Showing papers in "Perceptual and Motor Skills in 2004"
TL;DR: Women, and especially African-American women, are among the least active students, and students living off-campus are more active than those on-campus, and Appropriate interventions and tools to measure ACSM-recommended physical activity are needed.
Abstract: This study reviewed and analyzed the prevalence of university students' participation in physical activity at the level necessary to acquire health benefits. 19 primary studies (published 1985-2001) representing a total of 35,747 students (20,179 women and 15,568 men) from a total of 27 countries (Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Nigeria, United States, and 21 European countries) are described and the amount of activity identified within each study is analyzed in accordance with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for physical activity. With respect to these guidelines, more than one-half of university students in the United States and Canada are not active enough to gain health benefits. Internationally, the same is true, although Australian students appear to have the highest level of sufficient activity (at 60%). Women, and especially African-American women, are among the least active students, and students living off-campus are more active than those on-campus. Insufficient activity is a serious health concern among university students. Appropriate interventions and tools to measure ACSM-recommended physical activity are needed.
217 citations
TL;DR: Investigation of dynamic balance performance in highly skilled athletes at the collegiate Division I, professional, elite, or Olympic levels indicated that athletes were superior to nonathletes in balance performance.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate dynamic balance performance in highly skilled athletes. Participating athletes were currently competing at the collegiate Division I, professional, elite, or Olympic levels, or their individual coaches believed the athlete performed comparably to these levels. High level male and female gymnasts (n=57, M age=17.3 yr., SD=4.1), soccer players (n=58, M age= 19.8 yr., SD=1.6), swimmers (n=70, M age= 17.1 yr., SD=2.5), and individuals with no formal competitive sport experience (n=61, M age= 16.8 yr., SD= 2.0) volunteered. Dynamic balance performance was measured on a stabilometer, which requires participants to continuously adjust posture to maintain an unstable platform in the horizontal position for 30 sec. Each participant performed 3 practice trials followed by 7 test trials. Analysis indicated that athletes were superior to nonathletes in balance performance. Gymnasts performed better on the dynamic balance task than all other groups. Soccer players and swimmers performed similarly and were superior to the control subjects. There was no difference between the performance of men and women. Moderate to high negative correlations were found between dynamic balance performance and height and weight.
190 citations
TL;DR: The present scale is well suited for measuring interindividual differences in dream recall frequency reliably and if the participants' focus was not directed explicitly towards dream recall when the scale was presented within a general sleep questionnaire, the hitherto-reported increase of dream recall due to measuringdream recall frequency did not occur.
Abstract: Summary Dream recall frequency varies widely between people as well as within individuals To explore the relationship between dream recall frequency and trait variables such as personality dimensions, a measure of stable interindividual differences is necessary In the present study (N = 198 patients with sleep disorders; 115 women, 83 men; M age = 458 ± 153 yr) a high retest reliability of the 7-point Dream Recall Frequency scale developed by Schredl in 2002a was found If the participants’ focus was not directed explicitly towards dream recall when the scale was presented within a general sleep questionnaire, the hitherto-reported increase of dream recall due to measuring dream recall frequency did not occur In conclusion, the present scale is well suited for measuring interindividual differences in dream recall frequency reliably
153 citations
TL;DR: Analysis showed the children in the Aerobic intensity program significantly improved their cardiovascular fitness as measured by the PWC170 test and reported significantly less depression and self-esteem after the program was over.
Abstract: Psychological well-being has been generally associated with vigorous aerobic activity and structured aerobic activity in adolescents and children Low-income children are at greater risk than the general population for experiencing high environmental stress and increased mental health problems This study investigated the effects of a structured physical fitness program on psychological well-being in low-income Hispanic children A total of 66, 33 girls, 33 boys, in Grade 4 were randomly assigned to either an Aerobic intensity (n = 34) or a Control intensity physical activity program (n = 32) for 6 wk Psychological well-being was defined as scores on trait anxiety, depression, and self-esteem, measured, respectively, by the Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Rosenberg Self-esteem scale Analysis showed the children in the Aerobic intensity program significantly (p < 05) improved their cardiovascular fitness as measured by the PWC170 test After the program was over, the children in this Aerobic group reported significantly (p < 05) less depression The main effect for self-esteem reflected the Aerobic group's greater self-reported self-esteem No differences were found on trait anxiety The effects on depression and self-esteem may only be attributed to the cardiovascular improvement given the higher intensity physical activity program because causation was not assessed here
123 citations
TL;DR: A meta-analysis of the contextual interference effect produced 139 estimates of effect sizes from 61 studies, and the effect size for basic research was significantly different from applied research and power for retention and transfer scores was not significantly different.
