I24- HOW PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN SINGAPORE FARE IN TERMS OF 24-HOUR INTEGRATED GUIDELINES FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SCREEN TIME AND SLEEP

Abstract

The importance of digital media use for work and for leisure continues to grow in prominence and there is pressure to introduce screen time in young people even before they can communicate appropriately. In a globalised and interconnected work, there is no refuge from screens from dusk to dawn while many lie awake at night trying to get to sleep after a bout of screen use from fixed- television, desktop computer, game consoles, and mobile screens- smart phones and iPads. There are 24-hour guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children less than 5 years old but adolescent and adult guidelines for exercise, sleep and nutrition are separate. Sedentary behaviour, exercise and sleep, in appropriate doses, are the key essential ingredients for optimal functioning and good holistic health. The nexus between screens, exercise or not exercising, physical fitness and indicators of holistic health and body composition is multifaceted and cause-and-effect relationships are difficult to tease out. Nonetheless, Professor Michael Chia highlights some of these complexities, goes imperial and cajoles you that ‘an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure’. Case examples of research into screen, sedentary behaviour, physical activity, fitness and bodyweight status, among preschool children are presented.

Running for Brain!! Acute Exercise Volume on Cognitive Function in Older Adults with ApoE4

Biography
Dr. Yu-Kai Chang, Ph.D., is Research Chair Professor in the Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan, as well as Director of the “Physical Activity and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory”. Dr. Chang is currently managing council members of both the International Society of Sports Psychology (ISSP) and the Asian-South Pacific Association of Sport Psychology, and the mental consultant for the Chinese Professional Baseball League.

Dr. Chang’s research focuses on "Sports and Exercise Psychology", especially concerning issues of “Exercise and Mental Health”, "Sports/Performance Psychology", and "Mindfulness", undertaken from a cognitive neuroscience perspective. To Date, Dr. Chang has published more than 190 domestic and international journal articles, including those featured in internationally renowned journals, such as Sport Medicine, Health Psychology, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, NeuroImage, Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Psychology for Sport and Exercise, and Psychophysiology. He has also written 10 chapters in international textbooks, and translated 4 international academic books.

INFLUENCES OF ATHLETIC MENTAL ENERGY ON ATHLETES’ WELLBEING AND PERFORMANCE

Abstract
Mental energy is defined as ““...maintaining long hours of working with high attention on a given task (Cook & Davis, 2006).” Lykken (2005) proposed that great scholars such as Archimedes, Socrates, Galileo, Newton, and Einstein can create and produce so many astonishing works because they have strong mental energy. The concept of mental energy links to modern idea of mental training, Chinese martial arts’ philosophy of “Chi, ” and athletes’ optimal state of mind. In athletic settings, Lu and colleagues (2018; 2020) proposed athletes’ mental energy comprises both cognitive and emotional components including vigor, tirelessness, calmness, confidence, concentration, and motivation. In this presentation, I will introduce the concept of athletic mental energy and how it might influence athletes psychological well-being and performance.
Keywords: Optimal state of mind, psychology of sport excellence, elite athletes, peak performance

KINDERKINETICS: POSSIBLE BEST PRACTICE IN IMPROVING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN CHILDREN
IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT

Abstract

The profession of Kinderkinetics was established in 1996 when physical education was removed from the school curriculum in South Africa, and the cessation of a much needed service delivery to children from professionals with specialized knowledge in the field of motor development and physical activity was necessary. Kinderkinetics is the professional field which, from a health perspective and based on educational principals, aims to increase the total well-being of children between the ages of 0–13 years by stimulation, rectifying and optimization of age specific motor skills and physical activity. Kinderkinetics is a scientifically based movement development programme that uses the scientific principles, as well as the physical activity guidelines of the WHO. Various research findings from within the Kinderkinetics program that can verify the scientific merit of the of different Kinderkinetics programs a school, clinic, therapeutic and sport environment, will be discussed. Lastly, evidence based research that also have practice based evidence as proof of successful interventions will also be discussed.

