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In the present article, the vibration analysis of laminated composite plates strengthened with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is performed, employing the finite element method. Rule of mixtures and the Halpin–Tsai model are utilized to ascertain the elastic properties of the nanocomposite matrix. The effect of random orientation, the curved state, and the agglomeration of carbon nanotubes in the epoxy resin on mechanical properties is investigated. Classical lamination theory is also implemented to theoretically estimate the natural frequencies for validation purposes. Then, the natural frequencies of the laminated composite plates are determined by the numerical method for various parameters involved in the design process. The effect of MWCNTs' inclusion on the natural frequencies of the carbon nanotube-based laminated plate, taking into account the reformed micromechanical Halpin–Tsai model, is finally investigated. The outcomes of the research are in compliance with experimental values and theoretical evidence available in the bibliography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality has long existed, but its wider adoption in education is recent. Studies informed by theoretical underpinned co-creation frameworks and utilization of theoretical informed evaluations are scarce in literature. Thus, this study internationally evaluated the efficacy of three virtual reality reusable e-resources (VRReRs), co-created based on the ASPIRE framework, for teaching clinical skills to university students. The study followed a mixed-methods approach, combining SUS, SUS Presence Questionnaire, TAM, and UTAUT2 with a focus group discussion. Additionally, for one VRReR, a quantitative pre/post evaluation of knowledge and comparison with lecture notes followed. Results demonstrated moderately to highly usability, effectively facilitated a strong sense of presence, confidence while using them, and willingness to continue using VRReRs in the future, while increased knowledge of the learners, highlighted their effectiveness. Although some usability issues were identified, these were considered easy to address. This work evidence, in an international context, that co-created VR resources are highly acceptable and effective, similar to other types of digital or traditional resources developed through participatory inquiry paradigm. By leveraging the benefits of VR technology, VRReRs have the potential to transform and enhance the learning experience in the field of clinical skills, ultimately advancing the digitalization of higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel multiscale analysis is developed to assess the buckling behavior of MWCNT-reinforced laminated composites. • Integration of microstructural factors like MWCNT clustering, alignment, and curvature in evaluating composite material performance. • Comprehensive assessment of the influence of moisture and temperature on the buckling performance of MWCNT composites. • Results successfully compared and validated with existing experimental and theoretical data. • Offers significant insights for the design and optimization of MWCNT-reinforced composites. This study introduces a detailed method for analyzing the buckling behavior of laminated composite structures strengthened with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). We propose a multi-scale analysis that combines analytical and computational techniques to assess the mechanical performance of MWCNT-reinforced composites under combined moisture, temperature, and mechanical stress conditions. The Halpin-Tsai equations are used to calculate the overall stiffness properties of the nano-enhanced matrix, considering factors like MWCNT clustering, alignment, and curvature. Additionally, we incorporate the nanoscopic, size-dependent features of MWCNTs into our model. The Chamis micromechanical formulas are applied to determine the individual elastic properties of the nanocomposite layers, considering the impacts of temperature and moisture. We then explore how variables such as MWCNT content and size, along with temperature and moisture levels, influence the critical buckling load of MWCNT-based laminated composite beams and plates using our multi-scale model. Our results are successfully compared with existing experimental and theoretical data to validate our approach. The developed method offers significant insights for the design and optimization of MWCNT-reinforced composites, potentially benefiting various engineering fields, including aerospace and automotive industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education has tapped into gaming to increase engagement and facilitate knowledge retention through experiential modalities. There have been several high technological intensity digital laboratories where learners are engaged with the subject matter through various activities. There are also several low intensity web-based solutions that familiarize learners with curriculum material but in less experientially intensive manners. A ubiquitous approach to highly impactful, low cost, high reusability gamified educational approach is a versatile mixed reality educational environment. Using prolific technologies such as inexpensive augmented reality (AR) headsets and a versatile low maintenance database (DB) back-ends, a real-world environment can be transformed with 3D graphics and audio to various educational spaces of highly impactful content. Such a simple implementation is presented here for virtual patients in medicine. A simple DB back-end supports a presentation front-end developed in Unity, utilizing the 'vuforia'-mixed reality platform. Based on this implementation, future directions