Pearson Product Moment Correlation Research Articles

Usage of soybean waste recycling among rural farmers in Kwara state, Nigeria

This study assesses the usage of soybean waste recycling among rural farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to examine the soybean farmer’s level of awareness on soybean waste recycling and identify the level of usage of soybean waste recycling in the study area. Data were collected through interview schedule and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as Frequency, Percentage, Mean, Standard Deviation and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The findings of the study were that: The mean age of the respondents was 43.51 years. Most of the respondents (62%) were males, (80.9%) married, (75.1%) had formal education with an average household size of 6 persons and 16.37 years of farming experience. All (100%) of the respondents indicated awareness of soybean waste recycling and no respondent indicated unawareness. The analysis conducted on the level of usage of soybean waste recycling in the study area shows that majority (65%) had a moderate usage of soybean waste recycling. This study recommends promoting the usefulness of soybean waste to farmers. Additionally, this study suggests establishing partnerships between agricultural institutions and farmers to facilitate the adoption of soybean waste utilization practices.

The Relationship Of Creativity With Student Learning Outcomes In Pastry And Bakery Subjects At Smk Negeri 6 Padang

This research was motivated by students' low curiosity in the material being taught, resulting in low creativity and no new innovations produced by students. This occurs due to students' lack of confidence in their abilities, because they are afraid to take risks when practicing pastry and bakery. From the problems above, many students fail in pastry and bakery subjects which will have an impact on learning outcomes. The aim of this research is to describe: 1) student creativity in Pastry and Bakery subjects, 2) student learning outcomes in Pastry and bakery subjects, 3) the relationship between creativity and student learning outcomes in Pastry and bakery subjects at SMK Negeri 6 Padang . This type of research is quantitative with a correlational approach. The population in this study was class XII culinary students at SMK Negeri 6 Padang for the 2023/2024 academic year, totaling 96 people. The sample consisted of 96 people taken using a saturated sampling technique. The saturated sampling technique is that all members of the population are used as research samples. The primary data collection technique uses a questionnaire and is measured using a Likert scale. Then for secondary data using learning outcomes in the form of grades in pastry and bakery subjects. Analysis requirements test was carried out using normality tests and linearity tests, then hypothesis testing using Pearson product moment correlation analysis, and correlation significance testing with the T test using SPSS Version 21.00. The research results show that: 1) the creativity of class XII students at SMK Negeri 6 Padang is in the medium category (53.1%), 2) the learning outcomes in pastry and bakery subjects for class 4%), 3) based on hypothesis testing, there is a positive and significant relationship between creativity and student learning outcomes in the Pastry and Bakery Products subject with a significant value of 0.001.                                                                                   Keyword: Creativity, pastry and bakery learning outcomes, pastry and bakery subjects.

The Relationship between Employee Roles and Service Quality

The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between employees` roles and service quality. Descriptive method design and stratified random sampling techniques were used to select 15 restaurant establishments into three categories, which are snack bar/café, canteen/cafeteria style, and catering cuisine restaurants in Bislig City during the school year 2022-2023. Two questionnaires were used to collect data through the face-to-face survey. Mean, standard deviation, and Pearson product-moment correlation analysis were also used to analyze the data collected. Results revealed that the canteen/café restaurant had the highest mean in job satisfaction in terms of employee benefits, while empathy had the highest mean in service quality. Employee benefits represent job satisfaction/recreation leaves, health protection benefits, and flexible working hours, while quality represents reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, Empathy  and tangibles. The results proved that the relationship between employment benefits and service quality among restaurant staff indicates a moderately positive correlation.

Effect of Gender on Office Technology and Management (OTM) Students’ Academic Achievement and Retention in Record Management in Polytechnics in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study determined the effect of gender on office technology and management (OTM) students’ academic achievement and retention in record management in polytechnics in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was quasi-experimental research which specifically used the pretest, posttest nonequivalent control group design. The population of the study was 6,213 Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) offering OTM in Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State and the sample size was 347 OTM students. The instrument for data collection was Record Management Achievement Test (RMAT) extracted from second year OND AND HND past questions from 2019-2023. RMAT was administered to OTM students in both experimental and control groups. Test-retest method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument and data were analyzed with Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient which yielded 0.86. Mean was used to answer the research questions while analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. The SPSS version 21.0 was used for analysis. Findings revealed that male performed better than their female counterparts in record management and also there is no statistically significant difference on the pretest and posttest mean retention scores of male and female office technology and management students’ in record management. Based on the results and discussions of the findings of the study, the researchers are pertinent that students’ academic achievements in record management are not influenced by gender. It was therefore recommended among others, that record management teachers should endeavor to give female and male students equal opportunities in the classroom.

