Validity and Reliability of Futsal Coach Competency Evaluation Instruments

Background: The study of the futsal coach competency evaluation instrument was done because there was no any existed instrument used to measure the futsal coach competence. Objective: This research aims to determine the validity and reliability of the futsal coach competency evaluation instrument. Method: the validation and reliability instruments were determined using three quantitative methods in the main phases or steps, which are expertly judged (content validation), theory test (logical validation) and data test (construct validation). The research was done by distributing questionnaires via a google form. Result: The instrument validity data is based on the average score of the research subjects assessment. Media experts scored 90.71%, 89.5% and 93.3% in 3 aspects. While material experts scored 87.69%, 85.38%, and 96.15% in 5 aspects. The KMO and MSA factors analysis test covers four competencies results: personality 0.893, social 0.884, intellectual 0.886 coachings 0.782. The instrument is valid based on the value range of 0.517-0.954. The instrument’s reliability, divided into four competencies, is reliable because the Cronbach alpha score is higher than 0.7. Conclusion: The findings of this study brings a new insight that the coach’s competence needs to be measured using appropriate, valid and reliable instruments. The results in this study are a competency evaluation instrument consisted of 4 competencies (personality, social, intellectual and coaching). This research will certainly provide a positive point to evaluate the competencies owned by futsal coaches.

Association Between Body Composition and Vertical Jump Performance in Female Collegiate Volleyball Athletes

Background of Study: Associations between measures of body composition and vertical jump height have previously been established using a range of instrumentation and prediction equations. Limited data has presented using gold standard measurements for both variables Objective: This investigation sought to examination the relationship between total body and lower extremity measures of body composition and vertical jump performance using gold standard measurements within an athletic population. Methods: Using a cross-sectional, correlational research design fourteen collegiate female volleyball athletes completed body composition, three countermovement jumps (CMJ) and three squat jumps (SJ) analysis using DXA and force platforms. Results: High to very high positive relationships were seen between total body lean (p < 0.001) and fat mass (p < 0.05), lower extremity lean and fat mass (p < 0.01), and CMJ force and power. High negative relationships were present between total body fat percentage(p < 0.05), total fat mass (p < 0.01) and CMJ jump height. Relationships between all body composition variables and SJ performance tended to be weaker, with the exception of total body lean mass (p < 0.05), lower extremity lean mass, and power output (p < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings support much of the previous literature in that increases of mass have subsequent increases in force and power production; however caution should be taken will increases in mass coming from fat or lean tissue.

Isometric, Eccentric, and Concentric Strength in Trained and Untrained Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Background: Despite an overall decrease in muscular strength, older adults maintain eccentric (ECC) strength in greater proportions compared to isometric (ISO) and concentric (CON) strength. While resistance training is promoted for older adults, the impact of resistance training on ISO, ECC, and CON strength is relatively unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare peak ISO, ECC and CON knee extensor moments between trained and untrained older individuals. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a two-group comparison, ex post facto, was conducted. Twenty older adults (8 females, 69.6 ± 6.1 years, 80.5 ± 16.4 kg, 1.7 ± 0.1 m) were allocated to two groups, one undergoing resistance training (n =10) and one not (n = 10). An isokinetic dynamometer measured ISO, ECC, and CON knee extensor moments. Peak knee extensor moments (Nm) and ECC: ISO ratio were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 0.05). Spearman Rank-Order Correlations were run on paired combinations of peak ISO, ECC, and CON moments for both groups. Results: The trained group had significantly greater peak ISO moment (183.8 vs 137.1 Nm, p = 0.013, d = 1.3) but significantly lower ECC: ISO ratio (p = 0.028, d = 1.1). The trained group exhibited stronger correlations for ECC-ISO (rs = 0.79 vs. 0.65), ECC-CON (rs = 0.93 vs. 0.59), and CON-ISO (rs = 0.93 vs. 0.78) compared to the untrained group. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate older adults maintain eccentric and concentric strength, regardless of training status. However, trained participants had a more balanced ECC: ISO ratio, due to their increased peak ISO strength possibly due to their resistance training.