Abstract: A meta-analysis of the contextual interference effect produced 139 estimates of effect sizes from 61 studies. The average overall effect size was .38. The effect size for basic research (.57) was significantly different from applied research (.19). Significant differences were also obtained between the effect sizes for adults (.50) and those for younger learners (.10). Power for retention and transfer scores was not significantly different. The overall mean power of the studies reviewed was .43.
122 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to identify the basketball game-related statistics that best discriminate performances by sex of players and level of competition.
Abstract: Summay.-The purpose of this study was to identify the basketball game-related statistics that best discriminate performances by sex of players and level of competition. Archival data were obtained from the International Basketball Federation boxscores for all games during men's senior (n = 62)' men's junior (n=64), women's senior (n = 62), and women's junior (n = 42) World Championships. The game-related statistics gathered included 2- and 3-point field-goals (both successful and unsuccessful), free-throws (both successful and unsuccessful), defensive and offensive rebounds, blocks, assists, fouls, steals and turnovers. For the analysis only the close games were selected (N= 105, 1 to 12 points difference). Men's teams were discriminated from women's teams by their higher percentage of blocks and lower percentage of steals and unsuccessful 2-point field goals. Junior teams were discriminated from senior teams by their lower percentage of assists and higher percentage of turnovers. In the two-factor interaction, the teams were mainly discriminated by the game-related statistics identified for level of competition.
115 citations
TL;DR: Results showed that ego orientation is a predictor of undisciplined behavior and task orientation was positively associated to discipline, and the perception of task-involving motivational climate is related to the students' perception of equal treatment.
Abstract: This study analyzes how dispositional goal orientations and perception of different motivational climates are related to the students' perception of sex-related egalitarian treatment and the appearance of disciplined or undisciplined behaviors in physical education classes. Analyses showed that ego orientation is a predictor of undisciplined behavior. Task orientation was positively associated to discipline. The perception of task-involving motivational climate is related to the students' perception of equal treatment. On the contrary, the perception of ego-involving climate has been linked positively to the prediction of the perception of sex discrimination in physical education classes and negatively to the perception of equality and the appearance of disciplined behavior. This study discusses the implications of these results related to teaching instructional actions in physical education classes.
98 citations
TL;DR: The Tactical Skills Inventory for Sports is suitable for measuring tactical skills in youth field hockey and soccer players in sports practice and internal consistency and test-retest measures for reliability were within acceptable limits.
Abstract: Summary Purpose of this study, in which 19 trainers and 415 competitive youth field hockey and soccer players (M age= 15.9, SD = 1.6; 283 boys and 132 girls) selected by their age, sex, and performance status participated, was to develop a practical, reliable, and valid measure of tactical skills in sports. With trainers, 34 questions were formulated involving tactical skills. Factor analysis yielded the Tactical Skills Inventory for Sports. Scales were labeled Positioning and Deciding, Knowing about Ball Actions, Knowing about Others, and Acting in Changing Situations, covering all aspects of tactical skills regarding Declarative versus Procedural knowledge and Attack and Defense. Internal consistency and test-retest measures for reliability (except Knowing about Ball Actions) were within acceptable limits. Elite players scored better than nonelite players, supporting construct validity. The inventory is suitable for measuring tactical skills in youth field hockey and soccer players in sports practice.
79 citations
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TL;DR: The development of the Image of Aging Scale is described, which includes positive and negative images of elders within nine domains and showed good 1-wk test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent validity.
