Browsing by Person "Arthur, Rosie"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 34

A coach behaviour change intervention: The coaching of psychological skills
(British Psychological Society, 2016-12) Arthur, Rosie; Roberts, Ross; Callow, Nichola; Bringer, Joy
Coaches coaching psychological skills—why not? A framework and questionnaire development
(North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity, 2019-02-01) Arthur, Rosie; Callow, Nichola; Roberts, Ross; Glendinning, Freya
This study is part of a program of research investigating coaches delivering psychological skills (PS). Here, 3 studies feature an original conceptualization of coaching PS and the development and validation of 2 questionnaires capturing the coaching of PS. The authors conducted a qualitative investigation to establish a conceptual framework that included the fundamental coaching of PS behaviors (CPS-F) and the needs-supportive coaching of PS (CPS-NS). They then tested the factor structure of 2 subsequently developed questionnaires via a Bayesian structural equation modeling approach to confirmatory factor analysis across 2 samples and ran tests of invariance, concurrent, discriminant, and predictive validity. The CPS-F questionnaire showed an excellent fit for a 3-factor model, whereas the CPS-NS demonstrated an excellent single-factor fit. Significant relationships with theoretically related constructs suggested concurrent, discriminant, and predictive validity. The findings are expected to significantly further research into our understanding of coaches coaching PS.
Decision-making accuracy of soccer referees in relation to markers of internal and external load
(2024-02-23) McEwan, Gary; Unnithan, Viswanath B.; Easton, Chris; Glover, Andrew J.; Arthur, Rosie
Data related to the paper: McEwan, G.P., Unnithan, V.B., Easton, C., Glover, A. J., and Arthur, R (2024). Decision-making accuracy of soccer referees in relation to markers of internal and external load. European Journal of Sport Science. (preprint) https://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/13682
Decision-making accuracy of soccer referees in relation to markers of internal and external load
(Wiley, 2024-03-18) McEwan, Gary; Unnithan, Viswanath B.; Easton, Chris; Glover, Andrew J.; Arthur, Rosie
This study examined the relationships between the decision-making performances of soccer referees and markers of physiological load. Following baseline measurements and habituation procedures, 13 national-level male referees completed a novel Soccer Referee Simulation (SRS) whilst simultaneously adjudicating on a series of video-based decision-making clips. The correctness of each decision was assessed in relation to the mean heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (V̇E), perceptions of breathlessness (RPE-B) and local muscular (RPE-M) exertion, and running speeds recorded in the 10-s and 60-s preceding decisions. There was a significant association between decision-making accuracy and the mean HR (P=0.042; VC=0.272) and RR (P=0.024, VC=0.239) in the 10-s preceding decisions, with significantly more errors observed when HR ≥90% of HRmax (OR, 5.39) and RR ≥80% of RRpeak (OR, 3.34). Decision-making accuracy was also significantly associated with the mean running speeds performed in the 10-s (P=0.003; VC=0.320) and 60-s (P=0.016; VC=0.253) preceding decisions, with workloads of ≥250 m·min-1 associated with an increased occurrence of decisional errors (OR, 3.84). Finally, there was a significant association between decision-making accuracy and RPE-B (P=0.021; VC=0.287), with a disproportionate number of errors occurring when RPE-B was rated as “very strong” to “maximal” (OR, 7.19). Collectively, the current data offer novel insights into the detrimental effects that high workloads may have upon the decision-making performances of soccer referees. Such information may be useful in designing combined physical and decision-making training programmes that prepare soccer referees for the periods of match play that prove most problematic to their decision-making.
