Training Games Research Articles

An Original Remote Digital Serious Game for Neonatal Resuscitation Training: New Opportunities from COVID-19 Era.

Background: The social restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted traditional teaching methods and encouraged the development of innovative and safer approaches based on distance learning. Among these novel techniques, digital game-based learning (DGBL) is a method that facilitates learning through the efficient use of interactive software tailored to the user. Methods: In this work, we investigated the effectiveness of the DGBL methodology for remote training using a game-based digital learning software designed about remote neonatal resuscitation. The DGBL approach was validated in 52 anesthesiologist trainees and compared to a homogenous retrospective control group of pediatric trainees with the same prior knowledge, who followed an in-person training course using the digital serious game. Scores obtained during each game session are recorded and used to assess progress in knowledge of the flowchart, decision time, timing of assisted ventilation, and ability to check equipment. Results: The results confirmed the effectiveness of the remote training mode for each of the analyzed features, whereas no statistically significant advantages of using a supervised DGBL were found. Conclusion: In conclusion, the DGBL remote training approach is a valuable tool that can provide users with an interactive, effective, and enjoyable learning experience. Future developments will concern the implementation of multiplayer versions to stimulate interaction between users for the development of inter-professional and teamwork skills.

Workloads in Collegiate Women's Lacrosse Athletes During a Division II National Championship Season.

Sutton, PJ, Mumford, PW, and Sunderland, KL. Workloads in collegiate women's lacrosse athletes during a Division II national championship season. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1651-1657, 2024-A comprehensive examination of the external and internal workloads in collegiate women's lacrosse athletes has yet to be reported. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to determine the absolute and relative external and internal training and game workloads of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II women's lacrosse athletes throughout an entire season. Data from 19 Division II women's lacrosse athletes were analyzed, encompassing each training session and game across an entire competitive season (February-May). External workloads were assessed using a wearable global positioning system, whereas internal workloads were determined through heart rate (HR) variables and session rating of perceived exertion. Game days were associated with significantly ( p < 0.05) greater absolute external and internal workloads. However, when comparing workloads relative to session duration, relative workloads between training and games were no longer significant ( p > 0.05) for total distance, high-speed running (≥15 km·h -1 ), HR-derived training impulse, or caloric expenditure. Nonetheless, relative sprint distance (>19 km·h -1 ) was significantly lower during games, whereas high-intensity accelerations (>2 m·s -2 ) and decelerations (<-2 m·s -2 ) were significantly greater during training compared with games ( p < 0.05). Practical applications of these findings suggest that coaches can better prepare athletes for game day conditions by adjusting training plans to replicate the duration and intensity of games. Overall, this comprehensive examination of internal and external workloads provides valuable data for coaches and practitioners to support performance comparisons, rehabilitation protocols, and workload analyses in collegiate women's lacrosse athletes.

Is game-based therapy effective for treating cognitive deficits in adults with schizophrenia? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial

Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are a major contributor to poor functional outcomes and everyday functioning, making them a promising therapeutic target. Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of digital interventions, such as game-based therapy, targeting various domains of cognition to treat mental disorders. Game-based digital interventions have been suggested to have therapeutic value in health care for people with schizophrenia. To support this idea, a novel, online training program (Komori Life) that targets cognitive deficits in schizophrenia was tested for feasibility of use and initial efficiency. Inpatients with schizophrenia were randomized to complete 20 sessions of either Komori Life (N = 40 completers) or treatment as usual (N = 40 completers). Cognitive and clinical assessments were performed at enrollment and after completion of the training intervention for all patients. In addition, 32 healthy volunteers were recruited as controls, and an eye-tracking paradigm was employed to assess attentional biases to emotional information before and after game intervention for all subjects. The results showed that there were no group differences in cognitive or clinical assessments at baseline between the two patient groups. After game training, there were still no group × time interactions on cognitive or clinical assessment scores. Regarding eye movement measurements, both patient groups showed increased attention to threatening stimuli compared to healthy controls in terms of attentional maintenance at baseline. After game training, the game training group revealed greater improvement in attentional bias towards threatening scenes (decreased percentage of total duration and percentage of total fixations towards threatening stimuli) relative to the treatment as usual group. Moreover, our results partially indicated that training effectiveness was associated with cognitive improvement and that heightened attentional maintenance to threats was associated with worse cognitive performance. This study provides initial evidence that a remote, online cognitive training program is feasible and effective in improving cognitive function in schizophrenia. This form of training may serve as a complementary therapy to existing psychiatric care. Clinical trial registration: the trial is registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2100048403.

