Mood after various brief exercise and sport modes: aerobics, hip-hop dancing, ice skating, and body conditioning

To investigate the potential psychological benefits of brief exercise and sport activities on positive mood alterations, 45 Korean high school and 232 undergraduate students enrolled in physical education and stress management classes voluntarily participated and were randomly assigned to one of four activities: aerobic exercise, body conditioning, hip-hop dancing, and ice skating. Mood changes from before to after exercise (2 pm to 3 pm) were measured based on a Korean translation of the Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale. The findings suggested that the aerobics and hip-hop dancing groups rated positive well-being higher than the body conditioning and ice skating groups. Immediately after exercise, psychological distress was rated lower in the aerobics and hip-hop dancing groups, as was fatigue.

Sport-specific injuries and medical problems of figure skaters

Figure skating is becoming increasingly popular as both a recreational and competitive sport. As the number of figure skating participants increases, so will the number of active patients who present to their primary care physician with sport-related injuries and medical problems. Figure skating is a unique sport that continues to evolve and progress with participants partaking in more difficult moves and more rigorous training programs. Common problems in figure skating include acute musculo-skeletal injuries and chronic overuse injuries, which primarily occur in the foot, ankle, knee, leg, hip, and lower back. Figure skaters are also more likely to endure specific medical problems such as exercise-induced bronchospasm and eating disorders. Primary care physicians are able to contribute to their figure skating patient's health by recognition and appropriate treatment of acute injuries and prevention of chronic injuries and other medical problems.

Perceived effects of emotion intensity on athletic performance: a contingency-based individualized approach

This study, based on the Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning model, examined the perceived effect of idiosyncratic emotions and bodily symptoms on athletic performance along the entire emotion-intensity range. The participants were 35 elite Italian athletes, 16 women and 19 men, competing in either figure skating or gymnastics. Idiosyncratic emotional descriptors were rated on Borg's CR-10 scale to estimate the perceived impact on performance and hedonic tone for each level of emotion-intensity range. The findings revealed a large interindividual variability in the content of emotions as well as in the shape of the curves representing the intensity-impact contingencies. At the group level, the emotion-performance link was positive linear for optimal-pleasant emotions, bell-shaped for optimal-unpleasant emotions, and negative linear for both dysfunctional-unpleasant and dysfunctional-pleasant emotions. The relationship between emotional and bodily symptom intensities was positive linear. Implications of the findings for estimating total functional effects and individualized interventions are suggested.

Puberty and physical self-perceptions of competitive female figure skaters: an interdisciplinary approach

This study considered the interrelationships among biological maturation and its physical correlates, social physique anxiety, and appearance-related physical self-perceptions in 113 adolescent female figure skaters participating in solo (n = 73) or partner contexts (n = 40). Participants were interviewed about their menarcheal status, underwent a battery of anthropometric measurements, and completed the Physical Self Description Questionnaire and the Social Physique Anxiety Scale. Menarcheal status was a stronger correlate of physical self-perceptions than age. A combination of biological and psychological characteristics accounted for 25% of the variance in appearance-related physical self-perceptions. Younger, premenarcheal, ectomorphic skaters reporting lower social physique anxiety were more satisfied with their body fat and sport competence but reported lower self-esteem, global physical self-concept, and appearance scores. Skating context did not predict physical self-perceptions.

Dietary Intake, Body Image Perceptions, and Weight Concerns of Female US International Synchronized Figure Skating Teams

The objectives of the study were to determine the nutrient intakes and to examine body image perceptions and weight concerns of elite female US international synchronized skaters. One hundred and twenty-three skaters (mean age = 17.0 ± 2.1 y; BMI = 21.32 ± 2.13) representing six US international synchronized skating teams from the 1998 competitive season participated in the study. Nutrient intakes were determined from 3-d dietary records. Body image perceptions were assessed from responses to silhouette drawings. Skaters completed an emotional and physical self-appraisal. Weight concerns were assessed using a self-administered validated weight history questionnaire. The reported energy intake was 26 kcal/kg. The contribution of carbohydrate, fat, and protein to total energy intake was 62%, 23%, and 15% for younger (14-18 y) and 62%, 24%, and 14%, respectively, for the older (19-30 y) skaters. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed between perceived ideal and current body shapes. The greater the dissatisfaction with physical and emotional self, the larger the discrepancy between current versus desired body shape. Results suggest that sports nutritionists should not only assess nutrition factors but also examine psychosocial and emotional correlates related to body image and weight concerns of synchronized skaters.

