The Influence of Climate on Flourishing and Motivational Outcomes for U.S. Masters Swimmers

The climate in which older adults exercise and participate in sport may play a role in promoting a lifetime commitment to exercising. However, little research has examined the relationship of caring (C) and task-involving (TI) climates, motivation, and well-being with respect to older adult athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Masters swimmers’ perceptions of the climate, effort, enjoyment, and flourishing as well as explore the mediating effects of effort and enjoyment on the relationship between climate and flourishing. U.S. Masters swimmers (n = 294; Mage = 63.57 years; 84.40% White) with 1–80 years of swimming experience (M = 34.54 years) participating in coach-led programs completed an online survey. The results of latent variable, multiple-mediator analyses via structural equation modeling revealed two important contributions to the literature: (1) when Masters swimmers perceived that they were in C and TI climates, they were more likely to report higher levels of effort and greater enjoyment and flourishing; (2) the Masters swimmers’ effort levels directly influenced their flourishing, mediating the relationship between climates and flourishing. This research has important implications for practice and policy, as U.S. Masters Swimming appears to be a fruitful avenue for promoting an enjoyable physical activity that can be experienced throughout a lifetime

The Influence of Leader Efficacy and Emotional Intelligence on Personal Caring in Physical Activity

This is the publisher's version, also found at http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=3&sid=18c07398-402e-4572-aa35-4d1deeeff1be%40sessionmgr15&hid=2&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=s3h&AN=2573228

Factors associated with therapeutic response in acromegaly diagnosed in the elderly in Spain

ContextSome reports suggest that acromegaly in elderly patients has a more benign clinical behavior and could have a better response to first-generation long-acting somatostatin receptor ligands (SRL). However, there is no specific therapeutic protocol for this special subgroup of patients. ObjectiveThis study aimed at identifying predictors of response to SRL in elderly patients. DesignMulticentric retrospective nationwide study of patients diagnosed with acromegaly at or over the age of 65 years. ResultsOne-hundred and eighteen patients (34 men, 84 women, mean age at diagnosis 71.7 +/- 5.4 years old) were included. Basal insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1) above the upper limit of normal (ULN) and growth hormone (GH) levels (mean +/- SD) were 2.7 +/- 1.4 and 11.0 +/- 11.9 ng/ml, respectively. The mean maximal tumor diameter was 12.3 +/- 6.4 mm, and up to 68.6% were macroadenoma. Seventy-two out of 118 patients (61.0%) underwent surgery as primary treatment. One-third of patients required first-line medical treatment due to a rejection of surgical treatment or non-suitability because of high surgical risk. After first-line surgery, 45/72 (63.9%) were in disease remission, and 16/34 (46.7%) of those treated with SRL had controlled disease. Patients with basal GH at diagnosis <= 6 ng/ml had lower IGF-1 levels and had smaller tumors, and more patients in this group reached control with SRL (72.7% vs. 33.3%; p < 0.04) [OR: 21.3, IC: 95% (2.4-91.1)], while male patients had a worse response [OR: 0.09, IC 95% (0.01-0.75)]. The predictive model curve obtained for SRL response showed an AUC of 0.82 CI (0.71-0.94). ConclusionsThe most frequent phenotype in newly diagnosed acromegaly in the elderly includes small adenomas and moderately high IGF-1 levels. GH at diagnosis <= 6 ng/ml and female gender, but not age per se, were associated with a greater chance of response to SRL

