The Impact of Girls' Interscholastic Sport Participation on Academic Orientation

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the influence of athletics and other extracurricular activities on the academic orientation of female high school students. Senior girls were categorized into groups—labeled athlete-only (comprising students who participated only in athletics as an extracurricular activity), service-only (students who participated in service activities only), athlete-service (students participating in both) and neither (students whose extracurricular activities included neither athletics nor service activities). Categorizations were based on listings from their high school yearbooks. Those taking the ACT college entrance exam (N = 487) were compared on composite and English scores to the other groups, and to national and state averages. Analyses of covariance, controlling for SES and extent of activity involvement revealed that the athlete-only group recorded the lowest average scores, but these could not be attributed to the participation category to which they belonged. Rather, socioeconomic level and extent of activity involvement were factors contributing to most of the differences between groups in which higher SES levels and higher levels of involvement were predictive of higher ACT scores. Moreover, none of the groups' scores were significantly different from national or slate averages. These results refute the notion that involvement only in athletics is detrimental to educational achievements for females, and lead to certain recommendations for longitudinal, multi-measure investigations of academic orientations.     

Anthropometric characteristics and body composition of Italian national wrestlers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the anthropometric characteristics and body composition of wrestlers from the Italian national team. The study was carried out on a sample of 23 wrestlers (9 females and 14 males) aged 18–33 years. Various anthropometric measurements were performed (weight, height, sitting height, some girths and skinfold thicknesses) and anthropometric indices calculated (body mass index, cormic index, upper arm muscle area, upper arm fat area, and arm fat index). Body composition was assessed and minimum wrestling weight was determined based on a minimum body fat percentage of 5% for males and 12% for females. We undertook comparisons by sex, wrestling style (for males), and weight category. The comparison between men's and women's wrestling corroborated known differences between the sexes; the comparison between wrestling styles stressed the relevance of the cormic index. The most interesting finding of this study was that no female wrestler competed in a lower weight class than her minimum wrestling weight, even if all of them were heavier than values allowed for their weight class. Five of 14 male wrestlers competed in a weight class lower than their minimum wrestling weight, and all of them, except two, were heavier than the uppermost limit of their weight class.     

Emphasis Placed on Winning in Athletics by Male High School Students

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to place in perspective the widespread charges that winning is overemphasized in high school athletics. Kenyon's Attitude Toward Physical Activity Inventory was modified to include a pursuit of victory dimension of interscholastic athletics. The instrument was administered to 341 randomly selected male high school students from nine central New York state high schools. Factor analysis and split-half reliability techniques yielded satisfactory validity and reliability measures for the modified instrument. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, t tests, multiple discriminant function analysis, and Scheffé tests. They were tested at or beyond the .05 level of significance. The results showed that male high school students placed no greater emphasis on winning than on all the other dimensions of interscholastic athletics. The relatively low rank order of the winning dimension (sixth out of eight), refuted, in part, critics' charges that winning dominated high school athletics. The results also showed that athletes placed greater emphasis on winning than did nonathletes. There was no difference in attitude toward winning according to the type of activity pursued (team vs. individual sports).     

Girls' and boys' perceptions of physical education teachers' feedback: Effects on performance and psychological responses

Abstract

In this study, we examined the perceptions of physical education (PE) teachers' feedback patterns with female and male high school students (n = 325). Eight physical education teachers (4 females and 4 males) were involved. We examined (a) whether teachers' feedback was perceived differently by boys and girls, and how the sex of the teacher influenced these perceptions, and (b) the effects of types of feedback (praise, no response-successful, encouragement, technical information, criticism, no response-unsuccessful, and teacher's invested time) on students' perceived competence, effort, enjoyment, and their PE performance. A multivariate analysis revealed an interaction between teacher and student gender on perceptions of teacher feedback. Hierarchical regression analyses highlighted that the perceived feedback significantly predicted students' perceptions of competence (ΔR ² = 0.088), effort (ΔR ² = 0.119), enjoyment (ΔR ² = 0.085), and their PE performance (ΔR ² = 0.039) after accounting for the gender of the students and teachers and the students' initial PE performance. The perceptions of praise and teachers' invested time were positively linked with the dependent variables, whereas encouragement and technical information and criticism were negatively linked. The findings are discussed in terms of teaching effectiveness and gender equity.     

