Publication Date: 2014
Iranian Studies (00210862)47(6)pp. 951-966
Women's sport has always been a challenging subject in Muslim countries and Muslim women have had to face various constraints regarding their participation in sport and exercise, which also influence their attitudes to sport. This study aims to explore the attitude of Iranian female university students toward sport by survey method (N = 1,120) and qualitative interviews (N = 50). The results indicate that the majority of the participants have negative attitudes to sport, and accordingly they do not practice it. Various macro-, meso-and micro-level factors were found as perceived barriers. From the results it can be concluded that the media as a tool for raising awareness to providing role models and shaping the social values of mainstream society does not take a positive role in order to develop the culture of women's sport, and to change the attitude of female students and their social environments to sport in Iranian society. © 2013 The International Society for Iranian Studies.
Publication Date: 2023
Physical Culture and Sport, Studies and Research (20812221)102(1)pp. 41-57
This study aimed to identify the causes and consequences of international migrations of Iranian elite athletes. This research was conducted using the qualitative method and Glaser grounded theory approach. The statistical population included senior managers in the Ministry of Sports and Youth and national sports federations, expert researchers in this field, professional athletes who have emigrated or were on the verge of emigration, and coaches in professional sports teams in Iran. Twenty-six people were selected through theoretical sampling and snowball methods. The data collection tool was a semi-structured individual interview. The Glaser approach was used to analyse the data, including two main stages of actual and theoretical coding. During the actual coding process, 468 primary statistical codes were identified, and 68 subcategories and 11 main categories were subsequently identified. The categories were divided into three general dimensions: “Factors affecting”, “Consequences”, and “Strategies” concerning “elite athletes’ emigration “; in the theoretical coding stage, the final model of the research was outlined. Identifying the causes and consequences of the emigration of elite athletes can significantly help the authorities to recognise problems in this area and provide appropriate solutions to retain adequate human capital in the country. We attempted to examine and present the causes and consequences of the emigration of Iranian elite athletes in the form of a model. © 2023 Sciendo. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2024
Iranian Journal of Ageing (1735806X)19(3)pp. 438-451
Objectives Most falls in the elderly occur due to physical and cognitive risk factors. This study aims to compare the effect of two types of mind-body exercises, yoga and square-stepping exercise (SSE), on memory, balance, and fear of falling in older women. Methods & Materials A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 20 elderly women with an age range of 60 to 70 years. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to yoga and Square-Stepping groups. Both groups did exercise for 12 weeks and participated in a pre-test and post-test. The Wechsler memory test, stork test, berg balance test, and international falls efficacy scale were used to measure memory quotient, static balance, dynamic balance, and fear of falling, respectively. Analysis of variance with repeated measures was conducted to analyze the data Results The mean scores of memory quotient in the two groups after exercises were significantly higher than before exercises (F(1, 18)=32.692, P<0.001, η2=0.645). The mean static balance time in the yoga group was significantly higher than in the SSE group (F(1, 18)=60.755, P<0.001, η2=0.771). Furthermore, the mean dynamic balance score in the SSE group was significantly higher than in the yoga group (F(1, 18)=7.714, P=0.012, η2=0.300). In addition, the mean square of fear of falling in the SSE group was significantly lower than in the yoga group (F(1, 18)=11.777, P=0.003, η2=0.396). Conclusion It seems that square stepping exercises can also be used as a simple exercise program to improve physical and cognitive functions in older women. © 2024 The Author(s);
Moradi, H.,
Sohrabi, M.,
Taheri, H.,
Khodashenas, E.,
Movahedi, A. Publication Date: 2020
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities (20473877)66(2)pp. 122-132
Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the combined effects of perceptual-motor exercises and vitamin D3 supplementation on the reduction of stereotypical behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: In this study, 100 eligible children with age ranging from 6 to 9 years were randomly selected and divided into four groups: Group A—perceptual-motor exercises (n = 25); Group B—25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 (OH) D) (n = 25); Group C—perceptual-motor exercises and 25 (OH) D (n = 25); and Group D—control (n = 25). Results: The stereotypes decreased from elementary level, 17% in Group A, 13% in Group B and 28% in Group C among the participants. There was no change in the stereotypical in the control group during the interventions. Also, the stereotypes in Group C showed the highest decrease, compared to the other three groups. Conclusions: We concluded that combination of perceptual-motor exercises and vitamin D3 supplementation in children with ASD leads to significant reduction in their stereotypic behaviors. © 2018, © The British Society of Developmental Disabilities 2018.
