Showing papers in "Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport in 2010"
TL;DR: The survey findings, which included 121 former female coaches, suggest that time and family commitments were the main reasons they left coaching, and the interview findings confirmed the open-ended responses on the survey.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to better understand the experiences of former female coaches and their decision to terminate their careers. A feminist perspective and mixed-methods (surveys and interviews) were used to allow for a richer understanding of their experiences. The survey findings, which included 121 former female coaches, suggest that time and family commitments were the main reasons they left coaching. Also, a small number (18%) left coaching for reasons such as opportunity for promotion. Six women from the survey sample were individually interviewed. Through a descriptive analytic strategy and indexing process (Creswell, 1998), three general themes emerged: (a) gender disparities in women's work, (b) technical demands of coaching, and (c) college coaching and normalized sexualities. Overall, the interview findings confirmed the open-ended responses on the survey and described gender discrimination, the centrality of male coaches, and rampant homophobia in U.S. collegiate coaching. In additio...
424 citations
TL;DR: Students' proficiency in three object control and three locomotor skills were assessed in 2000 and 2006–07 in New South Wales, Australia and, while gender was significant, it did not affect the relationship between these variables.
Abstract: Students' proficiency in three object control and three locomotor skills were assessed in 2000 (M age = 10.06 years, SD = 0.63) in New South Wales, Australia and in 2006-07 (M age = 16.44 years, SD = 0.64). In 2006-07, 266 students, 138 girls (51.9%) and 128 boys (48.1%), had at least one skill reassessed. Boys were more object control proficient than girls. Childhood object control proficiency significantly predicted (p = .001) adolescent object control proficiency (r2 = .39), and, while gender was significant (p = .001), it did not affect the relationship between these variables (p = .53). Because childhood object control proficiency is predictive of subsequent object control proficiency, developing skills in childhood is important.
233 citations
TL;DR: There was a significant difference for gender (p < .0001) and Gender x Region interaction (p = .02) for OC skills, and boys outperformed girls in the midwestern and southwestern regions.
Abstract: This study examined the influence of gender and region on object control (OC) and locomotor skill development. Participants were 275 midwestern African American and 194 southwestern Hispanic preschool children who were disadvantaged. All were evaluated on the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (Ulrich, 2000). Two, 2 Gender (girls, boys) x 2 Region (midwest, southwest) analyses of variance were conducted on OC and locomotor percentile rank. Both midwestern and southwestern preschoolers were developmentally delayed in locomotor and OC skills (< 30th percentile). There was a significant difference for gender (p < .0001) and Gender x Region interaction (p = .02) for OC skills. Boys outperformed girls in the midwestern and southwestern regions. For locomotor skills, there was a significant difference for region (p < .001), with midwestern preschoolers having better locomotor skills.
157 citations
TL;DR: Partial correlations were generally stronger for cardiovascular fitness than body mass index and consistently stronger in the middle school grades, and school fitness attainment is an indicator of higher performing schools.
Abstract: This study examined the associations between indicators of health-related physical fitness (cardiovascular fitness and body mass index) and academic performance (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills). Partial correlations were generally stronger for cardiovascular fitness than body mass index and consistently stronger in the middle school grades. Mixed-model regression analyses revealed modest associations between fitness and academic achievement after controlling for potentially confounding variables. The effects of fitness on academic achievement were positive but small. A separate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher fitness rates increased the odds of schools achieving exemplary/recognized school status within the state. School fitness attainment is an indicator of higher performing schools. Direction of causality cannot be inferred due to the cross-sectional nature of the data.
138 citations
TL;DR: Regression equations using resting HR and maturity offset or chronological age significantly predicted HRmax, although the R2 < .30 and the standard error of estimation limits the accuracy.
Abstract: In this study, we compared measured maximal heart rate (HRmax) to two different HRmax prediction equations [220 — age and 208 — 0.7(age)] in 52 children ages 7-17 years. We determined the relationship of chronological age, maturational age, and resting HR to measured HRmax and assessed seated resting HR and HRmax during a graded exercise test. Maturational age was calculated as the maturity offset in years from the estimated age at peak height velocity. Measured HRmax was 201 ± 10 bpm, whereas predicted HRmax ranged from 199 to 208 bpm. Measured HRmax and the predicted value from the 208 — 0.7(age) prediction were similar but lower (p < .05) than the 220 — age prediction. Absolute differences between measured and predicted HRmax were 8 ± 5 and 10 ± 8 bpm for the 208 — 0.7 (age) and 220 — age equations, respectively, and were greater than zero (p < .05). Regression equations using resting HR and maturity offset or chronological age significantly predicted HRmax, although the R2 < .30 and the standard error...