Detailed description of Division I ice hockey concussions: Findings from the NCAA and Department of Defense CARE Consortium

Objective:Since concussion is the most common injury in ice hockey,the objective of the current study was to elucidate risk factors,specific mechanisms,and clinical presentations of concussion in men’s and women’s ice hockey.Methods:Ice hockey players from 5 institutions participating in the Concussion Assessment,Research,and Education Consortium were eligible for the current study.Participants who sustained a concussion outside of this sport were excluded.There were 332(250 males,82 females)athletes who participated in ice hockey,and 47(36 males,11 females)who sustained a concussion.Results:Previous concussion(odds ratio(OR)=2.00;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.02‒3.91)was associated with increased incident concussion odds,while wearing a mouthguard was protective against incident concussion(OR=0.43;95%CI:0.22‒0.85).Overall,concussion mechanisms did not significantly differ between sexes.There were specific differences in how concussions presented clinically across male and female ice hockey players,however.Females(9.09%)were less likely than males(41.67%)to have a delayed symptom onset(p=0.045).Additionally,females took significantly longer to reach asymptomatic(p=0.015)and return-to-play clearance(p=0.005).Within the first 2 weeks post-concussion,86.11%of males reached asymptomatic,while only 45.50%of females reached the same phase of recovery.Most males(91.67%)were cleared for return to play within 3 weeks of their concussion,compared to less than half(45.50%)of females.Conclusion:The current study proposes possible risk factors,mechanisms,and clinical profiles to be validated in future concussions studies with larger female sample sizes.Understanding specific risk factors,concussion mechanisms,and clinical profiles of concussion in collegiate ice hockey may generate ideas for future concussion prevention or intervention studies.     

Informational-Motivational Components of a Model's Demonstration

Abstract

The effects of the informational and motivational components of a model's demonstration on motor performance were investigated. A secondary aim was to examine the effects of observer sex on observational learning. Male and female fifth- and sixth-grade students (N = 80) were compared under four conditions comprising the presence or absence of informational and/or motivational cues using the Bachman ladder-balance task. Access to informational cues was manipulated by means of a model demonstration. Motivational cues consisted of a model providing subjects with verbal knowledge of results (KR) of model's prior task performance. Results of the Sex × Informational Cues × Motivational Cues (2 × 2 × 2) ANOVA indicated that males had higher average performance scores than females. These differences, however, did not appear to be due to greater modeling by males. Subjects receiving a model demonstration had higher performance scores than subjects not given a model demonstration. The results were interpreted as evidence that the informational component of a model's demonstration is the primary element affecting motor performance.     

Social physique anxiety and physical activity behaviour of male and female exercisers

Despite females consistently reporting greater social physique anxiety (SPA), previous literature has yet to demonstrate whether SPA gender differences are linked to the way males and females perform physical activity. This study investigated an association between SPA and physical activity frequency, history of exercise, and physical activity intensity. Participants were represented by currently active users (N?=?33 males; N?=?31 females) of an on-campus university-run gym and completed a background physical activity questionnaire and the nine-item Social Physique Anxiety Scale. Participants also performed an exercise session at a self-selected level of exertion, with the intensity of each session measured via heart rate monitor. SPA was not associated with physical activity frequency, history of exercise (length of gym membership), or intensity for male and female exercisers. With respect to male participants, females reported higher SPA and a preference for performing higher intensity physical activity. Females and males also indicated a preference for performing aerobic and anaerobic physical activity respectively. Our findings suggest the experience of SPA does not deter body-conscious individuals from the performance of regular physical activity. Findings also suggest the discrepancy in male and female SPA is not linked to differences in the way physical activity is performed.     

A Polytomous Item Response Theory Analysis of Social Physique Anxiety Scale

The present study investigated the social physique anxiety scale’s factor structure and item properties using confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory. An additional aim was to identify differences in response patterns between groups (gender). A large sample of high school students aged 11–15 years (N = 1,529) consisting of n = 562 males and n = 967 females. Confirmatory factor analysis and polytomous item response theory examined the structure of the scale. Items shown to be invariant across were identified using multidimensional differential item functioning methods. Graded response model results showed that item parameters were high with low associated standard errors. Multidimensional differential item functioning results revealed six items are biased in favor of either men (33%) or women (17%). The primary source of differential item functioning related to the item composition, and internal (male) or external (female) frames of reference.     