“Encephalapp Stroop”: Validity and reliability of a smartphone app to measure cognitive performance in physically active subjects

This study aimed to analyze the validity and reliability of a smartphone app (i.e., Encephalapp Stroop) to measure cognitive performance. Ten physically active individuals (mean age: 25.2 ± 4.3 years) participated in three laboratory visits. In a randomized sequence, subjects completed cognitive assessments using the app and a computer separately. The response times from 100 measurements for congruent and incongruent stimuli were compared between the two devices (app and computer) using the intraclass correlation coefficient, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r), Cronbach’s alpha (α), and Bland-Altman plots. There was excellent agreement between the computerized Stroop and the app version for response times for congruent (ICC = 0.806, p < 0.001; Bland-Altman bias = 41.3 ± 56.4 ms, p < 0.001) and incongruent stimuli (ICC = 0.755, p < 0.001; Bland-Altman bias = 76.4 ± 75.1 ms, p < 0.001). In comparison to the computerized version, the app demonstrated a moderate correlation for response times of congruent (r = 0.678, p < 0.001) and incongruent (r = 0.623, p < 0.001) stimuli. The results of the present study indicate that the response times of congruent and incongruent stimuli can be easily, accurately, and reliably evaluated using a mobile app.

The Influence of Parental Motivation on The Achievement of Senior High School Students

This study aimed to determine the significant relationship between parental motivation and achievement of senior high school students. A simple random sampling technique was used to include 56 respondents. Through non-experimental quantitative descriptive-correlational research technique, validated questionnaire, Mean, Pearson-Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (Pearson-r) and Simple Linear Regression; results showed that the level of parental motivation was high or oftentimes manifested. It was also found that the level of achievement was high or very satisfactory. There was a significant relationship between parental motivation and achievement. This implies that when parents show motivation towards their children’s education, the students tend to perform better academically. Accordingly, parental motivation significantly influences student’s achievement. It was recommended that future researchers broaden their scope beyond parental motivation and consider other influential factors on student achievement, such as peer influence, teaching quality, and personal motivation. Longitudinal and intervention studies were also recommended to be conducted.

EFFECTS OF USING DISCUSSION SUPPLEMENTED WITH MUSIC ON INTEREST AND PERFORMANCE OF HOME ECONOMICS PUPILS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

The study investigated the effects of using discussion supplemented with music on the interest and academic achievement of Home Economics pupils in Primary Schools in Abia State. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses formulated and tested for the study. The design of the study was a quasi-experimental research design.. A sample size of eighty (80) which consist of 38 pupils (17 males and 21 females) that was assigned to the experimental group and 42 pupils (20 males and 22 females) that was assigned to the control group of primary five drawn from the population involving two intact classes using purposive sampling technique. The instruments used for data collection were Home Economics Achievement Test (HEAT) and Measure of Home Economics Interest Scale (MHEIS), determined using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) statistic and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The study revealed that Pupils taught with discussion supplemented with music had more interest in Home Economics than the pupils in control groups. This is evident in the table 1 were both of the experimental and control groups had the mean gain score for experimental group I as 11.400 while that for control group was 0.750. Music teaching method has relative effect on Pupils achievement in Home Economics in terms of interest. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that teachers should be encouraged to make use of the supplementation of music in teaching for better interest and academic achievements in Home Economics. 

Persistence of Conceptual Errors in First-Year University Physics Course and Its Possible Relationship with Learning Styles

In this work, we study the persistence of some fundamental previous ideas in physics in a group of freshmen at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain). For this purpose, we analyze the answers to a questionnaire consisted of 24 multiple-choice items, most of them borrowed from the Force Concept Inventory (FCI). Our study is performed in two different ways by using, on the one hand, classical test theory and, on the other hand, the Pearson product–moment correlation. The survivance of some of the previous ideas at the end of the course is assessed by comparing and critically analyzing the answers of the students to the same test at the beginning and the end of the term. A possible connection with Honey–Alonso learning styles (LS) is also discussed. The results yielded by our study demonstrate the persistence of some of the initial and previous ideas, no matter the students’ previous qualifications or their current LS.

