Routine Exercises Research Articles

A Portable Smart Fitness Suite for Real-Time Exercise Monitoring and Posture Correction.

Fitness and sport have drawn significant attention in wearable and persuasive computing. Physical activities are worthwhile for health, well-being, improved fitness levels, lower mental pressure and tension levels. Nonetheless, during high-power and commanding workouts, there is a high likelihood that physical fitness is seriously influenced. Jarring motions and improper posture during workouts can lead to temporary or permanent disability. With the advent of technological advances, activity acknowledgment dependent on wearable sensors has pulled in countless studies. Still, a fully portable smart fitness suite is not industrialized, which is the central need of today’s time, especially in the Covid-19 pandemic. Considering the effectiveness of this issue, we proposed a fully portable smart fitness suite for the household to carry on their routine exercises without any physical gym trainer and gym environment. The proposed system considers two exercises, i.e., T-bar and bicep curl with the assistance of the virtual real-time android application, acting as a gym trainer overall. The proposed fitness suite is embedded with a gyroscope and EMG sensory modules for performing the above two exercises. It provided alerts on unhealthy, wrong posture movements over an android app and is guided to the best possible posture based on sensor values. The KNN classification model is used for prediction and guidance for the user while performing a particular exercise with the help of an android application-based virtual gym trainer through a text-to-speech module. The proposed system attained 89% accuracy, which is quite effective with portability and a virtually assisted gym trainer feature.

Effect of virtual reality exercises on balance and fall in elderly people with fall risk: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDeficient balance and fear of falling in elderly people can lead to disturbed daily activities, falling, and finally reduced quality of life. Therefore, evaluation of low-risk methods that might partially improve balance in this group of people is of utmost importance. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) exercises based on Xbox Kinect on balance and fear of falling among elderly people.MethodsThis clinical trial was performed on 60 elderly individuals living in nursing homes divided into two groups of control and Xbox. The participants in the intervention group received VR exercises based on Xbox Kinect in form of two 30–45-min sessions held on a weekly basis for 6 weeks. The individuals in the control group, on the other hand, received routine exercises of the nursing homes. The research tools used in this study included a demographic questionnaire, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Falling Efficacy Scale (FES).ResultsThe findings of the current study demonstrated that the scores of BBS and TUG test as the indices of balance among elderly people improved significantly in the Xbox group after the intervention (p < 0.001 for both BBS and TUG test). Moreover, the score of fear of falling diminished significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001).ConclusionAccording to the results of the present investigation, 6 weeks of VR balance exercises could enhance balance and fear of falling among elderly people living in nursing homes.Trial registrationCode:IRCT20190727044347N1, Date: 17-8-2019.

A case report of a rupture of the musculotendinous junction of the pectoralis major in an athlete.

IntroductionThe pectoralis major muscle (PM) is a large muscle on the anterior chest wall. The rupture of the PM is a rare entity in literature and most incidences had been reported frequently in weight lifting and contact sports. Acute repair of PM rupture yielded better outcome as compared to non-operative treatment in active individuals who wish to return to their sports.Case reportWe presented a case of a champion in bodybuilding who lifted a heavy weigh during his routine exercises, which caused a rupture in the musculotendinous junction of the left pectoralis major muscle.DiscussionAs it is rare to meet ruptures in this site of pectoralis major, we decided to insert anchors into the humeral bone (as in avulsions and tendon's tears), and to duplicate the suturing levels in multiple directions (as in muscular belly ruptures).ConclusionOur aim here is to confirm that the rupture of the musculotendinous junction of the pectoralis major muscle is rare and difficult to deal, but the acute surgical treatment by inserting anchors into the humerus, and duplicating the suturing layers in multiple directions can give good results especially in athletes.