Home advantage in speed skating: evidence from individual data

Home advantage is a well-documented phenomenon in many sports. Home advantage has been shown to exist for team sports (soccer, hockey, football, baseball, basketball) and for countries organizing sports tournaments like the Olympics and World Cup Soccer. There is also some evidence for home advantage in some individual sports, but there is a much more limited literature. This paper addresses the issue of home advantage in speed skating. From a methodological point of view, it is difficult to identify home advantage, because skaters vary in their abilities and the conditions of tournaments vary. There is a small but significant home advantage using a generalized linear mixed model, with random effects for skaters and fixed effects for skating rinks and seasons. Even though the home advantage effect exists, it is very small when compared to variation in skating times due to differences of rinks and individual abilities.

Food preferences, dieting behaviors, and body image perceptions of elite figure skaters

The objectives of this study were to determine food preferences, body image perceptions, dieting behaviors, and nutrient intakes of elite male and female figure skaters. Male (n = 23) and female (n = 26) figure skaters completed a food preference checklist, a questionnaire examining their demographics, dieting behaviors and body image perceptions, and 3-d food records. Male skaters had a higher preference (score > or = 6) for grains, fruit, meat, dairy, fats, and sweets. Female skaters had higher preference for grains and fruits. Of the female skaters, 30% considered themselves overweight and indicated a preference for a thinner body contour. Both male and female skaters expressed a preference for leaner body contours for members of the opposite gender. Total energy intake, total fat (females) and dietary fiber were below the dietary recommendations. Vitamin E, vitamin D, folate (females), pantothenic acid (females), calcium (females), magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus (females) were less than two-thirds of the dietary recommendations. Macronutrient intake of male skaters was associated with preferences for the grain group, although no association was observed among female skaters. Results suggest that these behaviors and attitudes need to be assessed and addressed among figure skaters, given their impact on dietary intakes and overall well-being.

Autonomic nervous system activities during motor imagery in elite athletes

Motor imagery (MI), a mental simulation of voluntary motor actions, has been used as a training method for athletes for many years. It is possible that MI techniques might similarly be useful as part of rehabilitative strategies to help people regain skills lost as a consequence of diseases or stroke. Mental activity and stress induce several different autonomic responses as part of the behavioral response to movement (e.g., motor anticipation) and as part of the central planning and preprogramming of movement. However, the interrelationships between MI, the autonomic responses, and the motor system have not yet been worked out. The authors compare a number of autonomic responses (respiration, heart rate, electro skin resistance) and motoneuron excitability (soleus H-reflex) in elite and nonelite speed skaters during MI. In contrast to the nonelite athletes, MI of elite speed skaters is characterized by larger changes in heart rate and respiration, a greater reliance on an internal perspective for MI, a more vivid MI, a more accurate correspondence between the MI and actual race times, and decreased motoneuron excitability. Two observations suggest that the changes in the autonomic responses and motoneuron excitability for the elite speed skaters are related to the effects of central motor programming: (1) there was no correlation between the autonomic responses for MI and those recorded during mental arithmetic; and (2) mental arithmetic did not significantly alter motoneuron activity. It is suggested that in elite speed skaters, the descending neural mechanisms that reduce motoneuron excitability are activated even when full, vivid MI is performed internally. These inhibitory responses of the motor system may enhance actual motor performance under conditions of remarkably high mental stress, such as that which occurs in the Olympic games.

Use of a community trail among new and habitual exercisers: a preliminary assessment

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated physical activity patterns and trail use among new and habitually active exercisers using onsite trail interviews.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional study design, 414 adults who accessed two new trails that bisect a rural community of 26,809 residents were interviewed during the first summer of the trails' official operation (2001). The trails comprise 12 miles of level and paved surface and run parallel to adjacent water sheds, businesses, and neighborhoods. Recent trail activity patterns were obtained, including the following: frequency of use, mode of activity, duration, distance traveled on trail, access points, time of day used, use of exercise companions, and distance traveled to get to trail. Perceived enablers and barriers related to trail use were also obtained. Data were compared between newly adopted exercisers (new exercisers) and individuals active prior to development of the trails (habitually active exercisers).

RESULTS

Twenty-three percent of the trail users were new exercisers. New exercisers were more dependent on the trails as a primary outlet for physical activity than were habitually active exercisers (P < .001). New exercisers traveled shorter distances to access the trails and rated convenience as a primary reason for using them. Both safety and terrain issues emerged as enablers for trail use, and unsafe conditions emerged as a concern among new exercisers.

