Scholastic Aptitude Test Research Articles

Qualitative assessment of the view of academic honesty among freshmen in a physiology-based program.

Academic dishonesty is becoming more common in university students in STEM-based programs. This is concerning because these students hold positions of responsibility in their professional careers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine if a student's academic standing and/or first-generation status would affect their views of academic integrity and dishonesty within their academic coursework. Freshmen completed reflections at the start and end of their first semester of college. Qualitative responses from their reflections were reviewed and organized into common themes. Students were grouped based upon university matriculation criteria (high school GPA, SAT and/or ACT scores and parental higher education status).The primary findings of the study demonstrated that the students responded similarly with their views of academic honesty, but some themes were more prevalent across the groups(First-Gen, Honors and Pre-Math). This study identified several areas to help STEM students in a physiology-based program gain a better understanding of academic integrity and dishonesty.

Immediate Effect of Kinetic Chain Activation and Mulligan’s Bent Leg Raise Technique in Patients with Asymptomatic Hamstring Tightness: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Introduction: Hamstring shortness is an important mechanical marker for hamstring strain injuries, often related to a muscle imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings. Muscle tightness is considered a limiting factor for optimal performance, including individuals’ daily activities. Aim: To compare the immediate effects of the Kinetic Chain Activation Technique (KCAT) and Mulligan’s Bent Leg Raise (BLR) on hamstring tightness using the active knee extension test, diagnostic ultrasonography and the Sit and Reach Test (SRT) test. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical trial was conducted in the Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Department of KAHER Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India, from December 2022 to June 2023. In this trial, subjects with asymptomatic hamstring tightness were enrolled and randomised into two interventional groups: KCAT (n=15) and BLR (n=15). Kinetic chain activation was applied to Interventional group A, while Mulligan’s BLR was applied to Interventional group B. Measurements were taken of the hamstring muscle’s length using the SRT test, the active knee extension test and diagnostic ultrasound to determine the immediate effects. To compare the length and thickness of the hamstring, AKT and SRT test within groups, the paired t-test was used. For betweengroup analysis, the independent t-test was applied. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 23.8±0.47 years. There were 10 males and five females in group A and eight males and seven females in group B. Significant differences were identified in the thickness of the hamstring muscles in both groups when analysed within groups (p-value=0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the between-group analysis (p>0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that both Mulligan’s BLR and KCAT were equally effective and could be used as adjuncts in improving hamstring flexibility.

Academic psychological capital: Implications for organizational crises

AbstractThis study examines the role of academic psychological capital (PsyCap) in buffering the negative impact of organizational crises (COVID‐19 pandemic) on educational outcomes in higher education institutions. Drawing on positive organizational behavior theory and crisis management literature, we hypothesize that students with higher levels of academic PsyCap will have significantly higher retention and graduation rates during the crisis, and that academic PsyCap is a better predictor of these outcomes than traditional predictors such as high school GPA and standardized test scores (Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)). Using a longitudinal approach, we found that academic PsyCap is positively related to 1‐year retention and graduation rates. Academic PsyCap also explains additional variance in these outcomes beyond high school GPA. The findings highlight the importance of cultivating psychological resources like hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism to promote student success and well‐being during challenging times.

INDICATORS OF APOPTOTIC ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH COMBINED STAGE II ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION AND STAGE II-III CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE BASED ON COMORBIDITY CLINICAL FEATURES

