Ineffective leadership that results from personality defects, ineffective core executive functions, and emotional decision making can lead to destructive actions and executive failures that affect organizational effectiveness. The purpose of this correlational study was to determine if athletic development personality factors correlate with decision making at the executive leadership level. The research questions focused on determining if there was a relationship between athletic development personality factors and decision making. Social exchange theory, social representations theory, and leadership theories comprised the theoretical framework. Participants included 124 executive decision-makers from the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, and Singapore who completed an online survey measuring self-assessed athletic development personality factors. The data analysis strategy using multiple regression showed that, while each variable was a positive significant predictor of personality factors, the regression approach eliminated redundant predictors from the 5 variable model. The resulting 3 variable model was significant; focus, ethicalness, and leadership found decision making scores to be higher for respondents with highest scores for focus personality (β = .43, p = .001) and ethicalness personality (β = .28, p = .001) and leadership personality (β = .21, p = .001) significantly contributed to the model. Organizational leaders might use the findings of this study on these key personality factors to enhance their knowledge and increase the relationship paths for positive social change by informing leadership development programs and executive training through educational strategies and best practices.

Objetivos: Descrever retrospectivamente uma série de casos de pacientes com miopatia necrosante imunomediada (MNIM), avaliando os efeitos de uma terapia de indução com metilprednisolona (MP) associada ou não à imunoglobulina humana intravenosa (IGIV) sobre a condição muscular tardia, vista por ressonância magnética muscular, e sobre parâmetros de atividade de doença. A seguir, avaliar prospectivamente os efeitos de um programa de treinamento físico combinado assistido nesta amostra sobre a segurança, condição clínica, capacidade aeróbia, força e função muscular. Métodos: Foram inicialmente avaliados em uma análise longitudinal 13 pacientes com MNIM (4 com autoanticorpos anti-hidroxi-metilglutaril coenzima A redutase e 9 com anti-partícula reconhecedora de sinal), no período de 2012 a 2018. Por protocolo institucional, estes pacientes foram tratados ao diagnóstico com um esquema de indução com pulsoterapias de MP associadas ou não à IGIV. Foram analisados os dados clínicos e laboratoriais para cálculo dos critérios de resposta do International Myositis Assessment & Clinical Study Group (IMACS) antes do tratamento e no final do segmento, bem como a ressonância magnética de coxa ao final do segmento, pela qual se quantificaram os níveis de atrofia, edema e lipossubstituição. Adicionalmente, em uma análise quasiexperimental, 8 pacientes da primeira amostra foram também submetidos a um programa de treinamento físico supervisionado combinando exercícios aeróbicos e resistidos, duas vezes por semanas, por 12 semanas. Finalmente, foram comparados, antes e após o programa de treinamento, os dados de: capacidade aeróbia, através do teste cardiopulmonar de esforço; força, através do teste de 1 repetição máxima (RM) no supino e no leg press; e função muscular, através do teste sit-to-stand (STS) e do teste timed up-and-go (TUG). Resultados: Na primeira amostra, composta por 9 mulheres e 4 homens, a idade média dos pacientes ao diagnóstico foi de 53,5 anos e o tempo médio de sintomas até o diagnóstico foi de 4 meses. Todos os pacientes receberam terapia com MP e/ou IGIV. Após uma média de 39 meses de seguimento, todos os parâmetros do IMACS melhoraram de uma forma significativa em relação aos parâmetros basais. Nove pacientes obtiveram resposta clínica completa e, entre eles, dois tiveram remissão completa. Onze pacientes interromperam o uso de glicocorticoides no final desta fase. Apenas 2 pacientes tiveram atrofia muscular ou lipossubstituição classificada como moderada à ressonância magnética, com o restante apresentando achados normais ou leves. Oito pacientes da amostra inicial continuaram o estudo e terminaram o protocolo de treinamento. Nenhuma ativação de doença, agravamento dos escores do IMACS ou eventos adversos foram observados durante todo o período de treinamento. Os pacientes também aumentaram a capacidade aeróbia (tempo para atingir o limiar anaeróbico e tempo para atingir a exaustão), força muscular (1 RM do supino) e função muscular (STS). Conclusão: Nesta série de casos, o tratamento precoce com pulsoterapias de MP e/ou IGIV com o objetivo de resposta clínica completa