Cardiovascular Fitness and Maximal Heart Rate Differences among Three Ethnic Groups

Abstract

The current study examines maximal heart rate and maximal treadmill time differences among three ethnic groups. In 1985, 1,047 city employees (572 male, 475 female) participated in a comprehensive health promotion program. Data were collected from a self-administered health and lifestyle questionnaire, maximal treadmill exercise stress test, and other clinical measures. The participants were divided into white male (n = 368), black male (n = 159), Mexican-American male (n = 45), white female (n = 256), black female (n = 189), and Mexican-American female (n = 30) subgroups based on self-reported ethnic identity. Univariate analyses revealed no significant differences in age-adjusted maximal heart rate or maximal treadmill time for males. Mean age-adjusted treadmill time for black females (478.0 ± 228.2 s) was significantly lower than for white (652.5 ± 227.7 s) and Mexican-American (594.5 ± 226.7 s) females (p <. 05). Mean age-adjusted maximal heart rate for black females (174.4 ± 12.4 beats/min) was significantly lower than for white (179.3 ± 13.4 beats/min) and Mexican-American (182.0 ± 13.5 beats/min) females (p < .05). Following adjustment for cardiovascular fitness level, that is, treadmill time, as well as age, these differences were no longer apparent. We concluded that the comparatively low maximal heart rate of black females may be partially explained by a significantly lower cardiovascular fitness level relative to white and Mexican-American females.     

Attitudes of Males toward Selected Aspects of Physical Education

Abstract

The evaluative dimension of the Semantic Differential was used, after factor analysis, to investigate male attitudes toward selected aspects of physical education. Indexes of homogeneity of meaning for five aspects were calculated for each of six groups of 50 subjects drawn from 300 males representing school boys, teachers, physical education majors, graduate students, and academic staff. Results obtained were discussed in terms of their possible delineation of a physical education image.     

Extracurricular Physical Activity Programs in California Private Secondary Schools

Purpose: Interscholastic, intramural, and club physical activity (PA) programs can be important contributors to student PA accrual at schools. Few studies have assessed factors related to the provision of these extracurricular PA programs, especially in private schools. Methods: We used a 16-item questionnaire to assess the associations and influences of selected factors relative to extracurricular PA program policies and practices in 450 private California secondary schools. Associations were evaluated using contingency table analyses (i.e., chi-squared, effect size, and post-hoc analyses). Results: Six factors were associated with schools providing extracurricular PA programs: school location, level, enrollment, and religious classification and whether the physical education (PE) program met state PE time standards and was taught by PE specialists. Conclusions: Both static factors (e.g., school location, level, enrollment, and religious affiliation) and modifiable factors (e.g., meeting PE standards and employing specialists) affect the provision of extracurricular PA programs. As education is state-mandated, additional study is recommended to assess the generalizability of these findings to other states and to public schools.     

Anthropological status of international calibre speed skaters

The purpose of the study was to determine the anthropological status of elite male and female speed skaters, who were members of the 1985–7 Canadian national teams. The data were compared to those for a control group of University students. The subjects were 8 males and 6 females between 19 and 27 years of age. Nine breadth, 14 girth, 16 length and 15 skinfold measurements were used to compute parameters of body build and the composition; corrected diameters, masses, volumes and fat‐free volumes of the upper arm, forearm, thigh and calf. The speed skaters were found to be similar in body height and mass (males: 178 ± 7.6 cm and 75.5 ± 5.5 kg, females: 165.8 ± 3.8 cm and 62.3 ± 5.8 kg) to the student controls, but they had relatively and absolutely shorter legs and longer trunks. The speed skaters had a lower amount of body fat and higher FFM than their respective student controls and significantly greater relative (P ≤ 0.01) and absolute (P ≤ 0.05) total muscle mass. Analysis of composition within segments indicated that the additional muscle mass is located entirely in the lower extremity. The volume and mass of the thigh was greater (P ≤ 0.01 for the males) than that of the respective controls while the estimated volume of fat was lower. The female speed skaters were found to have more fat on their thigh than either the male speed skaters or male controls. The corrected diameter and mass of the thigh were greater (with respect to the sex) than those reported for 400 m sprinters, marathon runners, cross‐country skiers and figure skaters. The results of the initial assessment were compared to the two consecutive tests of the men's team (conducted 8 and 12 months later) and to one repeated test of the women's team (3 months later). Changes were recorded in skinfold measurements and the muscle component of the thigh.     