Abstract: The development of the Image of Aging Scale is described. It ineludes positive and negative images of elders within nine domains. The scale showed good 1-wk. test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent validity.
78 citations
TL;DR: Exposure to music during muscular endurance trials can yield significantly longer endurance times, but that exposure to music prior to task commencement may not carry over to influence performance.
Abstract: This study tested the effects of exposure to self-selected motivational music both prior to and during performance of a muscular endurance task. 27 male undergraduate students in sports science completed an isometric weight-holding task on two separate occasions while listening either to self-selected motivational music or white noise. Participants were assigned to one of three groups on the basis of scores on a familiarization trial. The three groups were Prior Exposure, music or white noise played immediately before task commencement; Half Exposure, conditions initiated simultaneously with task commencement but terminated approximately half-way through the trial; and Full Exposure, conditions initiated simultaneously with trial commencement and continuing until voluntary cessation. A two-way mixed-model analysis of variance yielded a significant interaction and a main effect for condition. Participants held the weight suspended significantly longer when listening to music than with white noise. For the interaction, analysis of gain scores indicated participants' performance increased more for exposure to music during the entire session, than for exposure to music prior to the session. These results suggest that exposure to music during muscular endurance trials can yield significantly longer endurance times, but that exposure to music prior to task commencement may not carry over to influence performance.
73 citations
TL;DR: In the total sample, neither sleep propensity nor sleep quality correlated with GPA or introductory psychology grades, but among students carrying a full course load, those reporting poor sleep quality performed less well on academic measures than those reporting a better quality of sleep.
Abstract: We examined associations between measures of sleep propensity on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, sleep quality on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and academic performance by GPA and grades in introductory psychology for 414 students. In the total sample, neither sleep propensity nor sleep quality correlated with GPA or introductory psychology grades. However, among students carrying a full course load, those reporting poor sleep quality performed less well on academic measures than those reporting a better quality of sleep. Further research is needed to assess the moderating influence of overall demands of daytime functioning on the association between sleep quality and academic performance.
TL;DR: There was a significant difference in Attitudes Toward Physical Education scores between female and male high school students, with boys having more favorable attitude scores, and high school boys scored significantly higher than girls.
Abstract: Summary This study assessed attitudes of high school students toward physical education with regard to sex and sport participation. A total of 440 sport participants (175 girls and 265 boys) and of 427 nonsport participants (227 girls and 200 boys), all of whom were 15 yr. old, voluntarily participated. The Attitudes Toward Physical Education Scale was administered to assess participants’ attitudes toward physical education. The results of 2 × 2 (Sex × Sports Participation) analysis of variance indicated a significant difference in attitudes toward physical education between sport participants and nonsport participants, with the former scoring higher, and a difference between boys and girls, with boys scoring higher. However, there was no significant interaction between sex and sports participation on attitudes toward physical education. In general, sport participants had more favorable Attitudes Toward Physical Education scores than nonsport participants, and high school boys scored significantly higher ...
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of background music on alcohol consumption has been investigated in two bars to test patrons' response to music's loudness, and it was found that a higher sound level than usual was associated with consuming more drinks.
Abstract: The effect of background music on alcohol consumption has been widely researched in the literature, but few studies have tested the effect of sound level on drinking behavior. An experiment was carried out in two bars to test patrons' response to music's loudness. Using random assignment, patrons were exposed to a sound level which was higher than that usually employed in the bars in which the study took place. Analysis showed that a higher sound level than usual was associated with consuming more drinks. An “arousal” hypothesis is used to explain the findings.
TL;DR: An overview of the two theoretical interpretations of motoric dominance in sports, including hypotheses of “innate superiority” and “strategic advantage" are presented and directions for further empirical research are identified.
