Alternative sports and their influence on the students’ motivation

The aim of this study was to compare the students’ motivation after practicing alternative (AS) and traditional sports (TS) and to know the teachers’ opinion regarding this experience. From the results, it stands out that, in the AS group, in- trinsic motivation increases and extrinsic motivation decreases, while the identified motivation in the TS decreases. Teachers positively valued the experience as active, dynamic, inclusive and motivating. Physical Education teachers should consider including AS in their programs given the significant increase in intrinsic motivation towards the subject by students and the opinions and benefits highlighted by parti- cipating teachers.El objetivo del trabajo es comparar la motivación del alumnado tras la práctica de deportes alternativos (DA) y tradicionales (DT) y conocer la opinión del pro- fesorado ante esta experiencia. De los resultados se destaca que, en el grupo DA, la motivación intrínseca aumenta y la extrínseca disminuye, mientras que en el DT disminuye la motivación identificada. El profesorado valoró positivamente la experiencia como activa, dinámica, inclusiva y motivante. El profesorado debería plantearse la inclusión de los DA en sus programaciones dado el aumento de la motivación intrínseca hacia la asignatura y a las opiniones y beneficios destacados por el profesorad

Sex differences in postural control maturation during childhood andadolescence: a cross-sectional study in children between 4 and 17 years old

Purpose: the aim of this study was to determine the differences between the sexes in the development of postural control during childhood and adolescence. Methods: Three hundred and eighty-nine children were involved in a 30-s trial with eyes open and a 30-s trial with eyes closed. Using a Wii Balance Board, the mean velocity and median frequency in antero-posterior and medio-lateral directions were calculated, as well as the 95% confidence interval ellipse area. Results: The results showed that the youngest boys (4-5 years old) had a greater ellipse area than girls of the same age, while the girls in this age group showed a greater ellipse area ratio, although these differences disappeared until 12-13 years old. At this age, the boys showed greater mean velocity in antero-posterior direction both with eyes open and closed, as well as a greater ellipse area and mean velocity in the medio-lateral direction with eyes open. At 16-17 years old, the boys had lower mean velocity in the medio-lateral direction both with eyes open and eyes closed. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results indicate certain differences in the postural control maturation of girls and boys during childhood and adolescence.Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las diferencias entre sexos en el desarrollo del control postural durante la infancia y la adolescencia. Material y métodos: Trescientos ochenta y nueve niños participaron en un ensayo de 30s con los ojos abiertos y otro de 30s con los ojos cerrados. Utilizando una Wii Balance Board, se calculó la velocidad media y la frecuencia media en las direcciones anteroposterior y medio-lateral, así como el área de la elipse del intervalo de confianza del 95%. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que los niños más pequeños (4-5 años) tenían un área de elipse mayor que las niñas de la misma edad, mientras que las niñas de este grupo de edad mostraban una mayor relación de área de elipse, aunque estas diferencias desaparecieron hasta los 12-13 años. A esta edad, los chicos mostraron una mayor velocidad media en dirección anteroposterior tanto con los ojos abiertos como cerrados, así como una mayor área de la elipse y velocidad media en dirección medio-lateral con los ojos abiertos. A los 16-17 años, los chicos presentaban una menor velocidad media en la dirección medio-lateral tanto con los ojos abiertos como cerrados. Conclusiones: los resultados indican ciertas diferencias en la maduración del control postural de chicas y chicos durante la infancia y la adolescencia

Effects on intermittent postural control in people with Parkinson's due to a dual task

Objectives The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of performing a dual task on the sway density plot parameters in Parkinson's disease and control subjects. Methods A cross-sectional design was used to establish differences in the mean peak, mean time, and mean distance between a group with Parkinson's disease and a control group without Parkinson's disease. The subjects performed, in a unique measurement session, two trials under three different randomized conditions: i. eyes open, ii. eyes closed, and iii. Eyes open with foam base. One trial was performed as a single task (i.e., the subjects completed one of the balance test), while the other trial was performed as a dual task (i.e., the subjects performed a cognitive task at the same time that they maintained the static balance). Results There was a group x dual task x condition effect in mean peak (F1.5, 51.1 = 5.21; p = 0.015; η2p = 0.13) and mean time (F1.4, 47.3 = 4.43; p = 0.03; η2p = 0.11) variables. According dual-task cost analysis, there was a main effect of the condition (F6,134 = 2.44; p = 0.05; η2p = 0.34) on MD (F2,68 = 6.90; p < 0.01; η2p = 0.17). Conclusions This result indicates differences in the dual task interference in the postural control mechanisms between the Parkinson's disease population and healthy pairs. For easy dual tasks, the Parkinson subjects used anticipatory control responses for longer periods of time, and for more difficult tasks, their control strategy did not change regarding single balance task

