Effects of a training program to enhance autonomy supportive behaviors among youth soccer coaches

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and implementation of a training emphasizing the use of autonomy supportive coaching behaviors among youth soccer coaches in game-play situations as well as evaluating its effects on motivational processes among athletes. Participants included youth sport soccer coaches and their intact teams. Coaches received a series of autonomy-supportive coaching training interventions based on successful programs in general and physical education (Reeve, Jang, Carrell, Jeon & Barch, 2004; Cheon, Reeve & Moon, 2012). Athletes completed questionnaires to assess perceived autonomy support, basic need satisfaction, and motivation (Harris & Watson, 2011). Observations indicated coaches were not able to significantly modify their behaviors, yet reflectively reported modest implementation of autonomy supportive behaviors. Coaches believed the training influenced their coaching style/philosophy in regards to the coach-athlete relationship and communication styles, emphasizing choice and rationales. Continued research is needed to enhance use of autonomy supportive behaviors with volunteer coaches in a youth sport environment

Motives for Physical Activity and Physiological Variables as Predictors of Exercise Intentions Following a High Intensity Interval Training Protocol in College-Age Females

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(2): 121-135, 2016. More females are classified as insufficiently active and may have little time for physical activity than males (28). Sufficient activity for adults includes a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, five days per week or 20 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise three days per week, or a combination of these, in addition to the resistance training recommendation of training each muscle group two times per week (14). High intensity interval training (defined as very short intense intervals, usually above 85% maximum heart rate accompanied by alternated passive recovery periods; HIIT) has become a popular alternative to the more traditional continuous training utilized by individuals due to its time efficiency. In fact, HIIT has been shown to induce many of the same physiological changes as moderate intensity training with less training time. It is possible that college-aged females may benefit from HIIT and its inherent time-saving qualities. To test this hypothesis, this study sought to determine the influence of a HIIT protocol on general motives for being physically active and intentions for future HIIT participation. Participants included sixty-five female students between the ages 18 and 25 who were enrolled in a physical activity class that included HIIT as a part of the curriculum. Physiological responses to the HIIT protocol were measured via exercise intensity and calories burned, while motives and intentions were measured through questionnaires. Results revealed no changes in any variables over the course of the study with the exception of blood pressure. Fitness was the only variable that significantly predicted intentions for exercise and thus future HIIT participation. These psychologically oriented results show some promise for the use of HIIT in this population. In order to promote long-term adherence to exercise programs, the nature of the relationship between motives and intentions call for future studies to determine why more intrinsic motives, including competence, were not related to intentions to HIIT

The Relationship of Gender and Self-Efficacy on Social Physique Anxiety among College Students

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(3): 234-242, 2015. The anxiety or fear associated with physique evaluation is defined as Social Physique Anxiety (SPA). Numerous studies have examined this construct, yet a gap exists exploring this phenomenon among current college students with SPA, self-efficacy, and gender concurrently. Therefore, the purposes of this study included quantitatively analyzing the association between SPA, gender, and self-efficacy. Participants included 237 students at a Southeastern university participating in jogging, body conditioning, or weight training courses. Analysis of Variance yielded a significant main effect for self-efficacy as well, as those with lower self-efficacy displayed higher levels of SPA (p\u3c 0.001). Stepwise regression analysis indicated self-efficacy and gender were both significant predictors of SPA. This information could aid in creating interventions designed to decrease the prevalence of SPA and increase levels of self-efficacy among the current college student population

Utilization of an Anti-gravity Treadmill in a Physical Activity Program with Female Breast Cancer Survivors: a Pilot Study

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(1): 101- 109, 2016. Breast Cancer survivors can experience a myriad of physical and psychological benefits as a result of regular exercise. This study aimed to build on previous research using lower impact exercise programs by using an anti-gravity (Alter-G®) treadmill to administer cardiovascular training. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness a physical activity program, including an Alter-G® treadmill, for improving physiological and psychosocial measures in female breast cancer survivors. A 14-week intervention using an AB-AB study design was employed. Six female breast cancer survivors were recruited to participate in the study. Participants attended three 60-minute sessions per week, consisting of a combination of muscular strength/endurance, and cardiovascular endurance exercises. Consistent with current literature and guidelines, exercise interventions were individualized and tailored to suit individuals. Data was collected and analyzed in 2013. Visual inspection of results found improvements in cardiovascular endurance and measures of body composition. Quality of life was maintained and in some cases, improved. Finally, no adverse effects were reported from the participants, and adherence to the program for those who completed the study was 97%. The results of this study suggest that the use of a physical activity program in combination with an Alter-G® treadmill may provide practical and meaningful improvements in measures of cardiovascular endurance and body composition

