This study aim to examine the effectiveness of plyometric training on muscle physical changes. 24 long jumpers under 12 year old from Cameron Highland were involved in this study. 12 participants were in the control group and another 12 were assigned into treatment group. The training program was conducted twice a week for six weeks. Girth of thigh and calf muscles measurement were conducted during pre-test and post-test. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and two-way ANOVA test to determine the mean differences between groups, trial period and interaction of group and trial period. The findings showed that calf and thigh circumference show an improvement for both treatment and control group, in which the treatment group had gained significantly higher achievement. The two-way ANOVA test showed significant differences in enlargement of thigh muscle and calf muscle diameter between groups and trial period. As a conclusion, the plyometric exercises increased circumference of the thigh muscles and calf muscles among long jumpers. The implication of the study is that the proper plyometric training with an appropriate load for primary school athletes need to be implemented to achieve peak performance.
The purpose of rehydration is to replace fluid and electrolyte losses. Carbohydrates and sodium are the main nutrient sources for rehydration. The presence of protein aids the rehydration process and thereby promoting muscle synthesis. Zea mays had been identified as one of the potential food sources that could be an alternative recovery beverage. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of Zea mays (ZM) juice as an alternative rehydration beverage. A total of 15 male participants were involved in this study. They were required to cycle to 70-80% of their age predicted maximum heart rate until they were dehydrated (1.8-2% body weight loss). Then they were given either ZM juice or CE drink in an amount representing 150% of their initial body weight loss. After 4-hours of rest with no other food allowed, their USG and percentage of fluid retention were calculated. Results showed that ZM juice had better retention and demonstrated well hydrated USG readings compared to CE drink. Therefore, ZM juice has the potential to be an alternative rehydration beverage.
This study aimed to develop an instrument to identify the motives of youth involvement in sports. The Sports Engagement Motivation Instrument (MPS) is constructed through two phases of research, namely the phasing of the item and the psychometric testing of the instrument. Formulation of questionnaire items was conducted in accordance with the Nominal Group Technique process for youths who are active in sports. A total of 75 items were generated from the questionnaire design phase. Alpha Cronbach's factor analysis and coefficient values were used to test the number of factors and internal reliability of the data. The SPS questionnaire was administered to 582 active youths for factor analysis and instrument reliability. The results of the analysis of the principal components of the MPS questionnaire consisted of 58 items, comprising nine factors, namely Raising Country Name, Health and Fitness, Skill Improvement, Wanting Challenges, Seeking Success, Family Pride, Pride, Emotional Stability and Future Assurance. Factor loadings for each item ranged from 0.40 to 0.74, and reliability (alpha) values ranged from 0.66 to 0.93. The validity of MPS content has been evaluated by seven field experts and has confirmed that MPS has validity of content and can accurately test the motives of youth involvement in sports. The findings of this study indicate that the MPS instrument has high reliability and reliability and can be used in identifying adolescents' involvement in sports.