Effects of an incremental maximal endurance exercise stress-induced cortisol on cognitive performance

Objectives: It can be hypothesized that cognitive performance decreases after fatigue protocol when it coincides with the maximum peak of cortisol. The first aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of a single bout of high intensity exercise on behavioural (i.e., attention and memory) and physiological (i.e., salivary cortisol) responses. The second objective was to evaluate the effect of the performance of the cognitive tasks on cortisol levels. Methods: Thirty-four physically active men (at least 5 days/week of physical activity practice) 38.11 (1.57) years old completed a maximal incremental protocol on a treadmill by running until they reached a state of stress. Salivary cortisol and cognitive functions were evaluated in counterbalanced order prior and following exercise-induced stress. Results: Results showed lower cortisol levels before exercise and higher cortisol values before the cognitive task. Indeed, exercise-induced stress had only a detrimental effect on attention without any impact on declarative memory and finding improvements on working memory performance. Conclusion: The effects of stress on cognitive performance depending on the main brain areas responsible of cognitive functions (i.e., prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) and time elapsed between the cessation of exercise and the evaluation of these

Influencia de la obesidad infantil sobre el control postural y la marcha

OBJETIVO El objetivo principal de este trabajo es estudiar la influencia de la masa adiposa sobre el control postural y la marcha en niños con sobrepeso y obesidad. Así como poder determinar las diferencias en el control postural que existen entre estos y los niños normopeso (sin sobrepeso ni obesidad). METODOLOGÍA Se realizaron 3 estudios con un grupo de sujetos de unos 12 años de edad. A su vez, este se dividió en dos grupos: con obesidad o sobrepeso y sin obesidad o sobrepeso. A todos se les midió el peso con una plataforma de fuerzas (Dinascan/IBV, Instituto Biomecánica de Valencia, Valencia, España) y la altura con un tallímetro. Al grupo con obesidad también se les midió la composición corporal mediante un Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic Discovery Wi, Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA, USA) y se obtuvieron los datos con un software pediátrico (QDR v.12.3, Hologic Inc., Bedford,MA, USA). Todos los sujetos realizaron una serie de pruebas sobre una plataforma de fuerzas: 1. Mantenerse en bipedestación con los ojos abiertos durante 30 segundos (2 veces). 2. Mantenerse en bipedestación con los ojos cerrados durante 30 segundos (2 veces). 3. Caminar sobre la estructura de la plataforma de fuerzas (3.5 x 1.5 m). Cada sujeto realizaba bloques de 20 repeticiones hasta que 5 pasos de cada pie se completasen correctamente sobre la plataforma de fuerzas. A posteriori, se llevo a cabo un pre-procesado de las señales mediante Matlab R2013a y diversos análisis estadísticos con el software SPSS 17. Para cada uno de los estudios se utilizaron unas variables y se aplicaron distintos análisis estadísticos. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES ESTUDIO 1 Los resultados revelaron diferencias significativas entre los niños con y sin obesidad en la velocidad media, el área de la elipse y la distancia media, en todas las pruebas. Estos últimos obtuvieron valores más bajos que los primeros en todas estas variables. Estos resultados explican que los niños con obesidad muestran alteraciones en el control postural intermitente. De modo que, el control anticipatorio activo produce respuestas con un mayor rango de movimiento del centro de presiones y, los períodos en los que el equilibrio y los mecanismos reflejos mantienen la postura estable mediante el control pasivo, son de duración más corta. ESTUDIO 2 El modelo de regresión de la fuerza de impacto está relacionado positivamente con el peso de los niños obesos y negativamente con la masa magra. El modelo también mostró que la masa magra se relaciona positivamente con la tasa de desarrollo de la velocidad de propulsión. Por lo tanto, sería beneficioso, no sólo para reducir el peso sino también, para aumentar el ratio entre masa magra y masa grasa en personas con obesidad. ESTUDIO 3 La altura y la masa de las piernas fueron las variables de composición corporal que mostraron la mayor correlación con el control postural. Además, los modelos lineales múltiples mostraron que la distribución de los diferentes tejidos en las diversas regiones del cuerpo también son importantes para predecir el control postural de los niños con sobrepeso y obesidad. Concretamente, la masa del tronco y de las piernas son los mejores predictores de composición corporal para el control postural en niños.ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The main objective of this work is to study the influence of adipose mass on postural control and gait in overweight and obese children. As well as to be able to determine the differences in the postural control that exist between these and the normopeso children (without overweight or obesity). METHODOLOGY Three studies were carried out with a group of subjects about 12 years of age. In turn, this was divided into two groups: with obesity or overweight and without obesity or overweight. The corporal weight was measured with a platform of forces (Dinascan / IBV, Biomechanical Institute of Valencia, Valencia, Spain) and the height with a stadimeter. The group with obesity was also measured body composition by a Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic Discovery Wi, Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA, USA) and the data were obtained by paediatric software (QDR v.12.3, Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA, USA). All subjects performed trials on a platform of forces: 1. Bipedal standing position with your eyes open for 30 seconds (2 times). 2. Bipedal standing position with your eyes closed for 30 seconds (2 times). 3. Walk from one corner of the structure of the force platform to the other corner (3.5 x 1.5 m). Each subject performed blocks of 20 repetitions until 5 steps of each foot were correctly completed on the platform of forces. Subsequently, a pre-processing of the signals was carried out using Matlab R2013a and various statistical analyses with the software SPSS 17. For each study, variables were used and different statistical analyses were applied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS STUDY 1 The results of this study revealed significant differences between the children with and without obesity in the mean velocity, the ellipse area and the mean distance, in all the trials. The latter obtained lower values than the former in all these variables. These results explain that children with obesity show alterations in intermittent postural control. Thus, the active anticipatory control produces responses with a greater range of movement of the center of pressures and, the periods in which the balance and the reflex mechanisms maintain the stable posture through passive control are of shorter duration. STUDY 2 The regression model of the impact force is positively related to the corporal weight of obese children and negatively to lean mass. The model also showed that lean mass is positively related to the rate of development of propulsion. Therefore, it would be beneficial, not only to reduce weight but also, to increase the ratio between lean mass and fat mass in people with obesity. STUDY 3 The results of this study showed the height and mass of the legs were the variables of body composition that showed the highest correlation with postural control. In addition, multiple linear models showed that the distribution of different tissues in the various regions of the body are also important for predicting postural control of overweight and obese children. Specifically, the mass of the trunk and legs are the best predictors of body composition for postural control in children

