Set Of Exercises Research Articles

Fitted avatars: automatic skeleton adjustment for self-avatars in virtual reality

In the era of the metaverse, self-avatars are gaining popularity, as they can enhance presence and provide embodiment when a user is immersed in Virtual Reality. They are also very important in collaborative Virtual Reality to improve communication through gestures. Whether we are using a complex motion capture solution or a few trackers with inverse kinematics (IK), it is essential to have a good match in size between the avatar and the user, as otherwise mismatches in self-avatar posture could be noticeable for the user. To achieve such a correct match in dimensions, a manual process is often required, with the need for a second person to take measurements of body limbs and introduce them into the system. This process can be time-consuming, and prone to errors. In this paper, we propose an automatic measuring method that simply requires the user to do a small set of exercises while wearing a Head-Mounted Display (HMD), two hand controllers, and three trackers. Our work provides an affordable and quick method to automatically extract user measurements and adjust the virtual humanoid skeleton to the exact dimensions. Our results show that our method can reduce the misalignment produced by the IK system when compared to other solutions that simply apply a uniform scaling to an avatar based on the height of the HMD, and make assumptions about the locations of joints with respect to the trackers.

Evaluation of Upper Body and Lower Limbs Kinematics through an IMU-Based Medical System: A Comparative Study with the Optoelectronic System.

In recent years, the use of inertial-based systems has been applied to remote rehabilitation, opening new perspectives for outpatient assessment. In this study, we assessed the accuracy and the concurrent validity of the angular measurements provided by an inertial-based device for rehabilitation with respect to the state-of-the-art system for motion tracking. Data were simultaneously collected with the two systems across a set of exercises for trunk and lower limbs, performed by 21 healthy participants. Additionally, the sensitivity of the inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based system to its malpositioning was assessed. Root mean square error (RMSE) was used to explore the differences in the outputs of the two systems in terms of range of motion (ROM), and their agreement was assessed via Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). The results showed that the IMU-based system was able to assess upper-body and lower-limb kinematics with a mean error in general lower than 5° and that its measurements were moderately biased by its mispositioning. Although the system does not seem to be suitable for analysis requiring a high level of detail, the findings of this study support the application of the device in rehabilitation programs in unsupervised settings, providing reliable data to remotely monitor the progress of the rehabilitation pathway and change in patient's motor function.

Promoting physical activity through supervised vs motivational behavior change interventions in breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors (PAC-WOMAN): protocol for a 3-arm pragmatic randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAromatase inhibitors (AI) are frequently used to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, but they have multiple adverse effects (e.g., osteoporosis, arthralgia), resulting in premature therapy discontinuation/switch. Physical activity (PA) can attenuate these negative effects and improve quality of life (QoL). However, most cancer survivors fail to perform/sustain adequate PA levels, especially in the long-term. Theory-based interventions, using evidence-based behavior change techniques, aimed at promoting long-term behavior change in breast cancer survivors are effective, but remain scarce and fail to promote self-regulatory skills and better-quality motivations associated with sustained PA adoption. This paper describes the design of the PAC-WOMAN trial, which will test the long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of two state of the art, group-based interventions encouraging sustained changes in PA, sedentary behavior, and QoL. Additional aims include examining the impact of both interventions on secondary outcomes (e.g., body composition, physical function), and key moderators/mediators of short and long-term changes in primary outcomes.MethodsA 3-arm pragmatic randomized controlled trial, involving a 4-month intervention and a 12-month follow-up, will be implemented, in a real exercise setting, to compare: 1) brief PA counseling/motivational intervention; 2) structured exercise program vs. waiting-list control group. Study recruitment goal is 122 hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer survivors (stage I-III), on AI therapy (post-primary treatment completion) ≥ 1 month, ECOG 0–1. Outcome measures will be obtained at baseline, 4 months (i.e., post-intervention), 10 and 16 months. Process evaluation, analyzing implementation determinants, will also be conducted.DiscussionPAC-WOMAN is expected to have a relevant impact on participants PA and QoL and provide insights for the improvement of interventions designed to promote sustained adherence to active lifestyle behaviors, facilitating its translation to community settings.Trial registrationApril 20, 2023 – NCT05860621.April 21, 2023 – https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ZAQ9NApril 27, 2023 – UMIN000050945.