127 citations
TL;DR: Investigation of large-scale fitness testing in Texas found Reliability and validity of teacher-obtained health-related fitness measures were generally unrelated to potentially confounding student or school characteristics, and Administrators, teachers, parents, and students can feel comfortable with the reliability and validity.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality (reliability and validity) of large-scale fitness testing in Texas and determine if reliabilities and validities were related to potential confounding variables. Four test administration scenarios were conducted to investigate the quality of data collected statewide as part of the Texas Youth Evaluation Project. Teachers and/or expert test administrators tested individual students (N = 1,010) on two occasions. Criterion-referenced reliabilities were very good to generally acceptable for all FITNESSGRAM® test items, with musculoskeletal items having the lowest reliabilities. The validity of teacheradministered tests was good. Reliability and validity of teacher-obtained health-related fitness measures were generally unrelated to potentially confounding student or school characteristics. Administrators, teachers, parents, and students can feel comfortable with the reliability and validity of the statewide health-related fitness testing in Texas.
116 citations
TL;DR: Balance training resulted in significantly improved postural control, increased jumping height, and enhanced rate of force development of the leg extensors, which could have an impact on improving the performance level in various sports and on reducing the injury prevalence of the lower extremities.
Abstract: Deficits in strength of the lower extremities and postural control have been associated with a high risk of sustaining sport-related injuries. Such injuries often occur during physical education (PE) classes and mostly affect the lower extremities. Thus, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of balance training on postural sway, leg extensor strength, and jumping height in adolescents. Twenty high school students participated in this study and were assigned to either an intervention (n = 10) or control group (n = 10). The intervention group participated in a 4-week balance-training program integrated in their physical education lessons. Pre- and posttests included the measurements of postural sway on a balance platform, jumping height on a force platform, and maximal isometric leg extension force on a leg-press. Balance training resulted in significantly improved postural control, increased jumping height, and enhanced rate of force development of the leg extensors. Physiological ad...
106 citations
TL;DR: Findings add to the mounting evidence that motivational factors affect motor skill learning by investigating the influence of normative feedback on learning a sequential timing task.
Abstract: This study investigated the influence of normative feedback on learning a sequential timing task. In addition to feedback about their performance per trial, two groups of participants received bogus normative feedback about a peer group's average block-to-block improvement after each block of 10 trials. Scores indicated either greater (better group) or less (worse group) than the average improvement, respectively. On the transfer test 1 day later, which required producing novel absolute movement times, the better group demonstrated more effective learning than the worse group. These findings add to the mounting evidence that motivational factors affect motor skill learning.
104 citations
TL;DR: The association of gender, socioeconomic status (SES), weight status, and physical education enjoyment with participation in organized and unorganized physical activity contexts in a representative sample of Canadian adolescents was explored.
Abstract: There is limited research on participation context in studies of physical activity correlates during adolescence. Using an ecological approach, this study explored the association of gender, socioeconomic status (SES), weight status, and physical education enjoyment with participation in organized and unorganized physical activity contexts in a representative sample of Canadian adolescents. Drawing on data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (Cycle 3), we conducted multiple logistic regression analyses to model the associations among the variables of interest. Girls participated less frequently in unorganized physical activities than boys (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] ranging from 0.57 to 0.65, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] range: 0.46–0.72 to 0.52–0.81). Adolescents in the middle and high SES categories participated more in organized physical activity than their peers in the low SES category (AOR = 1.40–1.87, CI = 1.06–1.84 to 1.41–2.47). Obese adolescents were generally ...
102 citations
TL;DR: Investigating the risk-taking behaviors of 302 men involved in high-risk sports showed that personality types with a configuration of low conscientiousness combined with high extraversion and/or high neuroticism (impulsive, hedonistic, insecure) were greater risk-takers.
Abstract: We investigated the risk-taking behaviors of 302 men involved in high-risk sports (downhill skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing, paragliding, or skydiving). The sportsmen were classified using a typological approach to personality based on eight personality types, which were constructed from combinations of neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness. Results showed that personality types with a configuration of low conscientiousness combined with high extraversion and/or high neuroticism (impulsive, hedonistic, insecure) were greater risk-takers. Conversely, personality types with a configuration of high conscientiousness combined with low extraversion and/or high extraversion (skeptic, brooder, entrepreneur) were lower risk-takers. Results are discussed in the context of typology and other approaches to understanding who takes risks in high-risk domains.
