Dr. Kelly Price analyzes key research confirming that elite female athletes including pro tour golfers are still judged on their physical attractiveness and social behaviors.

Thesis advisor: Henry Braun / Informed by Astin's Input-Environment-Outcome (I-E-O) model and Pascarella's general model, this study explored the nature of student-athletes' engagement in educationally purposeful activities, described their engagement patterns, and revealed the relationships between student engagement factors and college outcomes by class and gender for 2596 student-athletes from 30 Division-I institutions. This research demonstrated that the NSEE Five Benchmarks constructed for the general population did not fit student-athletes. Therefore, engagement factors for student-athletes were constructed based on a subset of component items from the Five Benchmarks. Hierarchical Linear Models (HLM) were then applied to National Survey for Student Engagement (NSSE) 2006 and the aggregated school level data from the NCAA. The research results reveal that the association patterns between engagement factors and college outcome variables Satisfaction (SA), General Education and Personal Competence (GEPC), and Personal and Social Development (PSD) across all class and gender subgroups are very similar, but differ from those for GPA. This research concludes that engagement in educationally purposeful activities is the best predictor for student-athletes' college outcomes (except GPA). The analyses also reveal that what students do on campus contributes more to their college outcomes than who they were at matriculation and which school they attend. In particular, for all outcomes, the fraction of the total variance due to between-school differences was very small and the relationships between the coefficients of school-level equations and school-level characteristics were inconsistent. The results of this study, along with other related studies, can help colleges devise strategies to better fulfill their primary obligation to create genuine educational opportunities for their student-athletes through fostering their holistic development. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2013. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Educational Research, Measurement and Evaluation.

This investigation was designed to determine if attitudinal differences toward involvement of females in athletic competitions existed between males when age, education, and sport backgrounds were considered. Subjects were 186 male employees of Air Products and Chemicals, Incorporated and the City of De Soto, Texas, and students at North Texas State University. A fifty-one item attitude inventory developed by the investigator was the instrument utilized in the study. Data were analyzed by a three-way analysis of variance. Conclusions of the study were that males of various ages, educational levels, and sport backgrounds do not differ in their attitudes and possess favorable opinions toward female sport participation, Males with nonactive sport backgrounds were more favorable than males with active-semiactive backgrounds when spectators at female sport events.

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / Athletes are striving to achieve an edge over their opponents. Instead of focusing on dietary practices to enhance their performance, athletes often resort to supplements. Creatine is one of the most common supplements used by athletes. Inconsistencies exist in the literature regarding recommended dosage, benefits, and short and long-term health consequences of creatine supplementation. In addition, athletes are bombarded with inaccurate information concerning proper nutritional practices. Athletic trainers are educated in nutrition and are expected to play a role in educating athletes regarding their dietary habits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the methods athletic trainers use to educate athletes in nutrition, to determine what methods they believe are most effective, and to reveal athletic trainers' attitudes and beliefs regarding creatine supplementation. The subjects consisted of athletic trainers from 52 out of 118 colleges and universities in New England for a 44% institutional return rate. Eighty-one athletic trainers participated in the study. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected through a survey and interviews. Athletic directors provided additional information to corroborate athletic trainers' responses. Athletic directors from 66 schools out of 118 in New England responded to a questionnaire for a 56% return rate. Findings indicate athletic trainers believe they are responsible for nutrition education and they have the ability to influence athletes. The most used educational methods identified were individual meetings, handouts, and team meetings. Athletic trainers rated individual meetings, guest speakers, and lectures by the athletic training staff as the most effective educational strategies. Findings suggest educational efforts are minimal and inconsistent within and between institutions. Athletic trainers believe they are ineffective and inadequate in educating athletes. The primary reasons cited for their ineffectiveness are "time" and "lack of staff." Other major findings indicate athletic trainers do not support the use of creatine by athletes and are in support of the NCAA ban on creatine distribution by member institutions. Qualitative analysis exposed a number of issues surrounding creatine supplement use by athletes and the NCAA ban on creatine distribution. / 2031-01-01

