Effect of a 6-week yoga intervention on swing mechanics during the golf swing:a feasibility study

Recent evidence suggests that participating in physical conditioning programmes can improve golf performance, however, the effectiveness of a yoga intervention has yet to be investigated. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of a six-week yoga intervention on golf swing mechanics. Ten male golfers participated in the laboratory-based-study. Golf swing mechanics were collected from two testing sessions, before and after the six-week yoga intervention, using the Vicon motion capture system. Following the six-week yoga intervention, significant changes were observed between the yoga and control group in X-Factor (P ≤ 0.05) and a medium effect (d ≥ 0.50) observed. No significant changes (P > 0.05) and no effect (d < 0.20) were observed in the X-Factor stretch. Significant changes (P ≤ 0.05) and a medium effect (d > 0.50) were observed for the pelvis rotations following the yoga intervention, however, no differences were observed in torso rotations or hand velocities (P > 0.05). The findings of this feasibility study suggest that yoga may be a promising intervention in helping to improve golf swing mechanics, however, future research is required to confirm the effect of the use of yoga during the golf swing due to the sample size

An Analysis of Attendance at an NCAA Division I University: The Relationship of Fan Identification, Sport Fandom, and Demographic Variables

Research was conducted at The University of Akron to investigate the relationship between attendance at sporting events and fan identification, sport fandom, and other demographics variables. 195 Akron students took a survey consisting of the Sport Spectator Identification Scale, the Sport Fandom Questionnaire, and a demographic questionnaire. The results revealed that fan identification and sport fandom were both positively correlated to student attendance at sporting events. Additional factors significantly correlated with attendance were if the participant had friends that played on a varsity sports team, or if the participant themselves played on a varsity sports team. Demographic variables such as age, sex, ethnicity, and year in school were not significantly correlated with attendance

The effect of movement variability on putting proficiency during the golf putting stroke

Movement variability has been considered important to execute an effective golf swing yet is comparatively unexplored regarding the golf putt. Movement variability could potentially be important considering the small margins of error between a successful and a missed putt. The aim of this study was to assess whether variability of body segment rotations influence putting performance (ball kinematic measures). Eight golfers (handicap range 0–10) performed a 3.2 m level putt wearing retro-reflective markers which were tracked using a three-dimensional motion analysis system sampling at 120 Hz. Ball roll kinematics were recorded using Quintic Ball Roll launch monitor. Movement (segment) variability was calculated based on a scalene ellipsoid volume concept and correlated with the coefficient of variation of ball kinematics. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationships between segment variability and putting proficiency. One significant relationship was identified between left forearm variability and horizontal launch angle, but this did not result in deficits in putting success. Results show that performance variability in the backswing and downswing is not related to putting proficiency or the majority of ball roll measures. Differing strategies may exist where certain golfers may have more fluid movement patterns thereby effectively utilising variability of movement. Therefore, golf instructors should consider movement variability when coaching the golf putt

Reliability of an experimental method to analyse the impact point on a golf ball during putting

This study aimed to examine the reliability of an experimental method identifying the location of the impact point on a golf ball during putting. Forty trials were completed using a mechanical putting robot set to reproduce a putt of 3.2 m, with four different putter-ball combinations. After locating the centre of the dimple pattern (centroid) the following variables were tested; distance of the impact point from the centroid, angle of the impact point from the centroid and distance of the impact point from the centroid derived from the X, Y coordinates. Good to excellent reliability was demonstrated in all impact variables reflected in very strong relative (ICC = 0.98–1.00) and absolute reliability (SEM% = 0.9–4.3%). The highest SEM% observed was 7% for the angle of the impact point from the centroid. In conclusion, the experimental method was shown to be reliable at locating the centroid location of a golf ball, therefore allowing for the identification of the point of impact with the putter head and is suitable for use in subsequent studies