The purpose of the study is to improve the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage II-III in combination with essential hypertension stage II based on the study of the clinical and pathogenetic role of apoptosis markers. Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, chronic condition characterized by recurrent exacerbations that are the primary reason for COPD patients to seek medical care, accounting for hospitalizations and contributing to mortality rates. Frequent exacerbations are associated with reduced quality of life and poorer prognoses. Each episode accelerates the progression of COPD, exacerbating respiratory failure and complicating its management. Severe exacerbations pose a significant threat to life and are a leading cause of fatal outcomes. Essential hypertension (EH), often observed in the course of COPD, depends on the severity of the pulmonary pathology and bronchial tree obstruction. In such cases, it is termed pulmonogenic hypertension, occurring in 18–30% of cases. Conversely, COPD may develop under pre-existing hypertensive disease or symptomatic arterial hypertension. The interplay of these conditions substantially influences their clinical course and outcomes. The study aims to enhance the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of stage II–III COPD combined with stage II essential hypertension by investigating the clinical and pathogenetic role of apoptosis markers. Materials and methods. The results of the study are based on the data of a comprehensive examination and dynamic observation of 121 patients of both sexes, aged from 30 to 67 years, who were examined over the period 2016-2018 years and underwent inpatient treatment at the Zaporizhzhya Regional Clinical Hospital. The patients were divided into 3 groups, comparable by age and sex: the main group included 40 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage II-III (moderately severe course) in combination with essential hypertension stage II of various cardiovascular risk (average age 50.81±0.99 years); the 1st comparison group included 48 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage II-III (average age 50.7±1.53 years); the 2nd comparison group consisted of 33 patients with essential hypertension stage II of various cardiovascular risk (average age 51.68±1.22 years). To determine the reference values ​​of the studied indicators, 20 healthy people were examined as a control group. Results. The analysis of the dynamics of cysteine proteases revealed a statistically significant increase in these apoptosis markers in patients with comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and essential hypertension (EH). This elevation was associated with advancing age, longer disease duration, and greater severity of both COPD and EH. Regression analysis indicated a strong relationship between blood caspase-7 levels and future exacerbation risks, as measured by the SAT score. The relationship is best described by a quadratic regression model, with the following parameters: R = 0.73, R² = 0.53, normalized R² = 0.51, F = 39.56, p < 0.001. Conclusion. Apoptotic processes play a significant role in the development of exacerbations in the comorbid course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and essential hypertension.

Short Term Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Youth Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Hamstring muscle injuries are common in basketball and result in long periods of inactivity. To reduce their incidence, preventive protocols, including proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretches, have been proposed. The aim of this study is to compare the short-term effects of PNF and PNF + neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on hamstring extensibility and, secondarily, on vertical jump capacity in young basketball players. Materials and Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial. One group performed a PNF stretching protocol and the other PNF + NMES. Hamstring extensibility was measured using the Sit and Reach test and the popliteal angle and jump capacity were measured using the Counter Movement Jump, both before and immediately after the intervention. Results: Forty-five young male players participated. Both groups showed significant intra-group improvements (p < 0.001) in hamstring flexibility after the intervention. However, there were no significant intra-group differences (p > 0.05) in jump capacity. Additionally, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the two groups for any of the measured variables. Conclusions: Both programs are effective in increasing hamstring flexibility in the short term without impairing vertical jump capacity in young basketball players.

Rewiring for Victory: Neuro-Athletic Training Enhances Flexibility, Serve Speed, and Upper Limb Performance in Elite Volleyball Players—A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of neuro-athletic training (NAT) on flexibility, spike speed, and upper extremity stability in elite volleyball players. Thirty professional male athletes aged 18–23 years old (mean age of 19.5 ± 1.77 years old in the NAT group and 19.8 ± 1.87 years old in the control group) participated, with 26 completing this study. The participants were randomly assigned into an NAT intervention group or a control group continuing traditional training. Both groups trained three days per week for eight weeks, with the NAT program targeting neuromuscular adaptations while maintaining equal total training durations. Flexibility was assessed using the Sit and Reach Test, spike speed was evaluated using the Pocket Radar Ball Coach, and upper extremity stability was measured using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST). The NAT group demonstrated significant improvements across all performance metrics. Flexibility increased significantly (p = 0.040; Cohen’s d = 0.845), indicating improved range of motion and musculoskeletal adaptability. Spike speed showed a highly significant improvement (p &lt; 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.503), reflecting enhanced neuromuscular coordination and power. Similarly, upper extremity stability exhibited substantial gains (p = 0.002; Cohen’s d = 1.152), highlighting improved shoulder stability and motor control. In contrast, the control group did not show statistically significant changes in their flexibility (p = 0.236; Cohen’s d = 0.045), spike speed (p = 0.197; Cohen’s d = 0.682), or upper extremity stability (p = 0.193; Cohen’s d = 0.184). Between-group comparisons confirmed the superiority of the NAT intervention, with significant differences across all metrics (p-values ranging from 0.040 to &lt;0.001) and effect sizes spanning from moderate to large (Cohen’s d = 0.845–1.503). These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of NAT in enhancing volleyball-specific performance metrics, emphasizing its potential to target neuromuscular adaptations for improved flexibility, power, and stability. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of NAT and its applicability across various sports disciplines.

