The psychology of dynamic balance and peak performance in sport: correction theory

This article introduces a new approach to understanding peak performance and dysfunctional performance in sport, correction theory. Correction theory, based within a control theory and dynamical systems perspective, assumes that dynamic balance (a state in which a robust complex system will self-correct in response to imbalance) underwrites individual functioning. The central thesis presented in this article is that an interdependent relationship exists between peak performance and dysfunctional performance in sport. Peak performance is, in part, a (corrective) response to dysfunctional performance and vice versa. An overview of correction theory is presented, based on two propositions relating to balance. Implications of correction theory for understanding sporting performance are briefly considered.N/

Functional evaluation of the knee following ACL reconstruction: A complex dynamical systems perspective

In sports, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are very frequent and, in most cases, it is necessary to resort to surgical reconstruction to restore the functionality and stability of the knee joint. For the experts, the fundamental clinical result is represented by the return to sport at the pre-injury level. Return to the sport, however, is complex and multifactorial. A functional asymmetry present after the resumption of sports activity is, in fact, a sign of a reduced ability of the knee to absorb dynamic forces. The dynamical systems theory (DST) applied to biological systems has emphasized the importance of the variability present in human movement, as a basis for the processes of adaptation to the surrounding environment. The human body is a complex and nonlinear system (a small input can produce a big change), therefore nonlinear analysis tools have been proposed to analyse its behaviour. This brief review provides an overview of the nonlinear analysis tools used in the past twenty years in the functional evaluation of the knee following ACL reconstruction. The analysis of kinematic variability of the knee provides important information on the changes in neuromuscular function that occur after the rupture and reconstruction of the ACL. This kind of analysis can lead to an understanding of the joint's ability to provide proprioceptive information and how the whole system processes them. The functional evaluation of the knee using nonlinear analysis tools could represent a new and more suitable functional measurement of the joint for the return to sport

Cognitive Enhancement of Sport Technique Learning by Sleep: A Systematic Review

Purpose The importance of sleep in enhancing the consolidation of memory for movements has been demonstrated. A possible application of sleep manipulation to sport techniques learning is also potentially helpful for training. Method Eligibility criteria encompass the group of studies (cross-sectionals and interventions) on humans correlating sleep with physical performance. A search on the topic was performed in Medline. Results After a review of sleep organization and memory systems, an overview of literature specific to learning and sport performance is presented. Building on existing literature, it was found that, in the short period after awakening from a night deprived of sleep, a strong activation of CNS happens possibly due to increased catecholamines secretions. This is thought to benefit performance in sports of short duration where the nervous component is predominant, such as jumping and sprinting. On the contrary, complex cognitive tasks performed in sports such as tennis are instead impaired by sleep deprivation. The same applies for maximal performance in endurance running and weightlifting. Placement of a cognitive challenging training before sleep can therefore benefit the acceleration of the learning process of a novel motor task. Conclusion Cognitive and emotionally challenging tasks promote an increase of deep sleep, due to the stress put on the brain during learning. In conclusion, practice and/or rehearsal of complex techniques before sleep appears to accelerate the learning process, increasing accuracy and decreasing error rate. However, few studies exist on specific sport techniques, and further research is needed

Effective skill refinement: Focusing on process to ensure outcome

In contrast to the abundance of motor skill acquisition and performance research, there is a paucity of work which addresses how athletes with an already learnt and well-established skill may go about making a subtle change, or refinement, to that skill. Accordingly, the purpose of this review paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of current understanding pertaining to such practice. Specifically, this review addresses deliberately initiated refinements to closed and self-paced skills (e.g., javelin throwing, golf swing and horizontal jumps). In doing so, focus is directed to three fundamental considerations within applied coaching practice and future research endeavours; the intended outcomes, process and evaluative measures of skill refinement. Conclusions suggest that skill refinement is not the same as skill acquisition or performing already learnt skills with high-levels of automaticity. Due to the complexity of challenge faced, refinements are best addressed as an interdisciplinary solution, with objective measures informing coach decision making

The illusion of competency versus the desirability of expertise: Seeking a common standard for support professions in sport

In this paper we examine and challenge the competency-based models which currently dominate accreditation and development systems in sport support disciplines, largely the sciences and coaching. Through consideration of exemplar shortcomings, the limitations of competency-based systems are presented as failing to cater for the complexity of decision making and the need for proactive experimentation essential to effective practice. To provide a better fit with the challenges of the various disciplines in their work with performers, an alternative approach is presented which focuses on the promotion, evaluation and elaboration of expertise. Such an approach resonates with important characteristics of professions, whilst also providing for the essential ‘shades of grey’ inherent in work with human participants. Key differences between the approaches are considered through exemplars of evaluation processes. The expertise-focused method, although inherently more complex, is seen as offering a less ambiguous and more positive route, both through more accurate representation of essential professional competence and through facilitation of future growth in proficiency and evolution of expertise in practice. Examples from the literature are also presented, offering further support for the practicalities of this approach

The sport coach

Chapter Objectives After completing this chapter you should be able to: 1. Understand some of the core differences between coaching requirements in participation and performance domains. 2. Discuss diverse models of sports coaching and how these differ in terms of their emphasis, strengths, and limitations. 3. Describe a range of key factors which impact on the coaching process and how these can be integrated through a focus on professional judgment and decision making. 4. Describe some crucial skills that can help coaches to understand and manage the complex and dynamic environments in which they work and best lead performers

Utilising semantic technologies for intelligent indexing and retrieval of digital images

The proliferation of digital media has led to a huge interest in classifying and indexing media objects for generic search and usage. In particular, we are witnessing colossal growth in digital image repositories that are difficult to navigate using free-text search mechanisms, which often return inaccurate matches as they in principle rely on statistical analysis of query keyword recurrence in the image annotation or surrounding text. In this paper we present a semantically-enabled image annotation and retrieval engine that is designed to satisfy the requirements of the commercial image collections market in terms of both accuracy and efficiency of the retrieval process. Our search engine relies on methodically structured ontologies for image annotation, thus allowing for more intelligent reasoning about the image content and subsequently obtaining a more accurate set of results and a richer set of alternatives matchmaking the original query. We also show how our well-analysed and designed domain ontology contributes to the implicit expansion of user queries as well as the exploitation of lexical databases for explicit semantic-based query expansion

‘Multi-directional management’: Exploring the challenges of performance in the World Class Programme environment

Driven by the ever-increasing intensity of Olympic competition and the ‘no compromise – no stone unturned’ requirements frequently addressed by HM Government and its main agency, UK Sport, a change in culture across Olympic team landscapes is a common occurrence. With a focus on process, this paper presents reflections from eight current or recently serving UK Olympic sport Performance Directors on their experiences of creating and disseminating their vision for their sport, a vital initial activity of the change initiative. To facilitate a broad overview of this construct, reflections are structured around the vision’s characteristics and foundations, how it is delivered to key stakeholder groups, how it is influenced by these groups, the qualities required to ensure its longevity and its limitations. Emerging from these perceptions, the creation and maintenance of a shared team vision was portrayed as a highly dynamic task requiring the active management of a number of key internal and external stakeholders. Furthermore, the application of ‘dark’ traits and context-specific expertise were considered critical attributes for the activity’s success. Finally, recent calls for research to elucidate the wider culture optimisation process are reinforced