COUPLING IMAGERY WITH ASYNCHRONOUS MUSIC ON A BASKETBALL FREE THROW SHOOTING TASK IN RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Abstract
This study examined the effectiveness of coupling imagery training with music on basketball free-throw task in recreational basketball players. Thirty-four subjects (age= 22.79±1.12 years, height= 175.12±6.55 cm, weight= 73.07±11.37 kg, basketball playing experience= 9.47±3.20 years) were recruited for this study. They were pre-tested using the 20 Basketball Free Throw Test [20BFTT] (α = 0.971). Subsequently, they were randomly assigned into four groups (Imagery-Music Group [IMG], n= 8, Music Group [MG], n= 8, Imagery Group [IG], n= 9, and Physical Throw Group [PTG], n= 9) using systematic-counter-balancing method. IMG and IG had 5-minute of imagery training preceded the 20 physical throws [20PT]. MG performed 20PT while listening to music while PTG performed 20PT only. The interventions included a 30-minute session, three times a week for 6 weeks. IMG and MG were provided with 15 pop and rock music tracks with standardised tempo at 135 bpm. The 4 groups started the experiment equal as the 20BFTT pre-test result was insignificant. The post-test results showed insignificant difference among the 4 conditions. However, pre-test and post-test comparisons revealed that there were significant improvements in 20BFTT scores for IMG (p=.022) and IG (p=.025)(IMG > IG). In conclusion, the evidence provided is insufficient to support that imagery training with music could enhance performance in basketball free throw task among recreational basketball players.
Keywords: Imagery training, physical training, recreational basketball players, asynchronous music, synchronous music.

EFFECTS OF SPORT MASSAGE

Abstract
Massage has been used for rehabilitation and relaxation for thousands of years around the world. Massage treatment was administered for approximately 45% of the total time in physiotherapy treatment. Massage is used in general approaches, such as preparation for competition, between competitions and in assisting recovery from competition, rather than treatment for specific problems. The large proportion of massage application in sports events is due to many coaches and athletes holding the belief, based on observations and experiences, that massage can provide several benefits to the body such as increased blood flow, reduced muscle tension and neurological excitability, and an increased sense of well-being. Massage has been defined as “a mechanical manipulation of body tissues with rhythmical pressure and stroking for the purpose of promoting health and well-being”. Classic Western massage, or Swedish massage, is the most common form of massage currently used around the world for athletes with purported clinical advantages. This paper described the possible mechanisms of massage such as Biomechanical effect, Physiological effects, Neurological effect, Psychophysiological effects and also effects of massage on Performance, Recovery or Muscular Injury Prevention in final part.

Keywords: Sport Massage, Biomechanical effect, Physiological effect, Neurological effect, Psychophysiological effect

INITIAL TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAMME IN SINGAPORE: A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM FOR SELECTING, TRAINING, COMPENSATING, AND DEVELOPING PE TEACHERS

Abstract
The Ministry of Education (MOE) emphasised teachers’ importance as a key role in Singapore. Former education minister Mr. Heng Swee Keat said, “a teacher teaches to make Singapore possible, and a teacher teaches to make Singapore’s future possible (MOE, 2014).” Following a report by the National Institute of Education (NIE), “the Singapore brand of education is renowned globally, with many academics, policy-makers and government leaders seeking to emulate or adapt relevant features for their own countries.” The Singapore school system‘s success can be attributed to three main factors: sound educational policies; the quality of teachers in schools; and the efforts undertaken at the school level to improve student learning.” It relies on a strong tripartite relationship between MOE, NIE, and schools working in tandem in their specific roles to achieve the desired outcome of producing high-quality teaching professionals. In this sense, this presentation explores the initial teacher preparation programme in Singapore as a comprehensive system for selecting, training, compensating, and developing PE teachers. Hopefully, this presentation enables us to discuss the conference participants on the initial teacher preparation programme
Keywords: Initial Teacher Preparation Programme, PE teacher, Tripartite Relationship, MOE, NIE, School, Singapore

PILOT STUDY ON THE FITNESS LEVEL AND OBESITY RATE OF SEMELAI PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN TASIK BERA, MALAYSIA

Abstract
Introduction: Overall, World Health Organization (1995) estimated a 2.9% obesity rate among children in Asia with a higher prevalence in Eastern Asia (4.3%), and South East Asia (2.4%). Obesity cases in Asia accounted for 61% or 10.6 million obese preschool children aged 6-11 years old from a total of 17.6 million in all developing countries (WHO, 2003).
Objective: to examine physical fitness level and possible obesity rate among the Semelai school children.
Sample: 24 Semelai children (male=9, female=15) were recruited from Tasik Bera, Pahang aged µ= 10.42 ± 0.50.
Methodology: Five basic helath and fitness tests i.e., BMI, sit-up, curl-up, sit-&-reach and 1500m were conducted.
Results % Discussion: 20.8% were overweight; overall they showed above average to excellent abdominal and upper body strength/endurance, low flexibility level, and low to average cardiovascular fitness.
Conclusion: Overweight problem is creeping into this community with rapid changes in their social lifestyle caused by modernization. Effort need to be carried out to improve their flexibility and cardiovascular fitness which could in turn help curb the current overweight problem.

