Nikolaos Vernadakis - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Nikolaos Vernadakis

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancing Elementary School Students’ Visual Perceptual Skills: A Comparative Study of Oculus Quest 2 Exergames and Conventional Activities

Research paper thumbnail of Fundamental motor skills enhancement in a preschool setting through a structured physical education programme

Early years, May 26, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Αξιολόγηση της αποτελεσματικότητας της χρήσης του Η/Υ στη μάθηση των κινητικών δεξιοτήτων στη δευτεροβάθμια εκπαίδευση

Research paper thumbnail of AΣKHΣH ΣE ATOMA ME ANAΠHPIA - NEEΣ TEXNOΛOΓIEΣ Tρισέλιδες Eργασίες 20 ο Διεθνές Συνέδριο Φυσικής Aγωγής & Aθλητισμού ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - NEW TECHNOLOGIES Short Papers 20 th International Congress of Physical Education & Sport

* Η συμμετοχή στο συνέδριο με προφορική ανακοίνωση πιστοποιείται από το παρόν ηλεκτρονικό αρχείο.... more * Η συμμετοχή στο συνέδριο με προφορική ανακοίνωση πιστοποιείται από το παρόν ηλεκτρονικό αρχείο. * The participation in the congress with an oral presentation is certified through this electronic file.

Research paper thumbnail of Dimensionality of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale among Greek Primary School Students

International Journal of Instruction, Oct 1, 2021

The aim of the current study was to validate the self-report version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem... more The aim of the current study was to validate the self-report version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES; Rosenberg, 1965) structure in a sample of Greek primary school students. The study was based on the original one-factor model suggested by the scale's author, as well as on the two-factor correlated model of positive and negative items. Participants were 652 primary school students (N=652, M=10.02, SD=1.160). The psychometric properties of the RSES were assessed by conducting a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Both average variance extracted and composite reliability were used to test the internal consistency and convergent validity. The correlated two-factor model provided a better fit to the data than the one-factor model, according to the CFA. This conclusion is based on the analysis results, which comprised as providing good fit if non-significant χ2 values, χ2 /df < 1.5, the Tucker Lewis index (TLI) and the comparative fit index (CFI) ≥ 0.95 (acceptable at > 0.90), as well as the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) < 0.06 (Hu & Bentler, 1999). The main contribution of this study was the adaptation and evaluation of the RSES for use of Greek students and the determination of its factor structure. Teachers and researchers could also use this interpreted scale to determine the level of selfesteem in primary school children and form strategies to increase their self-esteem.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of internal and external focus of attention on game performance in tennis

Acta Gymnica, 2016

performance than those who had received instructions about the motor model. The following researc... more performance than those who had received instructions about the motor model. The following researchers defined the terms of internal focus of attention instructions as those which direct the performer's attention to the movement of the body executing the skill and the external focus of attention cues as those which lead the directing attention to the outcome of the motion executed (Wulf, Höß, & Prinz, 1998). According to Wulf, Lauterbach, and Toole (1999) most coaches often use specific instructions to direct practitioners' attention to the movement of body parts in order to teach motor skills. The same researcher and her fellows, in a great number of studies (

Research paper thumbnail of Blended learning in Undergraduate Education: The relationship between students’ perceived course interaction and their satisfaction

New information and communication technologies (ICTs) have provided educators and learners with a... more New information and communication technologies (ICTs) have provided educators and learners with an innovative learning environment to generate new paths in the learning process. In this context, new educational concepts such as blended learning are being introduced. This style of learning is usually defined as the integration of traditional classroom methods with online activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between students' perceived course interaction and their satisfaction in a blended learning environment in undergraduate education. Study participants consisted of thirty-one undergraduate students. Ten of the participants were male and twenty-one were female. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 21 years old. At the end of this study, students completed a questionnaire with three sections. The first section included the students' demographic/personal data. The second section evaluated students' perceived e-learner satisfaction from the blended learning course and the third, students' perceived interaction with others. The corelational analyses identified a significant positive correlation between students' perceived course interaction and their satisfaction.

Research paper thumbnail of The Course Management System, e-Class at Democritus University of Thrace: Where do we Stand?

