Hairul Anuar Hashim

Validating the Youth Sport Enjoyment Construct in High School Physical Education

The present study was undertaken to develop and validate a questionnaire measuring teaching processes related to physical education (PE) enjoyment. Scanlan and Lewthwaites (1986) youth sport enjoyment model provided the theoretical foundation for this work. Content validity and item readability of the instrument were established by obtaining feedback from eight experts in psychology and four highly experienced secondary school teachers. Construct validity was then established by conducting exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses on data from 304 secondary school students (grades 8, 9, and 10). As a result of these analyses, six teaching processes related to PE enjoyment were identified: self-referent competency (four items), other-referent competency (four items), teacher-generated excitement (three items), activity-generated excitement (five items), peer interaction (two items), and parental encouragement (two items). Correlation analyses revealed that all of these processes were positively correlated with PE enjoyment. The weakest correlation was between peer interaction and enjoyment (r = .31, p < .05), and the strongest was between activity-generated excitement and enjoyment (r = .83, p < .05). We believe that the instrument is appropriate for studying affective outcomes within physical educational settings among students in grades 8, 9, and 10.

Children’s exercise behavior: The moderating role of habit processes within the theory of planned behavior

Purpose: The moderating effect of exercise habit strength and specific habit processes within the theory of planned behavior (TPB) was tested in children. Methods: Participants were primary school students (N = 380, mean age = 10.46 ± .52). The data were collected using self-report measures followed by one-mile run test performance. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: The findings revealed that 34, 57, and 9% of students could be classified as low, moderate, and high in PA, respectively. Path analysis for the overall model revealed significant path loadings (p = < .05), except for the attitude–intention path. Moderating effects results revealed that strong habit strength extinguished the effects of intention on PA. Conclusion: Habit strength has the potential to minimize the deliberate processes associated with intention to exercise, thereby increasing the probability of intention–behavior translation. For specific habit processes, only negative affect appears to moderate the relationships between the TPB variables.

Testing comparison models of DASS-12 and its reliability among adolescents in Malaysia

OBJECTIVE The 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) is frequently used in non-clinical research to measure mental health factors among adults. However, previous studies have concluded that the 21 items are not stable for utilization among the adolescent population. Thus, the aims of this study are to examine the structure of the factors and to report on the reliability of the refined version of the DASS that consists of 12 items. METHOD A total of 2850 students (aged 13 to 17 years old) from three major ethnic in Malaysia completed the DASS-21. The study was conducted at 10 randomly selected secondary schools in the northern state of Peninsular Malaysia. The study population comprised secondary school students (Forms 1, 2 and 4) from the selected schools. RESULTS Based on the results of the EFA stage, 12 items were included in a final CFA to test the fit of the model. Using maximum likelihood procedures to estimate the model, the selected fit indices indicated a close model fit (χ(2)=132.94, df=57, p=.000; CFI=.96; RMR=.02; RMSEA=.04). Moreover, significant loadings of all the unstandardized regression weights implied an acceptable convergent validity. Besides the convergent validity of the item, a discriminant validity of the subscales was also evident from the moderate latent factor inter-correlations, which ranged from .62 to .75. The subscale reliability was further estimated using Cronbachs alpha and the adequate reliability of the subscales was obtained (Total=76; Depression=.68; Anxiety=.53; Stress=.52). CONCLUSION The new version of the 12-item DASS for adolescents in Malaysia (DASS-12) is reliable and has a stable factor structure, and thus it is a useful instrument for distinguishing between depression, anxiety and stress.

