Papers by Colin G . Pennington
Journal of Sports and Physical Activity, 2025
Background: Athlete' psychological well-being is fundamental to their success and resilience. Rec... more Background: Athlete' psychological well-being is fundamental to their success and resilience. Recognizing this critical link, understanding how to enhance mental health for improved sport performance is invaluable to the athletic community. Aims: This article aims to concisely examine the intricate relationship between athlete mental health and performance, synthesizing current information and strategies to optimize both. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify, select, and analyze relevant studies on the impact of mental health on athletic performance across various sports. A thematic narrative synthesis summarized findings, informing practical recommendations. Results: Findings consistently show that elite and collegiate athletes face comparable or heightened risks of mental health disorders due to intense competition, public scrutiny, and career uncertainties. Conversely, strong team cohesion and social support significantly enhance athletes' mental well-being and performance. Practical strategies include ensuring access to specialized mental health professionals, integrating mindfulness and relaxation techniques (e.g., Progressive Muscle Relaxation), utilizing mental health checklists for self-assessment, and implementing comprehensive coaching guidelines. These guidelines emphasize open communication, mental health education for coaches, and proactive stress management within training programs. Conclusion: The profound connection between mental health and athletic performance necessitates a proactive, multifaceted approach. At the same time, current research provides valuable insights, but limitations exist, including potential publication bias and a narrow time frame in many studies. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to understand long-term effects, explore technological interventions for accessibility, and rigorously evaluate student support services. These efforts will contribute to more effective, evidence-based support systems for athletes.
Universal Journal of Sport Science, 2025
This review article provides a comprehensive anatomical analysis of soccer footwear, delving into... more This review article provides a comprehensive anatomical analysis of soccer footwear, delving into the intricate structure and functional roles of its constituent components, including the upper, heel counter, tongue, toe box, outsole/sole plate, studs, and insole. Manufacturing processes influencing these structural elements are also discussed. Current market offerings and patented innovations in soccer cleat technology are examined through a biomechanical lens, highlighting their intended functions and limitations. A critical synthesis of existing knowledge underscores the anatomical and biomechanical distinctions between male and female athletes' feet, arguing for the necessity of sex-specific footwear design. This review culminates in emphasizing the imperative for specifically engineered soccer footwear for female athletes to optimize performance, enhance comfort, and mitigate the elevated risk of lower extremity injuries prevalent in the female game, thereby identifying crucial directions for future research in sports biomechanics and footwear engineering.
Universal Journal of Sport Sciences , 2025
This exploratory review article synthesizes existing literature on the evolution and increasing s... more This exploratory review article synthesizes existing literature on the evolution and increasing significance of women's soccer, particularly in the United States. While acknowledging the sport's progress and the achievements of the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT), it critically examines two key challenges that impede further advancement: the alarmingly high incidence of knee injuries among female players and the persistent underrepresentation of Black women. The review highlights the biomechanical factors contributing to these issues, emphasizing the need for footwear designed to accommodate the specific anatomical and functional requirements of female athletes. Furthermore, it explores the systemic barriers that contribute to the lack of diversity within the sport, advocating for equitable opportunities and support for Black women. This review concludes by underscoring the necessity for innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to ensure the continued growth and well-being of all participants in women's soccer, and identifies critical areas for future research in kinesiology and related fields.
International Journal of Sports, Exercise and Physical Education, 2025
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has historically maintained a strict amateuri... more The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has historically maintained a strict amateurism policy, preventing student-athletes from profiting from their performance. However, recent changes, particularly concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, have brought significant developments in collegiate athletics. The NCAA has enforced rules that categorize student-athletes as amateurs, barring them from receiving payments beyond necessary expenses. NIL deals offer opportunities for athletes to earn from sponsorships, enhancing their marketability and professional connections, particularly through social media. They empower all athletes, including women, who can leverage their platforms for business ventures. Despite potential benefits, there are complexities regarding differing state laws, potential conflicts with institutional sponsorships, and inequalities in earnings across divisions. Tax implications and eligibility for international athletes present additional challenges. The introduction of NIL rights has transformed college athletics, creating new opportunities for athletes but also raising regulatory concerns. As the landscape continues to evolve, ongoing discussions and research are necessary to address issues of equity, support for athletes, and the financial dynamics within college sports.
