Post-test Measures Research Articles

Investigating the Effects of High Intensity Resistance Training on Physical Fitness of University Male Football Players

High intensity resistance training (HIRT) can enhance strength, power, speed, agility, endurance and reduce injury risk in football players contributing to improved performance on the field. The purpose of this study was to determine eight-week high intensity resistance training (HIRT) intervention affected the physical fitness of male university football players. A randomized controlled design was adopted for the study and (n=24) football players between the ages of 19 and 25 took part. Before and during the intervention, which included three weekly training sessions, the participants were evaluated. The Yo Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRT1), the 30 m sprint time (ST), the running based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) and the change of direction time (COD) were among the physical fitness tests. Following the eight week HIRT intervention, all experimental group variables revealed significant changes between pre- and post-tests.

Using the Digital Game Wordwall to Enhance Efl Students’ Vocabulary Mastery

This study aims to test the effectiveness of utilizing the digital game Wordwall in improving students' vocabulary at SMAN 1 Gowa, specifically in class XI MIPA 3. The research method employed a pre-experimental approach with pretest and posttest measurements. The population for this study consisted of all students at SMAN 1 Gowa, while a random sample of 35 students was selected from Class XI MIPA 3. The analysis revealed that the mean score on the pretest was recorded as 82.34, whereas it increased significantly to 98.31 on the posttest. By conducting a paired-sample t-test statistical analysis with a significance level set at α = 0.05, a significant difference between the mean scores of the pretest and posttest was found (p <0.05). This indicates that using Wordwall as a digital game effectively enhances students' vocabulary. In conclusion, this research supports the hypothesis that employing Wordwall as a digital game can improve students' vocabulary at SMAN 1 Gowa. The positive outcomes resulting from an increase in posttest scores have important implications for English teachers who may consider incorporating game-based technology like Wordwall as an engaging and interactive tool for vocabulary learning.

Effects of Effleurage Massage in Reducing Pain in Intranatal Patients

<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p><em>At the time of labor the mother experiences pain, pain during childbirth is felt by the mother due to uterine contractions. Massage is an act of producing relaxation and improving circulation so as to reduce pain.</em><em> The purpose of the research </em><em>to determine the effect of massage effleurage technique on the pain of active phase maternity mothers. Research is quantitative research with the Quasy Experiment method. The design of this study is one group pretest posttest design. The sampling technique in this study was total sampling. The sample in this study was 30 pregnant women who experienced labor pain during the 1st active phase. The instrument used in data collection in this study used a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) observation sheet. The patient will be given an effleurage massage for 15 minutes</em><em>, </em><em>Data analysis using paired sample test. The results of the analysis found that the average value of pain at the time of pretest measurement was 2.27 (0.64), while in the posttest measurement, the average value of pain was 1.30 (0.46). The mean difference between pretest and posttest measurements was recorded at 0.96</em> <em>with a confidence interval (95% CI) of 0.784; 1.150. The statistical results show a value of p = 0.001</em><em>. </em><em>Providing intervention in the form of massage effleurage in intranatal patients when 1 is active can help provide comfort so as to reduce the pain felt</em><em>.</em></p><p> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><strong><em>Keyword: Complementary Therapy, Intranatal Patient, Massage Effleurage, Pain</em></strong>

Digital Pedagogy for Self-Paced Learning in Mathematics Education

This paper examined the contribution of digital pedagogy (DP) to self-paced learning in higher mathematics education. The research question was: In what ways does DP contribute to a resourceful learning environment to address individual learning styles and preferences in higher mathematics education? The study used a quantitative approach, employing a critical Action Research design with pre-test and post-test measures. The study participants were 126 third-semester students taking a Differential Geometry course in 2017. The tool used was the self-paced learning (SPL) index survey questionnaire. Based on analysis and discussion with relevant literature, this paper highlights the benefits of digital pedagogy, including the promotion of 21st-century skills, the provision of anytime and anywhere learning opportunities, and the creation of an e-resource repository to ensure SPL. Moreover, digital pedagogy provides adaptive learning experiences that can be adjusted to each student’s learning pace and style, enabling them to learn effectively and achieve their full potential.

