Effect of Learner Strategies With Modular Versus Traditional Instruction on Motor Skill Learning and Retention

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of learner strategies on learning and remembering a series of juggling skills, using modular versus traditional modes of instruction. The 48 subjects (M age = 16.6 years) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (a) a group taught by a live instructor (traditional) using learner strategies; (b) a traditionally taught no-strategies group; (c) a self-instructed group that used strategies with a modular instructional approach; and (d) a control group exposed to a similar module without the use of strategies. Two juggling experts rated subjects on their ability to perform five juggling skills immediately following eight learning sessions (acquisition) and 7 days after the first test (retention). The use of ANOVA revealed that the groups which used modular instruction, as opposed to traditional instruction, and strategies in comparison to no strategies, performed significantly better when scores on the acquisition and retention tests were combined. Performance on the retention test was similar for all groups. The results provided partial support for the use of modular instruction and learner strategies in the learning and remembering of complex gross motor skills. However, contrary to expectations, the combination of these factors did not elicit performance superior to that elicited by the other conditions.     

Comparison of Selected Physiological and Personality Variables in Regular and Nonregular Adult Male Exercisers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare regular and nonregular adult exercisers on selected physiological and personality measures over a four-year period. Forty-eight participants in the 1971 Purdue Adult Fitness Program were retested four years later. As a result three groups of 16 subjects each were established, based on responses to an Exercise and Leisure Questionnaire. Relevant physiological data were collected and physical fitness scores were obtained for each subject using the criterion of Ismail and others. Personality traits were assessed using the same form of the Cattell 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire as both pre- and posttests. The data were analyzed at both test periods using the ANOVA technique. The effect of different activity levels was assessed by several fitness parameters such as percent lean body weight, resting and submaximal heart rates, submaximal RQ, [Vdot]O₂ max, and physical fitness score. The two regularly active groups increased significantly in physical fitness over the four-year period. At both test periods the regularly active group was significantly more confident (Factor O) than the other two groups, indicating that the relationship between physical fitness and self-confidence is stable.     

The British Olympic Association's Position Statement on Athlete Confidentiality

Abstract

In this study, we determined the specificity of a low frequency taekwondo training programme on physical fitness levels in adolescent females who receive limited physical education instruction (i.e. 2 days per week). Major components of physical fitness assessed were: skeletal muscle fitness (hand grip strength, bent arm hang, standing long jump, and isokinetic strength), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), speed and agility (10 × 5-m shuttle run), and cardiovascular fitness ([Vdot]O _2max and 20-m shuttle run). Changes in body composition were also assessed (dual X-ray absorptiometry, DXA). Participants were divided into two groups, a taekwondo training group (n = 21), which trained 50 min a day, 2 days per week for 12 weeks, and a control group (n = 10). Taekwondo training improved isokinetic strength, standing long jump, and sit-and-reach performance. Body fat mass and percent body fat were reduced. No changes in grip strength, bent arm hang time, speed and agility, or cardiorespiratory fitness were observed. Results indicate that low frequency taekwondo training in adolescent females produces beneficial changes in skeletal muscle fitness, flexibility, and body composition in a relatively short period of time. Consequently, this specific type of training can be useful to female adolescents in structured school environments where physical education classes are limited and there is little free time for physical activity.     

Effects of Various Training Programs on Speed of Swimming

Abstract

Six groups of subjects were tested to determine if various training programs affected performance in speed in swimming 30 yards. No evidence of improvement was found after one group of subjects had been exposed to absolutely no exercise for six weeks and, also, after a group of subjects had participated in various exercises with weights three times weekly for six weeks. Two groups of swimmers who participated in practicing starts, kicking, arm stroking, and sprinting 30 and 60 yards significantly improved their performances in speed in swimming; one group of subjects followed the preceding program three times weekly and another group used the same routine six times a week. Two other groups, one of which was exposed to weight training and swimming, and one of which was exposed only to 30-yard sprints and practicing starts, both showed statistically significant differences in performance.     

Effects of Physical Eduction Taught by a Specialist on Physical Fitness and Self-Image

Abstract

The AAHPER youth fitness test and Gordon's “How I See Myself” scale were administered to 75 grade 7 students. The subjects were divided into those with elementary school physical education provided by a specialist (N=46) and those from schools with no such specialist (N=29).

