Active Games Research Articles

Influence of Personal and Reactive Anxiety on Personality Characteristics, Cognitive Abilities and Performance of Basketball Actions

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to establish the possible influence of personal and reactive anxiety on personality characteristics, cognitive abilities and performance of basketball actions of basketball players. An empirical study is conducted with basketball players (which are also students at University of Economics – Varna - UEV) in 2016, playing basketball at the Sports Club at the UEV. To establish the level of effectiveness of the students’ game actions, their performances in 9 meetings (10 units of observation) are recorded. ANOVA is used to determine differences in basketball performance measures for individuals with relatively high levels of anxiety and for individuals with relatively low levels of anxiety. One of the indicators is “personal anxiety” (Q6). Another indicator is available. It is “reactive anxiety” (Q7). PSPP is used to analyze the dataset. The ANOVA test shows that there is a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in Q21 “Countering a shelter with successful” for the examined two groups of basketball players. The practical significance of the results refers to the effectiveness of the educational and sports process of university students. The novelty of the paper refers to the analysis of personal characteristics of basketball players (such as anxiety) on their performance in action.

Improving the social skills of elementary school students through traditional games

Traditional games in today's millennial era are almost unheard of, but most children today spend their free time playing modern games such as smartphones. Seeing this phenomenon makes us concerned because the effects of frequent students playing modern games on gadgets such as smartphones decrease students' social levels. This can be seen from the observations made at State Elementary School (SD Negeri 54 Banda Aceh); children prefer individual activities, are difficult to regulate, and like to argue. The study aimed to determine whether the traditional game of Englolibaba biscuits can improve students’ social skills. This research uses the action research method, which includes planning, action, observation, and reflection. The action given was the traditional game of Englolibaba biscuits. Data collection techniques in this study were observation, interview, and documentation. The sample in this study amounted to 20 fifth-grade students. The results showed increased students' social skills given the action of the traditional game of Englolibaba biscuits. This was proven based on the significant level, where the results stated a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test results. So, it can be concluded that there is an increase in students' social skills after being given the traditional game of Englolibaba biscuits.

Structured Games: Physical Activities to Develop Children's Balance Abilities

This research uses quantitative research methods with a pre-experimental research design which goes through two stages, namely the pre-test and post-test stages. Which aims to measure static balance and dynamic balance abilities in children aged 4-5 years through structured games activities in 30 children. The results of this study show that the balance ability of children aged 4-5 years increased after treatment. Playing structured games has an influence on children's balance abilities at RA Darussalam Purwodeso. The pre-test showed that the child's balance ability had not developed optimally. Then treatment was carried out through playing structured games for 2 days, followed by a post-test. The post-test results show that the child's balance ability improved after being given treatment, this can be seen from the increase in the scores obtained.

ASSESSMENT OF 16-YEAR-OLD FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS WITH CHRONOJUMP SYSTEM

In the basketball game, lower extremity strength plays a key role in various game actions. The jumping mat (Chronojump), an open-source (free software and open hardware), is available to the public on official servers, emphasizing peer review and corrections by the user community. The aim of this study was to establish the explosive power of the lower limbs of 16-year-old female basketball players from the Bulgarian National Basketball Team. We used specialized software, a signal transducer, and an electro-contact mat Chronojump. The subject of the study was the explosive power of the lower limbs of 16-year-old female basketball players from the national team of Bulgaria. The object of the study was the performance of the Chronojump platform tests to establish the explosive strength of the lower limbs. The study was conducted among 16 active female basketball players selected for the Bulgarian national team. Each participant performed all jumps at the same time of day. They performed CMJ - 90-degree squat jump; SJ - Squat, two-second hold, and jump; CMJAT - Jump with arms extended forward and up; RCMJ - Manipulative 90-degree squat jump; Stiff ness - Manipulative ankle jump. The test’s mathematical-statistical results were processed with variance analysis and One-way ANOVA, with a critical value of the F-criterion (F = 2.38) and high statistical reliability (Pt ≥ 95%). Results showed that hand involvement is key in rebounding. In terms of jumping endurance and explosiveness quotient, female athletes had a lower level of development. This research has the potential to significantly impact the training and performance of female basketball players.