Development and validation of the Referee Training Activity Questionnaire (RTAQ): Towards a better understanding of the training practices of soccer match officials [Oral Presentation]
(European College of Sport Science, 2019-09-03) McEwan, Gary; Unnithan, Viswanath; Easton, Chris; Arthur, Rosie
INTRODUCTION As the training of soccer referees is typically self-led, direct observation and monitoring of training is seldom possible (1). Consequently, relatively little information currently exists on the training practices of soccer referees (2). Efficacious and accessible methods of monitoring referee training are therefore required. Accordingly, we sought to develop and validate a novel measurement tool, termed The Referee Training Activity Questionnaire (RTAQ), for assessing the training practices of soccer referees. METHODS To develop and validate the RTAQ, we employed a systematic multi-stage process: 1) item generation; 2) assessments of content and face validity; and 3) assessments of criterion validity (3). In stage 1, we generated items based upon a review of the literature and semi-structured interviews with a sample of refereeing experts (n = 8). In stage 2, items were assessed for content and face validity by a sample of referees and academics experienced in questionnaire design (n = 6), with the content validity index (CVI) calculated (4). In stage 3, a sample of referees (n = 25) completed the RTAQ and subsequently recorded a detailed 7-day training diary. Additionally, we obtained objective estimates of physical training activity through heart rate data which was used to corroborate the self-report data of the training diaries. RESULTS Following stage 1, we constructed the preliminary RTAQ to include items pertaining to: 1) general training information (16 items); and 2) specific-training practices (66 items). In stage 2, content validity was confirmed for 66 items (CVI ≥ 0.78) with 16 items being deemed invalid (CVI < 0.78). We used participant feedback, alongside content validity indices, to discard or revise problematic items. In stage 3, estimates of training activity derived from the training diaries and heart rate monitors were found to be strongly related (r > 0.96; P < 0.001). Additionally, negligible mean biases, moderate 95% LOA, and significant correlations were observed for most items with those exhibiting insufficient agreement (11 items) subsequently excluded or modified as per participant feedback. CONCLUSION The present results provide initial evidence that the RTAQ is a valid and reliable means of acquiring insight into the training practices of soccer referees. The development of a self-report measure in the form of the RTAQ will provide practitioners and researchers with a practical means of monitoring the training practices of soccer referees.
Development and validation of the Referee Training Activity Questionnaire (RTAQ): Towards a better understanding of the training practices of soccer officials
(Routledge, 2020-08-10) McEwan, Gary; Unnithan, Viswanath; Easton, Chris; Arthur, Rosie
To develop and assess the validity of the Referee Training Activity Questionnaire (RTAQ), a systematic process was employed: 1) item generation; 2) assessments of content and face validity; and 3) assessments of criterion validity. In stage 1, items were generated following semi-structured interviews with an expert panel (n = 8). Following content analyses, the RTAQ was developed and comprised 3 primary sections (12 sub-sections) assessing: 1) attributes perceived to underpin soccer officiating performance; 2) general training information; and 3) specific training practices. In stage 2, the preliminary RTAQ was assessed for content and face validity by a sample of experts (n = 6). Based upon the content validity index (CVI), content validity was confirmed for 8 sub-sections (CVI ≥ 0.78) with 5 sub-sections being deemed invalid (CVI < 0.78). Various amendments were carried out in accordance with participant feedback. In stage 3, the RTAQ was completed by a cohort of officials (n = 25) who subsequently recorded a detailed training diary. Negligible mean biases, wide 95% LOA, and significant Pearson correlations were observed between the RTAQ and training diaries for most training activities, suggesting the RTAQ holds promise as a useful and effective alternative of acquiring insight into the training practices of soccer officials.
Diagnostic performance of Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference and the Waist-to-Height Ratio for identifying cardiometabolic risk in Scottish pre-adolescents
(Taylor & Francis, 2016-11-06) Buchan, Duncan S.; McLellan, Gillian; Donnelly, Samantha; Arthur, Rosie
Background: Limited studies have examined the diagnostic performance of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) or waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) for identifying cardiometabolic risk (increased clustered glucose, triglycerides, mean arterial pressure and inv-HDL-cholesterol) in pre-adolescent youth. Aim: To compare the utility of BMI, WC and WHtR as predictors of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in Scottish pre-adolescent children. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 223 Scottish children (55.2% boys, mean age =8.4 years) was undertaken. BMI, WC and WHtR were used as exposure variables within multivariate logistic regression analysis and ROC analysis to examine the utility of these anthropometrical indices in identifying those at cardiometabolic risk. Results: Individuals with an elevated WHtR, WC and BMI were 3.51 (95% CI = 1.71–7.23; p < .001); 2.34 (95% CI = 1.35–4.06; p = .002) and 2.59 (95% CI = 1.42–4.73; p = .002) times more likely to be at cardiometabolic risk, respectively. The areas under the curves [AUC] to identify children with cardiometabolic risk were significant and similar among anthropometric indices (AUC’s = 0.60–0.65). When stratified by BMI, both WC and WHtR demonstrated a fair-to-good ability for identifying those at cardiometabolic risk (AUC = 0.75–0.81). Conclusions: Findings suggest that the combination of BMI with either WC or WHtR may provide an added benefit in the assessment of cardiometabolic risk amongst pre-adolescents.