99 citations
TL;DR: Results suggest that feedback, situation consideration, and teaching and instruction are essential antecedents to self-determined motivation.
Abstract: In the present study, we tested the effects of specific dimensions of perceived teaching behaviors on students' self-determined motivation in physical education. In accordance with the tenets of self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2000), we expected the psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness would mediate these effects. Secondary school students (N = 498) ages 12–17 years completed measures of perceived teaching behaviors for seven dimensions: (a) democratic behavior, (b) autocratic behavior, (c) teaching and instruction, (d) situation consideration, (e) positive general feedback, (f) positive nonverbal feedback, and (h) negative nonverbal feedback. They also completed measures of perceived satisfaction for competence, autonomy, relatedness, and self-determined motivation. A path-analytic model revealed a positive, indirect effect of perceived positive general feedback on self-determined motivation. The effects of perceived autocratic behavior and negative nonverb...
TL;DR: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was created and evaluated as a standardized instrument for this purpose as discussed by the authors, and two versions of the IPAQ were designed and evaluated (short: nine items; and long: 31 items), the short form was recommended for population monitoring.
Abstract: Physical inactivity and its accompanying adverse sequelae (e.g., obesity and diabetes) are global health concerns. The single most commonly reported physical activity in public health surveys is walking (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2000; Rafferty, Reeves, McGee, & Pivarnik, 2002). As evidence accumulates that walking is important for preventing weight gain (Levine et al., 2008) and reducing the risk of diabetes (Jeon, Lokken, Hu, & van Dam, 2007), there is increased need to capture this behavior in a valid and reliable manner. Although the disadvantages of a self-report methodology are well known (Sallis, & Saelens, 2000), it still represents the most feasible approach for conducting population-level surveillance across developed and developing countries. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was created and evaluated as a standardized instrument for this purpose. Although two versions of the IPAQwere designed and evaluated (short: nine items; and long: 31 items), the short form was recommended for population monitoring (Craig et al., 2003). However, it has not been recommended for intervention or research studies that require precise physical activity quantification to examine changes in physical activity at the individual level. IPAQ was also not intended to replace instruments that are more responsive to individual changes in activity level, such as objective measures. In addition to walking behaviors, IPAQ also assesses time spent in moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity as well as sitting behaviors, although the latter is not the focus of this analysis. Aggregated IPAQ data have been previously validated compared to accelerometers, and overall reliability was confirmed across 12 countries (Craig et al., 2003). Previous research showed criterion validity Spearman correlations with a median of 0.30 and test-retest reliability Spearman correlations clustered around 0.8 (Craig et al., 2003). The purpose of this study, however, was to reanalyze these data with respect to validity (again compared to an accelerometer) and test-retest reliability specifically for population monitoring of walking.
TL;DR: The trans-contextual model of motivation (TCM) was used to examine the effect of Sport Education (SE) on students' participation in a voluntary lunch recess sport club and elicited a moderate increase in autonomous motives in physical education.
Abstract: In this study, we used the trans-contextual model of motivation (TCM) to examine the effect of Sport Education (SE) on students' participation in a voluntary lunch recess sport club. A total of 192 participants (ages 9-14 years) completed measures of the TCM constructs before and after a 12-week SE intervention period. Participants had the opportunity to participate in weekly, voluntary lunch recess sport club sessions during the intervention period. SE elicited a moderate increase in autonomous motives in physical education. The TCM accounted for a significant proportion of the explained variance in lunch recess sport club intention and participation. Autonomy-supportive curricular models, such as SE, may have the potential to facilitate transfer of motivation and participation in physical activity from a physical education to an extracurricular context.
TL;DR: Promoting dog ownership and dog walking among children and as a family are potential strategies for increasing PA participation in some families.
Abstract: This study aimed to determine cross-sectional associations of dog ownership, dog walking, and physical activity (PA) among children and their parents. Objective measures of PA were obtained for children ages 5-6 and 10-12 years from 19 primary schools across Melbourne, Australia. Parents self-reported their PA, dog ownership, and frequency of dog walking: 53% of families owned a dog, 41% of children who owned a dog did not walk their dog at all, and 32% reported never or rarely walking their dog as a family. Dog ownership was associated with an additional 29 min/day in PA among younger girls, and 70 and 59 min/week more in PA among mothers of younger boys and older girls, respectively. Among mothers of older girls, dog owners were 1.6 times as likely to meet PA guidelines. Mothers with older boys and girls, and fathers with younger boys, who reported walking the dog regularly as a family, spent more time in PA (105, 90, and 158 more min/week, respectively). Promoting dog ownership and dog walking among ch...
