The biomechanics of soccer: A review

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether combining two mental preparation strategies would be more effective in enhancing performances than a single strategy. Subjects (n = 40) practiced on a basketball free throw task (20 shots) using one of the following mental preparation strategies: (a) imagery, (b) relaxation, (c) relaxation plus imagery, (d) placebo control. To simulate game conditions, subjects were allowed only 10 s in which to use their mental preparation strategy. After the practice session, subjects shot 20 test free throws using their designated technique. Results indicated a significant main effect with the imagery group performing significantly better than the placebo control group although there were no specific differences between the three experimental groups. The results are discussed in terms of potential variables mediating the effectiveness of imagery in enhancing sport performance, and future directions for research are offered.     

Visual-perceptual training with motor practice of the observed movement pattern improves anticipation in emerging expert cricket batsmen

ABSTRACT

This study addressed the paucity of evidence of whether visual anticipation can be improved in emerging experts in striking sports. Twelve emerging expert batsmen from a state cricket squad were equally randomised into intervention and control groups. They were pre-and-post tested on a video temporal occlusion test of a fast bowler, as well as transfer tests of different fast and slow bowlers. The intervention group received two sessions per week of point-light display temporal occlusion training with motor practice of the observed bowler’s action over a 4-week period. The control group completed only the testing phases. Batting averages before, during, and after the study were recorded for both groups. The intervention group, but not the control group, improved anticipation to significantly above chance level across pre-to-post-tests based upon pre-ball flight information. The intervention, but not the control, transferred their learning to anticipate significantly above chance level based upon pre-ball flight information across different fast and slow (spin) bowlers. Batting average of the intervention group was higher than the control group during the study. Findings indicate that the intervention can improve anticipation in emerging expert batsmen, beyond sport-specific practice. This improvement may benefit competition performance, but further evidence is required.     

Competition and Extrinsic Rewards: Effect on Intrinsic Motivation and Attribution

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect of monetary rewards and success/failure on intrinsic motivation and causal attributions of males and females competing on a motor task. Multivariate analysis of variance produced a significant overall main effect for feedback, with subjects exhibiting more intrinsic motivation after success than after failure. The Sex × Feedback interaction (p < .09) indicated that males exhibited more intrinsic motivation than females after success, whereas females displayed more intrinsic motivation than males after failure. Attribution results showed that success was primarily attributed to high ability, high effort, and good luck while failure was attributed to low ability, low effort, and bad luck. Correlational analysis revealed that success was related to high ability, high effort, good luck, and high intrinsic motivation. Conversely, failure was associated with low ability, low effort, bad luck, and low intrinsic motivation. In addition, ability and effort were the causal attributes most related to changes in intrinsic motivation. The relationship between causal attributions and intrinsic motivation is discussed in terms of the self-enhancement hypothesis and Deci's cognitive evaluation theory. Implications for competitive physical activity are drawn.     

Comparison of the Criterion-Related Validity of Sit-and-Reach Tests with and without Limb Length Adjustment in Asian Adults

Abstract

The stages of motivational readiness as conceptualized by the Transtheoretical Model have been widely used among adult samples to assess readiness for adopting exercise behavior. To date, little research has been conducted using a staging framework with adolescent samples. There is a need for validation of the staging framework prior to a substantial amount of research with this age group. The current article presents two studies assessing stage and reported exercise behavior (Study 1: n = 819; M age = 15.0 years, SD = 1.2; 51 % men; Study 2: n = 184; M age = 18.6 years, SD = .5; 45 % men). As hypothesized in both studies, reported exercise consistently varied as a function of stage classification; those in earlier stages of readiness reported less exercise than those in later stages. Staging algorithms showed good sensitivity to detect reported exercise; however, specificity was distinctly better with the algorithm that used a specific activity criterion and immediate intention, as opposed to irregular behavior, in defining the preparation stage. Results support the validity of the staging framework for measuring motivational readiness for exercise behavior among North American adolescents.     

Upper extremity kinematic trends of fly-casting: Establishing the effects of line length

Fly-fishing is a popular form of recreation. Recent evidence has associated overhand fly-casting movements with upper extremity pain. However, little research exists on the motions and coordination common to fly-casting. The aim of this study was to establish upper extremity kinematic trends of fly-casting while casting greater line lengths. It was hypothesized that kinematic casting parameters would increase and time between peak angular velocities would decrease with greater line length. Eighteen males participated in the study. Three-dimensional motion capture was conducted to calculate shoulder, elbow, and wrist kinematics during casting conditions of 6.1, 12.2, 18.3, and 24.4 m of line. Multiple analyses of variance were used to assess the condition effect of line length on the kinematic variables (P = 0.05). Overall, total range of movement increased with increasing length of line cast. Peak angular velocity exhibited a proximal-to-distal trend: peak shoulder internal rotation followed by elbow extension, then wrist ulnar deviation. Time between peak shoulder and elbow angular velocities increased significantly as line length increased. Our findings indicate that specific changes in total range of movement accommodate the demands of casting greater lengths of line. Also, joint velocity coordination patterns of fly-casting appear to follow a proximal-to-distal pattern. These findings represent an initial foundation for connections between kinematics and upper extremity pain reported by fly-fisherman.     

e-Voting intent: A comparison of young and elderly voters

The ability to vote online has the potential to increase voter turnout for elections due to increased convenience over traditional voting polls. This study examines factors that can affect a citizen's intent to vote online. Survey subjects came from two different age groups: young adults, 18–25 years of age; and senior citizens, ages 60 plus. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study found that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, trust in the internet, and computer anxiety were significantly related to intent to use online voting. Trust in the government was insignificant. Performance expectancy, social influence, and computer anxiety were related to intent to vote online for both young adults and seniors. Effort expectancy was related to intent to vote for the seniors but not young adults, and trust in the internet was related to intent to vote for young adults but not seniors.