Using Digital Twin Technology to Conduct Dynamic Simulation of Industry-Education Integration

The high accident rate in the construction industry has a major impact on how well projects turn out. Despite substantial investments in safety planning and supervision, there has been a marked increase in the construction industry's accident rate compared to other sectors. Serious games based on VR have recently been used in the study, suggesting that workers are now more safety conscious. However, these situations need many resources to create and are not always realistic. Hence this paper, Digital Twin-based Construction Safety Training Framework (DT-CSTF) with Artificial Intelligence (AI), has been proposed to monitor employees' emotional, mental, and physical well-being in real-time. The report sheds light on the significance of DT technology and its function in Industry 5.0. Using the Unity game engine, the proposed DT-CSTF creates a virtual reality-based training environment (VRTE) prototype that incorporates BIM, construction timetables, and safety requirements. Following this, the suggested structure enables gathering user data about risks and providing tailored feedback. Automated virtual reality game training scenarios are created using data given by digital twins on project intent, project status, safety requirements, and history. Both improved digital twins and periodic construction safety monitoring are anticipated to reap the benefits of dynamic virtual reality training. The proposed management system offers effectiveness of VR-based security training, cost-benefit analysis, monitoring,employee behaviour, safety education values are obtained by the ratio of 96,90 %, 98,33 %, 99,25 %, 95,91 %, 98,66 % respectively

Indicators to Evaluate Base Running in Baseball, First Category from Mayabeque

In the last seasons of the National Series there has been a loss of the possibilities in the base run by the first category Baseball players. In order to solve this problem, it is proposed as an objective: to develop indicators to evaluate the running of bases in the first category baseball team of Mayabeque. Theoretical methods Historical-logical, Inductive-deductive, Analysis-synthesis, the review of documents, observation of training units and games, the statistical results of the games in front of different teams, surveys, interviews and the measurement with the use of the HUMAN technique to detect the main deficiencies related to the race and other important factors of the base run was decisive to achieve the necessary effectiveness during the competitive exercise. The metrics demonstrate a solid framework and methodological foundation for evaluating base running performance. Validation was conducted using specific criteria, which confirmed their effectiveness in improving performance during training and competition.

Monitoring training load and perceived recovery indicators during the preseason and in-season phases in professional female basketball players.

During the basketball season, it is essential to carefully plan training and recovery activities to optimize players' performance. This study monitored training load and perceived recovery indicators in professional female basketball players across the preseason and in-season phases. Seventeen professional female basketball players (age: 19.6±3.1 years; height: 180.2±5.9 cm; playing position: 8 backcourt, 9 frontcourt) were monitored for eleven consecutive weeks. Each morning, players reported their perceived recovery using a 10-point Total Quality of Recovery (TQR) Scale. After each training session or game, players reported their perceived exertion using the CR-10 Scale, which was multiplied by the duration of the training or game to obtain the session load. Weekly load, monotony, strain, TQR<inf>AM</inf> (morning recovery) and TQR<inf>fw</inf> (recovery at the start of the following week) were calculated. Linear mixed models were performed to assess the effects of season phase (preseason; in-season), playing position (backcourt; frontcourt) and group (senior; under) on load and recovery variables. Weekly load, monotony and strain were higher in the preseason than the in-season phase (all P<0.001, ES: moderate-large). Strain was higher in senior players compared to under (P=0.045, ES: small). Regarding recovery variables, no effects were found for TQR<inf>AM</inf>, while TQR<inf>fw</inf> was higher in the preseason than in-season (P<0.001, ES: moderate) phase. Professional female basketball players experience lower internal loads but poorer perceived recovery during the in-season phase. Practitioners should carefully consider the stress of competition and the cumulative fatigue from high preseason loads during the transition from the preseason to the regular season.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY GAMES IN EDUCATION