The online CMS has become popular in recent years in higher education institutions due to the imp... more The online CMS has become popular in recent years in higher education institutions due to the implementation of distance education in Greece. The purpose of this study was to examine the students' perceptions toward physical education courses using the online CMS, e-Class at Democritus University of Thrace. Participants were two hundred eleven (n=211) undergraduate students, between the ages from 19-24 years old. One hundred fifteen (71.1%) of the participants were male and sixty one were female (28.9%). Data was collected using an online questionnaire during one week period. The statistical analysis included both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Overall, participants in this study had positive perceptions toward e-Class and the results indicated that such systems were easy to use and advantageous in Physical Education learning and assisted them to develop their skills. Students' responses in the survey questions also supported the benefits of using the CMS for their learning.

Research paper thumbnail of The Attentional Focus Impact on the Decision Making in Three-Game Situations in Tennis

World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Nov 16, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of The relationship between students' attitudes and satisfaction in a “Physical Education in Early Childhood” blended course

etec.hawaii.edu

Abstract: With the recent growth of new information and communication technologies (ICTs), web ba... more Abstract: With the recent growth of new information and communication technologies (ICTs), web based course delivery has become a promising alternative for expanding the educational opportunities in the tertiary education. Blended learning -an alternative type of teaching- ...

Research paper thumbnail of Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale--Greek Version

Research paper thumbnail of Teaching Life Skills Through Volleyball Passing Skill to Children 9-11 Years Old

European Journal of Physical Education and Sport, Mar 4, 2022

The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of teaching life skills through the volley... more The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of teaching life skills through the volleyball passing skill, of 44 primary school female children and their perceived satisfaction with the program. The sample was randomly assigned into two groups. The life skills group (LSG, n = 23) and the control group (CG, n = 21). All participants followed a six-week practice program aiming the passing skill learning. For the participants of LSG the program was combined with the components of goal setting, problem-solving and positive thinking. The control group received typical teaching and feedback provided by the PE teacher. All participants were evaluated in three measurements: pre-test, post-test and retention test. A qualitative evaluation (five main elements) of the passing technique, which was recorded by the digital camera, was used. Also, a common format for evaluating life skills knowledge perceptions and transfer (10-item questionnaire), which was developed in the Greek population by Papacharisis (2004) based on the work of Hogan (2000), and also a questionnaire for the perceived satisfaction of the students was used (Alexandris, Tsorbatzoudis & Grouios, 2004a, 2004b). Anova repeated measures show that participants of the LSG improved passing skill (p < .05) and showed a positive reception of the program by the students who learned interesting and useful things for their life in general, transferable to other aspects in their life, besides sports. The results of the study support the effectiveness of the life skills program that integrated volleyball passing skill learning, life skills improvement and participants' perceived satisfaction of the program.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Nintendo Wii and Gender to Physical Education Students’ Balance Performance

The aim of this study was to explore whether there is a gender difference in the beneficial effec... more The aim of this study was to explore whether there is a gender difference in the beneficial effects of Nintendo Wii-Fit Plus, which is a series of sports video games used to support Physical Education students’ balance performance. Participants were twenty-six (n=26) undergraduate students, between the ages from 20-22 years old. Thirteen (50%) of the participants were male and thirteen were female (50%). The balance ability assessment was performed with the Biodex stability system. Participants voluntarily completed 24-minute Wii-Fit Plus sports video games 2 times per week for a total of 8 weeks. A one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to compare the adjusted mean score of the post-tests for the two gender groups. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the two gender groups on balance post-test scores. These finding suggest that females will benefit as equally as males by using the Nintendo Wii-Fit Plus balance games. However, further...