Publication Date: 2015
Iranian Studies (00210862)48(4)pp. 551-566
This study investigates university coaches' knowledge about their legal duties toward their athletes, as well as the connection between the level of their legal knowledge and their educational, social and economic background. The results are presented according to three major dimensions: deficiencies in the coaches' training system, in their knowledge concerning their legal responsibility and the coaches' social recognition regarding their profession. The findings indicate that the coaches' training in Iran has a lot of weaknesses, including the neglect of legal issues, the consequence of which is that the Iranian university coaches do not have sufficient knowledge about the legal issues in general and they are not aware of their duty toward their athletes in particular. In Iran coaching is not considered as a prestigious occupation; in terms of social status coaches belong to the lower middle class. © 2014 © 2014 The International Society for Iranian Studies.
Publication Date: 2024
Journal of Teaching in Physical Education (02735024)43(2)pp. 292-301
Purpose: The purpose of this research was to develop and assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Life Skills Scale for Physical Education (P-LSSPE). Method: During Study 1, which included four translators, eight physical education experts, and 45 physical education students, the LSSPE was translated and adapted into Persian, and its content validity was assessed. Study 2 assessed evidence for the factorial validity and reliability of the scale with a sample of 1,004 students. Study 3, which included 462 students, assessed nomological validity evidence. Results: In Study 1, the content validity analyses indicated that the P-LSSPE items and their dimensions were clear in language, practical in application, and represented the life skills in question. In Study 2, a bifactor confirmatory factor analysis model was the best representation of the data and provided evidence for the construct validity of the scale. In Study 3, evidence for the nomological validity of the P-LSSPE was provided, with the correlation coefficients indicating that teacher autonomy support was associated with students’ development of all eight life skills and total life skills. Discussion/Conclusion: Overall, the findings of this research suggest that the P-LSSPE can be used to accurately measure the life skills development of Iranian physical education students. © 2024 Human Kinetics Publishers Inc.. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2022
International Journal of Business Information Systems (17460972)39(1)pp. 76-95
The purpose of this study is to develop a model for the success of information systems in sports organisations. This research is based on modelling the structural equations based on the conceptual model derived from the DeLone and McLean research. This model consists of six variables namely system quality, information quality, service quality, intention to use, user satisfaction, and net benefits, which are derived from Sirsat and Sirsat (2016) research. To implement the model, the statistical population included all the staff of the sport departments of Iran. After data collection, the model constructs were modified using of the measurement model. In the final stage and based on the collected data, the conceptual model was implemented, which had a very bad fit; after implementing some necessary reforms, the model of the success of IS in sports organisations was presented and confirmed. © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Publication Date: 2011
Research in Developmental Disabilities (08914222)32(1)pp. 58-62
The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there was a significant difference in measure of socialization between visually impaired student-athletes and non-athletes. We compared the social skills of Iranian visually impaired student-athletes (n= 51) and visually impaired student non-athletes (n= 56) with ages ranging from 13 to 19 years enrolled in academic year 2009-2010. Socialization was measured with the Social Maturity Scale (Weitzman, 1949). The results indicate that the two examined groups differ in regards to socialization and that the visually impaired student-athletes scored significantly higher than the visually impaired student non-athletes on the socialization test, proving the notion that participation in sports results in better improvements in socializations. If officials and parents encourage sports participation in visually impaired individuals, they will have a better opportunity of having more social skills in life. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.
Publication Date: 2016
Physical Culture and Sport, Studies and Research (20812221)71(1)pp. 14-20
This study aimed to measure the cultural intelligence of physical education (PE) teachers' work adjustment in primary and secondary schools in a large city in Iran (Isfahan). The method of this research was descriptive (correlation) and the total population included all of the PE teachers at three educational levels in Isfahan in 1393 (2014) (N= 559). Participants (N= 226) were selected by using the stratified random sampling method according to the total population of the PE teachers in all six educational regions of Isfahan. A self-constructed cultural intelligence questionnaire (20 items) as well as a work adjustment scale (Davis & Lofqist, 1991) including 20 items were employed in this research. The regression and correlation tests were used for analyzing data. The results indicated that cultural intelligence significantly affects the PE teachers' work adjustment. There was also a significant correlation between cultural intelligence and the PE teachers' work adjustment.