Producing The Latina Disney Princess

In our contemporary moment, which some are suggesting is a “Golden Age” of American television, programs featuring Latinx characters, especially Latinas, remain scarce. The history of Latinx representation in American television is filled with stereotypical portrayals of violent drug dealers and forlorn domestic workers. This thesis examines how the animated fantasy television program Elena of Avalor (2016-) offers alternative, and potentially empowering, narratives for Latinas. Elena challenges gender norms, explores the ramifications of colonialism, and imagines a world in which whiteness is not the default. However, the show often fails to acknowledge the colorist and anti-Black discourses prevalent within the US and Latin America. as a product of the Disney empire – a corporation that for years has faced criticism for its portrayals of Latinxs in their live action and animated films and shows – Elena embodies the struggle for representation and the fight against commodification. Though a “Latina Disney Princess” can be a source of inspiration to Latinas around the world, there remains the question of how the Latina body is commodified by and for white, non-Latinx consumers. By analyzing the episodes and tie-in merchandise of Elena alongside other Latina-centric programs like Once Upon a Time (2011-2018) and Disney films like Saludos Amigos (1942), I argue that Hollywood’s fixation with cultural and ethnic authenticity is reifying hegemonic notions of Latinidad. While shows like Elena have the potential to dispel stereotypical understandings of Latin America, the US film and television industry continues to disregard the cultural complexity of its Latinx viewers, normalizing whiteness and exoticizing Latinidad

Fandom, Racism, and the Myth of Diversity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is currently one of the most commercially successful entertainment brands in American popular culture, with a range of film franchises and television series under its banner. Although the brand maintains its popularity with various demographics, the casting choices in Doctor Strange (2017) generated controversy among Marvel fans and critics alike for excluding people of color or reducing them to villains and sidekicks. This thesis examines the online commentary surrounding the casting and marketing of Doctor Strange to evaluate how social media users on Reddit, Tumblr, and Twitter come to understand race and gender through the Marvel Cinematic Universe films and how executives and filmmakers react to the push for racial diversity in Hollywood

Living Our Circle: Aboriginal Students Claiming a Space in Higher Education

This study utilizes qualitative research methods to examine how Aboriginal students access and experience post-secondary education (PSE). Previous research has found that Aboriginal peoples exhibit much lower rates of PSE compared to other Canadians (Cloutier, 1984; Clift et al., 1997; Sarkar and Stallard, 1997; British Columbia, 2000a; University of Alberta, 2000). The underrepresentation of Aboriginal students within these spaces suggests that systemic barriers influence how higher learning is accessed and experienced. Understanding Aboriginal student experiences is critical, as education remains a primary method for improving health, socio-economic status, employment, social networks, and a sense of control over life circumstances (Ross & Wu, 1995). The aim of this study is to investigate the social and material conditions that impact Aboriginal students. Participants were recruited via purposeful sampling through the Centre for Aboriginal Student Services (CASS) at a post-secondary institution in an urban city in southwestern Ontario, Canada. A post-colonial theoretical framework assisted in exposing how colonialism continues to influence how current Aboriginal students arrive at and experience higher education. An analysis of five Aboriginal student narratives revealed that access to affordable housing, transportation, food security, and reliable childcare influenced their PSE experiences. Many participants cited PSE as a method for reconnecting with their communities and cultures; however, results indicated that Aboriginal students continue to experience racism within the PSE institution. Access to Elders, traditional medicines, and campus resources that focus on Aboriginal students specifically CASS, facilitated a sense of belonging

The Tragedy of Down Syndrome: Is it Really So Tragic?

All of these factors prove that something needs to be done to educate the general public and medical professionals on the topic of Down syndrome. Because of this misinformation, Down syndrome is not being presented as simply part of the child but rather as the child\u27s identity. Following this diagnosis, many parents question whether or not they would be able to raise a child with Down syndrome and are being forced to decide whether it is best to keep the child, give the newborn up for adoption, or terminate the pregnancy. Such drastic measures result from misinformation. These common misconceptions that individuals hold could easily be addressed if our society could be informed on what Down syndrome is, the prenatal and postnatal assessments available to families in determining Down syndrome, and the resources available to parents prior to or following a diagnosis of Down syndrome. The purpose of this thesis is to show that a diagnosis of Down syndrome should not be considered a tragedy. By reviewing relevant literature, this thesis will provide readers with accurate information on Down syndrome and discuss the implications of misinformation as well as the lack of information provided to parents. This will result in a recommendation for more training for medical professionals as well as sufficient support for every family

Exploring Diabetes Self-Care Behaviors: The Effect of Social Support, Stigma, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation

Previous researchers have found a connection between social support, self-efficacy, motivation, a self-as-doer identity, and stigma with adherence to diabetes self-care behaviors. My goal was to determine whether these factors affected adherence to self-care behaviors in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The hypothesis was that social support, self-efficacy and motivation will have a positive relationship with self-care behaviors. Stigma will have the opposite effect, with a negative correlation with self-care behaviors. Social support, self-efficacy, and motivation will predict increased self-care behaviors. Stigma will predict a decrease in self-care behaviors