A Physiological Comparison of Performance-Matched Female and Male Distance Runners

Abstract

Eight male and eight female runners were matched on performance in a 24.2 km (15 mile) road race (X time ± SD = 115.1 ± 2.2 min for females, 115.8 ± 3.2 min for males). All subjects completed a graded treadmill run during which [Vdot]O ₂ and heart rate (HR) were monitored at several submaximal running speeds and at maximal exercise. Blood samples, collected at rest and 3 min after maximal exercise, were analyzed for hematocrit and hemoglobin (Hb), lactic acid (LA) and 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-DPG) concentrations. Body composition was assessed via hydrostatic weighing. Group comparisons revealed that the males were taller, heavier, and higher in Hb than the females (p < .05). The sexes did not differ significantly in percentage of body fat or in [Vdot]O ₂ (ml · kg ^–1 · min ^–1 ), HR, respiratory exchange ratio, or ventilatory equivalent of oxygen during submaximal running or at maximal exercise (p > .05). 2,3-DPG was higher in the females when expressed relative to Hb (p < .05). These data indicate that female and male distance runners of equal performance levels are very similar in body composition and in metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses to exercise. The higher Hb observed in males may have been offset in part by the females' higher 2,3-DPG/Hb ratio.     

Biceps femoris long head muscle fascicle length does not differ between sexes

ABSTRACT

Hamstring strain injury (HSI) rates are higher for males vs. females. This cross-sectional study investigated if inherent differences in biceps femoris long head (BF_LH) fascicle length (Lf) exist between recreationally active males and females (i.e., individuals without specific training practice history). Twenty-four young healthy participants (12 males; 12 females) had their BF_LH muscle architecture (Lf, pennation angle [θp], and muscle thickness [MT]) measured using B-mode ultrasonography. Eccentric and isometric knee flexion strength were also assessed. BF_LH Lf did not differ between sexes when expressed in absolute terms (males, 81.5 ± 14.7 mm; females, 73.6 ± 15.9 mm, P = 0.220, effect size (ES) = 0.52) or relative to femur length (0.140 ≤ P ≤ 0.220, ES = 0.63). Similarly, BF_LH θp did not differ between sexes (P = 0.650) but BF_LH MT was 18.9% larger for males vs. females (P = 0.024, ES = 0.99). Isometric and eccentric knee flexion strength was greater for males vs. females in absolute terms ([both] P < 0.001, 2.00 ≤ ES ≤ 2.27) and relative to body mass ([both] P < 0.001, 1.93 ≤ ES ≤ 2.13). In conclusion, factors other than BF_LH Lf seem likely to be implicated in higher male vs. female HSI rates.     

Epidemiology of injuries in male and female youth football players: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTo conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological data of injuries in male and female youth football players.MethodsSearches were performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus databases. Studies were considered if they reported injury incidence rate in male and female youth (≤19 years old) football players. Two reviewers (FJRP and ALV) extracted data and assessed trial quality using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach determined the quality of evidence. Studies were combined using a Poisson random effects regression model.ResultsForty-three studies were included. The overall incidence rate was 5.70 injuries/1000 h in males and 6.77 injuries/1000 h in females. Match injury incidence (14.43 injuries/1000 h in males and 14.97 injuries/1000 h in females) was significantly higher than training injury incidence (2.77 injuries/1000 h in males and 2.62 injuries/1000 h in females). The lower extremity had the highest incidence rate in both sexes. The most common type of injury was muscle/tendon for males and joint/ligament for females. Minimal injuries were the most common in both sexes. The incidence rate of injuries increased with advances in chronological age in males. Elite male players presented higher match injury incidence than sub-elite players. In females, there was a paucity of data for comparison across age groups and levels of play.ConclusionThe high injury incidence rates and sex differences identified for the most common location and type of injury reinforce the need for implementing different targeted injury-risk mitigation strategies in male and female youth football players.     