Effect of Six Weeks of Progressive Jump-Landing Training on Jump Shooting Accuracy and Knee Valgus Angle in Male Basketball Players with Dynamic Knee Valgus

Objective: Dynamic Knee Valgus (DKV) causes many acute and chronic knee injuries during deceleration and landing in sports activities and can affect the athletes’ specific skills. This study aims to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of progressive jump-landing training on jump shooting accuracy and knee valgus angle in male basketball players with DKV. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study conducted on 24 male basketball players with DKV in Mazandaran, who were selected purposefully. They were randomly divided into training and control groups. Their jump shooting accuracy was assessed by Boddington’s Basketball Jump Shooting Accuracy Test, and their DKV angle was measured by a two-dimensional evaluation method in Quinoa software. In addition to their routine exercises, the training group performed the jump-landing training for 6 weeks at 3 sessions per week, while the control group performed their usual exercises only. In order to compare the two study groups, ANCOVA was used. Results: The progressive jump-landing program had a significant effect on jump shooting accuracy (P=0.001) and DKV angle (P=0.001). Conclusion: Six weeks of progressive jump-landing training can improve the jump shooting accuracy and knee valgus angle in basketball players with DKV. Therefore, jump landing exercises are recommended for improving the jump shooting skill and knee alignment in these athletes.

On the gym air temperature supporting exercise and comfort

Increasing activities and cultivating exercise habits have become a central aspect of healthy life for modern people. The thermal environment is essential for achieving good performance and comfort during exercise. In this study, 40 young individuals were tested during their routine exercises in a gym during summer, under the common gym temperatures of 22 °C, 24 °C, and 26 °C in effective temperature (ET*). Both the aerobic exercises and strength training performances were measured in a less intrusive way, together with their thermal comfort responses during exercise. The results on exercise performance show that compared to ET*24, although the high temperature condition of ET*26 increased the aerobic exercise intensity to some extent, it maintained the same volumes of aerobic exercise and strength training for the participants. Although the low temperature condition of ET*22 maintained the same exercise performance among men, it significantly degraded women's exercise performance. The thermal comfort results show that the ET*22 and ET*24 conditions were preferred, while the ET*26 condition was more uncomfortable and unacceptable to people during exercise. The ET*24 condition is recommended for practices in gyms to support exercise performance, thermal comfort and energy conservation, which can be converted into the air temperature of 24 °C, with moderate RH, low air speed, and weak radiation. This study enhances the understanding of the effects of the thermal environment on people during exercise in a new situation of physical activities performed by people in gyms, and provides useful references to gym air temperature design, control, and regulations.

What Expert Say about Routine Exercises and Living Expectation in Pandemic Times (Analysis of Health Literature)

This study aimed to understand whether exercise, particularly fast walking in the open, as an activity, affects life expectancy; in other words, it reduces the risk of early death among the older generation. This research study took data on papers published in 10 years from 2010 to 2020. It consists of 50 paper titles from various international study contexts. Our exploration is limited to secondary data that we search with the help of the internet from databases of international publications such as Google Books, Elsevier, Taylor&France, and Sagepub. Next, we analysed using a phenomenological approach involving a coding system, evaluation, and in-depth interpretation before making conclusions that will make valid and reliable finding data. The records of the existence of findings from the 50 articles that we reviewed were collected. We found that daily exercise and fast walking had the opposite connection to mortality or more extended life expectancy in general. The data has controlled for various factors such as age and health status. We found that those with a background characterized by being physically active had a reduced risk of death than those who did not participate in daily fast walking.

Effect of pregnancy exercises and education on pregnancy related musculoskeletal discomforts

Aim. Women experience significant physiological and anatomical adaptations during pregnancy to meet the maternal and foetal demands. Biomechanical and hormonal factors, ligament laxity, posture and weight gain may put lot of stress on musculoskeletal system which may in turn induce various musculoskeletal symptoms in pregnancy. Most of the women believe that physical activity during pregnancy is harmful to maternal and foetal health, which results reduction in their routine physical activity. Physical inactivity during gestational period leads to various maternal discomforts and complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of structured antenatal exercise programme and education on pregnancy related musculoskeletal discomforts. Material and Methods. Total of 186 mothers were recruited for the study. 94 Participants were selected as the study group samples and 92 were chosen as the control group .The study group received structured antenatal classes and education in addition to routine antenatal care whereas the control group received routine antenatal care and exercises. Antenatal classes were conducted as individualised therapy for the interventional group along with routine antenatal care from 20th week of gestation. The primary outcome measure was pregnancy induced musculoskeletal dysfunction scale (PMDS scale). PMDS scale was assessed at 20, 24 and 32 weeks. Results and Discussion. There was a significant difference in the values of low back pain, symphysis pubic pain, knee pain, pelvic girdle pain and edema at 32 weeks (p value p&lt; 0.05). Exercise during pregnancy increased the β endorphin levels and decrease the perception of pain and pregnancy induced musculoskeletal symptoms. Conclusion. The antenatal exercise programme and education were found to be effective in reducing pregnancy induced musculoskeletal dysfunction. Hence we suggest the pregnancy exercise and education programme in routine antenatal care to improve maternal quality of life.

