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Introduction: Although cardiovascular disease is typically associated with middle or old age, the atherosclerotic process often initiates early in childhood. The process of atherosclerosis appears to be occurring at an increasing rate, even in pre-adolescents, and has been linked to the childhood obesity epidemic. This study will investigate the relationships between obesity, lifestyle behaviours and cardiometabolic health in pre-pubescent children aged 8-10 years, and investigates whether there are differences in the correlates of cardiometabolic health between Maori and Caucasian children. Details of the methodological aspects of recruitment, inclusion/exclusion criteria, assessments, statistical analyses, dissemination of findings and anticipated impact are described. Methods and analysis: Phase 1: across-sectional study design will be used to investigate relationships between obesity, lifestyle behaviours (nutrition, physical activity/fitness, sleep behaviour, psychosocial influences) and cardiometabolic health in a sample of 400 pre-pubescent (8-10 years old) children. Phase 2: in a subgroup (50 Caucasian, 50 Maori children), additional measurements of cardiometabolic health and lifestyle behaviours will be obtained to provide objective and detailed data. General linear models and logistic regression will be used to investigate the strongest correlate of (1) fatness; (2) physical activity; (3) nutritional behaviours and (4) cardiometabolic health. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval will be obtained from the New Zealand Health and Disabilities Ethics Committee. The findings from this study will elucidate targets for decreasing obesity and improving cardiometabolic health among preadolescent children in New Zealand. The aim is to ensure an immediate impact by disseminating these findings in an applicable manner via popular media and traditional academic forums. Most importantly, results from the study will be disseminated to participating schools and relevant Maori health entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lifestyle modifi cations including, physical activity can reduce obesity-related morbidity and subsequent cardiovascular disease in youth. This study will investigate the effi cacy of a culturally-sensitive, non-contact, boxing-orientated training program on obesity and related cardio-metabolic conditions in Māori and Pasifi ka adolescents. Details of the methodological aspects of recruitment, inclusion criteria, randomization, cultural sensitivity, intervention program, assessments, process evaluation, and statistical analyses are described. Methods: This study will be a community based, New Zealand, randomized control trial (RCT). Male and female obese (body mass index >95th percentile) Māori and Pasifi ka adolescents aged 14-16 years will be recruited and the sample size will be confi rmed through a feasibility study. Combating Obesity in Māori and Pasifi ka Adolescent School-children Study (COMPASS) is a 6-month, theory-based program, conducted 3-times/week in a culturally appropriate setting. Each session includes 40 min boxing-orientated training and 30 min resistance training. Assessments will be made at baseline, 3-months, 6-months, 12-months, and 24-months. Main outcomes include abdominal obesity, endothelial function, and insulin resistance. Other outcomes include arterial stiffness, lipid profi le, infl ammatory biomarkers, well-being, and aerobic fi tness. Control measures include physical activity, sleep behavior, and dietary intake. Analysis will be done by intention to treat Results: As a protocol paper there are no specific results to present, our purpose is to share our RCT design with the scientific community. Conclusions: COMPASS will be used to provide direction for exercise prescription policy in at-risk Māori and Pasifika adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strength model suggests that self-control relies on a limited resource. One candidate for this resource is glucose. Counter to the proposals of the glucose hypothesis, this study argues that the resource issue is one of allocation, not of limited supply. It addresses the argument from three perspectives: the evolution of mental processes at the species level, the adaptation of these same processes at the individual level, and the physiology of glucose transport. It is argued here that the brain has both sufficient resources and resource delivery mechanisms with which to support self-control but that these resources are allocated in accordance with personal priorities. As an alternative to the limited resource model, the current study proposes a resource-allocation model of self-control and presents several testable hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study compared the effects of two different music interventions on changes in emotional states before and during running, and also explored effects of music interventions upon performance outcome. Volunteer participants (n = 65) who regularly listened to music when running registered online to participate in a three-stage study. Participants attempted to attain a personally important running goal to establish baseline performance. Thereafter, participants were randomly assigned to either a self-selected music group or an Audiofuel music group. Audiofuel produce pieces of music designed to assist synchronous running. The self-selected music group followed guidelines for