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Applied Sciences
Special Issues
Smart Education through Physical Activity and Sport
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Smart Education through Physical Activity and Sport

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 14914

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mihai Olanescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechatronics and Machine Dynamics, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: physical education and sports; smart teaching methods-enhancing physical activity; sedentarism among students; motor development
Dr. Claude Scheuer

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Education and Social Work, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg L-4365, Luxembourg
Interests: physical education; active schools; motor competencies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Nenad Stojiljkovic

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Nis, Niš, Serbia
Interests: research methods in sport and physical education; theory of sport

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is devoted to the enhancement of practicing physical activities and sports among students using a variety of smart, innovative approaches. In this Special Issue, we invite submissions exploring new methodologies and ideas regarding the teaching of physical education and motivation of students to practice sports. We encourage articles covering high-impact research results in the field of PE, PA and sports, such as: strategies to enhance sport and exercise participation, sports engineering, trending technologies in sports, motivation in sports, etc. Sedentarism among students is sadly a very common problem and that is mostly caused by a lack of motivation and risk of injuries. Finding innovative approaches in this area will help to improve students’ participation in physical activities, reducing obesity and other health issues.

Both theoretical and experimental studies are welcome, as well as comprehensive review and survey articles.

Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

  • Health, physical activity and sport for students;
  • Sport, exercise and physical activity for all;
  • Formal and nonformal motor activities;
  • Fitness and leisure activities;
  • Motivation in sports, physical education and physical activity;
  • Strategies to encourage sport and exercise participation;
  • Barriers to sports and physical activity;
  • Students' sports performance;
  • Sport engineering;
  • Trending technologies in sport;
  • Monitoring sport and physical activity—measurement and evaluation;
  • Motor learning and control;
  • Computer vision in sport;

