Philippine E-Journals

Development and Usability Testing of the Matikas Mobile App for Table Tennis Student-Athletes

Maridette Joyce Maranan | Arnulfo V. Lopez

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

Table tennis student-athletes need to develop and maintain mental skills to help them sustain competition demands. However, there is a dearth of evidence-based contemporary programs in the Philippines that can address this pressing need. This study addressed the gap by developing and testing the usability of a mobile mental health application – MATIKAS (Making table tennis Athletes mentally Tough, with a high athletic Identity, Knack for team communication, and Adopt Self-compassion). This program was designed not only to enhance performance skills but also to address other mental skills that will promote psychological well-being. To determine its usability, nine (9) table tennis athletes from a member school of a collegiate athletic association evaluated the mobile app. While it is in its early stage of development, it was rated as a “good” App. It is functional and promotes positive emotions. The study offers new insights into the practice of sports psychology in the country