Pengembangan Game Terapi Bagi Anak Autisme Berbasis Motion Capture dengan Metode Optimasi Kalman Filter

Children with autism spectrum disorder often face challenges in developing motor skills and social interaction abilities. This research aimed to develop an interactive motion capture-based therapy game that could assist autistic children in practicing their motor skills through an enjoyable play experience. The Kalman Filter optimization method was employed to enhance the accuracy and quality of motion detection in the motion capture process. The development of this therapy game involved consultations with therapists, psychologists, and relevant experts in designing game activities tailored to the needs of autistic children. Motion capture technology was utilized to capture the children's body movements in real-time, while the Kalman Filter algorithm was implemented to filter and optimize the acquired motion data. The game interface was designed to be simple, featuring attractive visual objects, bright colors, and familiar sounds. The testing results demonstrated that the application of the Kalman Filter method could increase motion detection accuracy up to 90%, ensuring a more responsive and immersive play experience for the children. This therapy game proved effective in improving motor skills, body coordination, as well as motivation and engagement of autistic children in the therapy process. This research contributes to the development of an enjoyable and effective interactive therapy solution to assist autistic children in developing essential skills for daily life

Development and Validation of the Psychological Motivations for Playing Video Games scale (PMPVGs)

Background The gaming industry is experiencing rapid growth, and videogames in various forms have become an integral part of our daily routines. While research has delved into motivations for playing specific types of videogames, such as online multiplayer games, there is still a need for exploration of the broader concept of video game engagement, irrespective of the genre. Aim The primary aim of this study was to develop and validate a gaming motivation scale that focuses on the intrinsic reasons and psychological aspects of video game motivation. Additionally, the goal was to create a scale that does not rely on game genres to assess gamers’ motivational profiles. Research methods The study was conducted in two phases, involving a total of 2641 Italian participants. In the first phase, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed with data from Italian 543 participants ( M = 28.92; sd = 8.26). In the second phase, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with data collected from 2098 participants ( M = 31.60, sd = 8.81), showing an adequate fit to the theorized model (𝑥2 (878) =3843.28; CFI = .95, TLI = .95, RMSEA = .040, and SRMR = .042). Key Findings and Discussion In the first part of the study, EFA confirmed 14 dimensions out of the original 18. While CFA demonstrated that the scale had good reliability, with values ranging from .77 to .94. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between the Psychological Motivations for playing Video Games (PMPVGs) scale and dimensions from the Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire (MOGQ) and Gaming Motivation Scale (GAMS) scales. The final version of the scale comprises 12 dimensions with 45 items in total and it holds potential to explore the players’ psychological needs satisfied through the gaming activity.

Экспериментальное исследование рабочей памяти и внимания подростков с разной степенью вовлеченности в виртуальную деятельность в период пандемии КОВИД-19

<p>The study of working memory and attention of adolescents aged 16-17 years was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused additional stress due to forced isolation and reduced social contacts. The decrease in opportunities to communicate with peers was reflected in increased communication on social networks and the use of online games on the Internet, which fully corresponds to the information known in the literature. The study of working memory and attention was conducted in a group of high school students (43 people), with satisfactory and good academic performance, who had previously participated in a questionnaire to assess the characteristics of behavior in an Intern. Cognitive processes were evaluated in a computer program simulating gaming activity using a dynamic digital matrix. Students had to quickly search for numbers of different sizes located in cells, the color of which changed after each search action. The program recorded two types of errors due to choosing the wrong number when forgetting the previous choice and due to choosing the wrong number in a cell with a reduced quality of conscious attention, as well as the reaction time to the correct choice, the time of erroneous actions and the total time of the test. The task turned out to be very difficult for teenagers, as not everyone successfully coped with it the first time. The average group search time for digits is 10 seconds with the number of errors in the search equal to 50, that is, exceeding the number of changes in the matrix. Factor analysis allowed us to establish a high negative correlation of the poor quality of the task in the dynamic matrix with the time spent daily with gadgets in a virtual environment. Closer links between digital leisure time and the number of errors were found for the characteristics of working memory than for arbitrary attention.</p>

The effect of court surfaces on physiological responses and game activities of recreational senior tennis players

The effect of court surfaces on physiological responses and game activities of recreational senior tennis players

The Effect of Sustainability Educational Game Activities Supported by the Social-Emotional Learning Program on the Social-Emotional Learning Skills of Young Athletes

The Effect of Sustainability Educational Game Activities Supported by the Social-Emotional Learning Program on the Social-Emotional Learning Skills of Young Athletes

Altered Heart Rate Variability During Mobile Game Playing and Watching Self-Mobile Gaming in Individuals with Problematic Mobile Game Use: Implications for Cardiac Health.

