Showing papers in "Performance enhancement and health in 2016"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the prevalence and developmental trajectory of music performance anxiety and perfectionism in a population of school-age children and found a consistently strong, positive and highly significant relationship from 10 through to 17 years of age, particularly for Concern over Mistakes.
Abstract: There is an increasing body of evidence that the prevalence of music performance anxiety (MPA) and perfectionism in populations of adult musicians is high, and that both conditions impact negatively on the psychological health and wellbeing of musicians. There is scant evidence on the origins of these two conditions in student populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and developmental trajectory of MPA and perfectionism in a population of school age children. A sample of 526 students (male n = 291; female n = 235) across Grades 5–12 at a private school on the outskirts of Melbourne, Victoria were administered two questionnaires, the Music Performance Anxiety Inventory for Adolescents (MPAI-A; Osborne & Kenny, 2005 ) which measures the somatic, cognitive and behavioural components of MPA, and the Child Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (C-MPS; DeKryger, 2005 ). The C-MPS measures the multidimensional components of perfectionism in children, such as Concern over Mistakes, Organisation, Parental Expectations, and Doubts about Actions. The correlation between MPA and perfectionism by age showed a consistently strong, positive and highly significant relationship from 10 through to 17 years of age, particularly for Concern over Mistakes. The second significant relationship between MPA and perfectionism applied to gender, with females experiencing a steeper and more intense developmental trajectory than males. The third important finding of the research was that levels of MPA and perfectionism increase with years of experience. This study has implications for teachers and psychologists working with young students of music.
45 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed and evaluated the efficacy of a doping prevention program for adolescents, the Hercules program, which is different from most anti-doping interventions in the combination of theoretical lessons with practical strength training.
Abstract: There is a paucity of well-controlled anti-doping interventions. We developed and evaluated the efficacy of a doping prevention program for adolescents – the Hercules program. The program is different from most anti-doping interventions in the combination of theoretical lessons with practical strength training and inclusion of three groups of participants. A total of 202 high school students (females = 98) aged 15–21 years (mean = 16.9) were randomised to the three groups: control (n = 50), theory only (n = 88), and theory with workout (n = 64). Participants completed baseline and posttest questionnaires including demographic, doping use, and psychophysical items/measures. Data were analysed using chi-square tests and mixed between-within analysis of variance. From baseline to posttest, the theory with workout group gained a higher knowledge of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) and their harmful effects as well as a higher increase in strength training self-efficacy. The Hercules program seems valuable in providing adolescents knowledge on AAS and their harmful effects as well as positive strength training skills. The program elucidates the benefits of combining anti-doping education with practical strength training in doping prevention.
29 citations
TL;DR: This review showed that biofeedback and hypnosis can positively influence performance throughout different outcome variables consistently, and other techniques that were proven effective in clinical environments did not show consistent results.
Abstract: Objectives The aim was to provide an overview on the current state of research on acute effects of relaxation techniques in sports. Design A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Methods PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus were searched until August 2014. Additionally, reference lists of retrieved articles and relevant reviews were hand searched. To be included articles had to examine the effects of relaxation techniques on performance in sports. Furthermore, they had to be published in English, in a peer-reviewed journal, available full text online, and designed as either treatment outcome, clinical trial, and/or randomized controlled trial. The dependent variable had to be a measure of athletic performance. Results Of the 8,501 articles retrieved after the databased literature search, 21 studies were included in the systematic review. Nine trials dealt solely with somatic relaxation techniques, five with cognitive techniques, and seven trials examined both branches within single studies. Biofeedback and hypnosis were found to be the most effective techniques over a range of performance measures. Conclusions This review showed that biofeedback and hypnosis can positively influence performance throughout different outcome variables consistently. On the contrary, other techniques that were proven effective in clinical environments did not show consistent results. However, results have to be treated with caution because of considerable lack of quality of some of the trials. Future studies need to consider the methodological flaws as well as the highly individual nature of relaxation techniques.
