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Developing physical fitness (PF) behaviors early in life enhances physical development and facilitates sustained participation in physical activity and sports across childhood. This study addressed the effect of different teaching approaches on precursors of PF in kindergarten children. A total of 178 children (5.45 ± 0.40 years, female = 92) from 11 classes were organized into three groups. Group 1 (structured activity + free play) and Group 2 (only free play) attended the same playground (PrimoSport0246) for one hour/week for 10 weeks. Group 3 (structured activity + free play in kindergarten) followed their standard physical education curriculum at school. PF tests (standing long jump, medicine ball throw, and 20 m running speed) were administered pre- and post-intervention. Factorial ANOVA was implemented using a percentage change in PF performance (PFC) as the dependent variable, and teaching approaches, gender, and age as factors. Group 1 demonstrated significant improvements in fitness performance compared with Groups 2 and 3. Moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d range: 0.68–1.40) were noted in both males and females. Six-year-old demonstrated the greatest improvement in composite PFC compared to Groups 2 and 3. A structured teaching plan, even with a limited dose of once per week, supported the development of PF attributes in kindergarteners.

To assess the effects of two different physical education teaching strategies on promoting improvements in students’ volleyball gameplay performance. A sample of 81 secondary school students (mean age: 14.7 years) were divided into a game-based group (n = 45), which experienced PE lessons based on Tactical Games Model (TGM), and a skill-based group (n = 36), which followed their traditional PE lessons based on directive- and drill-oriented approach. Psychomotor performance indexes (i.e., decision-making, skill execution, support, game play) were assessed by means of the Game Performance Assessment Instrument prior to, and at the end of, 18 lessons. 2 (group) × 2 (time) repeated measure MANOVA was conducted to examine the effects of teaching, time, and their interaction on gameplay components. Non-clinical magnitude-based inference method was used to interpret the main effects of these models. Between-group analysis revealed significant changes for the index of support (p = 0.02, very likely) in the game-based group, while within-group results revealed significant improvements in decision-making (p

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a tactical games model instructional plan on game-play volleyball performances of elementary school students, taking into account their skill level. In total, 39 fourth-grade students (average age: 8.9 years) participated in a 13-week unit, in which each lesson exaggerated the use of small-sided games. In-game performances were assessed via the Team Sport Assessment Procedure, while students played a 10-minute modified game (four versus four). Data were collected pre- and post-intervention, and after the summer vacation (retention test). A 2 (skill level) × 3 (time) analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to compare students’ performance, and the relevant effects were interpreted mainly by means of confidence intervals and effect size measures. At the end of the instructional period, all participants had an overall moderate to large improvement, and this global improvement seems to have remained at least until the end of the summer vacation. Lower-skilled students attained a larger and more established improvement than high-skilled students did. However, some detrimental effects on in-game students’ performance existed at the end of the instructional period. Therefore, teachers have to take into account students’ skill levels when designing their lessons because, if small-sided games are adequately considered and managed, students’ learning processes can be enhanced. Furthermore, the students should be assigned appropriate learning activities to avoid summer learning loss in physical education.

Physical education (PE) curriculums all over the world recognize the relevance of teaching games and sports throughout all school stages with the aim of helping a student to become an active participant in different typologies of sport. To support this mission, the game-based approaches (GBAs) are the teaching strategies used the most. Appropriate assessment instruments are also needed to properly support PE teachers. In this respect, the tools used for assessing these learning aims need to go beyond the measure of a skill performed outside of the game-play context, but they also have to account for the decision process adopted by a player when he/she has, for example, possession of a ball or when performing a movement without a ball. This chapter describes the theoretical models which support the tools used for the proper assessment of game-play performance as well as the main characteristics of the indexes of these tools and provides indications for their use during PE lessons.

