Proposing application of results in sport and exercise research reports

The application of sport and exercise research findings to practice requires careful interpretation and integration of evidence. This paper reviews principles of evidence-based practice and the application of research in sports and exercise, in order to provide recommendations on developing appropriate application sections in research reports for sport and exercise journals. The strength of recommendations for application fall into one of four levels, with potential applications qualified as strong, limited, preliminary, or hypothesized. Specific limitations that should be discussed in framing recommendations for practice are also noted for each of these levels that should be useful for authors, and for practitioners and clinicians in interpreting these recommendations.     

Research Methods

Michael H. Walizer and Paul L. Wiener's Research Methods and Analysis: Searching for Relationships (New York: Harper & Row, 1978---$16.95)

Joseph B. Kruskal and Myron Wish's Multidimensional Scaling (Beverly Hills, Calif.: Sage Publications, 1978---$3.00, paper)

Alwin, Duane F., ed. Survey Design and Analysis: Current Issues (Sage, 1978 ---$3.95, paper)

Dukes, Richard L., and Constance J. Seidner, eds. Learning with Simulation and Games (Sage, 1978---$4.95, paper)

Jib Fowles, ed. Handbook of Futures Research (Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1978 ---$39.95)

J. Scott Armstrong's Long-Range Forecasting from Crystal Ball to Computer (New York: Wiley/Interscience, 1978---$24.95)     

Assessment Processes in Social Work Education: A Review of Current Methods

This paper explores the process of assessment in social work education programs throughout the United States. Following the guidelines of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2008 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), social work education has switched from student learning outcomes to competency-based measures. Included in this study is a literature review on current assessment practices and results of a research project on assessment practices in social work education programs nationwide. The findings may be useful to social work educators in addressing programmatic changes and revisions based on the 2015 EPAS.     

The Multivariate Dimensionality of Personal Control and Future Time Perspective Beliefs in Achievement and Self-Regulation

We examined the relations between college students' control beliefs and future time perspective (FTP) and their academic achievement and studying using canonical correlation. We identified two statistically significant canonical correlations. One associated primarily competency belief, as reflected by self-efficacy, and FTP connectedness with grades. The other associated primarily contingency beliefs, as reflected by locus of control and causal attributions, and FTP connectedness and valence with studying. Results support a distinction between competency and contingency in personal control beliefs and suggest that these have somewhat different motivational consequences. Results also indicate that future time perspective beliefs play a role in motivating achievement and studying.     

Comparison of Three Methods of Estimating Energy Expenditure: Caltrac,Heart Rate,and Video Analysis

Abstract

This study examined the accuracy of a new device (Caltrac) in estimating energy expenditure via acceleration measurements. Energy expenditure of 20 high school students during basketball class activity (average length = 37 min) was estimated using the Caltrac, heart rate recording, and video analysis. Heart rate recording and video analysis estimates of energy expenditure were determined from heart rate, caloric expenditure curves, and an activity rating scale, respectively. The following estimates of caloric expenditure (M ± SD) were found: heart rate recording = 196 ±73 > Caltrac = 163 ±49 > film analysis = 123 ± 30 kcal (p < .05). Laboratory simulations of the basketball activity revealed that the Caltrac energy expenditure was not significantly different from the actual energy expenditure (p > .05). The heart rate recording and video analysis estimates of energy expenditure were significantly (p < .05) higher and lower, respectively, than the actual energy expenditure. The Caltrac is a lightweight, low-cost device that provides a relatively accurate estimate of energy expenditure in free-ranging activities, such as basketball.     

Effect of type 3 (oversize) tennis ball on serve performance and upper extremity muscle activity

This study investigated the effect of the larger diameter (Type 3) tennis ball on performance and muscle activation in the serve. Sixteen male advanced tennis players performed serves using regular size and Type 3 tennis balls. Ball speed, surface electromyography, and serve accuracy were measured. There were no significant differences in mean initial serve speeds between balls, but accuracy was significantly greater (19.3%) with the Type 3 ball than with the regular ball. A consistent temporal sequence of muscle activation and significant differences in mean activation of different muscles were observed. However, ball type had no effect on mean arm muscle activation. These data, combined with a previous study, suggest that play with the larger ball is not likely to increase the risk of overuse injury, but serving accuracy may increase compared to play with the regular ball.     

A neurologic overview of specific language disability for the non-neurologist

This paper represents a condensation of a 2-hour oral presentation that made extensive use of visual aids in color, many of which could not be reproduced. Several of the areas that received more elaboration in the oral presentation have been shortened in the interest of space.