1
|
The Relationship Between Athlete Perceptions of Coaching Leadership Behaviors and Athlete Grit. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE 2024; 17:13-24. [PMID: 38665138 PMCID: PMC11042895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Coach leadership style has long been positively correlated with athlete experiences such as motivation, health (i.e., burnout), and performance outcomes (i.e., enhanced execution time to complete tasks) (24). More recently, grit (18) has been positively correlated with athlete experiences such as engagement (39) and decreased burnout (32). Given the impact coaches have on their athletes and the positive psychological benefits of grit, it is reasonable to explore the intersections of coaching behaviors and grit. As such, the purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between athlete perceptions of coach leadership behaviors and athlete grit. Intercollegiate athletes completed measures of grit and the leadership behaviors of their coach. A significant positive relationship was observed between the grit perseverance subscale and the leadership behavior of training and instruction (r =.30, p < .05). Additional analyses revealed that athletes' perceptions of coach positive feedback significantly predicted their perseverance. Taken together, these findings suggest a link between positive coach feedback and athlete perseverance. Implications of these results for professional practice and future research are discussed.
Collapse
|
2
|
Perceptions Of Stress, Recovery, And Engagement In Recovery Activities Among Injured And Non-injured NCAA Athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022. [DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000878004.18920.e9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
3
|
An Exploratory Comparison of Subjective Mental Fatigue Following a Task Designed to Replicate the Observation of Game Film. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE 2022; 15:25-35. [PMID: 36895326 PMCID: PMC9987439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory-induced subjective mental fatigue (MF) has been shown to decrease sport-related performance (23, 38), yet there is a lack of research identifying tasks in real-world sport environments that induce MF (37). Since the identification of real-world tasks that induce MF may inform activities undertaken in the daily training and competition environments, the purpose of the current study was to compare changes in MF following a task designed to replicate the observation of game film to changes in MF following completion of a laboratory-based task (e.g., Stroop test). On separate counterbalanced visits, participants (N = 6) completed either (1) 35 min of replicated game film observation or (2) 35 min of the Stroop test. Visual analogue scales were used to measure MF, and a repeated measures analysis of variance [2 (time) x 2 (task)] was used to compare changes in MF following each task. No significant difference in changes in MF were found between conditions, F(1, 5) = 1.226, p = 0.319, and no main effect differences were found in MF pre-to-post for either task, F(1, 5) = 2.211, p = 0.197. Further efforts to identify real-world mentally fatiguing tasks are warranted.
Collapse
|
4
|
Relationship Between Objective And Subjective Measures Of Stress And Recovery In Firefighters. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021. [DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000763172.62945.dd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
5
|
Psychometric Properties of the RESTQ-Sport-36 in a Collegiate Student-Athlete Population. Front Psychol 2021; 12:671919. [PMID: 34122264 PMCID: PMC8187868 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.671919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to examine the reliability and validity of the RESTQ-Sport-36 for use in the collegiate student-athlete population. A total of 494 collegiate student-athletes competing in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, or III sanctioned sport completed the RESTQ-Sport-36 and Brief Profile of Mood States (POMS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) procedures were used to compare first order to hierarchical model structures. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis (χ2[528] = 1129.941, p < 0.001; SRMR = 0.050; CFI = 0.929) and exploratory structural equation modeling analysis (χ2[264] = 575.424, p < 0.001; SRMR = 0.013; CFI = 0.963) indicated that the first order 12-factor structure demonstrated the best fit of all models tested. Support was not observed for the fit of any hierarchical model. Moderate to strong correlations were observed between stress and recovery subscales and mood states, thus supporting the construct validity of the abbreviated RESTQ measurement model. The current findings provide support for the measure's use in this population and give pause as it relates to the scoring and interpretation of hierarchical factors such as Total Stress and Total Recovery. Overall, the current results indicate that the RESTQ-Sport-36 may be a useful tool for collegiate student-athlete training load and competition monitoring.
