Physical Fitness and Cardiac Risk Factors of Professional Firefighters across the Career Span

This study examined the relationship between basic psychological skills usage (i.e., goal-setting, imagery, self-talk, and relaxation) and the intensity and directional dimensions of competitive anxiety. Semistructured interviews were used on a sample of 15 elite athletes (M age = 24.3 years, SD = 4.2) from a variety of team and individual sports. Findings revealed that the participants maintained the intensity of their anxiety response prior to competition and could deploy goal-setting, imagery, or self-talk to enable facilitative interpretations of anxiety-related symptoms to performance. Higher levels of self-confidence and an optimistic outlook toward forthcoming competition were also expressed. The underlying mechanisms perceived to be responsible for these effects included effort and motivation, attentional focus, and perceived control over the anxiety response.     

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS) among adolescent athletes

The aim of the present study was to examine the factorial validity of the Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS; Thomas et al., 1999) among adolescent athletes using confirmatory factor analysis. The TOPS was designed to assess eight psychological strategies used in competition (i.e. activation, automaticity, emotional control, goal-setting, imagery, negative thinking, relaxation and self-talk,) and eight used in practice (the same strategies except negative thinking is replaced by attentional control). National-level athletes (n = 584) completed the 64-item TOPS during training camps. Fit indices provided partial support for the overall measurement model for the competition items (robust comparative fit index = 0.92, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.88, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05) but minimal support for the training items (robust comparative fit index = 0.86, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.81, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06). For the competition items, the automaticity, goal-setting, relaxation and self-talk scales showed good fit, whereas the activation, emotional control, imagery and negative thinking scales did not. For the practice items, the attentional control, emotional control, goal-setting, imagery and self-talk scales showed good fit, whereas the activation, automaticity and relaxation scales did not. Overall, it appears that the factorial validity of the TOPS for use with adolescents is questionable at present and further development is required.     

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS) among adolescent athletes

The aim of the present study was to examine the factorial validity of the Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS; Thomas et al., ) among adolescent athletes using confirmatory factor analysis. The TOPS was designed to assess eight psychological strategies used in competition (i.e. activation, automaticity, emotional control, goal-setting, imagery, negative thinking, relaxation and self-talk,) and eight used in practice (the same strategies except negative thinking is replaced by attentional control). National-level athletes (n?=?584) completed the 64-item TOPS during training camps. Fit indices provided partial support for the overall measurement model for the competition items (robust comparative fit index?=?0.92, Tucker-Lewis index?=?0.88, root mean square error of approximation?=?0.05) but minimal support for the training items (robust comparative fit index?=?0.86, Tucker-Lewis index?=?0.81, root mean square error of approximation?=?0.06). For the competition items, the automaticity, goal-setting, relaxation and self-talk scales showed good fit, whereas the activation, emotional control, imagery and negative thinking scales did not. For the practice items, the attentional control, emotional control, goal-setting, imagery and self-talk scales showed good fit, whereas the activation, automaticity and relaxation scales did not. Overall, it appears that the factorial validity of the TOPS for use with adolescents is questionable at present and further development is required.     

The effect of badminton-specific exercise on badminton short-serve performance in competition and practice climates

This study examined the effects of changes in physiological and psychological arousal on badminton short-serve performance in competitive and practice climates. Twenty competitive badminton players (10 males and 10 females) volunteered to participate in the study following ethics approval. After familiarisation, badminton short-serve performance was measured at rest, mid-way through and at the end of a badminton-specific exercise protocol in two conditions; competition vs. practice. Ratings of cognitive and somatic anxiety were assessed at three time points prior to badminton short-serve performance using the Mental Readiness Form 3. Heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed during the exercise protocol. Results indicated that better short-serve performance was evident in practice compared to competition (P?=?.034). RPE values were significantly higher in the competition condition compared to practice (P?=?.007). Cognitive anxiety intensity was significantly lower post-exercise in the practice condition compared to competition (P?=?.001). Cognitive anxiety direction showed greater debilitation post-exercise in the competition condition compared to practice (P?=?.01). Somatic anxiety intensity increased from pre-, to mid- to post-exercise (P?=?.001) irrespective of condition. This study suggests that badminton serve performance is negatively affected when physiological arousal, via badminton-specific exercise, and cognitive anxiety, via perceived competition, are high.     