are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Detailed protocol of a systematic review exploring the evaluation of escape rooms. • Defines the concept of an escape room. • Outlines the current uses of escape rooms within health professions education. • Describes the steps involved in a systematic review. Escape rooms are being increasingly employed as an educational approach within health professions education. Given the rapid increase in their application, investigators have adopted diverse evaluation methods, many of which utilise ad-hoc instruments. To inform future evaluation methods and the adoption of validated evaluation instruments, a systematic review is planned. This protocol outlines the steps of this review, which will collate and synthesise the evidence related to the evaluation and efficacy of educational escape rooms within health professions education. A search, applying terms for escape rooms, healthcare professionals and evaluation, will be conducted using multiple databases. Studies will be screened against eligibility criteria and all eligible studies will be quality assessed using a validated tool. Data will be narratively synthesised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of information literacy on students' perception toward the educational services offered by an asynchronous course management system (e-Class) for the support of the traditional instruction method in tertiary physical education (PE) institutions. Participants were 211 PE students between the ages of 19 and 24 years, who were sorted into three groups according to their information literacy level: high, medium, and low users of technology. Data was collected using an online survey during a one-week period. One-way analyses of variances (ANOVAs) revealed significant differences between the three user groups, in each factor of the perception questionnaire: ‘interaction’, ‘participation’, ‘educational material’, ‘usefulness,’ and ‘user control’. In the above factors, the high and medium user groups reported better results than the low-technology user group. In conclusion, learner familiarity with computer and online technologies made positive contributions to their perception toward course management systems. Hence, it is essential that physical education students should have basic information technology skills to feel more satisfied with their online learning experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a hybrid learning approach to deliver a computer science course concerning the Microsoft office PowerPoint 2003 program in comparison to delivering the same course content in the form of traditional lectures. A hundred and seventy-two first year university students were randomly assigned into two teaching method groups: traditional lecture instruction (TLI) and hybrid lecture instruction (HLI). Each group received six 95-min periods of instruction divided into 4 sections: a) 5-min brief outline of the key learning points, b) 40-min lecture on general knowledge c) 45-min constructivist-inspired learning activities and d) 5-min summary on key learning points. In the beginning and the end of this study students completed a 17-item multiple choice knowledge test. Two-way analysis of variances (ANOVA), with repeated measures on the last factor, were conducted to determine effect of method groups (TLI, HLI) and measures (pre-test, post-test) on knowledge test. The measures main effect was significant, as well as the groups x measures interaction effect. Two independent-samples t test were conducted to follow up the significant interaction. Differences in mean ratings of knowledge performance between the two teaching groups were not significantly different at first measure, while the TLI method group yielded a significantly lower mean rating at second measure. The findings indicated that HLI approach might be a superior option for undergraduate students on learning the Microsoft office PowerPoint 2003 program. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to examine the acute effect of front crawl sprint resisted swimming with different added resistances on the kinematic characteristics of the stroke and the orientation of the hand. Ten female swimmers swam four maximal trials (25 m) with small, moderate, large, and no added resistance respectively. Four camcorders were used to record the underwater motion of the right hand and digitizing was undertaken using the Ariel Performance Analysis System. Stroke rate, the stroke length, and mean swimming velocity were significantly decreased, whereas the total duration of the stroke and the relative duration of the pull and push phases were significantly increased during resisted swimming. The increase in the total duration of the stroke was accompanied by an increase in absolute pull length, while no alterations were observed in relative pull length or medial-lateral displacements of the hand. Moreover, the mean resultant velocity of the hand, as well as the pitch and the sweepback angles of the hand were not modified. In conclusion, resisted swimming appears to be a specific form of training, at least regarding its acute effect, although long-term effects should be investigated further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a buckling analysis of laminated composite rectangular plates reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) inclusions is carried out using the finite element method (FEM). The rule of mixtures and the Halpin–Tsai model are employed to calculate the elastic modulus of the nanocomposite matrix. The effects of three critical factors, including random dispersion, waviness, and agglomeration of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix, on the material properties of the nanocomposite are