The impact of motivational and moral variables on aggressive tendencies in sport

This dissertation examined motivational factors and moral variables in relation to aggressive tendencies in young soccer players. Drawing from Structural Developmental Moral Theory (Kohlberg, 1984) and Achievement Goal Theory (Nicholls, 1984, 1989) and incorporating individual differences and situational variability as potential predictors of athletic aggression, a comprehensive model was proposed and statistically evaluated. Dispositional and situationally emphasized goal perspectives were examined and the relationship of moral atmosphere and moral identity to the self-reported likelihood to aggress was determined. Participants were 135 male and 53 female athletes (M age = 15.3 years) who took part in a national level soccer camp. Athletes answered a questionnaire assessing the variables of interest. The purposes of this dissertation were examined in three papers. Findings from the first paper showed that the players\u27 perceived team pro-aggressive norms were the best predictor of their likelihood to aggress. Moreover, athletes\u27 perceptions of their coach and team captain\u27s pro-aggressive norms were the most salient to their likelihood to aggress. Further, results indicated that the parental influence on athletes\u27 aggressive tendencies varies as a function of gender. Results from the second paper revealed gender differences in goals, associated beliefs, and perceptions of the climate that were consistent with the literature. Findings also revealed that an ego-oriented theory of achievement positively predicted aggressive tendencies. The third paper provided evidence for the goodness of fit of the proposed comprehensive model of sport aggressive tendencies (CFI = .94–.95; NNFI = .93–.94; RMR = .05; RMSEA = .03–.04). Results underscored the relevance of young athletes\u27 perceptions of the pro-aggressive norms stemming from the sport environment and the endorsement of an ego-theory of sport achievement in the prediction of aggressive tendencies. This dissertation highlights the influence of significant others in shaping the moral atmosphere operating on youth sport teams. The results also reinforce the importance of de-emphasizing an ego-oriented achievement perspective to reduce aggression in youth sport

Análisis de la validez de constructo y de la validez predictiva del cuestionario de clima motivacional percibido en el deporte (PCMSQ-2) con tenistas espanoles de competición

En este trabajo se analiza la validez de constructo del Cuestionario de Clima Motivacional Percibido en el Deporte (PMCSQ-2) utilizando el modelo de ecuación estructural. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 219 jugadores de tenis (76 mujeres y 138 hombres), con una edad media de 15,55±1.89 años, de distinto nivel de competición (intermedios, avanzados y profesionales). Los resultados del presente trabajo ofrecen apoyo preliminar a la validez del PMCSQ-2 con deportistas españoles: Los análisis factoriales confirmatorios, basados en un modelo de ecuación estructural, apoyan dos dimensiones del PMCSQ-2 (Task-climate y Ego climate) y los análisis de correlaciones entre el PMCSQ y el TEOSQ ofrecen apoyo inicial a la validez predictiva del mismo. Aunque se ha obtenido apoyo preliminar, a nivel exploratorio, para las subescalas que subyacen al PMCSQ-2, algunas de éstas no presentan buena consistencia interna. Se discuten los motivos de las concordancias y discordancias halladas en el trabajo desde un enfoque cross-culturalIn this study we analyze the construct reliability of the latest version of the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire (PMCSQ-2) using a structural equation model. The sample was comprised of 219 tennis players (76 females and 138 males) with a mean age of 15.55 ± 1.89 years with different playing level (intermediate, advanced and professional). The results obtained in this study offer preliminary support to the reliability for the PMCSQ-2 for Spanish athletes: The confirmatory factorial analyses, which are based on a structural equation model, support the two dimensions of the PMCSQ-2 (Task-climate and Ego-Climate), and the correlational analyses between the PMCSQ-2 and the TEOSQ offer initial support to the predictive reliability of this instrument. Althought preliminary support has been obtained at an exploratory level, some of the underlying subscales of the PMCSQ-2 do not demonstrated good internal consistency. The reasons for the similarities and differencies founded in the work are discussed from a cross-cultural perspectiv

Psichometric properties of the caring climate scale in a physical activity setting

Scholars have emphasized the importance of creating a caring environment in physical activity settings. Given that there is currently no measure of a caring environment in the physical domain, the purpose of these two studies was to develop the Caring Climate Scale (CCS) and examine its psychometric properties. A caring climate is defined in this paper as the extent to which individuals perceive a particular setting to be interpersonally inviting, safe, supportive and capable of providing the experience of being valued and respected. In Study 1, 353 children in a sport camp completed the CCS. Exploratory factor analyses revealed an internally consistent single factor, labelled caring climate, and supported the validity of the measure. In Study 2, 395 sport campers completed the CCS and assessments of the programmes future involvement and reported value. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed support for a 13-item version of the CCS

The Influence of Climate on Flourishing and Motivational Outcomes for U.S. Masters Swimmers

