MINH HIEU VO¹, THI THAM NGUYEN², XUAN TIEN DAT NGUYEN³

ABSTRACT

Putting contributes substantially to overall scoring performance in golf, with the putter face angle at impact event widely recognized as the primary factor determining the initial direction of the ball. Previous biomechanical research has indicated that hand acceleration can influence clubhead direction during the putting stroke. However, empirical evidence directly linking hand acceleration to putter face alignment among developing or amateur golfers remains limited. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of forward hand acceleration toward the target on putter face angle at impact event and to evaluate the effectiveness of specific training drills designed to reduce excessive hand acceleration during the putting stroke. Methods: Twenty healthy undergraduate students (mean age: 20.3 ± 1.13 years) who had successfully completed a Basic Putting Technique course participated in this study. All participants were classified as amateur golfers and were assigned to either a control group (n = 10), which followed the standard putting curriculum, and an experimental group (n = 10), which performed the same curriculum supplemented with two targeted drills aimed at reducing forward hand acceleration. Hand acceleration and putter face angle at impact were recorded using the CAPTO putting analysis system at three time points: baseline, week 2, and week 4. Descriptive statistics and paired-sample t- tests were conducted using SPSS 20.0 to analyze within and between-group changes. Results: The results revealed a significant association between hand acceleration patterns and putter face angle at impact. After 4 weeks of training, the experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in forward hand acceleration accompanied by improved putter face alignment toward a neutral position (p < 0.05), whereas the control group showed minimal changes. Conclusion: These findings indicate that targeted interventions aimed at controlling hand acceleration can effectively improve putter face alignment at impact, thereby enhancing putting accuracy. The results provide practical implications for golf coaching and contribute to the development of evidence-based training strategies for amateur golfers.

Keywords: putter kinematics, hand acceleration, putting accuracy, putter face angle.

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DANG KHOA PHAM¹, NGUYEN THI THUY VAN²

ABSTRACT

Although the golf market in Vietnam is experiencing rapid growth, there is still a lack of comprehensive evidence regarding the impact of service quality on maintaining customer loyalty in emerging markets for golf. To address this issue, the present study explores how service quality influences loyalty through perceived value, price fairness, and customer satisfaction. Additionally, it examines whether the image of the golf course serves as a moderator in the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty. Data were collected through on-site, face-to- face interviews using a structured questionnaire administered to 406 participants (golfers) across multiple golf courses in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces in Southern Vietnam (e.g., Dong Nai and Long An), and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to validate the research model and examine the proposed relationships. The findings reveal a sequential mechanism in which service quality significantly enhances perceived value (β = 0.429, p < 0.001), price reasonableness (β = 0.410, p < 0.001), and customer satisfaction (β = 0.301, p < 0.001). Notably, customer satisfaction emerges as the strongest predictor of customer loyalty (β = 0.312, p < 0.001). The proposed moderating effect of golf course image on the satisfaction–loyalty link is not supported (β = 0.002, p = 0.922). However, golf course image has a strong direct positive effect on loyalty (β = 0.454, p < 0.001). This study advances research on customer loyalty by integrating service quality, perceived value, price reasonableness, and customer satisfaction into an integrated mechanism tailored to Vietnam’s emerging golf services context. Importantly, the results clarify that golf course image operates as a direct antecedent of loyalty, rather than moderating the satisfaction–loyalty relationship. To enhance customer loyalty from a managerial standpoint, it is essential to implement synchronized enhancements in foundational service delivery and the perceived fairness of pricing to boost customer satisfaction. In addition, it is crucial to invest in the golf course's image as an independent factor influencing customer loyalty.

Keywords: Golf Services, Price Reasonableness, Perceived value, Customer Satisfaction, Perceived Value, PLS-SEM

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XICH NAM PHAM¹, THANH TRUNG NGUYEN², SA LY NGO³, MINH TRI NGUYEN⁴, DUY HOA TRAN⁵

ABSTRACT

This study examines the key factors influencing work motivation among physical education lecturers at universities in Ho Chi Minh City, drawing on Hackman and Oldham’s Job Characteristics Model (1980) and organizational justice theory. While previous research has largely focused on core job characteristics such as task significance, autonomy, and feedback, this study broadens the perspective by considering multiple dimensions of perceived fairness within the academic environment. Using a structured quantitative approach, data were collected via self-administered questionnaires distributed to physical education lecturers across multiple higher education institutions. The analysis reveals that perceived fairness significantly influences motivation beyond the traditional job characteristics model. Specifically, lecturers’ perceptions of justice from direct supervisors, fair treatment by students, and distributive justice regarding income and rewards play a pivotal role. Furthermore, the study identifies significant variations in work motivation based on gender and levels of professional seniority. These insights contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of motivational dynamics within higher education, particularly in the context of physical education instruction.