Publication Date: 2022
Physical Culture and Sport, Studies and Research (20812221)97(1)pp. 21-31
The aim of this study was to measure the effects of educational intervention on sports law concepts on coaches' attitude, knowledge, and behavior. The method of the study was quasi-experimental, including two groups, pretest and posttest stages, and a follow-up study. A total of 50 coaches from Eghlid in Fars Province, Iran, were selected using the convenience sampling method. They were then randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. A researcher-made educational protocol was used for educating coaches who participated in the experimental group on the concepts of sports law. Then, in order to measure the efficiency of the educational protocol, three questionnaires were employed to measure the coaches' attitudes and their knowledge about the concepts and regulations of sports law, as well as their behavior related to the principles and regulations of sports law at sports clubs. The covariance analyzing test and ANOVA with repeated measures were employed to analyze the data provided by the study's instruments. The results indicated that the educational intervention of this study positively changed the attitude of the coaches in the experimental group towards the concept of sports law. In addition, the educational intervention of this study significantly improved the knowledge of coaches in the experimental group about the rules and regulations of sports law. Furthermore, the behavior of the coaches in the experimental group changed in that they began properly implementing the principles and regulations of sports law after participating in eight educational sessions. Moreover, the effects of the educational intervention in this study remained for three months following the completion of the intervention. © 2022 Hamidreza Mirsafian et al., published by Sciendo.
Publication Date: 2012
Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness (0145482X)106(8)pp. 466-474
Introduction: Maintaining balance while walking is of utmost importance for individuals with visual impairments because deficits in dynamic balance have been associated with a high risk of falling. Thus, the primary aim of the study presented here was to determine whether balance training effects the dynamic balance of children with visual impairments. Methods: The study included 19 children with visual impairments (aged 8 to 14) from the school for students with visual impairments in Isfahan, Iran, who were randomly assigned to a balance-training (n = 9) or control (n = 10) group. The balance-training group was required to participate in an eight-week balancetraining program, while the control group did not participate in any organized balance-training program. The Modified Bass Test of Dynamic Balance was used to measure the dynamic balance of the participants. Both groups performed a pretest prior to the experimental period and performed a posttest immediately after the experimental period. Results: The scores on the pretest showed no significant difference between the balance-training group and the control group. However, after the balance-training group completed the balance-training program, a between-group difference was found in the participants' task scores, t (18) = 4.095, p <.05. Discussion: The findings indicate that involvement in a balance-training program will significantly improve the dynamic balance of individuals with visual impairments relative to a control group. Implications for practitioners: The study showed that if instructors require individuals with visual impairments to perform balance-improving exercises, the result can be an outstanding improvement in their dynamic balance. With improved balance, individuals with visual impairments may encounter fewer falls and experience a healthier lifestyle. © 2012 AFB, All Rights Reserved.
