Analyzing repeat consumption of identical cultural goods: some exploratory evidence from moviegoing

This study offers a preliminary exploration of repeat consumption of identical cultural goods, specifically moviegoing. The term ‘identical’ in this study refers to cases where, for example, individuals view the same film at a movie theater, in a short time interval, on more than one occasion i.e. experiencing the cultural good in precisely the same format. It is not meant to embrace the case of individuals who, for example, view a particular film at a movie theater and then see it some time later in another format, such as via a DVD player. The repeat viewing phenomenon is discussed and then considered empirically. Films aimed predominantly at children attract the highest number of repeat views, while those aimed at an older audience attract significantly fewer repeat views. The profile of repeat viewers of the 10 films which attracted the greatest number of repeat viewers was subject to more detailed scrutiny. In general, repeat viewers tend to be younger but the gender balance differs markedly according to film content. An earlier version of this article was presented at the 3rd European Workshop on Applied Cultural Economics, University of Oviedo in Aviles, Spain 14–16 June 2007 and the 9th International Conference on Arts and Cultural Management (AIMAC), Fundación Universidad Empresa (ADEIT), Valencia, Spain 8–11 July 2007. We are grateful for comments received and the usual caveat applies.     

在训练过程中发展心理技能:强化教练的作用

教练员、父母、管理者和运动员都很感兴趣的一个话题是:在最高水平的运动竞赛中,与身体状态和技术、战术技能相比,心理技能是如何的重要.     

Psychosocial correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in overweight and obese post-menopausal women: a MONET study

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) and muscle strength in overweight and obese sedentary post-menopausal women. The study population consisted of 137 non-diabetic, sedentary overweight and obese post-menopausal women (mean age 57.7 years, s = 4.8; body mass index 32.4 kg.m(-2), s = 4.6). At baseline we measured: (1) body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; (2) visceral fat using computed tomography; (3) insulin sensitivity using the hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp; (4) cardiorespiratory fitness; (5) muscle strength using the leg press exercise; and (6) psychosocial profile (quality of life, perceived stress, self-esteem, body-esteem, and perceived risk for developing chronic diseases) using validated questionnaires. Both VO2peak and muscle strength were significantly correlated with quality of life (r = 0.29, P < 0.01 and r = 0.30, P < 0.01, respectively), and quality of life subscales for: physical functioning (r = 0.28, P < 0.01 and r = 0.22, P < 0.05, respectively), pain (r = 0.18, P < 0.05 and r = 0.23, P < 0.05, respectively), role functioning (r = 0.20, P < 0.05 and r = 0.24, P < 0.05, respectively), and perceived risks (r = -0.24, P < 0.01 and r = -0.30, P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, VO2peak was significantly associated with positive health perceptions, greater body esteem, and less time watching television/video. Stepwise regression analysis showed that quality of life for health perceptions and for role functioning were independent predictors of VO2peak and muscle strength, respectively. In conclusion, higher VO2peak and muscle strength are associated with a favourable psychosocial profile, and the psychosocial correlates of VO2peak were different from those of muscle strength. Furthermore, psychosocial factors could be predictors of VO2peak and muscle strength in our cohort of overweight and obese sedentary post-menopausal women.     

The behavioral regulation in sport questionnaire (BRSQ): instrument development and initial validity evidence

The purpose of the four studies described in this article was to develop and test a new measure of competitive sport participants' intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation (self-determination theory; Deci & Ryan, 1985). The items for the new measure, named the Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ), were constructed using interviews, expert review, and pilot testing. Analyses supported the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and factorial validity of the BRSQ scores. Nomological validity evidence was also supportive, as BRSQ subscale scores were correlated in the expected pattern with scores derived from measures of motivational consequences. When directly compared with scores derived from the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS; Pelletier, Fortier, Vallerand, Tuson, & Blais, 1995) and a revised version of that questionnaire (SMS-6; Mallett, Kawabata, Newcombe, Otero-Forero, & Jackson, 2007), BRSQ scores demonstrated equal or superior reliability and factorial validity as well as better nomological validity.     