The aim of this study was to verify whether the Nintendo Wii-Balance-Board was valid and reliable for assessing sit-to-stand and return-to-sit tasks by comparing it with a gold-standard force plate. Ten elderly (age = 78.21±14.82 years; males=4; females=6) and eleven young (age =24.25±12.43 years; males=6; females=5) participants of both genders performed five sit-to-stand and return-to-sit tasks consecutively by placing their feet on the Wii-Balance-Board; after two days of rest, they repeated the same assessment. The Wii-Balance- Board was positioned over the force plate to concurrently acquire the vertical component of ground reaction forces. Relevant kinetic and temporal parameters were estimated from these signals. Both the Wii-Balance-Board and force plate measurements resulted in a high level of correlation for almost all the parameters (Pearson’s product-moment r ranged from 0.91 to 0.99, p

During the lockdown physical activity had a decline. What is the status now? A questionnaire was administered to 69 kindergarten teachers in 11 Italian regions to investigate the outdoor physical activity of children. Twenty-six percent of them report that they implement activities in their school garden (67% have a space larger than150 sqm) or park; 42% report that children engage in 3 to 7 hours of physical activity per week, 51% from 1 to 2 hours per week, and 7% do no practice physical activity. In September-October 11% of teachers never go outside, in November-December 22% and in March-June 15%. 52% of teachers believe that children should not be taken outdoors because of cold, wind, or rain and 30% of parents agree that it is better if children do not go outside. 76% of teachers say that it is important for children to have contact with nature and 90% of teachers say that outdoor activities are not risky. Although teachers report that outdoor activities are a resource for kindergarten the data do not support this.

Physical education allows children to develop motor skills, but it has an impact on affective domain too. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of two different teaching approaches on the levels of enjoyment of 9-year-old pupils who attended the fourth grade of the primary school. A pre- post- repost design was used as a mean of a longitudinal study. The participants involved were divided into two groups: Teaching skill group (TS) and Teaching games group (TGM). The TS group followed a protocol using the traditional skill-based approach, while the TGM group followed the Tactical Game Model approach, highlighting tactical problems and awareness. The level of enjoyment was assessed by administering the PACES questionnaire. The results show no statistically significant difference, but it can be seen that the TGM group had a more positive trend in enjoyment levels than the TS group. Furthermore, carrying out an analysis by gender it was seen that the females of the TGM group had increases in the scores on the positive scale in the post intervention. In this respect, the physical education teacher has to account for affective learning outcomes when they identify the teaching methods for their courses.

Objective: To assess the effects of a tactical games model (TGM) instructional plan on technical volleyball performances of elementary school students by taking into account for sex. Method: Thirty-nine fourth-grade students participated in a 15-week unit developed according to TGM. Their improvements in technical in-game skills were assessed by means of Team Sport Assessment Procedure indexes: volume of play, efficiency index, and performance score. A 2(sex) x 3(time) ANOVA with repeated measure was used to verify the students’ improvements. Effect size measures were used to interpret main effects and post-hoc analysis. Results: An overall large improvement resulted at the end of the instructional period, and this improvement seems to remain at least until the end of summer vacation. In pre-post training comparison, the improvements had similar moderate to large effect for both groups, while outcomes ‘differences were negative between post-training and the end of summer vacation. Girls seem to achieve greater and well-established improvements throughout the instructional plan. Implications: Teachers have to take into account sex when designed their lessons because these factors can enhance student’s learning processes. Furthermore, the results suggested the need to design developmentally adequate learning experiences during summer vacation for avoiding detrimental effect on students’ learning scores.

The aim of this study was to examine the independent and interactive effects of several match-playing aspects and situational variables on the probability of achieving score-box possessions in the 2012 European Championship. The non-clinical magnitude-based inferences methods was used to interpret the true effect of the performance indicators on the response variable. The logistic regression analysis in univariate perspective showed that the probability of achieving score-box possessions was greater in the second half than in the first (OR: 1.23, P

This study tested the feasibility of using an inertial measurement unit to discriminate different developmental levels of children performing the standing long jump (SLJ). Sixty-four children (54.6% boys, 46.4% girls) aged 8 to 11 years old ( M = 9.17, SD = 0.97) performed the SLJ three times and were classified by rater observations into three developmental levels. Concurrently, they wore an inertial measurement unit from which a set of temporal and kinematic parameters for the quantitative assessment of their jumps. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed that variability among the developmental groups was identified by the overall set of parameters, while discriminant function analysis verified that these parameters discriminated among developmental levels. Primary predictors for developmental group discrimination were maximum peak acceleration in the vertical and anteroposterior directions, respectively, and normalized preparation time. These outcomes represent significant steps toward improving the assessment of SLJ rate of development in childhood and supporting physical education.

