A Cluster Analysis of Static Strength Tests

Abstract

Ages, heights, weights, and 24 static (cable tensiometer) strength test scores were obtained from 81 college men enrolled in service course classes at the University of Oregon during the 1963–64 academic year. Of the 276 intercorrelations between strength scores, 215 were significant (p > .01; r ≥ .285). In general, when age, height, and weight were held constant, the intercorrelations between the strength scores from the different segments of the body were not greatly changed from those of the zero-order correlations between the same strength scores. Five functional clusters or groupings of strength were isolated and identified by means of the application of cluster analysis to the intercorrelations between the strength tests and by an analysis of muscle actions involved in the performance of each of the strength tests. The findings in this study disclosed five clusters or groupings of strength which were specific to shoulder, trunk, neck, wrist, and hip joints. They could also be described as arm and forearm strength, trunk strength, neck strength, hand strength, and thigh and leg strength.     

Effect of Hand Spacing and Rear Knee Angle on the Sprinter's Start

Abstract

Twelve male subjects with no specialized training in sprint running were used to study effects upon the sprinter's start when hand spacing and rear knee angle were systematically altered. Results indicated that hand spacing had an effect on the start during the first 10 yd. of the sprint. The effect of rear knee angle was present at 10 yd. and the advantage gained at 10 yd. was still present at 30 yd.     

Effects of Different Durations of Physical Training on Cardiorespiratory Function,Body Composition,and Serum Lipids

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of 15, 30, and 45 min of conditioning on maximum performance and cardiorespiratory fitness variables, body composition, pulmonary function, and serum lipids. Subjects, ages 20 to 35, were 59 inmates at a California state prison. The conditioning included running and walking and was performed three days/week at approximately 85 to 90% max HR for 20 weeks. The distance covered per exercise session was approximately 1.75, 3.25, and 5.1 miles for the 15-, 30-, and 45-min groups, respectively.

Improvements in treadmill performance time. [Vdot]O₂ max, max O₂ pulse, diastolic blood pressure, and total skinfold fat were proportional to duration of the training session; i.e., the subjects training in the longer duration sessions showed the greater improvements. The control group showed no significant change during the same period. Compared to the control group, the 15-min group made significant reductions in resting HR, total skinfold fat, percent fat, and waist girth and increases in [Vdot]O₂ max, max O₂ pulse,[Vdot]_E max, and treadmill performance time. Vital capacity, FEV_1.0, and % FEV_1.0 remained relatively unchanged in all four groups, as did serum cholesterol and triglycerides. The 45-min group improved significantly more than the 15-min group in treadmill time, [Vdot]O₂ max, max O₂ pulse, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and percent fat. In general, comparisons between the 15- and 30-min groups and between the 30- and 45-min groups failed to yield statistically significant differences.     

Addressing competing logics between the mission of a religious university and the demands of intercollegiate athletics

The purpose of this study was to examine the strategies within a faith-based university for managing competing institutional logics of its NCAA Division II affiliated athletic department. Utilizing a case study methodology, the authors collected data from athletic department members and university administrators and faculty. Within the context of this study, our data indicated that the religious academic culture of the university often conflicted with the athletic expectations of winning and marketing the university. Our findings indicated certain strategies that were effective for resolving the conflicting logics within the athletic department. Particularly, members of the athletic department drew from the strong religious culture of the university to guide their operations. The implications of this research within the field of sport management and broader organizations are discussed.