A theoretical framework and research agenda for studying team attributions in sport

The attributions made for group outcomes have attracted a great deal of interest in recent years. In this article we bring together much of the current research on attribution theory in sport and outline a new conceptual framework and research agenda for investigating the attributions of team members. The proposed framework draws on multiple conceptual approaches including models of attribution, group dynamics and stress responses to provide a detailed hypothetical description of athletes' physiological, cognitive and affective responses to group competition. In describing this model we outline important antecedents of team attributions before hypothesising how attributions can impact hormonal and cardiovascular responses of athletes, together with cognitive (goals, choices, expectations), affective (self-esteem, emotions), and behavioural (approach-avoidance actions) responses of groups and group members. We conclude by outlining important methodological considerations and implications for structured context specific attribution-based interventions

Exigences énergétiques estimées selon les postes de jeu en rugby

Analyse de la fréquence cardiaque, de la nature, de la fréquence et de la durée des actions (enregistrement vidéo au cours de 8 matchs) de 40 joueurs de rugby, répartis en 5 groupes selon leur poste. Observation d'un stress cardiaque plus important chez les avants que chez les trois-quarts

Multifactorial monitoring of training load in elite rugby sevens players: cortisol/cortisone ratio as a valid tool of training load monitoring

The effectiveness of selected physiological and perceptual measures for monitoring training load and fatigue was studied in 16 male elite rugby sevens players during a 6-week intense training block (IT) and 2-week tapering (TAP). Daily training load (TL) and strain (TS) as well as weekly total score of fatigue (TSF) were quantified respectively by the session-rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method and an 8-item questionnaire. Also, testing was performed and 24 h urinary cortisol (C), cortisone (Cn), adrenaline (A) and noradrenalin (NA) excretion was measured before (T0) and after the IT (T1) and after the TAP (T2). The TL, TS and TSF increased during the IT and decreased during the TAP, in conjunction with a significant drop and improvement, respectively, of performance standards during the two periods. At T1, C and Cn levels increased while A and NA levels decreased, resulting in a higher C/Cn ratio and lower A/NA ratio, respectively. At T2, both C/Cn and A/NA returned to baseline values. The changes in C/Cn ratio, after the 6-week IT, were more closely related to mean TL, TS and TSF (r=0.75-0.76 vs. r=0.48-0.58, p<0.01) and to changes in the majority of performance measures than to A/NA ratio. Only the changes in C/Cn ratio after the 2-week TAP were related to mean TL, TS and TSF (r=0.61-0.68, p<0.01). The changes in hormone levels, training strain and performance standards reflected the physical and mental stressors of training, with complete recovery, as indicated by physiological homeostasis, achieved after an appropriate tapering period

The Nice Grid project : Using Distributed Energy Resources to Reduce Power Demand through Advanced Network Management

International audienceIncreasing penetration of distributed generation on the distribution network demands for a more flexible and efficient utilization of distributed energy resources. The development and deployment of Smart Grids technologies and solutions may provide solutions for significant changes in distribution operation within the near future. The Nice Grid project aims at implementing and testing a distributed energy resource management system, supporting hierarchical operation and control for a microgrid with high concentration of photovoltaic generators. The paper focuses on one use case of Load Reduction for TSO, from dispersed resources such as controllable loads and electrical storage units, which can be scheduled and operated through intermediaries, i.e. commercial aggregators. The business process, the project geographical footprint, the various supported standards and the overall architecture of the system are detailed in the following sections, with a strong emphasis on the transaction mechanism that supports the coordination process. The issues and lessons from the first two years are also discussed

Are free testosterone and cortisol concentrations associated with training motivation in elite male athletes?

Objectives: To examine correlative associations between salivary free testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentrations and training motivation in elite male athletes. Design: Single group, longitudinal design with repeated measures. Methods: Participants (n=15) completed a 5-week progressive resistance training programme. Across 2 weekly workouts, pre and post measures of salivary free T and C concentrations were taken along with voluntary chosen workload, as a proxy for training motivation. Strength and body mass were assessed pre and post training. Results: Individual changes in pre-workout free T concentrations correlated strongly to voluntary workloads (pooled r=0.81,