The meaning of athletic injury and re-injury anxiety assessment and intervention

Given the volume and severity of injuries that occur in sport, the quest for continued knowledge about maximizing athletes’ psychological recovery and hastening their return is a work in progress. This presentation will outline research in the field of re-injury anxiety conducted on samples of injured athletes in the UK. It will outline the use of Phenomenological interviews to explore the lived in experience throughout rehabilitation and including the return to training/competition. One salient response noted to injury is that of re-injury anxiety and/or fear of re-injury. Anecdotal reports suggest that re-injury anxieties/fears have a detrimental effect on rehabilitation, increases the likelihood of re-injury, and debilitates performance in rehabilitation and on the return to training/competition. Given these potential implications it is important to be able to measure this construct. This presentation will summarize the conceptual debate in this area and discuss work to date on developing a conceptually and psychometrically valid and reliable measure of re-injury anxiety that can be utilised in both research and applied contexts. Whilst strategies for measuring re-injury anxiety are reviewed, interventions to reduce re-injury anxieties are also discussed. Specifically the natural history of re-injury anxiety over the course of rehabilitation and return to training/competition will be summarized to provide an outline of this little understood construct. The usefulness of psychological interventions for reducing re-injury anxieties will be outlined with an agenda for future research on re-injury anxiety being discussed. Implications of this line of inquiry for the researcher, the professional practice of sport psychology consultants, and sports medicine practitioners are discussed

Factors Influencing Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors of Adolescents in Appalachia

This study examined the TPB constructs of attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms and their ability to predict healthy eating and physical activity behaviors among adolescents living in Southern Appalachia. The study also considered the relative utility of subjective norms and social support in predicting these behaviors. Data for this research were derived from a larger study, Team Up for Healthy Living, conducted September 2011 through November 2014 with high school students in the Appalachian region (Study ID: R01MD006200 from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities). Participants (n=963) completed a three-part paper survey collecting data about eating habits, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, weight status, and demographics. Study results indicated more than half of the study population was classified as overweight (20.7%) or obese (31.4%). They had high rates of physical activity, low rates of sedentary behavior, and healthy dietary behaviors, compared to national norms. Approximately, 42.8% reported drinking at least one soda daily and 42.9% consumed 1-6 sodas over the course of seven days. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated attitude (Beta = .110, t (824) = 2.83, p \u3c .005) and perceived behavioral control (Beta = .147, t (824) = 3.14, p \u3c .001) were the strongest predictors of healthy eating behaviors. For physical activity, the strongest predictors of behavior were attitude (Beta = .186, t (839) = 5.21, p \u3c .001) and social support (Beta = .347, t (839) = 9.09, p \u3c .001). Comparison of subjective norms and social support revealed subjective norms were a better predictor of healthy eating behaviors, and social support was a better predictor of physical activity. The results of this study indicate that behavior theories are effective at identifying motivating factors for health behaviors in unique populations

All is Fair in Love and War

Includes bibliographical references (page 76)For the past century and a half, the Civil War has been the subject of much scholarly work. This has included, but not been limited to, an examination of the various aspects of American society, economics, and politics that underwent radical transformation during wartime. On an individual level subtle changes also occurred, creating a noticeable trend within the daily lives of those living in mid-nineteenth century, war-torn America. The lives of individuals, specifically their personal relationships, often suffered during this period of national duress. Relationships between family members, friends, and spouses were influenced in both positive and negative ways. But marriages were perhaps most affected because of the dramatic alteration of gender roles during the war years, which often caused strain. On a more intimate level, married couples during the Civil War, primarily those in the South, experienced fierce loyalty and love as well as power struggles, role reversals, heartbreak, and death. One such marriage was between the famed General George Pickett and his third wife, Sally Corbell. While he had two earlier marriages, his third and final marriage no doubt affected him the most as it lasted through the Civil War and into the post-war years. His wife, Sally, played an imperative role in their marriage and in the creation of Pickett’s legend. However, she was also his confidant as evidenced by Sally’s extreme devotion to her husband. This is portrayed through her idyllic writings of their marriage, which neglected the sordid details of Pickett’s post-war life. He returned from the war a bitter drunkard who was in poor health. Nevertheless, it is clear that Sally “became his comfort and support 66 when things went terribly wrong” (Bleser and Gordon 79). A series of correspondences written by Pickett to Sally during the Civil War perfectly illustrate the important role Sally played in Pickett’s life. These letters have received much attention from scholars, although the validity of the documents is uncertain since they may have been written as a result of Sally’s attempts to “[promote] her mythical husband and their mythical marriage” (Bleser and Gordon 85). The letters, though they may have instances of falsification, are still widely accepted and Pickett’s undisputed love for Sally is quite evident. But the letters also serve the purpose of telling a larger tale, one that focuses on the dynamics of marriages during the war. General Pickett’s letters provide a new perspective on women as supporters, confidants, and essential contributors to the preservation of marriages and families, during trying times