The relationship between agility, linear sprinting, and vertical jumping performance in U-14 and professional senior team sports players

AimThe aim of this paper is to determine the relationship between the modified agility T-test (change of direction speed ability), 20-meter sprint test (linear speed ability), and countermovement jump test (vertical jumping performance) in U-14 and professional senior team sports players.MethodsThe sample included 78 (59 female and 19 male) U-14 athletes (age 11.70 ± 1.33 years, height 153.00 ± 12.20 cm and body mass 47.10 ± 11.20 kg) and 43 (18 female and 25 male) senior professional athletes (age 24.80 ± 6.58 years, height 169.00 ± 9.13 cm and body mass 71.20 ± 15.10 kg). Both samples participated in different team sports including basketball, field hockey, and football. Participants underwent a series of tests to assess their speed, change of direction speed, and explosive power. Speed assessments involved 20-meter sprints (sec), while change of direction speed was measured using the modified agility T-test (sec). Explosive power was evaluated through countermovement jumps (CMJ), where concentric mean force (N), concentric peak force (N), concentric peak velocity (m/s), eccentric peak force (N), jump height (cm), peak power (W), peak power/BM (W/kg), RSI (m/s) and vertical velocity (m/s) were determined. Pearsońs product moment-correlation coefficient (r) served to determine correlations and linear regression was conducted to explain the relationship between the dependent variable (CODS) and independent variables (S20 m and CMJ). The level of statistical significance was set at p &amp;lt; 0.05 and the confidence interval was 95%.ResultsThe Pearson product-moment correlation analysis in the U-14 athletes indicated no correlation (r = 0.11, p = 0.34) between the 20-meter linear sprint speed and the modified change of direction T-test. Additionally, the results revealed that 4 out of 10 CMJ values showed a significant moderate correlation (r = 0.3, p &amp;lt; 0.05) between CMJ and the modified change of direction T-test. In contrast, senior players exhibited statistically significant correlations in all variables. A significant correlation (r = 0.90, p = 0.01) was found between 20-meter linear sprint speed and the modified change of direction T-test, while CMJ values showed a range of correlations from moderate to large. In both competitive categories, according to the linear regression model, only linear sprint speed over 20-meters significantly explained (p &amp;lt; 0.05) the CODS speed ability, while the other CMJ parameters did not reach the significance level (p &amp;gt; 0.05).ConclusionThe study emphasized the influence of explosive power performance (CMJ) and linear speed (S20 m) on agility (CODS) within the sample, particularly among professional senior team sports players. These findings indicate that agility, linear sprinting, and jumping abilities may share common underlying factors.

The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Consumers’ Buying Decisions in the Restaurant Industry: Mediating Role of Trustworthiness

This study aimed to measure the impact of social media marketing on the consumer purchasing process in the restaurant industry of Dhaka city. The random selection provided a structured questionnaire to 200 participants, and 113 replies were deemed appropriate for the research. An MS Excel sheet, SPSS (V, 24), and SPSS AMOS (V, 22) were used to validate the demographic, descriptive, and inferential analyses. The Pearson product–moment correlation exposes a significant positive correlation among the variables. In regression analysis, the proposed model and the independent variable (trustworthiness, business process, user experience, and consumer engagement) can describe 27.5% of the selected dependent variable (consumer purchasing behavior). Finally, the hypothesis testing from the research survey data depicts that trustworthiness and consumer engagement significantly impact consumer purchasing behavior. In addition, the model proposed three mediating effects of trustworthiness relating to social media marketing and consumers’ buying decisions in the restaurant industry, and the outcomes revealed that the direct effect of both business processes and user experience on consumer purchasing behavior does not work. Meanwhile, the presence of consumers’ trust in social media marketing enhances the predictive ability of business processes and user experience, significantly impacting consumer purchasing behavior.

