Physical Experience Research Articles

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS ON GOOD QUALITIES OF AN EDUCATOR AND ONLINE LEARNING

Educators’ competence and teaching quality have positive correlations with students’ academic performance. Nonetheless, the ideal educators’ personal and teaching qualities within the landscape of Malaysian tertiary education setting remains elusive. Effective characteristics of online teaching also warrant exploration given the future widespread use of online and distance learning (ODL). This study aimed to (1) determine university students’ perceptions on good qualities of an educator and (2) explore ideal traits of an educator while implementing ODL during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study using pre-validated questionnaire was conducted virtually using Google form between May and August 2022 among students attending Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pulau Pinang. A total of 126 respondents completed the survey. Findings revealed unanimous agreement among students on educators needing to be credible, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, considerate, unbiased, and equipped with a systematic lesson plan. Overall, 64.3% of respondents (n = 81) were satisfied with the ODL implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most likely contributing cause to students’ satisfaction was due to the flexibility of ODL. In contrast, poor internet connection and overwhelming assignments which compromised students’ well-being were the major contributing causes of dissatisfaction in ODL. Furthermore, most students valued the educators’ interpersonal characteristics namely compassion and empathetic as well as approaches such as providing continuous motivation and moral support essential in encouraging their online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study had successfully revealed university students perceived good personal and teaching qualities of an educator. The findings also shed light on educators’ ideal interpersonal characteristics that were deemed essential in helping students to cruise through the ebb and flow of virtual learning during a pandemic. Additionally, the study highlighted both positive and negative perspectives on ODL implementation, providing valuable insights for educators to enhance both physical and virtual learning experiences.

The effectiveness of active rehabilitation camp on wheelchair users’ self-esteem

Background: The Active Rehabilitation Camps (ARC) provide access to comprehensive rehabilitation. The main goal is to provide wheelchair users achieving the maximum possible independence in performing activities of daily living, to help them accept a new lifestyle, as well as comprehensive rehabilitation in the social and vocational fields. Higher self-esteem in wheelchair users help them overcome barriers in everyday living, increase initiative, improve their mental health and well-being.Aims of the study: The aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of Active Rehabilitation Camps on self-esteem of wheelchair users.Material and methods: 95 adult wheelchair users aged 18 to 75 took part in the study. 92 participants were included in the analysis (31 women and 61 men). The research tool was a questionnaire including first part with personal data and a second part - an international and validated questionnaire the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). All participants filled the questionnaire at the beginning of the ARC and after two-week camp.Results: The results showed a significant improvement in self-esteem among participant after camps, total self-esteem according to RSES increased from 28.32 4.99 before a camp, to 30.8 4.85 after a camp (p<0.0001). Our results showed that apart from general self-esteem, SE in such domains as “on the whole, I am satisfied with myself”, “I am able to do things as well as most other people” or “I take a positive attitude towards myself” increased significantly after the ARC (p<0.001).Conclusions: The activities of the Active Rehabilitation Camp including access to physical activity, health-promoting education, experience exchange and integration of wheelchair users, increase the level of self-esteem of Active Rehabilitation Camp participants. Systematic physical activities, social and emotional support, as well as appropriate education should be provided in everyday rehabilitation among wheelchair users to improve their self-esteem and everyday life functioning.