Abstract: In the past two decades, laterality in sports has become clearly established. In particular, the concept of motoric dominance in sports has been a fertile area for laterality research. The literature is consistent with the view that in certain sporting skills, sporting competitors with specific motoric-dominance patterns enjoy an advantage over other competitors and are overrepresented in some sports. Two theoretical interpretations have been offered to explain this imbalance of motoric-dominance distribution among sporting individuals: hypotheses of "innate superiority" and "strategic advantage." This paper presents an overview the two hypotheses, along with relevant work so far reported and identifies directions for further empirical research. The theoretical and practical implications of research on laterality in human motor performance are discussed.
TL;DR: The results suggest that males and females show different patterns of lateralized cortical and subcortical brain activation across the period of development from childhood through early adulthood.
Abstract: The lateralization of cognitive abilities is influenced by a number of factors, including handedness, sex, and developmental maturation. To date, a small number of studies have examined sex differences in the lateralization of cognitive and affective functions, and in only few of these have the developmental trajectories of these lateralized differences been mapped from childhood through early adulthood. In the present study, a cross-sectional design was used with healthy children (n=7), adolescents (n= 12), and adults (n= 10) who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a task that required perceiving fearful faces. Males and females differed in the asymmetry of activation of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex across the three age groups. For males, activation within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was bilateral in children, right lateralized in adolescents, and bilateral in adults, whereas females showed a monotonic relationship with age, with older females showing more bilateral activation than younger ones. In contrast, amygdala activation was similar for both sexes, with bilateral activation in children, right-lateralized activation in adolescents, and bilateral activation in adults. These results suggest that males and females show different patterns of lateralized cortical and subcortical brain activation across the period of development from childhood through early adulthood.
TL;DR: Analysis indicated that after two years of practice, karate training seemed to have neither positive nor negative effects on aggressiveness scores, while judo training seems to have a negative effect on anger scores, however, the results suggested the importance of kata or meditation in training sessions on self-control acquisition for such young boys.
Abstract: This study is a follow-up study of Reynes and Lorant's studies assessing the effect of one year of judo and karate training on aggressiveness scores among young boys. The data reported here were obtained after a second year of practice, 14 judoka, 9 karateka, and 20 control participants who filled out the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire three times, 1 year apart. At the first assessment, all participants, born the same year, were 8 yr. old and at the third they were 10 yr. old. Analysis indicated that after two years of practice, karate training seemed to have neither positive nor negative effects on aggressiveness scores, while judo training seemed to have a negative effect on anger scores. However, the results suggested the importance of kata or meditation in training sessions on self-control acquisition for such young boys.
TL;DR: Analysis showed that girls who were overweight had more negative body-esteem on all dimensions (weight, appearance, and attribution) and the overweight boys had morenegative perceptions on only two dimensions ( weight and appearance.
Abstract: Summary This study examined body-esteem in 10-yr.-old children. The study group comprised 960 schoolchildren, 515 girls and 445 boys (M age=10.4, SD = 0.5). Analysis showed that girls who were overweight had more negative body-esteem on all dimensions (weight, appearance, and attribution). The overweight boys had more negative perceptions on only two dimensions (weight and appearance). Twice as many girls perceived themselves as too fat (20%) as too skinny (10%). Of the girls who perceived themselves as fat, only 31% were overweight; similarly only 33% of the boys who perceived themselves as fat were overweight. The children's perception of their weight seemed as important as their actual weight and was associated with their body-esteem in the same way. Although few children had dieted (7% of the girls and 5% of the boys), the ones who had dieted had more negative body-esteem than children who had not dieted.
TL;DR: It is suggested that people who are attracted to high risk sports tend to be at the extroverted and emotionally stable end of the scale, with a tendency to exhibit Type A characteristics; however, Instructors' scores on Psychoticism and Self-efficacy are more akin to those of Nonparticipants.
Abstract: This study investigated the personality differences of 21 amateurs and 20 instructors who participated in the high risk sports of skydiving, hang-gliding, paragliding, scuba diving, microlighting, and rock climbing, versus those who did not. 38 men and 28 women (M age=32.6 yr., SD= 10.0) were assessed using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised, the General Health Questionnaire, the Generalised Self-efficacy Scale, and a Type A/B personality measure. Instructors and Amateurs scored significantly higher on Extroversion and lower on Neuroticism than Nonparticipants; however, they differed from each other on the General Health Questionnaire and Type A/B personality scores. Amateurs scored significantly higher on Psychoticism and Self-efficacy than Instructors and Nonparticipants. In conclusion, these test scores suggest that people who are attracted to high risk sports tend to be at the extroverted and emotionally stable end of the scale, with a tendency to exhibit Type A characteristics; however, Instructors' scores on Psychoticism and Self-efficacy are more akin to those of Nonparticipants.
