: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a virtual reality intervention in enhancing self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation among adolescent Football players.<br />Methods: A quasi-experimental design with pretest–posttest and control group was employed. Twenty-four male football players (aged 13–18) were randomly assigned to either the experimental (VR) group or the control group (n = 12 per group). The VR intervention, based on the Nintendo Wii Fit platform, spanned eight weeks and included 24 sessions. Self-efficacy was assessed using the Sports Self-Efficacy Scale, and intrinsic motivation was measured with a localized version of the Self-Regulation Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA.<br />Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in both self-efficacy (P = 0.003) and intrinsic motivation (P = 0.010) in the experimental group. A significant time × group interaction effect was found for intrinsic motivation (P = 0.001), with post-test scores in the VR group 17.51% higher than those of the control group.<br />Conclusions: The findings provide empirical validation for VR as a psychologically beneficial training modality in adolescent sport contexts. By fulfilling key psychological needs related to competence, autonomy, and engagement, VR can enhance motivational dynamics and perceived self-regulation in youth athletes. These results suggest that VR-based interventions, when grounded in psychological theory, offer a promising supplementary strategy for coaches, physical educators, and sport psychologists aiming to foster long-term psychological readiness and participation among adolescent athletes.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_4210_55fd1e398f4ce54d342f62a422074f4c.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-525910220260601Multifractal Complexity Analysis of Electroencephalography (EEG) Signals and Kinematic Dynamics During Walking1324425210.22098/jast.2025.18618.1444ENMehrdadAnbarianDepartment of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.RuhollahBasatniaDepartment of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.Journal Article20251021Walking, as a complex motor activity, requires precise coordination within the neuromuscular system. This study aimed to analyze the multiscale complexity of electroencephalography (EEG) signals and kinematic data during walking to investigate brain-lower limb interactions. Thirteen male participants walked on a treadmill under controlled conditions, during which EEG signals and kinematic data were recorded. Multifractal complexity analysis using the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) method was applied to the data to extract the Hurst exponent as a complexity index for dynamic features of movements in displacement dimensions along three axes (X, Y, Z) and cortical activity in motor brain regions (C3 and C4) during walking. Results indicated that the generalized Hurst exponent H(q) in the C3 and C4 regions was similar and exhibited a significant positive correlation with the same parameter in the dynamics of the contralateral limb, supporting the principle of interhemispheric control. Segmental analysis of the thigh, shank, and foot revealed substantial dynamic symmetry between the right and left sides. The multifractal patterns of the segments demonstrated significant differences, with the highest H(q) in the shank and the lowest in the thigh. Strong intra-system coordination among segments suggests an integrated organization in motor control. These findings confirm neuromuscular symmetry and coordination, provide utility for assessing motor disorders and designing rehabilitation protocols, and underscore the importance of multiscale analysis in elucidating complex brain-body interactions, with potential applications in neuroscience, biomechanics, and rehabilitation research.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_4252_7a9e93ef37ee06d1658b65188a0f1bab.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-525910220260501Economic Sustainability in Sports Ticketing: The Role of Technology Acceptance Factors and Blockchain Capabilities2542425510.22098/jast.2025.17265.1414ENSadeghFatahi MilasiDepartment of Sport Management, Sport Sciences Faculty, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.NooshinBenarDepartment of Sport Management, Sport Sciences Faculty, University of Guilan, Rasht, IranAliNazarianDepartment of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, IranJournal Article20250424Introduction: With the advancement of technology in the sports industry, achieving economic sustainability in key processes such as ticketing remains a significant challenge. Digital technologies, including electronic ticketing and blockchain, offer opportunities to enhance transparency, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. However, user adoption and technical complexities pose barriers to realizing these benefits.<br /><br />Objectives: This study aims to investigate the simultaneous role of technology acceptance factors and blockchain capabilities in achieving economic sustainability within the context of digital ticketing in the Iranian Premier Football League.<br /><br />Material and Methods: The study population comprised managers and experts associated with the Iranian Premier Football League, selected through purposive and convenience sampling (N=184). Data were collected using standardized questionnaires on technology acceptance factors, blockchain capabilities, and economic sustainability. The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed by eight sports management professors, and reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and structural equation modeling was performed with Smart PLS version 3.2.<br /><br />Results: The results indicated that adoption intention for digital ticketing had a positive and significant effect on economic sustainability (β=0.209, t=2.726). Blockchain capabilities positively and significantly influenced both adoption intention for digital ticketing (β=0.186, t=2.771) and economic sustainability (β=0.574, t=8.369). Complexity positively affected perceived ease of use (β=0.616, t=12.265). Extrinsic motivation and perceived usefulness significantly influenced adoption intention for digital ticketing (β=0.351, t=5.748; β=0.369, t=5.352). However, perceived ease of use had no significant effect on adoption intention (β=0.05, t=0.649, p=0.517). Relative advantage significantly impacted perceived usefulness (β=0.565, t=10.573).<br /><br />Discussion and Conclusion: The findings highlight that successful implementation of innovative technologies like blockchain in the sports industry requires addressing both technical aspects and user perceptions. Blockchain capabilities and technology acceptance factors are critical drivers of economic sustainability in digital ticketing. Future strategies should focus on enhancing user motivation and simplifying technology use to maximize adoption and sustainability.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_4255_831718a2b6e74290236d360cb7e4faa4.