Volume 20 No 2

Physical Education is one of the compulsory subjects in the Malaysian educational system and widely lacking in the process of teaching and learning, because of different approaches implemented by various schools’ teachers and it needed to venture as far as this pillar of our National Education. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Circuit Training (CT) on obese students’ specifically their health-related fitness (HRF) and motor skill competence (MSC) which is in line with the rise of obesity rate among young children nationwide. Pre and post-test with a total of 232 obese primary students who were randomized and assigned into control and experimental groups for age group 8 and 11 years old respectively. Descriptively, significantly the effectiveness of CT on obese students’ body weight and even BMI index decreased for the experiment group for both age groups (31.08 kg/m² to 30.93 kg/m²) but not in control groups. Thus, body weight increased in control groups (49.92 kg to 50.07 kg). HRF consisted cardiovascular, strength, endurance and flexibility showed clear results of the CT implemented especially in both groups' ages with enhancing better scores in all components (101.62 to 108.03, 5.69 to 6.59, 7.26 to 8.40, and 24.77 to 24.80 minutes separately) compared to control groups. Moreover, there were some cardiovascular and flexibility increases after 8 weeks. Hence, obese 11-year-old students showed impressive enhancing reading for all HRF. However, in the 11-year-old control groups, there was an increase in cardiovascular only and a decrease in the rest. Where else, the motor skill competencies for 8 weeks decreased in competencies of running, kicking, jumping and throwing but vice versa for the experimental groups. CT is an appropriate teaching approach in PE for MSC and HRF during primary schools as far as student-centred approaches are concerned.

Physical activity is an essential contributor to adolescents' psychological well-being. This research aims to explore the impact of habitual physical activity on the self-confidence and self-esteem of teenagers. Additionally, the study investigates the mediating role of self-esteem in the connection between habitual physical activity and adolescent self-confidence. The sample comprises 286 teenagers from a prominent higher education campus in Kelantan, and data collection is carried out through self-administered questionnaires. Ordinary least squares estimation is used for data analysis. The findings reveal a significant positive effect of habitual physical activity on confidence and self-esteem. Moreover, self-esteem is identified as a significant mediator in the relationship between habitual physical activity and self-confidence. Interestingly, the study does not observe a significant difference in self-confidence levels between genders. The anticipated outcome of this study is to offer valuable insights for the government, higher education administrators, and policymakers to advocate for the active participation of adolescents in physical activities, fostering positive psychological health among them.

This study investigates the effects of isometric, active, and passive stretching, alongside deep tissue manipulation, on a patient with chronic lateral epicondylalgia. The aim is to examine the therapeutic efficacy of these interventions on pain reduction and functional improvement. A 23-year-old female patient with confirmed lateral epicondylalgia, evidenced by positive Mill’s and Cozen’s tests, participated in a 4-week therapeutic program. The program included isometric exercises, active and passive stretching, and deep tissue manipulation tailored to lateral epicondylalgia. Pain and functional disability were assessed using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), while muscle strength was measured through Manual Muscle Testing (MMT). Post-treatment results showed a 10% decrease in PRTEE scores and an improvement in MMT grading by one level. These findings suggest that a combination of isometric, active, and passive exercises, along with deep tissue manipulation, can significantly reduce pain and enhance muscle strength in patients with lateral epicondylalgia. The 4-week intervention led to notable improvements in both pain and functional capacity, indicating a potential effective therapeutic strategy for accelerated recovery in such patients.

The present study was conducted to investigate bilateral transfer (BT) in mirror tracing tasks. The objective of the present study is to describe the phenomenon where motor skill acquisition on one side of the body influences performance on the opposite side. Here, we explore the direction and type of BT, focusing on interhemispheric transfer during mirror tracing. Purposive sampling ensured participants (N=20) with diverse motor skills traced predefined paths with both dominant and non-dominant hands. The study aimed to link BT to the mirror neuron system, suggesting improved non-dominant side performance after dominant side training. Additionally, it positions itself for a future systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the overall effectiveness of Motor Imagery Training (MIT) in inducing BT effects. The results revealed a statistically significant effect of the trial on time and error value to complete the task (Wilks' Lambda = 0.531, F (3, 17) = 5.008, p < 0.05, η²partial = 0.469) for time and (Wilks' Lambda = 0.607, F (3, 17) = 3.67, p < 0.05, η²partial = 0.393) for error value. It can be concluded that a spectrum of individual responses was present, with some participants exhibiting consistent, symmetrical transfer and others demonstrating asymmetrical transfer characterized by fluctuations in improvement. This study emphasizes the need for tailored interventions based on individual BT patterns and calls for further research on refining strategies for skill acquisition between hands.