pode ter sido uma estratégia eficaz de tratamento para a MNIM, atuando sobre os parâmetros de atividade de doença e possivelmente sobre o dano muscular acumulado visto pela ressonância magnética. Ademais, o treinamento físico combinado supervisionado em pacientes MNIM se mostrou seguro e eficaz, promovendo aumento de capacidade aeróbia, força e função muscular / Objectives: To describe retrospectively a case series of patients with immunemediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), evaluating the effects of an induction therapy with methylprednisolone (MP) associated or not with intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG) on late muscle condition, as seen by muscle magnetic resonance imaging, and on parameters of disease activity. Next, to evaluate prospectively the effects of an assisted and combined physical training program in this sample regarding safety, clinical status, aerobic capacity, muscle strength and function. Methods: Thirteen patients with IMNM (4 patients with anti-hydroxymethyl- glutaryl coenzyme A reductase autoantibodies and 9 patients with antisignal- recognition particle) were initially evaluated in a longitudinal analysis, from 2012 to 2018. By institutional protocol, these patients were treated at diagnosis with an induction scheme with MP pulse therapies associated or not with IVIG. The clinical and laboratory data to calculate the response criteria of the International Myositis Assessment & Clinical Study Group (IMACS) before treatment and at the end of the segment, as well as the magnetic resonance imaging of the thigh at the end of the segment, in order to assess atrophy, edema and fat replacement, were quantified. Additionally, in a quasi-experimental analysis, eight patients of the first sample were also submitted to a supervised physical training program combining aerobic and resisted exercises, twice a week, for 12 weeks. Finally, before and after the training program, the following data were compared: aerobic capacity, through cardiopulmonary exercise test; strength, through the maximal repetition test (RM) in the bench press and in the leg press; and muscular function, through the sit-tostand test (STS) and the timed up-and-go (TUG) test. Results: In the first sample, composed of 9 women and 4 men, the mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 53.5 years and the mean duration of symptoms until the diagnosis was 4 months. All patients received MP and/or IVIG therapy. After an average of 39 months of follow-up, all IMACS parameters improved significantly over baseline parameters. Nine patients had complete clinical response and, among them, two had complete remission. Eleven patients discontinued the use of glucocorticoids at the end of this phase. Only 2 patients had muscle atrophy or fat replacement classified as moderate in magnetic resonance, with the remainder presenting normal or mild findings. Eight patients in the initial sample continued the study and completed the training protocol. No disease activation, worsening of IMACS scores or adverse events were observed throughout the training period. Patients also increased aerobic capacity (time to reach the anaerobic threshold and time to achieve exhaustion), muscle strength (1 RM of the bench press) and muscle function (STS). Conclusion: In this case series, early treatment with MP and/or IVIG pulse therapy with the objective of complete clinical response may have been an effective treatment strategy for IMNM, acting on the parameters of disease activity and possibly on the accumulated muscle damage seen by magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, the supervised combined physical training in IMNM patients was shown to be safe and effective, increasing aerobic capacity, strength and muscle function

<p>Die trainingswissenschaftliche Diagnostik in den Kernbereichen Training, Wettkampf und Leistungsfähigkeit ist durch einen hohen Praxisbezug, eine ausgeprägte strukturelle Komplexität und vielseitige Wechselwirkungen der sportwissenschaftlichen Teilgebiete geprägt. Diese Eigenschaften haben in der Vergangenheit dazu geführt, dass zentrale Fragestellungen, wie beispielsweise die Maximierung der sportlichen Leistungsfähigkeit, eine ökonomische Trainingsgestaltung, eine effektive Talentauswahl und -sichtung oder die Modellbildung noch nicht vollständig gelöst werden konnten. Neben den bereits vorhandenen linearen Lösungsansätzen werden in dieser Arbeit Methoden aus dem Bereich der Neuronalen Netzwerke eingesetzt. Diese nichtlinearen Diagnoseverfahren sind besonders geeignet für die Analyse von Prozessabläufen, wie sie beispielsweise im Training vorliegen.