22 citations
TL;DR: Way in which musicians, music educators, health professionals, and employers of musicians can draw upon the culture and practices of sportspeople and teams, to assist musicians in better preventing and managing MSDs is proposed.
Abstract: Objectives To discuss the differences in the prevention and management of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) between musicians and sportspeople, the differences in the acceptance of and healthcare access for these populations regarding MSDs, and to propose ways in which musicians, music educators, health professionals, and employers of musicians can draw upon the culture and practices of sportspeople and teams, to assist musicians in better preventing and managing MSDs. Methods A narrative review, drawing upon music and sports medicine research. Results There are differences in the musicians’ MSD risk perception, in comparison with sportspeople, potentially due to the different nature of MSDs, early experiences with MSDs, and media coverage of sports MSDs. Unlike musicians, sportspeople gain MSD prevention advice at all levels, and they have access to health professionals with sports-specific training who are often associated with the team. Some of the practices of sports teams and players can be applied to musicians. For instance, musicians should be trained about their risk of MSDs, and how to prevent and manage them at all levels of playing, and seeking appropriate, early management should be supported and encouraged. Mandating some strategies may be appropriate. Health professionals also need more access to musician-specific training and specialisation pathways. Conclusion There are many differences between musicians and sportspeople in terms of MSDs. Where possible, the positive aspects of sports training and culture, should be adopted by musicians to reduce the risk of MSDs, and provide better support to those who experience these disorders.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the ways in which national PIED policies in The Netherlands and Belgium and anti-doping measures are intertwined, and how the different approaches adopted in each nation are impacting on the illicit PIED market.
Abstract: Background Due to a growing awareness of the consumption of performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs), and the perceived associated adverse health effects, PIEDs have increasingly come to be viewed as a serious public health problem. However, there seems to be a tendency amongst policymakers to frame recreational PIED use as an issue within sport, and to call for the same types of policies that are being used in anti-doping. This paper explores the ways in which national PIED policies in The Netherlands and Belgium and anti-doping measures are intertwined, and how the different approaches adopted in each nation are impacting on the illicit PIED market. Methods This article draws on two years of fieldwork in various bodybuilding settings, 47 semi-structured interviews with individuals who are directly or indirectly involved in the PIED market, and a content analysis of 64 PIED-dealing cases initiated by criminal justice agencies in The Netherlands and Belgium. Findings The data indicates that both countries do not appear to be successful in disrupting the illicit PIED market. In Belgium the demand for PIEDs seems to be unaffected by the threat of criminal penalties or disciplinary measures and continued enforcement may worsen present health risks. However, due to the limited priority of controlling PIED production and/or distribution in The Netherlands, a large underground culture has developed, stimulated by the Internet, in which individuals and groups manufacture and distribute their own PIEDs. In both countries, the intertwinement of national efforts to address recreational PIED use, with sport policy, hinders the exploration of alternative measures and/or the inclusion of other substances and using populations in prevention and harm reduction initiatives. Conclusion Both the regulation and law enforcement practices around PIEDs in Belgium and the limited priority in The Netherlands may be contributing to increasing and exacerbating existing harms.
19 citations
TL;DR: If GPS or other surveillance based performance analysis technologies are to be used in sport, coaches need to regulate or re-think their day-to-day use to avoid creating new harms to athlete health and well-being.
Abstract: Wearable GPS tracking devices have become commonplace coaching aids across professional field sports to enhance sports performances and reduce injury rates, despite the implications of the technology being poorly understood. This study looked at how GPS devices are used and the impact constant surveillance has upon the physical, psychological, and emotional health of rugby football workers. The disciplinary analysis of Michel Foucault was used to investigate how British Super League teams use wearable GPS technology, to investigate the dominant 'truth' that promotes surveillance technologies as 'universally beneficial' to athlete sports performance, health and well-being. Data was drawn from semi-structured interviews with three performance analysts/strength and conditioning coaches at three different Super League clubs across the North of England. Participants confessed data generated from wearable GPS is often totally ignored, despite being specifically produced to protect athlete health and wellbeing. When used, GPS data can become a 'disciplinary tool' to normalise and coerce players to comply with potentially unhealthy physical and psychological demands of a professional playing career. Importantly, regardless of how GPS data was used, the employment of wearable GPS devices was constantly and rigorously implemented. The constant surveillance experience by working players, when mismanaged or adopted as a coercive disciplinary tool, magnifies the uncertainty and fear of failure central to the predominant challenges that arise during a working football career. This leads to the acceptance of problematic norms damaging to physical, psychological, and emotional health. If GPS or other surveillance based performance analysis technologies are to be used in sport, coaches need to regulate or re-think their day-to-day use to avoid creating new harms to athlete health and well-being.
