Endurance training adherence in elite junior netball athletes: a test of the theory of planned behaviour and a revised theory of planned behaviour

This study examined the utility of Ajzen's (1985) theory of planned behaviour and Maddux's (1993) revised theory of planned behaviour to predict endurance training intentions and adherence of elite junior netball athletes. One hundred and fifteen athletes from the England Netball World Class Start Programme were assessed on constructs central to the predictions of the two theories. Adherence to a recommended endurance training programme was recorded in self-report diaries across a 9-week period. Validity for the diaries was supported by significant correlations (P < 0.001) with recalls across 7 days and 9 weeks. Adherence was moderate and variable between athletes (mean = 66.05, s = 25.75%). Two separate path analyses were conducted to examine the predictions of the theories. Goodness-of-fit indices suggested acceptable fit of the data to the models. Analyses showed that attitude towards the new behaviour, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control predicted training intentions. The relationship between intention and adherence was weak. The present results suggest that the constructs of the theory of planned behaviour offer some insight into the explanation of intentions to follow an endurance training programme. Constructs unique to the revised theory of planned behaviour did not significantly predict training intentions or behaviour. Implications for practitioners working with team sport performers are provided.     

A review of controlling motivational strategies from a self-determination theory perspective: implications for sports coaches

The aim of this paper is to present a preliminary taxonomy of six controlling strategies, primarily based on the parental and educational literatures, which we believe are employed by coaches in sport contexts. Research in the sport and physical education literature has primarily focused on coaches’ autonomy-supportive behaviours. Surprisingly, there has been very little research on the use of controlling strategies. A brief overview of the research which delineates each proposed strategy is presented, as are examples of the potential manifestation of the behaviours associated with each strategy in the context of sports coaching. In line with self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ryan & Deci, 2002), we propose that coach behaviours employed to pressure or control athletes have the potential to thwart athletes’ feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which, in turn, undermine athletes’ self-determined motivation and contribute to the development of controlled motives. When athletes feel pressured to behave in a certain way, a variety of negative consequences are expected to ensue which are to the detriment of the athletes’ well-being. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness and interest in the darker side of sport participation and to offer suggestions for future research in this area.     

Patterns of performance development in elite athletes

Abstract

This investigation sought to contrast generalised models of athlete development with the specific pathway trajectories and transitions experienced by 256 elite athletes across 27 different sports. All participants completed the National Athlete Development Survey and within it, the Athlete Development Triangle featuring the differentiation of junior and senior competition experience and progression. Developmental initiation; prevalence, magnitude and direction of pathway trajectory; extent of concurrent junior and senior competitive experience; and variability between sports were examined. Three major trajectories were identified in relation to athlete transition from Nil competition to Elite competition, via junior and senior competition phases. These included Pure ascent (16.4%), Mixed ascent (26.2%) and Mixed descent (57.4%). These were further partitioned into eight sub-trajectories, demonstrating a mix of linear, crossover and concurrent competition profiles. Substantial variability with regard to starting age, pattern of ascent and magnitude of transition was apparent. Non-linear trajectories were experienced by the majority of athletes (83.6%), with pure junior to senior developmental linearity evident in less than 7% of cases. Athletes in cgs sports (those measured in centimetres, grams or seconds) were less likely (43%) to experience a descending trajectory in comparison with non-cgs athletes (70%; p<0.001). The collective findings of this investigation demonstrate that, contrary to the popular pyramidal concept of athlete development, a single linear assault on expertise is rare, and that the common normative junior to senior competition transition is mostly characterised by complex oscillations featuring highly varied transitions. More developmental ‘granularity’ is needed to advance our understanding of sport expertise.     

