Experimental Group Research Articles

Bioelectrical stimulation therapy for muscle injuries in aerobics athletes

This article aims to explore the recovery effect of the bioelectrical stimulation therapy on muscle injuries in aerobics athletes. Non-invasive medical techniques are adopted to activate muscle tissue through electrical currents, promoting muscle contraction ability and functional recovery. This article selects 100 aerobics athletes with muscle injuries through questionnaire surveys and interviews. The Modulo Plus electrical stimulation device is used, and personalized treatment plans are set. Muscle changes before and after treatment are monitored using electromyography and ultrasound technology. In the single-blind experiment, in the fourth week, the pain score of the experimental group decreases to 2.4 points; the functional recovery score increases to 75.2 points; the flexibility measurement reaches 19.2 cm. In the case-control study, the bioelectrical stimulation therapy cures all athletes in the sixth week, exceeding the conventional therapy’s 35 patients, and has a lower recurrence rate. In the cohort study, athletes who use the bioelectrical stimulation therapy for a long time have a shorter average recovery time of 15.3 days and a recurrence rate of 16%. In the muscle recovery experiment, in the eighth week after treatment, the electromyographic activity level of the experimental group increases to 58.6 μV; the muscle thickness increases to 4.3 mm; the echo intensity increases to 63.1 dB; the fatigue characteristic score drops to 2.1. These data indicate that the bioelectrical stimulation therapy has significant effects in reducing pain, promoting functional recovery, improving flexibility, shortening recovery time, and reducing recurrence rates and pain scores, thereby providing an effective treatment option for the recovery of muscle injuries in aerobics athletes.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the CDA-Stop Program: Cyberviolence Prevention Program for Adolescent Couples.

Dating cyberviolence is a frequent problem among young people, with severe consequences both when it takes place and when establishing future relationships. This phenomenon has been on the rise in recent years, and there is increasing concern from governments and institutions to address it. However, there are not many programs to prevent it. The Cyber Dating Abuse-Stop program is proposed precisely with this objective: to prevent partner cyberviolence from an early age by adapting to their characteristics and addressing different variables related to it. A quasi-experimental design was used, with a control group and pre- and posttest measurements. Participants were 409 adolescents between ages 12 and 17 years; 236 participants who took part in the 12 sessions of the program, and 173 participants who were assigned to the control group. The program consisted of sessions that required active participation of the participants, including role playing, guided discussions, viewing of videos and clips, debates, etc. The program was effective in variables such as the ability to identify one's own cyberviolence, sexism, myths about romantic love, and the perception of Internet risks, with significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group. Other variables, such as self-esteem and empathy, did not improve significantly with the program. The program has been effective in preventing cyberviolence in dating relationships among adolescents. The implications of the results are discussed, as well as aspects to be considered in future program applications.

Phase IV adaptive randomised clinical trials evaluating efficacy and cost-efficacy of pre-emptive pharmacogenetic genotyping strategies in the Spanish National Health System: iPHARMGx Master Protocol and PREVESTATGx nested clinical trial

IntroductionGenetic variations impact drug response, driving the need for personalised medicine through pre-emptive pharmacogenetic testing. However, the adoption of pre-emptive pharmacogenetic testing for commonly prescribed drugs, such as statins, outside...

Pedagogical conditions for soft skills development in future officers: evidence from the National Guard of Ukraine during wartime

This study investigates the effectiveness of pedagogical conditions for developing soft skills among future officers of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) during wartime. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we examined the development of essential military leadership competencies in a 12-month pedagogical experiment at the Kyiv Institute of NGU. The study involved 132 participants divided into experimental (n=64) and control (n=68) groups, with the experimental group receiving enhanced soft skills training through specialized pedagogical interventions. Results demonstrate significant improvements in the experimental group across multiple competency areas, including communication skills (31% increase), critical thinking (23%), teamwork (31%), lifelong learning (64%), professional ethics (31%), and leadership abilities (33%). Statistical analysis using the χ2 criterion confirmed the significance of these improvements at the 0.05 level. The findings suggest that structured pedagogical interventions, particularly those integrating combat experience and mentorship approaches, can effectively enhance military officers' soft skills development. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the importance of systematic soft skills training in military education, especially during periods of active conflict. The study's implications extend beyond the Ukrainian context, offering insights for military education programs globally while highlighting the need for continued research into long-term skill retention and cross-cultural applications.

