Balasekaran, Govindasamy

Preferred name
Balasekaran, Govindasamy
Email
govindasamy.b@nie.edu.sg
Department
Physical Education & Sports Science (PESS)
Personal Site(s)
ORCID
Now showing 1 - 10 of 24
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    Open Access
    The effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) on academic self-confidence and generic skills of graduate students in health-related fitness and wellness in Singapore
    (2010)
    Chin, Ming-Kai
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    Mok, Magdalena Mo Ching
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    Balasekaran, Govindasamy 
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    Chia, Michael 
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    Wong, Patricia
    This study examined the effectiveness of Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach on enhancing graduate in-service physical education teachers' academic self-confidence, leadership and initiation. academic affect, and information processmg competence. A pre-test/post-test with quasi-experimental design was used. 27 graduate in-service physical education teachers from the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in a health-related and wellness module participated in this study. The intervention comprised teaching participants using a PBL approach for 12 teaching weeks. Measuring scales of high validity and reliability were developed for this study to measure participants' self-concept, leadership, academic affect and their information processing competence. Averaged post-test scores in most of generic skill aspects ( 8 out of II) were significantly higher than pre-test scores. Students had in general more positive attitudes toward the module and themselves at post- test than they had at pre-test. The results strongly support that teaching using a PBL approach is beneficial to both students' generic skill development and academic affect to teaching and learning.
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    Open Access
    Obesity prevention in Singapore: Collaborative efforts among government, health professionals and the community
    (Sagamore, 2010)
    Nidhi Gupta
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    Chin, Ming-Kai
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    Yang, Jingzhen
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    Balasekaran, Govindasamy 
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    Chia, Michael 
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    Girandola, Robert N.
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    Edginton, Christopher R.
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    Mok, Magdalena Mo Ching
    Obesity has reached global epidemic proportions over the past 10 years. As countries become more affluent, their populations tend to adopt caloric balance problems that have plagued the USA and Western Europe. Obesity is classified as the second most serious reversible health problem, after smoking in the world today. The relationship between obesity and cardiovascular diseases is well documented. The increase in obesity in Asian countries is remarkable. In 2004, the prevalence of obesity in the adult population in Singapore increased upto 16% (high risk category: ≥ 27.5kg/m2) and prompted many forms of government action, encouraging collaboration between businesses, the educational system and non-governmental organizations. This paper reviews the rise of obesity in Singapore and some of the approaches being implemented to address this concern. Singapore, a multiethnic country, with Chinese, Indian and Malay populations, has to address diversity in customs, diet and religions to combat obesity. The collaborative efforts of various organizations such as the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) have successfully improved the health status of Singaporeans. The fact that the rise in obesity in Singapore is lower than in other neighboring Asian countries attests to the partial success of the collaborative efforts.
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    Open Access
    Brain Breaks® physical activity solutions in the classroom and on attitudes toward physical activity: A randomized controlled trial among primary students from eight countries
    (MDPI, 2020)
    Mok, Magdalena Mo Ching
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    Chin, Ming-Kai
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    Korcz, Agata
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    Popeska, Biljana
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    Edginton, Christopher R.
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    Uzunoz, Fatma Sacli
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    Podnar, Hrvoje
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    Coetzee, Dané
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    Georgescu, Luminita
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    Emeljanovas, Arunas
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    Pasic, Milan
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    Balasekaran, Govindasamy 
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    Anderson, Elizabeth
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    Durstine, J. Larry
    Classroom-based physical activity (PA) interventions have received considerable attention due to improvements seen in academic achievement, classroom behaviors, and attitude toward PA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solutions in changing children’s attitudes toward PA. Students (N = 3036) aged 8–11 years from schools in Croatia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, and Turkey were randomly assigned to either a control or an experimental group. The experimental group received Brain Breaks® videos during classroom sessions throughout the four months of intervention. Student attitudes toward PA were measured using the Attitudes toward Physical Activity Scale (APAS) before and after the intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a time interaction effect for all APAS variables except fitness. Time-by-group interaction effects with different effect sizes were found for most APAS variables, with the greatest gain effect noted in the experimental group for self-efficacy, followed by learning from the videos concerning PA benefits, exercise importance, and enjoyment from engaging in PA. This study provides evidence supporting Brain Breaks® in terms of learning experience, attitudes towards PA, and personal motivation. Using exercise videos is recommended as an interactive, technology-based PA solution that can be easily integrated into the school setting.
    WOS© Citations 24Scopus© Citations 35  184  193
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    Comparing the effects of plyometric and isometric strength training on dynamic and isometric force-time characteristics
    (Institute of Sport, Warsaw, 2022)
    Lum, Danny Wan Yin
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    Comfort, Paul
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    Barbosa, Tiago M.
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    Balasekaran, Govindasamy 
    The purpose of the study was to compare the change in dynamic and isometric force-time characteristics after plyometric (PLYO) or isometric strength training (ISO). Twenty-two endurance runners (age = 37 ± 6 years,stature = 1.71 ± 0.05 m, body mass = 62.7 ± 8.6 kg, weekly mileage = 47.3 ± 10.8 km) performed a countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test during pre- and post-tests. They were then randomly assigned to either PLYO or ISO group and completed 12 sessions of intervention over six weeks. The PLYO included drop jump, single leg bounding and split jump, and the ISO included IMTP and isometric ankle plantar flexion. Significant and large time x group interactions were observed for CMJ countermovement depth (P = 0.037, ƞ²p = 0.21) and IMTP and relative peak force (PF) (P = 0.030, ƞ²p = 0.22). Significant and large main effects for time were observed in CMJ height, peak power, propulsive phase duration, countermovement depth, reactive strength index modified, IMTP PF and relative PF (P < 0.05, 0.20 ≤ ƞ²p ≤ 0.65). Effect for time showed small improvement in CMJ height for both PLYO (P < 0.001, d = 0.48) and ISO (P = 0.009, d = 0.47), small improvement in CMJ PP in PLYO (P = 0.020, d = 0.21), large increase in countermovement depth (P = 0.004, d = 1.02) and IMTP relative PF (P < 0.001, d = 0.87), and moderate increase in propulsive phase duration (P = 0.038, d = 0.65) and IMTP PF (P < 0.001, d = 0.55) in ISO. There were large differences between groups for percentage change in countermovement depth (P = 0.003, d = 0.96) and IMTP relative PF (P = 0.047, d = 0.90). In conclusion, both PLYO and ISO improved CMJ jump height via different mechanisms, while only ISO resulted in improved IMTP PF and relative PF.
    WOS© Citations 6  53
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    Restricted
    Feasibility of wearing cloth mask during exercise in children
    (National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University (NIE NTU), Singapore, 2023)
    Lim, Yi Wen
    ;
    Balasekaran, Govindasamy 
    The appearance of covid-19 has sparked a greater awareness of the presence of the many flu variants and how they affect individuals. For students to participate in physical education lessons, they need to be physically fit for the activities that their teacher have planned for the lesson. Furthermore, the heavy breathing of students and them being in close proximity to one another might increase the rate of transmission. Hence, there has been more discussions of the introduction of safe wearing of face mask during physical education.
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    Effectiveness of modified perceived exertion scale on exercise intensity across age group, gender and exercise modalities
    (Asian Society of Kinesiology, 2024)
    Balasekaran, Govindasamy 
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    Boey, Peggy
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    Ng, Yew Cheo