Research paper thumbnail of The presence, enjoyment, mood experience, attitude and preference towards exergames scale in children with mild intellectual disability

Sport Sciences for Health, 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure and cross-cultural validity of the ... more The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure and cross-cultural validity of the self-report questionnaire of Ho, Lwin, Sng & Yee (2017) in a sample of Greek primary school students with mild intellectual disability (ID) using VR exergames. The questionnaire consisted of five scales, namely self-presence, mood experience, game enjoyment, attitude toward exergames and preference for future gameplay. Participants were 103 primary school students with mild ID aged 9–12 years old (males = 52.4%, females = 47.6%). Confirmatory Factor Analysis was undertaken through structural equation modelling to determine factorial validity. Convergent validity and internal consistency were calculated by considering the average variance extracted and the composite reliability respectively, while discriminant validity was estimated by maximum shared squared variance. Results indicated that the model was a good fit for the data as soon as seven items were dropped from the scale because of presenting poor consistency. Instrument was shown to have good internal consistency, appropriate convergent and discriminant validity. Evidence was found in support of the psychometric integrity of the Ho, Lwin, Sng & Yee (2017) questionnaire when implemented to children with mild ID.

Research paper thumbnail of The attentional focus impact on tennis skills’ technique in 10 and under years old players: Implications for real game situations

Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 2018

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the internal and external focus of atte... more The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the internal and external focus of attention instructions on performance and learning of the service, forehand and backhand tennis skills at 8-9 years old tennis players. 68 participants of 8-9 years old (M=8.8, SD=0.54), were divided in three groups and followed a 6 weeks intervention program; the internal attentional focus group (N=21), the external attentional group (N=23) and the control group (N=24). Three measurements were implemented (pre, post, retention) in which the participants were video recorded: a) while performing each skill and b) while playing matches in real game situations. Due to the qualitative evaluation of the technique five assessment criteria were used, whilst due to performance outcome evaluation one part of the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) was used. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant interaction between groups and measurements and Bonferroni post hoc showed that the athletes of external focus of attention group had better scores in the post-test in the skills' technique and in real game condition. The findings are in line with those of previous studies, which proved the superiority of external focus of attention instructions in performance and learning of object manipulation skills. Moreover, the present research makes an initial attempt to extend the already existing research about attentional focus impact on real game performance.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Nintendo Wii and Gender to Physical Education Students’ Balance Performance

The aim of this study was to explore whether there is a gender difference in the beneficial effec... more The aim of this study was to explore whether there is a gender difference in the beneficial effects of Nintendo Wii-Fit Plus, which is a series of sports video games used to support Physical Education students’ balance performance. Participants were twenty-six (n=26) undergraduate students, between the ages from 20-22 years old. Thirteen (50%) of the participants were male and thirteen were female (50%). The balance ability assessment was performed with the Biodex stability system. Participants voluntarily completed 24-minute Wii-Fit Plus sports video games 2 times per week for a total of 8 weeks. A one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to compare the adjusted mean score of the post-tests for the two gender groups. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the two gender groups on balance post-test scores. These finding suggest that females will benefit as equally as males by using the Nintendo Wii-Fit Plus balance games. However, further...

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in self-reported perceived and objective measures of duration and intensity of physical activity for adults in skiing

The effect of physical activity (PA) on health is well documented. The assessment of PA is a valu... more The effect of physical activity (PA) on health is well documented. The assessment of PA is a valuable and important issue, however, there are several methodological issues among the available methods of measurement that may have implications for the prevention of specific diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between an objective method of measurement and the subjective estimation of the PA for novice skiers. Seventy-five students aged 19-21 years old with no previous experience in ski participated in this study. Participants wore a heart rate monitor during practice in order to record the exercise intensity. Simultaneously, a trained observer recorded their time on task. A day after the objective measurement, the participants filled a questionnaire in order to estimate their perceived exertion during practice as well as their perceived time on task. The results showed (1) differences between the observed time on task and the perceived recalled time, (2) no differences overall between the recorded and perceived recalled intensity of exercise but when groups were split according to their objective intensity a difference was found for each group respectively. Participants overall had overestimated the time on task, but they had underestimated the intensity of their effort recalled 1 day after their practice. These results raise the question whether a questionnaire as method of measuring PA is reliable, especially when it is used to estimate energy expenditure. However, further studies must be made in order to examine the implications of such a question.