THE EFFECTS OF MYOFASCIAL SELF-RELEASE METHOD AND TOOL APPLICATION ON ATHLETE STRENGTH INDICATORS IN TIBIA EXTENSOR MUSCLES IN FITNESS

The aim of the present study was to analyse the effectiveness of myofascial self-release methods and the use of the tool in the development of strength indicators in the tibia extensor muscles. Instrumental assessment of muscle function was performed on a REV 9000, Technogymᴿ, Italy. The subjects of our study were twenty healthy fitness athletes aged between 20 and 23 years. A set of strength exercises was developed, consisting of 10 exercises focused on increasing the muscle strength of tibia extensor muscles. For the experimental group self-massage with a roller was applied. When applying strength-development exercises with a set of self-release, the dynamics of maximum strength results are as follows: the force balance of the dominant and the non-dominant leg in the control group before (p=0.001) and after (p=0.02) the experiment, and in the experimental group before (p=0.01) and after (p=0.02) the experiment remained unchanged – no significant changes were observed in the results between the groups; - positive dynamics in strength changes were observed for the dominant leg between the control group (p=0.08) and the experimental group (p=0.37) before and after the experiment. The positive increase in the results is in favour of the experimental group, although there are no significant statistical differences in the results of the control group. On the other hand, no differences in the strength dynamics of the non-dominant leg were found.

DEVELOPMENT OF A SET OF CONTROL EXERCISES BASED ON THE ASSESSMENT OF COMBAT CAPABILITIES

As the military environment is characterized by high levels of physical activity, physical activity is an important component of military action. The aim of the present study was to identify the most physically demanding daily and training (expected battle) tasks performed in the Latvian Army Land Force units (NAF LFU) through the development and application of a questionnaire survey. The results obtained in the study were used to start developing a set of NAF physical fitness control exercises. Based on adapted questionnaires, was developed a questionnaire for the NAF LFU, which allowed to determine most physically demanding daily and combat tasks, as well as dominant physical qualities and physical activities. The questionnaire was then distributed to 70 ground combat soldiers (with the most service and deployments experience as well as sports education), of whom 57 responded (81%). A field test – GB Combat test was carried out as part of the case study in the NAF LFU. Test was chosen by specialists and determined as the most suitable, evaluating the results of the questionnaire and the tasks to be performed by the NAF LFU. 52 soldiers participated in the pilot test. The five most physically demanding training tasks were identified: attack/ quick attack, fight in built-up area (FIBUA), defense, retreat/ delay and preparing fighting positions. The most common physical activities that characterize these tasks are indicated: crawling, running and bending, squatting. As the most important physical qualities indicated – muscular endurance 27.74%, less important physical qualities – speed 22.10%, muscular strength 21.32% and agility 20.36%. The five most physically demanding daily tasks were identified: field training, maintenance of equipment, marching, relocation of equipment and physical fitness training. The most common physical activities that characterize these tasks are indicated: carrying, lifting and running. As the most important physical qualities indicated - muscular endurance 33.08% and muscular strength 31.54%. The GB Combat test, evaluating by a rating system developed by the British Armed Forces (system - pass/fail), was not passed by 11 soldiers.

Effects of proprioceptive training using BOSU® balance trainer on core strength and static balance in young competitive rhythmic gymnasts