Recommendations for high intensity upper body exercise testing

Introduction: For given submaximal and maximal peak power outputs aerobic responses to upper body exercise are different to those for lower body exercise (Sawka, 1986: Exercise & Sport Sciences Reviews, 14, 175-211). However, much less is known regarding responses to exercise intensities at and around peak oxygen up take (VO2peak). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the metabolic responses during arm crank ergometry (ACE) below, at and above peak oxygen uptake and to help establish exercise testing guidelines for high intensity upper body exercise. Methods: Following institutional ethical approval fourteen male students (Age 21.1, s = 6.1 years and 2.44 s=0.44 VO2peak) volunteered to take part in this study. Each participant exercised on a table mounted cycle ergometer (Monark 894E, Monark Exercise AB, Sweden). After habituation peak minute power (PMP) was calculated from an incremental test. Subsequently each participant completed four continuous work tests (CWT) to volitional exhaustion at 80%, 90%, 100% and 110% of PMP. All tests were completed at 70 rev∙min-1 with a minimum of 48-h between tests and the order was counterbalanced. Each CWT was preceded by a 5 min warm-up, loaded with a mass corresponding to the participants 80% PMP for 20 s at minutes 2, 3 and 4. Oxygen uptake (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion for the arms (local (RPEL) and cardiorespiratory strain (RPECR) were recorded at 1 min, 2 min and at volitional exhaustion. The EMG responses at three sites (flexor carpi ulnaris, biceps brachii and triceps brachii lateral) were recorded using double-differential (16-3000 Hz bandwidth, x300 gain), bipolar, active electrodes (MP-2A, Linton, Norfolk, UK). Electromyographic data were sampled at 1000 Hz and filtered using a 20 to 500 Hz band-pass filter (MP150 Data Acquisition and AcqKnowledge 4.0, Biopac, Goleta, CA). The EMG signals for each muscle were root mean squared (RMS) with a 500-ms sample window. The signal was then normalised, prior to each CWT, as a percentage of the mean of 3 sets of 10 duty cycles completed during the warm-up (see above) when the participants 80% PMP for 20 s was applied. Time to exhaustion (Tlim) was recorded as the performance outcome measure. Data for Tlim were analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Differences in EMG, VO2, RER, HR, RPEL and RPECR were analysed using separate two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures (trial x time). All analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences ( 17.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Individual differences in means were located using Bonferroni post-hoc correction. Significance was accepted at P < 0.05. Results: As resistive load increased Tlim decreased (611 s=194, 397 s=99, 268 s=90, 206 s=67s, respectively; P < 0.001, ES = 0.625). Post-hoc analysis revealed that Tlim using 80%PMP was longer than for 90%, 100% and 110% PMP trials (P < 0.001) and 90% was longer than both 100% and 110% PMP trials (P = 0.079, P = 0.001). At exhaustion VO2 was similar across trials (P = 0.413, ES = 0.053), although 80% PMP VO2 tended to be less (2.10 s=0.32 l·min-1) than for 90% (2.29 s=0.37), 100% (2.33 s=0.49) and 110% (2.26 s=0.34). Also, 80% PMP VO2 was less than VO2peak (P = 0.013). There were differences in RER at Tlim (P < 0.001, ES = 0.593) with values increasing with % PMP (1.15 s=0.07, 1.26 s=0.07, 1.36 s=0.10, 1.40 s=0.09, respectively). There were no differences across trials for HR at Tlim (~173 (12); P = 0.834, ES = 0.016) and HR was proportional to %PMP at 1 min, and 2 min. For flexor carpi ulnaris there was an increase in activation as exercise intensity increased (P < 0.001, ES = 0.245). There were a similar responses for biceps brachii and triceps brachii demonstrating an increase in activation with exercise intensity (P <0.001, ES = 0.137, P < 0.001, ES = 0.163, respectively). No differences for RPEL and RPECR were observed at Tlim. Discussion: There was a clear response of Tlim with intensity as expected for lower body exercise (Hill et al., 2002: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(4), 709-714). Despite differences in Tlim across exercise intensities VO2, HR and RPE were similar at exhaustion indicating a functional cardiorespiratory maximum had been reached. As indicated by the RER an increased activation of the anaerobic metabolism with greater exercise intensities (100% and 110%) is likely and therefore this may represent a greater anaerobic component at these two intensities. The increase in EMG activity with intensity could indicate an increase activity with an increase in exercise intensity. Conclusion: It is recommended that due to the combination of muscle activation, oxygen uptake and Tlim that an exercise intensity of 90% or 100% of PMP could be used for high intensity upper body exercise testing

Is there a link between previous exposure to sport injury psychology education and UK sport injury rehabilitation professionals' attitudes and behaviour towards sport psychology?

