Search Results (19)

The increasing demands in high-performance sports have led to the integration of technological solutions for training optimization. This study aimed to develop and validate an algorithm-based system for analyzing three critical phases in canoe training: initial acceleration, steady-state cruising, and final sprint. Using inertial measurement units (WIMU PRO™) sampling at 10 Hz, we collected performance data from 12 young canoeists at the Mar Menor High-Performance Sports Center. The custom-developed algorithm processed velocity–time data through polynomial fitting and phase detection methods. Results showed distinctive patterns in the acceleration phase, with initial rapid acceleration (5 s to stabilization) deteriorating in subsequent trials (9–10 s). Athletes maintained consistent stabilized speeds (14.62–14.98 km/h) but required increasing space for stabilization (13.49 to 31.70 m), with slope values decreasing from 2.58% to 0.74% across trials. Performance deterioration was evident through decreasing maximum speeds (18.58 to 17.30 km/h) and minimum speeds (11.17 to 10.17 km/h) across series. The algorithm successfully identified phase transitions and provided real-time feedback on key performance indicators. This technological approach enables automated detection of training phases and provides quantitative metrics for technique assessment, offering coaches and athletes an objective tool for performance optimization in canoeing. Our aim is to automate the analysis task that is currently performed manually by providing an algorithm that the coaches can understand, using very basic mathematical tools, and that saves time for them. Full article

Historically, inequities in mathematics education have resulted in mathematics classrooms that do not support all students, and particularly students from marginalized backgrounds. Efforts to transform mathematics classrooms to be culturally responsive, sustaining, and justice-oriented have met limited success at scale. It may be that supporting teachers to develop more equitable teaching practices would benefit from a more incremental improvement approach. This article considers how school-based mathematics coaches can support teachers to make incremental shifts toward more equitable instruction. We describe a coaching model designed to include elements of incremental improvement, in which coaches and teachers analyze video against a set of rubrics that delineate equitable teaching practices. Using established routines and structures, coaches and teachers work together to identify and enact small, actionable changes that build toward more ambitious equity-oriented practices. Drawing on pilot data, we articulate how the coaching model both reflects and builds on an improvement approach to professional learning. We argue that while incremental shifts may be insufficient to fully address systemic inequities, they can serve as a meaningful bridge toward larger changes. We conclude with considerations for engaging in equity-oriented incremental improvement work. Full article

Objectives: The present study examined the sensory preferences adopted by students over three years of training in a specialized training program for security forces (STPSF). It determines their impact on karate performance metrics. Methods: Thirty-one students aged 20 to 26 (SD = 0.81) completed the modified Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic questionnaire (VARK), a tool designed to help identify students’ preferred learning styles. This research suggests a theoretical model in which the balanced and optimal engagement of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities rather than a strict mathematical equation might provide an optimal foundation for improving proficiency in martial arts. Balanced engagement of these sensory modalities can foster a deeper understanding of karate techniques, improve performance, minimize dependence on a single sensory channel, and bolster real-time adaptability. The students were tested at two points: once at the beginning of their enrolment and again after completing their three-year training program. Results: After a relatively intensive intervention over three years, the findings suggest a positive shift in the ratio of the primary modalities, moving toward an optimal balance. Considering the ideal sensory balance of 50:50:50%, the visual modality increased from 45.8 to 50.4, approaching the optimal value. The auditory modality, initially above the ideal level at 53.8, adjusted closer to balance, reaching 51.9. In contrast, the kinesthetic modality slightly decreased from 50 to 47.5, indicating a minor deviation from the ideal state. It was further confirmed that a higher technical level, such as the third kyu, exhibits an equal distribution, approaching the optimal use of the three modalities: visual 51.5 auditory 47.6 and kinesthetic 50.7. Moreover, the progress toward an optimal synergy and a more efficient evaluation of situational possibilities within the decision-making process was more frequently noted in females than in male students. Conclusions: Acknowledging students’ sensory processing preferences can assist the teacher, trainer, coach, and student in advancing interaction, optimizing learning strategies, improving performance, promoting analytical skills, and fostering self-assurance and determination. Full article