FORMATIVE EVALUATION TRIAL OF THE “MY HEALTH PRIORITIES” PROGRAM IN SOUTHERN OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS: THE BHIP STUDY

Abstract Older African Americans (AA) with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) living in the Deep South are less likely to have access to early palliative care (PC) despite experiencing higher symptom burden and healthcare use, and poorer communication around goals of care. This disparity in PC use may partly be due to a lack of culturally-responsive care practices that effectively activate AAs with MCCs to identify their own values and priorities for end-of-life care. We conducted a formative evaluation of the web-based, self-directed “My Health Priorities” Identification Program to determine cultural acceptability and feasibility of use among AAs with MCCs in a primary care setting. We are now recruiting 20 AA patient with MCC and caregiver dyads from UAB Kirklin Primary Care Clinic. Recruited dyads will complete the “My Health Priorities” program and participate in semi-structured acceptability interviews. Patients and caregivers will also complete pre- and post-test measures of perception of care, treatment burden, shared decision-making, and communication exchange. Preliminary findings from six dyads suggest that the current program lacks spirituality-specific content. Dyads also expressed that the exemplar character included in the program was not relatable or representative. Overall, participants stated that the program was useful in helping them to think about and articulate their healthcare values and priorities. The findings from the research will directly inform a small-scale pilot grant that will assess the acceptability, feasibility, and potential efficacy of a values solicitation and operationalization intervention for AAs with MCCs and caregivers.

The effectiveness of a program based on mental imagery on improvement working memory in children with ADS in inclusion classroom

This study examines the effectiveness of a program based on mental imagery on improvement working memory in children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in inclusion classroom. 30 children (both sexes; 20 boys and 10 girls) with ASD aged 7-8 years old in primary one from school for inclusion were recruited. T-tests analyses were performed to determine whether there were differences between pretest and posttest measures for both the intervention and control groups. Quantitative data obtained at the beginning and end of the experimental process were analyzed in the SPSS 23.00 package program. Then, the necessary tests were conducted to determine the difference in the working memory performance level children in the experimental and control groups. T-test analysis for the differences in post- test mean scores between control and treatment groups in working memory(WM) shows that the intervention group outperformed the control group in numerical, verbal, and visual memory.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PLAGIARISM ONLINE EDUCATION AND HOW TO AVOID IT IN IMPROVING STUDENTS' UNDERSTANDING OF PALGIARISM

Plagiarism is an academic violation that is currently very often encountered in higher education environments, especially among students. This research was conducted with the aim of testing the effectiveness of the educational module on Plagiarism and How to Avoid It. This research uses a quasi-experimental method with a one group pre-test and post-test design. There were 119 participants who were active students at the Faculty of Psychology, Makassar State University. The intervention carried out was psychoeducation using online media. Pre-test and post-test measurements using questions about understanding plagiarism and how to avoid it. The results of statistical analysis using Paired Samples T-Test showed a significance value (2-tailed) p = 0.001 (p < 0.05). The results of this research show that the Plagiarism and How to Avoid It intervention is effective in increasing students' understanding of plagiarism and ways to avoid it

Cyberrehab: Empowering Hemiparesis Recovery with Affordable Mobile Virtual Reality Solutions for Upper Limb Strength

Background: Hemiparesis is a debilitating condition characterized by weakened muscle strength in one side of the body, often caused by stroke or brain injury. Rehabilitation is crucial for improving upper limb muscle strength and functional recovery in individuals with hemiparesis. Mobile-based Virtual Reality (VR) programs have emerged as an innovative and cost-effective approach to augment conventional physiotherapy in rehabilitation. This study investigates the efficacy of a low-cost mobile VR intervention in enhancing upper limb muscle strength and motivating individuals with hemiparesis to actively engage in their recovery. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 20 participants, divided into two groups: an experimental group receiving the combined intervention of mobile-based VR programs and conventional physiotherapy, and a control group receiving only conventional physiotherapy. The intervention spanned four weeks, with sessions held three days a week. Pre-test and post-test measurements were taken for various upper limb muscle groups using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT). Correlation analyses were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: The results revealed a strong and statistically significant positive correlation between pre-test and post-test MMT scores in the experimental group, indicating substantial improvements in upper limb muscle strength. In contrast, the control group exhibited more modest gains. The integration of mobile-based VR programs led to increased motivation and engagement among participants, contributing to better adherence to the rehabilitation routine. Conclusion: The integration of affordable mobile VR solutions in hemiparesis rehabilitation presents a promising approach to empower individuals on their journey to recovery. By improving upper limb muscle strength and motivating active participation in rehabilitation, mobile VR interventions like "CyberRehab" have the potential to revolutionize the field of hemiparesis recovery, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those affected by this condition.