18 citations
TL;DR: The implementation of global anti-doping regulations was intended to provide a level playing field for all athletes entering sports competitions, however, studies have shown that the worldwide harm caused by these regulations is significant.
Abstract: The implementation of global anti-doping regulations was intended to provide a level playing field for all athletes entering sports competitions. However, studies have shown that the worldwide harm ...
17 citations
TL;DR: A discussion of the meaning of clean sport focusing on the gap between this idealisation and practice is presented in this paper, where the authors trace the historical emergence of this myth, briefly explaining its cultural foundations, and its influence on in-competition drug testing development in the 1960s.
Abstract: Anti-doping has long been premised on the myth of clean sport, a consistent vision that has survived changes in the social and cultural environment. This article starts with a discussion of the meaning of clean sport focusing on the gap between this idealisation and practice. It then traces the historical emergence of this myth, briefly explaining its cultural foundations, and its influence on in-competition drug testing development in the 1960s. It is argued that clean sport only made sense when the focus was on in-competition use of stimulants. The emergence of drugs such as steroids, used out of competitions, created a conflict between the reality of doping practices and the mythical past and future idealisation of sport as clean. Nonetheless anti-doping leaders maintained their public position that testing systems could defeat doping practices. Due to the continuity of ethical ideas, the construction of health fears, and public scandals, the World Anti-Doping Agency pressed on with, and was empowered by, the absolutist clean sport vision leading to the conceptually flawed, contradictory, draconian and problematic policy environment we face today.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in improving the sleep onset latency (SOL) of full-time dancers was evaluated using a pre and post intervention study design.
Abstract: The current study was designed to test the efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in improving the sleep onset latency (SOL) of full time dancers. A pre and post intervention study design examined sleep duration and efficiency, and change in SOL as a function of trait anxiety using PMR for the intervention. Twelve female dancers aged 18–23 years were recruited from the Queensland University of Technology dance programme. Trait anxiety was differentiated into social evaluation, physical danger, and ambiguous dimensions using the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scale-Trait (EMAS-T) scales. Sleep parameters were monitored using wristwatch actigraphy over a 14 day period with a PMR intervention in Week 2. Sleep duration and efficiency were compared to published data, and improvements in SOL were examined for those with poorer baseline SOL and higher trait anxiety. Sleep duration and efficiency in this sample did not significantly differ to that of previously published data from athlete and dance samples. Participants with high trait social evaluation anxiety showed a statistically significant decrease in SOL from Week 1 to Week 2 (Z = −2.02, p = .04), with a large effect size (r = .90) following PMR training. Sleep needs of full time dancers differ to those of the general population. PMR is indicated as an effective strategy for improving SOL in higher trait social evaluation anxiety elite performers. Replication with a large randomised controlled trial and an athlete sample is needed.