TL;DR: The purpose of this research was to understand fifth-grade mestizas self-identified barriers to physical activity, and to work with them to develop strategies for challenging these barriers.
Abstract: Drawing on feminist, critical, and poststructural theories, the purpose of this research was: (a) to understand fifth-grade mestizas self-identified barriers to physical activity, and (b) to work with them to develop strategies for challenging these barriers. Data were collected over the 2005–06 school year. Our interpretations are divided into three sections: (a) the barriers the girls identified to their physical activity participation; (b) how we worked with them to study their primary self-identified barrier to physical activity—“the boy's won't let us play;” and (c) how we refocused our research to help the girls publicize their barrier to challenge the inequities in physical activity at their school.
TL;DR: % body fat was related to race performance in male athletes and to average weekly training in female athletes and personal best time in an Ironman triathlon was associated with total race time for both male and female athletes.
Abstract: We studied male and female nonprofessional Ironman triathletes to determine whether percent body fat, training, and/or previous race experience were associated with race performance. We used simple linear regression analysis, with total race time as the dependent variable, to investigate the relationship among athletes' percent body fat, average amount of weekly training, and best time in an Ironman triathlon. For male athletes, percent body fat (r2 = 0.57, p < .001) was related to total race time but not average weekly training. For women, percent body fat showed no association with total race time; however, average weekly training volume was related to total race time (r2 = .43, p < .01). Percent body fat and average weekly training were not correlated in either gender. Speed in training was not associated with race performance in either gender. For men (r2 = .56, p < .001) and women (r2 = .45, p < .05), personal best time in an Ironman triathlon was related to total race time. We concluded tha...
TL;DR: Schoollevel attainment of fitness was consistently higher in schools categorized as low diversity and high socioeconomic status, and clear spatial patterns in fitness achievement were also evident when data was analyzed at the region and county level using geodemographic information system software.
Abstract: This study examined demographic and geographic variability in aggregated school-level data on the percentage of students achieving the FITNESSGRAM® Healthy Fitness Zones™ (HFZ). Three-way analyses of variance were used to examine differences in fitness achievement rates among schools that had distinct diversity and socioeconomic status profiles. The results revealed age-related declines in the percentage of youth who achieved the HFZ standard for cardiovascular fitness (elementary school: 70%; middle school: 46%; high school: 34%). Interestingly, there was little evidence of age-related declines in other fitness dimensions. Schoollevel attainment of fitness was consistently higher in schools categorized as low diversity and high socioeconomic status. Clear spatial patterns in fitness achievement were also evident when data were analyzed at the region and county level using geodemographic information system software.
TL;DR: Significant seasonal differences were observed for TPA, weekday PA, weekend PA, and active play, and children living in cold climates are less likely to be physically active in the winter.
Abstract: Little research has examined seasonal differences in physical activity (PA) levels among children. Proxy reports of PA were completed by 1,715 parents on their children in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Total PA (TPA) minutes were calculated, and each participant was classified as active, somewhat active, or inactive. Logistic regression models were conducted to examine associations between PA status and seasons. Significant seasonal differences were observed for TPA, weekday PA, weekend PA, and active play. Children were significantly more likely to be physically active in the summer and spring and somewhat physically active in the summer and fall, relative to winter. Children living in cold climates are less likely to be physically active in the winter
TL;DR: Because physical activity researchers use the method infrequently, this paper provides an overview of systematic observation as it applies to studying physical activity.
Abstract: Direct (systematic) observation has been a mainstay of my research for over three decades. I believe it is an important tool for assessing physical activity, because it can simultaneously provide contextually rich data on the setting in which the activity occurs. It is particularly useful for those interested in using ecological and cognitive-behavioral approaches to examine how physical and social environments influence physical activity, and it is currently the only method for assessing group physical activity in open environments. Because physical activity researchers use the method infrequently, this paper provides an overview of systematic observation as it applies to studying physical activity.
TL;DR: The findings from this study provided some evidence that the IWBF functional classification system should be reexamined and that a consolidation of the current eight levels might be in order.