Role of Yoga and Its Plausible Mechanism in the Mitigation of DNA Damage in Type-2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Although yoga is found to be beneficial in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), its mechanism of action is poorly understood. T2D is also known to be associated with increased oxidative stress (OS) and DNA damage. This study examines how yoga modulates OS-induced DNA damage and the efficiency of DNA repair in T2D conditions. In this assessor-masked randomized clinical trial, T2D subjects (n = 61), aged (Mean ± SD, 50.3 ± 4.2) were randomly allocated into Yoga group (31) that received 10 weeks of yoga intervention and Control (30) with routine exercises. Molecular and biochemical assessments were done before and after the intervention period. Structural Equation Modeling using "R" was used for mediation analysis. At the end of the 10th week, Yoga group showed significant reduction in DNA damage indicators like Tail Moment (-5.88[95%CI: -10.47 to -1.30]; P = .013) and Olive Tail Moment (-2.93[95%CI: -4.87 to -1.00]; P < .01), oxidative DNA damage marker 8-OHdG (-60.39[95%CI: -92.55 to -28.23]; P < .001) and Fasting Blood Sugar (-22.58[95%CI: -44.33 to -0.83]; P = .042) compared to Control. OGG1 protein expression indicating DNA repair, improved significantly (17.55[95%CI:1.37 to 33.73]; P = .034) whereas Total Antioxidant Capacity did not (5.80[95%CI: -0.86 to 12.47]; P = 0.086). Mediation analysis indicated that improvements in oxidative DNA damage and DNA repair together played a major mediatory role (97.4%) in carrying the effect of yoga. The beneficial effect of yoga on DNA damage in T2D subjects was found to be mediated by mitigation of oxidative DNA damage and enhancement of DNA repair. (www.ctri.nic.in) CTRI/2018/07/014825.

Mitigating the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 in Southern Nigeria; Public Awareness of Routine Exercises and Preventive Measures

Psychological impacts of COVID-19 outbreak include anxiety and depression. These effects of the pandemic could be avoided by awareness of preventive measures to control the spread of the disease, and to prophylactic measure (routine exercise) to mitigate the psychological impacts of the pandemic. This study aimed at investigating the level of public awareness to the preventive and prophylactic measures against the psychological impacts of COVID-19 outbreak in southern Nigeria. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 1200 community-dwelling working-class individuals were purposefully recruited from three states in the southern Nigeria. Data collected was analysed and presented in descriptive (Frequencies and percentages) and inferential (Chi-square) statistics. P-value was 0.05. Result showed that few respondents (34%) were aware of the preventive measures against psychological impacts due to COVID-19 widespread, through information got majorly from mass and social media. Majority (63%) of the respondents were aware of the efficacy of the prophylactic measure, routine exercises, to mitigating anxiety and depression due to COVID-19 pandemic. There was less public awareness of the effects of the preventive and prophylactic measures on the psychological impact of the pandemic in southern Nigeria. Thus, there is need for policy makers to broaden and strengthen awareness strategies on both measures to improve psychosocial wellbeing especially in the faces of endemic and pandemic.

Effects of Combination Movement Patterns Quality and Physical Performance on Injuries in Young Athletes.

Identifying the factors associated with the injuries is crucial to prevention, enabling apply effective methods to reduce injuries frequency. This is especially important for young athletes for whom an injury may impair development or prematurely end a sports career. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine if the movement patterns quality and physical performance simultaneously affected injury occurrence in young athletes. The participants were 176 athletes aged 22.44 ± 1.64. The injury data were collected from the 12 months retrospective period. The functional movement screen test was conducted to assess the quality of movement patterns, and the physical performance tests were done for assessing strength, power, flexibility, and balance. Results showed relationships between movement patterns quality and flexibility with injuries. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated growing injury frequency for 14 ≥ FMS and 21 cm ≥ Sit-and-reach test. Rank Transform ANOVA revealed a simultaneous effect of movement quality (F = 11.5361; p = 0.0008) and flexibility (F = 8.0514; p = 0.0050) on an injury. Post-hoc tests indicated that the group with low-quality movement patterns combined with a low level of flexibility is the most frequently injured (p < 0.05). It is recommended to include in training, routine exercises improving movement patterns and flexibility to prevent injuries.