The effects of socioeconomic status on parent and child moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and body mass index
(Routledge, 2021-10-28) Donnelly, Samantha; Buchan, Duncan S.; McLellan, Gillian; Arthur, Rosie
Purpose: Physical inactivity and overweight status has been linked to low socioeconomic status (SES) in youth. Parents are known to influence both their child’s weight and physical activity (PA). The relationship between parent and child PA is of interest to many researchers; however, previous research typically relies on self-reported measures. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parent and child moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and body mass index (BMI) in a sample of children (4–11 years old) using wrist-worn accelerometers and to explore mediating processes by which SES influences child MVPA and BMI through their parents MVPA and BMI. Methods: Parent and child dyads (n = 174) wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer on their non-dominant wrist for 7 days. Mediation analyses were conducted to understand the indirect relationships between SES and child MVPA and BMI. Results: Weekend parent and child MVPA was significantly related (p < .01). Parent and child BMIs were also significantly related (p < .001). There was a significant negative direct effect of SES on child BMI (p < .05). Additionally, we observed a significant negative indirect effect of SES on child BMI via their parents BMI (B = −.04, SE .02, 95% CI = −.07 to −.01). Conclusions: Whilst parent and child MVPA were significantly related during the weekend, there were no associations between SES and MVPA. Future interventions aiming to improve health outcomes in children should consider the influence SES can have as well as parental activity on children’s weekend MVPA.
The effects of text messaging interventions to improve physical activity and sedentary behaviour in youth: A systematic review
(International Society for Physical Activity and Health, 2018-10) Ludwig, Kim; Buchan, Duncan; Arthur, Rosie; Fountain, Hollie; Sculthorpe, Nicholas
Background: The use of text messages (SMS) to change health behaviours in youth is particularly interesting due to the need for novel, more effective intervention approaches. Previous reviews have examined the effect of technology-based interventions on health but evidence regarding the impact of just SMS on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) is missing. Thus, this systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of SMS interventions for improving PA and SB in youth. Methods: Authors systematically searched electronic databases. Citations were sifted and piloted forms used for data extraction. Eligible studies had to be of randomised controlled or quasi-experimental design, incorporate SMS, participants aged between 10 and 19 and at least one PA or SB outcome. Use of theory and risk of bias were also assessed. Results: Thirteen studies reporting on 11 interventions were eligible for inclusion. Interventions were conducted in schools, online or face-to-face. Studies were of high heterogeneity with regards to participant characteristics, intervention content and outcome measures. Findings were equivocal with regards to intervention effectiveness. Seven interventions resulted in an improvement for PA and six for SB. All studies were judged to be of high risk of bias for at least one item. Conclusions: This review shows promising results. However, due to high heterogeneity of design and outcome measures, conclusions as to which specific intervention elements are linked to increased effectiveness cannot be drawn. More rigorous studies are needed to explore the relationship between intervention effectiveness and specific components of SMS interventions, such as message content.
Exploring the feasibility of a cluster pilot randomised control trial to improve children’s 24-hour movement behaviours and dietary intake: Happy homework
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2024-01-14) Donnelly, Samantha; Buchan, Duncan S.; McLellan, Gillian; Roberts, Ross; Arthur, Rosie
We aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of Happy Homework (HH); an 8-week home-focussed intervention, with the purpose of encouraging children’s positive dietary behaviours and engagement in positive physical activity (PA) and sleep behaviours. We randomised four Scottish schools (n = 71 participants; 5 classrooms) to either the HH intervention (n = 2) or usual curriculum control group (n = 2). HH consisted of movement and dietary-focused parent and child tasks. Primary outcome measures were intervention feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy. Secondary outcomes were objectively measured PA via ActiGraph GT3X+, sedentary behaviours (SBs) and sleep duration via activPAL4™ accelerometers and dietary behaviours, fruit and vegetable consumption and screen-time via questionnaires. After controlling for pre-test levels, post intervention stepping time and sleep duration were significantly greater for the HH group in comparison to the control group. The HH group reported eating more fruit and vegetables at post-test than the control group. Participants also reported the intervention to be enjoyable and motivating. These findings provide promising evidence that given a greater sample size, better retention and the prioritisation of health and wellbeing homework, HH could enhance children’s health and wellbeing.
Feasibility and acceptability of a classroom-based active breaks intervention for 8-12-year old children
(Routledge, 2021-11-08) McLellan, Gillian; Arthur, Rosie; Donnelly, Samantha; Bakshi, Andisheh; Fairclough, Stuart J.; Taylor, Sarah L.; Buchan, Duncan S.