(1) Background: The application of a mathematical formula to human gait at certain phases is a considerable method to avoid the issues associated with complicated procedures of gait assessment. The purpose of this study was to identify the validity and reliability of an angle (the ZAY angle) in estimating and predicting the step length in healthy subjects. (2) Methods: Thirty-three college-aged students participated in this study. For an assessment of each participant’s gait, a 4.5 m walkway was covered with a weight paper roll to mark the participant’s footprints, providing the step lengths of six consecutive steps for two trials. At the same time, a video recording was captured and analyzed by the Coach’s Eye application to determine the step angle (ß). The arc length formula was utilized to calculate the ZAY angle (θ). Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient and the interclass correlation coefficient were used to test the validity and reliability of the ZAY angle in determining individualized step lengths in healthy subjects. Simple linear regression was used to test if the calculated angle could significantly predict the step length. (3) Results: The Spearman rho correlation between the analyzed and calculated angles was significant for all three step lengths (p < 0.05). It was found that the calculated angle could significantly predict the step length (β = 0.91, p < 0.05). The ICC was very high (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The ZAY angle is a valid and reliable angle that can be used to estimate individualized step lengths. Clinicians could include this angle in their gait analysis profiles to achieve individualized assessment and rehabilitation goals. Full article

Performance analysis, utilizing video technology and recent technological advancements in soccer stadiums, provides a wealth of data, including player trajectories and real-time game statistics, which are crucial for tactical evaluation and decision-making by coaches and players. These data allow for the definition of metrics that not only enrich the experience for soccer fans through enhanced visual displays but also empower coaching staff and managers to make informed, real-time decisions that directly impact match outcomes. Ultimately, these data serve as a pivotal tool for improving team strategy based on comprehensive post-match data analysis. In this article, we present a mathematical model to study the concept of pressure between players and, subsequently, between teams. We first explore the concept in a fixed frame of a match, determining what we call influence areas between players. We introduce the unit pressure function and analyze the total number of pressure interactions. Then, we apply these concepts to football matches, considering various factors such as players and the radius of the area of influence and examining pressure efficiency through mean unitary pressure. Lastly, a real case study is presented, showcasing visualizations like a heatmap matrix displaying individual and collective pressure, as well as the team pressure balance. Full article

Swimming coaches know that a swimmer’s assessment must be specific and ecological. Thus, it is critical to select and employ adequate methodologies. The tethered swimming method can be useful and valid, in addition to being simple to apply. Regular use of this methodology can give coaches tools to intervene with their swimmers and increase performance. The main objective of this manuscript was to analyze the potential for measuring the propulsive forces exerted in water as a biomechanical tool for evaluating and training competitive swimmers. The key results demonstrated that this methodology allows (i) the assessment of upper limb bilateral kinetic asymmetries; (ii) the evaluation of the contribution of the upper and lower limb actions, inferring about the (un)balance between strength and coordination; (iii) the examination of the relationship between the intracyclic variations in speed and force; (iv) the evaluation of the effective application of force to the speed of high-level swimmers. Furthermore, this manuscript suggests advances using mathematical modeling and artificial intelligence (AI) that will provide significant insights into swimming performances. AI developments will promote its integration into sports optimization, and swimming will be no exception. Full article

Although the probability of a rollover accident is lower than that of other forms of collision, rollover is a serious accident that can break the symmetry of the vehicle and cause serious loss of life and property. There are many factors affecting rollovers, such as the environment, the vehicle, and the driving control. A coach comprises a complex dynamic system; as such, the accuracy and rationality of the used mathematical model are decisive in the study of coach rollover warning and control. By analogy with the modeling method of an automobile collision accident, the general process of a coach rollover accident is analyzed in this study in combination with the contact form and freedom of motion characteristic of the coach body and external environment. According to the principle of conservation of energy, the mathematical models of critical rollover impact force in a collision between vehicles and obstacles and in a collision between two vehicles are established, allowing for analysis of the relationships between the critical tripped rollover impact forces required for a 90° rollover and the continuous action time and collision point height. During the collision between the vehicle and the obstacle, the occurrence of a vehicle rollover is related not only to the impact force in the collision process but also to the collision duration time. Even if the impact force is relatively small, the collision lasts long enough that a second collision may occur until the vehicle rolls over. In the process of a two-vehicle collision, the critical rollover impact force is not only related to the vehicle mass but also to the vehicle wheelbase and the height of the collision point. Based on the law of conservation of momentum, the mathematic models of 90-degree rollover and 180-degree rollover are established, and the critical rollover velocities are calculated. The purpose of this study is to provide reference and guidance for the research methods of vehicle rollover stability and anti-rollover control in the intelligent vehicle era. Full article