The Effects of an Eight Week Plyometric-based Program on Motor Performance Skills and Muscular Power in 7–8-Year-Old Primary School Students

Background of Study: Competence in motor performance skills is important in enabling children to be physically literate. Plyometric-based training has been suggested as an effective means to enhance motor performance skills in young athletes. However, no studies have reported the effects of a whole body plyometric-based program integrated into physical education on motor performance skills with young children. Objective: This study aims to examine the effect of a plyometric-based program on primary school students’ motor performance skills, upper and lower body muscular power, and reactive strength index. Method: The sample was composed of 61 primary school students, 29 girls and 32 boys, aged 7–8 years old, from two second-grade Physical Education (PE) classes. Both groups participated in their regular eight-week PE lessons (50-minute classes twice a week). During the study, the plyometric group performed a plyometric-based program in the 15-minute warmup of each class, while the comparison group performed regular warmup activities. Student’s motor performance skill proficiency, reactive strength index, lower and upper body muscular power were assessed before and after the eight weeks of PE lessons. The data were analysed using a two-way analysis of variance, followed by pairwise comparisons with the Bonferroni adjustment. Results: The data analysis indicated significant increases in motor performance skill proficiency, upper and lower body muscular power in the plyometric group vs comparison group (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that including a plyometric-based program in the PE warmup phase of the lessons may improve motor performance skills and muscular power in primary school students.

Ground Reaction Force Comparison Between Barefoot and Shod Single Leg Landing at Varied Heights

Background: Landing is a common movement that occurs in many sports. Barefoot research has gained popularity in examining how shoes alter natural movements. However, it is unknown how a single leg landing under barefoot conditions, as well as landing height, affects ground reaction forces (GRF). Objective: The purpose of this research was to examine the differences in GRF during a single leg landing under barefoot and shod conditions from various heights. Methods: Sixteen female Division II collegiate athletes, 8 basketball (age: 19.88 ± 0.64 yrs; height: 1.77 ± 0.09 m; mass: 75.76 ± 12.97 kg) and 8 volleyball (age: 20.00 ± 1.07 yrs; height: 1.74 ± 0.08 m; mass: 72.41 ± 5.41 kg), performed single leg landings from 12, 18, 24, and 30 inches barefoot and shod. An AMTI AccuGait force plate was used to record GRF. A 2 (condition) x 4 (box height) x 2 (sport) repeated measures ANOVA was performed to determine any GRF differences. Results: There were no significant three way or two-way interactions (p > 0.05). There was also no main effect for sport (p > 0.05). There were main effects for footwear and box height (p = 0.000) where shod (2295.121 ± 66.025 N) had greater impact than barefoot (2090.233 ± 62.684 N). Conclusions: Single leg barefoot landings resulted in less vertical GRF than shod landings. This could be due to increased flexion at the joints which aids in force absorption.

Effectiveness of Treadmill Training on Walking Ability in Adults with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Patients with cerebral palsy (CP) may necessitate long-term treatment and monitoring of their condition, not only during the period of development but also during adulthood. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to analyze evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have investigated the effect of treadmill training on walking ability in adults with cerebral palsy. Methods: RCTs were identified and selected systematically, with appropriate keywords applied in four scientific databases (Medline, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database) and one bibliographic search engine (Google Scholar) from January 1980 to September 2021. Two assessors extracted and analyzed data from relevant RCTs published in English and then independently rated those studies for risk of bias with the Risk of Bias (RoB 2) tool. Results: Out of the 96 studies that were initially identified, 93 were excluded, as these either did not meet the inclusion criteria or were duplicates. Three clinical trials were finally included, characterized by some concerns and a high risk of bias (RoB 2). Meta-analysis was only performed for the maximum distance in the ‘6-minute walk for distance test’, due to differences in the remaining outcomes utilized between studies. Overall, there was evidence of some concerns and high risk of bias that treadmill training did not significantly improve the walking ability in adult patients with CP relative to the control conditions. Conclusion: More high-quality RCTs are required, examining the effectiveness of treadmill training on different aspects of walking ability such as gait speed, endurance, and energy expenditure.

Stroboscopic Visual Training for Coaching Practitioners: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Background: The importance of vision and its impact upon an athlete’s performance has long been recognized by elite athletic communities. In recent decades, stroboscopic training methods have been developed to help train athletes from a visual, perceptual, and cognitive perspective using strobe glasses. Objective: Herein a comprehensive literature review was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of strobe glasses in training collegiate and professional athletes. Methods: This comprehensive literature review investigates the origins, attention influences, tasks, practitioner takeaways, and cost feasibility of stroboscopic visual training.Results: The findings from this review show promise of benefits from utilizing strobe glasses during training scenarios, particularly for improving fast or impulsive tasks. Strobe glasses can be accommodated into varying sporting environments and training regimens while being affordable to athletic, coaching, and training departments or centers. Studies investigating the direct influence of stroboscopic training on subsequent performance demonstrate viable methods for strengthening fundamental visual abilities. Notably, these fundamental abilities have been shown to correlate with improved game performance. Though early results are promising, there are still significant areas for further research and more comprehensive designs of stroboscopic training studies. Conclusion: This review highlights potential benefits and existing research gaps concerning the use of stroboscopic eyewear as an intervention method in sports. The delineation of optimal applications for strobe glasses is undetermined; however, information presented in this review can be meaningfully applied by coaching practitioners who are considering adopting the technology.