Feasibility and user-experience of a virtual environment for social connection and education after stroke: A pilot study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility and usability of stroke survivor participation in an 8-week virtual environment intervention that provides opportunities for social support exchanges, social network interactions, and recovery education. Materials and methodsA single-group, pre- and post-test measure design was used. Descriptive statistics were used to examine enrollment and retention rates, proportion of questionnaires completed, and virtual environment process data (e.g., number of log-ins) and usability scores. Changes in pre- and post-intervention questionnaire (e.g., usability, social support, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and self-efficacy) scores were explored using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and paired t-test. ResultsFifteen (65 %) of the eligible stroke survivors enrolled (60 % white, 27 % black), 12 (80 %) had an ischemic stroke, ages ranged from 33 to 74 years (mean 44 years), and mean months since stroke was 33 ± 23. Retention and questionnaire completion rates were both 93 % (n = 14). Survivors logged into the virtual environment a total of 122 times, logged an average of 49 min/log-in, and 12 (80 %) attended support groups and social activities. Median usability score indicated lower than average usability. Improvement trends in social support, loneliness, and depressive symptoms were found, but significant changes in mean questionnaire scores were not found. ConclusionsOverall, the results suggest that using a virtual environment to foster social support exchanges, social network interactions, and recovery education after stroke is feasible. Similar to other chronic disease populations, stroke survivor adoption of a virtual environment likely requires ongoing technical assistance, repetition of instructions, and opportunities for practice to reinforce engagement. Trial registrationNCT05487144.

Isometric Exercise and Inspiratory Muscle Training as the Antihypertensive Treatment in Elderly Population

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a common age related, chronic disorder affecting more than 1 billion people. The risk of developing hypertension is between the age of 55 to 65 years. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and isometric resistance training individually shows beneficial outcomes in a number of cardiovascular populations, which may potentially improve condition of elderly patients with hypertension. PURPOSE: To study the effectiveness of combined isometric resistance training and inspiratory muscle training on the change in blood pressure. METHODS: A total of 15 patients were included in the study based on the inclusion who were diagnosed with hypertension above 140/70 mmHg, both genders with age above 60 years, and the patients with any acute illness and other neurological, metabolic, pulmonary and systemic diseases were excluded from the study. All the participants were assessed for SBP and DBP before initiating the study using sphygmomanometer. All the participants were given isometric exercises and inspiratory muscle training for 3 weeks and the post-test measurements were obtained. The pre-test and post-test measurements were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The study shows a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post -test value of SBP ( -8.47 mmHg) and DBP (-3.2mmHg) with p value <0.0001. CONCLUSION: Our findings and data suggest that this form of training has the potential to produce significant and clinically meaningful blood pressure reductions in the elderly population.

Development and evaluation of an escape room based on general pharmacokinetics: Students' perceptions of its motivational climate.

We designed an escape room based on the basic principles of pharmacokinetics for undergraduate bachelor students and explored its effect on students' perceived motivational climate and usefulness as a formative assessment via a mixed-method design. The effect on students' perceptions of the motivational climate was measured using pre- and post-test measurements of the MUSIC® inventory. Students' experiences with the escape room and suggestions for improvement were collected by open-ended survey questions. Forty-one students initially joined the study while 28 students completed both the pre- and post-test MUSIC® inventory. Data from the MUSIC® inventory revealed the effect of playing the escape room on students' situational interest was positive with medium to large effect (Cohen's dav = 0.63). Data from the open-ended questions confirmed the outcome of the MUSIC® inventory. While there was a positive effect on situational interest, students found the escape room not very useful as a tool for formative assessment. Further research should include a control group and focus on the effect of the escape room on academic success and work toward increasing the capacity of the escape room for large-scale courses.

Mapping cognitive processes in video-based learning by combining trace and think-aloud data

AimsThis study maps differences in cognitive levels of processing when learning from interactive videos and how these are related to differences in learning outcomes. SampleParticipants were 37 higher education students. MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to either the deep or surface condition in a between-subjects design. The conditions contained the same videos but had differing task demands to induce different cognitive levels of processing. Trace-data as well as cued-retrospective think aloud data of all participants was gathered. Participants filled out a multi-layered post-test measure. Data was analysed with the Bayesian framework. ResultsResults suggest that students in the deep condition spent more time on key information and processed both details and key information in a deeper way. Students in the surface condition spent more time on details and factual knowledge while also rehearsing them more. Students in the deep condition scored higher on the amount and coherence of information they recalled from the videos. ConclusionsThe use of multiple data sources and multi-layered post-test measures is a crucial step in better understanding and adequately measuring differences in cognitive processes when learning from interactive videos.