Purpose: The study aimed to examine the effects of eight weeks of proprioceptive training using a BOSU® balance trainer on core strength and static balance in young rhythmic gymnasts. Methods: Twenty-three young competitive female rhythmic gymnasts, (age: 9.7 ± 1.9 yrs; weight; 26.1 ± 6.5 kg; height: 131.2 ± 10.9 cm; years of experience in RG: 3.5 ± 1.7) were assigned into an experimental group (EG, n = 12) and a control group (CG, n = 11). Both groups underwent a series of tests included the side bridge test, the stork stand balance test, and the rhythmic gymnastics balance test before and after the experimental intervention. All participants engaged in regular rhythmic gymnastics training throughout the intervention period with EG supplemented with BOSU® balance trainer proprioceptive training. The intervention programme consisted of six sets of exercises that focused on improving core strength and static balance. Training volume was kept consistent throughout the experiment, with each exercise performed for 30 s followed by a 45-s rest in 2 sets, 3 times a week. Results: Results showed that EG improved core strength significantly for right (P < 0.001) and left (P = 0.038) sides. However, there was no significant difference found in static balance (Stork Stand Balance Test and Rhythmic Gymnastics Balance Test) between EG and CG. Conclusion: The study concluded that proprioceptive training using BOSU® balance trainer implemented for 8 weeks on young competitive rhythmic gymnasts improved core strength but not in static balance

Compulsive exercise and its relationship with mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in recreational exercisers and athletes.

Better understanding of compulsive exercise is needed in sports medicine. Whilst compulsive exercise may impact mental health, the limited research exploring the relationship between compulsive exercise and psychosocial outcomes is equivocal. The majority of studies have examined eating disorder populations where the eating disorder pathology might account for distress. This study explores relationships between compulsive exercise and mental health. Cross-sectional observational study. Australian recreational exercisers and athletes (N = 1157; Mage 36.4, standard deviation = 12.9, 77 % female) recruited through sporting organisations, clubs, and gyms, completed measures of compulsive exercise, depression, anxiety, stress, life satisfaction, social physique anxiety, and self-esteem. Regression analyses examined relationships between dimensions of compulsive exercise and wellbeing. After adjustment for eating disorder symptoms and sporting level, compulsive exercise was associated with increased risk of clinically-significant anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. Compulsive exercise was also associated with lower life satisfaction and self-esteem, and higher social physique anxiety. Notably, different dimensions of compulsive exercise had varying relationships with outcomes, and avoidance and rule-driven behaviour and lack of exercise enjoyment were associated with poorer mental health and wellbeing. Results suggest that compulsive exercise is uniquely associated with a range of psychosocial and mental health outcomes. Results support the need to improve identification and treatment of compulsive exercise in sport and exercise settings. Results highlight that mental health intervention is an important component of treatment, and treatments targeting symptoms related to avoidance and rule-driven behaviour, and anhedonia may be valuable treatment components for those with compulsive exercise.

Деятельность социального педагога в условиях центра помощи детям, оставшимся без попечения родителей

This article discusses a socio-pedagogical program for the formation of a favorable microclimate in the group of pupils of the center for helping children left without parental care in the Altai Territory. The socio-pedagogical program “Inspiration” is the main approach to group work with adolescents on the formation of a psychological climate in the group and allows you to form high-quality relationships with the pupils of the center for helping children left without parental care, which they often lack. The developed program is well integrated into the system of raising children, where the need for a favorable psychological climate is most often replaced by the provision of basic needs of the child and health care. The purpose of the socio-pedagogical program is the formation of a favorable microclimate in the team, as well as the disclosure and development of the positive personal potential of the pupil. The structure of the socio-pedagogical program “Inspiration” includes four content blocks: personal, emotional, social activity block, communicative block. Each of the blocks is represented by a set of classes and exercises aimed at creating a favorable microclimate in the team of pupils of the center for helping children left without parental care.

The efficiency of using the “Stupalka-LOGOS” simulator in improving the psycho-speech development of preschool children

The article presented the authors’ simulator "Stupalki-LOGOS" (authors: M. M. Yefymenko, M. D. Moga) and considered the possibilities of its use in improving (correcting) the psycho-speech development of preschoolers with general underdevelopment of speech. The design of the simulator and the purpose of its three removable parts (handgrip handle, base platform, supporting surface of the simulator) are described. A brief classification of the main types of children’s hand disorders (hypotonic, hypertonic, dystonic, asymmetric) is made, and an algorithm for overcoming hand disorders according to each of the listed types is given. The main power hand functions that can be formed with the help of the Stupalki-LOGOS simulator (grab, supports, springs, rolling, balancing, stepping, etc.) are listed. The special role of the two-handed coordination function, which is formed due to this simulator, is emphasized. The cross-coordination of the upper and lower (when crawling) limbs forms the internal hemispheric neural networks necessary for brain activity for further left-hemisphere lateralization of the brain. The practical aspect of the research is presented in the article with sets of special exercises on the Stupalki-LOGOS simulator to improve the motor and psycho-speech development of preschoolers with general speech underdevelopment. The performed pedagogical observations proved that the "Stupalki-LOGOS" simulator improves the indicators of psycho-speech development: two-handed coordination improved, the basic power functions of the hand were formed (capture, supports, springs, rolling, stepping, pushing away), the state of mental well-being improved, as well as certain indicators of speech development (articulatory motor skills, phonetics, vocabulary).

