Sports play an important role in the culture of the United States as does language, so the choice to use non-Standard dialects in a nation that privileges the Standard and negatively judges dialectical differences, especially those spoken by mostly people of color, is not undertaken lightly. Because of this privileging of Standard American English, it is assumed that only professional African American athletes are allowed to keep their native dialect if it is African American English (AAE) and still be successful. However, this is complicated by the historical and present increased criticisms women face in both sport and language. To investigate this claim, a quantitative analysis of post-game interviews of five men and five women in the National Basketball Association and Women’s National Basketball Association, respectively, was conducted. The athletes were analyzed to see if they used dental stopping and be-leveling, two features of AAE. Four additional features of AAE were also investigated on an exploratory basis. Inter-gender variance was found among both genders. Across genders, women used the features of AAE studied an average of 30.6 percent less than men, demonstrating a clear gender difference in the usage of AAE. The results of this study illustrate disparities in women and men’s language use that could be a consequence of the inherent and historical sexism women must face in the realms of both sport and language.

This study investigated whether or not a relationship exists between ventilation and oxygen uptake at 40% and 85% of V02 peak intensity in 30 upper body fit and 30 unfit 18- 35-year-old women. The correlations between ventilation and oxygen uptake at 40% of peak intensity for the fit group (r = -.51) and the unfit group (r = -.48) were modestly negative. At 85% intensity the relationship between ventilation and oxygen uptake in the two groups was -.44 and -.66, respectively. The lower correlations between ventilation and oxygen uptake observed at the 85% level of peak intensity among the unfit group could be due to a lower ventilatory threshold (66% = fit; 49% = unfit), lesser local muscle changes, along with reduced lactate and C02 management; all of which would be improved with training.

The relationship between the body, food and exercise is complex and remains poorly understood within the athletic population. Much of what is currently known stems from disordered eating literature grounded in objectivist perspectives. While this literature has been fruitful, it has limited our understanding of athletes' eating and body experiences as they have primarily been conceptualized through an objectivist lens as pathological and/or linked to individual psychological deficiencies (e.g., low self-esteem, body image distortion). In turn, the ways in which food and exercise are negotiated and experienced by athletes in the context of taken-for-granted social, cultural and gendered discourses had not yet been explored. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to use an alternative theoretical perspective (i.e., feminist psychology) to look beyond the traditional objectivist notion of `disordered eating' and explore the complex relationship between the body, food and exercise in athletes (i.e., male and female distance runners), including the underlying meanings surrounding the athletic body and the role of gender and power in the social construction of their body experiences. A narrative approach drawing from Sparkes & Smith (2008), Smith & Sparkes (2008, 2010), and Riessman (1993, 2008) was used to accomplish this research goal. As such, participants were asked to tell stories about their body experiences, in relation to both eating and exercising, over the course of two separate individual interviews, as well as to create a visual representation/story of their running experience. These stories stood as the backdrop through which meanings were sought, as they provided a window into larger social, cultural and historical narratives as well as the process of individual meaning-making around the body, food and exercise (Riessman, 1993, 2008; Smith & Sparkes, 2010). A total of nine recreational distance runners (5 males, 4 females) and three elite (i.e., collegiate or post-collegiate) distance runners (1 male, 2 females) participated in the study. Together, these 12 runners produced a sum of 23 narrative interviews and 11 visual narratives, all of which underwent a combined thematic, dialogic/performance and visual analysis. The results of this thorough analysis indicated that the runners' stories were primarily situated in broader self-identity narratives and further demarcated by one of two opposing running narratives that shifted the meanings around the body, food and exercise in complex ways. Furthermore, their stories, along with the construction of meanings around the body, food and exercise, were found to be situated and negotiated within gendered narratives of the self. The ways in which the runners drew upon these narratives, and formed meanings within them, directly impacted their thoughts, emotions and behaviors around their bodies, food and exercise in both empowering (i.e., positive and healthy) and/or disempowering ways. As such, this study highlighted the complexity of the body, food and exercise relationship in distance runners and demonstrated how athletes' eating and exercising practices are socially and culturally formed through the narratives made available to them.

Research has shown that elite female athletes competing in competitive sports may experience weight consciousness and face demands to conform to unrealistic standards of body weight. The purpose of this research was to investigate body image and dieting behaviours in adolescent female athletes and non-athletes. A self-reporting questionnaire was administered to 60 athletes aged between 13-16 years derived from eight different sporting populations, and a control group consisting of 60 non-athletes or inactive individuals aged between 13-16 years. Two major areas relating to weight and eating behaviours were examined: disordered eating and distorted body image. Other variables under investigation included current attempts at weight loss, level of acceptance of thin female stereotypes promoted by the media, reasons for dieting, and perception of one’s own body image. Results indicated that the majority of the athletes displayed a positive body image and were generally happy with their overall body shape. This group was less likely to employ weight loss behaviours. However, the non-athletes were more likely to display distorted body image and distorted eating behaviours. Consistent with the cultural expectations of thinness, large proportions of the non-athletes wished to lose weight, even though their actual weight (i.e. Body Mass Index) was normal or underweight. Weight concerns in the non-athlete group related more to attaining a media driven “ideal” of femininity. The weight concerns recorded amongst a small number of athletes were related more to improving sporting performance. Although no clinically diagnosed cases of eating disorders were recorded, eating behaviours, weight reduction practices and body image beliefs indicated that the adolescent female non-athletes may be at risk of developing disordered eating and body image problems.