Abstract: Wheelchair basketball athletes are classified using the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) functional classification system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between upper extremity anaerobic performance (AnP) and all functional classification levels in wheelchair basketball. Ninety-seven male athletes from the Polish and Lithuanian national wheelchair basketball leagues took part in this study. The Wingate Anaerobic Test was used to assess four AnP indexes with an arm crank ergometer. The level of AnP in wheelchair basketball athletes depends to some degree on classification level. No significant differences were found for the AnP indexes across levels 1.0–2.5 and 3.0–4.5. However, the AnP level for those in classes 1.0–2.5 was significantly lower than those in classes 3.0–4.5. The findings from this study provided some evidence that the IWBF functional classification system should be reexamined and that a consolidation of the current eight levels mig...
TL;DR: Findings in this study showed the complex ways girls and boys, picked up, resisted, and negotiated male and female body signifiers by “ doing girl” and “doing boy” in the school context.
Abstract: This paper shows how a group of young people and researchers, through their reading of images, performed “identity work” within discourses of the body and gender in physical education. To explore young people's identity narratives and physicality, the researchers used an ethnographic method using photo-elicitation. Findings in this study showed the complex ways girls and boys, picked up, resisted, and negotiated male and female body signifiers by “doing girl” and “doing boy” in the school context. Given these results, the researchers discuss several implications for educators and scholars to consider in working toward the new gender agenda in physical education.
TL;DR: It is found that female coaches felt the need to continually prove themselves and often experienced coaching as a hostile and intimidating culture, and there is a case for a greater emphasis on sociocultural education within the UK coaching curricula.
Abstract: Based on interview research, this study examined how master female coaches based in the United Kingdom experienced relations with men within their profession. Using a feminist cultural studies approach to examine how sport promotes and maintains a gender order unfavorable to women, we found that female coaches felt the need to continually prove themselves and often experienced coaching as a hostile and intimidating culture. Participants reported a gradual reduction in such unwelcoming behavior from men, seemingly because they had proved to be no threat to the existing patriarchal structure. A critical exploration of coaching is needed to understand how masculine hegemony leads to women's relative powerlessness as coaches. Furthermore, the findings present a case for a greater emphasis on sociocultural education within the UK coaching curricula.
TL;DR: Changes in movement kinematics and attentional focus when expert and novice golfers performed a golf-putting task under pressure were possibly caused by the influences of strategy modification and/or emotional response.
Abstract: We investigated changes in movement kinematics and attentional focus when expert and novice golfers performed a golf-putting task under pressure. Six male professional golfers and five male novice golfers performed 100 acquisition trials, followed by 10 trials in the pressure condition with a performance-contingent cash reward and small audience. After the 10 trials in the pressure condition, participants answered a questionnaire concerning attentional focus during both types of trial, including such aspects as conscious control of movements and the effects of distraction. A pressure manipulation check revealed a modest increase in physiological arousal, in that heart rate increased by about 10 bpm although state anxiety did not increase. A two-dimensional analysis of movement kinematics revealed that the amplitudes of arm and club movements decreased on the backswing in the pressure condition. Arm and club movement speed decreased on the foreswing in both experts and novices. Furthermore, neither experts...
TL;DR: The findings indicated that underweight youth did not have poorer sprint performance, and the obese group had lower scores than their leaner counterparts.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to provide percentile values for six different sprint tests in 2,708 Spanish children (1,234 girls) ages 6–17.9 years. We also examined the influence of weight status on sprint performance across age groups, with a focus on underweight and obese groups. We used the 20-m, 30-m, and 50-m running sprint standing start and running start tests to assess sprint performance. We calculated body mass index (BMI) using and categorized participants according to the BMI international cut-off for underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. Boys had significantly better scores than girls in all tests, except for the 30-m running sprint standing start and running start tests in the 6–7-year-old group. The underweight group had significantly better scores than their obese counterparts, whereas there were similar levels between underweight and normal weight individuals. The normal weight group showed a significantly better performance than their overweight and obese counterparts. Overweigh...
TL;DR: Girls in the cardiorespiratory HFZ had higher levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction and rated themselves as stronger, having greater endurance, and having lower levels of depression than those in the NIZ.
Abstract: This study examined the associations among self-esteem, depression, physical self-concept, and body satisfaction among 1,022 middle school students who were in the FITNESSGRAM® Healthy Fitness Zone™ (HFZ) compared to those in the Needs Improvement Zone (NIZ) for body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness. After controlling for socioeconomic status (SES), participants in the body composition HFZ reported higher levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction and rated themselves as being more flexible and having greater endurance than those in the NIZ. After controlling for SES, girls in the cardiorespiratory HFZ had higher levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction and rated themselves as stronger, having greater endurance, and having lower levels of depression than those in the NIZ. Similarly, boys in the cardiorespiratory HFZ reported having greater endurance and being stronger and more satisfied with their bodies than boys in the NIZ. The findings have implications for promoting healthy school environ...