Educatorium – from theory to practice

Teaching foreign languages is based on teaching materials understood as all means used to ensure the achievement of the assumed goals of teaching a foreign language (Styszyński, 2004). Some of these materials are intended for students and others for use by teachers. Among the latter, the most popular are methodological guides and teaching packages concerning the implementation of effective ways of teaching a foreign language. However, due to their specificity, the theoretical aspect is rather undeveloped, and the examples are usually given in only one foreign language, without demonstrating the possibility of creative modification. These challenges are faced by the development of a new type of teaching materials – an educatorium, which has been designed and published for the first time in Poland. This type of monograph, containing an extensive theoretical part and a large set of exercises, is addressed to both academic and non-academic teachers of foreign languages, at different levels of professional experience, as a tool for self-development. Our main aim is to present the goals and functions of an educatorium, intended for teachers as innovators, researchers, and reflective practitioners. The paper also explains the methods of developing teachers’ professional creativity, presents the structure and content of the educatorium, and discusses a system of listening exercises given in Polish, Russian, German, and English.

Social Comparison in Healthy Adult Peloton Bikers: How Visual Display of Exercise Data Affects Performance

UniversityIn group exercise settings, individuals compare their performance against others, a process called social comparison. Although social comparison in laboratory-based exercise settings has been investigated, little is known about how exercising with others can boost motivation to perform in a non-laboratory group exercise setting with data display. Peloton bikers (N = 26) completed the same 30-minute cycling session in three conditions: group data display, individual data display, and no data display. Participants’ exercise performance (i.e., heart rate, calories burned, and distance cycled) was assessed for each condition. Ego orientation and social comparison were investigated as predictors of performance. Results indicated that in the group data condition, participants had higher heart rates (p = .02), calories burned (p = .03), and longer distance cycled (p < .001) compared to the no data condition. Positive correlations emerged between social comparison and calories burned (r = .52), social comparison and distance (r = .45), and calories burned and distance (r = .75). Additionally, there was a negative correlation between ego orientation and HR (r = -.45), and between task and ego orientations (r = -.47). Ego orientation explained 19% of the variance in HR, and social comparison accounted for 20% and 27% of the variance in distance and calories burned, respectively. These results suggest that social comparison, ego orientation, and visually displayed data can all improve exercise performance. This study is bridging the gap between research and practice by providing further evidence of the application of the motivational effect of visually displayed exercise data in a group exercise setting. Specifically, fitness professionals can utilize the visual presentation of exercise data to increase their participant’s engagement, while being cognizant of the risk of over-exertion.

Blood-Based Biomarkers for Managing Workload in Athletes: Perspectives for Research on Emerging Biomarkers.

At present, various blood-based biomarkers have found their applications in the field of sports medicine. This current opinion addresses biomarkers that warrant consideration in future research for monitoring the athlete training load. In this regard, we identified a variety of emerging load-sensitive biomarkers, e.g., cytokines (such as IL-6), chaperones (such as heat shock proteins) or enzymes (such as myeloperoxidase) that could improve future athlete load monitoring as they have shown meaningful increases in acute and chronic exercise settings. In some cases, they have even been linked to training status or performance characteristics. However, many of these markers have not been extensively studied and the cost and effort of measuring these parameters are still high, making them inconvenient for practitioners so far. We therefore outline strategies to improve knowledge of acute and chronic biomarker responses, including ideas for standardized study settings. In addition, we emphasize the need for methodological advances such as the development of minimally invasive point-of-care devices as well as statistical aspects related to the evaluation of these monitoring tools to make biomarkers suitable for regular load monitoring.