Keywords: Work motivation, Lecturers, Physical Education, Justice

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TAN PHAT LE¹, SA LY NGO², VINH HUY CHAU³, DANG KHOA PHAM⁴

ABSTRACT

This study explores the factors influencing customer loyalty (CL) in sports facilities, emphasizing the roles of service quality (SQ), customer satisfaction (CS), facility image (FI), and perceived value (PV). The analysis is based on data collected from 510 customers at various sports facilities, using a structural equation modeling approach to evaluate the relationships among these constructs. The findings reveal that SQ and CS are the primary drivers of CL, with both exhibiting strong and direct effects on loyalty outcomes. High service quality directly impacts customer satisfaction and facility image, which, in turn, influence loyalty. This underscores the importance of consistent service delivery in fostering loyalty among customers. While perceived value does not exhibit a direct effect on customer loyalty, it significantly enhances customer satisfaction and facility image. These indirect pathways suggest that customers who perceive greater value from their experience are more likely to feel satisfied and develop a positive perception of the facility, ultimately contributing to their loyalty. Similarly, facility image has a moderate influence on loyalty, primarily through its impact on customer satisfaction. A positive image enhances customers’ overall experience, reinforcing their likelihood of revisiting and recommending the facility. These findings have practical implications for managers and stakeholders in sports facilities. To improve customer loyalty, managers should focus on strategies that prioritize high-quality service delivery and customer satisfaction. Enhancing perceived value through competitive pricing, flexible membership options, and value-added services can further strengthen customer perceptions and foster long-term loyalty. Efforts to improve facility image, such as maintaining a well-regarded reputation, providing excellent infrastructure, and hosting events, also contribute to loyalty outcomes. By focusing on these key factors, sports facilities can cultivate a loyal customer base, ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic and demanding market.

Keywords: Loyalty, Customer Satisfaction, Facility Image, Service Quality, Perceived Value

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Tran Thi My Hao¹, Minh Nhat Tran Viet², and Thang Phan Minh²

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to analyzeand determineperformance profiling for Vietnamese golfer and its impact on their performance and development. The performance profile qualities were identified by three golf experts with over 17 years of competitive and coaching experiencethrough semi-structured interviews.These experts confirmed using the performanceprofile model in training and competition after being informed by the researcher about the purpose and use of performance profiles.Participants were 30 golfers (66,67% males and 33,33%females) voluntarily participated, with 2 to 35 years of golf experience between them. The data collection process involved three stages: (1) technique introduction, (2) construct elicitation, and (3) self-assessment (Butler & Hardy, 1992; Gucciardi & Gordon, 2009). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26 to measure demographic variables. The study results identified three essential qualities in golf performance profiling: Psychological, Technical, and Physical each with four characteristics. Confidence was deemed the most critical psychologicalquality characteristic, followed by Concentration, Emotional Regulation, and Positive self-talk. Flexibilityemerged as the most crucial Physical quality characteristic, while Control topped the technicalquality. The findings support previous research on athletes' perceptions of performance profiling, emphasizing its potential to increase self-awareness, autonomy, and engagement. However, the study's limitations included a subjective evaluation by golfers, potential response bias, andthe response from multiple levels of golfers. Additional research is required to validate the golfplayer profiles across diverse populations, encompass coach evaluations, and explore alternative assessment methods. Nevertheless, this study supplements the existing literature and offers practical insights for coaches and athletes to optimize performance and training practices.

Keywords: Golf, Performance profiling, Psychologica

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Authors: Li-Hui Li,^1,2 Qiang-Min Huang,¹ Marco Barbero,² Lin Liu,³ Thi-Tham Nguyen,⁴ Matteo Beretta-Piccoli,² An-Le Xu,¹ Li-Juan Ji¹

ABSTRACT

Background: Proteomics analysis may provide important information regarding the pathogenesis of chronic myofascial pain and the mechanisms underlying the treatment effects of dry needling. 
Materials and methods: This study used a rat model of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) to perform a proteomics analysis. Three biological replicate experiments were used to compare the proteomes of healthy control rats, a rat model of MTrP, MTrP model rats following dry needling of MTrPs, and MTrP model rats following dry needling of non-MTrPs. Tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling technology based on nanoscale liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used. Hierarchical clustering, gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and protein–protein interaction network analysis were performed to characterize the proteins. To validate the TMT results, three candidate biomarker proteins were verified using parallel reaction monitoring and Western blot analysis. 
Results: A total of 2,635 proteins were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways played dominant roles in the pathogenesis of chronic myofascial pain. The three candidate biomarker proteins were the pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme (encoded by the PKM gene), the muscle isoform of glycogen phosphorylase (encoded by the PYGM gene), and myozenin 2 (encoded by the MYOZ2 gene). The validation results were consistent with the TMT results.
Conclusion: This is the first proteomics study that has investigated the pathogenesis of chronic myofascial pain and the mechanisms underlying the treatment effects of dry needling in an in vivo rat model of MTrPs, which might promote our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic myofascial pain.