Dr. Mihai Olanescu
Dr. Claude Scheuer
Dr. Nenad Stojiljkovic
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 351 KiB  
Article
Physical Education and Gender Differences in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior Related to Academic Success of Science-Related Courses for Children in the State of Qatar
by Souhail Hermassi, Ferman Konukman, Lawrence D. Hayes and René Schwesig
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10771; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910771 - 27 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2071
Abstract
Background: This cross-sectional study examined gender differences in physical activity (PA), body mass index, sedentary behavior (SB), and academic performance (AP) in school-aged children in Qatar. Methods: Fifty-two schoolchildren (age: 11.9 ± 0.6 years) were assigned to gender-adjusted groups (female; n = [...] Read more.
Background: This cross-sectional study examined gender differences in physical activity (PA), body mass index, sedentary behavior (SB), and academic performance (AP) in school-aged children in Qatar. Methods: Fifty-two schoolchildren (age: 11.9 ± 0.6 years) were assigned to gender-adjusted groups (female; n = 29). AP was calculated using the grade point averages (GPA) in Mathematics, Science, and Arabic. Additionally, the Short Form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was utilized. Results: Four parameters (peak height velocity [PHV], science, Arabic, vigorous PA) showed relevant gender effects (p < 0.05 and ηp2 > 0.10). The largest gender effect was calculated for PHV (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.45). PHV was markedly higher for males (1.65 ± 0.90) than for females (0.36 ± 0.37). Females showed a higher performance level in science (82.9 ± 8.61 vs. 77.0 ± 8.76) and Arabic (80.9 ± 8.25 vs. 73.0 ± 8.22). A significant gender difference (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.18) was evident for vigorous MET-minutes/week (males: 1318 ± 932 vs. females: 646 ± 525). In conclusion, males exhibited the greatest amount of moderate and vigorous PA. Females spent the greatest time sitting. Arabic was different by gender, and science AP was dependent upon gender. Conclusions: These data suggest subjects in middle school are sensitive to gender, but not necessarily influenced by PA or SB at this age. Encouraging a school-based program and an after-school health club characterized by gender sensitive strategies consisting of a health class and physical education curriculum support the unique needs, interests of academic performance, and motor skills to improving health related fitness for girls compared to boys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Education through Physical Activity and Sport)
14 pages, 1302 KiB  
Article
Innovative Protocols for Determining the Non-Reactive Agility of Female Basketball Players Based on Familiarization and Validity Tests
by Miljan M. Hadžović, Stefan N. Đorđević, Bojan M. Jorgić, Nenad Đ. Stojiljković, Mihai A. Olanescu, Adrian Suciu, Miruna Peris and Alin Plesa
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 6023; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106023 - 14 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1167
Abstract
The aim of this study was to implement a familiarization protocol and to determine the constructive validity of four different non-reactive agility tests on a sample of professional female basketball players (n = 12; age: 18.17 ± 1.90 years). Following the protocol, the [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to implement a familiarization protocol and to determine the constructive validity of four different non-reactive agility tests on a sample of professional female basketball players (n = 12; age: 18.17 ± 1.90 years). Following the protocol, the participants performed standardized tests three times (the Agility t-test and the Sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with 180° Turns), while the lateral agility, universal agility, frontal agility, and semicircular agility tests were repeated five times each, with a three-minute rest period between each repetition. A single-factor analysis of variance for repeated measures (ANOVA) determined significant differences between a series of test repetitions for familiarization. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the samples based on the results of the standardized tests into two groups. A t-test for independent samples determined a significant difference between these groups (p < 0.05) on all four tests (lateral, universal, frontal, and semicircular agility). Pearson’s linear correlation determined a correlation between the results of the standardized agility tests and the lateral, universal, frontal, and semicircular agility tests, with correlation coefficients ranging from r = 0.936 to r = 0.987. A high value was observed for the discriminant analysis (0.821), while the maximum value was observed for the Kendall coefficient of concordance (W = 1). The study confirmed the validity of the applied tests and determined that the results are influenced by the number of series performed during the preparation for testing. In practice, it is necessary to perform two series of universal and frontal agility tests, i.e., four series of repetitions of lateral and semicircular agility tests in professional women’s basketball. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Education through Physical Activity and Sport)
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13 pages, 1137 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Pandemic: Impediment or Opportunity? Considerations Regarding the Physical-Health Impact and Well-Being among Romanian University Students
by Mihai Adrian Olanescu, Marius Adrian Suciu, Claude Scheuer and Miruna Peris
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(18), 8944; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12188944 - 6 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1476
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic that is ongoing because of the Coronavirus II (SARS-CoV-2) has had until now a great impact on physical education and sports, especially due to the closure of training facilities and people’s lack of motivation. In Romania, physical activity (PA) [...] Read more.
The global COVID-19 pandemic that is ongoing because of the Coronavirus II (SARS-CoV-2) has had until now a great impact on physical education and sports, especially due to the closure of training facilities and people’s lack of motivation. In Romania, physical activity (PA) and physical education (PE) have also been highly affected, especially among university students. To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Romania regarding the influence of the lockdown on the physical health and well-being of university students. This study aims to determine if and how the pandemic affected the university students’ mental and physical health in Romania, but also to highlight new strategies and approaches suggested by them through a questionnaire to enhance and motivate their participation in physical activities. Based on a cross-sectional design, a survey designed in two languages—Romanian and English—was completed by the students from the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca and foreign students that were on a mobility study visit through the Erasmus+ program in Romania. The questionnaire was filled out by 836 university students (age = 18–24 years; males: 57.73%). The findings showed that quarantine in Romania led to a significant increase in sedentarism among students and a reduction in energy for physical activity, which also affected their psychological well-being. The absence of social interactions and onsite classes led to a sedentary lifestyle among students and increased their fear and stress levels. The cancellation of all sports events and PA also led to fewer students remaining physically active. Time off training and leisure time activities caused by the ongoing restrictions might be used for new purposes, such as goal setting, overcoming injury, improving mobility, psychological development, and emphasizing strength sports for health. During the COVID-19 lockdown, sedentarism increased dramatically, especially among young people. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Education through Physical Activity and Sport)
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11 pages, 293 KiB  
Article
BMI, Body Image, and Quality of Life—Moderating Role of Physical Activity
by Ljubica Milanović, Danijela Živković, Anđela Đošić, Petar Mitić, Borislav Cicović, Tijana Purenović-Ivanović, Jasmina Nedeljković, Vanja Cicović and Saša Pantelić
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 7061; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12147061 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1401
Abstract
Body mass index (BMI) and body image (BI) are constructs worth examining in the context of physical activity (PA), and they are both related to quality of life (QoL). PA, BMI, and BI should all be considered as associated parameters, and their effect [...] Read more.
Body mass index (BMI) and body image (BI) are constructs worth examining in the context of physical activity (PA), and they are both related to quality of life (QoL). PA, BMI, and BI should all be considered as associated parameters, and their effect on QoL should be examined and understood. This study aimed to determine the moderating role of PA in the relationship of BMI and BI with QoL. The sample of examinees consisted of 500 respondents (307 women; aged 39 ± 6 years). A physical activity self-evaluation questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) was used to estimate PA; BI was evaluated by using the Body Image Dimensional Assessment (BIDA) questionnaire, while QoL was determined with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The results showed that vigorous PA moderates the relationship between BMI and social relationships in adults (Sig. = 0.000). Walking and vigorous PA affect the relationship between BMI and environmental health (Sig. = 0.017 and Sig. = 0.049, respectively). Both walking (Sig. = 0.035) and moderate PA (Sig. = 0.032) alternate the relationships between BI and social relationships. Walking (Sig. = 0.000) and vigorous PA (Sig. = 0.016) moderate the relationship between BI and environmental health. The influence of PA on the moderation of the relationship of BMI and BI with physical and psychological health in the working population was not statistically significant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Education through Physical Activity and Sport)
9 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Available Solutions for the Improvement of Body Posture in Chairs
by Mircea-Nicolae Ordean, Alexandru Oarcea, Sergiu-Dan Stan, Diana-Mirela Dumitru, Victor Cobîlean and Marius-Constantin Bîrză
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6489; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12136489 - 27 Jun 2022
Viewed by 1474
Abstract
Due to the nature of current lifestyles, many people find themselves sitting for prolonged periods of time. Combined with an improper body posture, this leads to a rise in health issues. The most common ones consist of headaches and pain in the back [...] Read more.
Due to the nature of current lifestyles, many people find themselves sitting for prolonged periods of time. Combined with an improper body posture, this leads to a rise in health issues. The most common ones consist of headaches and pain in the back and neck area. Other issues that may occur are changes to the spine and digestive problems, as well as anxiety and depression, which could result in declined productivity. The purpose of this study is to determine which of the available solutions is the most effective in improving the body posture while in a seated position by considering multiple aspects, such as the discrete characteristics of the solutions analyzed and the characteristics related to the manufacturability of products including the analyzed detection solution. This study considers specific criteria related to the manufacturing and behavior of systems to detect body posture in a seated position, such as invasiveness, accuracy, portability, reliability, manufacturability, privacy, and scalability. The main analysis methods involved in this study are AHP to determine the individual weights of the previously mentioned criteria, and PUGH to determine the optimal solution, taking into consideration the resulting weight of each criterion. Using the AHP method and comparing the criteria, we were able to set a priority order for the criteria. The next step consisted of constructing a PUGH matrix. This matrix is used to find out which of the available solutions is optimal based on the imposed criteria, while taking into consideration the weights resulting from the AHP method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Education through Physical Activity and Sport)
18 pages, 971 KiB  
Article
The Association of Gender and Body Mass Index on the Values of Static and Dynamic Balance of University Students (A Cross-Sectional Design Study)
by George Danut Mocanu and Gabriel Murariu
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(8), 3770; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12083770 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2149
Abstract
The balance of the body conditions the quality and efficiency of the movements in daily and sports activities, its impairment generating problems in the manifestation of motor skills for all age groups. The aim of this study is to analyze how the gender [...] Read more.
The balance of the body conditions the quality and efficiency of the movements in daily and sports activities, its impairment generating problems in the manifestation of motor skills for all age groups. The aim of this study is to analyze how the gender and BMI values of university students influence the results of the static and dynamic balance tests applied. The investigated group consists of 195 undergraduate students, from various specializations of the Dunărea de Jos University in Galați (99 males and 96 females, ages = 20.16 ± 1.98, BMI = 24.15 ± 5.68). The independent variables gender and BMI levels (underweight, normal weight and overweight/obese) were defined. The participants were evaluated in May 2019 using a series of 7 tests: one leg standing test with eyes closed, stork test, flamingo test, Bass test, functional reach test, walk and turn field sobriety test and Fukuda test. The results provided using multivariate analysis (MANOVA) indicate balanced performance for the gender variable, but with significantly better values for women in the one leg standing test, flamingo test and functional reach test (F values are associated with thresholds p < 0.05). Men obtain slightly better, but statistically insignificant (p > 0.05), performances on the stork test, Bass test and Fukuda test. The BMI step comparison confirms the difficulties of the overweight group in assessing balance, with the lowest scores in maintaining static positions and the most errors in dynamic balance tests, with significant differences from normal and underweight in most tests (p < 0.05). An interesting aspect is the slightly superior performance of the underweight compared to the normal weight group, for the one leg standing test, flamingo test and walk and turn field sobriety test. The analysis of Spearman correlation coefficients indicates a number of significant associations between elevated BMI values and decreased performance on balance tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Education through Physical Activity and Sport)
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Review

