The Effect of Online-Delivered Guided Imagery Relaxation on Stress and Well-Being of Primary School Children.

Background: In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, effectively coping with daily stressors is crucial for children who experience restrictions on physical movement and social activities. We examined the effects of the online-delivered guided imagery relaxation (GIR) technique on the stress and well-being of primary school children. Methods: Thirty-four (N = 34) 11-year-old students were randomly assigned to either intervention (n = 17) or waitlist-control (n = 17) groups. The participants from the intervention group were required to attend a 4-week online GIR session and practice the techniques daily for 5 min-10 min. The Stress in Children (SiC) questionnaire, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-Parent Reported (SDQ-PR) and tracking form were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results: Eleven (64.7%) participants attended all sessions and eight (47.0%) completed daily practices. Mixed-model ANOVA indicated no significant difference between participants from intervention and waitlist-control groups across pre- and post-intervention time points, with P-values greater than 0.05 for stress and well-being. Conclusion: Issues regarding online intervention, including managing children's activities from a distance, Internet connectivity, and time limitations might have affected their adherence and the research outcome. Nonetheless, the online-delivered GIR technique is a promising intervention modality. However, its implementation should be improvised to be more impactful.

The Effects of Combining Aerobic and Heavy Resistance Training on Body Composition, Muscle Hypertrophy, and Exercise Satisfaction in Physically Active Adults.

This study investigated the effects of combined aerobic and heavy resistance training on the variables of body composition, muscle hypertrophy, and exercise satisfaction in physically active adults in comparison with heavy resistance training only (predominantly designed for hypertrophy). Twenty-two healthy male adults between the ages of 18 and 35, who had limited previous experience with muscle resistance training, participated in the intervention program while maintaining their physical activity level. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups: the resistance training group (control group) and the combined training group (experimental group), which involved both resistance training and aerobic training. Aerobic training consisted of 30 min aerobic interval training sessions three times a week with a total of 8 min work bouts in each at 60-70% of heart rate reserve (HRR). The intervention training program lasted for eight weeks. Resistance training consisted of a 3-day muscle group split (2-3 exercises per muscle group, 8 sets per muscle group, 6-12 repetition maximum (RM). Upon completion, body composition, muscle hypertrophy, and exercise satisfaction were analyzed using the mixed-design ANOVA. Variables selected for this study as markers of body composition responded differently to the different interventions and time; however, some trends were not statistically significant. Overall, it is not possible to state unequivocally that one training modality was superior to another in the body composition cluster, for significant improvements were observed within the groups from pre- to post-interventions, but no significant differences were observed between the resistance training and combined training groups, while, both interventions showed improvement with time in some variables of muscle hypertrophy. Compared to baseline, the exercise satisfaction post-intervention improved within the groups. From pre- to post-testing, both resistance and combined training groups improved exercise satisfaction (p < 0.05 in both groups). However, there was no significant difference in exercise satisfaction observed between the resistance training and combined training groups after the training intervention (p > 0.05).

Physical Activity and Exergames Among Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

Recently, exergames have been widely applied as exercise platforms among older adults. However, studies on the influence of exergames on older adults' physical activity remain scarce. The review article highlights the potential benefit of exergames as a physical activity tool for older adults. The literature search followed the PRISMA guidelines on databases PubMed (Public/Publisher MEDLINE), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane, and Scopus. The literature included studies that evaluated the influence of exergames on older adults' physical activity. Articles were excluded if the mixed intervention was used, emphasizing specific limbs, improving specific tasks, or not mentioning intervention. The review article identified 25 studies that reported on 855 older adults 55 years of age and older. In addition, the common exergaming technology platforms examined were Microsoft Kinect™, Nintendo® Wii™, cybercycling, and interactive video dance games. Meanwhile, 11 studies used a pretest/post-test design and randomized controlled trial design in 14 studies. The review found that exergames significantly impacted the older adults' physical activity level as participants experienced improved balance and cognitive function, and enjoyed playing exergame, thus prolonging their game engagement. Although research on exergames is still new, current evidence showed a significant potential benefit of exergames as a physical activity tool for older adults. To overcome the limitation on various parameters that showed different effects and outcomes of exergames, the study recommends implementing randomized controlled trials with long-term observation using a mixed-method approach. Moreover, a multidisciplinary method involving exercise and neuromotor control experts could determine potential mechanisms of action that benefited from the exercises.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Malay Version of Sports Motivation Scale-II.