13 citations
TL;DR: In 2012, a working group under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in order to investigate the lack of effectiveness of the anti-doping testing programs as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: In 2012 following a foundation board meeting a working group under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in order to investigate the lack of effectiveness of the anti-doping testing programs. The working group identified a number of weaknesses with lack of compliance with the anti-doping code by central stakeholders, as the essential problem. According to the working group human and political factors are the reason why anti-doping has been unsuccessful. There is no critique of WADA and the purpose of anti-doping as such. So the aim of this paper is to measure if world anti-doping – its inadequate harmonization, coordination and effectiveness with regard to detection, deterrence and prevention of doping aside – is generally sound and successful. It does so by exercising a critical examination of the purpose as stated in the World Anti-Doping Code: “To protect the athletes fundamental right to participate in doping-free sport and thus promote health, fairness and equality for athletes worldwide”. After a brief introduction to the background for the foundation of WADA followed by an explanation of political success it goes on to evaluate the stated purpose step-by-step. Based on the working groups finding and illustrated by exemplary cases the paper demonstrates that anti doping does not offer any protection of athletes right to participate in doping free sport; that it does not offer significant health protection; and that it does not protect fairness and equality for athletes worldwide. This leads to the conclusion that anti-doping under the auspices of WADA has been unsuccessful and counter-productive.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that it is more effective to promote and enhance the continuation of existing healthy behavior than trying to only eradicate and extinguish deviant/maladaptive behavior.
Abstract: The focus on athletes who engage in doping practices eclipses the fact that elite athletes overwhelmingly support wellness, health, and ethical sporting behavior Yet very little is known about clean athletes and why they choose to stay clean This article advocates moving beyond “business as usual” enforcement focused anti-doping efforts (ie, eradicating “the bad” through the policing and detection of violators) towards enhancing efforts to identify the strengths and characteristics of athletes who choose not to engage in doping behavior (ie, promoting “the good”) We argue that it is more effective to promote and enhance the continuation of existing healthy behavior than trying to only eradicate and extinguish deviant/maladaptive behavior Moreover, such ends are best achieved through a positive psychology approach to anti-doping By employing a positive psychology approach that identifies what clean athletes are doing effectively, this article argues that novel and potentially transformative methods can be developed that better prevent doping and assist athletes who desire to be clean
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated airport apron worker's preferences using two types of cooling vests to identify the factor affecting the preferences for one vest over another, and the results revealed that usability significantly determined the preference of airport anpron workers on cooling vest, while thermal comfort, fabric hand feel, usability, and tactile comfort.
Abstract: The aim of the current study is to evaluate airport apron worker’s preferences using two types of cooling vests to identify the factor affecting the preferences for one vest over another. A total of 112 airport apron (43), construction (36), horticultural and cleaning workers (33) participated in two rounds of surveys to evaluate their perceptions of the cooling vests across 18 attributes. For the 17 subjective attributes (except “dislike–like”), the cluster analysis revealed four categories of subjective attributes, while the factor analysis extracted four underlying factors: thermal comfort, fabric hand feel, usability, and tactile comfort. The results of the analysis of variance indicated that airport apron workers were less satisfied with the cooling vests than the other outdoor workers. Multiple linear regression analysis on the resultant preference “dislike–like” of airport apron workers (the dependent variable) and the four underlying factors (the independent variables). The results revealed that usability significantly determined the preference of airport apron workers on cooling vests (adjusted R2 = 0.84, p
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the ways in which social scientists have used the concept of unintended consequences and similar concepts and conclude that unintended consequences are a commonplace feature of everyday social life, not just in sport but in all aspects of social life.
Abstract: There is a growing recognition of the fact that unintended consequences are a commonplace feature of everyday social life, not just in sport but in all aspects of social life (for a dramatic example, consider the many unintended consequences of Western intervention in the Middle East). In relation to doping, the most obvious unintended consequences – in this case collateral harms – include the fact that existing anti-doping policy has (i) constrained athletes to use more dangerous but less detectable drugs and (ii) to use additional masking drugs to conceal their use of performance-enhancing drugs; (iii) driven drug use underground, thereby making it difficult to control the quality of drugs and (iv) making it more difficult for athletes, especially below elite level, to obtain medical monitoring of their drug use. This paper provides at least partial answers to these questions by, firstly, examining the ways in which social scientists have used the concept of unintended consequences and similar concepts. Attention is focused, in particular, on the Merton’s classic conceptualisation of “the unintended consequences of purposive social action” and on Elias's concept of “unplanned outcomes” and his analysis of the relationship between planned and unplanned social processes. The paper concludes with the implications of these analyses for the practical processes of policy formation and implementation.