Lived Experiences of Cervical Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy at Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Cervical Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, especially in lowresource settings. It is a significant health problem worldwide, with over half a million new cases diagnosed each year, accounting for approximately 6.6% of all gynecological Cancer cases and over 300,000 deaths each year. In Zambia, it is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among women. The number of cases has increased by approximately 40%. This study explored the lived experiences of Cervical Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, focusing on their subjective experiences. By examining their journeys through chemotherapy, the study aimed to highlight the subtle complexities in which treatment impacts patients’ lives and well-being. Methods and procedures: Employing a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 participants with diverse demographics. The sample size was determined by data saturation and saturation was reached at 10. Ethical protocols were ensured, and Study approval was obtained from UNZABREC and the National Health Research Authority. Thematic analysis was conducted on audio-recorded interviews with cervical cancer patients, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy while discerning significant patterns and themes in their narratives. Results/findings: Emotional experiences ranged from anxiety to gratitude. Psychological challenges encompassed coping mechanisms, stress management, emotional adjustments, and treatment-related fears. Socially, community support, workplace accommodations, and healthcare provider roles were key. Physical experiences revealed side effects managed through coping strategies. Financial challenges significantly impacted individuals and families. Conclusions and recommendations: The study revealed that cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy face complex challenges spanning emotional, psychological, social, physical, and financial domains, underscoring the imperative for comprehensive patient-centered care. Recommendations suggest focusing on financial aid for cancer patients and tackling treatment expenses and insurance issues. The Cancer Diseases Hospital should establish multidisciplinary teams for holistic care, and enhance patient education efforts. Nurses should adopt strategies integrating cultural competence and patient-centered care to address diverse challenges during chemotherapy. These aim to enhance the well-being and care quality of Cervical Cancer patients.

Large Language Objects: The Design of Physical AI and Generative Experiences

Large Language Objects: The Design of Physical AI and Generative Experiences

Embodied learning with metaphors and Rich Picture-like diagrams in actor training: an articulated, playful approach to teaching and practice-led research

Metaphors and diagrams are underutilised in actor training, both for teaching and practice-led research, creating a gap in the literature. Combining practice-led research and phenomenology as a methodology, this paper examines the author’s metaphor exercise “INTERACTION IS PLAYING TABLE TENNIS” and four Rich Picture-like diagrams, all constructed through a personal philosophy lens as an acting teacher/coach in the process of redefining Stanislavski’s term “communication” as “psychophysical interaction” and inventing the corresponding technique named “Transitive Psychophysical Interaction Score (TPI Score)”. This examination draws on an interdisciplinary perspective, incorporating Johan Huizinga’s cultural theory of “play” metaphor, George Lakoff and Mark Johnson’s, and Zoltán Kövecses’s theories of “conceptual metaphor”, along with Simon Bell, Tessa Berg, and Stephen Morse’s “Rich Pictures” concept, to reveal how metaphorical and visual elements rooted in physical experiences such as “games/sports”, “colour”, “icons”, and their inherent quality of “playfulness’ reshape actors” embodied understanding of the concept of “interaction” and fostering trainer-trainee dynamics. This inquiry also critically reflects on ineffective instructions commonly used by trainers, arguing that the combination of metaphor exercises and visual metaphors can bridge tacit and explicit knowledge in a structured, engaging way, thereby improving practitioners’ and researchers’ ability to articulate complex knowledge and reveal deep insights in teaching and academic writing, and fostering a more effective and relaxed communication. This creative approach to teaching and practice-led research can be used by a broader community of actor trainers and researchers in the future.

Physical Education Teachers' Experiences in Promoting Life Skills using Differentiated Instruction

Physical Education Teachers' Experiences in Promoting Life Skills using Differentiated Instruction

Eating disorder symptoms and weight pressure in female rowers: associations between self-concept, psychological well-being and body composition

BackgroundFemale rowers may be at risk of eating disorders and high weight pressure.AimThe purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of disordered eating symptoms and weight-related pressure and the associations with self-concept, psychological well-being, socio-demographic data, experience, performance level and body composition in female fixed-bench rowers.MethodsFemale rowers (n = 208; age ranged mean ± SD 23.6 ± 6.5 years) completed the SCOFF scale, Weight-Pressures in Sport-Females (WPS-F), Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire and the Ryff scales of psychological well-being and provided information on their experience and level of competition. In a subgroup of 115 athletes, body composition was assessed using bioimpedance.ResultsIt was found that 42.3% of the athletes scored ≥ 2 on SCOFF and mean ± SD value of WPS-F score was 3.65 ± 0.82. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that self-concept of strength and pressure from teammates and the uniform were associated with higher ED symptoms, whereas better psychological well-being in terms of autonomy, self-concept of attractiveness, and age were protective factors for ED symptoms. BMI, athletes’ physical condition, strength, and experience were associated with more weight-related pressure and better self-concept of attractiveness and physical well-being of autonomy were significantly associated with less pressure. In body composition analysis, higher extra cellular water, self-acceptance, and physical condition were associated with more weight-related pressure in female rowers, being attractiveness and the environmental mastery protective elements.ConclusionsThe prevalence of ED symptomatology and weight-related pressure are high in female fixed bench rowing. The psychological factors of well-being and self-concept, team environment, body image concerns and body composition analysis should be considered to promote healthy eating behaviours in female rowers.