TL;DR: It is hypothesize that the repeating oscillation of postural control followed a circadian rhythm pattern, suggesting that sleep deprivation for 48 hr. does not influence measures ofPostural control in a consistent manner.
Abstract: Sleep deprivation has detrimental effects on cognitive abilities; however, there has been limited investigation into the effects of sleep deprivation on postural control or influence of time of day on postural control measures. Therefore, we measured postural control on a force plate every 6 hr. in 24 subjects (11 women, 13 men; M age 20 ± 2.1 yr.; M height 1.68 ± 0.29 m; body mass 63.3 ± 28.7 kg) participating in a 48-hr. dance marathon. During the first 24-hr. period, postural control significantly worsened. Rather than a steady decrease in postural control, during the second day of the event a repeating oscillatory trend of fluctuations in postural control was observed for both days of the event. We hypothesize that the repeating oscillation of postural control followed a circadian rhythm pattern, suggesting that sleep deprivation for 48 hr. does not influence measures of postural control in a consistent manner. The apparent influence of time of day on postural control measures warrants consideration o...
TL;DR: It is concluded that subjects deceived of the actual distance completed will complete the subsequent performance trial based on perceived effort rather than on actual distance.
Abstract: This study examined the effect of deception of distance end-point on prolonged cycling performance. 21 subjects were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 7 per group). Each group completed three self-paced time-trials separated by one day. Subjects were told that each trial was a 30-km time-trial and were required to complete the distance in the fastest time possible. Following the initial trial of 30 km, one group completed Trial 2 with a longer distance (long distance group; 36 km), another group with a shorter distance (24 km; short distance group), and the third group as control (30 km; control). Each group then completed a third time-trial of 30 km. At no time was the deception of distance in Trial 2 disclosed to the subjects, and all sources of physiological and mechanical feedback were withheld during the trials. Data from Trials 1 and 3 were analysed by repeated-measures analysis of covariance. Time to complete Trial 1 was similar among groups (approximately 65 min.). Following the deception in Trial 2 the time to complete the 30 km in Trial 3 was increased for the short distance group, decreased for the long distance group, whilst the time for the control group remained unchanged. The times to complete the 30 km on Trials 1 and 3 were matched by changes in power output throughout the trials. It is concluded that subjects deceived of the actual distance completed will complete the subsequent performance trial based on perceived effort rather than on actual distance.
TL;DR: Findings support the effectiveness of resistance training in improving mood in healthy older adults, although further study is needed to control for effect size, as well as cohort, social, and attentional effects.
Abstract: This study examined the effects of 24 wk. of resistance training on mood in healthy but sedentary older adults. 28 participants performed resistance training 3 times per week for 24 weeks. No significant differences were found in mood scores between high and variable resistance groups, and there were no significant interactions between resistance and sex or intervention, or among all three factors. For pooled data, significant improvement was found on measures of Confusion, Tension, Anger, and Total Mood Scores, although not for scores for Fatigue, Vigor, and Depression. Sex differences were found on some subscales, but no significant interactions between sex and resistance training. These findings support the effectiveness of resistance training in improving mood in healthy older adults, although further study is needed to control for effect size, as well as cohort, social, and attentional effects.
TL;DR: Analysis of variance compared Pollard's findings and data for the English Football Premiership (1992–2003), as well as the intervening period (1984–92) and found home advantage was significantly lower in these more recent periods.