Fostering Cultural Awareness and Academic Engagement through Poetry Analysis in Kazakh Educational Contexts

This study investigated the effects of activity-based and traditional analysis methods on students’ attitudes toward poetry, academic achievement, and cultural identity. A pre-test-post-test control group experimental design—a quantitative research method—was employed. The class using activity-based analysis methods for poetry analysis was designated as the experimental group, while the class following the traditional analysis method served as the control group. Participants were second-year students from the Kazakh Literature Department at a university in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The study spanned eight weeks and involved 18 female and 15 male students in the experimental group, with 17 female and 15 male students in the control group. All students provided informed consent to participate voluntarily. The Scale of Attitude toward Poetry, Poetry Analysis Skills Academic Achievement Test, and Cultural Identity Perception Scale were administered to measure the study variables. The findings revealed that activity-based analysis methods positively impacted students’ attitudes toward poetry, with the experimental group demonstrating a more favorable approach than the control group. Additionally, students in the experimental group achieved higher academic performance in poetry analysis skills than those in the control group. Although both groups showed a general improvement in their cultural identity perception, no significant difference was found between them. These results support the potential of activity-based approaches in poetry education to increase student achievement and attitudes. Consequently, integrating such methods should be actively encouraged in future educational practices.

THE EFFECT OF USING YOUTUBE VIDEO ON THE STUDENTS’ ABILITY IN WRITING PROCEDURE TEXT AT THE SEVENTH GRADE OF SMP SWASTA TELADAN PEMATANGSIANTAR

The purpose of this study is to find out the impact of using YouTube videos on the procedural writing skills of seventh grade students at SMP Swasta Teladan Pematangsiantar. This study focuses on the use of YouTube videos as a tool for students' writing on the topic “Making a Drink.” This study uses quantitative research with a quasi-experimental research design from Creswell. The population of this study consisted of seventh grade students of SMP Swasta Teladan Pematangsiantar, a total of 64 students. The sample of this study was divided into two groups, namely the experimental class (VII-A), consisting of 32 students who used YouTube video as a medium, and the control class (VII-B), consisting of 32 students who used only the teacher's explanation. Data were collected using writing tests for the pre-test and the final test. The researcher found that the mean of the pre-test was 52.6 in the experimental group and 56.2 in the control group. The mean of the final test in the experimental group was 75.8 and 72.1 in the control group. The t-value was determined to be 2.416, while the t-value based on degrees of freedom (df) was 1.670 for a significance level of 0.05. Since the t-value is greater than the t-value (2.416>1.671). Therefore, it can be concluded that YouTube videos have a significant impact on seventh-grade students' ability of SMP Swasta Teladan Pematangsiantar to write procedural texts.

The role of biomechanics in enhancing cognitive function and learning outcomes in English language teaching

Language learning, traditionally taught through memory and repetition, often overlooks the role of physical movement in enhancing cognitive and linguistic abilities. Theories like embodied cognition and motor learning suggest that cognitive functions are closely linked to physical actions. Research suggests that posture, gestures, and movement can improve language processing and comprehension. However, the practical integration of biomechanical principles into structured language teaching remains underexplored. Previous studies on gesture-based learning and movement-enhanced vocabulary acquisition indicate potential benefits but lack a comprehensive approach. This study introduces a series of biomechanical interventions in English language teaching, including posture training, movement-based vocabulary learning, sensory-motor integration, and kinesthetic learning techniques. A quasi-experimental design with 115 12–16-year-olds was used for 8 weeks. The experimental group received biomechanical interventions, and the control group received traditional teaching. Cognitive function and language outcomes were assessed pre-and post-assessment. The experimental group showed significant cognitive function improvements, with scores rising from 78.5 ± 5.6 to 89.3 ± 4.8, while the control group showed only a minor change (77.9 ± 5.8 to 80.7 ± 5.5, t = 4.56, p = 0.002, d = 1.78 In the experimental group, vocabulary scores increased from 85.6 ± 7.4 to 92.3 ± 6.2 (t = 3.22, p = 0.008, d = 1.03). Memory improvement correlated strongly with vocabulary acquisition (r = 0.68, p = 0.003). Also, engagement frequency increased (p = 0.004).