The paper investigates the promotion of academic integrity (AcadI) by implementing the method of gamification in the educational process. The aim of the research is to highlight the complex of games on AcadI as one of the prospective forms of work with youth at general secondary education institutions (GSEIs) and higher education institutions (HEIs). Methods. To achieve the goal, the following methods were used: theoretical (analysis, synthesis of scientific and pedagogical sources) and empirical (observation of the educational process). Results and discussion. Based on their own experience, the authors of the article highlight the system of AcadI games, which is considered as several educational game practices that help teachers educate students on aspects of AcadI, develop their knowledge about academic integrity, prevent scientific dishonesty, give them good citation practice, improve their ability to correctly cite sources and format their scientific work, etc. The system of AcadI games was used in the content of the Educational course "Methodology and Organisation of Professional Research and Academic Integrity" for students of the second (master's) level of higher education in the specialties 014 Secondary Education (Ukrainian Language and Literature), 014 Secondary Education (Language and Foreign Literature (English)) and 014 Secondary Education (Language and Foreign Literature (German)) at University of Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav (HSUP). It was based on 3 dominant learning approaches (storytelling, interactivity, and situational learning) and divided into 3 groups, namely: 1) situational games, 2) storytelling games, 3) interactive AcadI games through online learning tools ("You Quote It, You Note It", "Goblin Threat"), apps ("Dilemma Game"), and platforms ("Integrity Games Platform"). These AcadI games are used as a group, pair and/or individual tasks at practical lessons, individual tasks for self-study work, and as a preparatory element to an individual research work. Conclusions. It was attempted to highlight the system of Academic Integrity games, that is considered by authors as crucial and can be easily used for students, studying English as a foreign language, of all levels and specialties at HEIs, GSEIs, colleges and institutes, etc. The implementation of such games incorporates proactive action in building a culture of honesty/integrity and fostering ethical behaviour of youth in educational institutions. The prospects of the research are seen in the pedagogical experiment of checking the effectiveness of the highlighted complex of AcadI games in teacher training at HSUP.

The Effect of the Drill Like Game Situation Training Program on Forehand and Backhand Shots in Pickleball Sports

One of the increasingly popular sports is Pickleball, which offers a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Pickleball emphasizes control, accuracy, and good reflexes, while still being easy to learn and play for beginners to experienced players. Mastery of basic techniques, including forehand and backhand shots, is essential in playing Pickleball effectively. The drill method, with simulated game situations similar to actual matches, is an effective approach to improve players' skills in this sport. This study aims to determine the effect of the Drill Like Game Situation Training program on Forehand and Backhand shots in Pickleball. The motede of this research is an experiment with a quantitative approach. The population of this study were members of the JPOK pickleball club. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling and obtained a sample of 18 people. The results showed that the Drill Like Game Training Program has a significant effect on forehand and backhand shots in the Pickleball game because this program provides structured and repetitive training, which allows players to improve technique and reliability in performing both shots. The Drill Like Game Training Program also not only improves the technical skills of forehand and backhand shots, but also helps players hone their mental and tactical abilities in the game of Pickleball.

Practitioners’ perspective of non-contact injury risk factors and injury prevention programming in professional North American male soccer

ObjectiveTo evaluate non-contact injury prevention strategies of professional men's soccer clubs in elite North American league soccer. To understand the application, perceived effectiveness and barriers to implementation. DesignOnline cross-Sectional Study. SettingNorth American elite soccer teams. Participants96 medical and performance support staff of elite North American teams. Main outcome measureThe survey consisted of 20 questions and captured 1) practitioners' demographics; 2) perceptions of risk factors; 3) the use of assessment and monitoring strategies; and 4) perceptions of the implementation of injury prevention programmes’. ResultsInjury prevention programmes were perceived as ‘effective’ (Median 4, Interquartile range 4-4) and reduced injury rates (n = 94, 98%, 95 CI% 93 to 99). A range of potential risk factors were rated as “very important” (4.58 ± 0.52 Likert scale points; mean ± standard deviation). A multi-disciplinary approach to the design, application and monitoring of programmes was generally adopted. Competing training priorities (n = 75, 78%, 95 CI% 69 to 85) and game schedules (n = 71, 74%, 95 CI% 64 to 82) were the most prevalent barriers to injury prevention implementation. ConclusionsInjury prevention programmes were perceived as effective in reducing non-contact injuries. Managing the conflicting priorities between scheduling training, tactical and conditioning goals were considered the key barriers to desired implementation.