Cardiac phenotype of propionic acidemia in the Amysh community

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background/Introduction Propionic acidemia (PA) is an organic acid disorder with poorly described cardiac phenotype despite progressive important cardiac remodeling and causes of death including congestive heart failure and sudden cardiac death, often in a setting of vigorous exercise or stress. Cardiac modifications begin at cellular level, both metabolic and lipid depositions, resulting in overall changes in shape, size, geometry and function, with ventricular dysfunction and risk for arrhythmias at young age. Purpose Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular (LV) shape and timing (especially the Isovolumic contraction time (IVCT)) can help us understand the pathophysiology during the remodeling process in this rare disease. Methods We included all the PA patients from the Amish plain Community seen in our center. Clinical data, including demographics, ECG and echo measurements were recorded. Results We included 22 patients, who were homozygous for the pathogenic variant for PA, (59% males, 20.3± 13.3 years old). ECG analysis showed mild tachycardia (92 ± 30bpm) with normal QRS (84± 18 msec) and QTc segments duration (424± 31 msec). Echocardiography demonstrated a globular LV with dilated base and apical segments, normal systolic function, and normal diastolic function. The Global Longitudinal Strain was mildly decreased (GLS −17±3.08) with a dispersion of the regional strain with apical sparing. (Figure 1). The mean LV IVCT (75 msec) was longer compared to mean RV IVCT (69 msec, Figure 1). Conclusion Patients with PA present with very specific remodeling, including an increase in sphericity of the heart and slightly decreased GLS with normal EF. The very long LV IVCT suggests a problem with pressure generation, potentially as a marker of decreased LV contractility, either at cellular level or with activation-contraction coupling. Together with the difference in timings between the LV and RV this might become a substrate for life-threatening arrhythmias. A contractility problem, together with the exercise induced arrhythmias suggest that PA patients might benefit from afterload reduction.

Effect of a program adapted the "Hopscotch" on the sense of rhythm in the movements of russian children. Quasi-experimental study

Objective: To determine the effect of using a standard classics exercise on the development of indicators of sense the rhythm of movements of children 8-9 years old. Methods: Quasi-exoerimental study with intervention group (n = 52) and control group (n = 52), whose sample considered children belonging to ordinary school number 60 of the Russian Federation. The experimental group was subjected to classic exercises adapted from the game "Hopscotch", while the control group was applied the standard school physical culture program at school. The ability to feel the rhythm of the movements was assessed by the "Running in rhythm" test, while for the statistical analysis the Student's T test was applied considering p=0,05. Results: After the end of the pedagogical experiment, the indicators of children in the control group improved by 2.8% (p>0,05; d =0,3). The indicators of children in the experimental group improved by 24.7% (p<0,05; d=2,7). Such results can be explained by the effectiveness of the implementation of a set of exercises using a standard classics exercise in physical education lessons at school. Conclusion: The indicators of the sense of the rhythm of movements will significantly improve if children aged 8-9 will additionally perform a set of physical exercises on standard classics exercise during physical education lessons at school. Keywords: Physical Education and Training; Motor Skills; Child.

Increasing the physical preliminary of children aged 6–7 in figure skating

The article presents the results of a study of the peculiarities of the use of various methods and means of physical training of young athletes in figure skating. The purpose – of the work is to improve the physical preliminary of children in figure skating. The research used a group of theoretical and empirical methods. Pedagogical observations of 22 training sessions were conducted. Testing was conducted on the basis of the sports club "Ice school" in Lviv, in which 18 figure skaters aged 6–7 years took part. Based on a survey of 14 Ukrainian figure skating specialists, it was established that in the system of integral training of children aged 6–7 years, the most significant are technical (ice – 30.0% and in the hall – 20.0%), physical (24.0%) and choreographic (22.0%) types of training; others – at this stage of sports improvement, do not have a significant impact on the competitive result of beginner figure skaters; classes five times a week lasting up to 45 minutes each will be optimal; all interviewed respondents consider it appropriate to use a special set of auxiliary exercises at this stage of skater training. As a result of intermediate testing, the effectiveness of the proposed method of classes with the inclusion of a special complex of Tabatha exercises in the educational and training process was proven. Timely adjustment of children's physical preliminary, during the duration of this experiment, made it possible to improve the average level of power endurance of figure skaters by 21.8% according to all the studied criteria. The obtained results of the research complement certain provisions of the theory of training of athletes and will contribute to the introduction of new forms and methods of conducting classes with young beginner figure skaters.