Static balance ability has a critical role in the execution of complex motor patterns as well as normal daily activities, and its efficiency could be improved by means of a regular and specific training program. In this study we investigated the relation between postural stability and different types of physical activities (PA) training among university students. Thirty-six students were enrolled and grouped into two PA categories: the Exergames category included subjects who use Nintendo Wii Balance Board gaming at least twice a week, and the Sport category included subjects who practiced sport activities at least twice a week. Subjects who did not practice structured sports or physical activities were enrolled as Control. Postural control was assessed by means of a normal standing balance test with open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE), respectively; a force plate was used to acquire data of the center of pressure (CoP) sway. From the CoP sway we were able to select two variables: the total displacement of sway (DOT) and the mean velocity. The mean velocity was estimated for antero-posterior (MVAP) and medio-lateral (MVML) directions, respectively. ANOVA revealed significant differences among groups for the three variables. We found that the mean of DOT and MVAP was significantly decreased in the Exergame's category compared with the others groups. Furthermore, the differences were higher for the CE than the OE test. The training programs based on the use of exergames seems to improve the postural control level of the aforementioned ability more than conventional sport training.

Understanding the developmental levels of fundamental movement skills has a critical role in the improvement of motor competence in childhood. In this respect, the use of Microsoft Kinect to assess vertical jumping skill and to predict developmental levels in 9- to 12-yr.-old children was evaluated. 41 boys and girls repeated the countermovement jump test three times. Vertical jumping skill levels were categorized using observational records, while kinematic and temporal parameters were estimated using a biomechanical model based on data acquired by the Kinect. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and discriminant analysis verified that the height of the jump and the flight height predict the primary differences in jumping skill developmental levels, and the Kinect-based assessment discriminates these levels.

Standing balance tests represent the most common way to assess person's functional ability and they were realized by means of specialized and expensive platforms, especially in clinicians’ environments. Wii Balance Board (WBB) is video-game based device that measures center of pressure (CoP) oscillations and it showed promising performance compared with ‘gold standard’ force platforms. In this paper we propose an open integrated custom application to define balance outcomes using WBB. These outcomes were used to execute a validity analysis of WBB performance compared with baropodometer platform (BP). Ten subjects performed two standing balance tests with open and closed eyes respectively on WBB and BP in separate occasion. Validity analysis was carried out using r-Pearson correlation coefficient, ICC analysis, paired-sample t-Test and Bland-Altman plots. Results confirmed that the WBB, although has a fraction of cost of other platforms, represents a tool suitable for some clinician analysis

Exertion games represent an interesting, funny and innovative way to involve people in physical activities, fighting with troublesome phenomenon of obesity in children and young. In the educational context ICT technologies represent a basic instruments of the learning process. In literature several studies addressed the videogame’s implication in the learning process. In this work the interaction design aspects dealing with the use of exergames in physical activities educational process will be analysed using the same approach proposed by Mueller et al. (2011). In detail we will focus on the corporeal experience descended from the interaction procedure. An ideal graphical user interface for exergames is also presented. Moreover, an analysis of the most shared devices for exergames will be depictured. The paper infers the useful interaction elements that can improve the learning process of physical education, as well as transfer effect that may correlate with health and social outcomes. Furthermore, this work suggests the theoretical approach which has to guide the development of exergames for educational environment.

The aim of this study was to identify the independent and interactive effects of possession strategy, pitch location, and game period on the offensive actions performed by the winning teams in the 2012 European Football Championship. The non-clinical magnitude-based inferences method was used to interpret the true effect of the performance indicators on the response variable. The offensive team possessions were grouped into winning (n = 2035) and losing (n = 2071). The winning teams performed offensive processes mainly using the possession play strategy (OR: 0.75, very likely negative effect of the direct play). When the analysis included the pitch location, negative interaction effect was found for the direct play, which ended up in the central path (OR: 0.70, very likely negative effect). On the contrary, the direct play in the second half of the match seemed to produce an effect on the probability of the winning teams performing offensive processes (OR: 1.59, most likely positive effect). The results of multivariate analyses showed that the offensive team possession profiles required a careful investigation because the possession strategy changed under the conjoint effect of pitch location and game period.