我国小学田径运动开展现状调查与分析

为了解田径运动在我国小学现阶段开展的情况,从课时比重、态度认知、客观条件和课余活动等方面展开调查。研究表明田径课仍然是小学体育课主要内容之一,但没有培养出学生对田径项目的兴趣和爱好。学生喜爱体育课受教学内容,教学手段、方法和组织形式的影响;教师对学生的田径运动需求并不了解。师资、场地、器材并不是影响小学田径课教学的原因。80%的学校有经费支持开展课余训练,大课间安排田径运动的形式单一。     

Recreational exercise participation and aerobic fitness in men and women: Analysis of data from a national survey

We compared the relationship between predicted VO₂ max (ml kg^‐1min^‐1) and recreational exercise patterns, using secondary data analysis of a comprehensive national survey (18,293 subjects aged 15–69 years). Exercise participation and predicted VO₂ max data were available for about 50% of this sample (4933 females, 4738 males). As expected, VO₂ max was significantly lower in the females than in the males at any age (P < 0.0001). Age was the most significant predictor of VO₂ max (r = ‐0.71 for males, r = ‐0.73 for females). Adjusting the data for the body mass index (BMI) increased this relationship only slightly in the males (R — 0.75) and females (R = 0.79). The simultaneous inclusion of exercise participation data (intensity, duration, energy expenditure) did not increase the predictions meaningfully (R = 0.78 for the males, R = 0.81 for the females). These exercise participation parameters concomitantly accounted for only a very slight amount of the variance of VO₂ max in both the females (3.0%) and males (4.5%). To minimize the effects of age, the data were analysed using 5‐year intervals. Again, the exercise participation parameters accounted for only a small part of the variance in VO₂ max (< 10%), except in the 15‐ to 19‐year‐old males (24%). These data suggest that VO₂ max is not associated with participation in recreational exercise.     

A Survey of Safety Conditions of Buildings and Grounds in Secondary Schools

Abstract

Black and white children (N = 553) in kindergarten, grade one, and grade two, as part of a total test battery were tested on items of agility, speed, power, flexibility, and endurance. An ANOVA design was employed for both equal and unequal cell frequencies to determine the effects of grade, sex, and race on gross motor performance. Significant (p < .01) improvements were found at each grade for speed, power, and endurance items; males had significantly better performances (p < .01) than females on all items with the exception of flexibility; black children had significantly (p < .01) lower values than white children in the speed item at each grade level.     

Gender Role and Sport Competition Anxiety: A Re-examination

Abstract

The present study tested whether there were significant sport competition anxiety differences among sex-typed, androgynous, and cross sex-typed subjects and whether these differences were consistent with gender schema theory (Bem, 1981b).

Approximately 700 subjects were administered the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) and, using two methods of scoring, 216 subjects were selected because of being either sex-typed (masculine males, feminine females), cross sex-typed (masculine females, feminine males) or androgynous (males and females who have strong masculine and feminine dimensions). Each subject was tested for competition anxiety using the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT). A one-way ANOVA of SCAT scores by group was significant, F(5,210) = 6.52, p < .001. Post-hoc analysis revealed that feminine females had significantly more competitive trait anxiety than all other groups and androgynous females were more anxious than masculine males (p < .05). The results are discussed in terms of gender schema theory.     

The modulation of corticospinal excitability and inhibition following acute resistance exercise in males and females

Objective: The acute responses to resistance training (RT) between males and females are poorly understood, especially from a neural perspective. Therefore, we aimed to compare the corticospinal and intracortical responses during fatigue and recovery following RT.

Methods: Twenty-two participants (12M, 10F) completed one-session of RT (3?×?12 repetition maximum) unilateral leg extensions with 60?s recovery. Single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation measured changes in the motor-evoked potential (MEP), corticospinal silent period (CSP), CSP/MEP ratio, and intracortical facilitation/inhibition (ICF, SICI). The maximal compound wave (M_MAX) measured peripheral excitability of the rectus femoris (RF) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) neuromuscular function of the leg extensors. Measures were taken immediately post, 30?min, 1 and 6?h post-training.

Results: A significantly greater increase in MEP/M_MAX ratio (p?=?.005) was observed for females immediately post-training compared to males. While no sex differences in MEP/M_MAX ratio was observed at 30?min and 1?h post-training, a greater MEP/M_MAX ratio for males was observed at 30?min (p?p?=?.003). CSP trended to decrease for males compared to females immediately post-training (d?=?1.93). MVIC was decreased post-training for males; 14.22% and females; 14.16% (P?MAX reduced at 30?min for both groups (P?P?>?.05).

Conclusion: The net output of corticospinal excitability is similar between males and females during fatigue. However, the mechanism in which this is modulated (increased MEP, decreased CSP) appears to be sex-specific.