No abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the contextual interference effect on learning three volleyball skills. Participants were 26 novice female volleyball players (M age= 12.4 yr., SD= 1.2). They were assigned into two groups, Low Interference (n = 13) and High Interference (n = 13). Two practice schedules were used: blocked (Low Interference) and random (High Interference). The training period lasted for 10 weeks and included 2 training sessions of 75 min. each per week. The pretest was performed before the first training session, the posttest was performed after the completion of the last training period, and the retention test was performed two weeks after the posttest. A 2 (Groups) x 3 (Measurement Periods) analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated significant improvement in performance between pre- and posttests for both High Interference and Low Interference groups for the three skills included in this study. There was no significant main effect of group or interaction effect of group and measure. These findings suggest that either blocked or random practice could be effectively used in learning of volleyball skills by unskilled children.

Technological solutions provided to consumers with the aim of nutritional information, could be a major challenge of interaction among caterers and consumers. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate an Electronic Intelligent System of Personalized Dietary Advice (called “DISYS”) for tablets and smart-phones. This application provides nutritional analysis of menu items and personalized suggestions according to the nutritional demands of each customer. The DISYS application was characterized as an easy-to-use, comprehensive and useful tool. Volunteers consider that this application contributes to overall health by enabling the modulation of body weight throughout healthier choices, reduction of calorie intake and self-monitoring. Application of mHealth as such, designed to provide nutritional information, seems to be useful for customers as they recommend appropriate nutritional options. They seem also to be an effective tool for caterers and nutritionists, who can provide value-added services.

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to develop a methodology for the creation of nutritionally balanced (NB) recipes and meals.Design/methodology/approachNutritional criteria were set for energy, fats, saturated fats, carbohydrates, sugars and salt. A sample of 50 main courses and 29 salads was evaluated and nutritionally reformulated to meet the criteria. One sample t-test, paired sample t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis were performed.FindingsThe original main courses and salads did not meet the nutritional criteria for fats and energy. Both original and NB main courses had high mean protein content. The reformulation of recipes caused a significant change on the provided energy (−50.2%), fats (−57.6%), saturated fats (−58.8%), carbohydrates (−24.2%), proteins (−35.6%) and salt (−53.8%) for the salads (p = 0.001). Accordingly, reformulation of recipes caused a significant change on provided energy (−38.4%), fats (−55.2%), saturated fats (−58.3%), proteins (−25.9%) and salt (−50%) for the main courses (p < 0.001). Predictive models (linear regression analysis) for fats (R2 = 0.345), proteins (R2 = 0.876) and carbohydrates (R2 = 0.797) on the NB recipes were performed.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt to improve the nutritional value of cooking recipes, based on specific nutritional criteria. A methodological procedure for the creation of NB meals is proposed. This methodology could be a useful tool for the nutritionists and chefs, which, in a context of cooperation, could create databases and cooking books with NB recipes easily accessed to public and caterers. The recipes that constitute NB meals could guarantee the standardization of the recipes' reformulation, within a certification standard for restaurants.

Purpose This study aims to assemble and nutritionally analyze three traditional Greek hotel breakfast meals (Chalkidiki, Cyclades and Crete) and compare them with the American, English and continental breakfast. Design/methodology/approach The traditional local breakfast foods and beverages for the breakfast compositions were selectively chosen predominantly from the website of the “Greek breakfast” initiative by Greek Chamber of Hotels and from other sources, following a thorough review of the literature. The breakfast meals were designed to be consumed by two people. The nutritional analysis of the meals was performed with the use of specially designed spreadsheets, the US Department of Agriculture Research Service and Greek food composition database. Findings The nutritional analysis of the English (45.9 g), American (41.6 g) and Cretan (38.8 g) breakfast meals revealed that these breakfast meals had the highest amount of total fat (per estimated portion) with the Cretan breakfast containing the largest amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (2.9 g/100 kcal). Moreover, the Cretan breakfast had also the lowest levels of sugars (2 g/100 kcal). The highest quantity of simple sugars was contained in the continental breakfast (7.2 g/100 kcal). The English breakfast had the highest sodium content (186.3 mg/100 kcal). Finally, the Cyclades breakfast had very high levels of potassium (184.4 mg/100 kcal) and Chalkidiki’s breakfast had the highest amount of calcium (65.2 mg/100 kcal). The three traditional Greek breakfasts and the three conventional breakfasts were grouped in two categories and compared nutritionally. The results show that the content of monounsaturated fats is significantly higher in Greek breakfast meals (p-value < 0.05) compared to the conventional ones. Originality/value This nutritional comparison could facilitate the promotion of traditional Greek breakfast meals in tourist destinations.