ROLE OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING ENJOYMENT ON BURNOUT AND RESILIENCE: RESULTS FROM EFL TEACHERS

Foreign language teachers often face distinct challenges in their professional journey, which can lead to burnout and decreased resilience. Foreign Language Teaching Enjoyment (FLTE) is an emotion that can help teachers overcome such challenges and difficulties. This study firstly examines the relationship between EFL teachers’ FLTE and their burnout, and secondly explores the relationship between EFL teachers’ FLTE and their resilience. The study also investigates the influence of EFL teachers’ FLTE on their burnout. The participants were 204 Iranian EFL teachers, comprising 140 females and 64 males. In the data collection, the participants responded to three online questionnaires, namely the Foreign Language Teaching Enjoyment Scale (FLTES), the Burnout Scale, and the Resilience Scale. The results of Pearson product-moment correlation indicated that EFL teachers’ FLTE was associated with both their burnout and their resilience. Moreover, the regression analysis showed that EFL teachers’ FLTE significantly predicted their burnout. The findings can help teachers set up a successful teaching and learning environment by boosting their sense of well-being. Education stakeholders can also utilize these findings to improve job satisfaction. 

Preferences and Constraints: A Study on Urban Outdoor Sportive Recreation Areas

It is increasingly important to identify the determinants and barriers to the use of urban parks. To this aim; the sample group in the study, which was carried out to determine the participation preferences and constraints of individuals using open space urban recreation areas, consists of 629 people using 11 urban open recreation areas in Turkey’s Ankara province. In addition to the demographic questionnaire, “Preference Factors of Recreation Areas” (PFRA) and “Sportive Recreation Barriers Scale” (SRBS) scales were used to collect the data. Frequency, arithmetic mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Independent sample t test and one-way analysis of variance ANOVA test were applied to determine the difference since homogeneity and normal distribution conditions were fulfilled. Correlation coefficients were given by Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and regression analysis was used. The findings obtained can be stated that individuals who use open space recreation areas in Ankara province have a high preference for recreation area participation and perceive sportive recreation barriers at average values. It was determined that the variables such as gender, education level, marital status and reasons for going to recreational areas significantly differentiated recreation area preference factors and sportive recreation barriers. It was found that there was a statistically significant relationship between PFRA and SRBS, and it was also found to be a factor in explaining the barriers to sportive recreation. Within the scope of the findings obtained, the findings were discussed with the support of the literature in terms of evaluating the preference factors of open space urban recreation area users for using parks and the barriers that they may encounter.   

Simulation-based training for intraoperative posterior capsule rupture management: an analysis of nontechnical skills development and the relationship between technical and nontechnical skills.

To analyse development of individual nontechnical skills (NTS) domains after undertaking a previously developed simulation-based training model and analyse the relationship between technical skills (TS) and NTS in ophthalmic surgery. The simulation-based training model involved a cataract surgery case complicated by intraoperative posterior capsule rupture. Cataract surgeons underwent the simulation twice, separated by a training intervention. Two blinded independent experts assessed participants' NTS using HUFOES, NOn-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS), and the OSATS global rating scale for TS. Paired t-tests assessed differences in individual NTS domains, with p < 0.05 indicating significance. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to assess the correlation between scores from each scoring system. All NTS domains within HUFOES and NOTSS demonstrated statistically significant improvements secondary to the training intervention. Positive correlations were demonstrated between HUFOES and OSATS scores in the pre- and post-training simulations, r = 0.870 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.861 (p < 0.001), respectively. Positive correlations were also demonstrated between NOTSS and OSATS scores in pre- and post-training simulations, r = 0.849 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.757 (p = 0.001), respectively. Positive correlations were demonstrated between HUFOES and NOTSS scores; r = 0.979 (p < 0.001) (n = 17) and r = 0.959 (p < 0.001) for pre- and post-training simulations, respectively. All NTS domains contained within HUFOES and NOTSS demonstrated significant increases following the completion of the simulation-based training model. Positive correlations exist between an ophthalmic surgeon's TS and NTS. This is the first study to report these findings within ophthalmic surgery.

