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Prevalence and importance of choosing health and physical education subject in Tamil- Medium secondary schools in the Colombo Central Zone, Sri Lanka

2024-12-02T08:22:34Z

Title: Prevalence and importance of choosing health and physical education subject in Tamil- Medium secondary schools in the Colombo Central Zone, Sri Lanka Authors: Barath, N. Abstract: In 1932, C.W.W. Kannangara, known as the father of free education, incorporated health as a subject in the Kanthassa education system within the Sri Lankan curriculum. The subject was further developed in 1980 and subject named as Health and Physical education. The aim of the study is to assess prevalence of the students who selected the Health and Physical education as a subject and the participants’ view about the importance of this subject among Tamil medium Schools of Colombo Central Zone. Mixed methods research design was used. There are 22 Tamil-medium secondary schools in the Colombo Central Zone, of which 12 schools have been selected as samples. Totally 92 student samples were selected by using Krejcie Morgan sampling method along with 12 principals, 12 vice-principals, and 24 teachers. A simple transliteration method was used, and data were collected using questionnaires from the students, and interviews with teachers and principals, and data from documents. The collected data were analyzed descriptively using tables and graphs. The prevalence of the students who selected the Health and Physical education as the subject among these school is 24 (mean value). The benefits of studying this subject encountered by the participants are: students may acquire skills in goal planning, time management, self-monitoring, reasoning, problem-solving, flexibility, accountability, attention control, and self-confidence. Also, it was suggested that students’ achievement and logical thinking abilities can be enhanced through this subject. Many participants stated that if the students studying this subject, it may be benefited for their wellbeing. Since the percentage of choosing this subject is less, it was recommended that students and parents in the study area to be educate regarding the benefits of this subject.

Prediction of playing ability in Taekwondo from selected anthropometrical physical fitness and physiological characteristics among varsity Taekwondo sparring players in Sri Lanka

2024-12-02T08:17:33Z

Title: Prediction of playing ability in Taekwondo from selected anthropometrical physical fitness and physiological characteristics among varsity Taekwondo sparring players in Sri Lanka Authors: Jayasekara, D.C.; Joniton, S.; Jayasingha, R.; Kumara, R. Abstract: Taekwondo sparring is an exciting part of training that allows practitioners to put theirpunches and kicks into one-on-one or multiple-person situations. As the sport grows in popularity, understanding the complex nature of player performance becomes critical. Therefore, this study aimed to predict the Taekwondo playing ability of varsity Taekwondo sparring players using their anthropometrics, physical fitness, and physiological parameters. To achieve the purpose, thirty female Taekwondo players, aged between 20 to 25 were selected from the universities of Sri Lanka. All the players had atleast three years of playing experience and represented their university teams. In this study, thirteen anthropometric factors ( standing height, weight, leg length, foot length, hand length, calf girth, thigh girth, chest girth, waist girth, forearm girth, upper arm girth, thigh skinfold, calf skinfold), nine physical fitness qualities (muscular endurance, muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, power agility, speed, coordination, hand and foot reaction time), and three physiological parameters (resting heart rate, breath hold time, and peak expiratory flow rate) were selected as independent variables. All the variables were examined by a standardized test using scientifically approved equipment. The dependent variable of playing ability was assessed by the three qualified Taekwondo referees and it was determined by four skills: kicking, punching, attacking, and blocking during the match situation. The collected data was analyzed by stepwise multiple regression analysis with SPSS software. The results revealed that cardiovascular endurance, coordination, reaction time, flexibility, leg length, foot length, resting heart rate, breath hold time, and peak expiratory flow were highly correlated with playing ability. From the results it was concluded anthropometrical, physical fitness physiological parameters positively impact the Taekwondo playing ability of varsity taekwondo sparring players in Sri Lanka.

Development of an economical and sustainable protein powder, using natural ingredients for Sri Lankan athletes

2024-12-02T08:11:55Z

Title: Development of an economical and sustainable protein powder, using natural ingredients for Sri Lankan athletes Authors: Gamage, C.P.; Somarathna, R.D.A.M.; Wickramarachchi, W.K.D.S.A.; Sajiwanie, J.W.A. Abstract: Protein is athletes' most important nutritional component to repair and protect their muscles. This study aims to produce protein supplements at a low cost using local ingredients for Sri Lankan athletes because all the supplements available on the market are expensive. After protein content analysis by Kjeldahl method, soybeans (0.55 kg), mushrooms (1.500 kg), and millet (0.200 kg) were used as main ingredients for the preparation of 1 kg of powder. All the ingredients were properly powdered and mixed in special lab processes. Energy (calories and kilojoules), protein content, fat content, carbohydrate content, and moisture content were evaluated for the final product. Sensory analysis, shelf-life testing, and determination of water soluble ash content tests were carried out for this product. The final product was dissolved in water and used in three ways for sensory analysis (A-Supplement 1 tablespoon dissolved in 300 ml water, B-Supplement 2 tablespoon dissolved in 300 ml water, C-Supplement 3 tablespoon dissolved in 300 ml water). A sample of 30 students was used to test the texture, color, aroma, taste, melting, and after taste of the product, and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an ANOVA test. According to the Kjeldahl method results of protein content analysis, protein content in soybeans, mushrooms and millet was 27%, 14%, and 25% respectively. Further, the final product had a nutritional profile with energy content of 329 kcal (1375 kJ) per 100 g, a protein content of 31.9%, 12.6% of fat, 25.6% of carbohydrates, 10.1% of sugar content and finally with a moisture content of 15.83%. Statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant difference between the above six components (p<0.05). Sample B is the best one because the above statistical test shows the highest mean (Mean ± Standard Deviation = 25.07 ± 3.18). Cost analysis proved that this supplement can be produced at a low cost of Rs. 1825 per kg. This study shows that a protein-based balanced protein supplement powder can be developed using local low-cost ingredients. As a result, the developed nutritional powder provides a balanced blend based on protein. In the future variations of flavors of this powder can be developed.

Effect of eight weeks aerobic endurance training (swimming) on long-distance freestyle performance among intermediate male swimmers

2024-12-02T08:06:57Z

Title: Effect of eight weeks aerobic endurance training (swimming) on long-distance freestyle performance among intermediate male swimmers Authors: Balasooriya, B.K.H.S.; Nawodya, K.W.D.; De Silva, R.P.D.K. Abstract: Swimming strokes are the different techniques used by swimmers to move throughthe water efficiently. In the last 2023 inter-university games, it was observed that the intermediate male team at Sabaragamuwa University had a problem with their performance in events of 200 meters and other long-distance events in freestyle. The problem was that they had considered the timing gap, lap by lap compared to othertop players. Therefore the objective of the study was to find out the effect of eight weeks of aerobic endurance training (swimming) on long distance freestyle performance among intermediate male swimmers in Sri Lanka. Two male intermediate long-distance swimmers from Sabaragmuwa University were selected using the purposive sampling technique to take part in the research. The training program was conducted over an eight-week period involving two intermediate male swimmers. Both samples completed training three days per week and two hours per day. The level of tested swimmers was assessed using the swimming beep test beginning and the end of the periodization as pre test and post-test. For descriptive analysis, only data obtained at maximum loads in both pre and post-tests were accepted. As expected study results showed that there was significant improvement evidenced in the post-test more than the pre-test. According to the norms table of the swimming beep test, both samples' performance was poor in the pre-test. However, in the post-test, both samples showed average performance. The above study concludes that the enhancement of the aerobic endurance of freestyle long-distance intermediate male swimmers at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka indicates the necessity to improve the performance of swimmers with proper training.