Reaching gender equity in the classroom

The present study explores the impact of the choice of language in tests for girls’ academic performance at monolingual primary and secondary schools in Sub-Saharan Africa. For that purpose, students in grades 3, 6, and 10 (140 girls and 139 boys) from schools in rural Senegal were given a test consisting of three mathematics problem-solving tasks. They were randomly divided into an experimental group if they received the test in a local language, their mother tongue (Sereer for grades 3 and 6, and Joola for grade 10), and into a control group if they received the test in French, the unique language of instruction in the traditional Senegalese public education system. The findings suggest that using a local language familiar to students may contribute to girls’ attainment at school: Girls in the experimental group in grades 3, 6 and 10 outperformed girls in the control group, therefore narrowing the existing gender gap in education. The present study also explores the application of Cummins’ (1979, 2009) theories of language acquisition: The data shows that girls might take advantage of bilingual education systems that promote the transfer of language skills and knowledge. The results presented in this paper show the benefit of introducing local languages familiar to students in the education system of Senegal and other Sub-Saharan countries where only a European language is employed as the language of instruction, especially for girls, by improving their academic performance and contributing to gender equity in education.

A novel step-by-step teaching method improves training outcomes in transvaginal ultrasound for postgraduate reproductive medicine students: an exploratory randomized controlled study

BackgroundTraditional methods of training in ultrasound technology make it difficult for postgraduate reproductive medicine students to rapidly develop into doctors who can perform clinical examinations independently. It is necessary to explore an efficient method for ultrasound training. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the step-by-step (SBS) teaching improves the ultrasound diagnosis and clinical work level of reproductive medicine graduate students.MethodsA total of fifty postgraduate reproductive medicine students who participated in ultrasound room training were selected at random and divided into two groups: a traditional teaching control group and a stepwise teaching experimental group. A comparison was subsequently conducted between the two groups in terms of theoretical level, skill operation, comprehensive ability and teaching evaluation.ResultsIn terms of theory, skills, and comprehensive assessment, the experimental group exhibited superior performance compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The experimental group rated the instructors’ teaching ability and methods significantly better than did the control group (P < 0.05). The experimental group’s overall satisfaction with the training was better than that of the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe stepped teaching model has the potential to facilitate the acquisition of clinical ultrasound detection and diagnostic techniques by postgraduate reproductive medicine students, thereby enhancing their overall competence and satisfaction with the teaching process.

Virtual reality in medical education: Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Anatomy Laboratory (IVAL) compared to traditional learning approaches

Immersive Virtual Anatomy Laboratory (IVAL) is an innovative learning tool that combines virtual reality and serious games elements to enhance anatomy education. This experimental study compares IVAL with traditional learning methods in terms of educational effectiveness and user acceptance. An experimental design was implemented with 120 undergraduate health-science students, randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group using IVAL, and a control group following traditional learning methods. Data collection focused on quantitative measures such as pretest and posttest vocabulary assessment scores and task completion times, alongside qualitative measures obtained through a user experience questionnaire. This study utilizes the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), incorporating variables such as Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use. Results revealed significant improvements in the experimental group, with a 55.95% increase in vocabulary scores and an 18.75% reduction in task completion times compared to the control group. Qualitative data indicated that IVAL users reported greater Perceived Usefulness of the technology, improved Perceived Ease of Use, a more positive Attitude Towards Using IVAL, and stronger Behavioral Intention to continue using IVAL for anatomy learning. This study demonstrates that the integration of immersive virtual reality in the IVAL approach offers a promising method to enhance anatomy education. The findings provide insights into the effectiveness of immersive learning environments in improving learning outcomes and user acceptance. While further research is needed to explore long-term effects, this innovative approach not only enhances the effectiveness and enjoyment of anatomy learning but also provides valuable data on optimizing educational technology for improved learning outcomes.