STRENGTH TRAINING AND POSTURE ALIGHMENT

Purposes: The aim of the study is to design and test a comprehensive technique based on strength training for posture correction. Materials and methods: This study was carried cohort of 37 men, aged 27,7±3,4 years old with kypholordotic posture. The program consisted of a set of exercises and exercises on a bicycle ergometer. The duration of the program was 16 weeks. Results were controlled by computer optical topography, motor tests, tests for strength endurance of abdominal muscles. For posture screening was used Posture Screen Mobile, motor tests, tests for strength endurance of abdominal muscles. Results: According to PSM, the indices of deviation of the lumbar spine decreased from 4,3 ± 0.5 to 2.0 ± 1,1 (p <0.01) mm, and indices of deviation of the shoulder decreased from 4,7 ± 0,7 to 1,8 ± 1,3 mm (p <0.01), and indices of deviation of the head decreased from 3,5 ± 0,9 to 2,9 ± 1,1 mm (p <0.05) The pressure force of the chest muscles after a study showed an increase in the strength capabilities of the muscles by 21,8 mm Hg. at p <0.01, of the flexor muscles of the shoulder joint in the abduction, showed an increase in strength capabilities by 16 mm Hg. at p <0.01, of the flexor muscles of the shoulder joint in adduction, showed an increase in strength capabilities by 17,9 mm Hg. at p <0.01, strength endurance of the abdominal muscles showed an increase of 32,4 sec at p <0.01. Conclusion: Posture Screen Mobile is a non-invasive and reliable assessment of the parameters of the posture. A 16-week set of weights and stretching exercises is highly effective in correcting kypholordotic posture in young men.

Features of teaching grammar in foreign language classes in non-linguistic institutions of higher education

Knowledge of the grammar of a foreign language at the proper level is a necessary component of language proficiency in general, and therefore teachers are faced with an urgent question of how to facilitate and accelerate the process of its assimilation. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate the importance of mastering grammar for applicants of non – linguistic institutions of higher education and analyse the application of the proposed exercises. The methodology of the study consists in the application of theoretical (analysis of methodological literature on the problem of study, comparative analysis of grammatical phenomena of English and Ukrainian languages, analysis of educational publications on English for students of non-linguistic areas of training) and empirical research methods (observation of the level of grammatical competence of students; questionnaires and testing of students; an experiment that consisted in organising and conducting experimental training to test the effectiveness of the developed set of exercises that contribute to faster and more complete assimilation of the grammatical component of a foreign language). Techniques and means of teaching and activating grammatical structures in the study of a foreign language are examined. English language textbooks for non-linguistic institutions of higher education are analysed. The analysis of the use of exercises and internet resources aimed at mastering and fixing the necessary grammatical rules is conducted. The results of testing the teaching of English grammar on a communicative basis in a non-linguistic institution of higher education using professional-oriented educational texts as the basis for exercises are presented. The position that this approach contributes to maintaining students’ motivation, activity, and independence is justified. Research training conducted based on the state biotechnological university confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed set of exercises in working with grammar based on professional texts. This technology can be used by teachers-philologists in teaching grammar of any foreign language, provided that they adapt accordingly, depending on the typical language difficulties and needs of students.