TRAINEE TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION OF PARTICIPATION MOTIVATION AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Abstract
Introduction: The study examined the attitudes and participation motivation towards physical activity among trainee teachers. The participants were 260 undergraduate trainee teachers (72 males and 188 females) with a mean age of 18.10 ± .45 years who participated in the study.
Methods: The Attitude towards Physical Activity Scale (APAS)(Mok et al., 2015) and Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS)(Keyvan, Morris & Khoo, 204) were utilized to measure the attitudes and participation motives. Description analysis, two-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation were performed in the study.
Results: In APAS, there was no significant interaction between the effects of race and gender in between-subjects ANOVA for benefits, importance, learning, self-efficacy, fun, fitness and personal best. However, there was significant main effect of gender on fun [F(1, 256) = 4.56, p = .034], fitness [F(1, 256) = 15.38, p < .001] and personal best [F(1, 256) = 5.25, p = .023]. However, there was no significant interaction between the effects of age groups and gender in between-subjects ANOVA for benefits, importance, learning, self-efficacy, fun, fitness and personal best. However, there was significant main effect of gender on fun [F(1, 254) = 7.49, p = .007], fitness [F(1, 254) = 13.02, p < .001] and personal best [F(1, 254) = 4.46, p = .036]. Whereas, for PALMS, there was no significant interaction between the effects of race and gender in between-subjects ANOVA for mastery, physical condition, psychological condition, affiliation, appearance, enjoyment and other’s expectations but there was statistically significant interaction for competition-ego [F(1, 256) = 3.91, p = .049]. Additionally, there was significant main effect of race on competition-ego [F(1, 256) = 12.37, p = .001] and other’s expectations [F(1, 256) = 4.79, p = .03]. However, there was no significant interaction between the effects of age groups and gender in between-subjects ANOVA for mastery, physical condition, psychological condition, affiliation, appearance, enjoyment, competition-ego and other’s expectations. Conversely, there was significant main effect of age groups on affiliation [F(2, 254) = 3.74, p = .025]. The study revealed positive significant correlation between variables of attitudes towards physical activity, and participation motivation demonstrating positivity towards PA.
Conclusion: The leverage of physical activity interventions should address a range of behavioral determinants which can engage health-related behaviour changes that favour active participation in PA.
Keywords: Participation motivation, attitudes, physical activity

THE EFFECT OF USING ICT IN FOSTERING MOTOR EXPLORATION DURING LEARNING IN PE: AN EXAMPLE IN CLIMBING

Abstract
Introduction: The use of technology in education and particularly in PE with the introduction of video tools has garnered tremendous amount of attention especially when there is greater accessibility and affordability of these tools. One of the key benefits seem to reside in an increased intrinsic motivation observed in students who are engaged in a lesson that includes some technology although the technology does not always bring about a real innovation from a pedagogical point of view (i.e. enhancement in learning only because of the affordance that technology is able to provide in teaching and learning). The aim of this research was to look at the effect of using technology in order to apply a real pedagogical innovation in a PE class on students’ motivation profile in PE.

Methods: 42 students (13 +/- 0.4 years old, 22 girls and 20 boys), from 3 different classes from an international secondary school in Singapore were recruited for this study. Each student was enrolled in a 10 weeks climbing course as part of their curriculum. Each student participated in 3 sets of lessons in a random order (i.e., there were 3 different conditions). Note that 1 set of lessons include 3 lessons. Condition 1 of a set of lessons consisted of a “regular” set of 3 lessons on the regular climbing wall. Condition 2 of a set of lessons consisted of a “placebo” use of technology where the students practiced their 3 lessons on an electronic climbing wall but performed similar lessons to their “regular” set lessons. Finally, Condition 3 of a set of lessons consisted of lessons where the electronic climbing wall was used to propose “innovative” learning experiences to the students (e.g., instant feedback, live adaptation of the route to climb based on their current movement). Students’ motivation after each set of lessons was assessed using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory scale and the Situational Intrinsic Motivation Scale.

Results: Results showed that both the placebo group and the innovative group showed a decrease in external motivation compared to the “regular” lesson condition group. No difference in intrinsic motivation level was found across groups.