Research paper thumbnail of The presence, enjoyment, mood experience, attitude and preference towards exergames scale in children with mild intellectual disability

Sport Sciences for Health, 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure and cross-cultural validity of the ... more The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure and cross-cultural validity of the self-report questionnaire of Ho, Lwin, Sng & Yee (2017) in a sample of Greek primary school students with mild intellectual disability (ID) using VR exergames. The questionnaire consisted of five scales, namely self-presence, mood experience, game enjoyment, attitude toward exergames and preference for future gameplay. Participants were 103 primary school students with mild ID aged 9–12 years old (males = 52.4%, females = 47.6%). Confirmatory Factor Analysis was undertaken through structural equation modelling to determine factorial validity. Convergent validity and internal consistency were calculated by considering the average variance extracted and the composite reliability respectively, while discriminant validity was estimated by maximum shared squared variance. Results indicated that the model was a good fit for the data as soon as seven items were dropped from the scale because of presenting poor consistency. Instrument was shown to have good internal consistency, appropriate convergent and discriminant validity. Evidence was found in support of the psychometric integrity of the Ho, Lwin, Sng & Yee (2017) questionnaire when implemented to children with mild ID.

Research paper thumbnail of Ocena przezimowania oraz stopnia porażenia pleśnią śniegową muraw trawnikowych w zależności od zastosowanego hydrożelu i rodzaju nawozu

Research paper thumbnail of The attentional focus impact on tennis skills’ technique in 10 and under years old players: Implications for real game situations

Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 2018

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the internal and external focus of atte... more The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the internal and external focus of attention instructions on performance and learning of the service, forehand and backhand tennis skills at 8-9 years old tennis players. 68 participants of 8-9 years old (M=8.8, SD=0.54), were divided in three groups and followed a 6 weeks intervention program; the internal attentional focus group (N=21), the external attentional group (N=23) and the control group (N=24). Three measurements were implemented (pre, post, retention) in which the participants were video recorded: a) while performing each skill and b) while playing matches in real game situations. Due to the qualitative evaluation of the technique five assessment criteria were used, whilst due to performance outcome evaluation one part of the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) was used. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant interaction between groups and measurements and Bonferroni post hoc showed that the athletes of external focus of attention group had better scores in the post-test in the skills' technique and in real game condition. The findings are in line with those of previous studies, which proved the superiority of external focus of attention instructions in performance and learning of object manipulation skills. Moreover, the present research makes an initial attempt to extend the already existing research about attentional focus impact on real game performance.

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancing Elementary School Students’ Visual Perceptual Skills: A Comparative Study of Oculus Quest 2 Exergames and Conventional Activities

Research paper thumbnail of Fundamental motor skills enhancement in a preschool setting through a structured physical education programme

Early years, May 26, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Αξιολόγηση της αποτελεσματικότητας της χρήσης του Η/Υ στη μάθηση των κινητικών δεξιοτήτων στη δευτεροβάθμια εκπαίδευση

Research paper thumbnail of AΣKHΣH ΣE ATOMA ME ANAΠHPIA - NEEΣ TEXNOΛOΓIEΣ Tρισέλιδες Eργασίες 20 ο Διεθνές Συνέδριο Φυσικής Aγωγής & Aθλητισμού ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - NEW TECHNOLOGIES Short Papers 20 th International Congress of Physical Education & Sport

* Η συμμετοχή στο συνέδριο με προφορική ανακοίνωση πιστοποιείται από το παρόν ηλεκτρονικό αρχείο.... more * Η συμμετοχή στο συνέδριο με προφορική ανακοίνωση πιστοποιείται από το παρόν ηλεκτρονικό αρχείο. * The participation in the congress with an oral presentation is certified through this electronic file.

Research paper thumbnail of Dimensionality of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale among Greek Primary School Students

International Journal of Instruction, Oct 1, 2021

The aim of the current study was to validate the self-report version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem... more The aim of the current study was to validate the self-report version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES; Rosenberg, 1965) structure in a sample of Greek primary school students. The study was based on the original one-factor model suggested by the scale's author, as well as on the two-factor correlated model of positive and negative items. Participants were 652 primary school students (N=652, M=10.02, SD=1.160). The psychometric properties of the RSES were assessed by conducting a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Both average variance extracted and composite reliability were used to test the internal consistency and convergent validity. The correlated two-factor model provided a better fit to the data than the one-factor model, according to the CFA. This conclusion is based on the analysis results, which comprised as providing good fit if non-significant χ2 values, χ2 /df < 1.5, the Tucker Lewis index (TLI) and the comparative fit index (CFI) ≥ 0.95 (acceptable at > 0.90), as well as the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) < 0.06 (Hu & Bentler, 1999). The main contribution of this study was the adaptation and evaluation of the RSES for use of Greek students and the determination of its factor structure. Teachers and researchers could also use this interpreted scale to determine the level of selfesteem in primary school children and form strategies to increase their self-esteem.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of internal and external focus of attention on game performance in tennis