analyzed. Then, the critical buckling loads of the composite plates are numerically determined for different design parameters, such as plate side-to-thickness ratio, elastic modulus ratio, boundary conditions, layup schemes, and fiber orientation angles. The influence of carbon nanotube fillers on the critical buckling load of a nanocomposite rectangular plate, considering the modified Halpin–Tsai micromechanical model, is demonstrated. The results are in good agreement with experimental and other theoretical data available in the open literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the contributions of knowledge and information to the prediction of students' intention to play badminton. The sample, 121 students (53 men and 68 women) 18-25 years of age, were beginning students in a semester badminton course. A questionnaire was completed be- fore and after the course (4 mo.). Hierarchical regression analyses showed strong association between the examined variables of the Planned Behavior Questionnaire, specifically signifying that knowledge, information, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, role identity, and attitude strength could account for anticipation of intention towards playing badminton. Overall, systematic access to information and knowledge appeared to accompany relatively greater intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to examine age and sex differences in psychological skills among Greek badminton players. 85 badminton players completed a Greek version of the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 by Smith, Schutz, Smoll, and Ptacek, during the 2002 Greek Men's and Women's National Badminton Championship Tournament. Analysis yielded differences between age groups on two factors (adversity and coachability) but no statistically significant differences between sexes. Older athletes were better prepared to cope with the psychological distress involved in the game of badminton and reported better emotional self-control. Overall, results could help badminton athletes and coaches become more familiar with the sport-specific psychological skills involved in badminton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this guide we provide instructions and recommendations about creating and running escape rooms for healthcare education. In recent years there has been a growing interest in adopting escape rooms as an educational tool to be included in healthcare curricula, and we attempt to explain why and how these tools are fit for the particularities of this type of education. We first describe the steps that a design team will have to follow to create an educational escape room from scratch, from core characteristics like target audience and learning goals to actual puzzle design and testing. We then continue by providing recommendations to operators and lecturers about how to run such escape room as part of an overall teaching session that also includes a lecture, briefing, debriefing and evaluation. We finalise this guide by listing a set of tools for validating and evaluating these types of escape rooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to assess the effect of an 11-week resisted swim training program using a water parachute on the inter-arm coordination in front crawl swimming. Fourteen female swimmers were divided into a control and an experimental group, and followed the same training program, except for the use of a water parachute by the experimental group in specific sprint sets. Before and after the intervention, the underwater motion of the swimmers was recorded using four camcorders and the digitisation process was undertaken manually. The two-way repeated measures analyses of variance revealed a significant increase of the swimming velocity, due to a significant increased stroke rate, because of the significant reduction of the total stroke duration, only in the experimental group. Moreover, their absolute and relative duration of the propulsive pull and push phases increased significantly, while the absolute and relative duration of their non-propulsive entry & catch and recovery phases decreased significantly. These modifications caused a significant increase in the index of coordination. Thus, this 11-week sprint resisted intervention program seems to improve the propulsion continuity and could be considered as an effective form of training, increasing the stroke rate and consequently the swimming velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of exergames «Wii Nintendo Sports» on psychological and physiological parameters of young adults. Methods: In the present study, twenty (N = 20) students of the School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences of Democritus University of Thrace aged from 20 to 25 years old volunteered. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental (N = 10) and control group (N = 10). The experimental group used as a training method the exergames «Wii Nintendo Sports», while the control group did not participate in any training program. The experimental group participated in a 10 weeks pilot study of Nintendo's Wii sports, with three 30 min sessions a week. Subjective vitality, body weight, body mass index, maximum oxygen uptake and maximum heart rate of the participants were examined, before and after the intervention program. Results: Results of the present study revealed that exergames did not affect the participants' body weight, body mass index, maximum oxygen uptake and maximum heart rate. On the contrary, it was found that only the experimental group achieved a significantly better subjective vitality, between the pre- and post-test. Conclusions: In conclusion, exergames are effective tools for achieving a better subjective vitality in