CONCLUSION

A community trail may be an important vehicle for promoting physically active lifestyles. However, new exercisers must overcome issues of proximal and safe access from residential areas in addition to other safety concerns to achieve regular physical activity.

Helmet use: a survey of 4 common childhood leisure activities

OBJECTIVE

To compare the distribution and observation of helmet use patterns among 4 common childhood leisure activities-bicycle riding, in-line skating, skateboarding, and scooter riding-in a setting with no helmet use legislation.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional, unobtrusive, direct observation of children engaged in 1 of the 4 activities was conducted during an 8-week period.

SETTING

Eight communities of at least 1000 persons each in a 2-county Central Texas area.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of activity, helmet use, and correct helmet use.

RESULTS

Of 841 children observed, most rode bicycles (74.8%); only 4.2% rode skateboards. They included 127 children estimated to be younger than 6 years (15.1%) and 495 estimated to be aged between 6 and 12 years (58.9%). Most were male (67.3%) and observed in urban communities (61.7%). The locations of highest concentration of the 4 activities were minor streets for bicycle riding, playgrounds for in-line skating, and sidewalks for skateboarding and scooter riding. The rate of overall helmet use was 13.6% and did not vary significantly by activity: in-line skating, 18.2%; skateboarding, 14.3%; bicycle riding, 13.5%; and scooter riding, 11.5%. However, the observed correct helmet use prevalence of 72.6% differed significantly by activity. Most children riding scooters wore their helmets incorrectly. Helmet use was positively associated with helmet use by accompanying children and/or adults.

CONCLUSIONS

While bicycle riding was the most popular activity observed, helmet use was most prevalent among in-line skaters and least prevalent among scooter riders, many of whom also wore them incorrectly. Observed helmet use was influenced mostly by adult and peer helmet use, indicating that public education and interventions should target children and their parents as well as scooter riders.

Testing the modifiability of the state sport confidence inventory

Completing the State Sport Confidence Inventory requires participants to compare themselves with the most confident athlete they know. Inconsistency is inherent in participants' choices that may result in unsystematic variance across such responses. This study tested the modifiability of the inventory by removing the "comparison" component from the instructions and from each of the 13 questions. Using data from 31 female figure skaters (M age=16.1 yr., SD=1.0), the original and modified versions were compared. Adequate reliabilities were found for both measures (both rs=.94), but a paired sample t test indicated significant differences between mean scores on the two versions. The total score and all of the item scores were higher for the modified version than the original, and coefficients of determination showed variance shared by the modified and original items ranged only from 9 to 59% per item. These results suggest that the modified version was not an adequate representation of the original inventory.

Variable effects of a behavioral treatment package on the performance of inline roller speed skaters

We investigated the effects of a treatment package on the performance of correct relay tags with 4 inline speed skaters. The treatment package included verbal praise following correct tags, visual feedback of performance data, and instruction for improving performance. Initial gains in the frequency of correct tags were not maintained at 6-month follow-up when baselines were reestablished. Performance on the second intervention phase for the 3 original subjects was variable and differed from the initial phase, whereas the original findings were replicated in the 4th subject. Possible reasons for this variability and implications for future research and behavioral sport interventions are considered.

Safety behavior of in-line skaters

OBJECTIVES AND SETTING

Injuries from in-line skating have risen sharply in many cities around the world. To understand risk taking behavior and safety practices associated with urban in-line skating, 2210 outdoor skaters were observed in Boston, Massachusetts.

METHODS

Estimated age, gender, use of helmets, wrist guards, elbow and kneepads were recorded. Skaters were coded as beginner, average, or advanced, and skating locations were classified as street, sidewalk, or bicycle path.

RESULTS

About 60% of skaters wore wrist guards, but only 5.7% wore helmets. Males wore less protective equipment than females, and were more likely to skate on streets. Beginners and advanced skaters wore more protective gear than average skaters. Surprisingly, street skaters wore less protective gear than skaters on sidewalks or paths.

CONCLUSIONS

Renewed focus on the importance of wearing helmets is needed. Given the higher injury risks for males, clinicians and public health experts need to target male skaters in prevention efforts. In addition, average and advanced skaters need to be convinced that even though they have improved, it is still important to wear protective gear.