Purpose: This study explored the feasibility of conducting a classroom-based active breaks intervention on sedentary behavior (SB), physical activity (PA) and attention in 8–12-year-old children. Methods: Eight schools were randomized on a 1:1 basis to the control or intervention. Teachers selected 10 cards detailing an activity break at random. Children then undertook each of the ten activity breaks for 30 s, three times per day for 6 weeks. School and participant recruitment, attrition rates, percentage of outcome measures collected, and acceptability were used to explore the feasibility of the study. Mixed effects models were undertaken to examine intervention effects upon measures of PA, SB and attention. Results: Two hundred and thirty-nine consent forms were issued and 153 were returned (64%). Of the 153 consents, 146 children (95%) were measured at baseline, and 117 participated in the follow-up measures (80%) 6 weeks later suggesting the intervention was acceptable for the participants. From teacher interviews, it was noted that the intervention was feasible to implement, and teachers observed positive classroom behavior changes in children. Inclusion rates for outcome measures ranged from 49% to 66%. Significant, intervention effects were observed for sitting time (B = −27.19; 95%CI: −36.84, −17.17), standing time (B = 23.51; 95%CI 14.1, 32.45) and the number of sit to stand transitions (B = 16.1; 95%CI 4.7, 26.79). Conclusion: Findings suggest that it was feasible and acceptable to implement an active breaks intervention within the classroom setting. Future work should consider the effectiveness of implementing this intervention across a full academic year.
A feasibility study with process evaluation of a teacher led resource to improve measures of child health
(PLOS, 2019-07-02) Buchan, Duncan S.; Donnelly, Samantha; McLellan, Gillian; Gibson, Ann-Marie; Arthur, Rosie
Previous school-based interventions have produced positive effects upon measures of children’s health and wellbeing but such interventions are often delivered by external experts which result in short-term effects. Thus, upskilling and expanding the resources available to classroom teachers could provide longer-term solutions. This paper presents a feasibility study of an online health resource (Healthy Schools Resource: HSR) developed to assist primary school teachers in the delivery of health-related education. Four schools (n = 2 intervention) participated in this study. Study feasibility was assessed by recruitment, retention and completion rates of several outcomes including height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and several metabolic markers including HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and dietary knowledge following a 10-12-week intervention period. The process evaluation involved fidelity checks of teachers’ use of the HSR and post-intervention teacher interviews. A total of 614 consent forms were issued and 267 were returned (43%), of which, 201 confirmed consent for blood sampling (75%). Retention of children participating in the study was also high (96%). Of the 13 teachers who delivered the intervention to the children, four teachers were excluded from further analyses as they did not participate in the fidelity checks. Overall, teachers found the online resource facilitative of teaching health and wellbeing and several recommendations regarding the resource were provided to inform further evaluations. Recruitment and retention rates suggest that the teacher led intervention is feasible and acceptable to both teachers, parents and children. Initial findings provide promising evidence that given a greater sample size, a longer intervention exposure period and changes made to the resource, teachers’ use of HSR could enhance measures of health and wellbeing in children.
Haste makes waste, but not for all: The speed-accuracy trade-off does not apply to neurotics
(Elsevier, 2013-08-14) Bell, James J.; Mawn, Lauren; Arthur, Rosie
Objectives To examine if neurotics are the exception to the speed-accuracy rule and in fact are more accurate when making faster decisions. Design The study employed a laboratory-based, cross-sectional design. Method One hundred and ninety-six elite young cricketers completed measures of neuroticism before performing a cricket-specific computer-based decision-making task. Results Neuroticism significantly moderated the relationship between decision-making time and decision-making accuracy such that decreases in response time were associated with improvements in decision-making accuracy for individuals with high levels of neuroticism. Conversely, decreases in response time were associated with decrements in accuracy for individuals with low levels of neuroticism. Conclusions The study presents the first data that confirm that speed accuracy trade-offs do not occur across all individuals; individuals with high levels of neuroticism benefit from making faster decisions.