selecting motivating playlists. In both experimental groups, participants used the Brunel Music Rating Inventory-2 (BMRI- 2) to facilitate selection of motivational music. Participants again completed the BMRI-2 post-intervention to assess the motivational qualities of Audiofuel music or the music they selected for use during the study. Results revealed no significant differences between self-selected music and Audiofuel music on all variables analyzed. Participants in both music groups reported increased pleasant emotions and decreased unpleasant emotions following intervention. Significant performance improvements were demonstrated post-intervention with participants reporting a belief that emotional states related to performance. Further analysis indicated that enhanced performance was significantly greater among participants reporting music to be motivational as indicated by high scores on the BMRI-2. Findings suggest that both individual athletes and practitioners should consider using the BMRI-2 when selecting music for running. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study reports on changes in emotions before and during an unexpected heart rate in a young, apparently healthy male with a life-long history of exercise in the absence of family history of heart problems. He completed the Brunel Mood Scale (Terry et al., 2003) to assess emotions before, during, and after the heart attack, and also describing his thoughts during these periods. Results indicate he experienced unpleasant emotions in the build up to the heart attack, feelings he attributed at the time to frustration to achieve fitness goals. He maintained an exercise regime prior to having a heart attack, a finding consistent with previous research suggesting that early diagnosis, although vital for survival, is not likely to be identified among seemingly healthy individuals. During the heart attack, he experienced a rapid emotional change characterised by a rapid increase in anger coupled with thoughts of needing to survive. The intensity of emotions and regulation strategies employed before and during the heart attack provide insight this experience, and we suggest future research should investigate emotional change during adverse conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated relationships between self-report measures of emotional intelligence and memories of pre-competitive emotions before optimal and dysfunctional athletic performance. Participant-athletes (n = 284) completed a self-report measure of emotional intelligence and two measures of pre-competitive emotions; a) emotions experienced before an optimal performance, and b) emotions experienced before a dysfunctional performance. Consistent with theoretical predictions, repeated MANOVA results demonstrated pleasant emotions associated with optimal performance and unpleasant emotions associated with dysfunctional performance. Emotional intelligence correlated with pleasant emotions in both performances with individuals reporting low scores on the self-report emotional intelligence scale appearing to experience intense unpleasant emotions before dysfunctional performance. We suggest that future research should investigate relationships between emotional intelligence and emotion-regulation strategies used by athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the factorial validity of the 33-item self-rated Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS: Schutte et al., 1998) for use with athletes. In stage 1, content validity of the EIS was assessed by a panel of experts (n = 9). Items were evaluated in terms of whether they assessed EI related to oneself and EI focused on others. Content validity further examined items in terms of awareness, regulation, and utilization of emotions. Content validity results indicated items describe 6-factors: appraisal of own emotions, regulation of own emotions, utilization of own emotions, optimism, social skills, and appraisal of others emotions. Results highlighted 13-items which make no direct reference to emotional experiences, and therefore, it is questionable whether such items should be retained. Stage 2 tested two competing models: a single factor model, which is the typical way researchers use the EIS and the 5-factor model (optimism was discarded as it become a single-item scale fiolliwng stage 1) identified in stage 1. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results on EIS data from 1,681 athletes demonstrated unacceptable fit indices for the 33-item single factor model and acceptable fit indices for the 6-factor model. Data were re-analyzed after removing the 13-items lacking emotional content, and CFA results indicate partial support for single factor model, and further support for a five-factor model (optimism was discarded as a factor during item removal). Despite encouraging results for a reduced item version of the EIS, we suggest further validation work is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research suggests that appropriately-tailored interventions can assist adolescents enhance their coping skills (Frydenberg and Lewis, 2004). The present paper reflects upon the delivery of a longitudinal coping intervention utilized by junior national netball players. Reflection is focused on issues such as the rationale for the intervention, operational issues surrounding the delivery and management of the work. It is also focused on interpersonal issues relating to intervention implementation. We