Conclusion: The effect of using technology in PE appeared multi-factorial. Indeed, where the teachers might try to use technology to innovate in their teaching activities, the students actually could perceive this as a new and fun “toy” which could impact their motivation although they are doing exactly the same activity with or without the technology. Future research could focus on examining the permanence of such a learning effect on learners presented with the “placebo” and the “innovative” conditions.
Keywords: climbing, technology, motivation, physical education, teaching

SELECTING THE ”RIGHT” MUSIC FOR SPORTS AND HOLISTIC HEALTH: THE NEW NORMS

Abstract
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are now confined to their homes. It can cause people to feel stress, fear and anxiety about the disease’s reoccurrence, economic instability, frustration and boredom, inadequate supplies and access to regular medical care, and changes in their daily routine etc. Music has the ability to improve personal health and sports performance. Researchers have suggested that music should be carefully selected to match the requirements of both individuals and groups’ activities and characteristics to produce significant impacts on performance enhancement and motivation. Music has also been shown to have psychophysical effects of lowered perceived effort, arousal control, enhanced affective states and synchronisation effects. Certain music can elevate arousal, and increase beta waves, indicating an actively engaged mind. Conversely, arousing music can suppress theta waves that are associated with the daydreaming state, allowing them to ‘pump up’ and avoid tiredness. On the other hand, soothing music raises alpha waves that are seen during a state of meditation or relaxation. There is growing evidence to suggest that “right” music can lead to greater frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise, which could then lead to improved holistic well-being. This presentation will focus on the present research using the validated and innovative method of incorporating music as motivators to enhance exercise and sports in the applied exercise and sport psychology practices. I will consider issues related to the understanding of how music works, the selection of music and the practical application of integrating music to facilitate relaxation, increase arousal level, or to be in the zone of optimal performance. Then, I will discuss some innovations in using technologies to help the Malaysian national athletes achieve success in the international sporting arena. Finally, I will end by noting how, through all of these research, have contributed to new knowledge to enhance the understanding of the ubiquitous of integrating music into holistic health and well-being.

EXERCISE HABIT STRENGTH: CONCEPT AND MEASUREMENT

Biography
Dr. Hairul is a Professor of Exercise & Sports Psychology in Exercise and Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. He is also the Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation, Industry – Community Engagement in the same school. His research interest focuses on exercise habituation and the use of psycho-behavioral techniques in sports performance and health enhancement, particularly progressive muscle relaxation. He also has a deep interest in psychometric development and validation. Prof. Dr. Hairul has published over 300 publications in the form of journals manuscripts, conference proceedings, books, book chapters, and newspaper columns. From end 2014 to mid 2018, he wrote a weekly newspaper column in which he addresses issues related to emotional and mental health from various aspects especially exercise and mental health. Professor Dr. Hairul is actively involved in National Coaching Academy as a curriculum board member and instructor since 2008. He also provides regular consultation for private and governmental agencies such as National Sports Council and State Sport Council as well as sports associations in sports and exercise psychology. Besides academics, his is passionate about volleyball which he is actively coaching and playing.

SARAWAK HIGH PERFORMANCE CENTER

Abstract
The establishment of Sarawak High-Performance Center (HPC) is to embark on a platform using the latest sports science approach in providing local athletes and coaches with integrated Sports Science components of Psychology, Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning, Performance Analysis, Recovery, Rehabilitation and Performance Planning. HPC is pertinent to achieve Sarawak's vision of becoming the nation's "Sports Powerhouse". Initial initiative is to implemented a mega program for testing and injury screening on 550 athletes throughout Sarawak for 33 sports. Progressively, series of programs undertaken by High Performance Unit (HPU) which are High Performance Gymnasium Conditioning Center designed for athletes to raise their level of performance and quality with their respective sports arena. Follow up with customized Sports Rehabilitation Center which enables athletes to be treated for injuries and post-operative procedures such as ultrasound, soft tissue manipulation, including natural treatment via Pilates. Thirdly, the evaluation and assessing the performance of 78 elite coaches on their monthly training reports, training programs, attendances, performances profiles and scorecards and periodization plan for 2021-2022. Ultimately, the designing and construction of Sarawak's first HPC, which includes state of the art sports science facilities and equipment. The facility is plan to be accessible to all sports practitioner in Sarawak by 2023.

APPLICATION OF EXPLORATORY STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING IN SPORT PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH

Abstract
In sport psychology, the questionnaire is often used as an assessment tool in measuring an individual’s subjective opinion on certain psychological issues. Most researchers include a set of items to measure a specific construct, and it can be driven by some theories or the result of some empirical findings. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provides stronger evidence of measurement validity than the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). However, many psychological measurement models fail to reach the acceptable level of fit to the data when using a traditional CFA approach. This may due to the strong assumptions hold in the measurement model when run using a CFA. For example, in CFA, items load on their respective factor and no cross-loading on other factors. However, these strong measurement assumptions do not always hold in real research data, especially in psychology. An exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) approach overcomes these limitations by estimates all rotated cross-loading between factors (latent variables) and items (indicators/observed variables). ESEM provides the possibility to integrate the approach of CFA, EFA and SEM in a single model. This presentation demonstrates the power and flexibility of ESEM by using research data related to sport psychology.