Acute effects of myofascial release technique on flexibility and pain: Outcome for chronic low back pain

BackgroundMyofascial release technique (MFR) is frequently used in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), but there are limited studies on the acute effects of this technique. It was aimed to determine the acute effect of MFR technique on pain and flexibility in CLBP. MethodsForty CLBP patients (19 female; 21 male) with an average age of 40 years were randomized as MFR technique and classical massage groups. A single session of technique was applied to each group. Outcome measurements consisted of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Sit and Reach Test (SRT), Straight Leg Raise Test (SLRT), and Modified Schober Test. ResultsIn within-group comparisons, all outcome measures (except right-SLRT) improved statistically significantly in both groups after interventions (p˂0.05). ANCOVA was conducted to determine whether there were significant differences in between groups after intervention while controlling for age. The analysis showed that VAS, SRT and left-SLRT results were significantly more improved after the MFR technique compared with classical massage (p˂0.05). ConclusionIn conclusion, the MFR technique is a safe and effective method for the immediate relief of pain and the enhancement of flexibility. Furthermore, it demonstrates superior efficacy in pain relief and flexibility improvement compared to classical massage, which is another manual therapy technique.

A functional exercise program improves pain and health related quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial

Background/objectiveFibromyalgia is a non-inflammatory syndrome characterized by generalized muscle pain, with other symptoms. Numerous forms of physical training for this population have been studied through high-quality randomized clinical trials involving strength, flexibility, aerobic conditioning and multicomponent exercise interventions. This research evaluated the effectiveness of a functional exercise program at reducing pain, improving functional capacity, increasing muscle strength as well as improving flexibility, balance and quality of life in individuals with fibromyalgia.MethodsEighty-two women with fibromyalgia were randomized into two groups. The functional exercise group performed functional exercises in 45-minute sessions twice per week for 14 weeks. The stretching exercise group performed flexibility exercises with the same duration and frequency. Outcome measures were: visual analog scale for widespread pain; Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire for health-related quality of life; Timed Up and Go test for functional performance; one-repetition maximum for muscle strength, Sit and Reach test on Wells bench for flexibility; Berg Balance Scale for balance; SF-36 for general quality of life.ResultsAfter the intervention, the functional exercise group had a statistically significant reduction in pain (interaction p = 0.002), and improvement in health-related quality of life measured by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (interaction p < 0.001) and in general health state domain of SF-36 (interaction p = 0.043) compared to the stretching exercise group. No significant differences between groups were found regarding improvements in functional capacity, muscle strength, flexibility or balance.ConclusionFunctional exercise training was effective at reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia compared to stretching exercises.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03682588 First prospectively registered in March 2018.

ChatGPT as a prospective undergraduate and medical school student.