Sedentary behaviour and adiposity in elite athletes

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a health risk. Even in athletes an increased adiposity affects health and performance. Sedentary behaviour has been associated with higher levels of adiposity, independent of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. However, it is unclear whether this independent relationship still exists in highly trained athletes. The aim of this study was to examine the association of sedentary behaviour with body fatness in elite athletes. Cross-sectional data from 82 male athletes (mean age 22 years) were used. Total and regional body composition was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Self-reported time spent in sedentary behaviour and weekly training time was assessed in all participants at one time point and multiple regression analyses were used. Sedentary behaviour predicted total fat mass (β = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.36–1.19, P < 0.001) and trunk fat mass (β = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.07–0.43, P = 0.007), independent of age, weekly training time, and residual mass (calculated as weight-dependent variable) but not abdominal fat. Also, no associations of sedentary behaviour with fat-free mass, appendicular lean soft tissue, and body mass index were found. These findings indicate that athletes with higher amounts of sedentary behaviour presented higher levels of total and trunk fatness, regardless of age, weekly training time, and residual mass. Therefore, even high moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels do not mitigate the associations between sedentary behaviour and body fatness in highly trained athletes.     

对我国优秀运动员商业价值的开发探析

采用文献资料、逻辑分析等方法,对我国优秀运动员的特殊性、优秀运动员商业活动的管理办法和法律法规以及商业行为的现状进行研究,提出了我国优秀运动员商业价值的开发途径.     

优秀皮划艇运动员机能评定的研究现状和思考

阐述了皮划艇运动项目特征及供能特点,综合分析了目前国内外优秀皮划艇运动员运动机能的综合评定方法,介绍了有关生化指标在皮划艇运动中的应用现状,以及有待于进一步深入研究的问题等,以期对皮划艇运动员的选材和科学训练提供参考依据。     

我国优秀女子跆拳道运动员赛前心理状态及其关系研究

以34名我国优秀女子跆拳道运动员为测试对象,使用心理测试和现场观察等方法对女子跆拳道运动员运动动机、意志品质、赛前情绪和心境等赛前心理状态进行检验和分析。总结出了优秀跆拳道运动员的赛前心理状态特征以及不同运动等级运动员心理状态的差异,为跆拳道运动员的心理选材和心理训练提供依据。     

浅谈400米运动员的速度耐力训练

运用文献资料法和数据统计分析法,对我国部分优秀运动员400米的速度耐力训练进行研究。研究认为,在400米跑这一径赛项目中,发展速度与发展速度耐力是提高该项目成绩的两大关键,也是训练实践中要解决的核心问题。本文以运动生理学、运动生物化学为依据,结合运动训练理论与方法,对发展速度耐力这一问题进行分析,并提出了400米跑中发展速度耐力的有效方法和手段。     

Relationships between injury and success in elite Taekwondo athletes

The purpose of this study was to determine the rate and type of injury in elite Canadian Taekwondo athletes, before and during competition and to investigate the relationship between past injuries, injuries during competition and success. This retrospective case-series study incorporated Taekwondo injuries sustained by 75 male and female elite Canadian Taekwondo athletes over 10 years and its relationship to athletes' success by means of gaining medals during competition. A logistic regression model (using the Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) method) was used to investigate the relationship between injuries and success. Injury rate was associated with performance after holding variables constant (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.124, P = 0.039). Moreover, with each additional injury per match, competitors were 88% (1-0.124) less likely to win a medal. Although not statistically significant, additional injuries prior to competition were associated with a 30% increase in medal prevalence (OR = 1.299, P = 0.203). When comparing athletes (gender, tournament difficulty, injury variables), a competitor who is one year older is 10% less likely to medal (OR = 0.897, P = 0.068). When an additional injury occurred during competition, the athlete was 88% less likely to win a medal. Prevention, correct diagnosis, and immediate therapeutic intervention by qualified health care providers are important.     

自由式滑雪空中技巧项目运动员核心力量训练研究

通过对我国优秀自由式滑雪空中技巧项目运动员的核心力量的诊断及训练的研究,明确核心力量在自由式滑雪空中技巧项目中的重要作用,并由此探索符合项目特点的科学有效的核心力量的训练方法;指出了我国该项目运动员的核心力量水平尚处于薄弱水平,需要进行重点训练.     