Predicción del rendimiento académico en educación secundaria mediante el análisis de árboles de decisión

[EN] The aim of the present study was to develop a predictive model of academic achievement (school success or failure) by applying a decision tree analysis. A cross-sectional study was carried out to design a system for the early detection of academic failure. 219 adolescents (aged 14 to 16) participated and information on their socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI) percentile, physical activity, leisure time spent in front of screens, enjoyment, hope, anger, anxiety, boredom, behavioral engagement, emotional engagement, cognitive engagement, self-perceived school performance and intention to go to university was collected as input variables in decision tress analysis. 6 failure and 3 success groups were found able to predict academic performance. Good accuracy was obtained in the training (80.11 %) and validation (81.40 %) datasets of the decision tree. It is possible to predict academic failure or success by assessing weight status, physical activity, anger and hope during school attendance, intention to go to university and self-perceived school performance.[ES] El objetivo del presente estudio fue desarrollar un modelo de predicción del rendimiento académico (éxito o fracaso escolar) mediante la aplicación de un análisis de árbol de decisión. Se realizó un estudio transversal para diseñar un sistema de detección temprana del fracaso escolar. Participaron 219 adolescentes (de 14 a 16 años) y se recabó información de su estatus socioeconómico, percentil de índice de masa corporal (IMC), actividad física, tiempo de ocio frente a pantallas, niveles de disfrute, esperanza, ira, ansiedad, aburrimiento, compromiso conductual, compromiso emocional, compromiso cognitivo, rendimiento escolar autopercibido e intención de ir a la universidad, como variables de entrada en el análisis del árbol de decisión. Se encontraron 6 grupos de fracaso y 3 de éxito capaces de predecir el rendimiento académico. Se obtuvo una buena precisión en los conjuntos de datos de entrenamiento (80.11 %) y validación (81.40 %) del árbol de decisión. Es posible predecir el fracaso o el éxito académico mediante la evaluación del estado de peso, la actividad física, la ira y la esperanza durante la asistencia a la escuela, la intención de ir a la universidad y el rendimiento escolar autopercibido.Villarrasa-Sapiña, I.; García-Massó, X.; Liébana, E.; Monfort Torres, G. (2024). Academic achievement prediction in secondary education by decision tree analysis. Educacion XX1. 27(1). https://doi.org/10.5944/educxx1.3335127

Canadian Agility Movement Skill Assessment (CAMSA) in a Spanish Context: Evidences of Reliability and Validity

