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RQES: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport



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  March 2026 (Volume 97, Issue 1)

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Table of Contents

Free Access Article
Is a Cup Enough? Levels of Energy Expenditure During Speed Stacking

Samuel C. Hymes, Ryan S. Sacko, Grace Duncan, and Tim Bott

This study evaluated whether Speed Stacking elicits sufficient physiological intensity to meet moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) thresholds in youth, using portable indirect calorimetry and accelerometry. Fifty-four participants (Mage = 14.01 ± 5.48 years; 46.3% female) completed four randomized activity conditions: Rest, Speed Stacking, Running, and Speed Stack + Run, each lasting five minutes. Participants wore a COSMED K5 metabolic system, hip and wrist ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers, and a heart rate monitor. Energy expenditure (METs), accelerometer counts, perceived exertion, and fun were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVAs and Cohen’s Kappa for method agreement. In both prepubescent and pubescent groups, Speed Stacking alone did not meet the specific MET thresholds for MVPA. However, the hybrid Stack + Run condition significantly increased METs (up to 5.1 ± 1.2 in prepubescents). Cohen’s Kappa revealed poor agreement between MET-based and accelerometer-based intensity categorical classifications across all conditions. Participants, especially younger children, reported Speed Stacking as fun but minimally effortful. Speed Stacking alone fails to meet key pedagogical criteria for physical education, particularly those related to maximizing activity time and MVPA engagement. Given the limited time available in PE settings, alternative activities with higher energy expenditure may offer a more efficient use of instructional time. However, when integrated with movement-based tasks, Speed Stacking can be adapted to better support physical and educational outcomes.

Editorial

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Articles

Impact of Physical Match Performance on Youth Futsal Talent Program Selection: A Detailed Analysis by Team Rank in Portugal

The Accuracy of Single-Time-Point Physical Activity Measures Compared to Multi-Year Composite Scores from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

Determinants of Selection and Non-Selection Young Taekwondo Athletes: Integrating Multidisciplinary Assessments

UWorkItOut UWin Program: A RE-AIM Framework Program Evaluation

Effects of Combined Resistance and Aerobic Training on the Inflammatory Markers in Male Patients With COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Quantification of Weekly External Load in Female Futsal Players: Considering Inter-Day and-Player Variability

Impact of Hypertrophy-Focused Resistance Training on Mitochondrial Capacity: A New Perspective Through Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Exploring Eccentric Hamstring Strength: Peak Force, Torque, and Impulse Metrics in Elite Academy Soccer Players

Indices of Arterial Stiffness and Hemodynamic Responses Following Repeated Cycling Sprints at Varying Intensities Among Recreationally Active Females

Reliability, Sensitivity, and Construct Validity of Drop Jump and Barbell Velocity Assessments to Determine Neuromuscular Status in Professional, Male Basketball Players

Examining the Relationship Between Actual and Perceived Motor Competence Profiles With Executive Function

Longitudinal Development of Physical Fitness in Young Football Players: A Bayesian Analysis

A Machine Learning-Based Model for Comprehensive Assessment and Classification of Cross-Country Skiing Athletes

Prediction of Subjective Fatigue in Professional Soccer Players: A Data-Driven Method to Optimize Training Approach to the Match

Coaches’ Full Range Leadership Behaviors and University Athletes’ Personal Development and Negative Experiences: Is It All About Relationship Building?

Effects of Moderate and Regular Exercise on Improving Neurocognition and Preventing Neurodegenerative Diseases in the Elderly

In the Pursuit of the Optimal Path to Motor Competence: A Decision Tree-Based Approach