https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1016 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 10:33:59 GMT 2026-10-31T10:33:59Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150348 Title: Active healthy kids Malta report card 2026 : benchmarking youth physical activity and environments - summary Authors: Decelis, Andrew Abstract: This document summarises the full Active Healthy Kids Malta Report Card 2026 and presents key findings on physical activity among Maltese children and adolescents using the standardised Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA) framework. Developed as part of the Global Matrix 5.0 initiative, this evidence-informed resource brings together empirical data from national reports, peer-reviewed studies, and European surveillance programmes to inform targeted policy interventions and highlight critical surveillance gaps. Where feasible, data are stratified by gender, socioeconomic status, and disability to capture key equity disparities across the population.; The assessment evaluates ten core indicators across individual behaviours, health outcomes, and environmental influences. Reflecting a landmark advancement in equity-focused surveillance, Global Matrix 5.0 integrates data for children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD) across all indicators for the first time. Each indicator is evaluated using the standardised AHKGA grading scale, which ranges from A+ (94–100% meeting the benchmark) to F (fewer than 20%), and by age bracket. Where national evidence is insufficient or absent, indicators are designated as Incomplete (INC).; The full report is available at https://www.activehealthykids.org/ and provides more detailed information regarding indicators, definitions, benchmarks, grades, rationale, and underlying data sources. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150348 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150346 Title: Active healthy kids Malta report card 2026 : assessing the evidence on youth physical activity and environments Authors: Decelis, Andrew Abstract: Introduction: The Active Healthy Kids Malta Report Card 2026: Assessing the Evidence on Youth Physical Activity and Environments provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of physical activity among children and adolescents in Malta. As an evidence-informed resource, this report tracks trends and identifies institutional strengths and critical surveillance gaps. In doing so, it supports the formulation of evidence-based policies and targeted interventions designed to promote lifelong active living. It combines empirical data from national reports, peer-reviewed literature, and international European surveillance initiatives to evaluate ten core indicators of physical activity and its determinants, applying the standardised framework established by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA) to Maltese children and adolescents for the first time. As part of the AHKGA Global Matrix 5.0 initiative, encompassing 67 countries across six continents, this assessment evaluates six individual behaviours and health outcome indicators (Overall Physical Activity, Organised Sport and Physical Activity, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behaviour, and Physical Fitness) alongside four environmental and contextual sources of influence (Family and Peers, School, Community and Environment, and Government and Policy). Crucially, data for children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD) was included for the first time by the AHKGA in Global Matrix 5.0, reflecting a major advancement in equity focused surveillance for this edition.; Guided by the foundational management principle that "what gets measured gets managed" (Drucker, 1954), this Report Card delivers a systematic evaluation of movement behaviours. By generating a robust evidence base, the initiative aims to drive targeted public health strategies, mitigate health inequalities, and foster supportive movement environments. Furthermore, it highlights gaps in national surveillance systems and offers actionable recommendations to optimise future data collection. Consequently, this report serves as a vital strategic tool for a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including policymakers, local councils, educators, sports coaches, health promotion practitioners, and parents.; Within this report, each indicator is structured around four key analytical dimensions:; Definition: The operational description and scope of the specific movement behaviour, health outcome, or environmental influence being evaluated.; Benchmark: The standardised evaluation criteria established by the AHKGA.; Grade, Rationale, and Data Sources: The assigned performance grade derived from nationally representative data of children and adolescents aged 5–17 years, disaggregated by age where available, supported by a critical synthesis of empirical evidence, national policy documents, and surveillance studies.; Inequalities: A synthesis of documented disparities across socioeconomic status, gender and disability. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150346 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148392 Title: Understanding academic perspectives on dual career pathways in higher education Abstract: Numerous studies have highlighted the challenges dual-career (DC) athletes face in balancing sport and academia. Despite the development of the European Guidelines on the Dual Careers of Athletes (2012), FEPSAC’s Position Statement (Stambulova et al., 2024), as well as extensive research (Fuchs et al., 2021; Stambulova & Wylleman, 2015, 2019) and Erasmus+ projects addressing this issue, many academics, particularly those outside the field of sport, still remain insufficiently informed about the challenges faced by DC athletes and how best to support them. This study aimed to explore academics' perceptions of the difficulties they encounter in supporting DC athletes in a small country, and potential avenues to enhance institutional support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 academics in Malta, using purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling. The data were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. Findings revealed two key themes: Navigating demands: the challenges of supporting DC athletes, and Cultivating a winning environment: Strategies for academic support. The first theme focuses on the challenges academics face in balancing their obligations with the need to address students' needs. The second theme centers on moving forward and developing strategies that academics believe could better support students in the future. The findings underscore that effective DC support requires a shift from discretionary, individualised academic practices to coordinated, institutionally embedded systems. The study reinforces the importance of culturally and structurally sensitive DC frameworks, where limited professional sport pathways and infrastructure amplify the need for educational institutions to play a central role in athlete development. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148392 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148108 Title: “I ended up with nothing to do. No training and no work. Worse than covid times. I was desperate!” The effects of injuries on the mental well-being of rugby players Authors: Portelli, Robert; Muscat, Adele Abstract: Rugby is regarded as a collision sport rather than merely a contact sport. Players are growing in size and weight and improving in speed. This may lead to more severe injuries, including head injuries, which may have an impact on athletes' mental health. Many doubt the sport's future and recommend regulatory changes that could transform the game as we know it. Physical scars from injuries are plainly apparent and can be treated with medical interventions and therapies. Psychological scars are less visible, harder to identify, and more challenging to address, with potentially longer-lasting consequences. The stigma associated with mental health often discourages athletes from seeking help or speaking openly about their struggles. To gain a better understanding of this issue, eight rugby players (two female, six male) were interviewed in depth about their lived experiences of mental health concerns after experiencing an injury. The study also examined the support they received during their recovery and identified areas for more effective support. A reflexive thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed significant gaps between injured players' psychological and emotional needs and the current support available. The findings shed light on the profound psychological impact of rugby injuries, providing valuable insights to improve player welfare. Based on these findings, the study offers actionable recommendations to mitigate the mental health impact of injuries among rugby players and to foster a more supportive recovery environment. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148108 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z