This research investigates the effects of gender dynamics on fan engagement and perceptions within Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) sponsorships. Specifically in exploring the factors that influence fans' attitudes, engagement and consumption behaviors. The results reveal significant gender-based disparities in perceptions and interactions with MPL sponsors, with male and female fans exhibiting distinct attitudes, particularly within the fan community associated with MPL-sponsored brands. Notably, a distinct correlation between fan engagement and consumption subsequent behaviors underscores the importance of gender-specific marketing strategies in the Esports landscape. This research contributes to understanding sports sponsorship in the digital age, emphasizing the need for tailored marketing approaches that accommodate gender dynamics in Esports. The insights gathered are crucial for developing effective sponsorship strategies that resonate authentically with diverse fan groups, ultimately enhancing the impact and reach of Esports sponsorships.

The unique nature of Silat Olahraga as a sport demand the development of both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. There is interconnection of these fitness components with individuals’ body composition. The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of somatotype and examine the relationship between body fat percentage towards aerobic and anaerobic performances among Silat Olahraga athletes. Thirty-three (n=33) well-trained male athletes from UiTM Negeri Sembilan, SUKMA Negeri Sembilan, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia (UTEM) and SUKMA Melaka were participated in this study. Body composition tests consisted of skinfold measurement, weight, height, girth measurement, and bone breadth were used to measure body fat percentage and somatotype. Aerobic test was conducted by using 20m multistage fitness test and anaerobic test was conducted by using running anaerobic sprint test (RAST). The data were analysed using frequency test and Pearson correlation test. The findings demonstrated that the body fat percentage was significantly correlated with aerobic VO2max performance (p=0.001, r=-0.568), peak anaerobic power (p=0.002, r=0.519) and average anaerobic power (p=0.003, r=0.504). However, no significant relationship was found with fatigue index (p>0.05). Findings of the present study also showed that 15.2% of the Silat athletes were endomorph, 66.7% were mesomorph and 18.2% were ectomorph.  This study confirmed that there was a significant relationship between body fat percentage on aerobic and anaerobic performances. Most of the athletes in this study were mesomorphs.

The digit ratio (2D:4D), measure the prenatal testosterone and estrogen exposure, where a lower ratio suggests higher testosterone exposure that has been associated with masculine traits, including aggression and athletic performance. Simultaneously, the relative age effect (RAE) illustrates the advantages in physical performance and sports for individuals born closer to the selection cut-off dates. Despite these associations, research presents mixed findings on the impact of 2D:4D and RAE on physical fitness testing among adolescents, indicating a critical gap in understanding the dynamics between biological and chronological factors in youth fitness performance. Therefore, this study aims to explore the correlation between the role of 2D:4D and RAE with physical fitness performance in male and female adolescents. A cohort of 234 high school students, aged 13 to 17 years old, underwent measurements of height, weight, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and 2D:4D participated in six physical fitness tests. Interestingly, the findings reveal no significant correlation between 2D:4D and RAE with physical fitness performance in males, whereas in females, certain associations were observed with 2D:4D correlated with SBJ and RAE are linked with RL-HGS (p<0.05). These results underscore the complexity of predicting athletic ability from biological and chronological markers and highlight the necessity for further research to dissect the intricacies influencing fitness outcomes among adolescents.

Moderate physical activity and adequate nutritional intake are believed can enhance immune function of an individual. We aimed to investigate the additional beneficial effects of combined oat bran consumption and brisk walking exercise compared to oat bran consumption alone on immune functions parameters in hypercholesterolemic women. Thirty three hypercholesterolemic women participants aged 40-50 years old were recruited and being assigned into three groups, with eleven participants per group (n=11): sedentary without oat bran consumption control (C), oat bran consumption alone (Ob), and combined oat bran consumption and brisk walking exercise (ObEx) groups. Participants in ObEx group performed brisk walking exercise sessions 30 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Participants in Ob group and ObEx group consumed 18 gram of oat bran powder, 7 days per week for 6 weeks. Participants’ anthropometry and immune functions parameters which include full blood counts and immunophenotyping measurements were measured at pre- and post tests. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed for statistical analysis. There were significant (p<0.05) increases in eosinophil and neutrophil counts in post test compared to pre test in Ob group. There were also significant (p<0.05) decreases in values of T cytotoxic (CD8⁺) and natural killer cells (CD16⁺) in post-test compared to pre-test in ObEx groups. Six weeks of oat bran consumption alone may have potential to enhance immune functions in 40 to 50 years old hypercholesterolemic women. Nevertheless, future study with larger sample size needs to be carried out to confirm the present study findings.