TL;DR: In this article, a small sample of seven selected former professional ballet dancers was interviewed using qualitative research with an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, and the findings made evident four major themes: the peak performance lived experience was "extraordinary", the experience continued in a "post-performance high", and the experience was described as spiritual.
Abstract: This study reviews spiritual lived experiences (secular and religious) reported during peak performance in the performing art of ballet. This review is located in academic discussions of mystical and spiritual experiences in the Western cultural tradition. A small sample of seven selected former professional ballet dancers was interviewed using qualitative research with an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach. The findings made evident four major themes: the peak performance lived experience was ‘extraordinary’; the experience continued in a ‘post-performance high’; the experience was described as spiritual; and an overall love for ballet. These findings not only confirm previous research but also provide in-depth insights into the spiritual aspect of peak performance in a way other studies in contemporary times do not. A summary table of the findings is included.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined a novel relaxation technique using restricted environmental stimulation therapy in a flotation tank (FLOAT), which involves reducing the level of environmental stimulation while achieving a sense of near weightlessness through floating in an enclosed, warm, saline-dense water tank.
Abstract: Relaxation techniques and napping are very popular strategies amongst elite athletes recovering from the psychophysiological demands of training and competition. The current study examined a novel relaxation technique using restricted environmental stimulation therapy in a flotation tank (FLOAT). FLOAT involves reducing the level of environmental stimulation while achieving a sense of near weightlessness through floating in an enclosed, warm, saline-dense water tank. Sixty elite, international-level athletes (28 male, 32 female) across a range of 9 sports, completed a ∼45 min FLOAT session following exercise training for their sport. Pre and post FLOAT, athletes filled out a multidimensional mood-state questionnaire (MDMQ) containing 16 mood-state variables as well as a question on perceived muscle soreness. Group data were analysed for pre to post FLOAT for all measured variables. Further analyses were performed on all variables for athletes that napped during FLOAT (n = 27) and compared to those that did not nap (n = 33). A single FLOAT session significantly enhanced 15 of the 16 mood-state variables (p Small (n = 3) to moderate (n = 6) effect sizes in favour of napping for 9 of the 16 mood-state variables were found when compared to the no nap group. FLOAT may be an effective tool for both physical and psychological recovery following training in elite athletes. Furthermore, napping in combination with FLOAT may provide additional benefits to enhance certain mood-state variables. This study serves as a pilot study for future research into the performance recovery of elite athletes following FLOAT.
TL;DR: Investigating the reported prevalence of nutritional, medicinal, and performance enhancing substance use in dance, including any gender or professional status differences, and identifying key sources of information for dancers on all forms of supplementation provides much needed information.
Abstract: The aims of the current study were to: (a) investigate the reported prevalence of nutritional, medicinal, and performance enhancing substance use in dance, including any gender or professional status differences, and (b) examine the amount of importance dancers place on potential sources of information regarding supplementation. Methods involved administering an anonymous survey to 371 male ( n = 83) and female ( n = 286) UK-based dancers ( M age = 20.87 years). Use of at least one supplement was reported by 91.9% of the dancers surveyed, and prevalence rates were highest for multivitamins, over-the-counter painkillers, and high energy drinks. Prevalence of use varied from low to high for specific nutritional and medicinal supplements, whereas very low levels of supplementation were seen for all performance enhancing supplements. Numerous forms of supplementation were more prevalent in male and professional dancers in comparison to female and amateur dancers, respectively. Across all categories of supplementation, physiotherapists and GPs/physicians were considered to be important sources of information on supplementation, whereas non-dance friends were considered to be the least important source of information. In conclusion, the current study provides much needed information on nutritional, medicinal and performance enhancing supplementation in dancers, and identifies key sources of information for dancers on all forms of supplementation.
TL;DR: The paper argues that the IOC MSD is a much-underrated anti-doping body because the activities of its members shaped the International Olympic Committees (IOC) anti-Doping policy considerably in the 1980s.
