METHODS: We used an accelerometer to measure step count, metabolic equivalent task, level of intensity and vector magnitude during 20 min playing sessions. The playing space was standardised for each game to the size of a badminton court (i.e. 13.4 m in length and 6.1 m in width).
RESULTS: The results showed that three traditional Malaysian games, namely Galah Panjang, Bola Beracun and Baling Tin, fulfilled the requirements to be classified as moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity in terms of step count, metabolic equivalent task, heart rate and motions in all planes.
CONCLUSION: This study shows that playing traditional games for 20 min can increase physical activity among primary school students.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved dental students at four public universities in Malaysia. A validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used to assess their sleep quality. An additional self-administered questionnaire was employed to obtain the students' sociodemographic profile, lifestyle, and academic performance. The data were analysed using descriptive, chi-square, and multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-four dental students participated in this study. About half of the dental students (51.6%) have poor sleep quality. The mean of sleep hours per night was 5.72 (SD 1.06). The sleep quality was significantly poor among Malay students (P = 0.023), students who stayed at hostel (P = 0.002), and those who consumed caffeinated drinks (P = 0.028). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the poor sleep quality was significantly associated with self-perceived poor academic performance (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.95, 95% CI [1.25-6.96], P-value = 0.013) and students skipping class (AOR 1.70, 95% CI [1.00-2.91], P-value = 0.046).
CONCLUSIONS: Most of the dental students in Malaysia have poor sleep quality. Ethnicity, accommodation, and caffeine consumption were significantly associated with sleep quality. Awareness to sleep quality among dental students is needed to ensure they are able to cope with the challenging dental school learning environment.