Spatial Awareness is Related to Moderate Intensity Running during a Collegiate Rugby Match

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(5): 599-606, 2016. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between spatial awareness, agility, and distance covered in global positioning system (GPS) derived velocity zone classifications during a collegiate rugby match. Twelve American collegiate rugby union players (mean±SD; age: 21.2±1.4 y; weight: 85.0±16.0 kg; 7 forwards & 5 backs) on a single team volunteered to participate in this investigation. The distances travelled at low (walking/jogging; \u3c2.7m/s), moderate (cruising/striding; 2.7-5.0 m/s), and high intensities (running/sprinting; \u3e5.0 m/s) were measured for each player using GPS sensors and normalized according to playing time during an official USA Rugby match. Spatial awareness was measured as visual tracking speed from one core session of a 3-dimensional multiple-object-tracking speed (3DMOTS) test (1.35±0.59 cm·sec-1). Agility was assessed utilizing the pro agility (5.05±0.28 sec) and t drill (10.62±0.39 sec). Analysis of variance revealed that athletes travelled the greatest distance during walking/jogging (39.5±4.5 m·min-1) and least distance during running/sprinting (4.9±3.5 m·min-1). Pearson product moment correlations revealed that only distance covered while cruising/striding (20.9±6.5 m·min-1) was correlated to spatial awareness (r=0.798, p=0.002). Agility did not correlate to distance covered at any velocity zone or spatial awareness. Spatial awareness, as determined by 3DMOTS, appears to be related to the moderate intensity movement patterns of rugby union athletes

Custom Integrated Circuits

Contains table of contents for Part III, table of contents for Section 1 and reports on eleven research projects.IBM CorporationMIT School of EngineeringNational Science Foundation Grant MIP 94-23221Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/U.S. Army Intelligence Center Contract DABT63-94-C-0053Mitsubishi CorporationNational Science Foundation Young Investigator Award Fellowship MIP 92-58376Joint Industry Program on Offshore Structure AnalysisAnalog DevicesDefense Advanced Research Projects AgencyCadence Design SystemsMAFET ConsortiumConsortium for Superconducting ElectronicsNational Defense Science and Engineering Graduate FellowshipDigital Equipment CorporationMIT Lincoln LaboratorySemiconductor Research CorporationMultiuniversity Research IntiativeNational Science Foundatio

Putting ourselves in another’s skin: using the plasticity of self-perception to enhance empathy and decrease prejudice

The self is one the most important concepts in social cognition and plays a crucial role in determining questions such as which social groups we view ourselves as belonging to and how we relate to others. In the past decade, the self has also become an important topic within cognitive neuroscience with an explosion in the number of studies seeking to understand how different aspects of the self are represented within the brain. In this paper, we first outline the recent research on the neurocognitive basis of the self and highlight a key distinction between two forms of self-representation. The first is the “bodily” self, which is thought to be the basis of subjective experience and is grounded in the processing of sensorimotor signals. The second is the “conceptual” self, which develops through our interactions of other and is formed of a rich network of associative and semantic information. We then investigate how both the bodily and conceptual self are related to social cognition with an emphasis on how self-representations are involved in the processing and creation of prejudice. We then highlight new research demonstrating that the bodily and conceptual self are both malleable and that this malleability can be harnessed in order to achieve a reduction in social prejudice. In particular, we will outline strong evidence that modulating people’s perceptions of the bodily self can lead to changes in attitudes at the conceptual level. We will highlight a series of studies demonstrating that social attitudes towards various social out-groups (e.g. racial groups) can lead to a reduction in prejudice towards that group. Finally, we seek to place these findings in a broader social context by considering how innovations in virtual reality technology can allow experiences of taking on another’s identity are likely to become both more commonplace and more convincing in the future and the various opportunities and risks associated with using such technology to reduce prejudice

Cultural influence on COVID-19 cognitions and growth speed: the role of cultural collectivism

Many challenges faced by humans require large-scale cooperation for communal benefits. We examined what motivates such cooperation in the context of social distancing and mask wearing to reduce the transmission intensity of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We hypothesized that collectivism, a cultural variable characterizing the extent that individuals see themselves in relation to others, contributes to people’s willingness to engage in these behaviors. Consistent with preregistered predictions, across three studies (n=2864), including a U.S. nationally representative sample, people’s collectivist orientation is positively associated with intentions, positive beliefs, norm perceptions, and policy support for the preventive behaviors. In separate analyses at the country level (n=69 countries), more collectivist countries demonstrated lower growth rate in both COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths. Together, these studies demonstrate the positive role of collectivism at the individual- and country-level in reducing COVID-19 transmission, and highlight the need to consider culture in public health policies and communications.</p