The 18-item Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-II) is one of the most-utilised scales measuring athletes' motivation and its psychometric properties. However, we found no Malay version used to examine the Malaysian multi-ethnic population. Thus, the study aimed to translate and validate the SMS-II into the Malay version using confirmatory factor analysis. A total of 436 (16.44 ± 1.22) state athletes were asked to complete the SMS-II Malay version, which utilised the forward-backwards translation method. The results showed an acceptable fit with the data (CFI = 0.906, SRMR = 0.064; RMSEA = 0.056) and internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha value that exceeded 0.50, which supported its usage for the assessment of motivation among the multi-ethnic Malaysian athletes. The Cronbach's alpha values of all the factors were satisfactory, except for introjected regulation. Thus, further studies are needed to improve the reliability of such factors. Nonetheless, the Malay version of SMS-II was found to be valid and reliable for assessing the level of motivation of the multi-ethnic Malaysian athletes.

Measuring achievement emotions questionnaire for physical education (AEQ-PE): a confirmatory study in Malay language.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to verify a translated Malay version of the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire for Physical Education (AEQ-PE) by assessing the level of achievement emotions in six constructs among the Malaysian primary school pupils using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). METHODS: A total of 607 Malay pupils, comprising 240 (39.5%) boys and 367 (60.5%) girls aged between 10 and 11, were recruited from 10 schools to answer the questionnaire, which measured their views on 24 items through a five-point Likert scale. The AEQ-PE was translated into Malay language (AEQ-PE-M) using forwarding to backward translation techniques. Certain phrases were adopted in accordance with the local culture and vocabulary appropriate for primary school pupils. CFA was performed using the Mplus 8.0 software, and the final model demonstrated high reliability in terms of the composite reliability and Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Analysis of the CFA showed an acceptable fit indices in CFI (0.936), TLI (0.926), RMSEA = 0.039 (90% CI, 0.034, 0.045) and SRMR (0.049) of the AEQ-PE measurement model. All of the items in the original AEQ-PE version were retained and deemed suitable for Malay primary school pupils. CONCLUSION: The AEQ-PE-M with 24 items was a suitable tool for measuring the level of school children's involvement in determining achievement emotions and their motivation towards physical education.

Unique morphology of intraoperative measurement of distal femur in northern malaysian females and its correlation with total knee arthroplasty implant sizing / Morfología única de la medición intraoperatoria del fémur distal en mujeres del norte de malasia y su correlación con el tamaño del implante en artroplastia total de rodilla

SUMMARY: Accurate implant sizing is one of the major determinants in defining the success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Current TKA implants are based on Caucasian knee morphometry which is well documented to be larger than Asian knees. Even more, with regards to sizing, implant mismatch tends to be more evident in the female population. This study was designed to evaluate the distal femur dimensions of Malaysian female patients who underwent TKA in our institution and to compare them with the current prosthetic system in use. A total of 199 female patients (207 knees) who underwent TKA were enrolled in this study. Intraoperatively, the AP dimensions (medial and lateral condyles) and mediolateral (ML) width were measured. Known dimension of the femoral component of the prosthetic knee system currently in use were compared with the morphological data. The average femoral component overhang was 2.11 mm (SD 3.94 mm). There was significant difference between the mean ML width of the resected femur and the femoral component (p<0.01). Analysis also revealed a significant positive and weak relationship between both, AP (medial and lateral) and ML dimension. The aspect ratio (ML/AP) of the native femur was generally smaller than the implant aspect ratio which is likely to cause overhang in our population. In general, this study shows that the knees of our female sub-population are even narrower than the other Asian female knees from previous studies. Implants should be designed based on the morphological data of the local population. Implant manufactures should tailor them to accommodate a smaller change in ML width for an increment in the AP length and provide several ML widths for one AP length to obtain a better fitting prosthesis hence curbing the problem of ML overhang.