Those subjects who were taught by a specialist participated in experiences in rhythmic activities, group games, tumbling and gymnastics activities, and other individual and dual activities each week. The atmosphere was free from threat, providing opportunities for each child to experience a degree of success and yet be challenged further each day.

Results indicated that the subjects with the experience of working with a physical education specialist performed at a higher level and were more able to assess themselves accurately than were those subjects who had not worked with a physical education specialist in the elementary school.     

Socioeconomic status and physical fitness in youth: Findings from the NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey

ABSTRACT

This study examined the associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and musculoskeletal (MSF) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in youth. The sample consisted of boys and girls between 3-15 years. SES was categorized utilizing family-income-to-poverty ratio (FIPR). All analyses were standardized for age and sex. For each test of physical fitness, SES was used to estimate mean fitness test percentile and 95% confidence intervals, controlling for race/ethnicity and physical activity. Odds ratios were calculated for the likelihood of having low fitness by SES category. In general, the high SES group had a better composite MSF, body composition, and CRF profiles than low and moderate SES groups. Statistically significant differences were identified for relative grip strength, plank, body mass index, and cardiovascular endurance time (all p < 0.05). Additionally, the odds of low/poor MSF fitness were 1.7 and 1.6 times higher in the low and moderate SES groups (respectively) compared to the children from high SES families. The moderate SES group had an odds of poor CRF 1.6 times higher than the high SES group as well. Children and adolescents from high SES families tend to have higher mean fitness and were less likely to have low/poor fitness.     

Notes: Evaluation of Physical Education in North Carolina High Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were differences in learning to perform a novel motor task between two equated groups: one group was subjected to learning the task immediately following a heavy physical work bout on a bicycle ergometer; the other group was subjected to learning the task with no imposed physical exercise. It was found that the subjects who practiced the stabilometer exercise in a fatigued state performed significantly better than subjects in the control group except for test 4. The experimental group also performed significantly better than the control group during the 5th test which was performed without any fatiguing task. It appears from this study that the fatigue state of the learner had a favorable influence on both performance and learning of certain novel motor skills.     

Associations Among Physical Education,Activity-Related Healthy Lifestyle Practices,and Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Chinese Youth

Purpose: Physical education (PE) in school provides opportunities for physical activity (PA) engagement and reportedly results in improved health-related fitness. This study explored the underlying correlations between PE and activity-related healthy lifestyle practices with current level of cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods: A total of 13,138 students age 14 (boys = 7,094, 54.0%) in Grade 8 from the China National Assessment of Educational Quality - Physical Education & Health 2015 were included in this study. Two independent structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were conducted to obtained sex-specific results. Data included the results of the 15-m progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER) and questionnaire data regarding PE curriculum implementation, learning and practice, perceived support from PE teachers, PE facilities, PE equipment, activity-related healthy lifestyle practices, habitual physical fitness, appropriate method of physical fitness, and breakfast eating habits. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the associations between variables, controlling for socioeconomic status, the location of schools, and Body Mass Index. Results: There was a statistically significant relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and activity-related healthy lifestyle practices, which was somewhat positively impacted by skill learning and practice and perceived support from PE teachers. Together, the boy’s model explained 21.8% of the variance in cardiorespiratory fitness, whereas the girl’s model explained 15.9%. Conclusions: A well-organized PE program is related to students’ activity-related healthy lifestyle practices, and consequently provides an improvement to cardiorespiratory fitness.     

Effect of Added Weight on the Learning of a Discrete Arm Movement

Abstract

Four groups of 20 subjects were given 35 practice trials on a discrete motor task. On Trials 3 through 25 each of three experimental groups performed with either a 1, 3, or 6 lb. wristlet strapped to their wrists. Trials 1 and 2 and Trials 26 through 35 were performed under control conditions. Comparisons made of the three experimental groups with a group which practiced under control conditions throughout, revealed that the added physical work significantly depressed performance but did not affect learning. Analysis of the data after rest revealed that the groups did not differ significantly in the amount of learning, slopes of the curves, or means of the test trials. Reminiscence was found to be a function of the amount of physical work.     

Motor Skill and Behavior Adjustment: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a supplementary physical education program in improving selected motor skills and behavior adjustment of primary school children who were poor in motor skills and deficient in behavior adjustment. Tests were administered to members of two experimental groups (instruction and non-instruction) and two control groups (deviant and normal) at various times during a one-year period. Improvement in motor performance demonstrated by each of the two experimental groups was significantly greater than such improvement made by each of the control groups. The level of motor performance attained by each of the experimental groups did not significantly differ from the level of motor performance exhibited by normal primary school children. Changes in behavior adjustment among the participants were not statistically significant.     