The effect of consistent and varied follow-through practice schedules on learning a table tennis backhand

In table tennis the follow-through action after a shot is an important part of skill execution. In this experiment, we aimed to extend literature around the contextual interference effect by investigating whether the way the follow-through is organised in practice affects learning of the backhand shot in table tennis. Thirty unskilled participants were allocated to blocked-variable practice, random-variable practice or a control-constant group and aimed backhand shots towards a target following ball projection from a machine. Each group completed these shots in a pre-test, a training phase with follow-through manipulations, a post-test, and a retention test. The random-variable group improved their shot accuracy from pre-test to post-test and from pre-test to retention test (both P < 0.01, d = 1.03), whereas neither the blocked-variable nor the control-constant group displayed any change in shot accuracy. Practising the follow-through in a random-variable fashion enhanced learning of the preceding shot compared with blocked-variable practice or no follow-through instructions. The benefits of learning motor skills under conditions of high contextual interference also apply to how follow-through actions are organised. The findings are valuable to coaches and suggest that instructions related to the follow-through action should be considered as well as the primary skill itself.     

Creating performance benchmarks for the future elites in speed skating

Sports performance benchmarks useful to select and guide future elites are limited in literature. The present study introduces a method to enable comparison between sports performance of different generations and creates performance benchmarks for the future elites in speed skating. 1500 m Season Best Times (SBT) of Dutch skaters (1043 females, 1812 males, age 13–26 years), who competed in at least six seasons between 1993 and 2013, were corrected for the prevailing world record (WR): rSBT=(SBT/WR)*100%. Regression analyses showed that the calendar year affected SBT (p<0.01), but not rSBT (p>0.05). Based on rSBT, performance groups were defined: elite (rSBT<110%), sub-elite (110%<rSBT<115%), high-competitive (115%<rSBT<120%), medium-competitive (120%<rSBT<125%) and low-competitive (rSBT>125%). Benchmarks were based on the slowest rSBT per age of the elite group. Of the total skaters performing within the elite benchmarks, the elite performance group represented <20% up to age 16 and <50% up to age 21. An out of sample group (n=299) confirmed the usability of the benchmarks. So, by correcting time-trial performance for the prevailing WR, elite performance benchmarks can be made based on multiple generations of elite skaters. The benchmarks can be used to select and guide future elite skaters from age 13–26 years.     

Fluctuations in running and skill-related performance in elite rugby union match-play

This study investigated end-game and transient changes in running activities and whether these were concomitantly associated with reductions in skill-related performance in senior international rugby union match-play. Altogether, 18 official matches were analysed (322 individual observations) using computerised video-based tracking and event coding (Amisco Pro^®, SUP, Nice, France). In forwards and backs, trivial to small reductions (% difference: ?2.1, ±1.3 to ?10.0, ±4.0%) in total distance and that covered at high speeds (>18.0?km?h^?1) occurred in the second- versus the first-half while there were trivial differences in skill-related performance measures (?2.3, ±4.5 to 7.5, ±14.0%). In both positions, small to moderate declines (?42, ±10 to ?21, ±7%) occurred in high-speed running in the final 10-min and 5-min periods versus mean values for all other 10-min and 5-min periods throughout the game while only small changes (?18, ±51 to 13, ±41%) in skill-related performance were observed. Trivial changes in running and skill-related performance (?11, ±74 to 7, ±39%) were observed in the 5-min period immediately following the most intense 5-minute periods of play compared to mean performance over the other 5-min periods. These findings suggest that international rugby union players were generally able to maintain skill-related performance over the course of match-play even when declines in running performance occurred.     

Ethnicity as a moderator of the theory of planned behavior and physical activity in college students

Most college students do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines, and ethnic disparities exist. The present study examined the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in explaining PA intentions and behavior in black and white college students and whether any TPB relationships were moderated by ethnicity. Black (n=170) and white (n=180) students completed a baseline TPB questionnaire and PA assessment 2 weeks later Hierarchical latent variable regression analyses showed that affective attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were significant predictors of intention for both ethnic groups, whereas the PBC-intention relationship was significantly stronger for white students. Intention significantly predicted PA for both ethnic groups. Furthermore, common and ethnic-specific beliefs were identified.     

Most ankle sprain research is either false or clinically unimportant: A 30-year audit of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundLateral ankle sprain is the most common musculoskeletal injury. Although clinical research in this field is growing, there is a broader concern that clinical trial outcomes are often false and fail to translate into patient benefits.MethodsWe audited 30 years of experimental research related to lateral ankle sprain management (n = 74 randomized controlled trials) to determine if reports of treatment effectiveness could be validated beyond statistical certainty.ResultsA total of 77% of trials reported positive treatment effects, but there was a high risk of false discovery. Most trials were unregistered and relied solely on statistical significance, or lack of statistical significance, rather than on interpreting key measures of minimum clinical importance (e.g., minimal detectable change, minimal clinically important difference).ConclusionFuture clinical trials must adopt higher standards of reporting and data interpretation. This includes consideration of the ethical responsibility to preregister their research and interpretation of clinical outcomes beyond statistical significance.