RESUMEN: El tamaño exacto del implante es uno de los principales determinantes para definir el éxito de la artroplastía total de rodilla (ATR). Los implantes de TKA se basan en la morfometría de rodilla caucásica, cuyo tamaño está reportado como mayor que las rodillas asiáticas. Más aún, en lo que respecta al tamaño, el desajuste de los implantes tiende a ser más evidente en la población femenina. Este estudio fue diseñado para evaluar las dimensiones del fémur distal de pacientes mujeres malasias que se sometieron a ATR en nuestra institución y compararlas con el sistema protésico actual. En este estudio se incluyeron un total de 199 pacientes (207 rodillas) que se sometieron a ATR. Intraoperatoriamente, se midieron las dimensiones AP (cóndilos medial y lateral) y el ancho mediolateral (ML). Se comparó la dimensión conocida del componente femoral del sistema protésico de rodilla actualmente en uso con los datos morfológicos. El voladizo o sobresaliencia del componente femoral fue de 2,11 mm (DE 3,94 mm). Hubo una diferencia significativa entre el ancho ML medio del fémur resecado y el componente femoral (p <0,01). El análisis también reveló una relación significativa positiva y débil entre las dimensiones AP (medial y lateral) y ML. La relación de aspecto (ML / AP) del fémur nativo fue más pequeña que la relación de aspecto del implante, lo que probablemente cause un voladizo en nuestra población. En general, este estudio muestra que las rodillas de nuestra subpoblación femenina son incluso más estrechas que otras rodillas de mujeres asiáticas reportadas en estudios anteriores. Los implantes deben ser diseñados en base a los datos morfológicos de la población local. Los fabricantes de implantes deben adaptarlos a un cambio más pequeño en el ancho de ML para un incremento en la longitud AP y proporcionar varios anchos ML para una longitud AP con el objetivo de obtener una prótesis de mejor ajuste y frenar el problema del voladizo ML.

Psychometric Properties of the Malay-Language Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Scale: A Confirmatory Study on Malaysian Children.

The objective of this study was to validate the translated Malay version of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q-M) scale among Malaysian primary school children using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Q-LES-Q-M measures the level of enjoyment and satisfaction experienced with relation to physical health, feelings, homework, and leisure. The participants were 607 Malay students, 240 (39.5%) boys and 367 (60.5%) girls, with an age range from 10 to 11 years old. The original version of the Q-LES-Q was translated into the Malay language by forward to backward translation procedures with consideration for the local culture and suitable vocabulary for primary school students. The participants then completed the Q-LES-Q-M. CFA was performed using Mplus 8 software. Using CFA, the initial model did not result in a good data fit. Further analysis of the CFA suggested some changes to the model to improve the fit indices. Model modification included the deletion of three problematic items and co-varying some error items. This resulted in improved fit indices and 40 items remained in the final model. The final model showed good reliability based on two indicators of composite reliability (CR) and Cronbach's alpha (CA). The factors with their CR and CA were physical activity (CR = 0.857, CA = 0.854), feelings (CR = 0.808, CA = 0.813), homework (CR = 0.837, CA = 0.837) and leisure (CR = 0.742, CA = 0.737). The final measurement consists of 40 items. The retained items were deemed suitable for Malay primary school children. The revised Q-LES-Q-M with 40 items is suitable for measuring the levels of children's involvement in determining the enjoyment and satisfaction of learning and physical activity.

A Multisample Analysis of Psychometric Properties for the Malaysian Adapted Sport Anxiety Scale-2 Among Youth Athletes.

This study examined psychometric properties of a Malaysian-language Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) in three separate studies. Study 1 examined the criterion validity and internal consistency of SAS-2 among 119 developmental hockey players. Measures of trait anxiety and mood states along with digit vigilance, choice reaction time, and depth perception tests were administered. Regression analysis revealed that somatic anxiety and concentration disruption were significantly associated with sustained attention. Worry was significantly associated with depth perception but not sustained attention. Pearson correlation coefficients also revealed significant relationships between SAS-2 subscales and negative mood state dimensions. Study 2 examined the convergent and discriminant validity of SAS-2 by correlating it with state anxiety measured by the CSAI-2R. Significant positive relationships were obtained between SAS-2 subscales and somatic and cognitive state anxiety. Conversely, state self-confidence was negatively related to SAS-2 subscales. In addition, significant differences were observed between men and women in somatic anxiety. Study 3 examined the factorial validity of the Malaysian SAS-2 using confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 539 young athletes. Confirmatory factor analysis results provided strong support for the SAS-2 factor structure. Path loadings exceeding 0.5 indicated convergent validity among the subscales, and low to moderate subscale intercorrelations provided evidence of discriminant validity. Overall, the results supported the criterion and construct validity of this Malaysian-language SAS-2 instrument.