Collapse
|
6
|
Goal orientation, motivational climate, and exercise as predictors of eating disorder risk factors among college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2021; 69:168-175. [PMID: 31498757 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2019.1657431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: This study examined how goal orientation, motivational climate, and exercise could be used to predict college students' eating disorder symptomology. Participants: Recruited in February 2017, the participants included 275 college-aged students from a university in the southeastern United States. Methods: Using achievement goal theory as the framework to conceptualize motivations behind eating disorder behaviors, each participant filled out questionnaires related to goal mindsets, perceptions of the social climate in the university recreation center, and exercise habits. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analyses, with R coefficients being used to evaluate prediction models. Results: The results of the study suggested that goal orientation and ego-involving climate were the only significant predictors of eating disorder symptomology, accounting for 3.4% of the total variance. Conclusions: This study provided preliminary evidence of the importance of studying achievement goal theory-related variables that contribute to our understanding of eating disorder symptomology in the collegiate population.
Collapse
|
7
|
Association Between Perceived Recovery And Heart Rate In A Submaximal And Maximal Task In Firefighters. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2020. [DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000681116.70184.af] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
8
|
Influence Of Aerobic Fitness On Heart Rate Recovery Among Active-Duty Firefighters. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2020. [DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000677760.14723.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
9
|
An Examination of Athletic Trainers' Occupational Recovery Experiences During Time After Work. J Athl Train 2020; 55:532-537. [PMID: 32216657 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-26-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although researchers have directed scholars toward investigating the effectiveness of the nonwork personal time of athletic trainers (ATs), no one has characterized the occupational recovery experiences of ATs. OBJECTIVE To examine the reliability and validity of the Recovery Experience Questionnaire (REQ) for use in AT populations. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Web-based survey. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 144 ATs (71 men, 73 women) working in a variety of National Collegiate Athletic Association sports across all levels of competition. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The REQ was administered to assess the AT recovery experience. RESULTS Preliminary evidence emerged for the reliability (ω = 0.80-0.90) and validity of the REQ for use in AT populations. Weak linear relationships were identified between stress and perceptions of psychological detachment (r = -0.314, P < .001), mastery (r = -0.179, P = .32), control (r = -0.284, P = .001), and relaxation (r = -0.157, P = .06). CONCLUSIONS Our results support measuring and applying occupational recovery for AT stress and work-life balance. Given that occupational recovery as a construct was only weakly related to stress, it is clearly a unique and distinct variable worth considering within the work-life balance line of inquiry.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
PURPOSE To observe longitudinal changes in health and fitness among firefighter recruits. METHODS Body composition, aerobic capacity, muscular power, muscular strength, and muscular endurance measures were longitudinally collected among 27 male firefighter recruits (mean ± SD, age = 29.9 ± 4.1 yr; height, 179.8 ± 4.6 cm; body mass, 87.2 ± 9.7 kg) at the beginning (W1) and end (W14) of their firefighter training academy, as well as at the end of their probationary period (W38). RESULTS Repeated-measures multivariate analyses of variance (RM MANOVA) identified significant changes across time among measures of body composition (F10,17 = 30.390, Λ = 0.053, P < 0.001), aerobic capacity (F6,21 = 55.111, Λ = 0.060, P < 0.001), muscular power (F8,17 = 2.785, Λ = 0.433, P = 0.036), muscular strength (F6,20 = 34.908, Λ = 0.087, P < 0.001), and muscular endurance (F4,23 = 25.983, Λ = 0.181, P < 0.001). Follow-up post hoc analyses indicated that all measures, except muscular power, significantly improved from W1 to W14 (P < 0.05). However, significant decrements in many of these measures were also observed from W14 to W38 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study suggest that measures of health and fitness among firefighter recruits significantly improved throughout the firefighter training academy (W1 to W14). However, many of these positive physiological adaptations are lost before these recruits finish their probationary period as active-duty firefighters (W14 to W38). These results highlight the importance of developing exercise programming that is designed for the active-duty firefighter cohort population to maintain the beneficial adaptations in health and fitness previously created during the firefighter training academy.