The climate in which older adults exercise and participate in sport may play a role in promoting a lifetime commitment to exercising. However, little research has examined the relationship of caring (C) and task-involving (TI) climates, motivation, and well-being with respect to older adult athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Masters swimmers&rsquo; perceptions of the climate, effort, enjoyment, and flourishing as well as explore the mediating effects of effort and enjoyment on the relationship between climate and flourishing. U.S. Masters swimmers (n = 294; Mage = 63.57 years; 84.40% White) with 1&ndash;80 years of swimming experience (M = 34.54 years) participating in coach-led programs completed an online survey. The results of latent variable, multiple-mediator analyses via structural equation modeling revealed two important contributions to the literature: (1) when Masters swimmers perceived that they were in C and TI climates, they were more likely to report higher levels of effort and greater enjoyment and flourishing; (2) the Masters swimmers&rsquo; effort levels directly influenced their flourishing, mediating the relationship between climates and flourishing. This research has important implications for practice and policy, as U.S. Masters Swimming appears to be a fruitful avenue for promoting an enjoyable physical activity that can be experienced throughout a lifetime

The pathophysiology of triose phosphate isomerase dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide, has two main hallmarks: extracellular deposits of amyloid ß- peptide (Aß) and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles composed by tau protein. Most AD cases are sporadic and are not dependent on known genetic causes; aging is the major risk factor for AD. Therefore, the oxidative stress has been proposed to initiate the uncontrolled increase in Aß production and also to mediate the Aß’s deleterious effects on brain cells, especially on neurons from the cortex and hippocampus. The production of free radicals in the presence of nitric oxide (NO) yields to the peroxynitrite generation, a very reactive agent that nitrotyrosinates the proteins irreversibly. The nitrotyrosination produces a loss of protein physiological functions, contributing to accelerate AD progression. One of the most nitrotyrosinated proteins in AD is the enzyme triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) that isomerises trioses, regulating glucose consumption by both phosphate pentose and glycolytic pathways and thereby pyruvate production. Hence, any disturbance in the glucose supply could affect the proper brain function, considering that the brain has a high rate of glucose consumption. Besides this directly affecting to the energetic metabolism of the neurons, TPI modifications, such as mutation or nitrotyrosination, increase methylglyoxal production, a toxic precursor of advanced glycated end-products (AGEs) and responsible for protein glycation. Moreover, nitro-TPI aggregates interact with tau protein inducing the intraneuronal aggregation of tau. Here we review the relationship between modified TPI and AD, highlighting the relevance of this protein in AD pathology and the consequences of protein nitro-oxidative modifications

The structure and function of actin cytoskeleton in mature glutamatergic dendritic spines

Dendritic spines are actin-rich protrusions from the dendritic shaft, considered to be the locus where most synapses occur, as they receive the vast majority of excitatory connections in the central nervous system (CNS). Interestingly, hippocampal spines are plastic structures that contain a dense array of molecules involved in postsynaptic signaling and synaptic plasticity. Since changes in spine shape and size are correlated with the strength of excitatory synapses, spine morphology directly reflects spine function. Therefore several neuropathologies are associated with defects in proteins located at the spines. The present work is focused on the spine actin cytoskeleton attending to its structure and function mainly in glutamatergic neurons. It addresses the study of the structural plasticity of dendritic spines associated with long-term potentiation (LTP) and the mechanisms that underlie learning and memory formation. We have integrated the current knowledge on synaptic proteins to relate this plethora of molecules with actin and actin-binding proteins. We further included recent findings that outline key uncharacterized proteins that would be useful to unveil the real ultrastructure and function of dendritic spines. Furthermore, this review is directed to understand how such spine diversity and interplay contributes to the regulation of spine morphogenesis and dynamics. It highlights their physiological relevance in the brain function, as well as it provides insights for pathological processes affecting dramatically dendritic spines, such as Alzheimer's disease.This work was supported by the Plan Estatal de I+D+i 2013-2016 and the ISCIII Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación (Grants PI13/00408, PI10/00587 and Red HERACLES RD12/0042/0014) and FEDER Funds; FEDER Funds; Generalitat de Catalunya (SGR09-1369); and Fundació la Marató de TV3 (100310)