The Canadian Agility and Movement Skill Assessment (CAMSA) is a circuit-based measure of motor competence. This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of CAMSA in Spanish children. A sample of 749 children participated voluntarily. Acceptable-to-good internal consistency (α =.54 and G-coefficient =.88) and moderate-to-excellent inter- (ICC:.83 to 1.00), intra-rater (ICC:.99 to 1.00) and test–retest reliability (ICC:.70 to.83) was found in convenience subsamples (n = 84 observers’ reliability; n = 69 test-retest). Concurrent validity was moderate (CAMSA score with Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder: r =.45; n = 90). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-factor model (CFI =.95; RMSEA =.02; SRMR =.02). Boys had higher scores than girls and older-children had higher scores than younger-children. The CAMSA can be used as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing motor competence in Spanish children

Effects Of Rapid Weight Loss On Balance And Reaction Time In Elite Judo Athletes

Balance, reaction time, and strength are key factors affecting judo performance. Although ample research has been done examining potential strength changes caused by weight loss prior to competition, changes in balance and reaction time have been overlooked. Purpose: To examine the effects of rapid and progressive weight loss (RWL and PWL) on balance, reaction time, and strength in a group of elite judo athletes. Methods: A total of 38 female and male judo athletes (age = 20.6 [2.6] y) completed balance, reaction-time, and strength assessments 1 wk prior to an official weigh-in (pretest) and immediately after the weigh-in (posttest). The athletes were divided into 3 groups, 1 control group who maintained regular training and eating habits, 1 experimental group who engaged in PWL (\u3c3% reductions in body mass), and a second experimental group who used RWL techniques (\u3e3% reductions in body mass). Results: The RWL group showed significant decreases (P \u3c .05) in balance performance (ellipse area: 4.83 [0.87] vs 6.31 [1.39] mm2 with eyes closed; mean mediolateral velocity: 2.07 [0.2] vs 2.52 [0.45] mm·s−1 with eyes closed; and mean anteroposterior velocity: 2.25 [0.20] vs 2.51 [0.32] mm·s−1 with eyes open and 2.44 [0.26] vs 3.06 [0.56] mm·s−1 with eyes closed) and reaction time (0.38 [0.04] vs 0.42 [0.06] s) with no changes in strength from pretesting to posttesting. The athletes in the PWL and control groups maintained performance in all variables. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate negative effects on perceptual motor-skill performance in judo athletes engaging in RWL strategies prior to competition

Test–Retest Reliability of Task Performance for Golf Swings of Medium- to High-Handicap Players

Background: Golf swing performance in medium- to high-handicap players must be reliably measured to use this variable in both research studies and in applied settings. Nevertheless, there are no studies published on this topic and test–retest evidence is only available for low-handicap players. The aim of this study was to determine the number of attempts necessary to obtain a reliable measurement protocol for swing performance variables in medium- to high-handicap players. Methods: Ten amateur players (55.67 (13.64) years, 78.4 (11.4) kg, 1.75 (7.95) m) took part in a test–retest study in two experimental sessions one week apart. In each one, fifteen swings with a six iron and a driver were evaluated with a 3D Doppler tracking golf radar. Results: The results showed that variables related to side carry could not be reliably measured in medium- to high-handicap players in only fifteen trials (ICC 12.05 m and MDC > 33.41 m). The rest of the performance variables related to the club and ball trajectories could be reliably measured with a 3D Doppler radar with between seven and ten swings. Conclusions: At least seven swings are recommended for the driver and ten for the six iron to measure golf swing performance

Effects on intermittent postural control in people with Parkinson's due to a dual task

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of performing a dual task on the sway density plot parameters in Parkinson's disease and control subjects.& nbsp;Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to establish differences in the mean peak, mean time, and mean distance between a group with Parkinson's disease and a control group without Parkinson's disease. The subjects performed, in a unique measurement session, two trials under three different randomized conditions: i. eyes open, ii. eyes closed, and iii. Eyes open with foam base. One trial was performed as a single task (i.e., the subjects completed one of the balance test), while the other trial was performed as a dual task (i.e., the subjects performed a cognitive task at the same time that they maintained the static balance).& nbsp;Results: There was a group x dual task x condition effect in mean peak (F-1.5,F- 51.1 = 5.21; p = 0.015; eta(2)(p) = 0.13) and mean time (F-1.4,F- 47.3 = 4.43; p = 0.03; eta(2)(p)& nbsp;= 0.11) variables. According dual-task cost analysis, there was a main effect of the condition (F-6,F-134 = 2.44; p = 0.05; eta(2)(p) = 0.34) on MD (F-2,F-68 = 6.90; p < 0.01; eta 2p = 0.17).& nbsp;Conclusions: This result indicates differences in the dual task interference in the postural control mechanisms between the Parkinson's disease population and healthy pairs. For easy dual tasks, the Parkinson subjects used anticipatory control responses for longer periods of time, and for more difficult tasks, their control strategy did not change regarding single balance task