This article reports the results of an experiment conducted with ChatGPT to see how its performance compares to human performance on tests that require specific knowledge and skills, such as university admission tests. We chose a general undergraduate admission test and two tests for admission to biomedical programs: the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), the Cambridge BioMedical Admission Test (BMAT), and the Italian Medical School Admission Test (IMSAT). In particular, we looked closely at the difference in performance between ChatGPT-4 and its predecessor, ChatGPT-3.5, to assess its evolution. The performance of ChatGPT-4 showed a significant improvement over ChatGPT-3.5 and, compared to real students, was on average within the top 10% in the SAT test, while the score in the IMSAT test granted admission to the two highest ranked Italian medical schools. In addition to the performance analysis, we provide a qualitative analysis of incorrect answers and a classification of three different types of logical and computational errors made by ChatGPT-4, which reveal important weaknesses of the model. This provides insight into the skills needed to use these models effectively despite their weaknesses, and also suggests possible applications of our analysis in the field of education.

Investigation of Dynamic Balance, Limb Asymmetry and Flexibility in Jiu-Jitsu Athletes: A Preliminary Exploratory Study

This preliminary exploratory study is the first to thoroughly examine dynamic balance, inter-limb asymmetry, and flexibility in jiu-jitsu athletes, focusing on differences by fighting style, competition level, gender, and limb dominance. A total of 25 jiu-jitsu fighters participated in this cross-sectional study, which used repeated measures to ensure the reliability of the findings. Participants underwent measurements for limb lengths and were assessed for dynamic balance using the Lower and Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (LQYBT and UQYBT) and for flexibility with the Sit and Reach Test (SR). The analysis included evaluating the reliability of these tests, as well as comparing outcomes based on gender, fighting styles, competition levels, and limb dominance. The results showed that the LQYBT and UQYBT tests were reliable (ICC=0.74–0.93). There were no significant differences in dynamic balance and flexibility between different fighting styles. No significant differences were found in balance tests between the dominant and non-dominant limbs, but there were notable inter-limb asymmetries in certain measures. This study provides preliminary insights for coaches and researchers by offering reference values for balance, flexibility, and inter-limb asymmetry in jiu-jitsu athletes. However, future research with larger sample sizes is needed to better understand the differences among subgroups in this sport.

Understanding and Assessing Scientific Wisdom

ABSTRACT We applied a balance theory of wisdom to thinking in the domain of science. In two studies, we administered maximum-performance scales measuring Scientific Wisdom, Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Creativity, and fluid and crystallized intelligence, and a typical-performance scale of self-assessed wisdom. Our Scientific Wisdom scale, along with the Scientific Reasoning scales and a Scientific Creativity scale, loaded on one clear factor separate from the factor(s) on which the psychometric tests of intelligence, SAT and ACT scores, and GPA loaded. These results suggested that the scientific tests were assessing abilities that were different from g, as well as what the SAT/ACT and academic GPA were assessing. The studies are merely a starting point for a relatively new idea—that schools should consider teaching for and assessing scientific wisdom, and that a full analysis of scientific giftedness should include scientific wisdom.

Demographic isolation and attitudes toward group work in student-selected lab groups.

Small group work has been shown to improve students' achievement, learning, engagement, and attitudes toward science. Previous studies that focused on different methods of group formation and their possible impacts mainly focused on measures of students' academic ability, such as GPA, SAT scores, and previous familiarity with course content. However little attention has been given to other characteristics such as students' social demographic identities in research about group formation and students' experiences. Here, we studied the criteria students use to form lab groups, examined how the degree of demographic isolation varies between student-selected and randomly-formed groups, and tested whether demographic isolation is associated with group work attitudes. We used a pre-post survey research design to examine students' responses in a large-enrollment biology laboratory course. Descriptive analyses showed that "students sitting next to me" (57%) followed by the combination of "students sitting next to me" and "friends" (22%) were the two most common criteria students reported that they considered when forming research groups. Notably, over 80 percent of students reported forming groups with those who sat nearby. We studied instances where students were isolated by being the only members of a historically marginalized population in their lab groups. The prevalence of demographic isolation in student-selected groups was found to be lower than in the simulated randomly assigned groups. We also used multilevel linear regression to examine whether being an isolated student was associated with attitudes about group work, yielding no consistent statistically significant effects. This study contributes to growing knowledge about the relationship between students' demographic isolation in groups and group work attitudes.