Evaluation of a training program using the SBAR communication tool for caregivers managing acute respiratory distress in lung cancer patients: A pilot randomized controlled trial protocol

BackgroundFamily-based caregivers are increasingly important in the management of non-hospitalized lung cancer patients. However, lack of training can negatively impact care including diagnostic errors that can lead to delays in providing appropriate medical treatment. Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is common symptom of lung cancer and requires urgent intervention as well as adequate communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs) to enable appropriate decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Standardized tools such as the Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) tool and its French adaptation SAED, standing for Situation, Antécédent, Évaluation et Demande, are designed to facilitate communication among (HCPs).Additionally, digital interventions, such as serious games, are increasingly used to train HCPs though its use for caregivers has not been studied. This pilot study aims to assess an innovative serious game training using the SAED tool combined with standard instructions on self-efficacy for family-based caregivers of lung cancer patients when facing a simulated situation of ARF. The study also aims to examine caregivers' emotional state, quality of life, satisfaction and knowledge about the SBAR tool. MethodsA monocentric, randomized, controlled, open-label, superiority, parallel-arm trial will be conducted for 18 months with 3 mid-study assessments (NCT05839353). Family caregivers of lung cancer patients will be recruited at the University Hospital Center of Saint Pierre, Reunion Island, France. Participants will be randomized (1:1) into two groups: the experimental group receiving training using the SBAR/SAED tool and standard instructions for managing respiratory distress/dyspnea, and the control group, receiving standard instructions only. The primary outcome will be to determine perceived self-efficacy as measured by the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale. DiscussionThis study will present a preliminary assessment of training family caregivers in using the SBAR/SAED tool in simulated episodes of ARF in lung cancer patients. Our findings may provide valuable insights into effective training methods for caregivers in critical home care situations and could be widely used for lung cancer management.

PYP4Training: designing digital games for business process training

PurposeBusiness process training is a crucial activity in the business process management lifecycle, performed whenever an organization needs to train workers about how to carry out their activities according to defined processes, after significant process changes, or whenever new workers come on board. Due to their motivational character, serious games have been understood as an unconventional alternative to support training in organizational processes. Still, methodologies to design serious digital games specifically for business process training are missing in the literature. This research paper presents a method – Play Your Process for Training (PYP4Training) – for designing digital games for business process training.Design/methodology/approachThe research is guided by design science research methodologies and comprises the adaptation of Play Your Process (PYP), a method for designing business process-based digital games (BPBDG). PYP activities and supporting tools were shaped to cope with the specific requirements of BPBDG design for process training purposes, bringing to light a new method: PYP4Training.FindingsPYP4Training was evaluated by designing a BPBDG for training a heavy equipment maintenance process in a multinational mining company. The game was evaluated by process owners and actors who reported a positive perception of the game as an option for process training. However, there is still space for improving trainees' engagement.Originality/valueThe research proposes an innovative way for business process training using digital games. Nevertheless, literature shows a lack of systematic procedures to build such games and results about their use.

Small Sided Games Training Model to Improve Basic First Touch Football Technical Skills of Football School Students

Training modification is an important strategy in sports training to improve athlete performance, and in the context of football, SSG is one promising method. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the Small Sided Games (SSG) training model in improving basic football technique skills in Muspan U-12 Year Football School (SSB) students. This study used a quantitative approach with Quasi-Experimental method, adopting Pre-test Post-test Non-Equivalent Control Group design to measure exercise effectiveness. The sample of this study consisted of SSB Muspan U-12 Year students. Data was collected through tests that measured basic football technical skills, namely passing, dribbling, and shooting. This test is carried out before and after the application of the SSG exercise model, to assess changes in basic engineering skills. The results of the data analysis showed a significant improvement in basic football technical skills after the implementation of SSG training. This is evidenced by the sig (2-tailed) value of the Independent Sample t-Test test which reaches 0.000, far below the threshold of 0.05. These findings confirm that SSG practice is effective in improving basic football technique skills in SSB Muspan U-12 Year students. The conclusions of this study are important for football coaches working with younger age groups, suggesting that exercise modification through the SSG model can be an effective strategy for improving basic technical skills.

Temperature and Cognitive Performance: Evidence from Mental Arithmetic Training

With rising average temperatures and extreme heat events becoming more frequent, understanding the ramifications for cognitive performance is essential. I estimate the effect of outside air temperature on performance in mental arithmetic training games. Using data from 31,000 individuals and 1.15 million games played, I analyze frequent engagement in a cognitively challenging task in a non-stressful and familiar environment. I find that, above a threshold of 16.5 ∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^{\\circ }$$\\end{document}C, a 1 ∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^{\\circ }$$\\end{document}C increase in outside air temperature leads to a performance reduction of 0.13%. The effect is mostly driven by individuals living in relatively cold areas, who are less adapted to hot temperatures.