Use of a Gamified Platform to Improve Scientific Writing in Engineering Students

The general purpose of this study was to determine the potential of using a gamified platform in the development of scientific writing skills among engineering students at a Peruvian university. To this end, a gamified web platform named Call for Papers for Engineers was designed. This platform contains mini-games focused on developing reading and writing skills for articles related to the engineering area. A quantitative methodological approach was employed, with a quasi-experimental design involving two groups: an experimental group and a control group, with pre-and post-test measurements. Additionally, the gamified platform was validated through expert judgment, and user satisfaction levels were assessed. The main results indicate that the content developed in the course and the use of the gamified web platform were effective teaching methods, as the students in the experimental group demonstrated higher performance after using the gamified platform compared to the control group. Furthermore, participants in the study expressed satisfaction with the use of this technological resource, finding it motivating and user-friendly.

The physical and psychosocial impact of a school-based running programme for adolescents with disabilities.

Adolescents with disabilities have fewer opportunities to participate in community-based fitness programmes. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a school-based running programme at a local middle school in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on fitness and quality of life (QoL) in children with physical and cognitive disabilities in a life-skills classroom. Nineteen adolescents with diagnosed disabilities including intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome were recruited from three life-skills classrooms to participate in a school-based running programme. The programme was designed to be implemented two times/week for 6weeks by classroom teachers/aides. Physical therapy faculty and students developed the programme and assisted with implementation. Each session lasted 30min, consisting of a warm-up and cooldown, relay races, games and timed runs. Pre- and post-test measures included physiological cost index (PCI) and Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™). Pre- and post-test data were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Each week participants also completed a training log to reflect on the activity for the day. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in PCI (P=0.028) and the PedsQL™ (P=0.008) following the running programme. Results of this study suggest that participation in a 6-week school-based running programme may improve fitness and QoL in adolescents with disabilities.

The Effectiveness of an Intervention Programme for Reducing Peer Rejection in Early Childhood Education.

In the early years of schooling, peer groups are key to fostering students' overall learning and development. Yet it has been found that around 10% of children suffer from peer rejection in the classroom, with this problem entailing negative consequences both in the short and long term. The problem proves difficult for adults to detect, which usually leads to a delay in measures being taken to intervene and prevent it. This study applies an experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements in two groups-experimental and control-in order to address the problem of rejection in the early years of schooling. It explores aspects such as sociometric type, degree of victimisation, social and antisocial behaviour, as well as problematic situations among 637 students at six schools. We then implement an intervention programme for socioemotional competence throughout a school year in an effort to improve students' social skills and relationships, focusing specifically on preventing and reducing the rejection experienced by some of these children. The programme comprises 35 teaching activities and strategies that promote the development of competences for student inclusion (curbing aggression, encouraging teamwork, fostering self-esteem, etc.) and that seek to involve all students, teachers, and relatives by offering an array of complementary resources that enrich the initiatives applied (a programme calendar, assessment notebook, questionnaires, related website, material resources). After the intervention programme, it was found that the experimental group had reduced the percentage of students who suffered rejection from 9.9% to 7.3%, although the same was not true of the control group, which went from 9.5% of rejected students to 10.2%. The reduction in the percentage of rejected students in the experimental group after the application of the programme is an encouraging result that invites us to continue working on more comprehensive interventions to prevent and reduce this phenomenon.

An experimental investigation of whether body-positive messaging on fitspiration and diverse images can improve state body image in women

Viewing body-positive content on social media can benefit women's body image. Previous research has conceptualised body positivity broadly, and therefore it remains unclear whether some components are more useful than others. This study examined the impact of body appreciation or body functionality messages (in addition to a mixed condition) overlaid across different image types to influence women’s body image. Young women (17–30 years, Mage= 21.53, N = 308) completed an online survey in which they were randomised to view either fitspiration or diverse images overlaid with messaging focusing on body appreciation, body functionality, or a combination. Participants completed pre- and post-test measures of appearance and functionality satisfaction, body appreciation, and body objectification / conceptualisation. Post-test measures of social comparison and perceptions of models were also taken. Results showed that message type did not interact with image type. Rather, exposure to diverse images increased appearance satisfaction and body appreciation, with no changes to functionality satisfaction (vs a decrease for the fitspiration condition). All conditions improved in self-objectification. Further, diverse images resulted in more favourable social comparisons. Our findings consider body positive content in a controlled way and show no differences across body appreciation or body functionality themes.