Journal of Sports and Physical Activity, 2025
Background: The role of Physical Education (PE) teachers as role models plays a crucial part in s... more Background: The role of Physical Education (PE) teachers as role models plays a crucial part in shaping students' healthy lifestyles and positive character development. Various curriculum models such as the sport education model, personal and social responsibility model, and healthrelated fitness (HRF) model offer different approaches to achieving learning goals, but they do not fully address the holistic role of teachers as role models. Aims: This study aims to explore PE teachers' perceptions of their role as holistic role models in fostering students' physical, social, emotional, and moral development. Methods: This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach guided by the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Eight PE teachers from elementary and secondary schools were purposively selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Data validity was ensured through triangulation and member checking. Results: The findings indicate that teachers view role modeling as encompassing not only physical demonstration but also the embodiment of moral values, social responsibility, and emotional regulation. The HRF model was criticized for focusing too heavily on physical fitness, thus limiting opportunities for teaching social and moral values. Students' perceptions of teachers as role models were also influenced by physical appearance factors such as age and body weight. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach in physical education and the need for teacher training that integrates physical, emotional, and value-based competencies. Through thoughtful role modeling, PE can become a meaningful avenue for character development and the promotion of lifelong healthy behaviors.
Hawaii University International Conference on Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 2022
Age-related psychosocial research indicates that adults, adolescents, and children generally pref... more Age-related psychosocial research indicates that adults, adolescents, and children generally prefer features of younger looking faces over those of older, often having negative perceptions and connotations of aging/abilities of older people. Limited research has investigated the influence appearance on physical education teachers' effectiveness. The present studies examined the impact of a physical education teacher's apparent age on American students' learning and perceptions of the teacher. Participants were students from two elementary schools (4th-5th grade, N = 188), two middle schools (6th-8th grade, N = 273); and two high schools (9th-12th grade, N = 114).
Sport Sciences Research and Technology Support, 2022
Sport Sciences Research and Technology Support, 2022
Sport Sciences Research and Technology Support, 2022
Fitness Routine with Autism Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties... more Fitness Routine with Autism Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication. Parents typically start to notice the signs of autism during the first three years of the child's life. Autism affects balance, body coordination, visual-motor control, and other mobility skills. There are many activities that can improve related fitness for children with autism. Routines are very beneficial to children with autism due to the repetition aspect of it. To start this daily fitness routine, start off with a walk, this doesn't have to be miles long, just enough to increase the tolerance. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that children get at least an hour of physical activity daily but breaking that hour into increments is better for the child to maintain. Schools around the world are starting to take their autistic students walking more often throughout the day to give those students breaks and keep up their physical fitness. Many teachers and professionals advise setting a certain daily routine and time to take those walks to help keep with the schedule for the child. During PE time start the child with a short distance walk and add in extra activities. Arm circles, medicine ball slams, star jumps, and jumping jacks are all good fitness activities for the student to add into their daily fitness routine. All these fitness routines help decrease stereotypical behaviors, hyperactivity, and aggression. These physical activities help children with autism better engage in the environment, helps promote weight loss, and leads to better communication and engagement with other people. Physical Education with Autism Physical Education can be modified in many ways to include people with autism (Gordon, & Pennington, 2022). In the classroom there are different ways that teachers and peers can help to create a better environment for those with this disorder. One way a teacher can make physical education class more suitable for kids with autism would be to presume competence. Meaning that just because a kid has autism doesn't mean that they aren't interested or capable of participating in sports. The teacher needs to set realistic goals for that child and let them try and participate while making them comfortable enough to ask questions if they need it. This gives
Hawaii University International Conference on Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 2024
Physical education standards, policy, and funding through physical education are vital to the wel... more Physical education standards, policy, and funding through physical education are vital to the wellness of an individual. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief history of public-school physical education throughout grade-school and the years of higher education by illuminating the backwards trend that school law and policy has created for physical education and American society. Particular acts of legislation provided guidelines for funding programs, such as physical education, in the public-school setting. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) assures the accountability processes meet and often exceed the federal accountability system; Every Student Succeeds Act desires that local stakeholders take responsibility in a “well-rounded” healthy individual through public education. Although many educational policies exist, the common denominator among educational reform is improving the quality of education. The benefits of a healthy, physically fit future employee to an organization include lower health-care costs, decreased absenteeism, increased productivity, and elevated employee morale. Therefore, we recommend the education system adopt a flipped implementation plan for physical education.