The Effect of Virtual Reality on Pain, Anxiety, Physiological Parameters, and Postspinal Headache in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeThe purpose of this research was to determine the effect of virtual reality (VR) on pain, anxiety, physiological parameters, and postspinal headache in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. DesignThis was a randomized controlled experimental trial. MethodsThe research was conducted in the operating room unit of the state hospital in Hakkari-Şemdinli District Center between May 2021 and June 2022. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, visual analog scale (VAS), verbal category scale (VCS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Application Registration Form to record preoperative and postoperative oxygen saturation and heart rate. FindingsWhen the groups’ VAS and VCS mean scores were compared for head and incision site pain, the mean scores of headache and incision site pain in both groups were found to be significantly lower in the experimental group patients (P < .001). In addition, the difference between the groups in headache VAS and VCS mean scores at all hours was statistically significant; incision site pain VAS and VCS mean scores were significantly lower between the groups at all hours, except the 1st and 2nd hours (P < .001). While there was no significant difference in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (SAS) pretest mean scores between the groups (P > .05), the SAS post-test mean scores of the experimental group were significantly lower (P < .05). The mean heart rate in the intraoperative and postoperative periods and the mean saturation in the postoperative period differed significantly between the groups (P < .05). The difference between the blood pressure averages before, during, and after the operation was not statistically significant in both groups (P > .05). While nausea and vomiting was significant in the experimental group only at the 2nd hour (P < .05), it was not statistically significant at the other hours (P > .05). ConclusionsVR was found to effectively reduce pain, anxiety, postspinal headache, and increase the oxygen saturation level in the postoperative period in patients who underwent spinal anesthesia. Hence, VR is an effective treatment for patients who have undergone surgery under spinal anesthesia.

Mitigation of Oxidized Oil Effects on Production Performances and Meat Quality of Broilers by Dietary Supplementation of Allicin

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary oxidized oil and allicin (two different dietary sources) as natural antioxidants on the growth performance and meat quality of broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into four dietary groups (50 birds/group). The experimental groups (OO—oxidized oil; OOA—oxidized oil and allicin; OOG—oxidized oil and garlic leaves) differed from the control one by the presence of oxidized oil in their dietary structure (peroxide value 9.07 (OO, OOA and OOG groups) vs. 1.70 (C group) meq active oxygen/kg). The diets given to the experimental groups differed from each other by the presence of allicin (100 mg/kg inclusion rate as extract (OOA) and 0.5% as garlic leaf powder (OOG)). At the end of the experiment, six animals/group were slaughtered, meat samples (breast and thigh) were collected, and nutritional value was established. The results showed that the allicin included in the experimental diet did not influence the proximate composition of breast meat (crude protein, fat, ash, and dry matter). The fatty acid profile was determined for each group of samples; a significant decrease in omega 3 FAs was noticed between the C group and the E groups (3.27% vs. 1.46%, 1.60%, and 1.56%) in breast meat samples, and a corresponding increase was noticed in saturated fatty acid (SFA) concentrations. Health indices with implications for atheroma and thrombus formation and cholesterol level were negatively affected by the presence of oxidized oil in the experimental diets, but the allicin extract supplement appeared to mitigate its influence. A positive influence of the dietary supplement was noticed on antioxidant capacity and polyphenol concentrations determined in breast and thigh samples under allicin supplement influence. The results of the current study revealed that the use of low oxidized oil in broilers diets did not affect productive performance. The nutritional quality of meat (breast and thigh) was negatively influenced by the presence of oxidized oil, but allicin supplements (extract or garlic leaves) improved lipid quality indices and antioxidant potential.

Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) Under Salinity Stress: Effects on Antioxidant Capacity and Gill Structure.

Bivalve mollusks frequently experience salinity fluctuations that may drive oxidative stress (OS) in the organism. Here we investigated OS markers and histopathological changes in gills and hemolymph of Mediterranean mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 exposed to a wide range of salinities (6, 10, 14, 24, and 30 ppt). Mussels were captured at the shellfish farm with the salinity 18 ppt and then exposed to hypo- and hypersaline conditions in the laboratory. Indicators of redox balance in hemocytes (intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, DNA damage) and gills (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (PC), activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured. The effect of salinity stress on microstructure of gills has been evaluated as well. The results revealed induction of OS in tissues and cells of mussels for both experimental increase and decrease salinity modelings. Hemocytes showed higher sensitivity to osmotic stress compared to gills. In gills TBARS were stable in all experimental groups and PC increased only at salinity 6 ppt. The activity of SOD, CAT and GPx in gills decreased only in mussels acclimated to salinity 24 ppt and further salinisation up to 30 ppt was associated with the recovery of the activity of all enzymes. Major histopathological changes in gills upon salinity fluctuations included inflammatory reactions, circulatory alterations, regressive and progressive changes. Our findings clearly indicate that salinity fluctuations promote OS at cellular and tissue level and also affect microstructure of gills in mussels. The results provide new insights into the mechanisms of osmotic stress in bivalves.

The Impact of Acute Ammonia Nitrogen Stress on the Gill Tissue Structure and Antioxidant Ability of Gills and Red and White Muscle in Juvenile Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)

To explore the impacts of acute ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) stress on gill structure and the antioxidant ability of red and white muscles in juvenile yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), this study used natural seawater as a control, establishing two experimental NH3-N groups at 5 and 10 mg/L. Gills and red and white muscle were taken at 6, 24, and 36 h for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GHS-PX) levels, and to observe gill structure. The results indicated that, with increasing time, the MDA concentration and CAT activity in the gills of the 5 mg/L group showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, while SOD activity exhibited a downward trend. In the 10 mg/L group, MDA concentration showed an increasing trend, while SOD, CAT, and GSH-PX activities demonstrated a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. In the 5 mg/L group, the MDA concentration and GSH-PX activity in the red muscle showed an increasing trend. In the 10 mg/L group, MDA concentration and SOD and CAT activities exhibited a downward trend. In the 5 mg/L group, the MDA concentration and SOD activity in the white muscle showed a downward trend, while CAT activity exhibited an increasing trend. In the 10 mg/L group, MDA concentration and CAT activity demonstrated a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, while SOD activity showed a downward trend. Ammonia nitrogen can lead to necrosis and shedding of gill epithelial cells, cell vacuolation, edema, as well as proliferation, hypertrophy, and fusion of secondary lamellae. This study demonstrates that NH3-N can alter gill structure and reduce the antioxidant ability of gills and red–white muscle. The findings provide scientific data that can support the aquaculture and recirculating aquaculture systems of juvenile tuna.

Task goals shape the relationship between decision and movement speed.

The speed at which we move is linked to the speed at which we decide to make these movements. Yet, the principles guiding such relationship remain unclear: while some studies point towards a shared invigoration process boosting decision and movement speed jointly, others rather indicate a tradeoff between both levels of control, with slower movements accompanying faster decisions. Here, we aimed (1) at further investigating the existence of a shared invigoration process linking decision and movement and (2) at testing the hypothesis that such a link is masked when detrimental to the reward rate. To this aim, we tested 62 subjects who performed the tokens task in two experiments (separate sessions): Experiment 1 evaluated how changing decision speed affects movement speed while Experiment 2 assessed how changing movement speed affects decision speed. In the latter experiment, subjects were either encouraged to favor decision speed (fast decision group) or decision accuracy (slow decision group). Various mixed model analyses revealed a coregulation of decision (urgency) and movement speed in Experiment 1 and in the fast decision group of Experiment 2, but not in the slow decision group despite the fact that these same subjects displayed a coregulation effect in Experiment 1. Altogether, our findings support the idea that coregulation occurs as a default mode but that this form of control is diminished or supplanted by a tradeoff relationship, contingent on reward rate maximization. Drawing from these behavioral observations, we propose that multiple processes contribute to shaping the speed of decisions and movements.