This work, starting from the theories of the movement, wants to provide applicative methodological guidance on the understanding of the task, the importance of the variability, the revaluation of the error and of the extrinsic feedback. This last certainly one of the most important aspects about the problems of motor control and then learning the technical skills and sports. From these conceptual approaches are derived some important implications, in terms of teaching, from which to draw indications applicative control and learning of technical skills and sports like basketball at school. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2s1p421

This article defined, investigated, analyzed and elaborated an understanding of the movement observed. The acquisition and analysis of human movement offers employment opportunities in various sectors, such as animation, sports applications, educational and clinical rehabilitation. The analysis of human movement aims measurement and description of the biomechanical elements that characterize the performance of an act, in order to improve the whole process of teaching, learning and rehabilitative. Are mentioned some of the work on the perception of walking and computational methods to measure gait. And finally, it is suggested a methodology to investigate issues related to human movement, in which the bodily manifestations and attitudes play a role in diffusing information that can be useful for a recording of behaviors and ways of being authentic. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2s1p416

According to Van Hoorn, reading and writing skills involve adequate performance in visual–motor coordination, motor planning, cognitive and perceptual skills, and accurate processing of tactile and kinesthetic information. Scientific instruments aimed at assessing visual motor integration can be used for early identification of difficulties in reading and writing skills. The Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI), in particular, allows to assess the level of development of skills such as perception, mental representation, motor planning and graphic reproduction. With regard to fluency of reading, the measure that best describes reading skills required in the various life contexts is given, according to Cornoldi, by the evaluation of the speed and accuracy of reading. The “Prove di Lettura MT2” (MT-2 Reading Test) are the most popular instrument, for the Italian language, which assesses reading literacy in terms of fluency (speed and accuracy). This paper proposes a correlational study between the results obtained by administering MT2 and VMI tests to a group of students from a lower secondary school, in order to experimentally attest the opportunity to use the VMI as a tool for early detection of visuo-spatial related difficulties in learning to read.

Scientific literature highlighted gender differences in spatial orientation. In particular, men and women differ in terms of the navigational processes they use in daily life. Scientific literature highlighted that women use analytical strategies while men tend to use holistic strategies. Furthermore, studies exploring gender differences in self-reported dream perspectives reported that women dream mainly in first person and men mainly in third person. This work used Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire-2 to verify if gender differences in perspective taking last also in motor imagery practice. The aim of VVIQ2 questionnaire is to determine the vividness of movement imagery. In the VVIQ2, the image can be obtained watching oneself while performing the movement from an external point of view (External Visual Imagery), or from an internal point of view, as if you were looking out through your own eyes while performing the movement (Internal Visual Imagery). The Questionnaire was administered to students of Sports Sciences Degree from University of Salerno.

In the last few years several works about Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) has been proposed, but anyone interested the learning of physical activity. In this paper we presents a neuro-fuzzy approach, based on fuzzy logic and neural networks, to define the student module of an experimental ITS implemented to obtain an objective assessment of physical activity education. The input values used for activity assessment are the energy estimated for physical activity task and the energy real expends for the same activity, while the classification of learning is based on a evaluation scale with six different literal rank. © 20010Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Performance Analysis (PA) is a gathering data methodology that represents an objective observation system that provides useful information to improve performance. In this experimentation we aimed at improve students teaching skills, using PA. The activities of this research was composed of four phases that are realized in classroom, in gym and in multimedia laboratory. The PA seems to be a highly effective tool for self-analysis of teaching skills. © 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Previous research had evaluated the training football effect in adolescence on postural control through the use of a platform of strength for the detection of the COP ; however This research showed just how football compared to other sports or compared to sedentary individuals would improve postural stability in adolescence before the normal maturation of man. However the significance of this potential can be given by the skills developed through this sport or its exercises / situations that facilitate the learning . This further research on the influence of football training on postural control will have to show the specific factors that lead to a greater postural control; Therefore, the project deals with two different methodologies in experiencing different workout on two groups of children aged between 6-7 years, which will be offered its training program for five years, and the beginning and end of each year / cycle training will be conducted surveys through a platform of strength of the COP to assess postural stability of children. Teaching applications will be either prescriptive or ecological - dynamic and the final goal of this study is to highlight precisely what kind of methodological approach in football will lead to a greater postural control in adolescence, in order to get additional data that can contribute looking for the Peterson search done in 2006 on the variables that influence the postural control in adolescence.

