Presentation Time: 10:45-11:45 Poster ID #21

Cheung Ho Kok  11355993

Supervisor: Dr. Kam Wai Keung, Kevin

Title: Effects of a 6-week speed, agility, quickness (SAQ) training programme on enhancing speed-related performance with and without ball in 7-14 years old amateur soccer players in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of a 6-week short period conditioning programme including speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training and its effect on speed-related fitness performance in 7-14-year-old soccer players. There are forty 7-14-year-old soccer players from the Sphere Soccer Academy in Hong Kong to participate in the project. Speed performance will be assessed using a field test: sprinting for 5 m, 10-m and 20 m with and without the ball; Agility performance will be assessed by: a T-test and Arrowhead Agility Test for running left and right sides; Dynamic balance performance will assess by: Y- Balance Test with three different directs by using both legs to test. After the pre-test, they will undergo 6 weeks of SAQ training with two days of training per week about 15 minutes each session till finally tests. The results of this study showed that the average  results of all players in the Y-balance test improved significantly which means their lower limbs muscles power gets stronger. Also, the average results in all speed and quickness tests of U8, U10 and U12 have slightly improved or remain the same to the pretest as well, however the results in U14 just slightly improved in sprinting without the ball but not in others. Regarding the results, there has been some improvement by using short period SAQ training in young players, the coaches should include SAQ training into the training plan if they want to improve the speed, agility and quickness aspects of the players.

Keywords: SAQ Training, Soccer, Speed Performance

Presentation Time: 10:45-11:45 Poster ID #5

Ching Hoi Lam 11379705

Supervisor: Dr. Kam Wai Keung, Kevin

Title: The implementation of wushu in PE curriculum in Hong Kong 

Abstract

Purposes: Practicing Wushu has great physical and psychological benefits for people. With the development of Chinese wushu, the number of older adults practicing Wushu and Wushu being included in major international competitions is proof. However, as one of the most traditional sports in China, it was not included in PE curriculum in Hong Kong, although it has such great benefits and was announced to be one of the intangible cultural heritages in the category of lion dancing. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the implementation of wushu into PE curriculum and to find practical solutions to this situation. Methodology: The target participants in this study will be full-time teachers at schools and experts in wushu. Qualitative and quantitative measures will be used in this study, questionnaires will be given to participants, and interviews will be conducted with some PE teachers and wushu experts. The data collected will be used to analyze the factors affecting the implementation of wushu into PE curriculum. The possible assumptions regarding the factors affecting this are the qualifications of teachers, resources, and the cultural background of Hong Kong. Results: The data collected from the questionnaire shows reasons for wushu not being included in the curriculum. Many participants think they lack confidence and knowledge in teaching Wushu, as long as safety concerns. Lacking Wushu lesson planning and tangible guidelines in schools is one of the reasons found in the survey, which leads to the low possibility in implementing Wushu in schools. Conclusion: In conclusion, implementing Wushu requires cooperation and planning from different organizations. However, data collected shows that there are possibilities for having Wushu in PE, especially having in learning and promoting Wushu as Chinese Culture to the next generation.

Keywords: Wushu, Martial Arts, PE curriculum

Presentation Time: 13:30-14:30 Poster ID #6

Chu Cheuk Ying 11379690

Supervisor: Dr. Chow Chi Ching, Gary

Title: Hong Kong Student-Athletes’ Psychological Well-being: Did Early Sport Specialization Really Lead to Athlete Burnout?

Abstract

Purposes: The purposes of this study are 1) investigate Hong Kong (HK) student-athletes’ mental well-being, 2) examine the association between student-athletes’ burnout and their specialized age, and 3) develop a regional-specific questionnaire as a screening tool for athlete burnout. Methodology: 202 HK student-athletes (Age=20.21±2.72, 101M: 101F) were recruited during the pre-season in September 2024. An online Chinese questionnaire was adopted, including the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ) and the revised Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-II). 40 student-athletes (Age=20.50±2.65, 17M: 23F) completed the questionnaire again at the early in-season in November 2024 to evaluate the test-retest reliability. Results: Student-athletes’ burnout levels were relatively low during the pre-season [emotional/ physical exhaustion (EPE) 2.83, sport devaluation (SD) 2.40, and reduced sense of accomplishment (RSA) 2.78 out of 5]. Meanwhile, their motivation levels were high (external regulation 3.75 to intrinsic motivation 5.51 out of 7). HK representatives demonstrated notably higher level of EPE [d=0.44, 95% CI (0.16, 0.73)] but less RSA [d=-0.35, 95% CI (-0.63, -0.07)]. Additionally, student-athletes’ burnout is related to training experience but not their specialized age. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC 3,1) demonstrated strong reliabilities for the ABQ (EPE .688 to SD .765) and SMS-II (introjected regulation .610 to identified regulation .744). Conclusion: HK student-athletes maintain a healthy mental state. Competition level is more relevant when addressing student-athletes’ burnout. The robust reliability of the ABQ and SMS-II confirmed that our questionnaire is effective in assessing athletes’ burnout. Further study should evaluate student-athletes’ psychological states throughout the entire training season and across different regions.