Publication Date: 2018
Physical Culture and Sport, Studies and Research (20812221)77(1)pp. 34-40
This study aimed to measure the effect of social intelligence on organizational citizenship behavior and entrepreneurial behaviors among staff members in a sport organization in Iran, with the effect on social capital as a mediating variable. The method of this study was survey, and 205 staff members were selected using stratified random sampling. The instrument in this study included four standard questionnaires measuring social intelligence (Silvera, Martinussen & Dahl, 2001), social capital (Nahapiet & Ghoshal, 1998), OCB (Organ, 1988), and EB (Mirsafian & Salimi, 2016). The data was analyzed by employing SPSS and AMOS Graphics software. The results indicated that the staff's social intelligence had a direct effect on improving the social capital of the organization (β = 0.63). Also, social capital had a direct effect on increasing the staff's OCB (β = 0.20) and EB (β = 0.25). Furthermore, the staff's social intelligence had an indirect effect on increasing the social capital and improved their OCB (β = 0.51) and EB (β = 0.44). Hence, trying to increase the staff's social intelligence in sport organizations in Iran led to improving the staff's extra role behaviors as well as entrepreneurial behaviors at the organization, in addition to the effect of increasing the social capital in those organizations. © 2018 De Gruyter Open Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2010
Research in Developmental Disabilities (08914222)31(1)pp. 81-86
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of five variations of imagery and physical practice on learning of Basketball free throws in adolescents with mental retardation (AWMR). Forty AWMR were randomly assigned to five groups and performed a variation of practice: physical practice, mental practice, physical practice followed by mental practice, mental practice followed by physical practice, and no practice. The groups exercised the task for 24 sessions. Following training, posttest and retention test were taken. All variations of practice resulted in performance improvement, yet the mental practice followed by physical practice resulted in better improvement. The results suggest that mental practice associated with physical practice results in an outstanding performance improvement in AWMR. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2025
Learning and Motivation (00239690)90
This study was designed to explore whether increasing learners’ expectancies through delivering relatively easy criteria for success could mitigate the negative effect of explicitly activating gender stereotypes on motor learning. Fifty-four female participants (Mage: 9.42 years, SD = 0.49) were recruited from an elementary school through convenience sampling. During the first stage (day 1), all participants completed three low-kick trials of a soccer skill that served as the pre-test. Based on their pre-test scores, children were then randomly allocated to one of three groups: stereotype threat with enhanced expectancies (ST/EE), stereotype threat (ST), and nullified stereotype threat (NST). Prior to the practice stage, participants in the ST/EE and ST groups received explicit instructions emphasizing the natural superiority of boys/men in soccer. During the practice stage, participants in the ST/EE group were given relatively easy success criteria. In the second stage (day 2), participants completed the retention phase as part of the learning assessment. The results revealed that, after controlling for the pre-test kicking scores, the NST and ST/EE groups exhibited similar levels of motor learning (p = 0.76). However, both the ST/EE group (p = 0.046) and the NST group (p = 0.007) outperformed the ST group. These findings suggest that enhancing children's expectancies can effectively counteract the adverse effects of gender-stereotypical threats on motor learning, providing valuable insights for educational interventions and practices. © 2025 Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2024
Perceptual and Motor Skills (1558688X)131(3)pp. 770-784
Most children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have some form of motor deficits. Additionally, based on executive dysfunction, working memory is often atypical in these children. Errorless learning reduces demands on working memory. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of errorless training on these children’s ability to learn golf putting. Participants (N = 20), aged 9–13 years (M = 10.15, SD = 1.4), were randomly assigned to either: (a) an errorless (ER) training group (n = 10) or (b) an explicit instruction (EI) group (n = 10). The ER group practiced putting from different distances without any instruction, while the EI group practiced putting at a particular distance with instruction. We measured motor performance (e.g., putting accuracy) and kinematic variables (e.g., putter face angle). One-way analyses of variance showed that motor performance significantly improved in both groups, but that the ER group showed significantly better accuracy retention (p <.028) and transfer learning (p <.047) than the instructional group. Kinematic variables were also significantly different between the two groups on the transfer test. These findings supported the benefits of errorless training compared to explicit instruction to teach motor skills to children with ASD. © The Author(s) 2024.
Publication Date: 2024
Journal of Adolescent Health (1054139X)75(1)pp. 133-139
Purpose: In the current world, adolescents are less likely to turn to physical activity games and often prefer to spend more time in the technological and digital world and have fun with digital games. This study aimed to explore reasons for preferring digital games to physical activity games in adolescents. Methods: Twenty-one adolescents participated in this qualitative study. The participants' age ranged from 11 to 19 who participated in semistructured interviews. The recorded interviews underwent thematic analysis to identify overall themes. Results: Five overall themes were identified from the interviews regarding reasons for preferring digital games over physical activity games. Identified themes included game characteristics, game space, game outcomes, peer pressure, and accessibility. Discussion: The findings of this research contribute to design adolescent-centered interventions that sustain/increase adolescents' interest in physical activity games and protect them from excessive/harmful use of digital games. © 2024 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine
Publication Date: 2025
Strategies (21683778)38(3)pp. 34-36
Classroom rules and agreements are essential for effective classroom management and significantly impact student learning. This article discusses 18 essential principles for designing and implementing rules and class agreements. © 2025 SHAPE America.