Nutritional and physiological status of U.S. national figure skaters

This study assessed the nutrient intake, body composition and biochemical indices of National Figure Skating Championship competitors. Four-day diet records, fasting blood samples, and anthropometric measurements were obtained 2 months after the National Championships from 41 figure skaters 11-18 years of age. Energy, carbohydrate, fat, dietary fiber and cholesterol intake were significantly lower compared to the NHANES III averages for adolescents in the U.S. In general, the mean intakes for most vitamins except vitamin D and E were above the recommended intake. But the athletes had lower intakes of vitamin E and B12, and higher intakes of vitamin C, and thiamin (females only) compared with NHANES III. The mean intakes of magnesium, zinc, and iodine by the male skaters were below the recommended levels, as were the mean intakes of calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc by the female skaters. Also, the number of servings from vegetable, fruit, dairy, and meat groups were below the recommended levels. Biochemical indices of nutritional status were within normal limits for all skaters. But plasma electrolyte concentrations were indicative of potential dehydration status. The results suggest there is a need to develop dietary intervention and educational programs targeted at promoting optimal nutrient and fluid intakes by these athletes to maintain performance and improve long-term health status.

Injuries and use of protective equipment among college in-line skaters

In-line skating injuries and protective gear use were explored in a sample of college students (n = 217). A minority of respondents wore protective gear. One third of skaters had experienced at least one minor injury, and a smaller percentage had experienced fractures or head injuries. Most minor injuries occurred during the first 1-2 times skating, while more serious injuries tended to occur after at least 50 times on in-line skates. Psychosocial predictors of protective gear use were explored. Four major Health Belief Model constructs (perceived barriers to wearing gear, perceived susceptibility to injury, perceived severity of injury, and perceived benefits of wearing gear) were significant predictors of protective gear use. The Health Belief Model, tested using regression and structural equation modelling, predicted gear typically worn, frequency of gear use, and injuries received while in-line skating. Implications for increasing protective gear use are described.

Performance-influencing factors in homogeneous groups of top athletes: a cross-sectional study

Sport scientists have identified many factors as prerequisites for a good athletic performance in various sports. It is not clear whether these factors also influence the best performers in the homogeneous groups of top athletes selected for national teams. In this study, this issue is addressed with members of the Dutch National Junior Speed Skating Team. A total of 237 different technical, physiological, anthropometrical, and psychological parameters were collected, including many that correlated with performance in previous studies. High speed film analyses during the National Championships provided the technique parameters. A 30-s sprint test and a 150-s supramaximal test on a cycle ergometer underlie the physiological data, and questionnaires were used to measure personality traits and emotional feelings. Only trunk position and the direction of push-off (push-off angle phi) correlated consistently with skating performance in this group (r = 0.61-0.73 and r = -0.65 to -0.70, respectively). The small number of meaningful correlations means that sport scientists will have to develop more reliable methods, models, and theories to contribute significantly to knowledge useful to top athletes and their coaches.

Coping strategies used by national champion figure skaters

This investigation had two purposes: (a) to identify and describe the coping strategies used by national champion figure skaters and (b) to examine the relationship between coping strategies and particular stress sources. Participants were 17 of 20 (85%) Senior U.S. National Champion figure skaters who won titles between 1985 and 1990. All skaters were interviewed, and the interview transcripts were content analyzed. General coping dimensions reported by at least 40% of the skaters included (a) rational thinking and self-talk, (b) positive focus and orientation, (c) social support (e.g., receiving support from coach, talking with friends and family), (d) time management and prioritization, (e) precompetitive mental preparation and anxiety management (e.g., relaxation, visualization), (f) training hard and smart, (g) isolation and deflection (e.g., not letting things get to me, avoiding/screening media), and (h) ignoring the stressor(s). It was also found that the skaters implemented different coping strategies depending on the specific stressors encountered.

Skilled memory in expert figure skaters

The present studies extend skilled-memory theory to a domain involving the performance of motor sequences. Skilled figure skaters were better able than their less skilled counterparts to perform short skating sequences that were choreographed, rather than randomly constructed. Expert skaters encoded sequences for performance very differently from the way in which they encoded sequences that were verbally presented for verbal recall. Tasks interpolated between sequence and recall showed no significant influence on recall accuracy, implicating long-term memory in skating memory. There was little evidence for the use of retrieval structures when skaters learned the brief sequences used throughout these studies. Finally, expert skaters were able to judge the similarity of two skating elements faster than less skilled skaters, indicating a faster access to semantic memory for experts. The data indicate that skaters show many of the same skilled-memory characteristics as have been described in other skill domains involving memorization, such as digit span and memory for dinner orders.