Recall agreement between actual and retrospective reports of competitive anxiety: a comparison of intensity and frequency dimensions

Using a mixed-method design, we compared athletes' abilities to recall intensity and frequency of competitive anxiety. In Phase 1, performers (n = 35) completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (Martens, Burton, Vealey, Bump, & Smith, 1990) at four pre-competition and four post-competition intervals to compare actual and recalled responses. In Phase 2, follow up interviews (n = 6) explored the perceived mechanisms underpinning the quantitative results. Limits of agreement (Bland & Altman, 1999) analysis on the quantitative data indicated that, compared with intensity, memory for frequency was generally more reliable, and recall ability of this dimension was less biased for symptoms that occurred earlier in the week. Inductive analysis of the qualitative interviews suggested athletes were more attuned to the frequency rather than the intensity of their competitive anxiety symptoms. These findings provide support for the notion that the frequency of symptoms may act as a precursor for increasing anxiety levels and this dimension may be a more accurate reflection of experienced symptoms when recalling emotional accounts. The implications are that researchers and practitioners need to consider frequency in addition to intensity when seeking to manage anxiety responses during the time preceding competition.     

Effectiveness of psychological intervention following sport injury

With increasing attention given to the development and implementation of psychological interventions during the sport injury rehabilitation process, there is a need to document the effectiveness of these interventions. The purpose of this review was to summarize the empirical findings of the effects of psychological interventions in reducing post-injury psychological consequences and improving psychological coping during the injury rehabilitation process among competitive and recreational athletes. In February 2012, utilizing a comprehensive search strategy, we conducted electronic searches of multiple electronic databases for randomized and nonrandomized control trials that evaluated interventions targeting populations of injured competitive and recreational athletes age 17 years and older. We included interventions that directly intervene on injured athletes' psychological outcomes (e.g., psychological consequences, psychological coping and re-injury anxiety) and utilized psychological strategies including imagery, goal-setting, relaxation, and other common techniques during the post-injury rehabilitation period. Six studies, described in seven peer-reviewed published articles, met study inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Of those studies, two included randomized control trials, two used before and after study designs and two were case study designs. Two interventions utilized guided imagery and relaxation, two interventions utilized goal-setting and one each utilized microcounseling, written disclosure, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Guided imagery/relaxation was shown to be associated with improved psychological coping and reduced re-injury anxiety. Goal setting, however, was not directly associated with the reduction of negative psychological consequences. Other psychological techniques such as microcounseling skills, acceptance and commitment therapy, and written disclosure have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing negative psychological consequences, improving psychological coping, and reducing re-injury anxiety. Our findings suggest a significant need to develop and implement well-designed intervention studies that target improvement of post-injury psychological outcomes in order to assist injured athletes successfully recovery from sport injury.     

A qualitative investigation of the temporal patterning of the precompetitive anxiety response

The aim of this study was to examine retrospective perceptions and causal beliefs about temporal experiences of competitive anxiety and related symptoms in the lead up to competition. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 9 elite performers to examine the interaction of intensity, frequency and direction of symptoms associated with competitive anxiety before competition. Data analysis identified six causal networks that supported theoretical predictions suggesting that intensity of cognitive anxiety symptoms remained relatively stable in the lead up to competition, whereas somatic anxiety peaked sharply at the onset of performance. Frequency of anxiety symptoms increased as the competition approached and changes in interpretation of anxiety symptoms were also reported, with self-confidence identified as a moderating variable. The findings highlight the dynamic properties of the stress response and emphasize the need to consider the idiosyncratic nature of the level, frequency and interpretation of performers' precompetitive experiences.     

A qualitative investigation of the temporal patterning of the precompetitive anxiety response

The aim of this study was to examine retrospective perceptions and causal beliefs about temporal experiences of competitive anxiety and related symptoms in the lead up to competition. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 9 elite performers to examine the interaction of intensity, frequency and direction of symptoms associated with competitive anxiety before competition. Data analysis identified six causal networks that supported theoretical predictions suggesting that intensity of cognitive anxiety symptoms remained relatively stable in the lead up to competition, whereas somatic anxiety peaked sharply at the onset of performance. Frequency of anxiety symptoms increased as the competition approached and changes in interpretation of anxiety symptoms were also reported, with self-confidence identified as a moderating variable. The findings highlight the dynamic properties of the stress response and emphasize the need to consider the idiosyncratic nature of the level, frequency and interpretation of performers' precompetitive experiences.     

Cognitive behavioural strategies and anxiety in elite orienteers

The primary purpose of this exploratory field study was to examine the use of cognitive behavioural strategies by highly skilled orienteers prior to and during competition. A secondary purpose of the study was to investigate whether differences in the level of qualification in orienteering is related to state anxiety. The subjects were divided into three classes with respect to their international and national records. The first two classes (A and B) were composed of international and national level athletes. The third class (C) included orienteers with unknown international records. Examination of the use of behavioural cognitive strategies during competition indicated that all orienteers reported a moderate use of mental imagery, above moderate use of inner talk and a focus of attention on present action rather than past or future. The other major findings were that prior to competition, superior orienteers reported use of higher self-efficacy, more positive outcome expectations and more task demand orientation than their less successful counterparts. Top orienteers coped more successfully with pre-competition anxiety by lowering their anxiety to a more moderate level prior to the actual performance.     