This study investigated the differences of isokinetic muscular peak torque (PT) and average power (AVG.P), bone speed of sound and body composition among Malaysian adolescent male sepak takraw players, volleyball players and sedentary individuals. Thirty participants with mean age of 14.4 (1.4) years old participated in this study. The groups involved were sedentary control, sepak takraw and volleyball groups. Participant’s fat free mass and percent body fat were measured by body composition analyzer.  Bone speed of sound of arms and legs were measured by bone sonometer. Knee and shoulder muscular PT (indicator of muscular strength) and AVG.P were measured by isokinetic dynamometer. There were statistically significant higher values of body height and fat free mass in volleyball players compared to sedentary controls. However, there were no significant differences in bone speed of sound between sedentary control, sepak takraw and volleyball groups. In general, volleyball and sepak takraw groups showed significantly higher values in most of the muscular PT and AVG.P measurements compared to the sedentary control group. Volleyball group showed statistically significant higher values compared to sepak takraw group in knee extension PT at 300^o.s^-1, shoulder extension PT at 180^o.s^-1 and 300^o.s^-1, and AVG.P at 300^o.s^-1, as well as shoulder flexion PT at 60^o.s^-1, 180^o.s^-1 and 300^o.s^-1, AVG.P at 180^o.s^-1 and 300^o.s^-1. In conclusion, isokinetic knee extension, shoulder extension and flexion muscular strength and power are essential muscular performance variables in volleyball. Meanwhile, engagement in volleyball and sepak takraw could enhance muscular strength and power compared to sedentary lifestyle.

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. However, many people encounter perceived barriers that prevent them from participating in physical activity, resulting in low participation. This study aimed to investigate the perceived barriers to participation in physical activity among Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) employees in Kuala Lumpur. For the study, a questionnaire was used to collect data, which was then analysed using descriptive statistics and a non-parametric test, the Mann-Whitney U test. A total of 312 participants from the JKR head office in Kuala Lumpur were selected for this study. The participants were divided into two groups based on Gender: male (n=127) and female (n=185). Demographic data and information on external and internal barriers to physical activity were collected. The analysis revealed no significant differences between genders regarding perceived barriers to participation in physical activity (p > 0.05). Respondents of both genders reported comparable internal and external barriers to physical activity. To better promote health and well-being in the public sector and beyond, it may be helpful to understand both the internal and external factors that can improve participation in physical activity.

Footballing performance is a complicated phenotype influenced by various factors that include individual genetic makeup and environmental variables. Genetic association research in football is gaining significant interest but the majority of the studies involve Caucasian and Brazilians footballers. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association and predictive ability of a total genotype score derived from ACTN3 C/T, ACE I/D and PPARGC1A A/G polymorphisms on jump height of elite Malaysian footballers. A total of sixty-seven elite Malaysian Malay male footballers (19.8 ± 1.4 years) participated in this study and genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples for genotyping and calculation of the total genotype score. The jump height of each participant was assessed using the Yardstick vertical jump device. The mean jump height and total genotype score of the participant were 61.9 ± 6.5 cm and 38.8 ± 18.0, respectively. Spearman rank-order correlation indicated that a significant positive correlation was found between the total genotype score and jump height that remained significant (r_s = 0.276; p = 0.027) after adjusting for height and body mass of the participants. A significant regression was found F(1, 65) = 6.554, p = 0.013 with the r² value of 0.092 indicating that the total genotype score explained 9% of the variance in jump height. The positive association between total genotype score and jump height in elite Malaysian footballers indicated that footballers with a greater total genotype score tend to attain a higher jump height and may have further implications in football as literature has indicated that jump performance could be used to infer speed and maximal strength. 

