Evaluation of simulated decision making: A response to Ysseldyke,Algozzine, Regan,and Potter

A recent study challenged the ability of evaluation teams to select technically adequate data sources. Aspects of methodology and focus of inquiry restrict the interpretation of results. A more productive line of inquiry is suggested.     

Functional Movement ScreenTM total score does not present a gestalt measure of movement quality in youth athletes

We aimed to evaluate the internal consistency and factor structure of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS^TM) in youth athletes and quantify differences between individual task score at different stages of maturation. FMS^TM and anthropometric variables were measured in 144 youth athletes (96 female, 48 male). Biological maturation was categorised as before- (<-0.5 years), at- (?0.49–0.50 years) and after- peak height velocity [PHV] (>0.51 years). Internal consistency was poor (Cronbach’s alpha; 0.53, ±90% confidence limit 0.10; ordinal alpha 0.6, ±0.09). Principle component analysis extracted two components, representing 47% of the total variance. Tasks loading highest on component 1 required stability, while those loading highest on component 2 favoured mobility. “Likely” decrements in component 1 tasks were observed before-PHV. In-line lunge (effect size ±90% confidence limit; ?0.47, ±0.49), hurdle step (?0.38, ±0.49), and trunk stability push-up (?0.51, ±0.45), were lower compared with athletes at-PHV and rotatory stability (?0.44, ±0.37) was lower than those after-PHV. Boys’ scored “most likely”, higher (0.73, ±0.28) in trunk stability push-up, and girls “likely” higher in shoulder mobility (0.46, ±0.29). In our population, the FMS^TM is not uni-dimensional, thus total score should be avoided. Clear maturation affects were observed in stability tasks.     

High-resolution friction measurements of cross-country ski bases on snow

Participants in the sport of snow skiing devote considerable effort to reduce sliding friction of the ski. A large industry is devoted to providing products and ski preparation methods with claims of improved ski performance, sometimes at considerable expense. Despite this attention to the topic, there are very little data available to skiers that quantify the effect these products and methods have on reducing ski friction. Determining the coefficient of friction of a ski on snow presents a significant technical challenge. Our approach has been to develop a tribometer incorporating a series of proximity sensors to test commercially available ski equipment and waxes on natural snow. We developed a test protocol that significantly reduces the experimental noise associated with variable environmental conditions enabling us to differentiate the difference in friction between two pairs of skis with a resolution of 0.001. A large body of test data was acquired over a wide range of environmental conditions to quantify the effect of ski wax and base texturing treatments in terms of coefficient of friction in a way that is of practical use to skiers. An exercise physiology power model was used to estimate the ski race time difference that could be expected from changing the coefficient of friction.     

Effects of a phase change cooling garment during exercise in the heat

The purpose of our study was to examine the physiological, perceptual, and performance effects of wearing a phase change cooling garment (CG) during an interval exercise routine in the heat. Sixteen male participants (age 23?±?3 years, ht 1.76?±?0.11?m; wt 78.5?±?11.2?kg; body fat 15.2?±?5.8%) completed two trials (one with phase change inserts, CG, and one control without inserts) consisting of two submaximal exercise portions separated by 5-minute seated rest, and a final maximal effort performance bout. Each submaximal bout involved 30?seconds or 1?minute of muscular endurance and agility exercises and 5?minutes of treadmill jogging and step-ups. The performance bout included 30?seconds or 1?minute of muscular endurance and agility exercises, with participants completing as many repetitions as possible, followed by a 15-minute recovery (active and passive). Rectal temperature (T_re) and heart rate were not different between trials, however change in T_re from baseline was improved during 10 and 15 minutes of recovery with the CG (P?<?.05). Mean skin temperature was lower using the CG vs control throughout the trial (P?<?.05). Thermal sensation was lower when using the CG compared to control (P?<?.001). There were no differences in any outcomes of the performance exercises (P?>?.05). These findings indicate that the continuous use of a CG during an interval style workout in the heat provides improvements in thermal sensation, however, only minimal thermophysiological benefits, and no performance augmentation.     

Canoe slalom--competition analysis reliability

The aim of this study was to assess intra-observer and inter-observer reliability of data gathered from a lapsed-time time-motion analysis of canoe slalom competition. The data were collected using a definition set developed in conjunction with elite canoe slalom coaches. Competition runs from four national-standard paddlers in a national selection race were analysed in random order three times by three observers. For each run, observers identified various events specific to canoe slalom, including time taken between gates, touched and missed gates, turn times, major and minor avoidance, rolls, paddle in and out of water times, and stroke classification. The error of measurement was determined for each of these variables. For time taken between gates and turn times, the error was < or = 0.21 and < or = 0.39 s for intra-observer and inter-observer analysis, respectively. The error for stroke in and out of water times was < or = 0.08 and < or = 0.13 s for intra-observer and inter-observer analysis, respectively. Analysis of stroke classification identification for intra-observer comparisons revealed that 91% of the time identical stroke identification occurred. Inter-observer analysis revealed identical stroke identification was achieved 81% of the time. These reliability data compare favourably with previous time-motion analysis in other sports using fewer variables.     

Utility of coding vs. mazes subtests in evaluating giftedness with the WISC-R

A recommendation that Mazes be substituted for Coding in the assessment of giftedness with the WISC-R was investigated by including both subtests in the evaluation of 50 children referred for verification of eligibility. Scaled scores on Mazes were significantly higher than those on Coding for the group, although the proportion of children meeting the established criterion was similar under inclusion of either subtest in the computation of Full Scale Scores. These data offer general support for the selective inclusion of Mazes in this type of assessment.     

Comparison of the relationship between two measures of visual-motor coordination and academic achievement

Scores from Koppitz' scoring system for the Bender-Gestalt and Beery's Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration for a group of 86 elementary students referred for psychoeducational evaluation were correlated with Wide Range Achievement Test scores, controlling for WISC-R IQ. Although zero-order correlations of the visual-motor measures with achievement were of moderate magnitude (.33 to.48) and were all statistically significant (p<.01), first-order partial correlations were of lower magnitude (.13 to.22) and half failed to reach statistical significance (p>.05). It was suggested that visual-motor ability may not offer a unique contribution to the prediction of achievement.