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar o construto da tarefa de múltiplas acelerações a partir de parâmetros biomecânicos de saltos verticais. 19 jogadoras da seleção brasileira adulta de basquetebol feminino realizaram o teste de múltiplas acelerações (teste T), salto vertical com contramovimento (SV) e salto vertical com contramovimento precedido de corrida (SVcorrida). Os parâmetros biomecânicos do SV foram, tempo de fase concêntrica (Tcon), pico de força de propulsão (PFP), tempo decorrido entre início da fase concêntrica e o pico de força de propulsão (TPFP), taxa de desenvolvimento de força (TDF) e impulso (I); para SVcorrida, velocidade média de aproximação (Velmédia), tempo total do movimento (Ttotal), pico de força passiva (PFPa), tempo decorrido entre início da fase de apoio e pico de força passiva (TPFPa), pico de força de propulsão (PFP), tempo decorrido entre início da fase de apoio e pico de força de propulsão (TPFPp), Load Rate (LR) e taxa de desenvolvimento de força (TDF). Para análise dos dados, inicialmente, recorreu-se a análise de componentes principais, revelando que 61,3% da variância total do SV foi explicada pelo componente predominantemente temporal (Tcon, TPFP e PFP) e 20,7% pelo componente predominantemente cinético (I e TDF); para SVcorrida, 58,7% da variância total foi explicada pelo componente predominantemente temporal (Ttotal, TPFPa, TPFPp, LR e TDF), 15,4% pelo componente predominantemente cinético (PFPa e PFP) e 12,8% pelo componente velocidade (Velmédia). Adicionalmente, foram reveladas correlações significantes de 0,55 (Tcon), -0,54 (Velmédia) e -0,49 (PFP) com o teste T, evidenciando um construto determinado pela capacidade de se gerar elevada força na fase concêntrica, reduzir o tempo de fase concêntrica e se aproximar do ponto de mudança de direção com elevada velocidade. / The main aim of the study was to investigate the multiple-acceleration task construct from vertical jumps biomechanics parameters. Nineteen female basketball players from Brazilian national team performed the multiple-acceleration test (T test), countermovement jump (VJ) and countermovement jump preceded by run (VJr). The VJ biomechanics parameters observed were: concentric phase duration (CPD), propulsion peak force (PPF), time to reach propulsion peak force (TPPF), rate of force development (RFD) and impulse (I); for VJr the parameters were mean velocity (MV), movement total duration (MTD), passive peak force (PaPF), time to reach passive peak force (TPaPF), propulsion peak force (PPF), time to reach propulsion peak force (TPpPF), load rate (LR) and rate of force development (RFD). Data were first analyzed by principal component analysis. The results showed that 61.3% of VJ variance could be explained by time factor (CPD, TPPF and PPF), and 20.7% by kinetic factor (I and RFD). To VJr, 58.7% of total variance could be explained by time factor (MTD, TPaPF, TPpPF, LR, RFD) and 15.4% by kinetic factor (PPF and PaPF) and 12.8% by velocity factor (MV). Furthermore, significant correlations were found between T test with CPD, MV and PPF (0.55, -0.54 and -0.49, respectively), revealing a T test construct related to the ability of generating high level of force in concentric phase, diminishing time of concentric phase, and to reach the change direction point with greatest possible speed.

