Conference Papers

The enthusiasm for student-facing analytics as tools for supporting student self-regulation is overshadowed by uncertainties about their actual impact on student outcomes. This study aims to fill the gap in experimental evidence concerning student-facing analytics by implementing a randomized control trial. Specifically, we investigated the effects of data visualizations that display student level of content mastery in comparison to their peers, alongside recommendations for learning strategies. The preliminary results reveal that the intervention impacts student attribution and motivation in varying ways, based on their self-evaluation of their current course performance. Further analysis, including coding students' interpretation of the data visualization, will be conducted to uncover the diverse ways students might interpret the analytics.

This study investigated how developmental ten-pin bowlers can better transit to a heavier ball by comparing differences in performance outcomes and movement execution between two ball weights. Eight pre-transited bowlers bowled 10 first-frame trials each in two ball weight conditions: normal (NB) and heavy (HB); of which 3 trials were analysed. Full body joint kinematics were recorded via a 3D motion capture system. Paired sample t-test on performance outcome, joint kinematics and kinetics was conducted. No differences in performance outcome and peak joint velocities were found (p>0.05). Bowling with the HB resulted in higher peak elbow extension moment and quicker third step, with differences in left shoulder rotation and ankles abduction during the movement (p<0.05). Results suggest strengthening of the musculature around the shoulder and arm to prepare for the transition.

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common injury in runners, especially females, but it is unclear if the kinematic risk factors between the sexes are the same. This study aimed to identify the kinematics of healthy and injured recreational runners with PFP in both sexes. High-speed videos of treadmill running gait in 56 subjects (14 in each injured and non-injured male and female group) were analysed using the Kinovea software. Three kinematic variables associated with PFP were extracted at midstance: knee midstance position, knee flexion angle, and hip adduction angle. Compared with healthy controls, injured females ran with knees more medially positioned (Left p = 0.008, Right p < 0.001), while injured males ran with less knee flexion (Left p = 0.006, Right p = 0.007). These findings suggest that kinematic risk factors associated with PFP are sex-specific.

Little is known about the biomechanical factors that predate knee osteoarthritis (OA) for high-risk recreational participants. This study aims to investigate if plantar pressure differences exist between low and high-risk knee OA runners. Fifteen male recreational runners participated in a preliminary study and were divided into low-risk (N = 8) and high-risk (N = 7) knee OA groups. Both groups ran 100 metres thrice in both indoor and outdoor settings at a comfortable pace. Participants’ plantar pressure was measured. No significant differences in plantar pressure between low-risk and high-risk knee OA runners were found. Future studies may consider employing a better representation of high-risk knee OA runners and use radiographic techniques for a more accurate classification.