    This study aims to conduct a systematic and meta-analysis to collate the current findings and assess the effectiveness of perceived exertion scales (original or modified), across various users profile (gender, age, exercise background) and exercise modalities (aerobic vs resistance).

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    Open Access
    Effects of soy milk ingestion on anaerobic performance and physiological measures
    (American Society of Exercise Physiologists, 2021)
    Balasekaran, Govindasamy 
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    Pan, Shi Yu
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    Ng, Yew Cheo
    The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of soy protein supplementation to improve performance and recovery during repeated running anaerobic sprint test (RAST). Ten males (age: 23.2 ± 1.23 yrs) performed two RAST with a soy milk intervention (SOY; 500 mL soy milk + 4 g stevia sweetener) and a placebo control (CON; 500 mL water + 4 g stevia sweetener) over 7 days. The RAST consisted of six 35-m sprints with a 10-sec recovery between each sprint. The total effort time (sec) was not significant between SOY (32.77 ± 1.23) and CON (33.28 ± 1.71) (P = 0.179). Fatigue index in SOY (31.64 ± 5.20) was significantly lower than CON (37.30 ± 5.70) (P = 0.023). Mean power (Watts) (Soy: 499.27 ± 62.72, Con: 486.39 ± 86.13) (P = 0.410), relative power (Watts) (Soy: 9.34 ± 1.02, Con: 9.55 ± 1.51) (P = 0.461), peak blood lactate (mmol·L-1) (Soy: 9.75 ± 1.61, Con: 10.24 ± 1.90) (P = 0.488), and peak blood glucose (mmol·L-1) (Soy: 23.94 ± 3.90, Con: 25.09 ± 4.61) (P = 0.497) between trials were not significant. Peak blood lactate (r = -0.654) and glucose (r = -0.662) concentrations were inversely associated with mean power in the SOY trial. The results indicate that the soy milk intervention in RAST significantly lowered the fatigue index and, therefore, may be used to enhance sports performance involving anaerobic activities.
      559  709
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    Physical activity among adults residing in 11 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown
    (MDPI, 2021)
    Ding, Kele
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    Yang, Jingzhen
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    Chin, Ming-Kai
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    Sullivan, Lindsay
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    Durstine, J. Larry
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    Violant-Holz, Verónica
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    Demirhan, Giyasettin
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    Oliveira, Nara R. C.
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    Popeska, Biljana
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    Kuan, Garry
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    Waheeda Khan
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    Dai, Jianhui
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    Xu, Xia
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    Mladenova, Zornitza
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    Balasekaran, Govindasamy 
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    Smith, Gary A.
    During the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, physical activity (PA) behaviors were altered worldwide due to public health measures such as “lockdown.” This study described PA among adults residing in 11 countries during COVID-19 lockdown and examined factors associated with PA engagement. We conducted a cross-sectional anonymous survey among adults (≥18 years old) in 11 countries (Brazil, Bulgaria, China, India, Ireland, Malaysia, North Macedonia, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, United States). Of 11,775 participants, 63.7% were female and 52.8% were 18–34 years old. More than 40% of participants were insufficiently active (43.9%) and reported a decrease in their PA during lockdown (44.8%). Statistically significant differences were observed in (1) proportions of participants being insufficiently active, (2) level of PA, and (3) decrease in PA across the 11 countries. More stringent governmental policy responses were associated with greater likelihood of being insufficiently active during lockdown (adjusted odds ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.03, 1.45). Higher depression or anxiety scores were associated with greater likelihood of decreased level of PA during lockdown.We found substantial reductions in PA levels during COVID-19 lockdown across countries. Country-specific PA promotion interventions are needed during this and similar global emergencies.
    WOS© Citations 16Scopus© Citations 36  284  265
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    The influence of mental training and playing circuit-based training program on student volleyball learning outcomes
    (Horizon Research Publishing, 2024)
    Yuni Astuti
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    Syahrial Bakhtiar
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    Orhan, Bekir Erhan
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    Erianti
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    Dina Amsari
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    Balasekaran, Govindasamy 
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    Nemeth, Zsolt