Morphofunctional Features of Glomeruli and Nephrons After Exposure to Electrons at Different Doses: Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis

Kidney disease has emerged as a significant global health issue, projected to become the fifth-leading cause of years of life lost by 2040. The kidneys, being highly radiosensitive, are vulnerable to damage from various forms of radiation, including gamma (γ) and X-rays. However, the effects of electron radiation on renal tissues remain poorly understood. Given the localized energy deposition of electron beams, this study seeks to investigate the dose-dependent morphological and molecular changes in the kidneys following electron irradiation, aiming to address the gap in knowledge regarding its impact on renal structures. The primary aim of this study is to conduct a detailed morphological and molecular analysis of the kidneys following localized electron irradiation at different doses, to better understand the dose-dependent effects on renal tissue structure and function in an experimental model. Male Wistar rats (n = 75) were divided into five groups, including a control group and four experimental groups receiving 2, 4, 6, or 8 Gray (Gy) of localized electron irradiation to the kidneys. Biochemical markers of inflammation (interleukin-1 beta [IL-1β], interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-10 [IL-10], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione [GSH]) were measured, and morphological changes were assessed using histological and immunohistochemical techniques (TUNEL assay, caspase-3). The study revealed a significant dose-dependent increase in oxidative stress, inflammation, and renal tissue damage. Higher doses of irradiation resulted in increased apoptosis, early stages of fibrosis (at high doses), and morphological changes in renal tissue. This study highlights the dose-dependent effects of electrons on renal structures, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the dosage in clinical use to minimize adverse effects on renal function.

THE EFFECT OF RADIATION PROTECTION TRAINING ON RADIATION SAFETY CULTURE

Radiology examination in Indonesia is bound by radiation protection policy. Radiographers, as radiation workers, must ensure radiation safety during radiology examinations. A strong safety culture needs to be implemented, considering that radiology installations use radiation that can adversely affect health. Radiation protection training is one of the most critical factors contributing to forming a radiation safety culture. This study aims to analyze the effect of radiation protection training on radiation officers on improving radiation safety culture, identifying radiation safety culture before and after radiation protection training on radiation officers. This study uses a quasi-experiment with a pre-test-post-test group design, which will observe and then measure the radiation safety culture of the experimental group before and after radiation protection training by providing a pre-test and post-test. The data obtained are then processed and interpreted as a results report. From 32 respondents, it was shown that elements of safety culture such as awareness and concern, knowledge and competence, commitment, motivation, supervision, and responsibility increased after participating in training. By this study, an increase in aspects of safety culture was obtained from before training to after training with a sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.000 is lower than the alpha level of 5% (0.05). Radiation protection training has become an effective means to improve and grow the radiation safety culture in hospital facilities. Keywords: radiation protection training, radiation safety culture, radiation officers, radiation examination.

Impact of various training programs on lower limb biomechanics in adolescent Latin dancers