young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This article presents the system architecture and validation of the NeuroSuitUp body–machine interface (BMI). The platform consists of wearable robotics jacket and gloves in combination with a serious game application for self-paced neurorehabilitation in spinal cord injury and chronic stroke. Methods: The wearable robotics implement a sensor layer, to approximate kinematic chain segment orientation, and an actuation layer. Sensors consist of commercial magnetic, angular rate and gravity (MARG), surface electromyography (sEMG), and flex sensors, while actuation is achieved through electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and pneumatic actuators. On-board electronics connect to a Robot Operating System environment-based parser/controller and to a Unity-based live avatar representation game. BMI subsystems validation was performed using exercises through a Stereoscopic camera Computer Vision approach for the jacket and through multiple grip activities for the glove. Ten healthy subjects participated in system validation trials, performing three arm and three hand exercises (each 10 motor task trials) and completing user experience questionnaires. Results: Acceptable correlation was observed in 23/30 arm exercises performed with the jacket. No significant differences in glove sensor data during actuation state were observed. No difficulty to use, discomfort, or negative robotics perception were reported. Conclusions: Subsequent design improvements will implement additional absolute orientation sensors, MARG/EMG based biofeedback to the game, improved immersion through Augmented Reality and improvements towards system robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beta-like globin gene expression is developmentally regulated during life by transcription factors, chromatin looping and epigenome modifications of the β-globin locus. Epigenome modifications, such as histone methylation/demethylation and acetylation/deacetylation and DNA methylation, are associated with up- or down-regulation of gene expression. The understanding of these mechanisms and their outcome in gene expression has paved the way to the development of new therapeutic strategies for treating various diseases, such as β-hemoglobinopathies. Histone deacetylase and DNA methyl-transferase inhibitors are currently being tested in clinical trials for hemoglobinopathies patients. However, these approaches are often uncertain, non-specific and their global effect poses serious safety concerns. Epigenome editing is a recently developed and promising tool that consists of a DNA recognition domain (zinc finger, transcription activator-like effector or dead clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats Cas9) fused to the catalytic domain of a chromatin-modifying enzyme. It offers a more specific targeting of disease-related genes (e.g., the ability to reactivate the fetal γ-globin genes and improve the hemoglobinopathy phenotype) and it facilitates the development of scarless gene therapy approaches. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of epigenome regulation of the β-globin locus, and we discuss the application of epigenome editing for the treatment of hemoglobinopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to research the correlation between work-related physical risk factors and LBP pain and to examine the contribution of exercise among firefighters. In this study, a questionnaire survey was carried out among fully paid firefighters in Greece. Statistical analyses used were frequencies, Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. The study population consisted of 3,451 fully paid firefighters. Among the responders of the research, 30 % ( n = 1,037) were reported to have LBP. There was a significant association between 'job position', 'work time' (years in current position), 'weight lifting', 'exercise', 'age', smoking, 'gender' and LBP ( p < 0.05). The odds ratios (OR) of LBP were significantly greater: (a) in rescuers than in drivers, in comparison to officer firefighters; (b) in women than in men; (c) those who worked 'more than 5 years' than those working 'between 1 and 5 years'; (d) those who do exercise '1-5 h per week' than those doing exercise 'more than 5 h/week', in comparison to those who do 'no exercise', and those who lift more than 25 kg than those whose weight lifting is over 10 kg. In conclusion, improvements in job techniques and special exercise programs can contribute to the reduction of LBP symptoms in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference between an exergame-based and a traditional balance training program, in undergraduate Physical Education students. Thirty two third-year undergraduate students at the Democritus University of Thrace were randomly divided into two training program groups of 16 students each, a traditional and a Nintendo Wii group. The two training program groups performed a specific balance program for 8 weeks, two times per week, and 24 min per session. The Nintendo Wii group used the interactive games Wii Fit Plus of the Nintendo Wii console, as a training method to improve their balance, while the traditional group used an exercise program with mini trampoline and inflatable discs. Before and after the completion of the eight-week balance program, participants completed a single leg static balance assessment for both limbs on the Biodex stability system. Two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs), with repeated measures on the last factor, were conducted to determine effect of training program groups (traditional, Nintendo Wii) and measures (pre-test, post-test) on balance test indices (SI, API, and MLI). Where initial differences between groups were