Studies indicate a high level of risk taking behavior among student-athletes in the college setting. There are questions as to whether risk-taking behaviors stem from the unique social and academic environment experienced by intercollegiate athletes, or due to other factors such as sensation seeking or other personality traits, perceived norms, peer influence or an amplification of the common college experience of experimentation. However, most research has focused on student-athletes from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This study examined (1) health risk taking behaviors, (2) sensation seeking and (3) perceived norms among gender and sport-type (contact or non-contact) in a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) population. Participants (N=63) completed a 78-item questionnaire and reported on risk-taking behaviors (alcohol, marijuana, gambling and sexual risks, for a 12 month period), sensation seeking and perceived norms. Findings from this research indicate that non-contact athletes are more likely than contact athletes to use alcohol during the season of competition. Male and female athletes showed not significant differences in alcohol use, marijuana use and sexual risk behaviors, they did however, have significant differences in gambling behavior. High sensation seekers show strong, positive correlations with alcohol frequency and quantity during the off-season. Perceptions of others (athletes/teammates and general college population) health risk-taking behaviors are higher than their own behaviors. Additional research is needed in many of these domains to further elucidate the relationships and significance of these findings. / text

Tyrimo tikslas – įvertinti įvairių sporto šakų sportininkų psichomotorinių reakcijų ir pusiausvyros ypatumus. Tyrimo uždaviniai: Įvertinti sportuojančiųjų įvairias sporto šakas (shotokan karatė, krepšinis, kultūrizmas) asmenų psichomotorines reakcijas; įvertinti sportuojančiųjų įvairias sporto šakas (shotokan karatė, krepšinis, kultūrizmas) asmenų pusiausvyrą; įvertinti nesportuojančiųjų asmenų psichomotorines reakcijas; įvertinti nesportuojančiųjų asmenų pusiausvyrą. Darbo metodai: Buvo matuojamas tiriamųjų psichomotorinės reakcijos greitis į skirtingos šviesos dirgiklius (dešine, kaire ranka ir abiem rankom kartu, atsirenkant dirgiklio spalvą) bei garso dirgiklį. Centrinės nervų sistemos paslankumas nustatytas Tepingo testu. Šie tyrimai atlikti naudojant kompiuterinę įrangą ir reakciometrą. Pusiausvyra testuota naudojant Flamingo pusiausvyros testą bei stovėjimo ant vienos kojos užsimerkus testą. Duomenų analizei naudotas loginės analizės metodas. Išvados: Shotokan karatė sportininkai ir krepšininkai turi geresnį psichomotorinės reakcijos greitį nei kultūristai, tačiau duomenys nėra statistiškai patikimi (p > 0,05). Shotokan karatė sportininkai ir krepšininkai parodė geresnius pusiausvyros rezultatus nei kultūristai, tačiau duomenys nėra statistiškai patikimi (p > 0,05). Nesportuojantieji asmenys turi blogesnį psichomotorinės reakcijos greitį nei sportuojantieji, tačiau duomenys nėra statistiškai patikimi (p >0,05). Nesportuojantieji asmenys turi statistiškai patikimai (p <... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Objective of the work – to investigate the singularities of various athletes psychomotor reactions and balance. Tasks of the work – to investigate the psychomotor reactions of various athletes (shotokan karate, basketball and body-building); to assess the balance of various athletes (shotokan karate, basketball and body-building); to investigate the psychomotor reactions of non-athletes; to asses the balance of non-athletes. Methods: The speed psychomotor reactions to different light (for left, right and both hands together) and sound stimulus were measured. The mobility of Central Nerve System was assessed by Teping test. These measurements were made by using a computer and a reactiometer. The balance was tested by Flaming balance test and „Standing on one leg with closed eyes“ test. The data were analyzed using logical analysis. Logical analysis was used for data evaluation. Conclusions: Men practicing shotokan karate and basketball have higher psychomotor reaction speed than body-builders, but results are not statistically reliable (p > 0.05). Their results in balance tests were also better than the body-builders ones, but they are also not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Non-athletes have lower psychomotor reaction speed than men doing sports, but this data is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Data, that is statistically reliable (p < 0.05), shows that non-athletes have worse balance than sportsmen. Psychomotor reaction speed and balance has a statistically... [to full text]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether team and individual, male and female athletes, have different potentials for burnout, and to examine if these populations use different coping strategies. / One-hundred and sixteen male, and 57 female varsity and elite judo athletes completed the EABI and COPE inventories and a personal background form. T-tests confirmed individual sport athletes to be more prone to burnout than team sport athletes, high level athletes more prone to burnout than those at lower competitive levels and emotional social support as a coping strategy more prevalent among team than individual sport athletes. No differences were found between males and females in proneness to burnout or means of coping. The length of sport involvement was not found related to proneness to burnout. The importance of sport in athletes' lives gave mixed results when related to burnout. / These results, while confirming some earlier findings suggest also the need for further study.