Effects of Mental Practice on the Acquisition of Motor Skills of Varied Difficulty

Abstract

Male volunteers (N=80) were randomly assigned to either a control or a mental practice group for the learning of three motor skills, the hock swing to a horizontal bar, jump-foot, and soccer hitch kick. All subjects were tested individually on each of the skills but one group engaged in five directed mental practice sessions spaced over a period of 5 days prior to being tested. Significant differences between groups in initial trial success were obtained for the hock swing but not for the other two skills. After physical practice was introduced, the mental practice group required fewer trials to achieve success in the hock swing and the jump-foot but not in the soccer hitch kick. It was concluded that the effectiveness of mental practice without prior physical practice is specific to the skill and is more pronounced for simpler skills.     

Index for Volume 59 (1988)

Abstract

Numerous epidemiological investigations have shown that low physical fitness and low physical activity are related to the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Most studies, however, have not examined both variables concurrently to determine which has the strongest association with CAD risk. The purpose of the investigation was to cross-sectionally examine the relationships among physical fitness, physical activity, and risk factors for CAD. Male law enforcement officers (N = 412) from the City of Austin, Texas, were subjects for this study. Physical fitness, physical activity, and risk factors for CAD were assessed through health screenings and from data collected as part of an annual physical fitness assessment. Multivariate analysis of covariance revealed that physical fitness, but not physical activity, was related to several single CAD risk factors. Percent body fat, smoking habits, and Type A behavior score were negatively related to physical fitness level, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was positively related to physical fitness level. Univariate analysis of variance found both physical fitness and physical activity to be significantly related to a composite CAD risk score. Low physical fitness and low physical activity were associated with a high CAD risk score. These data suggest that physical activity must be sufficient to influence physical fitness before statistically significant risk-reducing benefits on single CAD risk factors are obtained, although minimal engagement in weekly vigorous activity provides a significant benefit for the composite CAD risk score. It is plausible, however, that physical fitness is a stronger measure than physical activity and optimally characterizes the relationship among physical activity and CAD risk factors.     

The Relationship of Cognitive Style and Instructional Strategy to Learning and Transfer of Motor Skills

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the games for understanding model by comparing it to a technique approach to instruction and a control group. The technique method focused primarily on skill instruction where the skill taught initially was incorporated into a game at the end of each lesson. The games for understanding approach emphasized developing tactical awareness and decision making in small game situations. Two physical education specialists taught field hockey using these approaches for 15 lessons (45 min each). The control group did not receive any field hockey instruction. Data were collected from 71 middle school children. Pretests and posttests were administered for hockey knowledge, skill, and game performance. Separate analyses of variance or analyses of covariance were conducted to examine group differences for cognitive and skill outcomes. The games for understanding group scored significantly higher on passing decision making than the technique and control groups during posttest game play and significantly higher than the control group for declarative and procedural knowledge. The games for understanding group scored significantly higher on control and passing execution than the other groups during posttest game play. For hockey skill, there were no significant differences among the treatment groups for accuracy, but the technique group recorded faster times than the control group on the posttest.     

Relationships between Changes in Health and Fitness and the Perception of Exercise

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how weight training affected the physical fitness of football, basketball, and track and field squads when it was used as a supplement to normal training during different halves of the season. In each sport the athletes were divided into two matched groups: one did weight training during the first half of the season only, and the other group during the second half only. In general, the resulting statistics show that weight training adds significantly to the physical fitness produced by normal training.     

The Development of Skill and Knowledge During a Sport Education Season of Track and Field Athletics

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relative effectiveness of 2 forms of physical education instruction on students' skill and technical performance, as well as content knowledge in 3 track and field events. Method: Students from 6 classes in 3 Portuguese schools completed 900-min units conducted under the auspices of sport education or a more traditional teacher-directed format. Classes were randomly assigned to these conditions within each school. Results: Although both groups improved significantly from pretest to posttest, the sport education classes outperformed the traditional classes in both technique and skill execution. Only the sport education group made significant improvements in content knowledge. When the students in the traditional group were tested at the point in time where they would usually complete a unit of physical education (450 min), there were no significant improvements in any of the study's variables. Conclusion: The explanation given for the superior performance outcomes of the sport education classes lies in the nature of formal competition and team affiliation, which are cornerstones of this pedagogical model. That is, students take their learning experiences more seriously than in traditional and often inauthentic classes. In terms of content knowledge, the fact that sport education has a level of content-embedded accountability that holds students accountable for their officiating duties is postulated as a significant contributor to their increased understanding of rules and protocols of athletic events.     