Parent, child, and adolescent lived experience using the insulin-only iLet Bionic Pancreas.

Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems show great promise for improving glycemic outcomes and reducing disease burden for youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The current study examined youth and parent perspectives after using the insulin-only iLet Bionic Pancreas (BP) during the 13-week pivotal trial. Parents and youth participated in focus group interviews, with questions assessing participants' experiences in a variety of settings and were grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Qualitative analysis was completed by 3 authors using a hybrid thematic analysis approach. Qualitative analysis of focus groups revealed a total of 19 sub-themes falling into 5 major themes (Diabetes Burden, Freedom and Flexibility, Daily Routine, Managing Glucose Levels, and User Experience). Participants' overall experience was positive, with decreased burden and improved freedom and flexibility. Some participants reported challenges in learning to trust the system, adjusting to the user interface, and the system learning their body. This study adds to the growing literature on patient perspectives on using AID systems and was among the first to assess caregiver and youth experiences with the BP system over an extended period (13 weeks). Patient feedback on physical experiences with the device and experiences trusting the device to manage glucose should inform future development of technologies as well as approaches to education for patients and their families.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy in serious physical illness: A systematic literature review of approaches and techniques for the treatment of existential distress and mental disorders

Individuals with life-limiting physical illness experience lower mental health due to existential distress (e.g., demoralization, death anxiety) and mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety). Psychodynamic psychotherapy may be helpful in alleviating such distress by focusing patients’ unconscious emotional and relational motivations. There is yet limited knowledge on the application of psychodynamic psychotherapies in this population. We systematically searched electronic databases and analyzed results using meta-ethnography. Of 15,112 identified records, we included 31 qualitative studies applying psychodynamic psychotherapies (n = 69, mean age: 49.3 [SD = 16.9)], 56% female). Psychodynamic treatment in this population can be beneficial when considering modification of the treatment setting to the illness reality, balancing needs for autonomy and separation in light of helplessness and death anxiety, and careful integration of supportive interventions and conflict-oriented interventions (e.g., exploring relational issues that interfere with mourning illness-related loss). We discuss future directions for the development and evaluation of treatments specific to serious physical illness.

Role of Balian in the Island of Gods

This study reveals the role of Balian in preserving traditional medicine as well as balancing the culture and mental health of the people on the Island of the Gods. This research was designed using a qualitative approach (medical ethnography). Informants were Hindu priests (Pemangku), local health workers and traditional medical experts (Balian). The research location was conducted in Balinese historical places that are believed to be qualified as a place to conduct traditional healing practices by a Balian, such as Pura (Pure), Holy Purifier (Tirta) and Beaches in Bali. The results show that the sickness and health of the Balinese ethnic soul refers to the concept of balancing the system elements in the body with cultural influences in the environment. Ethnic Balinese believe in the concept of Tri Hita Karana, which is the balance between Sang Hyang Widhi (God), Buana Agung (Universe) and Buana Alit (Human). If a person's physical or spiritual condition experiences an imbalance of these three things, then health is disturbed. In looking at the etiology of mental illness, they more than fully consider the abstract (non-physical) type of illness. The implication is that they seek Balian treatment as a primary option.