Keywords: Burnout, Motivation, Student-Athlete, Sport specialization, Dual-career

Presentation Time: 13:30-14:30 Poster ID #15

Chuk Yan Tung 11363029

Supervisor: Prof. Chow Hung Kay, Daniel

Title: The Relationship Between Shoulder Range of Motion and Handball Shooting Velocity of University Players

Abstract

Purpose: This study is to investigate the relationship between shoulder range of motion and handball shooting velocity in university handball players. Limited shoulder ROM has been associated with reduced performance in various sports, including throwing and shooting activities. However, the specific relationship between shoulder range of motion and handball shooting velocity in university players remains largely unexplored. Understanding this relationship is crucial for optimizing training programs and enhancing shooting performance in handball. Methodology: A cross-sectional research design will be employed, involving approximately 20 university handball players (both male and female) who are actively participating in their respective university handball teams. The participants' shoulder range of motion will be assessed using a 3D motion capture system, measuring flexion and extension, abduction and adduction. Handball shooting velocity will be recorded during standardized shooting tasks using a JUGS wireless radar gun. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between shoulder flexion-extension (A1) and shooting velocity (r = 0.616, p = 0.015), indicating that greater shoulder flexion-extension is associated with increased shooting velocity. In contrast, no significant relationships were observed for abduction-adduction (A2) and internal-external rotation (A3) with shooting velocity. Conclusion: These findings suggest that shoulder flexion-extension is an important factor influencing shooting performance in handball players, while abduction-adduction and internal-external rotation do not significantly impact shooting velocity. This highlights the need for targeted training focusing on shoulder flexion-extension to enhance performance. 

Keywords: Shoulder Range of Motion, Handball, Shooting Velocity 

Presentation Time: 13:30-14:30 Poster ID #14

Ho Cheuk Kiu 11379793

Supervisor: Prof. Chow Hung Kay, Daniel

Title: What factors contribute to higher on-water vertical jump in water polo among female athletes?

Abstract

Purposes: This study aims to investigate the factors contribute to higher on-water vertical jump among female water polo players. With the development of water polo, women water polo has been well-developed and include in major international competitions. On-water vertical jump has been a fundamental skill to accomplish which players have to maximize their elevation for passing, shooting and blocking. Methodology: Twenty female water polo players aged 18-39 conduct the on-water vertical jump test with different shoulder movement (abduction, adduction & extension) and single-arm and double-arm downward motion. The on-water vertical jump height is recorded and tested in inches-scale vertical jump tester. High-performance and low-performance group is identified by the median and examine the effect of body composition to the height of on-water vertical jump. The style of underwater leg and limb movement is observed with the ability of players of different position. Results: Significant difference between single-arm and double-arm propulsion in on-water vertical with extension shoulder movement are found. However, there are no significant differences between different shoulder movement with double-arm propulsion and body composition. The ability and style to perform on-water vertical jump differs significantly among players in different position and corresponding experience. Conclusion: In conclusion, on-water vertical jump was found to be higher with more downward propulsion and affected by the position of the players but correlates poorly with shoulder movement. Further research is needed for the underwater movement including the angle of leg and limb during elevation.

Keywords: N/A

Presentation Time: 12:00-13:00 Poster ID #7

Li Yu Fung 11297440

Supervisor: Dr. Wong Ming Yu, Claudia

Title: The effects of listening to various types of music during warm-up on basketball free-throw performance of Hong Kong Intercollegiate basketball players