Test preparation breeds success: Two quasi-experimental interventions in the context of the Swiss aptitude test for medical-school admissions

BackgroundIn Switzerland, the scholastic aptitude test for medical-school selection takes place in three languages. This study examined the effects of two quasi-experimental interventions that aimed to reduce existing differences in test results between the French- and German-speaking language candidates.MethodsBetween 2018 and 2023, the population of applicants to Swiss medical schools consisted of N = 18’824 German- and French-speaking individuals. Based on a quasi-experimental design, we examined the effects of two interventions regarding preparatory material, in these cohorts. The first intervention (2022) consisting of practice trials in baccalaureate schools in the canton of Fribourg enabled French-speaking candidates primarily from the canton of Fribourg to prepare more intensively with official tasks. Practice trials enable future candidates to complete a published test version under original conditions and thus prepare how to approach the real test. The second intervention (2023) released new preparatory material in all languages for one group of tasks for which differences between the language groups were more pronounced than in the other tasks. The test provider offered this material for free download together with existing preparation materials and thereby enabled more intensive preparation.ResultsAfter the first intervention, the initially small to medium-sized mean differences in z-transformed test scores between French-speaking candidates from Fribourg and German-speaking candidates were nearly eliminated (from 0.39 to 0.05). Also for French-speaking candidates from outside of the canton of Fribourg, the mean differences were smaller than before the intervention (0.48 before, 0.39 after first intervention). After the second intervention, particularly the mean differences in test scores between German-speaking and French-speaking candidates from outside of Fribourg were further reduced (to 0.24).ConclusionsThe two interventions regarding material for preparing to participate in the aptitude test affected candidates’ test scores. They reduced the gap between German- and French-speaking candidates showing that the additional benefits of commercial offers for test preparation are limited. Hence, offering comparable official preparation material to all language groups enhances test fairness.

Functional performance of patients submitted to cardiac surgery with different levels of sleep quality: an observational study

ObjectiveTo describe pulmonary function, muscle strength and functional performance in the different qualities of sleep and the impact of this on the number of physiotherapeutic assistances. MethodsThis is an observational study. In the pre and post operative period, sleep behavior was evaluated using the Pittsburgh questionnaire. Patients were divided into three groups: Good Sleep Quality (GSQ), Poor Sleep Quality (PSQ) and Sleep Disordered (SDB). At this time, other tests were also performed, such as: 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Sit and Stand Test (SST), gait speed test and Timed Up to Go (TUG), Medical Research Council (MRC), maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory, vital capacity and peak expiratory flow. The functional performance and lung function of each group were compared. ResultsA total of 105 people, undergoing cardiac surgery and admitted to hospital were evaluated, 33 with GSQ, 41 with PSQ and 31 with SD. Patients who were in the SDB group had a lower functional performance than the other groups. 6MWT (meters) in the GSQ was 499 ± 87, versus 487 ± 91 in the PSQ and 430 ± 78 in the SD (p = 0.02). In the SST (seconds) it was 10.4 ± 1.1 in the GQS, 11.1 ± 2.3 in the PSQ and 15.4 ± 2.1 in the SD (p = 0.04). Lung function and muscle strength did not differ between groups. Regarding the refusal to perform physical therapy, the SD group was more incident, the main reason being drowsiness. ConclusionBased on the results, we found that sleep quality interferes with functional performance and physical therapy assistance during the hospital stay in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Feeling good means doing good: body appreciation as a predictor of physical activity, fitness, and motivation