Analysis of the factorial validity and reliability of the Malay version of the revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2

Sport competition can be a major source of stress among youth sport athletes. Knowledge of competitive state anxiety may be beneficial for both sport performance and development of young athletes. The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2), and more recently the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R) are often used instruments to measure competitive state anxiety. Indeed, there is evidence suggesting excellent psychometric properties of these instruments in their original as well culturally adapted forms. Given the potential benefits of this instrument in understanding youth athletes’ affective states, CSAI-2R was translated into Malaysian language and has been a precursor to several studies. However, given no prior assessment of the psychometric properties of the translated version, the present study sought to examine the factorial validity and reliability of the Malaysian version of the CSAI-2R. The questionnaire was administered to 236 young Taekwondo athletes. Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), three models were tested, a 1-factor model, a 2-factor model and a 3-factor model. The 3-factor model consisting of self-confidence, somatic anxiety and cognitive anxiety factors was expected to yield the best model fit. As expected, CFA results revealed close model fit of the 3-factor model when compared to two others tested models (χ2 = 170.197, df = 116, p <0.05; RMR = 0.06; GFI = 0.0.92; RMSEA = 0.05, ECVI = 1.04, AIC = 244.19). Furthermore, significant unstandardised regression weights (<0.05) for all of the path loadings were obtained indicating good convergent validity of the subscales. The results also revealed an acceptable reliability for the subscales (α = 0.65 for somatic anxiety, 0.77 for cognitive anxiety and 0.76 for self-confidence subscales). Overall, the findings support the factorial validity and reliability of the Malaysian version of CSAI-2R. However, future studies with larger sample are needed to confirm if the findings are sample specific or more general.

Does neuromuscular exercise training improve proprioception in ankle lateral ligament injury among athletes? Systematic review and meta-analysis

DOI: 10.15448/1980-6108.2017.1.25082 A ims: The prevalence rate of ankle complexities is increasing at a constant rate among athletes. This study aimed to systematically describe the facts and findings related to the effectiveness of training programs on proprioception among athletes suffering from ankle ligament injury. Methods: A literature search in online libraries (Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest) using different search engines was conducted for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The common keywords included NEUROMUSCULAR, EXERCISE, TRAINING, PROPRIOCEPTION, and ATHLETES. Studies related to the topic, having relevant resources, and published within the past 10 years were used as inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed through PEDro scale. A meta-analysis of the selected trials was conducted to assess the effectiveness of intervention. Results: Two hundred research articles were initially selected. After close scrutiny, 15 articles were included. Five moderate to excellent quality trials were selected, which involved 2,459 participants. It has been mainly identified that ankle sprain and its complications can be easily prevented with the help of training programs (five trials, relative risk: 0.69, 96%CI: 0.65-0.87). A statistically significant relationship was identified among athletes regarding the preventive impacts of training on proprioception. Conclusions: Preventive training programs were helpful for athletes in terms of proprioception, thus reducing the risk of ankle sprains.

Differential Effects of 7 and 16 Groups of Muscle Relaxation Training Following Repeated Submaximal Intensity Exercise in Young Football Players

This study compares two versions of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) training (7 and 16 muscle groups) on oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rates, rating of perceived exertion and choice reaction time. Football (soccer) players (N = 26; M age = 13.4 yr., SD = 0.5) were randomly assigned to either 7 muscle groups PMR, 16 muscle groups PMR, or a control group. PMR training requires the participants to tense a muscle, hold the muscle contraction, and then relax it. Measurement was conducted prior to and after the completion of 12 sessions of PMR. The dependent variables were measured following four bouts of intermittent exercise consisting of 12 min. of running at 60% VO2max for 10 min. followed by running at 90% VO2max for 2 min. with a 3-min. rest for each bout. Lower VO2, heart rate, perceived exertion, and quicker reaction time were expected in both relaxation groups compared to the control group. The results revealed a significant reduction in heart rates and choice reaction time for both relaxation groups, but the longer version produced significantly quicker choice reaction time.

The Consequence of Neuromuscular Training on Electromyography Activity of Lateral Compartment Muscles after Ankle Lateral Ligament Injury in Athletes.