The Effect of Half Time Sports Drink Ingestion on Subsequent Half Performance in U16 Female Soccer Players during Consecutive Matches

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of halftime sports drink ingestion on second half performance in U16 female soccer players using GPS technology. While 12 players initially took part in the study, only six players were included in the analysis (age, 15.97±0.45 years; height, 159.62±5.35cm; body mass, 54.87±4.25; body mass index, 21.58±2.10 kg·m-2). In a double-blinded study design, twelve U16 female soccer players were randomly assigned to two groups (carbohydrate- sports drink or placebo). During half time of each game, players were provided with 500 ml of a drink and consumed the same liquid at halftime during all games of the first weekend, with the opposite beverage consumed during friendly matches on a subsequent weekend. Absolute running distance, distance covered per minute, distance covered in each of six velocity categories, and game load were tracked using GPS/HR during 2 games on 2 consecutive weekends. Distance covered at walking speed was significantly higher for the sports drink group (F = 11.026; p= .007), specifically in the second half. Consequently, sports drink influenced distance covered at low-intensity running speed (F= 7.275; p= .021), while placebo group decreased distance covered in the second half comparing to first half, supplementation group increased from first to second half. There were no significant changes between groups for any other speed velocities variables. Despite the lack of significance found between groups, this study found a decrease in performance from first half to second half at fast running (F = 6.807; p= 0.024), and high intensity running speed (F = 19.648; p≤.001). No significant results were found at distance covered per minute. This study conclude that sports drink ingestion have no benefit in preventing deterioration in performance, and overall sports drink did not influence youth female soccer players performance throughout a weekend of game

Developmental considerations in athlete burnout: An exploratory cross-sectional investigation in youth sport participants.

Recent research has incorporated achievement motivation theories in an effort to understand athlete burnout. One such theory receiving attention is Deci and Ryan’s (1985) Self-Determination Theory. This theory has been shown to have utility in examining burnout among adult-aged athletes (Cresswell & Eklund, 2005a, 2005b, 2005c), however, it has yet to be used within a youth athlete population. This is a dearth of research that has investigated sport burnout among young athletes. Further, research has suggested that motives for sport participation and discontinuation may vary among athletes of different age groups. Therefore, the purpose of the present study were to (1) assess the utility of SDT and Coakley’s (1992) unidimensional identity model in explaining burnout among youth sport participants, (2) examine developmental differences in the burnout experience, and (3) assess the psychometric properties for modified burnout, motivation, and athletic identity inventories for a youth athlete sample. Participants included 177 youth swimmers that comprised 7-10 years (n=45), 11-14 years (n=87), and 15-17 years (n=45) developmental age-groupings. All swimmers completed measures assessing their burnout, motivation, athletic identity, athletic competence, enjoyment, social constraints, and autonomy. Structural equation modeling revealed a model that approached adequate fit indices and accounted for 70% of the variance in youth burnout. MANCOVAs and ANOVAs revealed that burnout was significantly greater in high school-aged children compared to the two younger groups (Wilks’ Λ = .86, F (6, 324) = 4.22, p \u3c .001, η2=.07) on both the exhaustion and reduced accomplishment subscales. Age group, enjoyment, social constraints, athletic identity, and motivation all emerged as constructs that appeared to impact burnout among swimmers. Results generally supported the use of SDT and Coakley’s model in understanding youth sport burnout while highlighting the importance of accounting for developmental differences. Results also provided preliminary psychometric support for the revised measures for a youth athlete population

The Moderating Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Motivation: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective

Poster presented at the Southeast Regional Conference of the American Association of Sport Psychology Motivation is the driving force behind the behaviors and actions executed by athletes. It can be influenced by a multitude of internal and external factors such as the athlete’s socioeconomic status. This relationship between motivation and these factors is of great importance due to its effects that I can have on the athlete’s ability and performance. The purpose of this study is to analyze the moderating influence that an athlete’s socioeconomic status may have on the relationship between the satisfaction/frustration of that athlete’s basic psychological needs and the type of motivation that athlete has to continue play in his/her sport. To conduct this study, the researcher assessed motivation through a self-determination theory lens by utilizing both basic psychological needs and causality orientations sub-theories. It is hypothesized that the relationship between the student athletes’ basic psychological needs and their level of motivation to play their respective sport will be significantly moderated by their socioeconomic status. Through this study, practitioners, teachers, coaches, and all supporters of athletes may work together to aid athletes to foster and sustain the intrinsic motivation that they have for their sport, which in turn will lead to increased enjoyment, well-being, and performance by the athletes