Abstract: Based on historical sources from the archive of the International Olympic Committee Library and Archives and the Carl and Liselott Diem-Archive of the German Sport University Cologne, this article explores the role of the International Olympic Committee Medical Subcomission on Doping. It therewith aims to address the relative omission on the role of scientists in the history of anti-doping. The paper argues that the IOC MSD is a much-underrated anti-doping body because the activities of its members, who were all heads of anti-doping laboratories with professional competencies in the field of doping analysis, shaped the International Olympic Committees (IOC) anti-doping policy considerably in the 1980s.
TL;DR: In this article, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the fitness and malnutrition by morphometrics among Toto women influenced by their occupational workload and improper nutrition, which positively correlated with family income and level of education.
Abstract: Background Toto is the smallest tribal population of India and the number of women, who shoulder the responsibility for expansion of the community and contribute equally to the economy by doing energy-demanding jobs, is gradually declining with respect to the number of males. But, the data regarding their physiological and fitness status is scant. Aim The present cross-sectional study is the first attempt to investigate the fitness and malnutrition by morphometrics among Toto women influenced by their occupational workload and improper nutrition. Methods The study drew on young Toto women, randomly selected from Totopara, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal (mean age 23.4 years). Measurements of body composition included several anthropometric variables; while physical efficiency parameters were physical fitness index (PFI), VO 2max , energy expenditure and anaerobic power. Results Analysis showed the majority of Toto women were mildly underweight (48%). They also showed lower fat mass and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and conicity index. They were found to have excellent physical fitness [82.2(±4.62)%], which positively correlated with family income ( R 2 = 0.550) and level of education ( R 2 = 0.508). Conclusion The findings of the study reports almost three quarters of Toto women are underweight. This study also shows the physical fitness status of young Toto women, which influences their economy, occupational workload, and poor nutritional status.
TL;DR: This article investigated whether the judicial system considers that there is a link between anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) use and violence and found that evidence of AAS use had neither an aggravating nor mitigating effect on sentencing.
Abstract: Research suggests that there is a link between the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and violence, though this link may be moderated by other substance use such as alcohol. Violent acts in the nighttime economy in recent times has led to governments adopting a law enforcement approach. This study sought to investigate whether the judicial system considers that there is a link between AAS use and violence. Sentencing decisions in Victoria, Australia, were identified using three publically available case law databases. Of the six cases identified, three cases had some mention of a potential link between AAS use and violent offending; however, it appears that evidence of AAS use had neither an aggravating nor mitigating effect on sentencing. In all six cases, a history of other substance use had more of an impacting upon sentencing. Harm reduction approaches should be adopted to reduce violence related to any substance use, including AAS.
TL;DR: The Transitional Training Program (TTP) as discussed by the authors was designed for first year tertiary dance students, with an emphasis on developing and encouraging a mindset that enables information to be transferred into alternative settings for practice and learning throughout life.
Abstract: The transition into university presents very particular challenges for students. The First Year Experience (FYE) is a transitional liminal phase, fraught with uncertainty, ripe with potential. The complexity inherent in this initial phase of tertiary education is well documented and continues to be interrogated. Providing timely and effective support and interventions for potentially at-risk first year students as they transition into tertiary study is a key priority for universities across the globe (Gale et al., 2015). This article outlines the evolution of an established and highly successful Transitional Training Program (TTP) for first year tertiary dance students, with particular reference to the 2015 iteration of the program. TTP design embraces three dimensions: physical training in transition, learning in transition, and teaching for transition, with an emphasis on developing and encouraging a mindset that enables information to be transferred into alternative settings for practice and learning throughout life. The aim of the 2015 TTP was to drive substantial change in first year Dance students’ satisfaction, connectedness, and overall performance within the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Dance course, through the development and delivery of innovative curriculum and pedagogical practices that promote the successful transition of dance students into their first year of university. The program targeted first year BFA Dance students through the integration of specific career guidance; performance psychology; academic skills support; practical dance skills support; and specialized curricula and pedagogy.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that habitual movements must be open to acts of creativity in order to maintain a productive relationship between the performing body and the environment, and consider what this "creative action" might involve and discuss a number of approaches that could maintain and improve one's movement proficiency.