Martial Arts Routine Training Method Based on Artificial Intelligence and Big Data of Lactate Measurement.

As a traditional Chinese sport, competitive martial arts routines have a long history. The competition rules are the unified norms and standards formulated for sports competitions. They are a yardstick for referees to judge the technical level and competitive ability of athletes and an essential basis for coaches during training. In particular, the new rules increase the difficulty of martial arts routines training and score, improve the balance movement of various groups, highlight the action specifications, increase the proportion of the score, and strengthen the scoring measures for the performance level. Subsequently, this puts higher requirements for the exceptional technical level of routine athletes. Therefore, it is vital to formulate scientific martial arts systematic training methods. This paper considers the above problem and current popular artificial intelligence technology and constructs a neural network algorithm to solve it. In addition, since lactic acid is a good monitoring indicator of the training load intensity and effect of martial arts routine exercises, this article also considers extensive lactate measurement data to construct martial arts systematic training methods. Through simulations, our experimental verification and the obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Additional Effects of Xbox Kinect Training on Upper Limb Function in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: Xbox Kinect-based virtual reality, being a novel approach, has therapeutic benefits in rehabilitation and its use is encouraged in stroke rehabilitation of upper extremities. Objective: Primary aim of the current study is to investigate the additional effects of Xbox Kinect training in combination with routine physiotherapy exercises based on each component of Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Moreover, effect of upper limb rehabilitation on cognitive functions was also assessed. Methods: This study was a parallel arm randomized control trial. Fifty-six participants were recruited and randomly allocated to either an Xbox Kinect training group (XKGT) or exercise training group (ETG). Measures of concern were recorded using FMA-UE, Box and Block Test (BBT), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). Evaluation was conducted at baseline and after completion of intervention at the sixth week. Results: There were significant differences from pre- to post-intervention scores of FMA-UE and BBT (p < 0.001) in both groups, whereas no difference was observed for MOCA (XKTG p value 0.417, ETG p value 0.113). At six-week follow-up there were significant differences between both groups in FMA-UE total score (p < 0.001), volitional movement within synergies (p < 0.001), wrist (p = 0.021), hand (p = 0.047), grasp (p = 0.006) and coordination/speed (p = 0.004), favoring the Xbox Kinect training group. Conclusion: To conclude, results indicate repetitive use of the hemiparetic upper extremity by Xbox Kinect-based upper limb rehabilitation training in addition to conventional therapy has a promising potential to enhance upper limb motor function for stroke patients.

Frequency, intensity and duration of routine rehabilitation exercises practiced by patients with coronary artery disease.

To determine the frequency, intensity and duration of routine rehabilitation exercises practiced by patients with coronary artery disease. The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from February to June 2019 in different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised coronary artery disease patients of either gender aged 35-65 years. Data was collected using an interview-based questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 186 subjects, 105(56.5%) were males and 81(43.5%) were females. Overall, 72(38.7%) subjects were aged 52-62 years. Of the total, 117(62.9%) subjects practiced brisk walking as their routine rehabilitation exercise; 57(48.7%) doing it 3 times per week. All of these 117(100%) subjects practiced it for 10-20 minutes. Brisk walking was mostly practiced by coronary artery disease patients for 10-20 minutes 3 times per week.

Exercise and Nutraceuticals: Eminent Approach for Diabetic Neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy is an incapacitating chronic pathological condition that encompasses a large group of diseases and manifestations of nerve damage. It affects approximately 50% of patients with diabetes mellitus. Autonomic, sensory, and motor neurons are affected. Disabilities are severe, along with poor recovery and diverse pathophysiology. Physical exercise and herbal- based therapies have the potential to decrease the disabilities associated with diabetic neuropathy. Aerobic exercises like walking, weight lifting, the use of nutraceuticals and herbal extracts are found to be effective. Literature from the public domain was studied emphasizing various beneficial effects of different exercises, herbal and nutraceuticals for their therapeutic action in diabetic neuropathy. Routine exercises and administration of herbal and nutraceuticals, either the extract of plant material containing the active phytoconstituent or isolated phytoconstituent at safe concentration, have been shown to have promising positive action in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Exercise has shown promising effects on vascular and neuronal health. It has proven to be well effective in the treatment as well as prevention of diabetic neuropathy by various novel mechanisms, including Herbal and nutraceuticals therapy. They primarily show the anti-oxidant effect, secretagogue, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective action. Severe adverse events are rare with these therapies. The current review investigates the benefits of exercise and nutraceutical therapies in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