The effect of weighted vest use during in-season, small-sided games training on young soccer players’ performance

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of weighted vest on-field small-sided games (SSG) soccer training, during the in-season period, on body composition and soccer-specific performances, in young, trained soccer players. A counterbalance study design was adopted, in which the fourteen well-trained players (age: 19.1 ± 0.5 yrs, body mass: 70.3 ± 5.3 kg, body height: 180.3 ± 3.0 cm, body fat: 9.2 ± 4.1%) performed both the Interventional (Vest) and Control (Con) training routines (6 weeks/season; 5 training sessions/week; 1 match/week), in different occasions (winter/spring period). Con group followed a regular weekly training plan. When the Con group performed their intense training sessions, Vest group performed only the on-field SSGs training wearing a vest (12.5% of athletes’ body mass). All the evaluations were performed one week before and after each training period. Statistical analyses include repeated ANOVA and T-test (p < 0.05). Significant increases in sprinting, jumping, change of direction (COD), aerobic and anaerobic performances were observed only after Vest intervention (−4.7 ± 2.2% to 11.2 ± 4.2%; p < 0.05). Significant changes were observed only after Vest training, compared to Cont (p < 0.05). These results suggest that using a weighted vest, during the in-season, onfield SSG training two times/week induces greater increases in young soccer players’ sprinting, jumping, COD, aerobic and anaerobic performances.

Qigong Master: A Qigong-Based Attention Training Game Using Action Recognition and Balance Analysis

Baduanjin is a type of martial art that is aimed at the development and health of the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects. It emphasizes on gentle movements, relaxed yet disciplined, and training of mental concentration through relaxation. In order to make Baduanjin attention training more effective and easier, we proposed a novel Baduanjin-based attention training game that instructs the subject to practice Baduanjin using virtual reality (VR) and motion analysis. Through a virtual instructor who demonstrates a series of Baduanjin actions, the subject is asked to follow the instructor's movement at any time. Meanwhile, the 3D position of the subject's body joints is collected by a motion capture device for further analysis using a deep learning model to evaluate the order correctness and precision of the Baduanjin actions. In addition, transfer learning technique is used to solve the problem of small size of Baduanjin data. Preliminary tests with 20 normal individuals showed that the recognition accuracy of the Baduanjin actions reached nearly 97%, and the balance analysis reflected the position change of the body center of mass to a certain extent. We also compared the performance of the model with and without pre-training to demonstrate the importance of transfer learning. The result of these explorations shows the feasibility of this prototype system as an attention training system and its potential as an assistive treatment option. In conclusion, we not only created the virtual instructor that could provide accurate movement demonstration, but also collected objective action data for more accurate balance analysis to provide appropriate feedback.

The Effect of Intelligence Games on Primary School 4th Grade Students' Mental Skill Levels

This research was aimed to analyze the effects of intelligence games on the mental skill levels of fourth grade students. The research was carried out in a public school located in Manavgat district of Antalya province. The study group of the research consists of 40 volunteer students (20 in the experimental group, 20 in the control group) studying in two different branches of the 4th grades in the spring term of the 2021-2022 academic year. The research was designed in the form of a pre-test and post-test control group and the quantitative data of the research were collected through the 'Mental Skill Assessment Test' developed by Marangoz (2018). The experimental group was given a total of 16 hours of intelligence games training for eight weeks, two lessons per week (80 minutes). In the research, a valid and reliable ready-made test developed by Marangoz (2018) (Mental Skill Assessment Test) was used to evaluate students' mental skill levels (concentration of attention, strategic thinking, analysing, part-whole relationship, visual perception and use of clues). This test was applied to the experimental and control groups as a pre-test and post-test. The Normality Test was conducted to investigate the normal distribution of the data as a result of the research. In the research, 6 different intelligence games were used for eight weeks. In order to examine the relationship between the pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental and control groups before the application, the dependent sample t-test was performed. In the research, it was observed that there was a significant increase in the mental skills of the experimental group students, who were played 6 different intelligence games for eight weeks. According to the results of the research, we can say that intelligence games improve the mental skills levels of students.

Could Gameplay Data of Games with a Purpose Assist in Training Hazardous Situations in the Industry?

