Validation and development of an observational system for the kinesics communication of the fitness instructor

Authors

  • Susana Mendes Alves Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior (ESDRM)
  • José Fernandes Rodrigues Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior (ESDRM)
  • Marta Castañer Balcells Institut Nacional d’Educació Física de Catalunya (INEFC) – Universitat de Lleida
  • Oleguer Camerino Foguet Institut Nacional d’Educació Física de Catalunya (INEFC) – Universitat de Lleida
  • Pedro Jorge Sequeira Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior (ESDRM)
  • Luís Alberto Carvalhinho Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior (ESDRM)
  • Vera Alexandra Simões Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior (ESDRM)
  • Susana Alves Franco Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior (ESDRM)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.2638

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an observational system for the kinesics communication of the fitness instructor, as well as conduct a pilot study. The development and validation process of the observation system was done in five sequential phases. At the end of this process, it was obtained the validity and reliability of 5 coding dimensions and 21 categories of instructor kinesics behavior, creating the final version of the observational system. Thereafter, the observational system was used in a pilot study conducted in a sample of 12 fitness instructors from four different group exercise classes. Data suggested that instructor´s kinesics behavior could be feasibly coded with the observational system. It was conducted a comparison of his interventions across several activities, although with a small sample size.

Published

2014-03-01

Issue

Section

Original Article