Fraction ball: Playful and physically active fraction and decimal learning.

This study tested a novel approach to capitalizing on the benefits of play for informal math learning. Two experiments evaluated a platform called “Fraction Ball”, that provides an embodied, playful, and physically active learning experience by modifying the lines on a basketball court to support rational number learning. In the Pilot Experiment, 69 5th-6th graders were randomly assigned to play a set of 4 different Fraction Ball games or attend normal physical education (PE) class and completed rational number pretests and posttests. After strategic improvements to expand the intervention, the same protocol was implemented in the Efficacy Experiment with 160 4th-6th graders. Playing Fraction Ball for 4 PE class periods (Pilot Experiment) improved students’ ability to convert fractions to decimals. Playing a revised version of 6 different Fraction Ball games for 6 PE class periods (Efficacy Experiment) significantly improved children’s rational number understanding as reflected by higher scores in overall accuracy, with positive impacts on several subtests. Fraction Ball represents a low-cost, highly scalable intervention that promotes math learning in a fun and engaging approach.

Download Full-text

Review for "Neuroplasticity in NMDA receptor signaling in subregions of the rat rostral ventrolateral medulla following sedentary versus physically active conditions"

10.1002/cne.25094/v1/review1 ◽

2020 ◽

Keyword(s):

Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla ◽

Ventrolateral Medulla ◽

Receptor Signaling ◽

Physically Active

Download Full-text

Effect of pomegranate fruit supplementation on performance and various markers in athletes and active subjects: a systematic review

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831/a000601 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Alicja Urbaniak ◽

Anna Skarpańska-Stejnborn

Keyword(s):

Vessel Diameter ◽

Whole Body ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

Double Blind ◽

Physically Active ◽

Highly Active ◽

Body Strength ◽

Rate Of Increase ◽

Study Designs ◽

Pomegranate Fruit

Abstract. The aim of the study was to review recent findings on the use of POM supplements in athletes of various disciplines and physically active participants. Eleven articles published between 2010 and 2018 were included, where the total number of investigated subjects was 176. Male participants constituted the majority of the group (n = 155), as compared to females (n = 21). 45% of research described was conducted on athletes, whereas the remaining studies were based on highly active participants. Randomised, crossover, double-blind study designs constituted the majority of the experimental designs used. POM supplementation varied in terms of form (pills/juice), dosage (50 ml–500 ml) and time of intervention (7 days–2 months) between studies. Among the reviewed articles, POM supplementation had an effect on the improvement of the following: whole body strength; feeling of vitality; acute and delayed muscle fatigue and soreness; increase in vessel diameter; blood flow and serum level of TAC; reduction in the rate of increase for HR, SBP, CK and LDH; support in the recovery of post-training CK, LDH, CRP and ASAT to their baseline levels; reduction of MMP2, MMP9, hsCRP and MDA; and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase). In the majority of reviewed articles POM supplementation had a positive effect on a variety of parameters studied and the authors recommended it as a supplement for athletes and physically active bodies.

Download Full-text