The Homeless World Cup through storytelling: the narratives of Street Soccer players from Scotland and the USA
(Elsevier, 2023-10-16) Donnelly, Jordan A.; Whitley, Meredith A.; Cowan, Daryl T.; McLaughlin, Sara; Arthur, Rosie
Objectives: The purpose of this paper was to explore: (a) What stories do the Street Soccer players draw upon to construct meaning around their experiences of trauma, social exclusion, and homelessness? and (b) What stories are linked to the subjective sport programming experience and resulting future orientations? Design: A longitudinal narrative approach was adopted with semi-structured interviews conducted with players from Scotland and the United States (n = 16, 7 female, 9 male, M age = 27.5) across three time points. Interviews were also conducted with significant others (n = 13) at time point three. All data were analyzed using thematic narrative analysis and represented in creative non-fiction approaches through three composite narratives. Results: These narratives depicted visceral accounts of complex and developmental trauma, along with consequential experiences that unfolded before, during, and after the Homeless World Cup. While both preparing for and attending the event, players recalled concurrent feelings of anxiety and pride which manifested in various resilient and maladaptive coping behaviors. As the stories progressed, players battled a post event crash by engaging in support seeking and/or self-destructive behaviors before positive implications of the Homeless World Cup materialized. Conclusions: Through creative narrative approaches, this study presents novel and engaging accounts of players’ experiences before, during, and after the event. We also identify potential safeguarding concerns that can be addressed through trauma-informed practices.
The indirect effects of transformational leadership in soccer programmes for socio-economically disadvantaged individuals: Need satisfaction as a mechanism towards personal development.
(SAGE Publications, 2023-03-02) Donnelly, Jordan; Arthur, Rosie; Arthur, Calum; Cowan, Daryl
Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to examine the direct and indirect effects of coach transformational leadership (TL) on the current lives of socio-economically disadvantaged individuals within a sport-based education programme. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: 159 participants completed questionnaires on the perceptions of their lead coaches’ TL, perceived basic need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, relatedness) in relation to programme attendance, and feelings of resilience and life-satisfaction in their current life. Results: PROCESS analysis revealed that all differentiated TL behaviours (but high-performance expectations) had a positive indirect effect on outcomes (resilience and life-satisfaction) via competence and a negative indirect effect on outcomes via relatedness. High-performance expectations demonstrated a direct effect on life satisfaction. Conclusion: The results demonstrate how distinct coach transformational behaviours impact differently on the lives of disadvantaged individuals within a sports-based education programme. The differentiated conceptualisation of TL revealed nuanced results, furthering our understanding of how each TL interacts with the three basic psychological needs. Finally, our results demonstrate the significance competence may hold in transferring the effect of different transformational behaviours onto the everyday lives of disadvantaged individuals.
An insight into parent Involvement in Scottish Primary School Health Education activities
(International Society for Physical Activity and Health, 2018-10) Donnelly, Samantha; Buchan, Duncan; Gibson, Ann-Marie; Arthur, Rosie
Introduction: Childhood overweight and obesity is prevalent worldwide with Scottish children amongst the least active in the world. School-based physical activity interventions involving parents have found success, however limited research exists regarding the best methods to involve parents in these interventions. Socioeconomic status has been found to mediate parent involvement. Therefore, the aim of this study was to interview parents from a low socioeconomic status (SES) to gains insights into their involvement in school-based health activities. Methods: Parents (n = 132) were recruited from five schools. Parents (n = 24) were identified based on the following criteria; being the mother of the child, from a Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation decile 1 or 2 and scoring low on the Family Involvement Questionnaire- Elementary. Parents (n = 16) agreed to be interviewed. An inductive approach to hierarchical analysis was employed. Results: From the transcripts, 130 first-, 16 second-, and 6 third-order themes emerged. Whilst the influence of children and family can encourage parents to be involved in school-based activities, there are several barriers which result in them being less-involved. The importance of home-school relationships, and the efforts parents and schools play in encouraging parent involvement was evident. Discussion: It is clear that parents of low SES are less-involved in school-based activities. Barriers to their involvement include lack of confidence and additional responsibilities. Our findings indicate that many of these barriers can be overcome based on the recommendations within this study which can help inform future school-based interventions.
An insight into the involvement of mothers of low socioeconomic status in Scottish primary school health education activities
(SAGE, 2019-08-28) Donnelly, Samantha; Buchan, Duncan S.; Gibson, Ann-Marie; McLellan, Gillian; Arthur, Rosie
School-based health activities that involve parents are more likely to be effective for child health and well-being than activities without a parent component. However, such school-based interventions tend to recruit the most motivated parents, and limited evidence exists surrounding the involvement of hard-to-reach parents with low socioeconomic status (SES). Mothers remain responsible for the majority of family care; therefore, this study investigated mothers with low SES to establish the reasons and barriers to their involvement in school-based health activities and to propose strategies to increase their involvement in those activities. Interviews were conducted with mothers with low SES, who were typically not involved in school-based health activities (n = 16). An inductive–deductive approach to hierarchical analysis revealed that there are several barriers resulting in mothers being less involved, particularly due to issues surrounding the schools’ Parent Councils and the exclusivity of school-based events. Efforts made by the school to promote health activities and involve parents in such activities were revealed, alongside recommendations to improve on these practices. The findings offer multiple ways in which future school-based health interventions can recruit and involve mothers with low SES.