Accidents and risks in the industry pose significant challenges concerning executing critical tasks. Inadequate employee training compromises the ability to manage risks, making the environment prone to accidents. In this context, games with training purposes emerge as a promising solution, providing an interactive and immersive environment. Focusing on improved risk management, organizational managers can utilize data collected by these games as metrics for monitoring and enhancement. However, it is necessary to understand how games with a purpose can contribute to the training process for hazardous situations in the industry. With this in mind, this study investigates the topic by exploring both the literature through a systematic mapping and the perceptions of workers from an oil and gas industry through a survey. As a result of the investigations, techniques for analyzing and visualizing gameplay data obtained from training games, design elements, game genres, and primary usage contexts were identified. Additionally, it was possible to analyze workers' perceptions from the oil and gas industry of how these games and their data can add value and contribute to safety training sections within their workplaces. Therefore, there were indications that games with a purpose, combined with data analysis and visualization techniques, can offer a new perspective for conducting and evaluating training, providing information that contributes to improving work quality indices and reducing severe accident risks within the industry.

Improved Fitness and VO2Max: Implementation of Traditional “Massallo” Games

Students' health needs are one of the priorities in learning. Therefore, physical education, sports and health have a very significant role. Physical education, sports and health are not only a means of improving physical fitness, but also play a role in maintaining body health and understanding the local wisdom contained in traditional sports such as Massallo. Therefore, the aim of this research is how Massallo games can shape students' fitness and Vo2max. This research is a quantitative pre-experimental design research using a Pretest-Posttest one group design. With a total of 42 students participating, they used exercises with the Massallo game. All data obtained were searched for mean, min, max, and standard deviation values as well as differences in applying exercises and Massallo games using independent sample t-test and simple regression. There are differences in results in implementing training with Massallo games in increasing students' fitness and VO2Max. It was found that using the Massallo game training method had a difference of 11,421 in increasing students' fitness and VO2Max and had a significant influence of 0.610, which indicated that the Massallo game had a good role in students' fitness and VO2Max. Key Words: Fitness, Massallo Games, Physical Education, VO2Max

Games With Safety Training Purposes in the Industry: Game Design Method and Its Demonstration

Work accidents are a concern for the industry as they can generate human, material, and economic losses. One way to mitigate them is to conduct efficient safety training, but they cannot always arouse the necessary interest and engagement of those trained. Games with a purpose are tools widely used for training in different contexts. They are identified as innovative, immersive, and attractive approaches, but they are complex to develop. This article presents SafetyPlay Game Design (SpGD), a structured method for designing safety training games with well-defined steps that support translating training elements into an immersive and playful game environment. Since we seek to build an artifact as an intervention to a problem in a real context, we based the research methodology on Action Research to conduct the investigations. Therefore, the intervention in the context of security training continued with creating and demonstrating the SpGD method based on the construction of a digital game for training. In this way, the evaluation undertaken in this research considered two moments: i) the ability of SpGD to develop the game, considering when we evaluated it by volunteers regarding game experience and perception of safety training, and ii) the validated method through interviews with game designers, experts in designing training games. The results point to evidence that the SpGD method supported the design of a game that allowed a positive gaming experience considered by game designers to be viable and useful for this purpose, in addition to allowing people to learn training concepts and risks. Therefore, this research contributes to the game design field and the industry, providing opportunities for creating interactive training that can complement traditional security training.

Comparing locomotor intensity indicators in soccer training and competition across contextual factors: a study of replaced coaches in a Portuguese professional 1st league team

This study aims to examine, for each head coach (HC) replaced, the association between training intensity and physical performances obtained in games. Furthermore, the study investigated how contextual factors influence locomotor and mechanical performance association. External load variables were collected using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices across the 4 weeks and 4 games before and after the replacement in a professional adult male soccer team. Six different HC records were analysed (48.8 ± 7.4 years of age; 11.2 ± 3.9 years as an HC) during a three-season span (2020/21–2022/2023). There were marked differences within player variability across the two coaching regimes. Game loads didn't reflect training-related performance, with differences ranging from −71.4% to −9.9%. Players under the outgoing coaches have greater coverage of meters per minute. Meters per minute, distance covered over 18 km/h and high-speed running (all in training) are found to be significant variables influenced by contextual factors. Within-subject and time, training loads did not reflect game-related loads/performances, with starters showing higher deficits (ranging from −79.0 to −14.5). The study suggests that changes in soccer HC can affect players' training intensity and game performance, influenced by various contextual factors and not directly correlated. This type of information might be very suitable to improve training load periodization and programming. For further research avenues, could be the study of the variation of the psychological states of the players at the time of the dismissal and hiring of the HCs, associating them with the physiological performance at the same moments.