Physical Differences Between Forwards And Backs In American Collegiate Rugby Players

La Monica, MB, Fukuda, DH, Miramonti, AA, Beyer, KS, Hoffman, MW, Boone, CH, Tanigawa, S, Wang, R, Church, DD, Stout, JR, and Hoffman, JR. Physical differences between forwards and backs in American collegiate rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2382-2391, 2016 - This study examined the anthropometric and physical performance differences between forwards and backs in a championship-level American male collegiate rugby team. Twenty-five male rugby athletes (mean ± SD; age 20.2 ± 1.6 years) were assessed. Athletes were grouped according to position as forwards (n 13) and backs (n 12) and were evaluated on the basis of anthropometrics (height, weight, percent body fat [BF%]), cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT), and pennation angle (PA) of the vastus lateralis (VL), maximal strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM] bench press and squat), vertical jump power, midthigh pull (peak force [PF] and peak rate of force development [PRFD]), maximal aerobic capacity (Vo 2 peak), agility (pro agility, T test), speed (40-m sprint), and a tethered sprint (peak velocity [PV], time to peak velocity, distance covered, and step rate and length). Comparisons between forwards and backs were analyzed using independent t-tests with Cohen\u27s d effect size. Forwards were significantly different from backs for body weight (90.5 ± 12.4 vs. 73.7 ± 7.1 kg, p \u3c 0.01; d 1.60), BF% (12.6 ± 4.2 vs. 8.8 ± 2.1%, p ≤ 0.05; d 1.10), VL CSA (38.3 ± 9.1 vs. 28.7 ± 4.7 cm 3, p \u3c 0.01; d 1.26), 1RM bench press (121.1 ± 30.3 vs. 89.5 ± 20.4 kg, p ≤ 0.05; d 1.17), 1RM squat (164.6 ± 43.0 vs. 108.5 ± 31.5 kg, p \u3c 0.01; d 1.42), PF (2,244.6 ± 505.2 vs. 1,654.6 ± 338.8 N, p \u3c 0.01; d 1.32), PV (5.49 ± 0.25 vs. 5.14 ± 0.37 m·s -1, p ≤ 0.05; d 1.04), and step length (1.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1 m, p ≤ 0.05; d 0.80). Vo 2 peak was significantly (p ≤ 0.05, d -1.20) higher in backs (54.9 ± 3.9 ml·kg·min -1) than in forwards (49.4 ± 4.4 ml·kg·min -1). No differences in agility performance were found between position groups. The results of this study provide descriptive information on anthropometric and performance measures on American male collegiate championship-level rugby players offering potential standards for coaches to use when developing or recruiting players

The Effect Of An Acute Ingestion Of Turkish Coffee On Reaction Time And Time Trial Performance

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the ergogenic benefits of Turkish coffee consumed an hour before exercise. In addition, metabolic, cardiovascular, and subjective measures of energy, focus and alertness were examined in healthy, recreationally active adults who were regular caffeine consumers (\u3e200 mg per day). Methods: Twenty males (n = 10) and females (n = 10), age 24.1 ± 2.9 y; height 1.70 ± 0.09 m; body mass 73.0 ± 13.0 kg (mean ± SD), ingested both Turkish coffee [3 mg kg-1 BW of caffeine, (TC)], and decaffeinated Turkish coffee (DC) in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over design. Performance measures included a 5 km time trial, upper and lower body reaction to visual stimuli, and multiple object tracking. Plasma caffeine concentrations, blood pressure (BP), heart rate and subjective measures of energy, focus and alertness were assessed at baseline (BL), 30-min following coffee ingestion (30+), prior to endurance exercise (PRE) and immediately-post 5 km (IP). Metabolic measures [VO2, V E , and respiratory exchange rate (RER)] were measured during the 5 km. Results: Plasma caffeine concentrations were significantly greater during TC (p \u3c 0.001) at 30+, PRE, and IP compared to DC. Significantly higher energy levels were reported at 30+ and PRE for TC compared to DC. Upper body reaction performance (p = 0.023) and RER (p = 0.019) were significantly higher for TC (85.1 ± 11.6 hits, and 0.98 ± 0.05 respectively) compared to DC (81.2 ± 13.7 hits, and 0.96 ± 0.05, respectively). Although no significant differences (p = 0.192) were observed in 5 km run time, 12 of the 20 subjects ran faster (p = 0.012) during TC (1662 ± 252 s) compared to DC (1743 ± 296 s). Systolic BP was significantly elevated during TC in comparison to DC. No other differences (p \u3e 0.05) were noted in any of the other performance or metabolic measures. Conclusions: Acute ingestion of TC resulted in a significant elevation in plasma caffeine concentrations within 30-min of consumption. TC ingestion resulted in significant performance benefits in reaction time and an increase in subjective feelings of energy in habitual caffeine users. No significant differences were noted in time for the 5 km between trials, however 60 % of the participants performed the 5 km faster during the TC trial and were deemed responders. When comparing TC to DC in responders only, significantly faster times were noted when consuming TC compared to DC. No significant benefits were noted in measures of cognitive function