Hawaii University International Conference on Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 2024
Physical activity is a primary focus, essential aspect, and significant contributing factor of a ... more Physical activity is a primary focus, essential aspect, and significant contributing factor of a healthy human lifespan; however, Among the top 25 ranked research institution, only nine university required physical education in the core curriculum (36%). Of the top 25 liberal arts institutes, 17 (68%) include physical education within the core, but the general requirements were appallingly and limited to simply passing a swim test and/or enrolling in one or two physical education courses. Nevertheless, there limited incorporation of physical education, which illuminates an issue of ignorance towards the benefits of physical education and physical activity in higher education. The purpose of this paper is to describe the reimagination of activity courses taught at one midsized state university in Texas. The following agenda and goals were set: a complete overhaul of the activity program with the purpose of increasing enrollment and fitness levels of students at said university.
Hawaii University International Conference on Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 2024
The concept of 'flexible seating' has emerged as a possibility to meeting the goals of an active ... more The concept of 'flexible seating' has emerged as a possibility to meeting the goals of an active learning classroom. Recent scholarship has suggested that numerous student learning predictors are enhanced when interacting with flexible seating. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by investigating the effects of flexible seating from a physical perspective in the higher education setting. N=75 participants engaged in mixed-method data collection and analysis strategies that included observations and field notes, a validated online survey, and open-ended questions prompts at participants. A thematic review and descriptive analysis revealed almost 80% of the respondents indicated that the flexible seating had a positive effect on their experience in the course related to the following themes: (a) Movement Opportunity; (b) Back Pain & Comfort; (c) Anxiety & Restlessness; and (d) Focus & Engagement. This research provides evidence that physically comfortable classrooms promote a sense of well-being, keep minds focused, and limit distractions, and that physically comfortable classrooms with increased movement opportunities for students make possible mental and emotional health benefits, as well. Results indicate the need for campuses to (re)consider the purposes and roles of seating styles within the 21 st century classrooms, with seating selection based on principles of universal design.
Athens Journal of Sports, 2025
Kinesiology is one of the fastest growing academic fields in higher education. Nevertheless, not ... more Kinesiology is one of the fastest growing academic fields in higher education. Nevertheless, not all institutions enjoy increased enrollment without active recruiting strategies. Faculty may be a resource for engaging in active recruiting of potential majors. The purpose of this article is to discuss the concept of recruiting as a contractual responsibility for a single tenure-track faculty member, and its impact on kinesiology enrollment growth at a single campus. Using a chronological narrative framework to tell the participant's story, this article, (a) examines the evolution of a tenure-track faculty member's strategy for recruitment in relationship to teaching and scholarship before and during COVID-19 at one university's newly-opened satellite campus; (b) examines the enrollment during the observed timeframe; and (c) provides strategies and suggestions for faculty with recruitment responsibilities. In total, the faculty member engaged in 33 recruiting efforts during the academic year to grow the kinesiology program at the new campus. This article outlines their approach to recruitment over the period with commentary on effectiveness, efficiency, and the lessons learned in the process. This article concludes with four recommendations to consider regarding an approach to thoughtful active recruiting as well as four recommendations for administrations for growing kinesiology enrollment.
Universal Journal of Sport Sciences, 2025
The anterior collateral ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments in the knee, connecting the tibia... more The anterior collateral ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments in the knee, connecting the tibia and femur and acting as a key stabilizer. Factors influencing these injuries include playing surface, training programs, athlete strength, technique, and gender. Female athletes are at a higher risk of ACL injuries, being four to nine times more likely than males, often due to differences in biomechanics and training patterns. It ss important that rehab focuses on both legs, as overworking the injured leg increases the risk of injuries elsewhere. Prevention training, such as proprioceptivebalance and plyometric agility training, has been shown effectiveness in minimizing ACL injuries. Despite some limitations in research, these programs highlight the importance of improved training techniques. Kinesio taping might help reduce pain but lacks strong evidence for preventing ACL tears.