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-525910220260501Soft Robotic Hands for Sports and Rehabilitation: A Literature Review of Current Advances and Future Directions4357460410.22098/jast.2025.17248.1413ENShirinAaliAssistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 889-14665, Tehran, Iran.MahsaNabati SefidehkhanMaster student, Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.NegarAshrafiPhD in Exercise Physiology, Farhangian University, Ardabil, Iran.Journal Article20250422Background: The loss of upper limb functionality severely impacts daily living and mobility, driving the need for advanced prosthetic and rehabilitative solutions. Soft robotics has emerged as a promising alternative to rigid systems, offering inherent safety, adaptability, and intuitive control. This review synthesizes recent advancements (2021–2025) in soft robotic applications for hand rehabilitation and sports biomechanics, highlighting their potential to restore dexterity and enhance performance.<br /><br />Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, screening 147 articles from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and WOS. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on soft robotic hands, assistive gloves, and wearable devices for rehabilitation and sports. Data were analyzed for design innovations, control mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and user outcomes.<br /><br />Results: Key advancements include: (1) multi-DOF prosthetic hands (e.g., 14-DOF design with 87.3% gesture recognition accuracy), (2) Tendon-driven assistive gloves (20–80N grasp force; 4.53/5 user satisfaction), and (3) Wearable training devices (75% improvement in motor skill retention). Soft robotics outperformed rigid systems in adaptability and user experience but faced limitations in power efficiency and durability. Machine learning-enhanced control (e.g., ProMP algorithms) and EMG feedback improved intuitive interaction.<br /><br />Conclusions: Soft robotics demonstrates transformative potential in rehabilitation and sports, though challenges in scalability and clinical validation persist. Future research must prioritize biomimetic refinement, energy-efficient actuation, and large-scale trials to transition prototypes into real-world solutions. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be critical to advancing this field and improving quality of life for users globally.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_4604_884bee3ae0336bb0ad5995bcf6fd20ca.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-525910220260501New Generations of Artificial Intelligence in Physical Education: Opportunities, Threats, and Strategies5877462010.22098/jast.2026.19334.1457ENAmir HosseinLabbafDepartment of Motor Behavior and Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, IranMohsenVahdaniDepartment of Motor Behavior and Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, IranLorcanCroninDepartment of Psychology, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland0000-0003-4459-144XJournal Article20260204Background: This study examined three fundamental questions: what roles artificial intelligence play in physical education, what are the risks associated with the utilization of artificial intelligence, and what strategies should be implemented to ensure the effective use of artificial intelligence in physical education?<br />Methods: Three groups of participants took part in the research: group 1 included 1-10 specialists who served as presenters on 4 expert panels on artificial intelligence and education, group 2 included 2-7 experts in physical education, and group 3 included 3-4 experts in artificial intelligence. The data was gathered by recording the statements of experts in the specialized panels and interviewing the other experts involved. Thematic analysis was utilized to examine the data. The initial coding process occurred after the four expert panels and then after each interview. Two methods were employed to ensure reliability: 1) the conceptual network extracted from the interview text was given to the interviewees for their review and approval, and 2) the method of using critical friends was utilized. <br />Results: The first theme identified explored the functions of artificial intelligence, including standardization of space and sports equipment, empowerment and professional development of PE teachers, classroom management, educational planning, improving assessment processes, and the production of PE content. The second theme included threats such as depriving students of thinking and creativity, emotional and social damages, scientific credibility of the presented content, and ethical concerns. Finally, the third theme indicated six basic strategies for the optimal use of artificial intelligence: 1) preventative and deterrent policies to limit any negatives of AI, 2) understanding problems and challenges that AI can address, 3) developing AI literacy among teachers, 4) promoting AI among teachers to maximise its benefits, 5) provision of the necessary infrastructure for the use of AI, and 6) ensuring the safety and security of users.<br />Conclusions: In practice, the findings highlighted the future uses of AI within physical education, along with the potential negatives of AI that need to be carefully managed. PE teachers should be encouraged to increase their AI knowledge and skills, so that they can implement AI within their practices.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_4620_66eeff6f58faf4f9bfad394b001a078f.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-525910220260501Advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence in sports events7892465110.22098/jast.2024.13311.1296ENFahimehMomenifarfacultyFatehFarazianiAssistant Professor, Department of Sports Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, IranAliKarimiAssistant Professor, Department of Sports Management, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20230714The aim of this study was to identify the advantages and disadvantages of implementing artificial intelligence in sports events. The research followed a mixed research design, specifically a sequential exploratory approach, beginning with qualitative research and then transitioning to quantitative research. Data for the study were collected in the field. Study's population consisted of two parts: qualitative and quantitative. For the qualitative section, 15 experts in sports management were interviewed. In the quantitative section, the population included sports management elites, such as faculty members from physical education universities under the Ministry of Science, as well as managers and executive experts in the country's sports industry. The sample for this section was selected using a stratified-random sampling method. To analyze the data and determine the advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence in sports events, the Delphi method was employed in three stages. The result of this process was a questionnaire consisting of 45 indicators across 11 components for the advantages section, and 12 indicators across 4 components for the disadvantages section. The questionnaire was compiled using a Likert scale. The face and content validity of the questionnaire were confirmed by 15 experts, and its reliability was assessed in a preliminary study involving 30 participants, yielding a value of 0.82. Additionally, exploratory factor analysis was conducted using SPSS software to analyze the data. Based on the research findings, the main advantages of using artificial intelligence in sports events were identified as refereeing, recruitment and selection of technical staff and players, analysis of player performance and information, and news agencies. On the other hand, the main disadvantages were found to be high cost, lack of human interaction between coaches and athletes, and dependence on artificial intelligence.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_4651_0d6164a98e63458bb1fb87849ddfb6aa.pdf