Abstract: Home advantage has been examined across different sports. Pollard provided evidence of this phenomenon in association football (soccer). This present study further considers the prevalence in the English Football Premiership, a division created from the former Football Association First Division in 1992. Archived data were obtained for the First Division seasons 1984--5 to 1991--2 from the Football Statistics Archive and for the English Football Premiership (1992--3 to 2002--3). Chi square analysis confirmed home advantage from season to season since 1984 (p<.05). Analysis of variance compared Pollard's findings and data for the English Football Premiership (1992--2003), as well as the intervening period (1984--92). Home advantage was significantly lower in these more recent periods. Possible factors contributing to the apparent decline in home advantage were highlighted.
TL;DR: The results indicated that the intentions of these Air Force members to recycle, conserve energy, and carpool were moderately explained by the tenets of the theory of planned behavior collectively when the results of a multiple regression were analyzed.
Abstract: At a single installation, a cross section of 307 active duty Air Force members completed questionnaires to assess whether the theory of planned behavior was useful in explaining the service members' intentions to participate in three environmentally protective behaviors-recycling, carpooling, and energy conservation. While the individual tenets of the theory of planned behavior, i.e., attitude toward the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived control, accounted for differing amounts of variance in intentions, the results indicated that the intentions of these Air Force members to recycle, conserve energy, and carpool were moderately explained by the tenets of the theory of planned behavior collectively when the results of a multiple regression were analyzed.
TL;DR: Findings support the inclusion of the personality characteristics of confidence and anxiety within the coping model presented by Hardy, Jones, and Gould and should be aware thatconfidence and anxiety may influence the coping processes of athletes.
Abstract: The current research assesses relationships among coping skills, trait sport confidence, and trait anxiety. Two samples (n=47 and n=77) of international competitors from surf life saving (M=23.7 yr.) and touch rugby (M=26.2 yr.) completed the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory, Trait Sport Confidence Inventory, and Sport Anxiety Scale. Analysis yielded significant correlations amongst trait anxiety, sport confidence, and coping. Specifically confidence scores were positively associated with coping with adversity scores and anxiety scores were negatively associated. These findings support the inclusion of the personality characteristics of confidence and anxiety within the coping model presented by Hardy, Jones, and Gould, Researchers should be aware that confidence and anxiety may influence the coping processes of athletes.
TL;DR: Analysis indicated a pattern of frontal-executive dysfunction in a subset of both groups of offenders; this pattern has both theoretical and treatment implications.
Abstract: A growing body of research now suggests that a substantial number of criminal offenders display neuropsychological deficits, especially frontal-executive dysfunctions. The present study investigated the possibility of similar deficits by comparing the performance of 60 adolescent sex offenders court-ordered to a residential treatment facility with the performance of 60 nonsexual delinquent offenders matched on several pertinent sociodemographic characteristics and scores on four neuropsychological tests: (1) the Trail Making Test, (2) the Controlled Oral Word Association test of the Multilingual Aphasia Examination, (3) the Tower of London, and (4) the Wisconsin Card-sorting Test. Analysis indicated a pattern of frontal-executive dysfunction in a subset of both groups of offenders; this pattern has both theoretical and treatment implications.
TL;DR: Steps taken by middle school children appear not to be related to these measures of motor skills, and scores on the three movement skills tested in this study were not strongly related to physical activity of the entire sample.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between physical activity measured as pedometer steps and performance on three motor skill tests. A secondary purpose was to determine if middle school children are meeting the recommendation for the number of daily steps. A sample (n =217) of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students participated. Each subject wore a Digi-Walker pedometer for three consecutive days. Subjects additionally recorded their pedometer steps in two 45 min.-physical education classes. There were strong significant correlations between daily steps taken by boys and girls, pedometer steps during physical education class and the AAHPERD Passing Test and the Bass Stick Balance. Similar correlations were weaker for the Side-Step Agility Test. Multivariate analysis of variance was utilized to examine variability of the three skills test by sex and year in school. Differences between students in Grades 7 and 8 on the AAHPERD Passing Test were significant. In addition, significant differences between daily pedometer steps and steps during physical education between Grades 6 and 7 were observed. Boys and girls had similar means on the AAHPERD Passing Test and Bass Stick Balance Test, but not on the Side-Step Agility Test. Scores on the three movement skills tested in this study were not strongly related to physical activity of the entire sample. Steps taken by middle school children appear not to be related to these measures of motor skills.