A joint control intervention for the acquisition of group exercise sequences

AbstractDespite the health problems associated with a lack of physical activity, most adults in the U.S. do not meet recommended levels. One barrier often cited is lack of relevant skills, and a small number of studies have suggested that instructional forms of self‐talk may be an important aspect of skill acquisition in physical activity. The process of joint control may provide a conceptually accurate account of this type of intervention and suggest new applications. Five undergraduate students participated in this study and attended a group exercise class created for this purpose. Following baseline sessions, all participants completed joint control training on a novel exercise sequence and then returned to the group exercise setting. All participants showed a noticeable increase in the accuracy of their movements in the post‐training phase and demonstrated continued improvements in the generalization phase. Limitations of covert responses and the contrived setting are discussed.

PHYSICAL EXERCISES FOR IMPROVING THE VOLUNTARY MOTOR-TYPE ATTENTION IN 5-9 GRADE PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

The voluntary motor type attention is considered as one of the important mental functions for a person. Voluntary attention is necessary first of all for successful study and formation of the ability to apply acquired important knowledge and skills in various life situations that are constantly changing. Therefore, the problem of improving voluntary attention in general, and motor type attention in particular, continues to be a subject of constant study. The purpose of the study is to justify special sets of physical exercises designed to improve voluntary motor type attention among 5-9 grade primary school students. For justification of the physical exercises complexes, a study was conducted using the methods of analysis and synthesis of scientific information, pedagogical observation and experiment. During the research, nine special physical exercises were selected, divided into three groups: the first group - individual exercises; the second group - exercises performed in pairs; the third group - group exercises. The students of the experimental group performed sets of special exercises three times a week at the beginning of the main part of the physical training lesson. Individual training included consecutive repetition of special sets of 10 minutes duration exercises. A total of 12 such classes were held. The students of the comparison group studied according to the usual program and did not perform special exercises to improve voluntary attention of the motor type. At the beginning and at the end of the experiment, a comparative analysis of the indicators of the errors number made when performing control exercises for the attention of male and female students was carried out. During the research, the positive influence of experimental complexes of physical exercises on the improvement of the voluntary motor type attention among 5-9 grade primary school students was found. The research results showed the effectiveness of the training program using special sets of physical exercises to improve the voluntary motor type attention for primary school students of this age category. It is considered appropriate to continue conformation the effectiveness of the use of special physical exercises designed to improve the motor type voluntary attention for other age categories of primary school students.

Isokinetic Assessment of Knee Flexor and Extensor Strength and Lower Extremity Flexibility Assessment of an NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Team.

Strength imbalances and flexibility deficits of the hamstrings and hip flexors have been identified as potential risk factors for hamstring injuries, but research on athletes at the Division III level are limited, potentially due to a lack of resources and technology. The purpose of this study was to conduct isokinetic and flexibility assessments to screen male soccer athletes at risk of sustaining a hamstring injury. Observational cohort. Standardized isokinetic testing of concentric muscle performance, measured by peak torque of the quadriceps and hamstrings and hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios, was conducted using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer at speeds of 60 and 180°/sec.Additionally, the Active Knee Extension (AKE) test and the Thomas test were performed bilaterally to objectively measure flexibility. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare left and right lower extremities for all outcomes, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Participants were ranked for risk and given a set of exercises sourced from the FIFA 11 Injury Prevention Program. At 60°/sec, the mean PT/BW bilateral deficit was 14.1% for extension and 12.9% for flexion. At 180°/sec, the mean deficit was 9.9% for extension and 11.4% for flexion. The team's average for left and right H:Q ratios for each speed were 54.4 and 51.4 at 60°/sec and 61.6 and 63.1 at 180°/sec, respectively. The team's average AKE range of motion was 158° for the left leg and 160° for the right leg. The mean Thomas test measurements were 3.6° away from the neutral position on the right and 1.6° on the left, with nine positive tests. There were no statistically significant differences between left and right knee extension or flexion PT/BW or H:Q ratios at either speed. There was no significant difference between left and right AKE measurements (p=0.182). The results of this screening suggest that isokinetic testing and flexibility testing may be useful to identify non-optimal strength ratios and flexibility deficits in male collegiate soccer players. The benefits of this research have direct implications, as participants received both their screening data and a set of exercises aimed to help decrease their injury risk, in addition to the offering data that is useful for determining what normative values for flexibility and strength profiles might look like for Division III male soccer players. Level 3.