The ankle is one of the most common sports injuries and is also the most frequently re-injured. In the majority of cases, the ankle rolls inwards (inversion) under the weight of the rest of the body, resulting in damage to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of peripheral afferent information from the lateral ankle ligaments in spatial and temporal muscle activation characteristics during an inversion perturbation dynamic stability. Twenty athletes volunteered to participate in this study, who sustained a lateral ankle sprain who were recruited for participation in this study. The subjects participated in a variety of collegiate sports were included in the study. The results indicated no statistically significant differences in the mean firing time between the control and experimental group for both the peroneus longus (t12 = 1.24, p = 0.238) or the tibialis anterior (t12= 0.75, p = 0.467) muscles. The results also showed no significant differences to exist between the tibialis anterior and peroneal muscles in both the control group (t= 2.31, p = 0.039) and experimental group (t12 = 2.13, p = 0.054) ankles. The results of the present investigation demonstrate that spontaneous reflex response time of the anterior tibialis and peroneal muscles do not differ between the control group ankle vs. the experimental group ankle. The inclusion of a comprehensive rehabilitation program following injury may have played a critical role in the results of this study.

A Multisample Analysis of Psychometric Properties for the Malaysian Adapted Sport Anxiety Scale-2 Among Youth Athletes

This study examined psychometric properties of a Malaysian-language Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) in three separate studies. Study 1 examined the criterion validity and internal consistency of SAS-2 among 119 developmental hockey players. Measures of trait anxiety and mood states along with digit vigilance, choice reaction time, and depth perception tests were administered. Regression analysis revealed that somatic anxiety and concentration disruption were significantly associated with sustained attention. Worry was significantly associated with depth perception but not sustained attention. Pearson correlation coefficients also revealed significant relationships between SAS-2 subscales and negative mood state dimensions. Study 2 examined the convergent and discriminant validity of SAS-2 by correlating it with state anxiety measured by the CSAI-2R. Significant positive relationships were obtained between SAS-2 subscales and somatic and cognitive state anxiety. Conversely, state self-confidence was negatively related to SAS-2 subscales. In addition, significant differences were observed between men and women in somatic anxiety. Study 3 examined the factorial validity of the Malaysian SAS-2 using confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 539 young athletes. Confirmatory factor analysis results provided strong support for the SAS-2 factor structure. Path loadings exceeding 0.5 indicated convergent validity among the subscales, and low to moderate subscale intercorrelations provided evidence of discriminant validity. Overall, the results supported the criterion and construct validity of this Malaysian-language SAS-2 instrument.

Does exercise habit strength moderate the relationship between emotional distress and short-term memory in Malaysian primary school children?

Purpose: We examined the moderating effects of exercise habit strength on the relationship between emotional distress and short-term memory in primary school children. Methods: The sample consisted of 165 primary school students (10–12 years old). Participants completed measures of emotional distress, exercise habit strength, and the Digit Span Test. Mid-year exam results were used as an indicator of academic performance. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. Results: The results of SEM revealed an acceptable fit for the hypothesised model. Exercise habit was positively associated with short-term memory, and better short-term memory was associated with better academic performance. However, although an inverse relationship was found between emotional distress and short-term memory, a positive association was found between exercise habit strength and emotional distress. Conclusion: The findings indicate that exercise habit is positively associated with cognitive ability and mediates the negative effect of distress.

Changes in emotional distress, short term memory, and sustained attention following 6 and 12 sessions of progressive muscle relaxation training in 10-11 years old primary school children.

Purpose: This study compared the effects of 6 and 12 sessions of relaxation training on emotional distress, short-term memory, and sustained attention in primary school children. Methods: Participants (N = 132) aged 10 and 11 years old participated in this study. All participants and their parents provided written informed consent. Participants completed the measurement instruments before and after the completion of relaxation training. Results: Nearly half (49%) of all respondents reported moderate to extremely severe stress, and 80 and 61% reported moderate to extremely severe anxiety and depression, respectively. The results of a one-way analysis of variance revealed a significant difference among the groups in mean changes in short-term memory. A greater memory increase was observed in the 12-session than in the six-session and no-training group. Conclusion: It can be conceived that 12-session of training should be considered when prescribing relaxation regimens as a nonspecific clinical treatment (i.e. for healthy students).