Optimizing NASM-OPT training in hybrid cheerleading education: A biomechanical approach
Abstract
This study explores the optimization of the NASM-OPT (National Academy of Sports Medicine–Optimum Performance Training) model in cheerleading education, integrating a biomechanical approach to enhance student performance in both physical and technical aspects. The increasing prominence of hybrid teaching models in sports education—combining offline and online components—has been acknowledged as a key strategy to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Aimed at addressing the physical demands of cheerleading, the NASM-OPT training model was adapted to the specific needs of cheerleading students, with a focus on biomechanical efficiency, injury prevention, and performance enhancement. The study, conducted at Tianjin Sino-German University of Applied Sciences, involved a 12-week intervention, where the experimental group received NASM-OPT training while the control group followed traditional methods. Results showed significant improvements in physical fitness indicators such as strength, flexibility, and coordination, all crucial for effective cheerleading performance. Furthermore, the biomechanical aspects of the NASM-OPT model contributed to better posture, technique, and overall athleticism, which are essential in this dynamic sport. By incorporating biomechanical principles into the training regimen, the optimized NASM-OPT model not only fostered improved physical outcomes but also enhanced students’ psychological and motivational states, contributing to greater learning satisfaction and achievement. This research demonstrates the potential of integrating biomechanical optimization within hybrid teaching environments to maximize both the educational and athletic development of students in cheerleading.
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