contend that being explicit about developmental and applied processes may enable theoretically sound and efficacious practices to be identified. In addition, unpacking operational issues related to delivery may assist applied sport and exercise psychologists in the development of related work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilized a within-subject design to investigate relationships between emotional intelligence and memories of mood states associated with optimal and dysfunctional performance in competitive sport and academic situations. Sport students (N = 436) completed a self-report Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS), whilst retrospective accounts of mood states associated with optimal and dysfunctional sporting competition and academic examination performance were recorded using the Brunel Mood Scale. Repeated measures MANOVA results indicate that mood states associated with optimal and dysfunctional performance are situation-specific (Sport x Academic Interaction: Pillai's Trace 8,428 = .70, p < .00, Partial eta squared = 0.09). Differences in mood states between optimal and dysfunctional performance were more pronounced for athletic situations, thereby suggesting mood states are associated with performance, but the nature of these relationships are situation-specific. A further analysis was completed to explore the role of emotional intelligence in mediating mood performance relationships. A MANCOVA comparing differences in mood states by performance (optimal and dysfunctional performance) by situation (sport and academic) controlling for EIS scores indicated a significant three-way interaction effect. Findings indicate that selfreported beliefs of emotional intelligence are associated with optimal mood states for different situations. Future research should continue to investigate the influence of emotional intelligence in performance contexts. The ultimate objective being to develop an understanding of the role emotional intelligence plays in contextualised optimal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of computer-aided assessment (CAA) can provide lecturing staff with easy cost-effective solutions to heavy marking workloads. This case study explores the implementation of CAA into a limited number (n=2) of level 1 modules. The aim was to explore students' responses and lecturers' perceptions of CAA. Students who had experienced the new assessment regime completed an evaluation questionnaire (n=68), and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the teaching staff (n=4) of the modules. Results indicate that students did not perceive CAA negatively within the assessment regime and staff clearly identified that this form of assessment had certain time saving benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study explores the sources of stress and use of coping strategies amongst Higher Education lecturers. In semi-structured interviews, lecturers (N=10) reported experiencing a wide range of stressors, summarised under three interrelated themes: 1) organisational stress; 2) subject-linked stress; and 3) non-organisational stress. All participants described examples of stress resulting from an unbalanced workload, often exacerbated by insufficient time allowance for task completion. Lecturers identified 19 coping strategies used to manage stress. Results suggest that interventions designed to reduce stress should seek to increase the use of preventative and proactive coping strategies, thus reducing the need for reactive coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined changes in primary and secondary appraisal, and coping strategies utilized in the final weeks leading to dissertation submission. Sixty volunteer Sports Studies dissertation students (male: n = 29; female: n = 31) completed an adapted Cognitive Appraisal of Health Scale (CAHS: Kessler, 1998), and Brief COPE (Carver, Scheier, & Weintraub, 1989) on 4 occasions over the 6 weeks before dissertation submission. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance indicated a significant main effect for gender, with no main effect for changes over time and no significant interaction effect. Results demonstrated that males perceived the dissertation to be significantly more threatening and less challenging than females. With regard to coping, males used more active coping, positive reframing, planning, and acceptance of the stressor, with lower scores for self-blame, venting of emotions, and behavioral disengagement. The results suggest that, for this student population, the dissertation did not become increasingly stressful in the period before submission. Clear relationships were also evidenced between primary appraisal, secondary appraisal, and coping. Future research should seek to identity factors that moderate the influence of situational stressors on coping responses among undergraduate students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated relationships between game location, perform ers' experience, and mood states. 