Reflection and the art of coaching: fostering high-performance in olympic ski cross

In preparation for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, the lead author engaged in systematic reflection in an attempt to implement coaching behaviours and create practice environments that promoted athlete development (psycho-social and physical performance). The research was carried out in relation to his work as head Ski Cross coach working with (primarily) three athletes in their quest for Olympic qualification and subsequent performance success in the Olympic Games. This project sought to examine coach-athlete interactions. Of particular interest were coach and athlete responses regarding the implementation of autonomy supportive coaching behaviours in a high context. Autonomy supportive coaching behaviours have previously been strongly associated with positive athlete psycho-social and performance outcomes, however, a paucity of research has examined its implementation in high-performance contexts. Through the use of participant ethnography, it was possible to gain considerable insights regarding athletes' perceptions of choice, implications of perceived athletic hierarchies, as well as cultural and experience-related influences on training and performance expectations

Osteoporosis in Turner's syndrome and other forms of primary amenorrhoea

Objective: Osteopenia in Turner's syndrome is well recognized. This study is aimed to elucidate whether this is an intrinsic feature of the disorder, or is a non specific feature resulting from oestrogen deficiency. Design: Comparison of bone mineral density and fracture rate in Turner's patients and in 46,XX women with equivalent oestrogen deprivation from other causes. Subjects: One hundred and twenty women in the reproductive age range (16-45 years): 40 with Turner's syndrome, 40 with other forms of primary amenorrhoea, and 40 healthy controls matched to patients for duration of oestrogen usage. Measurements: Measurement of bone mineral density in the lumbar spine (and femoral neck in some subjects) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and reported history of fracture. Results: Vertebral bone mineral density was similar in women with Turner's syndrome (mean 0.84, SD 0.11 g/cm2) and those with other causes of primary amenorrhoea (mean 0.81, SD 0.11 g/cm2; P = 0.26). Both groups had severe osteopenia compared with healthy controls (mean 1.06, SD 0.09 g/cm2, P < 0.0005, confirmed after correction for height and weight). Fractures had been sustained by 45% (10/22) of Turner's patients for whom information was available, a high frequency compared with controls (P = 0.014); half of these were at 'osteoporotic' sites of fracture (wrist, vertebra, femoral neck). Conclusion: Osteopenia in Turner's syndrome is not an intrinsic feature specific to this disorder, but results from extreme oestrogen deprivation. Early treatment with oestrogen is therefore recommended

Motivation in the teaching of Physical Education according to the Achievement Goal Theory: methodological considerations

Physical Education, Motivation, Achievement Goal Theory, Motivational Profiles, Psychological Assessment,

Effect of treatment on established osteoporosis in young women with amenorrhoea

Background and Objective - Amenorrhoea in women of reproductive age causes loss of bone mineral. This study assessed the effect of treatment of amenorrhoea on bone mineral density. Design - Serial measurements of bone mineral density were obtained in women receiving treatment for amenorrhoea. Patients - Eighty-five women aged 17-40 with a past or current history of amenorrhoea, from various causes, with median duration of 46.5 months (range 8 months-21 years). Measurements - Bone mineral density in the lumbar spine was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results - Initial vertebral bone mineral density was low, mean 0.85 (SD 0.10) g/cm2. After an interval of 19.6 (SD 7.5) months on treatment there was a highly significant increase to 0.89 (SD 0.10) g/cm2 (P < 0.0005). This was equivalent to a gain in bone mass of 2.1% per year (95% confidence interval 1.5-2.8%). Improvement was seen in all diagnostic groups (except polycystic ovary syndrome) and with all types of therapy. We observed no difference in the response of previously untreated patients compared with those already on treatment, nor any change in response with increasing duration of treatment. No new fractures were reported during the study. Conclusions - Bone mineral density in young women with amenorrhoea is improved by appropriate treatment, but recovery is not substantial. Hence early diagnosis and therapy is essential to prevent bone loss