Does neuromuscular exercise training improve proprioception in ankle lateral ligament injury among athletes? Systematic review and meta-analysis / O treinamento neuromuscular melhora a propriocepção em lesão ligamentar lateral do tornozelo entre atletas? Revisão sistemática e metanálise

AIMS: The prevalence rate of ankle complexities is increasing at a constant rate among athletes. This study aimed to systematically describe the facts and findings related to the effectiveness of training programs on proprioception among athletes suffering from ankle ligament injury. METHODS: A literature search in online libraries ( Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest) using different search engines was conducted for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The common keywords included NEUROMUSCULAR, EXERCISE, TRAINING, PROPRIOCEPTION, and ATHLETES. Studies related to the topic, having relevant resources, and published within the past 10 years were used as inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed through PEDro scale. A meta-analysis of the selected trials was conducted to assess the effectiveness of intervention. RESULTS: Two hundred research articles were initially selected. After close scrutiny, 15 articles were included. Five moderate to excellent quality trials were selected, which involved 2,459 participants. It has been mainly identified that ankle sprain and its complications can be easily prevented with the help of training programs (five trials, relative risk: 0.69, 96%CI: 0.65-0.87). A statistically significant relationship was identified among athletes regarding the preventive impacts of training on proprioception. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive training programs were helpful for athletes in terms of proprioception, thus reducing the risk of ankle sprains.

OBJETIVOS: A taxa de prevalência de lesões no complexo ligamentar lateral vem aumentando entre os atletas a uma velocidade constante. Este estudo teve por objetivo descrever sistematicamente os achados relacionados à eficácia dos programas de treinamento na propriocepção entre atletas com lesão ligamentar do tornozelo. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma busca em bases de dados online ( Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCOhost e ProQuest) com o uso de diferentes mecanismos de busca, para revisão sistemática e metanálise. Os descritores comuns foram NEUROMUSCULAR, EXERCISE, TRAINING, PROPRIOCEPTION, and ATHLETES. Os estudos relacionados ao assunto, os que continham recursos relevantes e aqueles publicados nos últimos 10 anos foram usados como critério de inclusão. A qualidade metodológica foi avaliada pela escala PEDro. Foi feita uma metanálise dos estudos selecionados a fim de avaliar a eficácia da intervenção. RESULTADOS: Inicialmente, foram selecionados 200 artigos de pesquisa. Após uma avaliação detalhada, restaram 15 artigos. Cinco estudos de qualidade moderada a excelente foram selecionados, totalizando 2.459 participantes. Verificou-se, principalmente, que o entorse de tornozelo e suas complicações podem ser evitados facilmente com o auxílio de programas de treinamento (cinco estudos, risco relativo: 0,69, IC 96%: 0,65-0,87). Observou-se uma relação estatisticamente significativa em termos dos efeitos preventivos do treinamento na propriocepção entre atletas. CONCLUSÕES: Os programas de treinamento preventivos foram úteis aos atletas em termos de propriocepção, reduzindo o risco de entorses de tornozelo.

Changes in emotional distress, short term memory, and sustained attention following 6 and 12 sessions of progressive muscle relaxation training in 10-11 years old primary school children.

PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of 6 and 12 sessions of relaxation training on emotional distress, short-term memory, and sustained attention in primary school children. METHODS: Participants (N = 132) aged 10 and 11 years old participated in this study. All participants and their parents provided written informed consent. Participants completed the measurement instruments before and after the completion of relaxation training. RESULTS: Nearly half (49%) of all respondents reported moderate to extremely severe stress, and 80 and 61% reported moderate to extremely severe anxiety and depression, respectively. The results of a one-way analysis of variance revealed a significant difference among the groups in mean changes in short-term memory. A greater memory increase was observed in the 12-session than in the six-session and no-training group. CONCLUSION: It can be conceived that 12-session of training should be considered when prescribing relaxation regimens as a nonspecific clinical treatment (i.e. for healthy students).