31 experienced collegiate soccer players completed the Brunel Mood Scale to assess anger, calmness, confusion, depression, fatigue, happiness, tension, and vigor before eight competitive games (four home and four away). Participants were categorized into Experienced and Less Experienced groups, based on the level of performance at which they played. Repeated-measures multivariate analyses of variance compared mean mood scores across location and experience, and follow-up univariate analyses suggested the increase in mood scores on Tension and decrease in scores on Calmness, Happiness, and Vigor between playing away and at home were significantly greater for Less experienced soccer players than Experienced players. Implications of these findings for the applied practitioner are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing stability, defined as observing minimal measurement error in a test-retest assessment, is vital to validating psychometric tools. Correlational methods, such as Pearson product-moment, intraclass, and kappa are tests of association or consistency, whereas stability or reproducibility (regarded here as synonymous) assesses the agreement between test-retest scores. Indexes of reproducibility using the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ; Duda & Nicholls, 1992) were investigated using correlational (Pearson product-moment, intraclass, and kappa) methods, repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance, and calculating the proportion of agreement within a referent value of ±1 as suggested by Nevill, Lane, Kilgour, Bowes, and Whyte (2001). Two hundred thirteen soccer players completed the TEOSQ on two occasions, 1 week apart. Correlation analyses indicated a stronger test-rest correlation for the Ego subscale than the Task subscale. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated stability for ego items but with significant increases in four task items. The proportion of test-retest agreement scores indicated that all ego items reported relatively poor stability statistics with test-retest scores within a range of ±1, ranging from 82.7-86.9%. By contrast, all task items showed test-retest difference scores ranging from 92.5-99%, although further analysis indicated that four task subscale items increased significantly. Findings illustrated at correlational methods (Pearson product-moment, intraclass, and kappa) are influenced by the range in scores, and calculating the proportion of agreement of test-retest differences with a referent value of ±1 could provide additional insight into the stability of the questionnaire. It is suggested that the item-by-item proportion of agreement method proposed by Nevill et al. (2001) should be used to supplement existing methods and could be especially helpful in identifying rogue items in the initial stages of psychometric questionnaire validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most academics agree that emotions and moods are related but distinct phenomena. The present study assessed emotion‐mood distinctions among a non‐academic population and compared these views with distinctions proposed in the literature. Content analysis of responses from 106 participants identified 16 themes, with cause (65% of respondents), duration (40%), control (25%), experience (15%), and consequences (14%) the most frequently cited distinctions. Among 65 contributions to the academic literature, eight themes were proposed, with duration (62% of authors), intentionality (41%), cause (31%), consequences (31%), and function (18%) the most frequently cited. When the eight themes cited by both academics and non‐academics were rank ordered, approximately 60% overlap in opinion was evident. A data‐derived summary of emotion‐mood distinctions is provided. These data should prove useful to investigators interested in developing a clearer scientific distinction between emotion and mood than is currently available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to investigate relationships between mood, performance goals, and examination performance. We tested the notion that feelings of depressed mood are central to the overall mood response and influence the functional impact of anger and tension on performance (see Lane & Terry, 2000). Fifty undergraduate students completed a measure of anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, tension and vigour approximately 10 min before a practical physiology examination. Participants also indicated the grade set as a goal for the examination, and rated their confidence to achieve this goal. Depressed mood data were analysed by dichotomising scores into depressed mood group (n =23) or no-depressive symptoms group (n =27). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was adopted to explore the association between mood and performance and whether any differences exist between the depression and no-depression groups. Results indicated that only the anger-performance relationship differed between the depression and no-depression groups, whereby anger was associated with improved performance in the no-depression group. MANOVA results indicated that depressed mood was associated with a negative mood profile and low goal-confidence scores. Future research should investigate relationships between mood states using an ideographic design and explore links between variations in mood with more stable psychological factors such as emotional intelligence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated the effectiveness of providing tutorial support for education students in core modules. An intervention designed to promote critical thinking skills was developed and delivered in week 11 of a 15 week module. Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that the improvement in grades in Level 2 was significantly better among students in the research group (F1,49?=?9.88, P<0.05, partial ? 2 ?