Echoes of social experience: tracing the link between a sense of belonging in school physics classes and physics students’ persistence in higher education

The present study investigates on an exploratory level the extent to which the sense of belonging that university physics students experienced in their physics classes in secondary school impacts their intention to drop out or alter their course of study in higher education. Analysing data collected between April and June 2022 among first-year physics students at 20 German universities (N = 263), we find a significant and negative effect on the part of participants’ (remembered) sense of belonging in school physics classes on their intention to drop out or change their studies. Parallel mediation analysis further reveals that this effect is fully mediated by students’ current sense of belonging to physics and their university. Notably, the indirect effect via participants’ current sense of belonging to physics is approximately four times as high as the indirect effect via university belonging. These results emphasise the importance of social embeddedness in early physics experiences on students’ academic development in higher education. Limitations of these results as well as implications regarding a potential improvement of persistence and satisfaction within physics-related higher-education programs are outlined at the end of this paper.

An embodied perspective on an augmented reality game in school: pupil's bodily experience toward learning

There has long been an increased focus on and investment in digital technology in schools to improve the quality of education. While digital tools have gained access to pedagogical spheres, physical activity has been overlooked, as pupils often engage in activities that require minimal bodily movement. In this article, we discuss pupils’ experiences with learning through an augmented reality (AR)-based game application and explain how the application supports embodied learning. Digital tools, including gaming, can supplement traditional activities, motivate children to become physically active and enhance their learning experiences. Integrating technology and physical activity can create a more varied, meaningful, and dynamic school day, positively supporting pupils’ learning processes. The AR game associated with this study facilitated physical activity and learning experiences through a mobile device application. The empirical material for the study includes interviews with pupils participating in an AR game in mathematics. The findings show that participating in an AR game promoted embodied learning and positively impacted pupils’ motivation, engagement and learning processes. More specifically, AR facilitated learners’ engagement in the learning process by fostering their active involvement through physical and social collaboration and by enhancing the pupils’ joy of learning. Additionally, the pupils expressed that they enjoyed the application’s variations and the experiences that followed working collaboratively with the tasks. Moreover, they commonly found the physical and collaborative components of the AR game exciting and academically motivating. Studies on AR games and technology focusing on the opportunities and pedagogical foundations for their use in education are relevant in these precarious times. Indeed, more knowledge is needed on the ways creative and flexible learning processes that transpire within a technological learning environment influence embodied learning, knowledge that is essential for designing teaching and learning in the technical future.

Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Outcomes Were Not Negatively Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective To investigate whether patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) between January and March 2020 experienced different postoperative outcomes than patients in 2019. We hypothesized that patients in 2020 would have less access to physical therapy (PT) and experience different postoperative outcomes. Methods Records from patients who received ATSA between January 1st, 2019, and March 17th, 2019, and January 1st, 2020, to March 17th, 2020, were analyzed. Patient data, including demographic information, range of motion (ROM), strength, and PT was collected and compared between the two groups. The 2020 patients were contacted by phone during October 2022 and patient-reported metrics were gathered. Results The present study identified 24 patients in 2019 and 27 patients in 2020 who underwent ATSA during the specified time frame and had a minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients in 2019 experienced improvements in forward elevation (FE) ROM (125.4° to 146.7°; p = 0.008), external rotation (ER; 33.0° to 47.7°; p < 0.001), and internal rotation (IR; S1 to L4; p = 0.019). Patients in 2020 also experienced significant improvements in FE (120.2° to 141.1°; p = 0.009), ER (32.9° to 42.0°; p = 0.037), and IR (S1 to L3; p = 0.002). Patients in 2020 terminated PT earlier (2019: 125.8 days; 2020: 91.1 days; p = 0.046) and completed fewer sessions (2019: 21.4 sessions; 2020: 13.1 sessions; p = 0.003). At the final follow-up, patients in 2020 reported an average Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score of 1.67 ± 1.1. Conclusion Despite decreased PT, patients who underwent ATSA in 2020 had significant improvements in ROM and strength and were comparable to patients in 2019.