Evaluation Of Critical Rest Interval Determined From Repeated Sprint Ability Testing

Background: To test if the critical power (cp) concept can be utilized to determine the critical rest interval (cri) using repeated sprint ability (rSa) testing with varying work-to-rest ratios. MeThodS: Twelve recreationally trained men (mean±Sd; age 24.1±3.6 years) completed a graded exercise test and three rSa protocols with 6-second maximal sprints and varying rest intervals (12-36 s) on a cycle ergometer to determine cri. intermittent critical power (icp) was calculated through the linear total work (TW) and time-to-exhaustion (TTe) relationship, whereas cri was estimated using average work per sprint and icp. Validation trials above and below cri were conducted to evaluate physiological response. repeated measures analysis of variance were used to analyze variables from rSa trials and changes in blood lactate, oxygen uptake (Vo2), heart rate (hr), peak power, and TW throughout the validation trials. reSulTS: Blood lactate, average Vo2, Vo2peak, and heart rate were signifcantly greater below CRI (8.94±4.89 mmol/L, 2.05±0.36 L/min, 2.84±0.48 L/min, and 151.14±18.46 bpm, respectively) when compared to above CRI (6.56±3.45 mmol/L, 1.78±0.26 L/min, 2.61±0.43 L/min, and 138.14±17.51 bpm). Signifcant interactions were found between above and below CRI for minimal Vo2 response and maximal hr response, which were consistent with the heavy and severe exercise intensity domains. coNcluSioNS: The use of the work-time relationship determined from rSa testing with varying rest intervals can be used to determine cri and may distinguish between physiological responses related to exercise intensity domains

Altering Work To Rest Ratios Differentially Influences Fatigue Indices During Repeated Sprint Ability Testing

La Monica, MB, Fukuda, DH, Beyer, KS, Hoffman, MW, Miramonti, AA, Riffe, JJ, Baker, KM, Fragala, MS, Hoffman, JR, and Stout, JR. Altering work to rest ratios differentially influences fatigue indices during repeated sprint ability testing. J Strength Cond Res 30(2): 400-406, 2016-This study examined the influence of recovery time on fatigue indices, performance (total work [TW], peak power [PP], and mean power [MP]), and oxygen consumption during repeated sprint ability (RSA) on a cycle ergometer. Eight recreationally-Trained men performed 3 RSA protocols consisting of 10 × 6 s sprints with 12 s, 18 s, and 24 s rest intervals between each sprint. Fatigue indices were determined as percent decrement (%Dec) and rate of decline using either a log transform method or standard slope approach for TW, PP, and MP during respective RSA protocols. The maximal Vo 2 value in response to given sprint intervals and the minimal Vo 2 value in response to given rest periods (Vo 2 work and Vo 2 rest, respectively) were recorded. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze all variables. Average Vo 2 work was not different among rest interval trials. Average Vo 2 rest with 12 s rest was greater than 18 s and 24 s (2.16 ± 0.17 L·min-1, 1.91 ± 0.18 L·min-1, 1.72 ± 0.15 L·min-1, respectively), while 18 s was greater than 24 s. Average TW and MP were greater with 24 s rest than 12 s (4,604.44 ± 915.98 J vs. 4,305.46 ± 727.17 J, respectively), with no differences between RSA protocols for PP. No differences in %Dec were observed. Both methods of calculating rates of decline per sprint for PP and TW were greater during 12 s than 18 s or 24 s. Since changes were only noted between the 12 s and 24 s protocols, a 6 s differential in rest intervals may not be enough to elicit alterations in TW, PP, MP, or %Dec in RSA performance. Rate of decline may be a more sensitive measure of fatigue than %Dec