Physicians are required to move and manipulate equipment to achieve motor tasks such as surgical operations, endotracheal intubations, and intravenous cannulation. Understanding how movements are generated allows for the analysis of performance, skill development, and methods of teaching. Ecological-Dynamics (ECD) is a theoretical framework successfully utilized in sports to explain goal-directed actions and guide coaching and performance analysis via a Constraint-Led Approach (CLA). Its principles have been adopted by other domains including learning music and mathematics. Healthcare is yet to utilize ECD for analyzing and teaching practical skills. This article presents ECD theory and considers it as the approach to understand skilled behavior and developing training in medical skills. Full article

Considering the Social Network Analysis approach and based on the creation of mathematical models, the aim of this study is to analyze the players’ interactions of professional football teams in critical moments of the game. The sample consists in the analysis of a 2019/2020 season UEFA Champions League match. The mathematical models adopted in the analysis of the players (micro analysis) and the game (macro analysis) were obtained through the uPATO software. The results of the networks indicated a performance pattern trend more robust in terms of the mathematical model: Network Density. As far as it concerned, we found that the Centroid Players had a decisive role in the level of connectivity and interaction of the team. Regarding the main critical moments of the game, the results showed that these were preceded by periods of great instability, obtaining a differentiated performance in the following mathematical models: Centrality, Degree Centrality, Closeness Centrality, and Degree Prestige. We concluded that the networks approach, in concomitance with the dynamic properties of mathematical models, and the critical moments of the game, can help coaches to better evaluate the level of interaction and connectivity of their players toward the actions imposed by opponents. Full article

High school research experience programs (HSREPs) provide opportunities for true science education and expose students to scientific investigations in laboratory settings. Various HSREPs models have been practiced to shape students’ research understandings; however, a systematic comparison of the success, challenges, and opportunities of these HSREPs has not been gauged. This article compares the effectiveness of such science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) based HSREP models reported in the last two decades. We shortlisted seventeen studies on the most effective HSREPs and identified the characteristics of these reports. Results show that student research experiences vary depending on the structure of the model used and the nature of the laboratory setting to which students are exposed. However, there is a dire need to integrate more collaborative and customized research practices to accommodate more students in HSREPs. Additionally, intensive support, mentoring, and coaching are essential to provide students a comprehensive understanding to excel in their research career pathway. Finally, there is a desperate need for further studies to develop the frameworks that can help the smooth transition of high school students into research-oriented university programs. Full article

This research investigates the potential for a one-to-one coaching tool used by adults other than teachers to be able to deliver greater mathematics progress for primary school children without adding significantly to school costs. Plus 1 and Power of 2 (+1 and Po2) are workbooks designed to be used by adults other than teachers working on a one-to-one basis with children to develop numeracy skills. This quantitative study seeks to examine the impact of +1 and Po2 by considering performance data aggregated at the school level. The attainment of children at 1071 English schools which use the +1 and Po2 products was compared with that of peers in other schools using a quasi-experimental research design based on England’s national performance measures. Statistical analysis suggests that schools using +1 and Po2 show higher levels of mathematics attainment than those who may have used other resources. Furthermore, there is an important finding that assessment attendance is higher, and disapplication from the curriculum lower, in schools using +1 and Po2. This indicates that use of this one-to-one intervention improves access to national tests for children and represents an opportunity for school leaders to maximise the cost effectiveness of existing non-teaching staff or volunteers. Full article