The surge in mobile gaming, fueled by smartphone and internet accessibility, lacks a comprehensive understanding of physiological changes during gameplay. This study, involving 93 participants (average age 21.75 years), categorized them into Problematic Mobile Gaming (PMG) and non-problematic Mobile Gaming (nPMG) groups based on Problematic Mobile Gaming Questionnaire (PMGQ) scores. The PMGQ is a 12-item scale developed in Taiwan to assess symptoms of problematic mobile gaming. The research delved into heart rate variability (HRV) alterations during real-time mobile gaming and self-gaming video viewing. Results showed that the PMG group significantly presents a lower root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and High Frequency (lnHF) than does the nPMG group (F=4.73, p=0.03; F=10.65, p=0.002, respectively) at the baseline. In addition, the PMG group significantly displayed elevated HF and low-frequency to high-frequency (LF/HF) in the mobile-gaming (F=7.59, p=0.007; F=9.31, p=0.003) condition as well as in the watching self-gaming videos (F=9.75, p=0.002; F=9.02, p=0.003) than did the nPMG. The study suggests targeted interventions to mitigate autonomic arousal, offering a potential avenue to address adverse effects associated with problematic mobile gaming behavior. The PMG group displayed increased craving scores after real-time mobile gaming and watching self-gaming video excerpts, unlike the nPMG group. Elevated LF/HF ratios in frequent gaming cases heightened autonomic arousal, presenting challenges in relaxation after mobile gaming. These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between mobile gaming activities, physiological responses, and potential intervention strategies.

Digitalization of Play Activities and Games: Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education

This research study discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) units to improve play and game activities for children as well as innovation in implementing AI-based learning. AI technology has very good prospects and potential in changing teaching and learning activities in educational units with its ability to think and learn like humans, understand human feelings, find solutions in complex decision making, and so on. However, this is sometimes not in line with the application of AI in early childhood education units which are still in their early stages, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. The method used in this research is qualitative research, the data collection technique is from various journal articles about the benefits and impact of AI on early childhood play and play activities. With the support of AI, PAUD units can improve the results of their teaching and learning activities by facilitating more diverse play experiences, increasing operational efficiency, monitoring children's play and play results in real time. Although progress in the application of AI has been seen, there appear to be challenges and shortcomings, including limited AI research in fields outside of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), the lack of AI theories and models in play and gaming activities, and resistance in adopting AI in a child's play activities. It is important for PAUD units to integrate AI more optimally in the process of playing and playing activities for children, as well as providing training to educators, education staff and PAUD students to optimize the education system in the future

"Healthy Points" Gaming to Teach Social Determinants of Health.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) and population health are critical to prelicensure nursing education. Game-based learning is a strategy to increase student engagement. A gaming activity was created by faculty to increase student interaction and have students gain a deeper understanding of the SDOH. The game has students experience events that impact health, represented by "healthy points." Faculty observed deeper student engagement and more robust discussion in class when using the game, with students reporting that the game was fun and engaging. Teaching methods such as gaming can be effective for teaching SDOH and preparing students to promote health equity.

Дискурсивная специфика компьютерных игр

The present paper refers to the current problem of semiotic signs’ specifics in the context of gaming discourse based on texts from action first-person shooter game Ultrakill developed by Finnish creators. The problem is relevant due to the influence that computer games have on people’s mind – in particular on the minds of the younger generation. Moreover, the study will help to understand the linguistic mechanisms of the impact of video games on players. The study used methods of semantic analysis, semiotic analysis, observation and description techniques. As a result, the research revealed that developers use intertextual units to create patterns that are familiar to the player, but which at the same time have new characteristics. While 66% of all intertext is universally known, obscure allusions play an important role in creating associations for the recipient as well, which proves the importance of intertext in video game discourse. Well-known allusions play a role in creating semantic images in the game, while the lesser known intertext has easy to understand semes that could provoke the player to action in game. The research identified the following types of intertext: allusions to songs, music albums, other games, myths, the Bible and literature. The synthesis of intertext and author’s text in level names gives the player an idea of the upcoming challenges without informing of the level context, and in some cases even intriguing the player. The combination of borrowings and original semiotic units in the names of characters creates images that are familiar to the player, but at the same time, it creates properties that are specific to this particular game. Dialogues are mainly inherent in this genre, but the conversations also have deviations from this genre, which is also done in order to affect the player – the author gives the recipient a familiar behavior pattern in order to replace it afterewards, causing cognitive dissonance to the player. Conclusions are drawn about the discourse mechanisms in video games, how they affect the player and for what purpose the developer uses one or another linguistic technique.