Zinc is required for a wide variety of cellular functions and plays a key role in bacterial metabolism and virulence. However, Zn can also be toxic and, therefore, its influx is tightly regulated. The high affinity zinc uptake transporter ZnuABC is the main Zn influx system in Salmonella enterica under conditions of Zn starvation. It has been shown that deletion of the gene encoding for its periplasmic subunit ZnuA significantly affects S. Typhimurium growth rate and virulence, highlighting the importance of this system in the host-pathogen interaction. To gain further insight into the mechanisms involved in Zn influx regulation, we characterized the main alterations in the ionome and proteome of S. Typhimurium wild type and znuA mutant strains grown either under Zn starvation or under Zn-replete conditions. We found significant differences in the element profile and protein expression that were reversed by Zn supplementation.In particular, several of the differentially regulated proteins are predicted to be metal-binding proteins. Interestingly, their over-expression in the znuA mutant strain strictly depends on Zn starvation and correlates with the differences found at the ionome level. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that inhibition of Zn influx has relevant effects either on the bacterial ionome orproteome and shed new light on the role of the ZnuABC system and Zn influx in S. Typhimurium pathogenicity. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Lower limb peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is highly prevalent and causes disability and poor quality of life. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the pattern of proximal and distal occlusion and collateral circulation of lower limb arteries using combined contrast arteriography and color doppler ecography. The study concerned 140 subjects (88 men and 52 women, age range 65-88 years) with symptomatic lower limb arterial disease (Fontaine's stage II) subsequent to the occlusion of vessels downstream from the subrenal aorta. The assessment of lower-extremity PAOD was performed by using the FRASI study three step protocol. The calculation of the Winsor index showed progressively lower haemodynamic compromission in distal occlusion. The more the site of occlusion was proximal, and the greater was its hemodynamic effect, although there was no statistically significance. A combined use of contrast arteriography and color doppler ecography appeared very useful in studying the anatomy of the occlusions and their haemodynamic impact, as well as in analysing the presence and the effects of collateral circles. These findings may be fundamental for identifying the most correct indications for surgical therapy and for selecting optimal strategies and prostheses.

This paper proposes a networked embedded computing platform for wearable telemedicine especially devised to obtain an objective, accurate and non-invasive assessment of physical activity. The platform here proposed realizes a tradeoff between feasibility and accuracy of the measurements. The proposed platform can be easily used by both athletes and researchers/clinicians interested in the assessment of people physical performance.

Objective Promoting an active lifestyle through an appropriate physical exercise prescription is one of the major targets of cardiac rehabilitation. However, information on the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation in promoting lifestyle changes in elderly patients is still scant. Design In 131 patients over the age of 65 yrs (86 men, and 45 women, mean age 75 yrs +/- 6 SD) who have attended postacute inpatient cardiac rehabilitation after cardiac surgery, we tested the 1-yr adherence to the physical exercise prescription received at the end of the cardiac rehabilitation by using a questionnaire on physical activity and the 6-min walk test. Results All of the 36 patients who reported an active lifestyle and 49 of the 95 patients who reported a sedentary lifestyle in the year preceding the cardiac operation reported at least 1 hr/day on 5 days each week of light regular physical activity in the year after the cardiac rehabilitation. Further, the distance walked at the follow-up 6-min walk test was significantly related to the physical activity score gathered from the questionnaire. Conclusions Our data show that 65% of the elderly patients who have attended postacute inpatient cardiac rehabilitation after cardiac surgery are still capable of recovering or even increasing their regular physical activity and of maintaining these favorable lifestyle changes at least for 1 yr.