Enhancing Empathy Through the Body

Abstract In recent years, many scholars of performing arts, cinema, and mass media have been focusing their studies on the body, examining the perception of the physical experience of projection and connecting bodily states with spiritual and ethical constructs. The purpose of this article is to present how cinema and performance can utilize the body in ways that enhance the audience's empathy. The role of cinema is to enable the viewer to liberate their body from its “individual ownership” and to rediscover its potential. Similarly, performances challenge the audience to respond with their bodies to the stimulation of certain emotions, experiencing a pure sensation through participation. However, experiencing empathy, a viewer can impose their ideas or reactions onto the experiences or emotions of others, believing that what they are experiencing is what others experienced.

Book’s Haven

Background: In the contemporary book retail industry, traditional bookstores face significant challenges due to the rise of digital media and online shopping. Book's Haven, a prominent independent bookstore, has managed to defy these trends by creating a unique and sustainable business model that emphasizes community engagement, personalized customer service, and a curated selection of books and literary events. Scope: This research paper delves into the strategies employed by Book's Haven to remain competitive and relevant in an increasingly digital market. The study examines the store's approach to blending physical and digital experiences, its efforts to foster a loyal customer base through community-oriented events, and its innovative use of social media and online platforms to enhance visibility and customer interaction. Additionally, the paper explores how Book's Haven collaborates with local authors, artists, and educators to enrich the cultural fabric of the community. Through a comprehensive analysis of these elements, the paper aims to provide insights into best practices for independent bookstores striving to thrive amidst the challenges of the digital age.

Perceptual Learning for Promoting Design Thinking in Space Design Education

The application of real-time visualization and virtual reality (VR) technology was examined to promote students’ design thinking in space design education. Learning space design, such as architecture and interior design, takes a series of iterations of training to nurture their imagination of how to translate their idea into a physical format. While design thinking refers to ideating, prototyping, testing, and implementing, educational methods for space design linearly provide students with an opportunity by employing this procedure. Traditionally, academic tools for space design education have been drawing, model making, and, recently, computer rendering. However, these methods differ from prototyping in design thinking regarding physical experience. It lacks the problem-finding, and cannot articulate the feedback system. Thus, this study was carried out to implement perceptual learning and training by data processing via acquired visual experience. With real-time visualization and VR technologies, spatial design prototypes were developed virtually. After the perceptual learning, the result evaluation was carried out with a qualitative analysis of the participants and a quantitative analysis of pre-course and after-course questionnaires. Afterward, the teaching experience of perceptual learning and findings were discussed.

Physical Injury Experience and Safety Regulations Compliance According to Korean College Students' Use of Shared Electric Kickboards.

The Article Abstract is not available.

Parent-identified gaps in preparation for the postpartum period in the United States: An integrative review.

In the United States, 35% of all pregnancy-related deaths occur between 24 h and 6 weeks after delivery, yet the first outpatient visit is not typically scheduled until 6 weeks postpartum. Thus, the ability to independently navigate this period is critical to maternal well-being and safety. However, previous research suggests that many women feel unprepared to manage the challenges they encounter during this time, and there is a current need to synthesize the existing evidence. Therefore, the purpose of this integrative review is to describe parent-identified gaps in preparation for the postpartum period in the United States. Using the Integrative Review framework by Whittemore and Knafl, a systematic search of Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Web of Science, and a hand-search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published in English between 1995 and 2023. Results were reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies that met eligibility criteria were synthesized in a literature matrix. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Four themes were identified: Mental Health Concerns, Physical Concerns, Infant Feeding and Care Concerns, and General Concerns and Recommendations. Many women, regardless of parity, reported feeling unprepared for numerous postpartum experiences, including depression, anxiety, physical recovery, breastfeeding, and infant care. Parents reported difficulty differentiating normal postpartum symptoms from complications. Hospital discharge teaching was viewed as simultaneously overwhelming and inadequate. Parent recommendations included the need for earlier and more comprehensive postpartum preparation during pregnancy, delivered in multiple formats and settings. Parents also reported the need for earlier postpartum visits and improved outpatient support. Our findings indicate that many parents in the United States feel unprepared to navigate a wide variety of emotional, physical, breastfeeding, and infant-care experiences. Future research should explore innovative educational approaches to postpartum preparation during pregnancy as well as outpatient programs to bridge the current gaps in postpartum care.