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14 pages, 544 KiB  
Review
The Role of Verbal Feedback in the Motor Learning of Gymnastic Skills: A Systematic Review
by Marcin Starzak, Michał Biegajło, Marta Nogal, Tomasz Niźnikowski, Tadeusz Ambroży, Łukasz Rydzik and Jarosław Jaszczur-Nowicki
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 5940; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12125940 - 10 Jun 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3258
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of feedback on motor skill acquisition in gymnastic skills. A systematic literature search was conducted in the electronic databases MEDLINE (EBSCO), Scopus, SPORTDiscus (EBSCO), and Web of Science. Of the initial [...] Read more.
The main purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of feedback on motor skill acquisition in gymnastic skills. A systematic literature search was conducted in the electronic databases MEDLINE (EBSCO), Scopus, SPORTDiscus (EBSCO), and Web of Science. Of the initial 743 search articles, 13 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (a) healthy subjects, (b) studies with gymnastic, artistic gymnastic, or trampoline elements in the study protocol, (c) verbal feedback intervention, (d) the study compared verbal feedback intervention with other forms of feedback, instructional intervention, or with a control intervention, and (e) task performance evaluation. Methodological quality was identified using the PEDro scale. Combining verbal instructions with different forms of feedback is beneficial when learning complex gymnastic skills. Verbal feedback may be useful to improve the technical performance of a gymnastic element; in particular, information regarding the errors committed in a key element of the performance seems to be effective in the motor learning process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Education through Physical Activity and Sport)
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