Gershon Tenenbaum

Physical activity and psychological well-being in advanced age: a meta-analysis of intervention studies.

A meta-analysis examined data from 36 studies linking physical activity to well-being in older adults without clinical disorders. The weighted mean-change effect size for treatment groups (d(C). = 0.24) was almost 3 times the mean for control groups (d(C). = 0.09). Aerobic training was most beneficial (d(C). = 0.29), and moderate intensity activity was the most beneficial activity level (d(C). = 0.34). Longer exercise duration was less beneficial for several types of well-being, though findings are inconclusive. Physical activity had the strongest effects on self-efficacy (d(C).= 0.38), and improvements in cardiovascular status, strength, and functional capacity were linked to well-being improvement overall. Social-cognitive theory is used to explain the effect of physical activity on well-being.

Constructivist pedagogy in conventional on- campus and distance learning practice: an exploratory investigation

Abstract This study attempts to identify characteristics of constructivism and their presence in face-to-face and open and distance learning (ODL) environments. In phase 1 of this study, a 6-week discussion through an electronic mailing list was carried out to explore the concept of constructivism, the process underlying constructivist learning and its facilitation. In the second phase, a questionnaire was developed and later analysed to ascertain the presence of constructivist principles in formal higher education instructional activities. The results of these studies were very similar and foregrounded the following seven components of constructivist teaching and learning: (1) arguments, discussions, debates, (2) conceptual conflicts and dilemmas, (3) sharing ideas with others, (4) materials and measures targeted toward solutions, (5) reflections and concept investigation, (6) meeting student needs, and (7) making meaning, real-life examples. Based on tutorials analysis (phase 1) and surveys (phase 2) in one university, the findings indicate that these components are not sufficiently present in any of the settings which were investigated, despite the positive intentions that instructional designers had in their planning phase.

The Effectiveness of Resistance Training in Children: A Meta-analysis

Many recent studies have reported that resistance training can be effective in producing strength gains among prepubescents. These studies appear to refute the early claims of ineffectiveness of resistance training in children.A meta-analysis procedure combines the results of individual empirical studies and estimates a standardised effect, termed effect size. This effect size is based on the scores of the control and experimental groups before and after training. It defines the difference between the gain of the experimental and control groups, divided by the standard deviation of the pooled variances of both groups.A literature search revealed 28 studies which described a resistance training programme for girls and boys under the age of 12 and 13 years, respectively. Presumably, these children were pre- or early-pubescents. However, only 9 of these studies provided the necessary data to calculate the effect size and could be included in the analysis. The majority of the studies showed a gain in strength between 13 and 30%. The overall mean effect size was found to be 0.57. This signifies that following training, the average child in the resistance training group was above 71.6% of the children in the control group.The effectiveness of resistance training can be influenced by factors such as age and maturation, gender, as well as the frequency, duration and intensity of the training programme. The studies included in the analysis examined participants of varying ages and did not demonstrate a clear influence of age. Most studies examined only boys or a mixed group of boys and girls. Therefore, the influence of gender on the effectiveness of resistance training in prepubescents cannot yet be determined. Nevertheless, in the few studies where boys and girls were examined separately, no difference was found in the effect of resistance training between genders. It appears that a training frequency of twice per week is sufficient to induce strength gains in children. However, the minimal, or for that matter optimal, duration and intensity are not clear.Some of the weaknesses observed in the reviewed studies include: (i) the lack of control for a possible learning effect; (ii) non-randomisation into the training and control groups; (iii) no report of adherence rate; (iv) a reliance on boys as study participants; and (v) too little information on the type, volume and intensity of training. Future studies should take these weaknesses into consideration.

The Effect of Manipulated Self-Efficacy on Perceived and Sustained Effort

Self-efficacys role in determining perceived and sustained effort during an isometric handgrip task was assessed using a repeated measures experimental design. Moderately active, predominantly Caucasian, participants (male = 33, female = 39, M = 19.18 years, SD = .74) were recruited from the southeastern United States. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: High-efficacy (HE), low-efficacy (LE), or control. Efficacy expectations were manipulated via false performance feedback. During the task participants provided differentiated ratings of perceived effort at 15-s intervals. Effort tolerance was determined by the length of time the participant could maintain the task. Repeated measures (RM) multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated the HE group found the task less strenuous and more enjoyable than the LE or control group. Furthermore, the HE group demonstrated greater tolerance of the task than either the LE or control group. These findings imply that self-efficacy has a major role in enhancing performance and physical effort tolerance.

Prevalence of sexual abuse in organised competitive sport in Australia

Abstract This article reports the first phase of a three-phase research programme investigating the prevalence and long-term sequelae associated with sexual abuse in a non-psychiatric sample of male and female Australian athletes. A cross-sectional, retrospective design, using a mailed survey, provided a quantitative assessment of sexual abuse prevalence in a national sample of elite athletes and a regional sample of club athletes. Results from the total sample (n = 370) revealed that 31% of female and 21% of male athletes reported experiencing sexual abuse at some time in their lives. Of these, 41% of females, and 29% of males had been sexually abused within the sports environment. It was also found that almost half, 46.4%, of the elite group reporting sexual abuse had been sexually abused by sports personnel. For the club group, this figure was 25.6%. Implications of these results and current initiatives for the prevention of sexual abuse of athletes in Australia are discussed.