Collapse
|
11
|
An Integrated Perspective on Firefighter Recruit Academies. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2017. [DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000519910.27907.c7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
12
|
Firefighters' cardiovascular health and fitness: An observation of adaptations that occur during firefighter training academies. Work 2017; 54:43-50. [PMID: 26967031 DOI: 10.3233/wor-162266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters' cardiovascular fitness remains a foremost concern among fire departments and organizations, yet very little research has been conducted to examine the cardiovascular fitness adaptations that occur during firefighter training academies. OBJECTIVE To describe the cardiovascular adaptations observed among firefighter recruits during firefighter training academies using measures of estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and heart rate recovery (ΔHR). METHODS Firefighter recruits (n = 41) enrolled in a 16-week firefighter training academy completed a 5-minute step test during the first, eighth, and sixteenth week of training. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) calculations were conducted to determine changes in estimated VO2max and ΔHR. RESULTS Results of the RM ANOVA calculations revealed that mean estimated VO2max and mean ΔHR differed significantly between time points: F(2, 80) = 75.525, p < 0.001, and F(2, 80) = 4.368, p = 0.016, respectively. No significant changes were observed in mean estimated VO2max and mean ΔHR beyond the eighth week of training. No significant relationship was identified between estimated VO2max and ΔHR. CONCLUSIONS Although firefighter recruits' estimated VO2max and ΔHR change significantly over the course of the firefighter training academy, the measures may not be equal predictors of cardiovascular fitness.
Collapse
|
13
|
Functional Movement Screen Factorial Validity and Measurement Invariance Across Sex Among Collegiate Student-Athletes. J Strength Cond Res 2016; 30:3388-3395. [PMID: 27870697 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000001448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Gnacinski, SL, Cornell, DJ, Meyer, BB, Arvinen-Barrow, M, and Earl-Boehm, JE. Functional Movement Screen factorial validity and measurement invariance across sex among collegiate student-athletes. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3388-3395, 2016-The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a screening tool used to evaluate functional movement quality and subsequent musculoskeletal injury risk. Despite recent research on the factorial validity of the FMS, no confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) has been conducted to examine measurement invariance across sex among student-athletes. The primary purpose of the current study was to confirm the factor structure of the FMS measurement model in a collegiate student-athlete population. It was hypothesized that the 1-factor model would demonstrate better model fit than the recently proposed 2-factor model. The secondary purpose of the study was to examine FMS measurement invariance across sex using the previously identified measurement model. It was hypothesized that FMS measurement invariance would hold across sex. Male (n = 88) and female (n = 88) collegiate student-athletes completed FMS screening during the off-season. Factorial validity was examined using CFA procedures, and model parameters were estimated using maximum likelihood estimation. Measurement invariance was examined by comparison of fit indices between hierarchically constrained models. Results revealed support for both the 1- and the 2-factor models; however, the 2-factor model failed to fit the data significantly better than the 1-factor model. Results also indicated that measurement invariance did not hold across sex, indicating that the FMS sum score construct is not measured equivalently in male and female populations. Collectively, results provide evidence for the use of the unidimensional FMS sum score among collegiate student-athletes, yet prompt caution because it relates to the evaluation of sex differences in sum or movement pattern scores.
Collapse
|
14
|
Factorial validity and measurement invariance of the Perceived Susceptibility to Sport Injury scale. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2016; 27:754-761. [PMID: 27037676 DOI: 10.1111/sms.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Perceived Susceptibility to Sport Injury (PSSI) scale is a measure that has recently surfaced in the sport injury literature. The factor structure of the PSSI scale has not been subjected to a rigorous factor analysis; thus, the factorial validity of the measure in athlete populations is unknown. To establish the validity of the PSSI scale in sports medicine research, the purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure and measurement invariance across gender of the PSSI scale. Male and female intercollegiate athletes (N = 217) completed the PSSI scale during the off-season. The factor structure was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) procedures and maximum likelihood estimation. The measurement invariance analysis was conducted via comparisons of fit indices within a series of hierarchically constrained models. Results of the CFA yielded a very good fit of the measurement model: χ2 (2) = 4.535, P = 0.104; RMSEA = 0.076; SRMR = 0.018; CFI = 0.995; NNFI = 0.985. Results of the measurement invariance analysis demonstrated strict invariance across gender, and no significant latent mean differences emerged between men and women. Study results support the factorial validity of the PSSI scale for use in future sports medicine research.