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O objetivo geral deste estudo é testar e discutir as correlações (intensidade, sinal, e significância) intra e interdimensões de dois inventários: Inventário de Motivação à Prática Regular de Atividades Físicas e Esportivas (IMPRAFE-126) e o Inventário de Autodeterminação para Praticantes Regulares de Atividades Físicas e Esportivas (IAPAFE-25). O IMPRAFE-126 avalia seis dimensões motivacionais à prática regular de atividade física e esportiva (Controle de Estresse, Saúde, Sociabilidade, Competitividade, Estética e Prazer); enquanto que o IAPAFE-25 avalia cinco níveis de autodeterminação propostos pela Teoria da Autodeterminação: Motivação Intrínseca, Regulação Identificada, Regulação Introjetada, Regulação Externa, e Amotivação. Tais correlações permitirão detectar em que níveis de autoregulação o IMPRAFE-126 mede as seis dimensões motivacionais, considerando os cinco níveis de autodeterminação avaliados pelo IAPAFE-25. Para responder adequadamente ao objetivo geral foi necessário examinar as intensidades, sinais e níveis de significância das seguintes correlações: (a) as seis dimensões motivacionais com as cinco dimensões de autodeterminação; (b) os itens do IMPRAFE-126 com as cinco dimensões de autodeterminação. Através dessas análises pretende-se apresentar algumas orientações para a condução das atividades de treino. Para tanto, o estudo contou com a participação de uma amostra de 62 atletas de Ginástica Rítmica (GR) do sexo feminino com idades de 13 a 16 anos, participantes de campeonatos estaduais e escolares no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados das correlações intradimensões do IMPRAFE-126 indicaram que o “Prazer” é a dimensão que melhor representa o perfil motivacional das atletas avaliadas, correlacionando-se de maneira significativa com as outras cinco dimensões motivacionais do IMPRAFE-126. Cabe salientar que a “Competitividade” também se destaca enquanto uma dimensão motivacional relevante, quando associada às dimensões “Controle de Estresse”, “Saúde” e “Sociabilidade”. Quanto às correlações intradimensões do IAPAFE-25, constatou-se que os maiores índices correlacionais ocorreram nos estilos mais internos de motivação, caracterizando um comportamento mais autônomo destas atletas. Com relação aos objetivos específicos, os resultados foram os seguintes: (a) nas correlações interdimensões dos inventários IMPRAFE-126 e IAPAFE-25, os maiores índices ocorreram nos estilos mais internos de motivação, caracterizando um comportamento autodeterminado das atletas; (b) nas correlações entre os itens do IMPRAFE-126 e as dimensões do IAPAFE-25, foi possível constatar que as correlações significativas ocorreram nos estilos mais internos de motivação. Esses resultados indicam que é preciso orientar a prática regular da GR no sentido de fortalecer a Motivação Intrínseca e proporcionar prazer ao praticante. Sugere-se que estudos dessa natureza sejam realizados com atletas de outras modalidades esportivas, visando aprofundar o conhecimento sobre essa temática. / The general objective of this study is to test and discuss the correlations (intensity, sign and significance) intra and interdimensions of two inventories: “Inventário de Motivação à Prática Regular de Atividades Físicas e Esportivas” (IMPRAFE-126) and “Inventário de Autodeterminação para Praticantes Regulares de Atividades Físicas e Esportivas” (IAPAFE-25). The IMPRAFE-126 assesses six motivational dimensions to the regular practice of physical activity and sport (Stress’ Control, Health, Sociability, Competitiveness, Aesthetic and Pleasure), while the IAPAFE-25 assesses five levels of self-determination proposed by the Self- Determination Theory: Intrinsic Motivation, Identified Regulation, Introjected Regulation, External Regulation, and Amotivation. Carrying out such correlations will allow detecting in what levels of self-regulation the IMPRAFE-126 measures the six motivational dimensions, considering the five levels of self-determination assessed by the IAPAFE-25. In order to adequately answer the general objective of this study it was necessary to examine the intensities, signs and levels of significance of the following correlations: (a) the six motivational dimensions in relation to the five selfdetermination dimensions; (b) the items of the IMPRAFE-126 in relation to the five self-determination dimensions. Throughout these analyses we also intent to present some guidelines for conducting physical activity and sport training sessions. The sample was composed of 62 female athletes of Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG) with age from 13 to 16 years who participate in Rio Grande do Sul State and school championships. The results of the intradimensions of the IMPRAFE-126 indicated that “Pleasure” is the dimension that better represents the motivational profile of the athletes that participate in the study, correlating in a significant manner with the other five motivational dimensions of the IMPRAFE-126. “Competitiveness” is also a relevant motivational dimension when associated to the dimensions of “Stress’ Control”, “Health” and “Sociability”. In respect to the intradimensions’ correlation of the IAPAFE-25, the highest indices occurred in the more internal forms of motivation. This characterizes a more autonomous behavior of these athletes. In relation to the specific objectives, the results were the following: (a) in the interdimensions’ correlation of the IMPRAFE-126 and IAPAFE-25, the highest indices occurred in the more internal forms of motivation, characterizing a self-determined behavior of the athletes; (b) in the correlations between the items of the IMPRAFE-126 and the dimensions of the IAPAFE-25, the significant correlations occurred in the more internal forms of motivation. These results indicated that it is necessary to orient the regular practice of RG in a way to strength the Intrinsic Motivation and must give pleasure to the athletes. For a better understanding of the matter, it is necessary to carry out new studies including other sports.

Introduction (Context): The purpose of this study was to measure and correlate pectoralis minor length (PML) and acromiohumeral distance (AHD) in male and female collegiate swimmers, overhead athletes, and a control group. Methods: Participants underwent assessment of pain related to impingement syndrome with special tests (painful arc, external rotation resistance, empty can, and Neer's impingement test), as well as range of motion, measurement of PML, and measurement of subacromial space via ultrasound. Design: Cross-sectional, correlational study. Setting: University modalities laboratory. Participants: 60 healthy subjects (20 swimmers, 20 overhead athletes, 20 controls, age = 21.5 ± 2.4 years; height = 178.7 ± 10.2 cm; weight = 76.9 ± 13.4 kg; BMI = 24 ± 3.4) with 20 subjects in each of the 3 experimental groups: swimmers, overhead athletes, and control. Results: Height-normalized PML for both the dominant and nondominant arms was positively and weakly correlated with AHD at 0° (r = .361; p = .002; (r = .277; p = .016) respectively. Differences were shown between groups in AHD at 0° but no differences were shown in PML. Conclusions: There was a weak positive relationship between height-normalized PML and AHD at 0° both in dominant and nondominant shoulders. Swimmers and overhead athletes were observed to have more AHD than controls.

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