Cognitive behavioural strategies and anxiety in elite orienteers

The primary purpose of this exploratory field study was to examine the use of cognitive behavioural strategies by highly skilled orienteers prior to and during competition. A secondary purpose of the study was to investigate whether differences in the level of qualification in orienteering is related to state anxiety. The subjects were divided into three classes with respect to their international and national records. The first two classes (A and B) were composed of international and national level athletes. The third class (C) included orienteers with unknown international records. Examination of the use of behavioural cognitive strategies during competition indicated that all orienteers reported a moderate use of mental imagery, above moderate use of inner talk and a focus of attention on present action rather than past or future. The other major findings were that prior to competition, superior orienteers reported use of higher self‐efficacy, more positive outcome expectations and more task demand orientation than their less successful counterparts. Top orienteers coped more successfully with pre‐competition anxiety by lowering their anxiety to a more moderate level prior to the actual performance.     

运用CSAI-2问卷对上海市大学生运动员赛前焦虑和状态自信心的研究

已修订出中国常模的CSAI-2问卷是信度和效度高的多维焦虑测量工具,它包括三个分量表:认知状态焦虑、躯体状态焦虑和状态自信心。运用该问卷测查235名参加大学生运动会田径和篮球比赛的被试赛前焦虑反应和状态自信必,结果表明:(1)躯体状态焦虑的强度是区分田径和篮球项目类型良好的预测因子;(2)认知状态焦虑的强度是区分运动技能水平或临场技能发挥得好坏的良好预测因子;(3)竞赛焦虑反应和状态自信心的强度与被试主观上所认知到的任务难度密切有关。因此,为使运动员有适宜的竞赛焦虑反应和状态自信心,教练员除了不断提高运动员的技能水平之外,应当结合项目的要求加强对运动员的心理训练(尤其是认知训练),并注意在赛前激起他们符合任务特征的唤醒水平。     

Injury rehabilitation: a goal-setting intervention study

The study examined the effects of a 5-week goal-setting intervention on athletes' rehabilitation adherence, self-efficacy, treatment efficacy, and the psychological response variables: dispirited and reorganization. Participants were matched across six variables and randomly assigned to one of three groups: goal-setting intervention, social support control, and control. The results confirmed some of the hypothesized effects of the goal-setting intervention: (a) athlete self-report of adherence showed the goal-setting group adhered significantly more to the rehabilitation program than the other two groups; (b) the goal-setting intervention resulted in significant group differences for self-efficacy (the goal-setting group having the highest level of self-efficacy); and (c) there was a significant increase across time for reorganization and decrease across time for dispirited (between specific time phases).     

表象训练提高大学生竞技武术套路竞赛能力的研究

以表象训练的方法作为理论基础,以山西中医学院参加民族传统体育项目的大学生集训队作为研究对象。通过文献研究、竞赛状态焦虑问卷调查和训练实验,对表象训练实验前后的问卷数据和比赛后的得分进行统计分析。结果表明,表象训练能够提高大学生中低等难度武术套路的比赛能力,有效降低大学生的认知躯体状态焦虑水平和躯体状态焦虑水平,并显著提高状态自信心,有助于大学生在武术套路比赛中较为稳定的发挥。表象训练是提升大学生武术套路训练和比赛能力的重要手段。     

大学生运动员赛前状态焦虑强度与方向实验研究

运动焦虑反应的强度和方向性的综合性研究是现代竞赛焦虑研究的流行领域。我国对竞赛焦虑的强度与任务特征，运动成绩之间关系的研究较多，对赛前焦虑的方向性研究则刚刚开始。该研究采用琼斯和斯万修订的CSAI－2量表，在赛前对大学生运动员进行测试。研究表明，不同学历，性别。年级的运动员赛前焦虑反应的强度和方向性存在差异；焦虑反应的方向性比强度能更好地预测运动成绩，在对运动焦虑的解释方面更有价值。     

大学生运动员比赛心理焦虑的差异及因素研究

探讨大学生运动员比赛焦虑产生的相关因素,预测运动员的竞技水平,并作适当的心理调整,保证运动员发挥最佳的竞赛状态,取得最好成绩。方法：选择参加沈阳市大学生运动会的356名大学生运动员参加试验,按照EPQ的L量表得分,排除了46名具有掩饰倾向的学生,最后获得有效样本310名运动员的测试记录,其中男164人,女156人。年龄在20~24之间,平均为21.56±1.32岁。样本资料的学生来自沈阳市内各高校的学生,有重点大学、普通本科、专科院校共24所。结果：从本组数据看,大学生运动员在比赛中的焦虑水平在整体上显现出偏高的态势,比普通大学生的心理状态要好许多。大学生运动员在比赛焦虑强度存在着人格特质的差异、性别的差异,运动员之间还具有心理健康程度、比赛焦虑强度等因素的差异,进一步证明了运动能力知觉和期望水平是比赛焦虑的重要影响因素,也是预测运动能力的有效因子。     