Objectives: The use of sport psychology strategies during sport injury rehabilitation can lead to several positive outcomes such as improved adherence and self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to compare the sport psychology related attitudes and behaviours of UK sport injury rehabilitation professionals (SIRPs) who had studied the psychological aspects of sport injury to those who had not. Participants and design: Ninety-four SIRPs (54 physiotherapists and 40 sports therapists with a mean of 9.22 years' experience of working in sport) completed an online survey and were grouped according to their level of previous exposure to sport injury psychology education at an undergraduate/postgraduate level. Analyses were undertaken to establish whether there were any differences in sport psychology related attitude (MANOVA), usage (MANOVA), and referral behaviours (chi square) between the groups. Results: The MANOVA and chi square tests conducted revealed that those who had studied the psychological aspects of sport injury reported using significantly more sport psychology in their practice and making more referrals to sport psychologists. Conclusions: It was concluded that sport injury psychology education appears to be effective in increasing the sport psychology related behaviours (use of sport psychology and referral) of SIRPs and should be integrated into professional training

The impact of a sport psychology education intervention on physiotherapists

The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of an online sport psychology education module on the attitudes and behaviours of qualified sports physiotherapists in the UK. Ninety-five sport physiotherapists studied either a sport psychology module or a control module, and their attitudes and behaviours towards sport psychology were measured prior to studying the module and at three points over a six-month period following its completion. It was found that those who had studied the sport psychology module demonstrated an improvement in their attitudes towards sport psychology immediately following its completion that was significantly higher than those who had studied the control module. Use of sport psychology also increased following the sport psychology module, with significant differences seen between the intervention and control group on the sport psychology subscale, indicating that those who had studied the sport psychology module were integrating more sport psychology techniques into their practice than those who had studied the control module. It was concluded that the online sport psychology module was effective in improving the attitudes and behaviours of UK physiotherapists and that more sport psychology education opportunities should be made available

Satisfaction with Care among Residents and Families in a Long-Term and Complex Continuing Care Organization

This article looks at one organization’s implementation of a satisfaction survey for all of its residents. It also explores how satisfaction ratings vary between complex continuing care (CCC) and long-term care (LTC) residents between residents with and without dementia. Satisfaction with care at St. Joseph’s Health Centre (SJHC) Guelph was measured during the fall and winter of 2004/2005. A total of 107 residents and patients from both LTC and CCC were interviewed and 141 family members returned mailed surveys. Overall quality of care was rated highly by both residents and families. There were no statistically significant differences comparing LTC and CCC residents and only one comparing those with and without dementia. Within the area of medical care, 57.7% of residents with dementia compared to 78.0% of residents without dementia agreed they received therapy when needed (p=.03). This information has been very valuable to SJHC staff and administrators as they strive to improve their quality of care. The project also highlights the important work that can be achieved through collaborations between researchers and health care providers

Assessment of Student Learning Using Augmented Reality Grand Canyon Field Trips for Mobile Smart Devices

In searching for ways to improve undergraduate success in introductory geoscience courses, the importance of experiential learning in engaging students has become clear—and in geoscience, that is encapsulated best by field trips. However, as general education class sizes increase, so do the cost, liability, and difficulty of running a field trip. A solution for economically and conveniently bringing kinesthetic field experiences to a broader audience lies in the integration of technology through mobile-device games, apps, and augmented reality (AR) field trips. We report here an examination of learning gains at five colleges after intervention with augmented reality field trips to Grand Canyon. The AR field trips cover three topics taught in introductory geoscience courses: geologic time, geologic structures, and hydrologic processes. Results involving nearly 1000 students show that overall gains are similar to control groups, with completion of the AR field trips being a predictor of student learning success in some cases. Prior interest in the geosciences, students’ base-level understanding of the material, and whether or not the student is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) major are strong predictors of improvement in geoscience learning. Gender and ethnicity had no statistical impact on the results, suggesting the AR field trip modules have broad reach across student demographics. Because these modules have been shown elsewhere to increase student interest in learning the geosciences, we advocate their adoption, leading to increases in student learning