山东省优秀游泳运动员专项柔韧素质测量与分析

采用文献资料法、问卷法、专家调查法、测试法,筛选出对游泳运动成绩有显著影响的专项柔韧素质指标,对山东省26名优秀游泳运动员的专项柔韧素质进行了测量和分析.通过分析,掌握山东省优秀游泳运动员专项柔韧素质的整体情况,找出不足,并提出针对性的训练建议,从而为科学诊断和改善游泳运动员专项柔韧素质发展水平,提高训练效果提供参考.     

Technique analysis in elite athletes using principal component analysis

The aim of this study was to advance current movement analysis methodology to enable a technique analysis in sports facilitating (1) concurrent comparison of the techniques between several athletes; (2) identification of potentially beneficial technique modifications and (3) a visual representation of the findings for feedback to the athletes. Six elite cross-country skiers, three world cup winners and three national elite, roller ski skated using the V2 technique on a treadmill while their movement patterns were recorded using 41 reflective markers. A principal component analysis performed on the marker positions resulted in multi-segmental “principal” movement components (PMs). A novel normalisation facilitated comparability of the PMs between athletes. Additionally, centre of mass (COM) trajectories were modelled. We found correlations between the athletes’ performance levels (judged from race points) and specific features in the PMs and in the COM trajectories. Plausible links between COM trajectories and PMs were observed, suggesting that better performing skiers exhibited a different, possibly more efficient use of their body mass for propulsion. The analysis presented in the current study revealed specific technique features that appeared to relate to the skiers’ performance levels. How changing these features would affect an individual athlete’s technique was visualised with animated stick figures.     

从优秀运动员中选拔电视体育节目主持人的若干问题研究

优秀的体育节目主持人除了要具备丰富的知识、良好的口才、播音的技巧之外,还应具有运动的体验和专业知识。优秀退役运动员具备名人效应和体育节目专项化优势,但缺乏相关的知识结构。为把优秀退役运动员培养成为体育节目主持人,可尽快在有关高校开设体育节目主持人专业,可为运动员开设报考体育节目主持人的“绿色通道”,设置运动员报考体育节目主持人的限制条件,另外,运动员也应系统学习各种基本知识和进行播音技巧培训。     

我国优秀运动员心理技能量表的初步编制

心理技能动训练是提高运动员比赛表现及应对能力的重要途径和方式,也是运动心理学领域的热点问题之一.为了能够从比较量化的角度为我国运动员及教练员提供心理训练的参考依据,本研究在参考国外学者相关研究成果基础上,立足我国运动员的实际特点,进行量表的初步构建.结果表明:我国运动员的心理技能量表可分为应对、自信心、专注、动机等4个维度,经过信效度检验,该量表可以做为评定我国优秀运动员心理技能水平的测评工具.     

Factors impacting participation of European elite deaf athletes in sport

This study examine 53 European elite deaf athletes for their family's hearing status, use of hearing aids, communication preference, education in integrated or segregated settings, family members' encouragement for participation in sports, coach preference (hearing or deaf), and conditions for competitive events with deaf or hearing athletes. These data were gathered through semi-structured interviews administered in the athlete's native language. Deaf athletes reported that when given the opportunity to compete with hearing athletes, it enhanced their opportunity for competition. Participating in sports with hearing athletes played an important role in the integration of deaf athletes into mainstream society. If adaptations to communication can be made in these integrated settings, the ability of deaf athletes to participate in such settings will increase.     

山东省优秀皮艇运动员途中划技术研究

为寻找山东省单人皮艇优秀运动员途中划桨技术的不足,寻求提高划桨效果的途径,为运动队和教练备战十一运会提供参考资料和理论依据.研究采用平面定机摄像方法(拍摄频率50 Hz,曝光速度1/250 s),在赛程中段一侧对途中划一个复桨(两桨)周期动作进行拍摄.固定在一侧的摄像机同时记录了运动员左、右侧的划桨技术动作.采用独立t检验对部分指标值进行检验,P<0.05认为具有显著性差异.研究发现,运动员左右侧划桨技术不对称,右侧强于左侧;运动员左臂作为拉桨臂时推水过程不明显,不平稳;双侧划桨节奏不理想.建议延长桨叶水平推水的时间,减少回桨时间,改善划菜节奏;延长最大艇速保持时间;增强左侧肌肉力量,改善左侧与右侧肌肉力量的平衡度;并增强左右臂途中划划桨技术的配合程度;加强腰髋等核心部位的力量训练.     