Acta Gymnica, 2016

performance than those who had received instructions about the motor model. The following researc... more performance than those who had received instructions about the motor model. The following researchers defined the terms of internal focus of attention instructions as those which direct the performer's attention to the movement of the body executing the skill and the external focus of attention cues as those which lead the directing attention to the outcome of the motion executed (Wulf, Höß, & Prinz, 1998). According to Wulf, Lauterbach, and Toole (1999) most coaches often use specific instructions to direct practitioners' attention to the movement of body parts in order to teach motor skills. The same researcher and her fellows, in a great number of studies (

Research paper thumbnail of Blended learning in Undergraduate Education: The relationship between students’ perceived course interaction and their satisfaction

New information and communication technologies (ICTs) have provided educators and learners with a... more New information and communication technologies (ICTs) have provided educators and learners with an innovative learning environment to generate new paths in the learning process. In this context, new educational concepts such as blended learning are being introduced. This style of learning is usually defined as the integration of traditional classroom methods with online activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between students' perceived course interaction and their satisfaction in a blended learning environment in undergraduate education. Study participants consisted of thirty-one undergraduate students. Ten of the participants were male and twenty-one were female. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 21 years old. At the end of this study, students completed a questionnaire with three sections. The first section included the students' demographic/personal data. The second section evaluated students' perceived e-learner satisfaction from the blended learning course and the third, students' perceived interaction with others. The corelational analyses identified a significant positive correlation between students' perceived course interaction and their satisfaction.

Research paper thumbnail of The Course Management System, e-Class at Democritus University of Thrace: Where do we Stand?

The online CMS has become popular in recent years in higher education institutions due to the imp... more The online CMS has become popular in recent years in higher education institutions due to the implementation of distance education in Greece. The purpose of this study was to examine the students' perceptions toward physical education courses using the online CMS, e-Class at Democritus University of Thrace. Participants were two hundred eleven (n=211) undergraduate students, between the ages from 19-24 years old. One hundred fifteen (71.1%) of the participants were male and sixty one were female (28.9%). Data was collected using an online questionnaire during one week period. The statistical analysis included both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Overall, participants in this study had positive perceptions toward e-Class and the results indicated that such systems were easy to use and advantageous in Physical Education learning and assisted them to develop their skills. Students' responses in the survey questions also supported the benefits of using the CMS for their learning.

Research paper thumbnail of The Attentional Focus Impact on the Decision Making in Three-Game Situations in Tennis

World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Nov 16, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of The relationship between students' attitudes and satisfaction in a “Physical Education in Early Childhood” blended course

etec.hawaii.edu

Abstract: With the recent growth of new information and communication technologies (ICTs), web ba... more Abstract: With the recent growth of new information and communication technologies (ICTs), web based course delivery has become a promising alternative for expanding the educational opportunities in the tertiary education. Blended learning -an alternative type of teaching- ...

Research paper thumbnail of Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale--Greek Version

Research paper thumbnail of Teaching Life Skills Through Volleyball Passing Skill to Children 9-11 Years Old