verified, one-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were applied. Analysis of the data illustrated that both groups demonstrated an improvement in SI, API and MLI mean scores for the right and the left limp as well. Conclusively, findings support the effectiveness of using the Nintendo Wii gaming console as an intervention for undergraduate Physical Education students, and specifically, its effects on physical function related to balance competence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main idea behind this study was to explore the educational potential of multimedia blogging for academic disciplines such as Physical Education (PE) that are not heavily based on written discourse and where multiple representations are important in learning. A class blog was utilized as a means for PE students to reflect on and showcase their performances of four specific basketball skills, through creating multimedia posts on these skills and receiving comments from their instructors, peers and an external expert. The effectiveness of multimedia blogging was evaluated, in terms of the acquisition of knowledge of the specific basketball skills and the self-efficacy in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), as compared to that of an equivalent multimedia website which lacked the blogging component. Students’ responses to the blogging activity were also investigated. The sample were 70 undergraduate PE students who were assigned to two groups, one of which used the class blog (Group A, N = 35) and the other one the website (Group B, N = 35), both for 11 weeks. The study followed a pretest/posttest experimental design, taking before and after measurements of each group through written questionnaires. Participation in the blogging activity did have a positive impact on students’ ICT self-efficacy, given that Group A students exhibited significant gains in Internet self-efficacy as well as in multimedia processing and blogging self-efficacy, whereas those of Group B did not. Students’ responses to the blogging activity were also positive. However, within both groups no significant increase was found in students’ knowledge of the basketball skills. The implications of the findings for higher education and future research are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A real working repetitive task is replicated in laboratory for purposes of electrophysiological investigation. • Occupational Repetitive Action (OCRA) method is used to determine the risk produced by the task. • Electrodermal activity (EDA) for comparing the psychophysiological response was used. • OCRA is in line with the psychophysiological findings; yet bigger arousal over time hints information. Industrial working environment demonstrates important advances in terms of working conditions. Nevertheless, there are still present manual tasks with high frequency, namely, repetitive tasks. This kind of working tasks are among the most influential for workers' psychological and myoskeletal health. The concern for the risk derived by the repetitive task is evident by the fact that there is a well-known technical standard dedicated to this named OCRA (Occupational Repetitive Action). The present study uses OCRA for categorizing the risk produced by a replicated real repetitive task in laboratory conditions, and then compares electrophysiological method for deeper investigating into workers' psychophysiology. The study combines results from OCRA and Electrodermal Activity (EDA) and offers suggestions for work design experts to consider psychophysiological impact metrics derived from low risk repetitive tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of an 11-week in-water training program with increased resistance on the swimming performance and the basic kinematic characteristics of the front crawl stroke in young female swimmers. Twelve swimmers were matched in pairs according to their best performance in 50-m front crawl swimming and then were randomly assigned to an experimental or to a control group. Both groups followed exactly the same swimming training program. The only exception was that the experimental group performed a sprint training section with increased resistance pulling a water parachute, whereas the control group performed the same section without parachute. Before and after the intervention program, the best performance of both groups in 50-, 100-, and 200-m front crawl swimming were assessed. Moreover, the basic kinematic characteristics of the stroke were calculated during 50-m front crawl swimming with maximal intensity. Two-way repeated measures analyses of variance revealed significant improvement in the best performance in all swimming distances only in the experimental group (3.22-7.26%). As far as the basic kinematic characteristics of the stroke are concerned, significant modifications were found only in the mean swimming velocity in the experimental group (2.18%), whereas no significant changes were observed in the stroke length, the stroke rate, and the duration of the propulsive, and nonpropulsive phases in both groups. Thus, the findings of the current study revealed a positive effect of the in-water resistance training program in the swimming performance of young female swimmers of moderate performance level, without any negative influence in the basic kinematic characteristics of the stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to use the Dynamical Systems Theory as a framework to examine whether there is a difference between an exergame-based and a traditional object control (OC) skills training program, in early elementary school children. In addition the children's enjoyment while playing Xbox Kinect (XbK) games compared to traditional approaches (TA) was also