Breast pain affects the performance of elite female athletes

ABSTRACT

Although breast pain is problematic for many active women, no published research has investigated breast pain experienced by elite female athletes. This study aimed to examine the extent that mastalgia and exercise-induced breast pain affected the sporting performance of elite female athletes during training and competition. A custom-designed online survey with questions related to sport participation, as well as the frequency, severity and perceived performance effects of mastalgia and exercise-induced breast pain, was distributed to sporting organisations, coaches, medical staff and teams/clubs throughout Australia. Five hundred and forty female athletes competing nationally or internationally across 49 different sports participated in the survey. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported experiencing breast pain associated with their menstrual cycle and 33% reported that this pain worsened during activity. Forty-four percent of athletes reported experiencing exercise-induced breast pain during training or competition. Both types of breast pain were also reported to negatively affect sporting performance (20% and 32%, respectively). Mastalgia associated with the menstrual cycle and exercise-induced breast pain should be acknowledged as potential problems affecting the sporting performance of elite female athletes. Awareness around the impact of breast pain and the development and implementation of breast pain management strategies are essential for this population.     

Coping with stressors in elite sport: A coach perspective

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to supplement previous work that identified the stressors experienced by coaches and examine the coping strategies that elite-level coaches employ to overcome stressors. Three elite coaches were interviewed and were required to identify three prominent stressors that they had experienced before discussing how they attempted to cope with them. The selected stressors included both performance and organizational types, and the associated coping attempts included strategies conforming to problem-, emotion-, avoidance-, appraisal-, and approach-focused dimensions. While specific forms of coping were identified, findings also highlighted that coping strategies were employed across performance and organizational stressors, rather than being employed for one or the other. Implications for future research opportunities within the area are presented.     

Motivation profiles in sport: a self-determination theory perspective

The present study examined the link between motivation profiles among adult sports participants and the consequences of enjoyment, effort, positive and negative affect, attitude toward sport participation, intention to continue sport participation, satisfaction, and frequency of attendance in sport. Two samples of participants (n = 590 and n = 555) completed the Sport Motivation Scale and a range of self-report measures to assess the outcome variables. Exploratory cluster analyses applied to Sample 1 and confirmatory cluster analysis applied to Sample 2 identified two clusters of sport participants. The first comprised participants with high scores on both nonself-determined and self-determined motives. The second comprised participants with high scores on self-determined motives but low scores on nonself-determined motives. Participants in the first cluster scored higher on all outcome variables. The results are discussed with reference to a more in-depth understanding of the motivation dynamics of sport participation based on Self-Determination Theory.     

Learned helplessness: a survey of cognitive, motivational and perceptual-motor consequences in motor tasks.

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of demonstration and controllability on causal attributions, self-efficacy expectations, number of attempts and performances on a pistol shooting task. Video demonstrations were used to induce different social comparisons bound to personal or universal helplessness. Students were randomly assigned in a 3 x 3 (demonstration x controllability) factorial design. The demonstration conditions were: watching a video designed to have participants believe the task was very easy (1), or very difficult (2), or not being exposed to a demonstration (3). The controllability conditions were: a controllable shooting task at a moving target on the computer screen (1), an uncontrollable task at a moving target on the computer screen (2), and a control condition in which participants were given a reading task (3). Finally, a different shooting task was used as a test measure. Analyses of variance showed that different demonstration conditions did not distinguish between personal and universal helplessness. Participants in the controllable condition demonstrated the best performances. Participants confronted with the uncontrollable condition were the least persistent. These findings in part support the general literature on learned helplessness and warrant further research into motor skills.