Latin dance attracts many young dancers globally. While these adolescents exhibit flexibility and imitation skills, their muscular strength and neuromuscular control often fall short, making complex movements challenging. Thus, incorporating functional training methods is essential for enhancing performance and reducing injury risk. This study, a total of 30 adolescent female Latin dancers aged 12–14 years with at least one year of training and competition experience were recruited for this study and randomly divided into two groups: One group of 15 students (average height 154.37 ± 3.82 cm, average weight 45.31 ± 5.29 kg) received traditional Latin dance training, and the other group of 15 students (15 students average height 154.73 ± 4.28 cm, average weight 44.63 ± 4.37 kg) received traditional Latin dance training and based on traditional Latin dance training, functional exercise was carried out for 12 weeks. A Vicon motion capture system, force platform, and electromyography were used to collect biomechanical data. Paired samples t-tests assessed significant differences between groups pre- and post-intervention. The experimental group showed significant improvements post-intervention: in the sagittal plane, ankle joint angles improved by 14.01% to 52.21% (p &lt; 0.001); in the coronal plane, knee joint angles increased by 0% to 31.21% (p &lt; 0.001) and 66.67% to 100% (p &lt; 0.001); in the horizontal plane, hip joint angles improved by 4.99% to 76.00% (p &lt; 0.001). Muscle activation showed significant increases in gastrocnemius lateral (p = 0.016), gluteus maximus (p = 0.001), tibialis anterior (p = 0.014), and rectus femoris (p &lt; 0.001). Functional training enhances joint flexibility, muscle activation, balance, and overall performance in adolescent Latin dancers. Integrating functional training into regular routines can improve athletic performance and lower injury risk, informing the development of targeted training programs.

Assessing Parental Engagement's Influence on Elementary Students' Language Proficiency Development

Aim: In this research, the influence of Jordanian parents on their children's English language development in sixth grade is examined. The study's goals could only be met with the help of a pre- and post-test designed to evaluate the participants' English language skills. There were fifteen English-language questions on the test. Method: Female students in sixth grade from two public schools in the Irbid 1st Directorate of Education served as the study's sample (92). There were 46 in the control group and 46 in the experimental group. The teachers' guide group followed the conventional approach, while the experimental group used the Parents' Participation strategy. Results: By comparing the pre- and post-test scores of the experimental and control groups, the study determined whether or not parental participation improved sixth graders' speaking abilities. In comparison to the control group, which had a pretest mean of 60 (standard deviation=9) and a posttest mean of 70 (standard deviation=10), the experimental group that included parents had higher scores on both the pretest and posttest (mean=65, SD=8). In spite of these gains, there was no statistically significant difference in the groups' overall teaching strategies according to the ANOVA results (F value=1.25, p=0.267). This suggests that parental involvement may result in higher scores, but it does not necessarily affect the effectiveness of the tested teaching strategies. Additionally, the results showed that the experimental group routinely beat the control group, which is encouraging but not conclusive evidence of a substantial effect on the improvement of students' public speaking abilities. Received: 12 July 2024 / Accepted: 31 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Investigating the Effect of Internet-Based Applications on Secondary School Students' Academic Achievement in Science, Motivation and Awareness of Web 2.0 Tools

In this study, the effect of internet-based applications on the academic achievement, motivation, and awareness of Web 2.0 tools of 6th grade middle school students on "Matter and Heat" was examined. The study group consisted of 73 (experimental: 50, control: 23) 6th grade students from a public school in Istanbul, Turkey. The study was conducted with an experimental design with pretest-posttest control group among quantitative research models. In the experimental group, science lessons were taught with the support of web 2.0 tools such as Nearpod, Canva and Quizizz, while in the control group, no additional application was made and the lessons were taught as specified in the curriculum. The data of the study were collected with the “Motivation Scale in Science Education”, “Matter and Heat Achievement Test” and “Awareness Scale for Web 2.0 Tools”. T-test and one-way factor analysis (ANCOVA) test were used to analyze the data. The results of this study showed that the academic achievement test scores of the experimental group students were higher than the control group and there was a significant difference between the academic achievement test scores of the experimental and control groups. The results showed that the science motivation scores showed a significant difference in favor of the experimental group and the science motivation scores of the experimental group students who were supported with web-based applications were higher than the control group. In addition, according to the results of the one-way analysis of covariance regarding the awareness of web 2.0 tools, there was a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in favor of the experimental group in the post-test scores. In this study, the importance of planning and implementing science lessons supported by internet-based applications at the secondary school level was revealed.