Keywords: musculoskeletal pain, acupuncture, bioinformatics, mass spectrometry, tandem mass tag, parallel reaction monitoring

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Authors: Qing-GuangLiu^a , Qiang-MinHuang^b, LinLiu^c, Thi-ThamNguyen^d

ABSTRACT

Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are defined as hyperirritable spots in a palpable taut band (TB) of skeletal muscle fibers. Knowing the formation and location of MTrPs is a great help to prevent their development and inactivate existing MTrPs. This study aimed to obtain new evidence that myofascial trigger spots (MTrSs), which are similar to human MTrPs, are found in dysfunctional motor endplates by observing the morphological characteristics of muscles and changes in biochemical substances. A total of 32 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: two control groups (i.e., C1 and C2) and two model groups (i.e., M1 and M2). C1 and M1 were used for acetylcholine (ACh) content measurement, while C2 and M2 were utilized for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining. In the model groups, blunt striking injury was induced and eccentric exercise was applied to the left gastrocnemius for 8 weeks. After 1 month, spontaneous electrical activity(SEA), AChE optical density (OD), muscle fiber diameter, and ACh content were measured. The results showed that extensive abnormal endplate noise (aEPN), including positive neurons, fibrillation potentials, fasciculation potential, and high amplitude (endplate spikes [EPS]), is present at MTrSs in M1. Quantitative electromyography results showed that the amplitudes of aEPN and frequency of EPS in M1 were significantly higher than those of C1. The ACh content of MTrSs in M1 was significantly higher than that in C1. The AChE OD value of M2 was significantly lower than that of C2. In addition, the diameter of the muscle fibers in the AChE-stained area was longer in M2 than in C2. In conclusion, MTrSs formed at the motor endplate with a larger diameter of muscle fibers. Excessive ACh release and decreased AChE activity at MTrSs stimulated muscle action potential and muscle contraction.

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Authors: Lihui Li^1,2, Qiangmin Huang¹, Marco Barbero², Lin Liu³, Thitham Nguyen⁴, Anle Xu^1, and Lijuan Ji¹

ABSTRACT

A quantitative proteomic analysis of the response to dry needling combined with static stretching treatment was performed in a rat model of active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). 36 rats were divided into a model group (MG), a stretching group (SG) and a dry needling combined with stretching group (SDG). We performed three biological replicates to compare large-scale differential protein expression between groups by tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling technology based on nanoscale liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis (LC–MS/MS). Hierarchical clustering, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment and protein-protein interaction network analyses were performed for the general characterization of overall enriched proteins. For validation of the results of TMT, the candidate proteins were verified by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) analysis. 285 differentially expressed proteins between groups were identified and quantified. Tight junction pathway played a dominant role in dry needling combined with static stretching treatment for the rat model of active MTrPs. Three candidate proteins, namely actinin alpha 3, calsequestrin-1 and parvalbumin alpha, were further validated, consistent with the results of LC–MS/MS. This is the first proteomics-based study to report the therapeutic mechanism underlying dry needling and static stretching treatment for MTrPs. Further functional verification of the potential signaling pathways and the enriched proteins is warranted. View Full-Text
Keywords: myofascial trigger points; proteomic; chronic myofascial pain; dry needling; stretching; mass spectrometry; tandem mass tag; actinin alpha 3; calsequestrin-1; parvalbumin alpha

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Authors: Lin Liu¹,  Qiang-Min Huang^2,3, Qing-Guang Liu⁴, Thi-Tham Nguyen⁵, Jian-Qin Yan⁶, Cheng-Zhi Bo¹ .

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To determine how muscle spindles are involved in the pathophysiology of chronic myofascial trigger spots (MTrSs, similar to myofascial trigger points) in a rat injury model according to the characteristics of the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) and the anatomical relationship between muscle spindles and MTrSs.

Methods: 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats (7 weeks old) were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. A blunt strike injury and eccentric exercise were applied to the gastrocnemius muscle of rats in the experimental group once a week for 8 weeks as a MTrS modelling intervention. Subsequently, the rats were reared normally and rested for 4 weeks. At the end of the 12th week, the rats were examined for the presence of MTrSs defined by the detection of a palpable taut band exhibiting both a local twitch response and spontaneous electrical activity. After modelling, evocation of the H-reflex and morphological examination of muscle spindles and MTrSs were conducted.

Results: The threshold (0.35±0.04 mA) of the H-reflex and latency (1.24±0.18 ms) of the M wave recorded at MTrSs were not significantly different to those at non-MTrSs (P>0.05). Compared with non-MTrSs, a lower Mmax (4.28±1.27 mV), higher Hmax (median (IQR) 0.95 (0.80–1.08) mV) and Hmax/Mmax (median (IQR) 0.21 (0.16–0.40)), and shorter H wave latency (4.60±0.89 ms) were recorded at MTrSs (P<0.05). Morphologically, there was a close anatomical relationship between the MTrS cells and the muscle spindles.

Discussion: Compared with normal muscles, the H-reflex myoelectrical activity was enhanced and some muscle spindles might have been influenced by active MTrSs. Thus, muscle spindles may play an important role in the pathological mechanism underlying myofascial trigger points.

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