Background: The exhaustive series of tests undergone by young athletes of Olympic rowing prior to important competitions imply loads of physical stress that can ultimately impact on mood and motivation, with negative consequences for their training and performance. Thus, it is necessary to develop a tool that uses only the performance of short distances but is highly predictive, offering a time expectancy with high reliability. Such a test must use variables that are easy to collect with high practical applicability in the daily routine of coaches. Objective: The objective of the present study was to develop a mathematical model capable of predicting 2000 m rowing performance from a maximum effort 100 m indoor rowing ergometer (IRE) test in young rowers. Methods: The sample consisted of 12 male rowing athletes in the junior category (15.9 ± 1.0 years). A 100 m time trial was performed on the IRE, followed by a 2000 m time trial 24-h later. Results: The 2000 m mathematical model to predict performance in minutes based on the maximum 100 m test demonstrated a high correlation (r = 0.734; p = 0.006), strong reliability index (ICC: 0.978; IC95%: [0.960; 0.980]; p = 0.001) and was within usable agreement limits (Bland -Altman Agreement: −0.60 to 0.60; 95% CI [−0.65; 0.67]). Conclusion: The mathematical model developed to predict 2000 m performance is effective and has a statistically significant reliability index while being easy to implement with low cost. Full article

The prediction of sport event results has always drawn attention from a vast variety of different groups of people, such as club managers, coaches, betting companies, and the general population. The specific nature of each sport has an important role in the adaption of various predictive techniques founded on different mathematical and statistical models. In this paper, a common approach of modeling sports with a strongly defined structure and a rigid scoring system that relies on an assumption of independent and identical point distributions is challenged. It is demonstrated that such models can be improved by introducing dynamics into the match models in the form of sport momentums. Formal mathematical models for implementing these momentums based on conditional probability and empirical Bayes estimation are proposed, which are ultimately combined through a unifying hybrid approach based on the Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, the method is applied to real-life volleyball data demonstrating noticeable improvements over the previous approaches when it comes to predicting match outcomes. The method can be implemented into an expert system to obtain insight into the performance of players at different stages of the match or to study field scenarios that may arise under different circumstances. Full article

In higher education, Learning Assistants (LAs)—a relatively recent evolution grounded in peer mentorship models—are gaining popularity in classrooms as universities strive to meet the needs of undergraduate learners. Unlike Teaching Assistants, LAs are undergraduate students who receive continuous training from faculty mentors in content-area coaching and pedagogical skills. As near-peers, they assist assigned groups of undergraduates (students) during class. Research on LAs suggests that they are significant in mitigating high Drop-Fail-Withdrawal rates of large enrollment undergraduate science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical (STEMM) courses. However, there is a dearth of description regarding the learning between LAs and STEMM faculty mentors. This paper reports on perspectives of faculty mentors and their cooperating LAs in regard to their learning relationships during a Calculus II at a research-oriented university during Spring of 2020. Using an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design, faculty (oral responses) and LAs (written responses) reflected on their relationship. Content analysis (coding) resulted in four salient categories (by faculty and LA percentages, respectively) in: Showing Care and Fostering Relationships (47%, 23%); Honing Pedagogical Skills (27%, 36%); Being Prepared for Class and Students (23%, 28%); and Developing Content Knowledge in Calculus (3%, 13%). Benefits of LAs to faculty and ways to commence LA programs at institutions are also discussed. Full article

We present the results of a mixed methods study focusing on the implementation of a pilot elementary mathematics specialist (EMS) endorsement program implemented in partnership with the several educational organizations to provide teachers in high needs rural areas an opportunity to earn the EMS endorsement through coursework and instructional leadership experiences. The data presented draw from social cognitive theory and andragogy to describe the experiences of the EMS candidates throughout their endorsement program and to provide recommendations for programmatic improvements. We sought to explore ways in which the EMS candidates’ experiences within the program and school-based internship impacted their levels of self-efficacy and perceived success within the program. We also sought to determine the opportunities and barriers that exist with the EMS candidates’ respective learning environments as they implemented professional learning plans with a core set of teachers they collaborated with to improve mathematics instruction. The results of this study indicate that both EMS candidates and the teachers they worked with increased their levels of mathematics content knowledge. EMS candidates also improved their levels of self-efficacy regarding mathematics teaching and leadership skills. Furthermore, both EMS candidates and their core set of teachers improved in time spent focused on ongoing professional learning activities. Recommendations include a need to support teachers as they expand their role into instruction as well as equip school leaders to ensure they can support teacher leadership candidates in their professional growth. Full article