investigated. Sixty-six elementary students were randomly divided into three individual groups of 22 children each, one control group and two experimental groups (TA, XbK). The control group did not receive any structured OC skills training program, while the two experimental groups performed a specific OC skills training program for 8 weeks, two times per week, and 30 min per session. The test of gross motor development 2 was used to assess the OC skills of the participants at the pre-test, post-test and retention test. At the end of each OC training session (XbK and TA) participants completed the modified Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. Two-way analyses of variance with repeated measures, were conducted to determine effect of training program groups (XbK, TA, Control) and measurements (pre-test, post-test, retention test) across time on OC skills performance. Analysis of the data illustrated that the post-test OC scores and the 1-month retention test OC scores were remarkably greater than pre-test OC scores for both experimental groups and not for the control group. In addition, the XbK approach mean scores on enjoyment were slightly higher than the TA approach. Conclusively, findings suggest that the use of XbK gaming console as an intervention is a valuable, feasible and pleasant approach in order to improve OC skills of elementary school children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the hand’s acceleration on the propulsive forces and the relative contribution of the drag and lift on their resultant force in the separate phases of the front crawl underwater arm stroke. Ten female swimmers swam one trial of all-out 25-m front crawl. The underwater motion of each swimmer’s right hand was recorded using four camcorders and four periscope systems. Anatomical landmarks were digitised, and the propulsive forces generated by the swimmer’s hand were estimated from the kinematic data in conjunction with hydrodynamic coefficients. When the hand’s acceleration was taken into account, the magnitude of the propulsive forces was greater, with the exception of the mean drag force during the final part of the underwater arm stroke. The mean drag force was greater than the mean lift force in the middle part, while the mean lift force was greater than the mean drag force in the final part of the underwater arm stroke. Thus, swimmers should accelerate their hands from the beginning of their backward motion, press the water with large pitch angles during the middle part and sweep with small pitch angles during the final part of their underwater arm stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the hand’s acceleration on the propulsive forces and the relative contribution of the drag and lift on their resultant force in the separate phases of the front crawl underwater arm stroke. Ten female swimmers swam one trial of all-out 25-m front crawl. The underwater motion of each swimmer’s right hand was recorded using four camcorders and four periscope systems. Anatomical landmarks were digitised, and the propulsive forces generated by the swimmer’s hand were estimated from the kinematic data in conjunction with hydrodynamic coefficients. When the hand’s acceleration was taken into account, the magnitude of the propulsive forces was greater, with the exception of the mean drag force during the final part of the underwater arm stroke. The mean drag force was greater than the mean lift force in the middle part, while the mean lift force was greater than the mean drag force in the final part of the underwater arm stroke. Thus, swimmers should accelerate their hands from the beginning of their backward motion, press the water with large pitch angles during the middle part and sweep with small pitch angles during the final part of their underwater arm stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the role of motivation and metacognition in the formation of cognitive and affective outcomes from participation in physical education lessons within the framework of self-determination theory. A sample of 630 adolescents (M age = 14.06, SD = .29) participated in the study. Participants completed questionnaires including measures of perceived autonomy support in PE, autonomous motivation in PE, metacognitive processes in PE, enjoyment, boredom in PE and intention for leisure-time physical activity. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that perceptions of autonomy supportive motivational climate significantly predicted enjoyment, boredom and intentions towards leisure-time physical activity. In addition autonomous motivation and metacognition significantly predicted enjoyment, boredom and intentions, whereas controlling motivation was a significant predictor of boredom. Multiple mediation modeling indicated that perceptions of autonomy supporting climate on these responses was mediated mainly by autonomous motivation and metacognition. The findings of the present study provide valuable information on the mediating role of autonomous motivation and metacognition on the effects of autonomy supportive motivational climate on students' cognitive and affective responses during physical education lessons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to use the Eccles' expectancy-value model of choice as a framework to examine university students' expectancy beliefs and task values in exergaming systems compared to those in physical education activities. Two hundred and thirty two first-year undergraduate students at the Democritus University of Thrace completed questionnaires assessing their expectancy-related beliefs, subjective task values, and intention for future participation in the physical education and the exergames fields. Participants' activity level was also