The Effect of a Lower Body Positive Pressure Supported Treadmill Exercise Regime on Systemic Biomarkers of Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been linked to a chronic low-grade inflammatory response and altered metabolic activity of articular cartilage. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week (3 times/week) lower body positive pressure (LBPP) treadmill walking regime on knee pain and systemic biomarkers of inflammation and cartilage degradation. Methods: Sixteen overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) knee OA patients were randomized to a LBPP treadmill walking exercise group (N = 7) or non-exercise control group (N = 9). Baseline and 12-week follow-up assessments evaluated the following dependent variables: acute knee pain during full weight bearing treadmill walking; inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, s100A8/A9, and tumor necrosis factor-α), and catabolic metabolism of articular cartilage (sCOMP). Results: Knee pain at baseline and follow-up remained unchanged for the non-exercise control group (P > 0.05). However, knee pain for the LBPP exercise group was significantly decreased at follow-up (P ≤ 0.05). No differences in the biomarkers of inflammation and cartilage degradation were observed for between and within group comparisons (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: Data suggested that the LBPP supported walking regime could be effectively used to promote regular weight bearing exercise without exacerbation of knee joint pain and did not increase levels of systemic inflammation or catabolic activity of articular cartilage in overweight knee OA patients. This pilot investigation offers important insight regarding the potential role that the LBPP technology could play in facilitating investigations examining the disease modifying effect of exercise on knee OA pathogenesis.

Content Validity of Circuit Training Program and Its Effects on The Aerobic Endurance of Wheelchair Tennis Athletes

Background: “Exercise is an activity to improve technical and physical competence of athletes”, most sports require an excellent physical aspect to win. Aerobic endurance is an essential point in the preparation of a wheelchair tennis training program. Aim: This research is to validate the circuit training program and test the exercise program on the aerobic endurance of wheelchair tennis athletes. Method: This research is development research with qualitative and quantitative approaches. Participants are wheelchair tennis athletes with ten males and four females, height 156-167± cm, weight 50-70± kg, age 31-35. Participants in the program validation were seven nationally licensed physical fitness trainers. The first stage qualitatively examines documents in articles, ebooks, textbooks to design the program. The second stage quantitatively applies the Delphi technique to assess the prepared training program. The third stage analyzes the assessment results with the content validity ratio formula and, the fourth stage tests the exercise program for six weeks. The instrument used is a multistage fitness test. Results: It has been found that the assessment items from seven experts show the content validity ratio value is 1.00, so it can be categorized as having good content validity. It has been found the mean posttest (N=14, M=249.14, SD=16.033) and posttest (N=14, M=241.71, SD=17.166). It has been found that hypothesis testing using paired samples t-test analysis (p=0.000<0.05). Conclusion: the circuit training exercise program has good validity, then based on the effectiveness test, there is an increase in the aerobic endurance of wheelchair tennis athletes.

Fear of COVID-19 Effects on University Student’s Health Behaviours: The FRESH Study

Background: The imposed stay-at-home restrictions with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted daily routines and impacted some population groups more than others. One such group included university students who were forced to adapt to online classes reducing face to face interactions. The uncertainty associated with this change may have created a sense of anxiety and fear towards the virus. Objective: The objective of this study was to measure the level of fear associated with COVID-19 in Canadian undergrad university students and the influence fear may have on their health-related behaviours during an ongoing pandemic. Methods: Students enrolled in four large universities in the province of Alberta were invited to complete an online Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) from January 4th to February 15th, 2021. Results: Undergraduate students (n=680; 73.4% female) with a mean age of 23 (SD 5) years had an average FCV-19 score of 17.1 (SD 6.1) out of 35. Many students (60%) categorized their fear in the moderate range and females were more likely to have a higher FCV-19 score (p<.05) than males. Increases in alcohol and substance use, sleeping and eating behaviours were significantly associated (p<.05) with higher FCV-19 scores (p=.047; p=.000; p=.000). Most student’s smoking behaviour (80.5%) remained the same, however physical activity decreased. Conclusion: In summary, students showed a moderate level of fear associated with COVID-19 during the pandemic, and those with greater levels of fear reported more negative heath behaviour choices. These results highlight that continued restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic continue to negatively impact student’s health behaviours.