=?0.17), although it is acknowledged that all students improved significantly. Focus group interviews to explore students' perceptions (n?=?15) of the effectiveness of the intervention revealed that additional tutorial support provided students opportunities for meaningful engagement with the subject matter, their peers and the lecturer. Findings lend support to arguments that encourage lecturers to adapt their learning environment so that it meets the learning styles of the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored predictive paths between performance accomplishments, self‐efficacy, and performance among Sport Studies students taking a Level 1 statistics module. Fifty‐eight Level 1 Sport Studies undergraduate degree students completed a 44‐item self‐efficacy measure and an assessment of perceived academic success at the start of the module. Self‐assessed worksheets taken in weeks 4 and 5 were used as a second performance measure. Self‐efficacy was re‐assessed in week 7 and students handed the assignment for the module in week 8. Path analysis results using structural equation modeling indicated that perceived academic success was associated with the first self‐efficacy measure, which in turn predicted worksheet success, and the two self‐efficacy measures correlated. The second self‐efficacy measure predicted module performance, and importantly showed the strongest relationship of all predictor variables. We suggest that future research should investigate the effectiveness of strategies designed to enhance self‐efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to examine the factorial validity of the Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS; Thomas et al ., 1999 ) among adolescent athletes using confirmatory factor analysis. The TOPS was designed to assess eight psychological strategies used in competition (i.e. activation, automaticity, emotional control, goal-setting, imagery, negative thinking, relaxation and self-talk,) and eight used in practice (the same strategies except negative thinking is replaced by attentional control). National-level athletes ( n  = 584) completed the 64-item TOPS during training camps. Fit indices provided partial support for the overall measurement model for the competition items (robust comparative fit index = 0.92, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.88, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05) but minimal support for the training items (robust comparative fit index = 0.86, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.81, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06). For the competition items, the automaticity, goal-setting, relaxation and self-talk scales showed good fit, whereas the activation, emotional control, imagery and negative thinking scales did not. For the practice items, the attentional control, emotional control, goal-setting, imagery and self-talk scales showed good fit, whereas the activation, automaticity and relaxation scales did not. Overall, it appears that the factorial validity of the TOPS for use with adolescents is questionable at present and further development is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined Lane and Terry's (2000) conceptual model in the sport of wakeboarding. We hypothesized that depressed mood would be associated with high anger, confusion, and fatigue, with low vigor, and poor performance. We argued that there would be no significant difference in the number of points set as a goal. Fifty-one wakeboarders completed the 24-item Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS: Terry, Lane, Lane, & Keohane, 1999) within 1 hr. of competition. Based on scores on the BRUMS depression subscale, participants were dichotomized into a no-depression group (n = 31) or a depressed mood group (n = 20). Goal difficulty was assessed by comparing the number of points that participants set as a goal for the impending competition with the previous best points score. Performance was assessed by calculating the difference in points scored in the current competition with personal best. MANOVA results indicated that the depressed mood was associated with poor performance coupled with anger, confusion, and fatigue. Findings demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the difficulty of the goal. Depressed mood moderated relationships between goal difficulty, other mood states and performance. A difficult goal was associated with vigor in the No-depression group, but was associated with low anger in the depressed mood group. Findings lend support to the notion that mood serves a signal function to the individual that indicates the perceived likelihood of success and failure. Findings show that depressed mood fosters a negative psychological state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the factorial validity of the Brunel Mood Scale, which measures anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, tension, and vigor, for water-skiers. Participants were 345 water-skiers (age range 16 to 39 years, men: n=311, women: n=34) who completed the scale approximately 1 hour before a water-skiing competition. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated support for the validity of the 6-factor model, with a Comparative Fit Index of .90 and Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation of .07. Internal consistency coefficients were above the .70 criterion. It is suggested that the Brunel Mood Scale shows factorial validity for use with water-skiers and that researchers should continue to assess validation of the Brunel Mood Scale with other measures and with specific appropriate samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the relationship between self-esteem, coping strategies and changes in self-efficacy following defeat in a tennis tiebreak competition. Ninety-one national standard junior tennis players participated in a tennis tiebreak competition. Participants completed the Rosenberg Self-esteem scale (Rosenberg, 1965), the Modified COPE (Crocker & Graham, 1995), and a 6-item Self-efficacy scale designed to assess confidence to achieve success in tennis tiebreak competition. All measures were completed shortly before competition. Participants completed the same Self-efficacy items following defeat and prior to the next tiebreak competition. Players completed two tiebreak competitions yielding 59 losing players. Prior to data analysis, Self-esteem scores were coded as either a High Self-esteem group (n = 35) or a Low Self-esteem group (n = 24) based on a median split. Repeated measures ANOVA to compare changes in Self-efficacy scores by Self-esteem groups indicated that Self-efficacy reduced significantly more in the Low Self-esteem group. Further analysis revealed that maladaptive coping strategies such as "Behavioral disengagement" and "Self-blame" were associated with low Self-esteem. It is suggested that interventions to reduce the potentially debilitating effects of failure on self-efficacy should focus on utilization of adaptive coping strategies, particular among individuals reporting low Self-esteem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated test-retest variation in Body Image Questionnaire scores among a sample of British school children. 112 participants from three different school years (aged 12 to 14 years) completed the Body Image Questionnaire on two occasions separated by a 6-wk. period. No intervention designed to change perceptions of body shape took place, hence, test-retest scores should be stable. Analysis indicated a significantly greater variation among 12- and 13-yr-olds upon retest, but not for 14-yr.-olds. Research is needed investigating factorial and test-retest stability of the measure for use with children aged 12 or under. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difficulties that sports studies students report regarding learning statistics typically manifests itself in low self-confidence to succeed. The purpose of the present study was to develop a measure of self-efficacy based on competencies identified by students as desirable for successful performance. Level one sport studies students (N = 130) were asked to describe competencies needed for success on a statistics module. Content analysis identified 44 meaningful competencies describing six factors: lecture behaviour; using information technology; motivated behaviour; time management; statistical theory and a general competencies factor. These competencies were written into a 44-item questionnaire. Future research should investigate the relationships between scores of self-efficacy and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the relationship between mood and performance satisfaction. Effects of depression on performance; Use of standard multiple regression in predicting performance scores; Role of depression in the overall mood response.

Examines the predictive effectiveness of mood states models among junior high school students in England. Evaluation of performance through fitness test; Use of discriminant function analysis; Aspects of mood.

Reexamines some of the findings of researchers M.V. Jones and colleagues concerning mood and performance relationship in sport. Conceptual issues in sports psychology; Validity of the Profile of Mood States in sports; Difference between mood and emotion.

Background: A large-scale online study completed by this research team found that brief psychological interventions were associated with high-intensity pleasant emotions and predicted performance. The present study extends this work using data from participants (n = 3376) who completed all self-report data and engaged in a performance task but who did not engage with an intervention or control condition and therefore present as an opportunistic no-treatment group. Methods: 41,720 participants were selected from the process and outcome focus goals intervention groups, which were the successful interventions (n = 30,096), active-control (n = 3039), and no-treatment (n = 8585). Participants completed a competitive task four times: first as practice, second to establish a baseline, third following an opportunity to complete a brief psychological skills intervention, and lastly following an opportunity to repeat the intervention. Repeated measures MANOVA indicated that over four performance rounds, the intensity of positive emotions increased, performance improved, and the amount of effort participants exerted increased; however, these increases were significantly smaller in the no-treatment group. Conclusions: Findings suggest that not engaging in active training conditions had negative effects. We suggest that these findings have implications for the development and deployment of online interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study on Tae Kwon-do competitors, and their anxiety, self-confidence and performance. Mention of research materials; Information on the methodology used in the study; Indepth look at the competitors of Tae Kwon-do.