SELF-CARE AS KEY IN OPTIMIZING SUPPORT – SPORT PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICES IN ELITE SPORTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC CHALLENGES

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event that has major impact to every individual worldwide in many aspects of life. The situation also caused significant effect to the sports industry and the global athletes’ preparation for major tournaments, as most major sporting events have been postponed or cancelled, and those involved in sports are required to adhere to the SOP administered by the government. Various research studies have been emphasizing on the impact of Covid-19 on the general population, athletes, and coaches. However, the importance of sport practitioners practicing self-care in the process of providing quality sport science support were not being highlighted. The aim of this presentation is to acknowledge the experience and insight of the practitioner in sport psychology practices to the high-performance athletes in sport, specifically throughout the movement control order (MCO) and during the quarantined based training camp setting. Relevant coping strategies will be presented, and potential research direction will be generated.

UNILATERAL STRENGTH TRAINING: CONSENSUS ON KEY ASPECTS OF CROSS-EDUCATION

Abstract

Unilateral strength training of one limb can improve motor output of both the trained and untrained homologous muscles. This positive transfer is known as Cross-education (CE), which was first introduced more than a century ago by Scripture et al. (1984). Since then, more than 100 studies have revealed contralateral strength gains in the untrained muscles. From the findings of the latest systematic review and meta-analysis, approximately 12% increase has been recorded, with greater gains from the lower limb (16%) compared to upper limb (9%). Eccentric contraction produces the most transfer compared to other forms of contractions. The corpus callosum was identified to play an essential role in CE while two hypotheses: i. the bilateral access and ii. cross-activation, are thought of as possible mechanisms for this transfer. Despite the many studies in this area, there remain issues on the terminology, methodology, mechanisms involved and potential applications. Therefore, a modified two-round Delphi online survey was conducted among international experts to provide a framework for future research and applications (Manca A et al., 2021). In my presentation, I will be providing an overview on CE and highlight the current consensus on key aspects of CE and its potential usage. Finally, I will share the findings of my research on positive cross-limb transfer following a single session of isokinetic familiarization (Chan et al., 2020)

Chan JPY, Krisnan L, Yusof A, Selvanayagam VS. Maximum isokinetic familiarization of the knee: implication on bilateral assessment. Hum Mov Sci. 2020; 71:102629.

Manca A et al. Contralateral Effects of Unilateral Strength and Skill Training: Modified Delphi Consensus to Establish Key Aspects of Cross-Education. Sports Med. 2021 (51) 11-20.

Scripture EW, Smith TL, Brown EM. On education of muscular control and power. Stud Yale Psychol Lab 18; 2:114–19.

SELF-CARE AS KEY IN OPTIMIZING SUPPORT – SPORT PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICES IN ELITE SPORTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC CHALLENGES

Biography

Thariq Khan bin Azizuddin Khan (PhD) is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Sport Science of Coaching, Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), Malaysia. He completed his PhD at Victoria University, Melbourne Australia (2013), MPhil in Sport Psychology, and BSc in Sport Science at the University of Malaya (2007, 2003 respectively). His research interest is in psychological skills intervention particularly on portable devices to deliver imagery and modeling in sport to enhance performance. Currently he has been a supervisor for ten Masters' and five PhD's students. Most of the research project that has been supervised by Dr. Thariq Khan are related to the sport psychology intervention to enhance performance, therefore he has been a sport psychology consultant for athletes' in various of sports such as rugby, athletics, swimming, tenpin bowling, hockey, archery, and soccer. He has previously worked at the Malaysia Ministry of Education (1997-1999) and University of Malaya (2004-2008). At UPSI, he teaches many subjects such as sport psychology & rehabilitation, psychology of human development and sport psychology in coaching. Dr. Thariq was the Editor for Journal Faculty of Sport Science & Coaching-UPSI and Editor for Ebulletin (UPSI). He was a sport psychology consultant for Sepaktakraw State team (Penang 2004-210), SUKMA Netball & Lawn Bowl team (Penang 2005-2007) and National Rowing team (2004). Currently he is a sport psychology consultant for MASUM University team (UPSI), Perak U19 Belia Football team (2018), PDRM hockey team, SUKMA state team (Perak 2015-2018) and Perak Hockey Team 2020. During his PhD's study in Australia he works with Victoria University netball team (VU Vipers) and highly competitive Melbourne Futsal Club (Futsal OZ) athletes' for four year as psychology consultant. Dr. Thariq currently is a vice president of the Malaysian Sport Psychology Association (MSPA, 2018-20).