The Study of Tourist Experience in Historical and Cultural Towns Based on Online Texts: A Case Study of Gongtan Ancient Town

This paper takes Gongtan Ancient Town of Chongqing as a case study, takes the online comment text of tourists on the websites of Ctrip and Dianping as data, analyzes the online text through content analysis, and uses ROST CM-6 software to conduct word frequency, emotion and semantic network analysis, aiming to deeply explore the tourist experience of Gongtan Ancient Town. The results show that: (1) Tourists' experience of Gongtan Ancient Town consists of five dimensions: tourist destination perception, sensory experience, physical and mental experience, tourist destination characteristic experience and service experience. (2) Natural scenery, local characteristics and service guarantee are the main tourist attractions of Gongtan Ancient Town.(3) Tourists' overall experience and perception of tourism in Gongtan Ancient Town tend to be positive emotions. Tourists' dissatisfaction mainly comes from heavy traffic jams during holidays, poor service attitude of staff and poor accommodation conditions. (4) The semantic network is divided into three levels: the core area is the tourists' objective cognition of the scenic spot name and location; The sub-core circle is the cultural cognition of the ancient town and the characteristic architecture and activity projects; The edge layer is the image characteristic cognition and tourism evaluation of the ancient town. In addition, some optimization suggestions are put forward for the existing problems of Gongtan Ancient Town. The research results not only provide a scientific basis for the tourism development and construction of Gongtan Ancient town, but also provide a reference for the optimization of tourist experience in other ancient towns.

RESEARCH OF AWARENESS OF TECHNICAL HIGHER EDUCATION APPLICANTS WITH INNOVATIVE MEANS OF PHYSICAL CULTURE AND SPORTS

The article is devoted to determining the interest of higher education students in physical education classes, their awareness of innovative forms, methods and modern methods of health-improving fitness training. The results of the survey of students of higher education institutions of technical profile, conducted with the help of Google-form, on promising (in their opinion) directions of improving the discipline "Physical Education" in the institution of higher education of technical profile due to the introduction of the proposed innovative methods in the teaching system are analyzed. It is established that students have prior experience in Physical Culture and Sports, their interest in transforming the process of physical education, experience and prospects for using existing, modern and affordable methods of health training in combination with other (traditional and innovative) methods to improve the physical condition of those who are engaged. The purpose of the study is to promote awareness of educational applicants of the basics of organizing the educational process of physical education in higher education institutions, their familiarization with the currently available and promising innovative means of Physical Culture and Sports. During the experimental study, the following methods were used: analysis of materials of pedagogical literature, pedagogical observations on the practice of organizing the educational process in higher education institutions; questionnaires; methods of statistical data processing. Results and conclusions. Sports and physical culture should be an integral part of the life of modern students. But, as the survey showed, a fairly large percentage of young people are not interested in the presence of the discipline "Physical Education" in the individual plan. However, the majority of students (about 90%) who were regularly or sporadically engaged in physical exercises before admission are sure that "physical education" should be present throughout the entire period of study. In addition, the survey showed that many students are dissatisfied with the content of the physical education system in higher education institutions and therefore believe that the current system needs to be improved and changed. More than half of the surveyed students want to continue their sports life after graduation. The novelty of the presented study is that over the past 5 years, which included the transition to distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, almost for the first time an attempt was made to analyze the degree of awareness of applicants for higher education (in particular, of technical profile) of the existence of innovative methods and corresponding means of Physical Culture and Sports.