scholarly journals Integrating Juggling with Math Lessons: A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Effects of Physically Active Learning on Maths Performance and Enjoyment in Primary School Children

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (14) ◽  
pp. 2452
Author(s):  
Vera van den Berg ◽  
Amika S. Singh ◽  
Annet Komen ◽  
Chris Hazelebach ◽  
Ivo van Hilvoorde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
School Children ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Math Performance ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Multiplication Tables ◽  
Randomized Controlled

There are tentative indications that physical activity (PA) during school time can be beneficial for children’s academic performance. So far, most studies have focused on the effects of moderate-to-vigorous PA, for example, in the form of energizers or extra physical education lessons. Little is known about the effects of physically active learning, in which PA is integrated with the academic content of the lessons, especially in preadolescent children. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the enjoyment of physically active learning in this age group. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the effects of integrating juggling with math practice in primary school children, on (1) multiplication memorization performance and (2) enjoyment during the math lessons. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial, in which 312 children (mean age 10.4 years) from nine Dutch primary schools participated. Fourteen classes were randomly assigned to either a group that learned juggling whilst practicing multiplication tables (intervention group), or to a group that practiced the same multiplication tables while sedentary (control group). Both interventions had a duration of 5 weeks and consisted of 20 short lessons (4 lessons per week, 5 to 8 min). We used mixed-model analyses to examine the effect of the intervention on multiplication memorization performance. Group (control or intervention) was used as the fixed factor, and class and school as random intercepts. Analyses were adjusted for pretest multiplication performance, age, gender, general motor skill level, physical activity behavior (PAQ-C), and academic math performance. No significant intervention effect on multiplication performance were observed. However, the math-juggling program significantly increased enjoyment of children during the math lessons. We can conclude that the intervention did not improve, but neither deteriorated children’s math performance. The increased enjoyment in the math-juggling group can serve as an important starting point for structurally incorporating physical activities in the classroom setting.

scholarly journals Evaluating the myopia progression control efficacy of defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) lenses and Apollo progressive addition spectacle lenses (PALs) in 6- to 12-year-old children: study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Li ◽  
Yafei Fu ◽  
Kai Wang ◽  
Zhiming Liu ◽  
Xiaoqing Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Myopia Progression ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Myopia is increasing in prevalence and is currently recognized as a significant public health issue worldwide, particularly in China. Once myopia develops, appropriate clinical interventions need to be prescribed to slow its progression. Currently, several evidences indicate that myopic defocus (MD) retards eye growth and myopia progression. However, no clinical trials have compared the outcomes of different MD spectacle lenses in the same observational group, especially in mainland China. The aim of the present study is to compare the myopia control efficiency of two different MD spectacle lenses, i.e., defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) lenses and Apollo progressive addition spectacle lenses (PALs). Methods: The trial is designed as a 3-year, prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial of school children treated with DIMS lenses and PALs. A total of 600 Chinese primary school children aged 6-12 years will be recruited, and each group is intended to include 300 subjects. The inclusion criteria are myopia between −1.00 and −5.00 D and astigmatism ≤1.50 D. The follow-up time points will be 1 month (m), 3 m, 6 m, 12 m, 18 m, 24 m, 30 m, and 36 m. The primary outcome will be determined by the difference in cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SER) between baseline and the last follow-up visit between the two groups. The secondary outcome is the axial length, and the exploratory outcomes include ocular biometric measures, peripheral refraction, binocular vision, accommodation, compliance and the results of questionnaires related to wearing experiences. Discussion: The present study will be the first randomized controlled trial in primary school myopic children with the treatment of DIMS lenses and PALs in China. The results will indicate whether and how much different MD mechanisms retards myopia progression and axial elongation. In addition, the comparison will provide information on the clinical efficacy and safety of DIMS lenses and PALs, including information related to wearing experiences and visual functions

scholarly journals Applying Mobile Technology to Sustain Physical Activity After Completion of Cardiac Rehabilitation: Acceptability Study

10.2196/25356 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e25356
Author(s):  
Abdelaziz Elnaggar ◽  
Julia von Oppenfeld ◽  
Mary A Whooley ◽  
Stephanie Merek ◽  
Linda G Park
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background Many patients do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity after completing a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program. Wearable activity trackers and mobile phone apps are promising potential self-management tools for maintaining physical activity after CR completion. Objective This study aims to evaluate the acceptability of a wearable device, mobile app, and push messages to facilitate physical activity following CR completion. Methods We used semistructured interviews to assess the acceptability of various mobile technologies after participation in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Intervention patients in the randomized controlled trial wore the Fitbit Charge 2, used the Movn mobile app, and received push messages on cardiovascular disease prevention and physical activity for over 2 months. We asked 26 intervention group participants for feedback about their experience with the technology and conducted semistructured individual interviews with 7 representative participants. We used thematic analysis to create the main themes from individual interviews. Results Our sample included participants with a mean age of 66.7 (SD 8.6) years; 23% (6/26) were female. Overall, there were varying levels of satisfaction with different technology components. There were 7 participants who completed the satisfaction questionnaires and participated in the interviews. The Fitbit and Movn mobile app received high satisfaction scores of 4.86 and 4.5, respectively, whereas push messages had a score of 3.14 out of 5. We identified four main themes through the interviews: technology use increased motivation to be physically active, technology use served as a reminder to be physically active, recommendations for technology to improve user experience, and desire for personal feedback. Conclusions By applying a wearable activity tracker, mobile phone app, and push messages, our study showed strong potential for the adoption of new technologies by older adults to maintain physical activity after CR completion. Future research should include a larger sample over a longer period using a mixed methods approach to assess the efficacy of technology use for promoting long-term physical activity behavior in older adults.

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