Andreas Avgerinos

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 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.

Bathing in the healing waters. A case-study of the development of thermal spas in Greece.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics, the existing drawbacks and the future opportunities of thermal spas in Greece. Using a case study approach, ‘Thermae’ spa was chosen because of its long-standing establishment and current reputation. The sample included fifty spa visitors and two managers. One-to-one interviews and questionnaires were used to collect the data. Thermal spas in Greece attract mainly older adults who seek alleviation of their medical problems. The medical treatments are of high quality, however, thermal spas need to develop their leisure and recreational image and provide more opportunities for social interaction. Greece, offering an abundance of natural resources with significant healing properties, a great heritage, and a mild climate could be an attractive destination for people who want to take time off to relax and re-energise. The future development of thermal spas in Greece is a feasible option, however, there is need for diversification into different market segments, new state-of the-art infrastructure, and co-operation of the public and the private sector for planning a long-term and viable strategy.

The Effects of Multimedia Computer-Assisted Instruction on Middle School Students’ Volleyball Performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of multimedia computer — assisted instruction (MCAI), traditional instruction (TI), and mixed instruction (MI) methods on learning the skill of setting in Volleyball. Forty-eight middle school students of seventh and eighth grade were randomly assigned into three teaching method groups; TI, MCAI and MI. Each group received ten 40-min periods of instruction divided into 3 sections: a) 5 min warmup, b) 30-min main practice time and c) 5-min cool dawn and review. TI group participants experienced the setting ability through a series of progressive skills accompanied with drill and repetition of practice presented by an instructor. The MCAI group experienced the setting ability through a series of progressive skills accompanied with drill and repetition of practice presented by a multimedia program. The mixed group experienced the same procedure, practicing through the multimedia program as well as through traditional instruction. All students completed pre-, post-, and retention skill test. Two-way analysis of variances (ANOVA), with repeated measures on the last factor, were conducted to determine effect of method groups (TI, MCAI, MI) and measures (pre-test, post-test, re-test) on skill test. Post-test results indicated no significant differences between the groups concerning the skill test. Retention test results showed that groups retained the skill learning. However, the mixed method of instruction tended to be the most effective for skill development.