The effect of exercising under particulate matter 2.5 conditions on forced vital capacity and blood lead levels

IntroductionThe increase of air pollution in Indonesian big cities has resulted in serious health problems of their inhabitants. Doing physical exercises in such conditions may affect health quality. This study aims to investigate the effects of physical exercises at public sports facilities exposed to particulate matter 2.5 (PM&lt;sub&gt;2.5&lt;/sub&gt;) on forced vital capacity (FVC) and blood lead levels among visitors of public sports centres in Bandung.MethodsA pretest-posttest randomized-group design was applied. Overall, 30 people who visited public sports facilities were selected to participate on the basis of the inclusion criteria. The subjects were divided into 2 equal groups, the control and the experimental group. The experimental group performed physical exercises for an hour 3 times a week for 6 weeks under high PM&lt;sub&gt;2.5&lt;/sub&gt; conditions. Meanwhile, the control group did not perform any physical exercise. The participants underwent anthropometric measurements at baseline, as well as spirometry (FVC) and blood lead tests before and after the intervention. PM&lt;sub&gt;2.5&lt;/sub&gt; levels were also evaluated.ResultsThere was a significant increase (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001) in FVC and blood lead levels in the experimental group after 6 weeks of exercising in the evening at public sports facilities which were highly exposed to PM&lt;sub&gt;2.5&lt;/sub&gt;.ConclusionsSix weeks of routine and regular physical exercises at public sports facilities highly exposed to PM&lt;sub&gt;2.5&lt;/sub&gt; increased blood lead levels, with no negative effect to body function in accordance with standard lead level values by the local health department.

Observation of the effect of a 7-day gradual early functional exercise program in middle-aged and young patients with acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is characterized by a critical condition, rapid progression, and a high fatality rate. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the treatment of choice for AMI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a 7-day gradual early functional exercise program after PCI in young and middle-aged patients with AMI. A total of 106 young and middle-aged patients with AMI at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from May 2018 to May 2019 were selected and divided into 2 groups according to the random number table method (n=53 per group). Both groups were treated with PCI, and the control group then received routine functional exercises after surgery, whilst the observation group received a 7-day gradual early functional exercise program after surgery. Functional exercise compliance, daily life ability before and after intervention, changes in quality of life, and postoperative complications after 1 year were compared between the 2 groups. The functional exercise compliance of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The daily living ability of the observation group was also significantly better than that of the control group after the intervention (PP<0.05). The physical activity, emotional response, diet, adverse drug reactions, and anxiety medication scores of the observation group after the intervention were lower than those of the control group (PP<0.05). Furthermore, the postoperative complications and total complication rate after 1 year in the observation group was lower than the control group (PP<0.05). The application of a 7-day gradual early functional exercise program in young and middle-aged patients with AMI after PCI can improve functional exercise compliance, daily life ability, quality of life, and reduce the incidence of complications.

MODERN TEACHERS OF PRESCHOOL AND EARLY SCHOOL EDUCATION IN POLAND ABOUT THE METHODS OF READING (PEDAGOGICAL THEORY AND PRACTICE)

The experimental article presents the results of a study of methods of teaching reading to primary school children in Poland. The author describes the methodology and results of an experimental study involving certified teachers with relevant professional experience working in rural and urban schools. Respondents had to 1) choose from a list of methods that they know; 2) refer teaching methods to the names of their creators and its corresponding description; 3) determine the reasons for choosing one or another method of teaching reading; 4) name the frequency of use of reading exercises and their types; 5) provide information about the sources from which the interviewed teachers receive knowledge of the methods of teaching reading.The author emphasizes that primary school teachers in vocational education study and have at their disposal many methods of teaching reading to primary school children (color and sound method, composition method, good start method, an alternative method, natural reading method, early reading method, reading instruction and writing using the phonetic letter-color method, etc.). However, most often only one of them is used - analytical-synthetic, and the others are used sporadically. It has been experimentally proven that teachers do not see a connection between the low reading competence of many younger students and the limited methodological tools they use. Research results indicate routine and stereotypical exercises to improve reading, which may also be the cause of low effectiveness of reading instruction. It is necessary to raise the issue of the determinants of the analyzed pedagogical situation and look for effective methods of teacher training.