Relationship between Physical Fitness and Susceptibility to Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

This study was conducted (a) to determine through factor analysis techniques the basic factors underlying selected blood variables, metabolic variables, and previously determined physical and athletic fitness variables at four fixed stages of metabolic stress and (b) to determine with the t-test and through discriminant function techniques those blood variables which can discriminate between high and low levels of physical fitness. The objective of the analyses was the interpretation of the revealed information in light of previously found knowledge on the relationship of physical activity and susceptibility to heart disease. Four factors were extracted and interpreted: the effect of weight on motor fitness, the detrimental effect of aging on physical fitness, metabolic readiness, and fitness and NEFA mobility. The t-test showed statistical significance for the difference between the physically fit and unfit group means in resting serum cholesterol, submaximal exercise serum cholesterol, maximal exercise blood pH, and recovery period blood pH. The discriminant function of the combined resting and submaximal exercise serum cholesterol has a statistically determined discriminating power for the physically fit and unfit groups.     

Physical Fatigue and Motor Learning

Abstract

In an attempt to investigate the effects of physical fatigue upon the learning of a motor skill, 75 college women were assigned in systematic rotation to either a control group or to one of two experimental groups (N = 25 in each group). All subjects were given a total of 50 trials on the pursuit rotor: 25 trials on Day 1, the practice session; and 25 trials on Day 2, the test session. One of the experimental groups was fatigued early in the practice session while the other was fatigued late in the practice session. Fatigue interpolated early and late was detrimental to subsequent performance improvements but had no effect upon the amount learned.     

Puberty and Physical Self-Perceptions of Competitive Female Figure Skaters II

Abstract

This study was to determine the effect of varying degrees of participation in physical education on achievement in selected characteristics. Subjects for the study were college women. One group was assigned to participate in the required program for one year, a second group for two years; a third group was not enrolled in physical education; a fourth group was given the option of electing or not electing physical education. Characteristics studied were knowledge, posture, recreational proficiency, and some aspects of physical fitness. At the end of one year, participators differed significantly from non-participators in posture, knowledge, and pull-ups. At the end of two years, those required to participate differed significantly from all other subjects in posture and knowledge. There was some evidence that the two-year group was superior in performance on some aspects of fitness. Participators were judged to be generally more proficient in recreational activities than nonparticipators who claimed proficiency.     

A Critical Analysis of Current Practices and Beliefs Underlying General Physical Education Programs in Higher Education

Abstract

This study was made to determine a current set of concepts which physical educators believe should characterize the purposes of the modern college program of general physical education. A review of current literature was conducted to identify and define those concepts which seemed to be characteristic of the purposes of the general college program of physical education. From this literature a structured interview guide was developed. Sections I and II of this guide contained questions concerning the current status of this program. Questions designed to elicit opinions with regard to selected aspects of the general college program of physical education also were included. Section III contained statements of concepts currently appearing in the literature of higher education. The data were obtained by the personal interview and the mailed questionnaire technique. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was employed to compare responses among three groups of respondents: a group of physical educators who were selected on the basis of their specific qualifications with regard to the general college program (Group I), a jury of physical educators who were considered expert in the overall field of physical education (Group II), and a group composed of deans of instruction (Group III). This test was designed to determine whethere were statistically significant differences of opinion among responses of the three groups. The data were reported and interpretations and analyses of the data were made. It was found that physical educators and academic deans of instruction were in close agreement in most instances with regard to beliefs concerning the general college program of physical education.     

Test-Retest Reliability of a Survey to Measure Transport-Related Physical Activity in Adults

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of the degree of original learning and the length of two nonpractice periods on reminiscence in badminton. Two groups were used, one having 6 weeks of instruction, the other 9 weeks. The nonpractice periods were 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The wall volley and short serve tests were given at the beginning and end of the instructional periods and at the end of each nonpractice period.

Reminiscence did occur in the wall volley skill during the first nonpractice interval for the group having 9 weeks of instruction and during the second nonpractice interval for the group having 6 weeks of instruction. Reminiscence did not occur for either group on the short serve skill.