TL;DR: Investigation of the processing of emotional stimuli during a nonsleep-deprived state and following sleep deprivation in 36 right-handed men showed that hemispheric preference (for response latencies and response accuracy) tended to favour the left hemisphere when the participants were tested during sleep deprivation.
Abstract: We investigated the processing of emotional stimuli during a non-sleep-deprived state and following sleep deprivation in 36 right-handed men. Using the visual half-field technique, cartoon line drawings of emotional facial expressions were flashed on a computer screen for 250 msec. The participants were instructed to remember the content of the picture seen and to recognize it among nine alternatives shown immediately after the display of a single picture. Compared to the nondeprived condition, response latencies increased and accuracy decreased in sleep deprivation. Moreover, response latencies indicated that the performance of the right hemisphere deteriorated more following sleep deprivation than did the performance of the left hemisphere. The results also showed that hemispheric preference (for response latencies and response accuracy) tended to favour the left hemisphere when the participants were tested during sleep deprivation.
TL;DR: French young judoka learn, respectively, 10, 9, and 8 throws to earn yellow, orange, and green belts, implying a nonlinear progression between the technical level and the capacity to create uncertainty (the ability to throw down the opponent with at least three techniques in three different directions).
Abstract: Summary In judo, placing the opponent in a situation of uncertainty requires the mastery of several throws. French young judoka learn, respectively, 10, 9, and 8 throws to earn yellow, orange, and green belts. These techniques allow throwing down a judoka in several directions (backward, forward, left and right). To see what happens in competition 82 judoka were observed during regional competitions. The average number of matches was 3.3 ± 0.5. The average number of successful attack directions was 2.8 ± 1.3 for 8 children at orange to green belt level; 2.1 ± 0.7 for 11 children at blue belt level; 2.2 + 0.8 for 17 children at brown belt level; 2.8 + 0.9 for 20 cadets at brown to black belt level, 2.6 ± 1.1 for 10 juniors at brown to black belt level, and 3.3 ±0.9 for 16 seniors at black belt level. These scores for children with blue and brown belts were significantly different (p = .02) from those of seniors with black belts. Such results imply a nonlinear progression between the technical level (repres...
TL;DR: It seems that, whereas both goal setting and self-talk are effective in enhancing performance, some advantage may be derived from a combined intervention.
Abstract: To examine the combined effect of goal setting and self-talk, 41 professional and semiprofessional soccer players from four different teams were tested on a soccer-shooting task. Teams were assigned to one of four conditions: (a) self-talk, (b) goal setting, (c) goal setting plus self-talk, and (d) do your best control. Subjects performed one baseline measurement and three experimental sessions. Analysis showed that performance, compared to the do your best condition, in the combined condition is immediately enhanced, whereas self-talk and goal-setting effects were significant from Session 3. No significant differences in performance were observed among experimental groups, except in Session 2, during which the combined group scored significantly better than the goal-setting group. It seems that, whereas both goal setting and self-talk are effective in enhancing performance, some advantage may be derived from a combined intervention. Findings are discussed in the perspective of past research efforts on go...
TL;DR: Analyzing visual search strategies of soccer players in one-on-one defensive situations on the field showed experts fixated more often on both the knee and the hip regions of opponents than novices did, suggesting information gained from the movements of these areas was important in anticipating an opponent's next move.
Abstract: This study analyzed visual search strategies of soccer players in one-on-one defensive situations on the field. The 8 subjects were 4 experts and 4 novices. While subjects tackled an offensive player for possession of the ball, their eye movements were measured and analyzed. Statistically significant differences between the visual search strategies of experts and novices showed experts fixated more often on both the knee and the hip regions of opponents than novices did. This suggests that information gained from the movements of these areas was important in anticipating an opponent's next move. Findings suggest the importance in soccer for players not to focus too closely on the ball, but on an opponent's knee and hip.