Factors affecting Changing Gender roles among farm families in Osun State, Nigeria

Gender roles are assumptions that individuals, and the general public have of people based on their biological characteristics. These assumptions are usually as a result of values and beliefs of the society. In spite of the global war against gender inequalities, many societies in Africa are structured in a way that socio-cultural norms form the basis of gender roles. This reflects on many households where men are typically favoured than women in gender roles. However, changing trends across the world has impacted on many areas of society. Therefore, the study assessed the key factors influencing changing gender roles among farm families in Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected through interview schedule. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select twenty (20) rural farming households from eight Local Government Areas in the State. Data were described and analyzed using percentage, mean and Pearson product moment correlation. Findings revealed a mean age of 43.5 ± 11.73 years. The mean household size was 6.9±1.7 persons. Access to education and resources (p =0.001) and economic opportunities (p = 0.002). Likewise, environmental factors generally had significant influence on changing gender roles (p = 0.01). This study points to the importance of ensuring that the fair share of responsibilities with regards to gender roles in society is constantly promoted and highlights of their contributions is well recognized.

Three-Dimensional Structure Light Robot-Assisted Frameless Stereotactic Brain Biopsy.

To assess the feasibility, accuracy, and safety of 3-dimensional (3D) structure light robot-assisted frameless stereotactic brain biopsy. Five consecutive patients (3 males, 2 females) were included in this study. The patients' clinical, imaging, and histological data were analyzed, and all patients received a 3D structure light robot-assisted frameless stereotactic brain biopsy. The raw and/or analyzed data of the study are available from the corresponding author. The statistical results showed a mean age of 59.6 years (range 40-70 years), a mean target depth of 60.9 mm (range 53.5-65.8 mm), a mean radial error of 1.2 ± 0.7 mm (mean ± SD), a mean depth error of 0.7 ± 0.3 mm, and a mean absolute tip error of 1.5 ± 0.6 mm. The calculated Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r = 0.23) revealed no correlation between target depth and absolute tip error. All biopsy needles were placed in line with the planned trajectory successfully, and diagnostic specimens were harvested in all cases. Histopathological analysis revealed lymphoma (2 cases), lung adenocarcinoma (1 case), glioblastoma multiforme (1 case), and oligodendroglioma (1 case). Surface registration using the 3D structure light technique is fast and precise because of the achievable million-scale point cloud data of the head and face. 3D structure light robot-assisted frameless stereotactic brain biopsy is feasible, accurate, and safe.

The influence of spatial ability on undergraduate students’ tree-thinking ability

ABSTRACT Tree-thinking ability is essential in the learning of biological evolution. Spatial ability as a potential factor which might impact students’ tree-thinking ability remains unknown. To explore the influence of spatial ability and spatial-related interventions on students’ tree-thinking ability, 312 undergraduate students participated in this study. Students’ spatial ability was evaluated using the Mental Rotation Test (MRT). A pre-test-post-test design was adopted to assess students’ tree-thinking ability by using the Model of the Use of Evolutionary Trees (MUET) survey. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the factors that influenced students’ tree-thinking ability. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were calculated when positive or negative predictors of student’ tree-thinking ability were identified. Results shown that students’ MRT scores and previous tree-learning experience were the sole factors that positively predicted students’ pre-MUET survey scores, explaining 2.5% and 4.1% of the observed variance, respectively. Pre-MUET survey scores and the type of tree-thinking-related instructional intervention were found to be the only unique predictors of students’ post-MUET survey scores, explaining 22.2% and 6.5% of the observed variance, respectively. Results suggest that the tree-thinking-related instructional intervention has the potential to modulate the relationship between individuals’ spatial ability and tree-thinking ability.

Pupils’ Study Habits and Academic Performance

Reading, taking notes, and holding study sessions are all examples of routine, habitual study behaviors that pupils engage in to fulfill the learning objective. This study was conducted to the two hundred-five (n=205) grade 6 pupils at Malitbog 1 District, Division of Bukidnon, School Year 2022-2023. It attempted to answer the level of pupils’ study habits and academic performance and determine the significant relationship between the study habits and academic performance. The study utilized the descriptive-correlational research design with documentary analysis and used an adapted and modified questionnaire to gather the necessary data to answer the specific questions of the study. Purposive sampling was employed to determine the respondents. Mean, Standard Deviation, Frequency, Percentage and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient or Pearson r were used as statistical tools. Results revealed that pupils’ overall level of study habits was high while their overall academic performance was at very satisfactory level. Significant correlation was registered between pupils’ study habits and their academic performance. Thus, teachers, parents and stakeholders may collaborate with each other to create and conduct activities that will continue to enhance and improve the pupils study habits to improve their academic performance.