European Journal of Physical Education and Sport, Mar 4, 2022

The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of teaching life skills through the volley... more The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of teaching life skills through the volleyball passing skill, of 44 primary school female children and their perceived satisfaction with the program. The sample was randomly assigned into two groups. The life skills group (LSG, n = 23) and the control group (CG, n = 21). All participants followed a six-week practice program aiming the passing skill learning. For the participants of LSG the program was combined with the components of goal setting, problem-solving and positive thinking. The control group received typical teaching and feedback provided by the PE teacher. All participants were evaluated in three measurements: pre-test, post-test and retention test. A qualitative evaluation (five main elements) of the passing technique, which was recorded by the digital camera, was used. Also, a common format for evaluating life skills knowledge perceptions and transfer (10-item questionnaire), which was developed in the Greek population by Papacharisis (2004) based on the work of Hogan (2000), and also a questionnaire for the perceived satisfaction of the students was used (Alexandris, Tsorbatzoudis & Grouios, 2004a, 2004b). Anova repeated measures show that participants of the LSG improved passing skill (p < .05) and showed a positive reception of the program by the students who learned interesting and useful things for their life in general, transferable to other aspects in their life, besides sports. The results of the study support the effectiveness of the life skills program that integrated volleyball passing skill learning, life skills improvement and participants' perceived satisfaction of the program.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Nintendo Wii and Gender to Physical Education Students’ Balance Performance

The aim of this study was to explore whether there is a gender difference in the beneficial effec... more The aim of this study was to explore whether there is a gender difference in the beneficial effects of Nintendo Wii-Fit Plus, which is a series of sports video games used to support Physical Education students’ balance performance. Participants were twenty-six (n=26) undergraduate students, between the ages from 20-22 years old. Thirteen (50%) of the participants were male and thirteen were female (50%). The balance ability assessment was performed with the Biodex stability system. Participants voluntarily completed 24-minute Wii-Fit Plus sports video games 2 times per week for a total of 8 weeks. A one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to compare the adjusted mean score of the post-tests for the two gender groups. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the two gender groups on balance post-test scores. These finding suggest that females will benefit as equally as males by using the Nintendo Wii-Fit Plus balance games. However, further...

Research paper thumbnail of The presence, enjoyment, mood experience, attitude and preference towards exergames scale in children with mild intellectual disability

Sport Sciences for Health, 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure and cross-cultural validity of the ... more The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure and cross-cultural validity of the self-report questionnaire of Ho, Lwin, Sng & Yee (2017) in a sample of Greek primary school students with mild intellectual disability (ID) using VR exergames. The questionnaire consisted of five scales, namely self-presence, mood experience, game enjoyment, attitude toward exergames and preference for future gameplay. Participants were 103 primary school students with mild ID aged 9–12 years old (males = 52.4%, females = 47.6%). Confirmatory Factor Analysis was undertaken through structural equation modelling to determine factorial validity. Convergent validity and internal consistency were calculated by considering the average variance extracted and the composite reliability respectively, while discriminant validity was estimated by maximum shared squared variance. Results indicated that the model was a good fit for the data as soon as seven items were dropped from the scale because of presenting poor consistency. Instrument was shown to have good internal consistency, appropriate convergent and discriminant validity. Evidence was found in support of the psychometric integrity of the Ho, Lwin, Sng & Yee (2017) questionnaire when implemented to children with mild ID.

Research paper thumbnail of The attentional focus impact on tennis skills’ technique in 10 and under years old players: Implications for real game situations

Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 2018

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the internal and external focus of atte... more The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the internal and external focus of attention instructions on performance and learning of the service, forehand and backhand tennis skills at 8-9 years old tennis players. 68 participants of 8-9 years old (M=8.8, SD=0.54), were divided in three groups and followed a 6 weeks intervention program; the internal attentional focus group (N=21), the external attentional group (N=23) and the control group (N=24). Three measurements were implemented (pre, post, retention) in which the participants were video recorded: a) while performing each skill and b) while playing matches in real game situations. Due to the qualitative evaluation of the technique five assessment criteria were used, whilst due to performance outcome evaluation one part of the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) was used. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant interaction between groups and measurements and Bonferroni post hoc showed that the athletes of external focus of attention group had better scores in the post-test in the skills' technique and in real game condition. The findings are in line with those of previous studies, which proved the superiority of external focus of attention instructions in performance and learning of object manipulation skills. Moreover, the present research makes an initial attempt to extend the already existing research about attentional focus impact on real game performance.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Nintendo Wii and Gender to Physical Education Students’ Balance Performance

The aim of this study was to explore whether there is a gender difference in the beneficial effec... more The aim of this study was to explore whether there is a gender difference in the beneficial effects of Nintendo Wii-Fit Plus, which is a series of sports video games used to support Physical Education students’ balance performance. Participants were twenty-six (n=26) undergraduate students, between the ages from 20-22 years old. Thirteen (50%) of the participants were male and thirteen were female (50%). The balance ability assessment was performed with the Biodex stability system. Participants voluntarily completed 24-minute Wii-Fit Plus sports video games 2 times per week for a total of 8 weeks. A one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to compare the adjusted mean score of the post-tests for the two gender groups. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the two gender groups on balance post-test scores. These finding suggest that females will benefit as equally as males by using the Nintendo Wii-Fit Plus balance games. However, further...