The study aimed to investigate the influence of body appreciation on physical activity motivation, physical activity level, and physical fitness among 423 randomly selected state university students. The Body Appreciation Scale-2 was used to quantify body appreciation. For measuring physical activity level, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was utilized. The Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation was also used to quantify physical activity motivation. Various field tests, such as a 3-minute Step test, a 1-minute Push-up test, a Plank test, a Wall sit test, and a Sit and Reach test, were used to assess physical fitness. The questionnaire, scale, and field tests were completed and performed by the participants. The data gathered were analyzed using multiple linear regression with SPSS Version 29. Body appreciation was found to be a predictor of physical activity and leisure motivation for males, females, and all participants. It also predicted the physical activity levels of males, females, and all participants. However, its influence on physical fitness was only found in male participants. Future studies should measure variables using alternative instruments, such as a varied scale for body appreciation, real-time physical activity tracking through wearables and fitness apps, and additional physical fitness components to better assess the influence of body appreciation on physical fitness.

A Case Study of the Correlation Between SAT Scores and Future Incomes

With the acceleration of globalization, the role of education in economic and social development has become increasingly prominent. The SAT, as a measure of students' learning ability and potential achievement, has gained widespread attention and recognition around the world, and SAT scores, as an important indicator of students' academic performance, have a significant impact on students' future development and income levels. Previous research on the SAT has focused on factors that can influence SAT scores, such as family socioeconomic factors and high school academic performance, but there is a lack of research on whether SAT scores are effective in predicting an individual's future income level. In this paper, a correlation analysis was conducted using the questionnaire method and Pearson's coefficient, using data on the job position level and SAT scores of employees of Company A with a confidentiality agreement. The results show a significant positive correlation between SAT scores and future incomes. This finding emphasizes the importance of academic performance in high school to an individual's long-term economic prospects, enriches existing research, and provides new perspectives on return on investment analysis in higher education with theoretical implications. In addition, educational policymakers can thus focus more on improving students' SAT scores, which is of practical significance.

Physiological Profiles of Male Adolescents in Kelantan, Malaysia Practicing Taekwondo and Wushu.

Martial arts training is beneficial for improving physical fitness but the improvements can vary according to the type of martial art performed. This study investigated lung function, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, flexibility, muscular strength and power among male adolescents who were sedentary or who practiced taekwondo or wushu. A total of 30 male adolescents living in the Kelantan state in Malaysia who were between 14 years old and 20 years old were enrolled and divided into three groups: i) sedentary (control), ii) taekwondo and iii) wushu. Each participant underwent a lung function test, 20 m shuttle run, Wingate anaerobic test and a Sit and Reach test, as well as tests of standing long jump power, handgrip, back and leg strength. Relative to the sedentary control group, the wushu group had significantly higher values than the sedentary control group for fat free mass (P = 0.047), explosive leg power (P < 0.001), aerobic capacity (P < 0.001), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (P = 0.021) and Wingate anaerobic capacity (P < 0.05). The taekwondo group also showed significantly greater values than the sedentary control group for explosive leg power (P = 0.018), forced vital capacity (FVC) (P = 0.014) and FEV1 (P < 0.001). The wushu group exhibited significantly higher explosive leg power (P = 0.010) and Wingate anaerobic capacity parameters including mean power (P = 0.001), anaerobic capacity (P < 0.001) and anaerobic power (P = 0.002) than the taekwondo group. Engagement of male adolescents in wushu and taekwondo was associated with improved physiological profiles compared to those who were in the sedentary control group. Practice of wushu could result in greater explosive leg power and anaerobic capacities than taekwondo.