The effect of music type on running perseverance and coping with effort sensations

Objectives. To examine: (a) the effect of music type on running time and on sensations and thoughts experienced by the runners under high physical exertion, and (b) the role that music plays in the use of two distinct self-regulation techniques during high exertion, namely dissociative and motivational. Design and procedure. Three studies were conducted. In Study 1 and Study 2, performed in the laboratory, participants ran at 90% of their maximal oxygen uptake on a motorized treadmill four times, once each with rock, dance, and inspirational music, and once without attending to music. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) were monitored during the run, and discomfort symptoms and music-specific questions were examined. In Study 3, performed in the field, participants ran a hilly course eight times, four under a competitive-pair condition, and four under a single-mode condition. Running time was the dependent variable. Results. Music failed to influence HR, RPE, and sensations of exertion in the three studies. However, about 30% of the participants indicated that the music helped them at the beginning of the run. The participants stated that music both directed their attention to the music and motivated them to continue. Despite the heavy workload reported by the runners, running with music was perceived as beneficial by many. Conclusions: People engaged in high intensity running may benefit from listening to music, but may not increase their ability to sustain that effort longer than they could without music. Further research that incorporates personal music type and rhythm preferences should be carried out in order to advance this line of inquiry.

An Investigation of the Dynamics of Aggression: Direct Observations in Ice Hockey and Basketball

Abstract There have been significant problems in the study of sports aggression, and they are linked to how aggression has been defined, measured, and analyzed. Following a review of the whole domain, this study aimed to construct a theoretically coherent and ecologically valid framework for research on processes underlying sports aggression and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the area. An exploratory method using computer observational analysis as the primary research method, along with complementary questionnaires and personal reflections, considered aggression in two comparison sports: ice hockey and basketball. Data were compiled and classified by involved and independent experts relative to factors and behaviors associated with sports aggression derived from a comprehensive review of the literature. Among the studys findings were that: (a) aggression was instrumental in nature two-thirds of the time; (b) aggressive acts typically occurred in clusters and varied in frequency according to game circumstances; and (c) multiple variables and aggression theories were related to severely aggressive acts. The complex dynamics of sports aggression via similar naturalistic methodologies is discussed.

Emotions and Golf Performance An IZOF-Based Applied Sport Psychology Case Study

A multiple case study investigation is reported in which emotions and performance were assessed within the probabilistic individual zone of optimal functioning (IZOF) model (Kamata, Tenenbaum,& Hanin, 2002) to develop idiosyncratic emotion-performance profiles. These profiles were incorporated into a psychological skills training (PST) intervention, with a focus on three emotional dimensions, that is, arousal, pleasantness, and functionality, and several psychological strategies employed during practice and competition. Two female varsity golfers at a major Division I university in the Southeast participated in the case study during the Spring 2002 season. The PST intervention resulted in enhanced emotional self-regulation skills and improved golf performance. Directions for future research into the IZOF model and implications for practical application of the model are discussed.

The effect of perceived stress on the relationship between perfectionism and burnout in coaches

Abstract The effects of perceived stress (PS) on the relationship between adaptive and maladaptive forms of perfectionism and burnout were examined. Smiths (1986) stress appraisal model and Kelley, Eklund, and Ritter-Taylors (1999) model of coach burnout were used to test two models of burnout in a sample of college coaches (N=177). The results indicated that there is an indirect effect of self-evaluative perfectionism (i.e., maladaptive form of perfectionism) on burnout through PS as well as a significant direct link to burnout, accounting for 56% of its variance. In contrast, conscientious perfectionism (CP) (i.e., adaptive perfectionism) did not directly impact burnout, nor was there an indirect effect through PS. Based on Lazaruss (1999) ideas about stress appraisal, the results suggested that maladaptive forms of perfectionism resulted in more threatening perceptions of stress, thus, potentially leading to the experience of burnout. However, adaptive forms of perfectionism did not seem to result in increased appraisals of stress or result in burnout. The results did indicate a significant correlation between the two forms of perfectionism, which may explain why CP did not significantly impact PS or burnout.

Anticipation of ball location in low and high-skill performers: a developmental perspective

Abstract Objectives: To study how visual anticipatory capabilities develop in high and low-skill tennis players and the role of years of practice (i.e. experience). It was expected that with accumulated experience differences will increase with skill-level, in particular under conditions of fast visual exposure which results in minimal environmental information exposure. Method: Eighty tennis players divided into 4 age categories and 2 skill levels (high and low) were selected according to 4 criterion which ensured appropriate representation of skill-level and experience in tennis. Age categories were 8–11, 11–14, 14–18, and >18. Years of experience in the game were 2.12, 4.17, 6.5, and 12.4 years respectively. Players observed filmed segments of tennis strokes on a monitor, which varied in temporal occlusion conditions from −480 ms prior to ball-racquet contact to 320 ms after contact. After each exposure they were asked to indicate the final ball location. The radial, lateral, and depth distances were averaged for age and skill level. Design: A temporal occlusion paradigm was used in this study. The film was prepared with a camera positioned in the receivers court. Eight strokes which best represent the game of tennis were chosen. Forty-eight segments were viewed and errors were calculated for each exposure. Result: High-skill tennis players gained more from practice and experience in developing visual anticipatory skills, but their perceptual advantage was not consistent across all stroke conditions, being at its greatest number in conditions of maximal temporal constraints. Conclusions: Differences in visual anticipatory capabilities exist between different skill levels at the outset of their development. These differences increase with experience, mainly after 6–7 years. Greater knowledge base does not always guarantee a superior anticipation of upcoming events and choosing the best decision.