Visual Mnemonics and Gamification

This learning representation is an innovative approach to teaching muscle physiology in a first-year medical school curriculum, utilizing assets from the Medimon game-based website. Medimon is a game designed to enhance students' preference and retention of medical concepts through interactive and visually engaging game contexts. The Medimon game experience allows students to (a) engage with characters representing various physiological components, (b) explore buildings designed to align with visual mnemonics, and (c) reinforce knowledge via game activities of muscle physiology, including muscle, cardiac, and smooth muscle structure and function. By leveraging the detailed visual mnemonics of the game, we implemented Medimon game assets into a presentation on muscle physiology to supplement existing presentation materials and promote long-term retention of muscle physiology.

Creating Digital Content for Traditional Children's Games in North Sumatra to Preserve Culture and Enhance Sports Participation

As globalization progresses, local cultures, including traditional games, are increasingly at risk of erosion. There is a pressing need to develop strategies to preserve these cultural elements, introduce them to younger generations, and enhance active participation in sports. This study focuses on creating multimedia content based on traditional games from the North Sumatra region to achieve these goals. The research utilized the Research and Development (RD) model by Borg and Gall, which includes ten systematic steps. Participants included 40 children aged 6-12 years and 40 adolescents aged 13-15 years from North Sumatra, divided into individual and small group trials. The setting comprised elementary and junior high schools in Deliserdang district and Medan city. The development process involved initial design, expert validation, iterative revisions, and field trials to test and refine the multimedia content. The developed multimedia content, featuring animated video media of traditional game activities, was validated by experts and received high feasibility ratings. Initial validation stages yielded a feasibility percentage of 73.80%, improving to 95.20% after revisions. Material validation assessments also showed significant improvement, with feasibility increasing from 75.55% to 92.22%. Field trials indicated that the content was well-received by participants, effectively preserving regional culture and promoting active participation in sports. The study demonstrates the potential of multimedia content in preserving cultural heritage and encouraging sports participation among youth. The positive feedback from expert validators and participants underscores the content's educational and cultural value. However, further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to confirm these findings and explore long-term impacts. The multimedia content developed through this research effectively preserves traditional games from North Sumatra and promotes active participation in sports among children and adolescents. The iterative validation and testing process ensured high feasibility and user engagement, making it a valuable tool for cultural and educational initiatives.

Determinant actions in men’s professional padel performance

ABSTRACT The main objective of the present research was to know the variables of the game in padel determining in the sport performance in men’s category in the season 2022–2023 in World Padel Tour. The independent variables considered in this study were: court side, laterality, stroke type, origin of the ball, net distance, shot direction and trajectory. The dependent variable was the effectiveness of the game actions. Four thousand five hundred and five game actions were analysed during the finals of the four masters (Marbella, Valladolid, Madrid, Buenos Aires) and the final master (Barcelona) of the 2022–2023 season of the World Padel Tour were analysed. The multinomial logistic regression applied showed that, the variables that predict the effectiveness of the game actions are: stroke type, net distance, shot direction and trajectory (level of statistical significance was p < .05). Specifically, our results show us that the stroke type that we must use to be more effective and score points is the smash, we must hit down the line, from areas close to the net and with a downward trajectory. These results show the characteristics of the game actions that determine the performance with the aim that they can help guide coaches in the training process of padel players.

Serunya Bermain Tanpa Teknologi

As technology develops, traditional games have begun to be marginalized by modern games, such as video games, Play Station, online games available on computers, cellphones and laptops, and other modern games. Children's play patterns are starting to shift to play patterns at home. Traditional games are one method that can be used so that people do not feel bored while doing gaming activities. Based on the campaign activities carried out by the implementing team, namely Communication Science students at Semarang University, by incorporating traditional games into their daily lives, equipped with adequate facilities in the community environment, they can slowly grow their interest in playing and ultimately minimize the use of gadgets in their daily lives.