Abstract: Empirical evidence demonstrates that performing artists are confronted by a variety of ‘bodily crises’ (e.g., injury, attrition of habits induced by ageing) over the course of their careers (Wainwright, Williams, & Turner, 2005). Such crises may present a serious threat to the embodied subject. Unfortunately, many prominent theories of skill acquisition (e.g., Fitts & Posner, 1967) appear to evacuate the body from performance by suggesting that any form of conscious processing (i.e., paying conscious attention to one's action during motor skill execution) will disrupt habitual behaviour. As a result, few researchers have considered how performers might tackle bodily anomalies. In the current paper, we seek to address this issue by discussing a variety of the ‘crises’ that confront the performing body. We start by discussing a number of disciplinary practices that may contribute to these crises. Next, we argue that habitual movements must be open to ‘acts of creativity’ in order to maintain a productive relationship between the performing body and the environment. Then we consider what this ‘creative action’ might involve and discuss a number of approaches (e.g., mindfulness, somaesthetic awareness) that could maintain and improve one's movement proficiency. Here, our argument draws on Dewey's (1922) pragmatist philosophy and his belief that ‘intelligent habit’ was required to help people to improve their movement functioning. Finally, we consider the implications of our argument for current conceptualisations of ‘habitual’ movement and recommend that researchers explore the adaptive and flexible capacity of the performing body.
TL;DR: The authors used a grounded theory qualitative methodology combined with a modified Life Story Narrative script to assess professional dancers' life stories and identities, finding that most dancers emphasized the importance of personal recognition and chose the dance profession at a relatively young age.
Abstract: The lifestyles, identities, and motivations of professional dancers are not well documented in the literature. This study used a grounded theory qualitative methodology combined with a modified Life Story Narrative script to assess professional dancers’ life stories and identities. Twenty professional dancers from the U.S. Midwest were interviewed. During the interviews, dancers recounted emotionally vivid memories related to their dance careers. Data analysis revealed that most dancers emphasized the importance of personal recognition and chose the dance profession at a relatively young age. Variances between working [currently performing] dancers and retired [no longer performing] dancers were found regarding agency of entering the dance field, challenges within the career, and interest in teaching new dancers. Finally, a dichotomous description of appropriate teaching approaches emerged; some dancers expressed concern that past teaching methods were too harsh, whereas others conveyed that extreme measures better prepared students today for the professional realm. This study provides a deeper understanding of a unique population of people as well as evidence that time affects narrative stories; both of these implications are useful to inform public awareness and clinical practice.
TL;DR: In this article, the mediating role of an exemplary extra-propositional process (moral disengagement) on the relationship between discrepant implicit and explicit evaluations and the intention to dope was investigated.
Abstract: Introducing a dual-process approach, this study extends research on the psychology of doping by considering discrepancies between athletes’ explicit and implicit evaluations of doping and the way they are cognitively resolved. Framing our hypotheses in terms of the associative-propositional evaluation model, we tested the mediating role of an exemplary extra-propositional process (moral disengagement) on the relationship between discrepant implicit and explicit evaluations and the intention to dope. Eighty participants (62 male; 16.87 ± 1.62 years) worked through a reaction time-based test to assess their implicit evaluations of doping (associative process). Questionnaires were used to assess their explicit evaluations, moral disengagement and intentions. The results support our hypothesis and reveal a significant indirect effect for the mediation path on the relationship between discrepant evaluations and intention. This study illustrates one fundamental cognitive mechanism of doping-related information processing within an athlete's doping mind-set. Future research should focus the interaction between implicit and explicit processes and its impact on doping intention and behaviour.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose that Motion Capture (MoCap) in dance is part of, but distinct from, the traditional use of film or video as an archival and indexical instrument, and that what is transferred from live to digital via the omniscient motion capture camera informs what we see towards creative possibilities.