Interval running with self-selected recovery: Physiology, performance, and perception
(Routledge, 2018-05-29) McEwan, Gary; Arthur, Rosie; Phillips, Shaun M.; Gibson, Neil V.; Easton, Chris
This study (1) compared the physiological responses and performance during a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session incorporating externally regulated (ER) and self-selected (SS) recovery periods and (2) examined the psychophysiological cues underpinning SS recovery durations. Following an incremental maximal exercise test to determine maximal aerobic speed (MAS), 14 recreationally active males completed 2 HIIT sessions on a non-motorised treadmill. Participants performed 12 × 30 s running intervals at a target intensity of 105% MAS interspersed with 30 s (ER) or SS recovery periods. During SS, participants were instructed to provide themselves with sufficient recovery to complete all 12 efforts at the required intensity. A semi-structured interview was undertaken following the completion of SS. Mean recovery duration was longer during SS (51 ± 15 s) compared to ER (30 ± 0 s; p < .001; d = 1.46 ± 0.46). Between-interval heart rate recovery was higher (SS: 19 ± 9 b min−1; ER: 8 ± 5 b min−1; p < .001; d = 1.43 ± 0.43) and absolute time ≥90% maximal heart rate (HRmax) was lower (SS: 335 ± 193 s; ER: 433 ± 147 s; p = .075; d = 0.52 ± 0.39) during SS compared to ER. Relative time ≥105% MAS was greater during SS (90 ± 6%) compared to ER (74 ± 20%; p < .01; d = 0.87 ± 0.40). Different sources of afferent information underpinned decision-making during SS. The extended durations of recovery during SS resulted in a reduced time ≥90% HRmax but enhanced time ≥105% MAS, compared with ER exercise. Differences in the afferent cue utilisation of participants likely explain the large levels of inter-individual variability observed.
Prior knowledge of the grading criteria increases Functional Movement Screen scores in youth soccer players
(National Strength and Conditioning Association, 2018-07-17) Bryson, Anthony; Arthur, Rosie; Easton, Chris
We sought to determine whether familiarity with the grading criteria of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) impacted the outcome score in elite youth soccer players. Thirty-two trained male youth soccer players (aged 17 ± 1 years) participated in a randomized control trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to evenly sized control and experimental groups, who each completed the FMS on 2 separate occasions. Subjects in the experimental group were provided the FMS grading criteria between their first and second screens. Time-synchronized video footage was used to grade the FMS using standardized criteria. Structured interviews were then conducted with selected subjects (n = 4) in the experimental group to establish athletes' perception of the FMS. The experimental group had a large increase in overall FMS score from the first to the second screen in comparison with the control group (Δ2.0 ± 1.0, p < 0.001, d = 1.3). Scores for the deep squat, hurdle step, and rotary stability tests components of the FMS all increased in the experimental group in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Thematic analysis of the interview data suggested that the subjects in the experimental group improved their understanding between good and poor technique during the FMS. These findings support the notion that FMS scores are influenced by awareness of the grading criteria. As a consequence, the FMS may not be suitable for objectively predicting injury in youth soccer players.
Psychological skills and “the Paras”: The indirect effects of psychological skills on endurance
(Routledge, 2017-04-13) Arthur, Rosie; Fitzwater, James; Roberts, Ross; Hardy, James; Arthur, Calum Alexander
We examined the indirect effects of basic psychological skills (PS) on military endurance through enhanced advanced PS while controlling for fitness. British Army recruits (n = 159) participated in three endurance events for Parachute Regiment selection and completed an adapted Test of Performance Strategies questionnaire (Hardy et al., 2010). Following confirmatory factor analyses, the multiple mediation regression analyses using PROCESS (Hayes, 2013) suggested that goal setting, imagery and relaxation all had positive indirect effects on endurance via activation, with goal setting also impacting on endurance via negative thinking. These data provide some support for basic PS influencing endurance via advanced PS.