Publication Date: 2025
Human Movement Science (01679457)101
While some studies suggest stereotype threat negatively affects motor performance and learning, further research is needed to better understand its effects and underlying mechanisms, which could lead to strategies for mitigating its impact. In experiment 1, we 1) investigated the effects of gender stereotype threat on learning of an aiming task among adolescent girls, 2) evaluated conscious processes and motivational processes to explore the variables that act as mediators in the context of stereotype threats on performance, and 3) conducted in-depth interviews to explore the participants' experiences, understandings, and opinions related to gender stereotype. Moving one step further, with respect to our findings in Exp 1, we tested whether attentional focus strategies could mitigate the negative effects of stereotype threat on the motor learning of adolescent girls (Exp 2). Our results revealed that implementing an external focus of attention can mitigate the detrimental effects of stereotype threat on motor performance and learning in adolescent girls. These findings hold significant implications for the acquisition of motor skills among adolescents, especially in stereotype-threat conditions. Coaches and teachers, particularly in activities such as throwing, can encourage adolescents to adopt an external focus of attention. © 2025
Publication Date: 2023
International Journal of Learning Technology (17418119)18(3)pp. 260-278
This paper aims to identify the factors affecting the quality of the e-learning of physical education students. The statistical population of the paper consisted of undergraduate students at the University of Isfahan in the field of physical education who passed their theoretical and practical courses virtually in two semesters. The sample size was estimated to be 210 individuals based on the Krejcie and Morgan table. Then, a researcher-made questionnaire was employed to collect the required data. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the factors affecting the quality of e-learning and confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirm the identified factors. According to the results, the factors affecting the e-learning quality of theoretical and practical courses are teachers’ characteristics, technical characteristics of the educational system, content, student characteristics, and evaluation and feedback. Copyright © 2023 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Publication Date: 2013
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders (17509467)7(9)pp. 1054-1061
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of long term Kata techniques training on social interaction of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We assigned 30 school aged children with ASD to an exercise (n = 15) or a no-exercise group (n = 15). We required participants of the exercise group to exercise Kata techniques for 14 weeks, while participants of the control group received no exercise. We evaluated the social interaction of the participants at baseline, post-intervention (week 14), and at one month follow up. Results revealed that Kata techniques training significantly improved social dysfunction in the exercise group. Interestingly, at one month follow up improvement in social deficiency in the exercise group remained unchanged compared to post-intervention time. The social deficiency of participants of the control group was not changed across the experimental period. We concluded that teaching martial arts techniques to children with ASD leads to significant improvement in their social interaction. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2020
International Journal Of High Risk Behaviors And Addiction (22518711)9(4)pp. 1-4
The prevalence of high-risk behaviors among professional athletes as role models for their fans, especially adolescents and young people, is important to be considered. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HRBs in Iranian professional athletes. This cross-sectional study included 1,940 athletes that were active in eight popular sports from 12 cities of the country. Data were collected using stratified random sampling and a self-made high-risk behavior questionnaire. To analyze the data, descriptive statistical methods were used. The results showed the prevalence of doping among professional athletes was 3%. Besides, 0.3% of the professional athletes on average smoke daily, and 2% used shisha (smoking water pipes) daily. Moreover, 2.5% of professional athletes drunk alcohol at least one time per month. Also, the prevalence of violence involvement among professional athletes was 4.1%, and the prevalence of illicit drug use was 0.3%. The research results showed all high-risk behaviors were prevalent to some degree among professional athletes. © 2020. Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits copy and redistribute the material just in noncommercial usages, provided the original work is properly cited. All Rights Reserved.