assessed using the Godin and Shephard leisure-time exercise questionnaire. Results indicated that expectancy-related beliefs and task values are positively correlated and both constructs are correlated to intention to participate in the future for the physical education and the exergames fields. Expectancy-related beliefs, task values, and intentions across fields, however, were not correlated supporting the hypothesis that exergames represent a distinct field from traditional physical education activities. Physical education was considered as more important and more useful than exergames, nevertheless inactive students found exergames to be more interesting than physical education activities. In addition inactive students had higher beliefs about ability and higher intention for future participation in exergames activities were compared to those of physical education. Conclusively, findings support the notion that exergames could be integrated into physical education and recreation programs in order to attract inactive young adults. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of leg kick on the pattern, the orientation and the propulsive forces produced by the hand, the efficiency of the arm stroke, the trunk inclination, the inter-arm coordination and the intra-cyclic horizontal velocity variation of the hip in sprint front crawl swimming. Nine female swimmers swam two maximal trials of 25 m front crawl, with and without leg kick. Four camcorders were used to record the underwater movements. Using the legs, the mean swimming velocity increased significantly. On the contrary, the velocity and the orientation of the hand, the magnitude and the direction of the propulsive forces, as well as the Froude efficiency of the arm stroke were not modified. The hip intra-cyclic horizontal velocity variation was also not changed, while the index of coordination decreased significantly. A significant decrease (13%) was also observed in the inclination of the trunk. Thus, the positive effect of leg kick on the swimming speed, besides the obvious direct generation of propulsive forces from the legs, could probably be attributed to the reduction of the body’s inclination, while the generation of the propulsive forces and the efficiency of the arm stroke seem not to be significantly affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Balance training is an effective intervention to improve static postural sway and balance. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus exercises for improving balance ability in healthy collegiate students in comparison with a typical balance training program.METHODS: Forty students were randomly divided into two groups, a traditional (T group) and a Nintendo Wii group (W group) performed an 8 week balance program. The "W group" used the interactive games as a training method, while the "T group" used an exercise program with mini trampoline and inflatable discs (BOSU). Pre and Post-training participants completed balance assessments.RESULTS: Two-way repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were conducted to determine the effect of training program. Analysis of the data illustrated that both training program groups demonstrated an improvement in Total, Anterior-posterior and Medial Lateral Stability Index scores for both limbs. Only at the test performed in the balance board with anterior-posterior motion, the improvement in balance ability was greater in the "T group" than the "W group", when the assessment was performed post-training (p=0.023).CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the effectiveness of using the Nintendo Wii gaming console as a balance training intervention tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study which compared repeated sprint swimming performances using various types of recovery from fatigue. An overview of related previous research is provided, along with details of the experimental protocol, which used low-intensity, high-intensity, and passive recovery methods.

The article reports on the results of research which was conducted in an effort to examine the influence hand paddles had on the arm coordination of female front crawl swimmers. Researchers evaluated ten female swimmers who swam at a maximal intensity for 25 meters with or without hand paddles. They found that in front crawl hand-paddled swimming, significant increases in swimming velocity were not caused by modifications in the pattern of arm coordination related to paddles.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate possible modifications caused by hand paddles in the relative contribution of the lift and drag forces of the hand and in the propelling efficiency, during front crawl swimming. Eight female swimmers swam 25m with maximal intensity without paddles, with small (116cm2) and with large paddles (268cm2). Four cameras operating at 60Hz were used to record the images and the Ariel Performance Analysis System was used for the digitisation. The results showed that, although during swimming with hand paddles the hand''s velocity decreased, the greater propulsive area of the hand paddle caused an increase in the drag, lift, resultant and effective forces of the hand. However, the relative contribution of lift and drag forces on swimming propulsion was not modified, nor was the direction of the resultant force. Hand paddles also increased the propelling efficiency, the stroke length and the swimming velocity, mainly because of the larger propulsive areas of the hand in comparison with free swimming. However, the significant decrease of the stroke rate, might argue the effectiveness of hand paddle training, particularly when large paddles are used in front crawl swimming. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]