The Effectiveness of Twenty-Four Sessions of VIPEFR Fitness Running Training on Psychological Stress in Male Soccer Players Under 15 Years Old in Piranshahr Education Department

One of the consequences of reduced physical activity is the decline in both physical and mental health, significantly disrupting human life. Psychological energy cannot be separated from physical energy, as fatigue, discouragement, lack of training, and indecisiveness are interconnected. Conversely, favorable conditions lead to progress and excellence. Skill builds confidence, and physical fitness is a significant step toward achieving mental readiness. Various stressors negatively impact individual and social coping resources, reducing resilience and, in the long term, adversely affecting physical and mental health. Stress has been shown to contribute to physical and mental illnesses, impair performance and adaptability, and ultimately lower the quality of life (Khodadadi, 2006). Fitness running is a novel sport invented in 2020, with VIPEFR being one of its practical and important styles aimed at enhancing athletes’ physical and mental preparedness (World Fitness Running Federation, 2020). The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of twenty-four sessions of VIPEFR fitness running training on psychological stress in male soccer players under 15 years old in Piranshahr.

A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test/post-test approach using a questionnaire was employed, involving both control and experimental groups. The study included 30 participants in each group. The control group consisted of soccer players who did not participate in VIPEFR fitness running training, while the experimental group included those who underwent the training. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. Psychological stress was measured using a 28-question mental and neurological health questionnaire. The independent variable, “twenty-four training sessions,” was implemented, with three sessions per week, each lasting 15 to 20 minutes, to examine its effect on the dependent variable, “psychological stress.” Data analysis was conducted using the Student’s t-test.

Table A1: Pre-Test Statistics for Control and Experimental Groups
t-value	Std. Deviation (S)	N	X	N	Statistic   Group
0.514	3.19	9.67	30	60	Control
	4.08	9.18	30		Experimental
Table B1: Pre-Test and Post-Test Statistics for the Experimental Group
t-value	Std. Deviation (S)	N	X	N	Statistic   Group
4.169	4.27	9.24	30	60	Control
	3.67	9.20	30		Experimental

Based on the findings, no statistically significant difference was observed in the pre-test psychological stress scores between the control and experimental groups (Table A1). However, a statistically significant difference was found in the post-test psychological stress scores between the two groups (Table A2) (p ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that VIPEFR fitness running training positively impacted the psychological stress of soccer players. These findings align with studies by Sedighian et al. (2020), Saremi and Kazemi (2016), Mazlum (2015), Rezvani et al. (2015), Dodman et al. (2013), Magharnasi et al. (2011), Ahmadi et al. (2006), Habibian (2000), Sahebalzamani (1995), Mazini (1995), and Nora (1997). It can be concluded that VIPEFR fitness running training is effective in reducing psychological stress among athletes.

The authors would like to express their gratitude to all parents, participating athletes, the Research and Development Committee of the World Fitness Running Federation, Dr. Hassabi Research Center, and Zagros Cultural-Sports Club for their cooperation and financial and moral support in this research.

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