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in self-reported perceived and objective measures of duration and intensity of physical activity for adults in skiing

The effect of physical activity (PA) on health is well documented. The assessment of PA is a valu... more The effect of physical activity (PA) on health is well documented. The assessment of PA is a valuable and important issue, however, there are several methodological issues among the available methods of measurement that may have implications for the prevention of specific diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between an objective method of measurement and the subjective estimation of the PA for novice skiers. Seventy-five students aged 19-21 years old with no previous experience in ski participated in this study. Participants wore a heart rate monitor during practice in order to record the exercise intensity. Simultaneously, a trained observer recorded their time on task. A day after the objective measurement, the participants filled a questionnaire in order to estimate their perceived exertion during practice as well as their perceived time on task. The results showed (1) differences between the observed time on task and the perceived recalled time, (2) no differences overall between the recorded and perceived recalled intensity of exercise but when groups were split according to their objective intensity a difference was found for each group respectively. Participants overall had overestimated the time on task, but they had underestimated the intensity of their effort recalled 1 day after their practice. These results raise the question whether a questionnaire as method of measuring PA is reliable, especially when it is used to estimate energy expenditure. However, further studies must be made in order to examine the implications of such a question.

Research paper thumbnail of The presence, enjoyment, mood experience, attitude and preference towards exergames scale in children with mild intellectual disability

Sport Sciences for Health, 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure and cross-cultural validity of the ... more The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure and cross-cultural validity of the self-report questionnaire of Ho, Lwin, Sng & Yee (2017) in a sample of Greek primary school students with mild intellectual disability (ID) using VR exergames. The questionnaire consisted of five scales, namely self-presence, mood experience, game enjoyment, attitude toward exergames and preference for future gameplay. Participants were 103 primary school students with mild ID aged 9–12 years old (males = 52.4%, females = 47.6%). Confirmatory Factor Analysis was undertaken through structural equation modelling to determine factorial validity. Convergent validity and internal consistency were calculated by considering the average variance extracted and the composite reliability respectively, while discriminant validity was estimated by maximum shared squared variance. Results indicated that the model was a good fit for the data as soon as seven items were dropped from the scale because of presenting poor consistency. Instrument was shown to have good internal consistency, appropriate convergent and discriminant validity. Evidence was found in support of the psychometric integrity of the Ho, Lwin, Sng & Yee (2017) questionnaire when implemented to children with mild ID.

Research paper thumbnail of Ocena przezimowania oraz stopnia porażenia pleśnią śniegową muraw trawnikowych w zależności od zastosowanego hydrożelu i rodzaju nawozu

Research paper thumbnail of The attentional focus impact on tennis skills’ technique in 10 and under years old players: Implications for real game situations

Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 2018

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the internal and external focus of atte... more The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the internal and external focus of attention instructions on performance and learning of the service, forehand and backhand tennis skills at 8-9 years old tennis players. 68 participants of 8-9 years old (M=8.8, SD=0.54), were divided in three groups and followed a 6 weeks intervention program; the internal attentional focus group (N=21), the external attentional group (N=23) and the control group (N=24). Three measurements were implemented (pre, post, retention) in which the participants were video recorded: a) while performing each skill and b) while playing matches in real game situations. Due to the qualitative evaluation of the technique five assessment criteria were used, whilst due to performance outcome evaluation one part of the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) was used. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant interaction between groups and measurements and Bonferroni post hoc showed that the athletes of external focus of attention group had better scores in the post-test in the skills' technique and in real game condition. The findings are in line with those of previous studies, which proved the superiority of external focus of attention instructions in performance and learning of object manipulation skills. Moreover, the present research makes an initial attempt to extend the already existing research about attentional focus impact on real game performance.