    This research was motivated by the need for more application of physical education learning models in the form of games, especially in volleyball learning. It is known that many students feel bored and unenthusiastic when taking volleyball lessons. Apart from that, students find it difficult and are not mentally prepared to carry out volleyball techniques; as a result, they feel anxious or afraid when doing these techniques in front of other friends. This experimental type of research aims to determine the effect of mental training and playing circuits-based training programs on the learning outcomes of elementary school volleyball students. This study included 44 fifth-grade students from 2 classes at Sekolah Dasar Pembangunan Laboratorium Universitas Negeri Padang. Purposive sampling technique was utilised. A pre- and post-test of volleyball skills were determined by volleyball experts. The paired t-test was used to analyze the data. Data analysis revealed that mental training-based training programs and playing circuits affected the learning outcomes of volleyball for elementary school students at Sekolah Dasar Pembangunan Laboratorium Universitas Negeri Padang. Results indicated significant differences between pre- and post-quality basic volleyball technical skills test (pre: highest score: 70; lowest score: 60; average score: 64.09 ± 2.81 vs. post: highest score: 77; lowest score: 65; average score: 68.68 ± 3.09; p = 0.000). The learning model based on mental training and playing sequences may improve basic volleyball technical skills and increase students' self-confidence and motivation when participating in learning.

    Scopus© Citations 1  111  309
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    A normalized rate of perceived exertion at ventilatory breakpoint for different exercise modalities and production of exercise intensity with self-regulation for Singapore children
    (Edizioni Minerva Medica, 2022)
    Balasekaran, Govindasamy 
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    Thor, Dianna
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    Ng, Yew Cheo
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    Boey, Peggy Peck Kay
    BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify a normalized RPE response at ventilatory breakpoint (Vpt) for male adolescents 13-17 years old, and whether these adolescents could self-regulate at target RPEs of 4 and 6.
    METHODS: Twenty healthy males participated in the study, with 10 males in each of the cycling and walking/running groups. Participants performed orientation and V̇O2peak trials before performing a perceptual estimation exercise trial to obtain RPE Vpt, and two production trials to assess self-regulation ability.
    RESULTS: Vpt corresponded to 67.7% V̇O2peak for the cycling group and 70.4% V̇O2peak for the walking/running group. There were no group differences on RPE-Overall Vpt (cycling: 4.6; walking/running: 4.4), RPE-Legs Vpt (cycling: 5.4; walking/running: 4.6), and RPE-Chest Vpt (cycling: 4.0; walking/running: 4.8). A normalized RPE-Overall Vpt response was identified at five. V̇O2 did not differ between the estimation and production trials at targets RPE of 4 (1.59 vs. 1.57 L·min-1) and 6 (1.87 vs. 1.79 L·min-1). Similarly, heart rate (HR) did not differ between estimation and production trials at targets RPE 4 (152.4 vs. 151.1 beats·min-1) and 6 (167.1 vs. 162.4 beats·min-1). Both V̇O2 and HR were significantly higher at RPE 6 compared to RPE 4. Responses were not affected by exercise mode or production sequence.
    CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that undifferentiated and differentiated RPE Vpt were similar between cycling and walking/running participants. Male adolescents between 13- and 17-year-olds were able to use the OMNI scale to self-regulate exercise intensities that would be useful in field settings.
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