The purpose of this experimental pilot study was to examine the relationship of nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, and nutrition behavior of collegiate men and women athletes at a Midwestern University (Ball State University) in Indiana. Other variables examined included demographic information. To evaluate and improve the nutrition knowledge and dietary practices among men and women Division I athletes, a series of four nutrition education classes was designed to increase nutrition knowledge and bring awareness of the specific nutritional concerns facing athletes. Subjects consisted of eighteen collegiate men and women swimmers at Ball State University in Indiana. Results indicated a four point increase (p≤0.001) in knowledge between pre and post nutrition education from 22.5 to 26.8 correct points out of 31 questions in both men and women subjects. A significant behavior change was seen in all eighteen athletes for five out of the six questions when pre and post nutrition education behavior change was measured. Nutrition education positively affected dietary habits among subjects when assessing protein and fat in men; and calcium and vegetable intake for both men and women. These specific findings suggest the effectiveness of nutrition education among collegiate athletes. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

There is no abstract available for this thesis. / School of Physical Education

Bakalauro darbe atlikta teorinė apžvalga apie trumparegystę, jos veiksnius, profilaktiką, pusiausvyros ir psichomotorinės reakcijos elementus. Darbe analizuojami ir lyginami sportuojančių ir nesportuojančių trumparegių, bei sportuojančių ir nesportuojančių gerai matančiųjų pusiausvyra, propriocepcija ir psichomotorinė reakcija. Suformuluotos dvi hipotezės: 1) Sportuojančių (lengvąją atletiką) trumparegių ir gerai matančių studentų pusiausvyros ir psichomotorinės reakcijos rodikliai bus geresni negu nesportuojančių trumparegių ir gerai matančių jaunuolių; 2) Trijų mėnesių trukmės stalo teniso treniruotės ir kineziterapija pagerins tiriamųjų psichomotorinę reakciją ir pusiausvyrą. Tyrimu buvo siekta įvertinti sportuojančių ir nesportuojančių trumparegių ir gerai matančių psichomotorinės reakcijos ir pusiausvyros rodiklius prieš 3 mėnesius ir po 3 mėnesių eksperimento. Tyrime dalyvavo – 20 (19-22 metų) tiriamųjų, iš jų 10 sportuojančių lengvąją atletiką (5 trumparegiai, 5 gerai matantys), 10 nesportuojančių studentų (5 trumparegiai, 5 gerai matantys). Buvo testuojama tiriamųjų statinė, dinaminė pusiausvyra, propriocepcija ir psichomotorinė reakcija. Po to eksperimentinėms grupėms buvo taikoma 3 mėnesių trukmės pusiausvyros pratimai ir stalo teniso treniruotės. Po 3 mėnesių buvo atliekamas pakartotinis testavimas. Tyrimo gautos išvados: 1. Regėjimas yra efektyvios pusiausvyros jutiklis, tad pusiausvyra žymiai pablogėja silpnėjant regėjimui. Dažniausiai atliekant kažkokią veiklą... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Bachelor work performed theoretical overview of the myopia, its factors, prevention, balance and psychomotor reaction. In this work is analyzing and comparing balance, proprioception and psychomotor reactions of myopic athletes and myopic non-athletes also good sighted athletes and non-athletes. Formulated two hypotheses: 1) myopic and good sighted students who are athletics balance and psychomotor reaction rates will be better than non–sport myopic and good sighted youngsters; 2) Three-month table tennis training and physiotherapy improve psychomotor reaction and equilibrium. The study was aimed at evaluating athletes and non-athletes myopic and goodseers psychomotor reaction and equilibrium indicators of 3 months before and 3 months after the experiment. Participated in the study - 20 (19-22 years) patients, 10 of them athletics (5 short sighted, 5 good sighted), 10 non-athletes (5 shortsighted, 5 good sighted). Has been tested static, dynamic balance, proprioception and psychomotor reaction. After that to experimental groups was applied a 3-month balance exercises and table tennis workout. After 3 months they have been a re-testing. The study conclusions : 1. Vision is an effective sensor of balance, and balance significantly get worse decreasing vision. Most often in some sort activity excite the visual and auditory receptors. Of course, the reaction to light stimuli is longer than the sound and sight impaired reaction time is increased even further. 2. Static and... [to full text]