Integration of Gamification in Teaching Measures of Position of Grade 10 – Mathematics

The alarming findings from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) concerning the Philippines were a cause for concern. This presented a significant challenge to all those involved in the country’s education system, including teachers, students, and stakeholders, particularly given the context of the ongoing pandemic. Gamification, which refers to incorporating elements of game design into non-game situations, stands out as a promising avenue, leveraging technology to motivate student learning. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of integrating gamification in teaching measures of position to the performance of grade 10 students in mathematics in a private school in Bogo City, Cebu, Philippines. Employing a quasi-experimental approach with pre-and post-test measurements, the study consisted of both a control group taught through traditional lecture-based methods in online distance learning, and an experimental group exposed to gamification techniques. The statistical analysis, utilizing t-tests, indicated that there was no significant difference in the average scores of the experimental group before and after the intervention. This suggests that the use of gamification does not affect students’ motivation. However, the t-test results also demonstrated noteworthy progress in the performance of the experimental group in Mathematics 10, indicating that integration of gamification in teaching measures of position improves student performance. Keywords: Gamification, Motivation in Mathematics, Performance in Mathematics

Enhancing Cross-Cultural Communication Skills and Cultural Sensitivity in EFL Students

This study employs a mixed-methods design to assess the integration of GeoGuessr and problem-based learning (PBL) in enhancing cross-cultural communication skills and cultural sensitivity among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners in a Chinese context. The quantitative phase, utilizing pre- and post-test measurements with Likert scales, shows significant improvements in the cross-cultural communication skills and cultural sensitivity of the experimental group engaged with GeoGuessr and PBL compared to a control group. The qualitative component, involving systematic observations and semi-structured interviews, highlights differences in instructional environments, student interaction, cultural communication skills, sensitivity, and pedagogical strategies between groups and reveals themes related to increased cultural awareness, critical thinking, collaborative learning, and academic engagement. The findings endorse the potential efficacy of GeoGuessr and PBL in EFL settings, enriching EFL pedagogy and suggesting further research pathways.

A Feasibility Randomized Trial Evaluating Safe Peds: A Virtual Reality Training Program to Teach Children When to Cross Streets Safely.

Injury as pedestrians is a leading contributor to childhood deaths. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Safe Peds, a fully immersive virtual reality training program to teach children when to cross street safely, with the focus on a number of foundational skills and practicing these in traffic situations of varying complexity. Children 7-10 years old were randomly assigned to a control (N = 31) or intervention (N = 26) group. Eligibility criteria included English speaking and typically developing. Testing took place on campus. All children completed pre- and post-testing measures, with those in the intervention group receiving training in between. Training comprised 1 session with 3 phases for a total of up to 1.5 hr and was tailored to each child's performance over trials. On each trial, children decided when to cross and fully executed this crossing, with measures automatically taken by the system as they did so. Negative binomial regression and analysis of covariance tests were applied, predicting post-test scores while controlling for pre-test scores, age, and sex. The intervention was effective in improving children's street crossing skills, including stopping and checking skills (stop at the curb, look left/right/left, check for traffic before crossing the yellow line), and choosing safe inter-vehicle gaps. Children in the control group did not show significant improvements in any crossing skills. The Safe Peds program effectively teaches children skills to support their deciding when to safely cross in a variety of traffic situations. Implications for pedestrian injury are discussed.

Validation of Ablation and Thermal Response Model for Three-Dimensional Multifunctional Ablator

A semi-empirical physics-based ablation and thermal response model was developed for the 3-Dimensional Multifunctional Ablative Thermal Protection System (3D-MAT) material. Model validation was achieved through comparison between computation and available data obtained in the arc-jet test series, which were conducted at NASA Ames Research Center from 2014 to 2020. The charring ablator simulations for arc-jet test models presented in this work were computed by the Two-Dimensional Implicit Thermal Response and Ablation (TITAN) code, and the Data-Parallel Line Relaxation Method (DPLR) code was used for arc-jet flow simulations to estimate the arc-jet stream total enthalpy and define the aerothermal boundary conditions over the test model surface for TITAN simulations. Because of low surface catalytic efficiency of 3D-MAT char, the exact surface heating could not be determined. Thus, three different types of boundary conditions, including 1) fully catalytic surface heating, 2) noncatalytic surface heating, and 3) surface temperature and recession, were used in the TITAN simulation for model validation. The predicted surface and in-depth temperature history for arc-jet test models were compared with pyrometer and thermocouple data, and the predicted test model surface recession and char depth were compared against the posttest measurements.