Abstract: We propose that Motion Capture (MoCap) in dance is part of, but distinct from, the traditional use of film or video as an archival and indexical instrument. Furthermore in the move from the recording of framed and temporally consistent slices of linear film or video ‘footage’ to the collection of profoundly mutable digital data utilising an Omniscient Frame, there is a fundamental conceptual shift in the creative re-shaping of the performance through a shared choreographic process. In the improvised choreographic and live performance process, qualitative differences in evaluating MoCap were identified. Study #1 (2015) is a collaborative screendance work by the authors, dancer (Author One), and digital artist (Author two). This piece utilises 3D Motion Capture technology and 3D digital animation software as part of a series of dance and moving image experiments. MoCap offers enhanced perspectives towards compositional awareness and evaluation between live and digital platforms. The human movement material produced in response to the MoCap technology optimises the potential of the technology and the human, moving body, with a catalysing force. We propose that what is transferred from live to digital via the omniscient motion capture camera informs what we see towards creative possibilities. We identify that the live performer as movement data does manifest as digital presence. We propose that we can view dance data and that this does aid performance – not towards quantitative evaluation but in capturing specific, human movement qualities towards qualitative artistic evaluation and critique.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore if and in what ways doping can be regarded as a challenge to the validity, morality and significance of the sporting test and conclude that although there certainly are morally problematic features of anti-doping the idea that doping must be banned can be defended by reference to the constitutive function of physical differences in sport.
Abstract: In this article, we explore if and in what ways doping can be regarded as a challenge to the validity, morality and significance of the sporting test. We start out by examining Kalevi Heinila’s analysis of the logic of elite sport, which shows how the ‘spiral of competition’ leads to the use of ‘dubious means’. As a supplement to Heinila, we revisit American sports historian John Hoberman’s writings on sport and technology. Then we discuss what function equality and fairness have in sport and what separates legitimate form illegitimate ways of enhancing performance. We proceed by discussing the line of argumentation set forth by philosopher Torbjorn Tannsjo on how our admiration of sporting superiority based on natural talent or ‘birth luck’ is immoral. We analyse his argument in favour of eliminating the significance of meritless luck in sport by lifting the ban on doping and argue that its rationale is incompatible with the purpose of sport. We hereby show that although there certainly are morally problematic features of anti-doping the idea that doping must be banned can be defended by reference to the constitutive function of physical differences in sport. In conclusion we show that although doping will never be eradicated from sport because of its ability to increase the physical differences that serve a constitutive function in sport, those differences are not primary in our fascination with elite sport. Instead, we argue for the sporting competition as a stage where fascinating narratives can unfold in a dramatized manner. The integrity of athletic excellence can thus survive even if doping continues to be a factor in sport.
TL;DR: In Switzerland, doping substance misuse is not limited to regulated sport, it is present in the general population and therefore may become a public health issue.
Abstract: Background Doping substances are those thought to increase athletic performance, enhance image, or overcome the effects of ageing. This study aims to evaluate the profiles of people and the reasons for importing substances appearing on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List into Switzerland, which is illegal under Swiss law. Methods A survey was conducted among people intending to illegally import doping substances in 2013 and 2014. A questionnaire with 29 items was developed, aiming to collect importers’ socio-demographic information, data on their sports practices, import characteristics, import motivations, product quality awareness and knowledge of the Swiss Sports Law. In total, 491 questionnaires were sent to doping product importers, with 147 (30%) responding. Results Gender analysis showed a higher percentage of importation of doping products resulted by men (81%) than by women (18%). Swiss doping product importers were physically active people, but not competing athletes. Men preferentially imported anabolic androgenic steroids and supplements. They admitted that the motivation to import the products was to increase muscle size and improve athletic performance. Women mainly imported products with the intention of losing weight. Apart from supplements, which were imported for performance enhancing reasons, doping products were imported into Switzerland principally for image enhancing reasons. Conclusion In Switzerland, doping substance misuse is not limited to regulated sport, it is present in the general population and therefore may become a public health issue.