Memory and sustained attention are critical cognitive functions that significantly impact academic performance. Numerous studies have demonstrated that regular exercise can improve both short-term memory and sustained attention. However, to date, the association between aerobic fitness level and short-term memory and sustained attention among university students has not been extensively explored. Hence, the present study was carried out using a cross-sectional study design. A total of 38 participants (N=38) were recruited among university students. After obtaining their informed consent, participants’ height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. In addition, participants performed the digit span test to measure their short-term memory and the digit vigilance test to measure their sustained attention. A 20-m shuttle run was also carried out, and the data obtained from the shuttle run was used to calculate their estimated maximal oxygen uptake. All the data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation test (SPSS version 28). Results showed that participants had a normal BMI (22.28 ± 4.03 kg/m²). Majority (36.84%) of the female participants had a very poor aerobic fitness level (27.19 ± 4.71 ml/kg/min), and majority (15.79%) of the male participants had a poor aerobic fitness level (37.07 ± 7.45 ml/kg/min). Regarding the correlation analysis, there were no significant correlations (p>0.05) between aerobic fitness level and short-term memory and sustained attention. In conclusion, the present study found that short-term memory and sustained attention were not affected by aerobic fitness level. However, further studies may address the limitations highlighted in the present study.

Bridge is an intellectual sport that helps to develop the ability to analyze logic and teamwork, and it is well developed in Chinese colleges. It was found that the leadership styles of Chinese college bridge coaches and the self-perceived stress of athletes have received less attention from scholars. This study aimed to explore the leadership styles of Chinese college bridge coaches, the self-perceived stress level of college bridge athletes, and the relationship between these two factors. This study contributes to the alleviation of self-perceived stress in college bridge athletes and to help college bridge coaches relieve the stress of bridge athletes. The research design for this study was quantitative. Respondents were athletes competing in the 2023 Chinese Collegiate Bridge Championships (N=210). The coaches’ Leadership Style Scale and Perception Stress Scale (Chinese 14-item, PSS) were used as the survey tools for this research. The data were analyzed by SPSS 26.0 software for extreme values, extreme minima, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation. It was found that there are more democratic leadership styles (M = 4.18 ± 0.88) and less authoritarian leadership styles (M = 1.40 ± 0.59) among college bridge coaches. In the analysis of the stress data, most collegiate bridge athletes had low to moderate levels of self-perceived stress (M=21.77 ± 7.28), and only 17.1% had high levels of stress. In the correlation analysis between the two, self-perceived stress scores were significantly negatively correlated with the democratic leadership style (r = -0.193, p < 0.01), indicating that the democratic coaching style can dramatically reduce the self-perceived stress of bridge athletes. There is no significant correlation between self-perceived stress scores and authoritarian leadership styles.

Proficiency in gross motor skills holds significant importance for children to achieve a high proficiency in movement that involves the use of major muscle groups in different environment settings. Without suitable progress of fundamental motor skills in the duration of childhood stage, the success of sport-specific at the level of competition is still unreachable in the future. Thus, the objective of the research was to compare the level of gross motor development among school children in Jengka, Pahang. A cross-sectional approach was used to perform this study. This study involved the participation of 110 children from two distinct locations: rural and urban areas, with 50 from rural areas and 60 from urban areas. The tool used to assess the gross motor skill development levels was the Test of Gross Motor Development- Version 2 (TGMD-2). Two subtests in TGMD-2 include 6 skills in each subtest which arelocomotor (gallop, leap, horizontal jump, hop, slide, run) and object control (catch, overhand throw, underhand roll, kick, striking a stationary ball, stationary dribble). The gross motor skill development levels were ranked based on both raw and standard scores according to its Gross-Motor Development Quotient (GMDQ). The Independent Samples T-Test was used to analyze the data. The results highlighted that there was a significant difference (p<;0.05)between the two groups. Rural children had higher mean and standard deviation (98.44±11.391) compared to urban schools(89.90±10.991) for GMDQ scores. The findings of the present study revealed that children in urban schools exhibitedpoor motor skill development levels compared with rural schools. The children might be affected by the environmental differences in their respective living areas as children living in rural areas tend to have better gross motor skills than those living in urban areas, which is believed to be due to spending more time outdoors and being more adapted to thedemands of playing outside. The findings offer insights that physical education teacher can improve the quality in physical activities that would benefit the development of gross motor skills of children