Examines the influence of confidence in a goal and difficulty of the goal on the attainment of self-set goals regarding time and position. Data from several junior high school cross-country runners; Use of discriminant function analyses to predict time goal performance; Differential influence of goals on performance.

Investigates the antecedents of multidimensional state anxiety in the sport of rugby. Analysis of intercorrelations of scores on the prematch questionnaire; Factors accounting for self-confidence and somatic anxiety.

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention intended to improve academy players' performance under pressure. Male academy soccer players (n = 82; mean age = 14.12 years, SD = 2.28) completed a baseline pressure task producing performance scores (A) for decision making and skill execution. By completing a pressure task, players received pressure training (PT) (Wood & Wilson, 2012). Players were then randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 41; receiving PT, three cognitive behavior workshops, and reflective diaries) or comparison group (n = 41; receiving PT only). Sixty-eight players (n = 29; intervention group; n = 39; comparison group) repeated the PT task at a six-week follow up (B), and of these, 26 (n = 15; intervention group; n = 11; PT only) also completed a re-test PT task (A) at 12-week follow up. Due to attrition at follow up, chi-square analysis was conducted across experimental groups A-B only. Analysis indicated intervention players scored significantly higher in their decision-making (p =.028) with a significant main effect of age-group on decision-making (p =.003) and skill execution (p =.005). Four players (highest scoring and lowest scoring player within intervention and comparison groups) from each academy age-group (n = 16) took part in individual interviews to explore intervention effectiveness. Thematic analysis found that some players perceived no benefits of the condition they completed, others perceived benefits to confidence, meta-cognitive skills, and challenge appraisals. Methodological implications for future pressure training interventions are presented. Lay summary: This study offers partial support in the effectiveness of contextualized pressure program to enhance elite academy players' ability to cope with performance pressure. Some players felt the intervention had no benefits, whilst others said there were benefits for confidence, ability to understand helpful emotions and thoughts when performing under pressure. A contextualized pressure intervention comprising of pressure training, cognitive behavioral workshops and reflective diaries can facilitate performance under pressure by enhancing coping skills. Organizational support and endorsements from key personnel (e.g., academy manager, coaches, and senior coaches) for all components of pressure interventions is important in supporting player engagement. To optimize pressure training, practitioners should focus on how to incorporate pertinent situational and personal incentives within pressure training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mood profile clusters have previously been identified in several cultural contexts. In the present study, six mood profile clusters referred to as the iceberg, inverse Everest, inverse iceberg, shark fin, submerged, and surface profiles, were investigated in a Greek population. The names of the mood profiles reflect how they appear after raw scores for Tension, Depression, Anger, Vigor, Fatigue, and Confusion (in that order), are converted to T-scores and depicted graphically. A Greek translation of the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS-Greek) was completed by 1786 adults, comprising 1417 exercise participants and 369 physically inactive adults (male = 578, female = 1208) aged 18–64 years (M = 34.73 ± 11.81 years). Although the male–female ratio emphasized females, sample sizes of over 500 suggest some degree of representativeness. Seeded k-means cluster analysis clearly identified the six hypothesized mood profiles. Men were over-represented for the iceberg profile. For age, the 18–25 years group were under-represented for the iceberg profile, whereas the 46–55 and 56+ years groups were over-represented. The 56+ years group were under-represented for the inverse Everest, and the 18–25 years group were over-represented for the shark fin profile. For body mass index (BMI), participants in the obese weight category were over-represented for the inverse iceberg and shark fin profiles and under-represented for the submerged profile. Active participants were over-represented for the iceberg and submerged profiles, and under-represented for the inverse Everest, inverse iceberg, and surface profiles. Findings supported the cross-cultural equivalence of the mood profile clusters and confirmed the link between physical inactivity, obesity, and negative mood profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an analysis of the dearth of evidence for the effectiveness of exercise. Topics include efficacy and effectiveness in clinical trials, requirement for effectiveness in phase IV studies, examining the treatment effectiveness of exercise, and need for public health commissioners to insist on evidence-based practice.