Does exercise habit strength moderate the relationship between emotional distress and short-term memory in Malaysian primary school children?

PURPOSE: We examined the moderating effects of exercise habit strength on the relationship between emotional distress and short-term memory in primary school children. METHODS: The sample consisted of 165 primary school students (10-12 years old). Participants completed measures of emotional distress, exercise habit strength, and the Digit Span Test. Mid-year exam results were used as an indicator of academic performance. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: The results of SEM revealed an acceptable fit for the hypothesised model. Exercise habit was positively associated with short-term memory, and better short-term memory was associated with better academic performance. However, although an inverse relationship was found between emotional distress and short-term memory, a positive association was found between exercise habit strength and emotional distress. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that exercise habit is positively associated with cognitive ability and mediates the negative effect of distress.

Testing comparison models of DASS-12 and its reliability among adolescents in Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: The 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) is frequently used in non-clinical research to measure mental health factors among adults. However, previous studies have concluded that the 21 items are not stable for utilization among the adolescent population. Thus, the aims of this study are to examine the structure of the factors and to report on the reliability of the refined version of the DASS that consists of 12 items. METHOD: A total of 2850 students (aged 13 to 17 years old) from three major ethnic in Malaysia completed the DASS-21. The study was conducted at 10 randomly selected secondary schools in the northern state of Peninsular Malaysia. The study population comprised secondary school students (Forms 1, 2 and 4) from the selected schools. RESULTS: Based on the results of the EFA stage, 12 items were included in a final CFA to test the fit of the model. Using maximum likelihood procedures to estimate the model, the selected fit indices indicated a close model fit (χ(2)=132.94, df=57, p=.000; CFI=.96; RMR=.02; RMSEA=.04). Moreover, significant loadings of all the unstandardized regression weights implied an acceptable convergent validity. Besides the convergent validity of the item, a discriminant validity of the subscales was also evident from the moderate latent factor inter-correlations, which ranged from .62 to .75. The subscale reliability was further estimated using Cronbach's alpha and the adequate reliability of the subscales was obtained (Total=76; Depression=.68; Anxiety=.53; Stress=.52). CONCLUSION: The new version of the 12-item DASS for adolescents in Malaysia (DASS-12) is reliable and has a stable factor structure, and thus it is a useful instrument for distinguishing between depression, anxiety and stress.

The effects of progressive muscle relaxation and autogenic relaxation on young soccer players' mood states.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare the effects of two different relaxation techniques, namely progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and autogenic relaxation (AGR) on moods of young soccer players. METHODS: sixteen adolescent athletes (mean age: 14.1 ± 1.3) received either PMR or AGR training. Using Profile of Mood States- Adolescents, their mood states were measured one week before relaxation training, before the first relaxation session, and after the twelfth relaxation session. RESULTS: Mixed ANOVA revealed no significant interaction effects and no significant main effects in any of the subscales. However, significant main effects for testing sessions were found for confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension subscales. Post hoc tests revealed post-intervention reductions in the confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension subscale scores. CONCLUSION: These two relaxation techniques induce equivalent mood responses and may be used to regulate young soccer players' mood states.

Factorial validation of malaysian adapted brunel mood scale in an adolescent sample.

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the psychometric properties of a Malaysian adapted Brunel Mood Scale. METHODS: The questionnaire was administered to 355 young sport athletes with a mean age of 14.69+1.70 years. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach's alpha were used to determine the factorial validity and the internal consistency of the questionnaire respectively. RESULTS: CFA results revealed adequate model fit, best represented by a 6-factor model with one of the items removed (item 24). Internal consistency of the questionnaire was marginally supported through alpha reliability method. Alpha coefficients of 0.72, 0.64, 0.73, 0.69, 0.65, and 0.58 were obtained for tension, depression, anger, vigour, fatigue and confusion subscales respectively. Closer inspection of items for confusion revealed a 'problematic' item (item 24/uncertain). Removing this item increased the alpha coefficient to 0.67 for this subscale. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that this questionnaire may be used to measure differentiated negative and positive mood states among Malaysian adolescent athletes. However, further analyses involving independent samples are needed to confirm the present findings.