Abstract

Purposes: In the domain of basketball research, several studies have investigated the factors that influence free-throw success rates, including psychological aspects such as anxiety, motivation, and the impact of distractions. Among various approaches and interventions, listening to music has been shown to be a key method for reducing potential influencing factors.  While extensive research exists on music's impact on athletic performance, studies targeting free throws in basketball are still quite limited. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to investigate the effects of listening to music during warm-ups on free-throw anxiety, concentration, heart rate, and the free-throw success rates. Methodology: Twenty-four male intercollegiate basketball players from Hong Kong were recruited as experimental subjects. The participants were divided into four groups of six and randomly assigned to one of the four experimental conditions: (i)fast-paced music, (ii)slow-paced music, (iii)self-selected music, or (iv)no music during warm-ups, using Apple AirPods in-ear Bluetooth earphones or earplugs, during the warm-up period of the two basketball games. They were required to complete a survey after the experiment and provide responses indicating their perceived changes in anxiety (CSAI-2) and concentration (BCS). Additionally, their heart rates while listening to the music and their free-throw shooting percentages were measured. This experiment and testing were conducted twice to enhance accuracy. To analyze the statistically significant differences between groups among the measurement indicators , an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is employed. Results and Significance: It is expected that players who listened to self-selected music showed better performance in free throws and lower levels of anxiety compared to the other three groups. This research provided potential scientific strategies to identify effective warm-up methods to enhance players' on-court performance. Additionally, it facilitates the practical implications of offering personalized music selection recommendations to help university players regulate their psychological state, boost self-confidence, and enhance attention levels.

Keywords: Basketball, Music, Free-throw, Heart rate, Anxiety, Concentration, Warm-up

Presentation Time: 12:00-13:00 Poster ID #8

Ngan Ka Chun 11379652

Supervisor: Dr. Wong Ming Yu, Claudia

Title: The Relationship between Hong Kong Rugby refereeing level and their level of mental toughness and self-confidence

Abstract

Purposes: This study investigates the relationship between mental toughness and performance in Hong Kong rugby referees, who face high-pressure demands as critical arbiters ensuring fair play and match continuity. Despite mental toughness's crucial role in officiating, limited research explores its impact on referees' performance and developmental progression across competition levels within Hong Kong’s specific sporting context. Methodology: This mixed-methods study investigates the relationship between refereeing levels (High/Moderate/Low, n≈60) and psychological traits (mental toughness/self-confidence) among Hong Kong referees. Quantitative data, collected via anonymous online surveys (Referee Self-Efficacy Scale and Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire), will undergo one-way ANOVA to assess associations between refereeing levels (dependent variable) and psychological traits (independent variables). Despite a calculated required sample size of 69 (G*Power; f=0.445, α=0.05, power=0.9), the anticipated 60 participants necessitate supplementary qualitative interviews (6-9 participants) using the 4C’s model (Control, Commitment, Challenge, Confidence) to contextualize findings and address statistical limitations, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of referees’ psychological resilience. Results: The mental toughness and self-efficacy levels are higher for higher-level referees in Hong Kong. Conclusion: Better mental toughness and self-efficacy could help refereeing. 

Keywords: Rugby referee, mental toughness, self-efficacy 

Presentation Time: 12:00-13:00 Poster ID #13

Tsang Ngai Pan 11331545

Supervisor: Dr. Wong Ming Yu, Claudia

Title: The Effect of Mindfulness Interventions on Reducing Injury Risk and Improving Performance in Youth Volleyball Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a mindfulness intervention in the reduction of injury risk and improvement of performance in youth volleyball student-athletes. Although mindfulness is gaining attention for enhancing athletic performance, its use in preventing injury, especially in youth athletics, is not well investigated. This study innovatively targets both outcomes in the volleyball sport-specific setting. Methodology: Twenty-four student-athletes (13-18 years, 12 males, 12 females) in youth volleyball participated in a 8 week study alongside regular training. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (6 males, 6 females) receiving weekly mindfulness training (e.g., body scans, breathing exercises) or a control group (6 males, 6 females) with no intervention. Pre- and post-intervention measures included injury risk (injury incidence logs, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire [OSTRC], Mindful Attention Awareness Scale [MAAS]) and performance (turnover rate, serve accuracy, Perceived Stress Scale [PSS-10], Sport Mindfulness Inventory [SMI]), with performance data collected from three pre- and post-intervention games. Results: No significant reduction in risk of injury within groups, conceivably due to low baseline injury rates within this age group or short observation period not sufficient to disclose cumulative effects hiding such an effect. The experimental group did, though, have better performance measures, including reduced turnover rates, enhanced serve accuracy, reduced PSS-10 scores, and improved SMI scores. In contrast, no improvement was found in the control group. Conclusion: The 8-week mindfulness training significantly enhanced young volleyball athletes' performance but not for risk of injury, most likely due to methodological limitations. The research detects sporting performance gains and recommends future research in larger populations, longer intervention times, or with more responsive measures of injury to elucidate its preventive potential.  

Keywords: Mindfulness, Youth athletes, Volleyball, Injury prevention, Athletic performance