The transcranial direct current stimulation over prefrontal cortex combined with the cognitive training reduced the cue-induced craving in female individuals with methamphetamine use disorder: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCraving and cognitive deficits are potential treatment targets for methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Previous studies implied that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and cognitive training respectively improve these symptoms, but the combined effect is unknown. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of tDCS over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and computerized cognitive addiction therapy (CCAT) on cue-induced craving and cognitive functions among female individuals with MUD. MethodsSeventy-five patients with MUD were randomly assigned to three groups: CCAT + tDCS group, CCAT + sham tDCS group and the control group. The former two groups received 20 sessions of cognitive training combined 1.5 mA active/sham tDCS over DLPFC (20min/session, 5times/week), while the control group received usual care which includes routine medical care, health education, physical exercises and psychological support related to relapse prevention. The cue-induced craving and cognitive functions were tested at the baseline, the end of 2nd week and 4th week. ResultsThe CCAT + tDCS group showed a significant reduction in cue-induced craving after 4-week intervention. Moreover, the craving score of the real CCAT + tDCS group was significantly lower than that of the CCAT + sham tDCS group and that of the control group at the end of 4th week. A significant improvement in accuracy of TWOB task was only observed in the CCAT + tDCS group at the end of 4th week when compared to baseline. Unexpectedly, participants who received CCAT plus active or sham tDCS did not change their discounting, whereas those in the control group performed more impulsively over time. ConclusionsThe study found that the intervention of tDCS over DLPFC combined with CCAT may have potential benefit in improving treatment outcome in patients with MUD. More research is needed to explore the underlying mechanism.

PELAKSANAAN PEMBENTUKAN KEGIATAN EKSTRAKURIKULER DRUM BAND SMP NEGERI 5 KERINCI

This study aims to identify and describe the implementation of Drum Band extracurricular activity at SMP Negeri 5 Kerinci. This is a qualitative research using descriptive method. The data were collected through literature study, observation, interview, and documentation. The research instrument used was the researcher itself. It was also supported by supporting instruments such as notebooks, stationaries, and a cellphone camera.From the results of the study, it can be described that there are some stages in the implementation of Drum Band Extracurricular activity at SMP Negeri 5 Kerinci. The stages start from selecting members, determining practice materials, determining practice schedules, doing rehearsals, and performing the Drum Band. To get maximum results, the coach creates two forms of training. One is the routine exercises carried out on Saturdays during self-development lessons, and another is the additional exercises carried out two weeks before participating in the competition. The first exercise begins with a group practice of musical instruments and is continued with a combined practice of all musical instruments. Keywords: Implementation, Extracurricular, Drum Band

Strategi Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berbahasa Inggris

Language has been the target of studies by experts, scholars, researchers and writers in the field of language to reveal various things related to it. One issue that has often been under the highlight is language skills. As widely known, language skills are determined by two general skills, namely receptive and productive skills. Receptive skills consist of listening and reading, while productive skills consist of speaking and writing. Unfortunately, not all of the suggested findings can help foreign language learners to master it completely. Therefore, this study published in this report is the result of the implementation of Community Service activities carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic by using Zoom. Based on the results of this community service activity, this report recommends several strategies for improving language skills. This study begins with reviewing existing theories provided by experts and continued by exploring them through exploratory qualitative studies. The data in this study were collected through a literature study of language theories and language skills and strategies to improve them. The data were analyzed by sorting out theories about appropriate strategies to improve language skills separately and to improve all language skills. The result of the study shows that productive and receptive skills are better improved through routine and repetitive exercises, including communicating with ourself and others. Listening to music is an effective way to improve listening skills. Learners must be able to find a learning stimulus through the use of various electronic and online media as well. To strengthen this, teachers must combine various strategies in teaching one language skill so that students are able understand learning easily.&#x0D;