Collapse
|
15
|
Changes in Physical Activity and Psychological Variables Following a Web-Based Motivational Interviewing Intervention: Pilot Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2015; 4:e129. [PMID: 26515668 PMCID: PMC4704967 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.4623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Web-based interventions for enhancing physical activity participation are in demand for application in health care settings. Recent research suggests Web-based interventions that are based on motivational interviewing are effective to increase physical activity. It is unclear whether motivational interviewing can influence targeted psychological variables such as perceived readiness, willingness, and ability to participate in physical activity. Objective The aims of this study were to determine whether there were changes in physical activity and psychological variables associated with readiness, willingness, and perceived ability to participate in physical activity following completion of a novel Web-based intervention. The goal of the motivational interviewing–based intervention was to increase physical activity. Methods Twenty-three underactive or inactive urban dwelling adults were recruited at a medical office for participation in a 4-session Web-based intervention lasting approximately 15 minutes per week. Sessions were based on principles of motivational interviewing. Assessment of physical activity was conducted using pedometers immediately prior to intervention participation (pre) and immediately post intervention (post1). Self-report assessments of physical activity and psychological variables were conducted using online surveys at pre, post1, and again at one month following intervention participation (post2). Results Comparisons of pre and post1 pedometer recordings revealed significant increases in steps per day (t22=2.09, P=.049). There were also significant changes in total physical activity energy expenditure per week (χ22=8.4, P=.02) and in moderate intensity physical activity energy expenditure per week (χ22=13.9, P<.001) over time following participation in the Web-based intervention. Significant changes in psychological variables following participation in the Web-based intervention included: (1) change in stage classification over time (χ22=21.5, P<.001), where the percentage of participants classified in the action or maintenance stages of change in physical activity increased over time (pre=25% [6/24], post1=71% [17/24], post2=68% [15/22]); (2) decreases in self-reported decisional balance cons (F2,42=12.76, P<.001); (3) increases in self-reported decisional balance pros (F2,42=16.19, P<.001); (4) increases in physical activity enjoyment (F2,20=3.85, P=.04); and (5) increases in self-efficacy (F2,42=3.30, P=.047). Conclusions The Web-based intervention piloted in this study shows preliminary promise as a tool to promote physical activity in health care settings. Additional research is needed to test the effectiveness of motivational interviewing compared to a control condition and to refine content by considering mediation by psychological variables in a larger sample.
Collapse
|
16
|
|
17
|
Personal and environmental characteristics predicting burnout among certified athletic trainers at National Collegiate Athletic Association institutions. J Athl Train 2010; 44:58-66. [PMID: 19180220 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-44.1.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Recent research in the health care professions has shown that specific personal and environmental characteristics can predict burnout, which is a negative coping strategy related to stressful situations. Burnout has been shown to result in physiologic (eg, headaches, difficulty sleeping, poor appetite), psychological (eg, increased negative self-talk, depression, difficulty in interpersonal relationships), and behavioral (eg, diminished care, increased absenteeism, attrition) symptoms. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between selected personal and environmental characteristics and burnout among certified athletic trainers (ATs). DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING A demographic survey that was designed for this study and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 206 ATs employed at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) institutions as clinical ATs volunteered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) We assessed personal and environmental characteristics of ATs with the demographic survey and measured burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine relationships between specific personal and environmental characteristics and each of the 3 subscales of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment). RESULTS Most ATs we surveyed experienced low to average levels of burnout. Personal characteristics predicted 45.5% of the variance in emotional exhaustion (P < .001), 21.5% of the variance in depersonalization (P < .001), and 24.8% of the variance in personal accomplishment (P < .001). Environmental characteristics predicted 16.7% of the variance in emotional exhaustion (P = .005), 14.4% of the variance in depersonalization (P = .024), and 10.4% of the variance in personal accomplishment (P = .209). Stress level and coaches' pressure to medically clear athletes predicted ratings on all 3 subscales of burnout. CONCLUSIONS Our findings were similar to those of other studies of burnout among NCAA Division I ATs, coaches, and coach-teachers. The results also support the Cognitive-Affective Model of Athletic Burnout proposed by Smith. Finally, these results indicate new areas of concentration for burnout research and professional practice.