TL;DR: The results suggest that boys have a relatively stable pattern of unorganized physical activity throughout childhood and adolescence; however, for some girls, participation declines in adolescence.
Abstract: Children's leisure-time or unorganized physical activity is associated with positive physical and mental health, yet there is little information available on tracking and predicting participation throughout the childhood and adolescent years. The purpose of the current study was to explore patterns of unorganized physical activity participation of children ages 4 through 17 years. Longitudinal data from the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth were analyzed using semiparametric group-based trajectory modeling. Participation in unorganized physical activity was best represented by two trajectory groups for boys (n = 4,476) and girls (n = 4,502). For boys, these groups were labeled regular participation and infrequent participation. For girls, there was also a regular group and a second group that reflected infrequent and decreasing participation throughout childhood and adolescence. A higher educational level for parents and having two parents in the home predicted regular participat...
TL;DR: The proposed method is accurate and effective in setting a new field test onto the same scale of a primary field test and determining its cut-off scores and the middle school data generally supported these results.
Abstract: This study evaluated the use of a new primary field test method based on test equating to address inconsistent classification among field tests. We analyzed students' information on the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER), mile run (MR), and VO2max from three data sets (college: n = 94; middle school: n = 39; elementary school: n = 96). Using the college and elementary school data, the equivalent relationship between PACER and MR scores was first established by the Kernel equating method. This yielded MR scores derived from PACER (mile run PACER equated [MR PEQ]), which were used to predict maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and classify students according to the FITNESSGRAM® Healthy Fitness Zones™. We compared the results to the predictions and classifications based on measured VO2max, MR, and PACER-predicted VO2max and cross-validated the relationships using the middle school data. We found the test conversion to be accurate and that the MR PEQ scores functioned similarly to the origina...
TL;DR: It is suggested that steady-state aerobic exercise bouts executed at varying intensities induce a similar affective response during the recovery period when assessed at both the behavioral and psychophysiological levels.
Abstract: The “feel better” effect of exercise has been well established, but the optimal intensity needed to elicit a positive affective response is controversial. In addition, the mechanisms underlying such a response are unclear. To clarify these issues, female undergraduate students were monitored for electroencephalographic (EEG) and self-reported affective responses during the recovery period following rest, low, moderate, and high intensities of treadmill running, each lasting 30 min. Frontal EEG asymmetry and self-reported vigor scores following exercise at all three intensities were significantly elevated compared to those observed following rest. The results suggest that steady-state aerobic exercise bouts executed at varying intensities induce a similar affective response during the recovery period when assessed at both the behavioral and psychophysiological levels.
TL;DR: Observations of physical fitness testing in Texas schools and physical education teachers' insights about largescale testing using the FITNESSGRAM® assessment and specific themes emerged related to teachers' knowledge and training about conducting fitness testing and managing data.
Abstract: This paper provides observations of physical fitness testing in Texas schools and physical education teachers' insights about largescale testing using the FITNESSGRAM® assessment (Cooper Institute, 2007) as mandated by Texas Senate Bill 530. In the first study, undergraduate and graduate students who were trained to observe and assess student fitness testing in grades 3 through 12 provided observations. In the second study, physical education teachers responded to selected interview questions during a focus group discussion. From the observations and responses, specific themes emerged related to teachers' knowledge and training about conducting fitness testing and managing data, students' knowledge and motivation, support and resources for conducting fitness assessments, and complexity of the fitness situation.
TL;DR: The changes in landing biomechanics as a result of opposition suggest future research on landing mechanics should examine opposed exercises, because opposition may significantly alter neuromuscular responses.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of opposition and gender on knee kinematics and ground reaction force during landing from a volleyball block jump. Six female and six male university volleyball players performed two landing tasks: (a) an unopposed and (b) an opposed volleyball block jump and landing. A 12-camera motion analysis system (120 Hz) was used to record knee kinematics, and a force platform (600 Hz) was used to record ground reaction force during landing. The results showed a significant effect for level of opposition in peak normalized ground reaction force (p = .04), knee flexion at ground contact (p = .003), maximum knee flexion (p = .001), and knee flexion range of motion (p = .003). There was a significant effect for gender in maximum knee flexion (p = .01), knee flexion range of motion (p = .001), maximum knee valgus angle (p = .001), and knee valgus range of motion (p = .001). The changes in landing biomechanics as a result of opposition suggest future research on landing me...