Publication Date: 2012
Research in Developmental Disabilities (18733379)33(4)pp. 1183-1193
The effects of 14 weeks of Kata techniques training on stereotypic behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were investigated. The study included 30 eligible (diagnosed ASD, school age) children with ages ranging from 5 to 16 years whom they assigned to an exercise (. n=. 15) or a no-exercise control group (. n=. 15). Participants of the exercise group received Kata techniques instruction four times per week for 14 weeks (56 sessions). Stereotypy was assessed at baseline (pre-intervention), week 14 (post-intervention), and at one month follow up in both groups. Results showed that Kata techniques training significantly reduced stereotypy in the exercise group. Following participation in Kata techniques training, stereotypy decreased from baseline levels by a . M of 42.54% across participants. Interestingly, after 30 days of no practice, stereotypy in the exercise group remained significantly decreased compared to pre-intervention time. The participants of the control group did not show significant changes in the stereotypy. Teaching martial arts techniques to children with ASD for a long period of time consistently decreased their stereotypic behaviors. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Publication Date: 2016
Physical Culture and Sport, Studies and Research (20812221)69(1)pp. 5-14
Background. It is undeniable that coaches play a major role in the development of athletes. Coaches and athletes have a close relationship and share various experiences that lead to a strong bond between them, and this is of great responsibility for the coach. Therefore, the coach should maintain this bond with mutual respect and trust. Various responsibilities are progressively placed on coaches by law to prevent or minimize injuries to athletes. In other words, since a coach is placed in a position of power and trust, the duty of care will always be placed on him. If certain requirements are not met, the coach may be held financially, or even criminally, liable. In this study, the author explains and discusses coaches' legal duties, legal liabilities, and the elements required for liability of coaches toward athletes. © by Hamidreza Mirsafian 2016.
Mousavi, S.M.,
Salehi, H.,
Iwatsuki, T.,
Velayati, F.,
Deshayes, M. Publication Date: 2023
Sex Roles (03600025)89(3-4)pp. 174-185
The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of the relatively long induction of negative gender stereotypes on motor skill learning in young adolescent girls. Forty-six Iranian girls (Mage = 14.02 years old, SD = 0.80) were asked to practice a futsal kicking task (i.e., kicking a rolling ball toward a target) for 3 days with approximately 48 hours separating each session. Participants were randomly assigned to either a stereotype threat (ST) or nullified-stereotype threat (NS) group. Participants in the stereotype threat group randomly received related verbal, visual, and readable activation of gender stereotypes before each training session. The order of the manipulations (verbal induction on day 1 and so on) was randomly determined and this order was the same for all the participants. Two retention tests of 10 trials each, followed by two transfer tests, without feedback, were conducted 2 and 7 days later to assess the relatively permanent effects. Results showed that inducing negative stereotypes resulted in degraded kicking scores during the training sessions and degraded motor learning outlined by lower performance on the first and second retention and transfer tests. These findings provide the first evidence of the effect of relatively long induction of negative gender stereotypes on motor skill learning in adolescent girls. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Mousavi, S.M.,
Salehi, H.,
Iwatsuki, T.,
Velayati, F.,
Deshayes, M. Publication Date: 2024
SEX ROLES (03600025)90(1)pp. 230-230
The original online version of this article was revised to add an important paragraph that was inadvertently removed from the original file, this paragraph described the scoring system of the task and inserted before figure 1. The paragraph is as follows: The participants were told to assume that the goalkeeper was standing in the middle of the goal and to get the highest score, they should try to kick in such a way that it hit as far away from the goalkeeper’s hands as possible. The participants were informed that the balls that hit area number 3 will be awarded 3 points, while those hitting one of the other areas (areas number 2, and 1) will be awarded 2 or 1 point(s), respectively. A shot that missed the goal would earn 0 points. This modified task closely resembles the shots taken by futsal players during a game, and the task was approved by three futsal coaches. The original article has been corrected. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Publication Date: 2024
Journals of Gerontology - Series B Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences (10795014)79(1)
Objectives: According to the Optimizing Performance Through Intrinsic Motivation and Attention for Learning (OPTIMAL) theory of Wulf and Lewthwaite, enhanced expectancies (EE), autonomy support (AS), and an external focus (EF) of attention facilitate motor performance and learning. The present study examined whether consecutive implementation of EE, AS, and EF during practice would enhance the learning of a square-stepping task in older adults. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to optimized and control groups. After the pretest, 1 of the 3 factors was implemented during each of the three 12-trial practice blocks, in a counterbalanced order, in the optimized group: positive feedback (EE), choice of mat color (AS), and instructions to focus on the squares (EF). Control group participants practiced without any of these factors. Results: Results indicated that the optimized group had faster movement times than the control group during the practice phase and on 24-hr retention and transfer tests. Discussion: The key variables in the OPTIMAL theory can be applied sequentially in order to facilitate motor performance and learning in older adults. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved.