Coping with pre- and in-event fluctuations in competitive state anxiety: a longitudinal approach

The direction of anxiety--the positive or negative nature of competition-related cognitions--is an important distinguishing variable that accounts for significant individual differences. However, very little is known about the pre- and in-event patterning of the construct, specifically how it changes over time. The aims of this study were to establish the extent to which the direction of anxiety is a dynamic or stable longitudinal response to stress and whether this patterning appears to be related to coping. Pre-event, state anxiety intensity and direction data were obtained from 22 youth sport participants in two training and two competition environments within the same season, with the in-event anxiety and coping data being obtained from the 'high-stress' competition condition. The predispositional coping strategies of the participants were assessed by use of the trait version of the 'COPE' scale. The findings revealed significant differences in the patterning of anxiety direction between and within the facilitative and debilitative groups. This was accompanied by distinct qualitatively and quantitatively reported differences in the strategies of coping adopted by each group. Facilitators appeared to use problem- and emotion-focused coping characteristics in response to stress, whereas debilitators appeared limited in their use of coping constructs. Conceptually, the direction of anxiety would appear to be a mechanism that may, in itself, exist as a strong indicator that effective coping is taking place.     

Coping with pre- and in-event fluctuations in competitive state anxiety: A longitudinal approach

The direction of anxiety - the positive or negative nature of competition-related cognitions - is an important distinguishing variable that accounts for significant individual differences. However, very little is known about the pre- and in-event patterning of the construct, specifically how it changes over time. The aims of this study were to establish the extent to which the direction of anxiety is a dynamic or stable longitudinal response to stress and whether this patterning appears to be related to coping. Pre-event, state anxiety intensity and direction data were obtained from 22 youth sport participants in two training and two competition environments within the same season, with the in-event anxiety and coping data being obtained from the 'high-stress' competition condition. The predispositional coping strategies of the participants were assessed by use of the trait version of the 'COPE' scale. The findings revealed significant differences in the patterning of anxiety direction between and within the facilitative and debilitative groups. This was accompanied by distinct qualitatively and quantitatively reported differences in the strategies of coping adopted by each group. Facilitators appeared to use problem- and emotion-focused coping characteristics in response to stress, whereas debilitators appeared limited in their use of coping constructs. Conceptually, the direction of anxiety would appear to be a mechanism that may, in itself, exist as a strong indicator that effective coping is taking place.     

Self-reported and activPALTM-monitored physical activity and sedentary behaviour in college students: Not all sitting behaviours are linked to perceived stress and anxiety

ABSTRACT

This study examined relationships between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) with state-trait anxiety and stress. State-Trait anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), psychological stress (Perceived Stress Scale), SB across domains during weekdays and weekends (Last 7-day Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire) and PA intensities (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) were assessed by self-report in 360 undergraduates (44% females, mean age 20.9 ± 2.93 years). A subsample (n = 121; 53.7% females; mean age 20.8 ± 2.6 years) wore an activPAL^TM to determine total SB, light, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA). Self-reported MVPA was significantly associated with lower trait anxiety and perceived stress, whereas light PA was only associated with lower perceived stress. Weekend total self-reported SB was related to higher trait anxiety and perceived stress levels, while total SB during the week was not. Of all SB domains, only leisure SB (screen and non-screen based) was associated with higher trait anxiety and perceived stress. PA attenuated the negative relationships between excessive sitting time and trait anxiety but not perceived stress. No associations were found for monitor-based measures of PA and SB. No associations were found between PA or SB variables with state anxiety. Further research is needed to assess causal and reciprocal relationships between PA, SB and mental health in college students.     

运动动机气氛、能力知觉与青少年乒乓球运动员赛前情绪

以103名青少年乒乓球运动员为研究对象,检验了运动动机气氛、能力知觉与运动员赛前情绪的关系.①掌握指向的动机气氛与运动员的自信心有显著性高相关(r=0.803,P＜0.05);成绩指向动机气氛与赛前情绪的社会期待焦虑(r=0.504,P＜0.05)和躯体焦虑(r=0.625,P＜0.05)具有显著性的中等相关,而与个体失败焦虑之间存在低相关(r=0.341,P＞0.05).②运动员能力知觉与赛前情绪的自信心之间具有显著性高相关(r=0.846,P＜0.01),与个体失败焦虑(r=0.554,P＜0.05)和社会期待焦虑(r=-0.617,P＜0.05)之间具有显著性中等相关.③运动员的能力知觉与掌握指向的动机气氛有显著性高相关(r=0.805,P＜0.05),与成绩指向的动机气氛之间具有中度相关(r=0.261,P＞0.05).因此,运动动机气氛、能力知觉是影响运动员赛前情绪的重要因素.