Teachers’ Competence and Learners’ Academic Performance

Teachers are the nation's development catalysts. They enable the country to generate and nurture learners who could propel it forward and lead to development. This paper aimed to determine the level of teachers’ gained information on Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) and its relation to their learners’ academic performance. The independent variable is on teachers’ gained information on PPST Domains through In-Service Training in terms of Content Knowledge and Pedagogy, Learning Environment, Diversity of Learners, Curriculum and Planning, Assessment and Reporting, Community Linkages and Professional Engagement, and Personal Growth and Professional Development while the dependent variable is the learners’ academic performance. This study was conducted at West City Central School in the Division of Cagayan de Oro City. The researcher used the convenience sampling technique and a descriptive-correlational with content analysis research design and employed an adopted questionnaire given to teachers (n=161) while data analysis of learners’ (n=701) academic performance was gathered. The collected data were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. Results revealed that the level of teachers’ gained information on PPST domains was at Very High Level of Information while the learners’ academic Performance was at Very Satisfactory Level. Moreover, Teachers’ gained information on PPST domain was significantly correlated with the learners’ academic performance. Thus, it is recommended that schools may provide more trainings and information drive on the PPST Domain Community Linkages and Professional Engagement as it will provide ideas, guidance and assistance for teachers so that they can fully perform well in all of the PPST domains and improve learners’ academic performance.

Comparative performance of undergraduate students in micro-teaching using Telegram and WhatsApp in collaborative learning settings

The growing concerns to accommodate large classroom sizes, lack of microteaching laboratory and inadequacy of time for every student to present and be properly assessed has affected the performance of students in micro-teaching in Nigeria. This therefore calls for different innovative approaches backed up by technology to ameliorate the problem. Thus, this study checked the ­­­comparative performance of undergraduate students in micro-teaching using Telegram and WhatsApp in collaborative learning settings in Gombe State, Nigeria. A sample of 282 students enrolled on Telegram and WhatsApp from Federal University Kashere and Gombe State University, respectively was purposively selected for the study. The two sampled groups were assigned into experimental group I (Telegram) and experimental group II (WhatsApp) in collaborative learning settings using a simple random sampling technique. The instruments for the study comprised of micro-teaching achievement test validated by experts in the field of educational technology and curriculum studies, where a split-half method of reliability was used to obtain a figure of 0.91 using Pearson product moment correlation. Descriptive statistics involving mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions while inferential statistics involving an independent sample t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that while the students in both Telegram and WhatsApp platforms performed better in the post-test, a significant difference was obtained in the achievement and retention of the two groups in favor of WhatsApp. It was therefore recommended that lecturers should deploy the use of Telegram and WhatsApp in collaborative learning settings to cover for large classroom sizes and lack of micro-teaching laboratory.

Thermoregulation of Feet in Cold Environments: A Study on Alpinism

Thermal comfort plays a crucial role in the performance and well-being of mountaineers, especially in extreme environments. The aim of this study was to develop a reliable protocol to assess the thermal comfort of mountaineering boots, with a specific focus on temperature variations in different regions of the foot and their correlation with physiological factors. Two different models of mountaineering boots were tested at two different environmental temperature (-15°C and -30°C). The mean skin temperature, measured according to International Standards BS EN ISO 9886:2004, was used as an indicator of overall thermal comfort. Physiological factors such as heart rate (HR), body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) were also measured to understand their relationship to thermoregulation. Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson's ProductMoment correlation tests were performed to investigate whether there was a statistically significant relationship.The results showed significant differences in foot temperature among the Testers, indicating variations in the perception of thermal comfort. The correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between mean skin temperature and HR, highlighting the influence of physiological factors on thermal comfort.In addition, the analysis showed that the dorsum and hallux areas had the largest temperature variations, suggesting the occurrence of vasoconstriction and potential discomfort.This study represents a preliminary approach to establishing a reliable protocol for assessing the thermal performance of cold protective footwear.