Collapse
|
18
|
Validity of the emotional intelligence scale for use in sport. J Sports Sci Med 2009; 8:289-295. [PMID: 24149540 PMCID: PMC3761491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the factorial validity of the 33-item self-rated Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS: Schutte et al., 1998) for use with athletes. In stage 1, content validity of the EIS was assessed by a panel of experts (n = 9). Items were evaluated in terms of whether they assessed EI related to oneself and EI focused on others. Content validity further examined items in terms of awareness, regulation, and utilization of emotions. Content validity results indicated items describe 6-factors: appraisal of own emotions, regulation of own emotions, utilization of own emotions, optimism, social skills, and appraisal of others emotions. Results highlighted 13-items which make no direct reference to emotional experiences, and therefore, it is questionable whether such items should be retained. Stage 2 tested two competing models: a single factor model, which is the typical way researchers use the EIS and the 5-factor model (optimism was discarded as it become a single-item scale fiolliwng stage 1) identified in stage 1. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results on EIS data from 1,681 athletes demonstrated unacceptable fit indices for the 33-item single factor model and acceptable fit indices for the 6-factor model. Data were re-analyzed after removing the 13-items lacking emotional content, and CFA results indicate partial support for single factor model, and further support for a five-factor model (optimism was discarded as a factor during item removal). Despite encouraging results for a reduced item version of the EIS, we suggest further validation work is needed. Key pointsGiven the inherent link between construct measurement and theory testing, it is imperative for researchers to pay close attention to measurement issues showed poor fit indices. The present study investigated a self-report emotional intelligence for use in sportResults indicate that a single-item model shows poor fit with acceptable fit indices for a 6-factor model.A revised 5-factor and 19-item model showed improved model fit.Despite encouraging results, we suggest further validation work is needed.
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Emotional intelligence (EI), or knowledge of how emotions function in self and others, is a popular construct in both scientific and professional communities. Current theoretical models suggest that EI is a combination of dynamic skills that can be learned and enhanced through participation in targeted intervention programs. Although popular, few if any of the aforementioned interventions have been subjected to empirical scrutiny. Consistent with calls for efficacy studies of intervention programs, the purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the effect of an adventure-based intervention on the EI of employees of a multisite dental practice. Fifteen individuals completed the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test before and after participation in a day-long intervention. Results suggest that the intervention had a small but positive effect on the participants' EI and that improvements in the 4 branches of EI varied within employee subgroups. Implications for future research and practical considerations for the health care environment are discussed.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
UNLABELLED Fibromyalgia (FM), a rheumatological disorder of unknown origin, is characterized by both physical and psychological symptoms. Although inconclusive results have been reported for most treatment modalities, exercise appears to have universal support for decreasing the myriad of symptoms associated with FM. Weaknesses in the literature, however, prevent conclusive statements regarding exercise prescription and concomitant impact on FM symptomology. PURPOSE The current pilot study attempted to examine the effect of a 24-wk walking program at predetermined intensities on FM. METHODS Initial design was a randomized control trial with high- and low-intensity exercise groups, and a control group. Subsequent nonrandomized control trials were based on actual exercise behavior. RESULTS No differences between initial groups were identified. By collapsing groups, heart rate (HR) decreased (P < 0.05) weeks 0-12. Functional impairments were reduced 54% weeks 0-24, with exercise having a large impact (omega2 = 0.30) on this decrease. By reassigning groups, impact of FM on current health status decreased in the low-intensity group (P < 0.05) and increased in the high-intensity group (P < 0.02) weeks 0-24. Omega squared indicated strong influence of exercise on pain (omega2 = 0.51), with greater pain in the high-intensity group. CONCLUSIONS A larger number of subjects and direct supervision of the training program to increase compliance is necessary to clarify the effects of a walking program on the manifestations of FM. Results indicate that intensity of the walking program is an important consideration. Individuals with FM can adhere to low-intensity walking programs two to three times per week, possibly reducing FM impact on daily activities.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
In answering the call for empirical documentation of the effect of ropes and challenge course participation on the psychosocial function and sport performance of athletes and teams, exploratory studies have identified postcourse changes in group cohesion and approaches to sport competition. The purpose of the current study was to utilize a pretest-posttest comparison group design to expand knowledge in this area. 35 members of a girls' high school tennis team participated. The 16 individuals who participated in a preseason program and the 19 individuals who did not comprised the treatment and comparison groups, respectively. Team members completed the Group Environment Questionnaire and the Sport Orientation Questionnaire four days prior to and two days after the course experience. A series of 2 x 2 analyses of variance, (group x time) run on each of the scales, gave a significant group x time interaction on one social cohesion scale but none for scores on the Sport Orientation Questionnaire. The findings are discussed in relation to research and the implementation of these programs with athletes.
Collapse
|