Design for safety training for construction professionals: A digital game-based learning approach

Globally, there is a pressing need to train more construction professionals in Design for Safety (DfS). Conventional instructional methods like video watching and lectures may not effectively meet professionals’ need for training programmes that are relevant to real-life. Digital game-based learning (DGBL) is a proven educational tool, yet its application in professional DfS training remains inadequately explored. This study examined DGBL’s effectiveness using the SafeSim Design game to train construction professionals in DfS. A quasi-experiment was conducted to compare the effect of DGBL with that of online videos covering the same training contents. In total, 246 construction professionals participated in the course and 61 were interviewed or took part in a focus group discussion. We evaluated the change in pre- and post-course quiz scores, assignment scores, questionnaire responses, and qualitative data. We found that DGBL benefitted trainees more equally across different levels of prior experience. The results contribute to the literature by pointing out the importance of occupational background in influencing trainee performance, a factor not well explored in the literature. The results indicate that providing optional scaffolding support and detailed explanations for in-game activities is crucial, as this approach avoids the expertise reversal effect and helps manage trainees’ cognitive load. This study also demonstrated the feasibility of designing and implementing DGBL as an instructional tool for professional training. The above findings inform the development of effective DfS training and contribute to the wider implementation of DfS in construction industry around the world.

Control of the physical and technical fitness of elite professional rugby union players

Background. Rugby is one of the most popular sports abroad, that must have good physical, psychological, physiological, functional, technical condition for every athlete. The search for set of tests for monitoring the physical and technical fitness to achieve the successful performance of an athlete or a team in major competitions in Elite Professional Rugby Union Players continues to be an urgent problem. Purpose. This study aims to substantiate and develop a set of tests for monitoring the physical and technical fitness of rugby players aged 17-18. Material and Methods. There were eighty-seven male rugby players aged 17-18 from Ukrainian National team U18. All athletes volunteered to participate in the research. The following research methods have been used to solve the tasks of the research: analysis and synthesis of literature of the research topic; pedagogical observations; testing the technical, tactical and physical fitness; methods of mathematical and statistical analysis which are scientifically based and are widely used in sports science (correlation and factor analysis). The object of research is the indicators of the technical, tactical skills and physical fitness of 17-18 years old rugby players. Results. The authors offer the unified testing program and general quantitative criteria in the tests. Two approaches have been used as the main criteria for the informative tests – logical one, based on the explanation of physiological mechanism that determine high efficiency of players in the conditions of gaming activities, and empirical approach, based on the information about the factor structure and the validity of the tests used for these purposes. Information on the level of fitness of players at each stage can be used selectively in connection with aims and objectives that contribute to the management of the training process in general. Conclusions. With the help of motor and ergonomic tests, a general set of guidelines has been substantiated, which allowed to assess the state of technical, tactical and physical fitness of rugby players aged 17-18.

The Rise and Fall of Westmorland’s ‘County’ Racecourse: Kendal Races 1820–1834

Although many towns had race meetings in the past, most survived only a short time. It has been rare that the reasons why so many failed have been explored. Most simply stopped without any local newspaper explanation. This microstudy of a small local northern race meeting is very suggestive about just how complex and precarious the survival of any meeting could be, and aims to encourage further research. Kendal, the largest town in Westmorland, had very occasional low status race meetings in the eighteenth century on its Fell Side. But in 1820 annual races were revived on a new course to the east of the town, and the following year a new improved course was constructed to the west. The new races, the only ones in Westmorland at that time, lasted only fifteen years, from 1820 to 1834. This paper explores their nature, and the complex reasons lying behind the rise and fall of Kendal’s so-called ‘race week’. It starts by exploring its beginnings and describing the varied attractions that the ‘race week’ offered: wagering, heavy drinking, gaming and trickster activities, entertainments, a band, balloon ascent, dramas, social meals, dancing, assemblies, Wombwell’s menagerie, wrestling and cockfighting. It assesses the numbers and nature of the crowds attending. It then examines the complex reasons lying behind its brief growth and rapid decline. A perfect storm of problems came together: political divisions between the powerful landowning Tory Lowthers who held Westmorland and growing Whig and Reform opposition, which affected finances, patronage and elite attendance; middle-class Kendal attitudes, and dissenter religious opposition; funding problems; decline of gentry interest; inferior racehorse entries; low status jockeys; and bad weather.