"Effect of Progressive Structured Neuromuscular Training Program on Balance, Performance and Injury Risk Prediction in Amateur Futsal Team Players: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial"

"Neuromuscular training improves neuromuscular control and balance, consequently enhancing joint stability. This study aims to assess the impact of a structured neuromuscular training program on balance and performance among university amateur male futsal team players and to analyze biomechanical factors pertinent to injury risk assessments. Thirty athletes aged between 18 and 25, participating in the university male futsal team, will be enrolled in this study. At the outset, all athletes will undergo evaluation using the Korebalance® System, Countermovement Jump, Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test, Shot on Goal Test, Sit and Reach Test, Shuttle, Y Balance-Lower Quadrant, and The Tuck Jump test. Subsequently, they will maintain their regular training regimen of classical training twice a week for eight weeks and undergo reassessment using the same battery of tests after 8 weeks of period. Following this initial phase, the athletes will be randomly assigned to two groups: Control Group (n = 15) and Neuromuscular Training Group (n = 15). The Control Group (CG) will continue with their classical futsal training twice a week for eight weeks, while the Neuromuscular Training Group (NMEG) will engage in progressive structured neuromuscular training in addition to their regular futsal training, also twice a week for eight weeks. At the conclusion of the eight-week intervention period, both groups will undergo reevaluation using the same assessment methods. The study commenced in October 2023 and is anticipated to conclude by August 2024. It is anticipated that the integration of progressive structured neuromuscular training into futsal team training programs will yield positive outcomes."

Investigating a Novel Approach to Assessing Vocabulary Knowledge

This study explored an alternative approach to assessing individuals’ word knowledge by gauging the ability to recognize subtle similarities and differences among associated terms. Informed by the theoretical and empirical work on relational reasoning, the Measure of Vocabulary Knowledge through Relational Reasoning (MVKR2) was developed and validated. Participants were 338 college students who completed the MVKR2, the Test of Relational Reasoning (TORR), and released items from the SAT Verbal and Math tests. The TORR and SAT tests were administered to examine the convergent and concurrent validities of the MVKR2. Findings from item confirmatory analyses and correlations demonstrated that the MVKR2 is a reliable and valid measure of vocabulary knowledge for college-age students. In addition, fluid relational reasoning ability was associated with the performance on this novel measure, but the association with vocabulary knowledge was stronger. When examined on the scale and item levels, the contribution of fluid relational reasoning varied across scales and items within each scale. This study offered an alternative way to examine vocabulary knowledge that has implications for future empirical research and instructional practice.

The effect of 10-week wholebody calisthenics training program on the muscular endurance of untrained collegiate students

The study aimed to investigate the effects of calisthenics exercise on muscular endurance by implementing a 10-week whole-body calisthenic training program on 183 randomly selected untrained collegiate students (108 females, 75 males). A two-group pretest-posttest design was employed (CG = 88; EG = 95), accompanied by three muscular endurance field tests to thoroughly observe the probable effects of the training program on this fitness component. The pretest involved administering fitness tests, followed by the 10-week training program for the EG. The CG was instructed to engage in one hour of preferred physical activity three times a week for 10 weeks. Post-testing was completed by administering the same fitness tests. The normality of the data was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. For intragroup comparison, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used, while for intergroup comparison, the Mann-Whitney U test was employed. Among females in the CG, the One Minute Push-up Test showed a significant improvement from a mean of 10.80 (±7.18) to 13.97 (±7.53) (p &lt; .00001*), while the PT increased from 68.83 (±37.80) to 78.79 (±41.50) (p = .00036*), and the Wall Sit scores rose from 48.90 (±27.04) to 65.59 (±31.86) (p &lt; .00001*). In males, the Wall Sit demonstrated a significant improvement from 58.15 (±26.47) to 83.88 (±50.28) (p = .00022*). Conversely, the EG exhibited significant improvements in all three tests for both females and males. Inter-group comparisons revealed the EG's significantly higher mean scores in the One Minute Push-up Test (24.50 vs. 18.17, p = .00494*), PT(107.87 vs. 79.85, p = .01044* for males), and Wall Sit (112.34 vs. 83.88, p = .01255*). Both female and male participants in the EG showed significant improvements in the One Minute Push-up Test, Planking Test, and Wall Sit compared to the CG, with consistently higher mean scores across all tests.