Insight - Sports Science, 2025
This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions held by eleven preservice teachers regar... more This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions held by eleven preservice teachers regarding Health-Related Fitness as they learn to teach within the model to middle school students during an early field experience. It was hypothesised that issues brought up by the PTs at the beginning of the early field experience will be more self-centred (i.e., class management, preparation, curriculum and pedagogical content knowledge) and more student-centred toward the end of the early field experience (i.e., joy of student achievement, developing relationships). Method: Each PT was formally observed teaching two times for 40-60 min per session, as well as informally interviewed once for a period of approximately two hours at the conclusion of the semester. Additionally, the researcher also had dozens of conversations with each PT over the course of the semester to mentor and guide the PT through their field experience. Written data were analysed through open coding then selective coding to identify a “core category” and relate it to other categories and themes common to occupational socialization theory literature. Analytic induction was employed while documenting negative cases. Results: Most preservice teachers and middle school pupils ultimately “bought in” to Health-Related Fitness by the culmination of the early field experience and, in fact, most PT’s focus did become ore student-centred. Discussion: This exploratory study suggests that preservice teachers learn their conceptions of teaching Health-Related Fitness from a variety of different environments, contexts, and leadership figures. These personal experiences teaching Health-Related Fitness manifest themselves in preservice teachers understanding of how Health-Related Fitness content should be practiced in physical education. Physical education teacher education faculty can facilitate preservice teachers’ self-exploration through introspective and reflective practices.
Universal Journal of Sport Sciences, 2024
The benefits of physical activity are immense and indisputable; however, the inclusion of Physica... more The benefits of physical activity are immense and indisputable; however, the inclusion of Physical Education Activity Programs (PEAP) within the college setting, specifically the University Undergraduate Core Curriculum, is largely disregarded and viewed as unnecessary. Increased physical activity has shown to have a positive relationship throughout the human development process. Health promotion programs should target people of all ages, since the risk of chronic disease starts in childhood and increases with age. In addition to the physical activity benefits associated with human development, decrease disease rate, and extended lifespan, physical activity has also been thoroughly researched and documented to have positive effects on academic achievement. Despite the evidence identified through the results of the research, PEAP at the college level are consistently being ignored and removed from university undergraduate core curriculum. The purpose for university exclusion of PEAP is unknown; however, addressing the gap within the literature may provide justification for re-installment; research has not yet identified the impact of PEAP on the academic achievement of undergraduate students. A positive outcome could be gained by increasing the curricular value of compulsory PK-12 health and physical education requirements.
Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 2023
The purpose of this study was to explore how urban physical educators' experiences influence thei... more The purpose of this study was to explore how urban physical educators' experiences influence their motivations toward vocational persistence emphasizing health and fitness. Methods: Participants included 16 urban physical educators who participated in semistructured interviews about their experiences teaching in urban settings. For minority youths, who predominantly attend urban public schools, fitness rates are lower than the national average. Physical education has been discussed as a potential solution to combating this public health trend; however, considering Common Core reforms in public education by which health and physical education has been de-emphasized as a curricular requirement, scholars are pursuing knowledge of how the experiences of urban physical educators are evolving. Using occupational socialization as the operating theoretical framework, this study seeks to explore how 16 urban physical educators' experiences are evolving with the changes in public education, including administrative support and other indicators of marginalization and attrition. Results: Qualitative data analysis resulted in the construction of six themes which suggest that teaching students to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle remains a powerful motivator for urban physical educators' persistence despite feelings of marginalization and burnout. Conclusions: The authors provide practical suggestions for practitioners and scholars to overcome feelings of marginalization and lack of resources.
International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports , 2023
Physical education can play a critical role in helping children establish a foundation for an act... more Physical education can play a critical role in helping children establish a foundation for an active lifestyle. There is reason to believe the impact of COVID-19 eliminating compulsory physical education in the K-12 setting only exasperated the problem of increasingly physically unhealthy children in the United States. Much of what kinesiology and public-health scholars know about the fitness level of American youths are based on dated or retrospective data; FitnessGram has emerged as a viable option for revealing the present-day physical health of youth populations. There is clear potential for FitnessGram data to contribute to advancing knowledge about current levels of health-related fitness in youth. In this study, researchers using FitnessGram data from an independent K-12 school district in Texas, USA (ISD) investigated K-12 students' fitness levels and patterns after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate students suffered diminished cardiovascular fitness levels during COVID years (2020-2021), but not diminished strength and endurance or range of motion. Findings from FitnessGram data advocate for quality and compulsory physical education and movement/physical activity in school settings, as well as the adoption of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Promotion (CSPAP).
Online Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 2021
Uploads
Papers by Colin G . Pennington