</p> <p>Im theoretischen Teil werden zunächst Gemeinsamkeiten, Abhängigkeiten und Unterschiede in den Bereichen Training, Wettkampf und Leistungsfähigkeit untersucht sowie die Brücke zwischen trainingswissenschaftlicher Diagnostik und nichtlinearen Verfahren über die Begriffe der Interdisziplinarität und Integrativität geschlagen. Angelehnt an die Theorie der Neuronalen Netze werden anschließend die Grundlagenmodelle Perzeptron, Multilayer-Perzeptron und Selbstorganisierende Karten theoretisch erläutert. Im empirischen Teil stehen dann die nichtlineare Analyse von personalen Anforderungsstrukturen, Zustände der sportlichen Form und die Prognose sportlichen Talents - allesamt bei jugendlichen Leistungsschwimmerinnen und -schwimmern - im Mittelpunkt. Die nichtlinearen Methoden werden dabei einerseits auf ihre wissenschaftliche Aussagekraft überprüft, andererseits untereinander sowie mit linearen Verfahren verglichen.</p> / <p>The diagnostic methods in training science concentrate on the core areas of training, competition, and performance. The methods commonly used are characterized by a high degree of practical applicability and distinct structural complexity. These characteristics have led to the question which scientific methods fit best for resolving problems like, for example, the optimization of athletic performance, efficient planning and monitoring of training processes, effective talent screening, selection and development, or the formation of analytical models. All these questions have not yet been answered sufficiently.</p> <p>Aside from the traditional mathematical approaches on the basis of the linear model, nonlinear methods in the field of neural networks are used in this dissertation. These nonlinear diagnostic methods are especially suitable for the analysis of coherent patterns in time series such as training processes.</p> <p>In the theoretical part of the dissertation, common aspects, mutual dependencies, and differences between training, competition, and performance are examined. In this context, a bridge is built between the diagnostic purposes in these fields and suitable nonlinear methods. Along the lines of the neural networks theory, the basic models Perceptron, Multilayer-Perceptron, and Self-Organizing Feature Maps are subsequently elucidated.</p> <p>In the empirical part of the thesis, three studies conducted with top level adolescent swimmers are presented that focus on the nonlinear analysis of personal athletic ability structures, different states of athletic shape, and the prognosis of athletic talent. The nonlinear methods are thus examined as to how worthwhile they are for analytical purposes in training science on the one hand, and they are compared to each other as well as to linear methods on the other hand.</p>

Die Ausprägung der Lateralität der Körperextremitäten steht in engem Zusammenhang mit der Hemisphärenspezialisierung des menschlichen Gehirns. Die Lateralität und die Dominanz einer Hemisphäre mit ihren Auswirkungen auf die Leistungsfähigkeit ist ein bislang unvollständig untersuchtes Phänomen im Sport. In der vorliegenden Arbeit soll daher die Bedeutung der Seitigkeitsausprägung im Rahmen sportlicher Bewegungsabläufe geprüft werden. Sowohl bei Messungen im "Freiwasser", als auch in der "Kanu–Gegenstromanlage" im Bereich des Kanurennsportes werden seit einigen Jahren sich in Qualität und Quantität unterscheidende Kraft–Zeit–Funktionen der linken und rechten Körperseite beobachtet, die zwar dokumentiert, aber bislang ungeprüft in ihrer Bedeutung als leistungsbeeinflussend angenommen werden.<br><br> Im Zeitraum von Oktober 1997 bis Oktober 2000 wurden 275 Kajakfahrer und Canadierfahrer im Alter zwischen 11 und 20 Jahren zweimal jährlich (März und Oktober) mit einem umfangreichen trainings- und bewegungswissenschaftlichen sowie biomechanischen Instrumentarium untersucht. Die Athleten gehören zum Nachwuchs- und Anschlusskader des LKV Brandenburg. Schwerpunkt der Fragestellung ist der Zusammenhang von auftretenden Kraftdifferenzen zwischen der linken und rechten oberen Extremität und sportartspezifischen Leistungen unter Laborbedingungen und Feldbedingungen. Es wurden objektive Daten zu ausgewählten Kraftfähigkeiten der oberen Arm–Beuge–Schlinge an einem Kraftdiagnosegerät, Kraftverläufe am Messpaddel während Leistungsüberprüfungen im "Kanu–Gegenstromkanal" und im "Freiwasser" über 250 m und 2.000 m im Jahresverlauf erhoben.<br><br> Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen Trend der im Altersverlauf ansteigenden Differenz der Mittelwertunterschiede in der Maximalkraft zwischen dem linken und rechten Arm. Bei bestehenden Maximalkraftdifferenzen zwischen linker und rechter oberer Extremität in der Längsschnittgruppe liegen die Leistungen mit dem rechten Arm deutlich über den Kraftleistungen des linken Arms und sind nicht zufällig. Mit steigendem Maximalkraftniveau nimmt überraschenderweise auch die Differenz der Maximalkraft zwischen der linken und rechten oberen Extremität trotz bilateralen Trainings zu. Die Ergebnisse der EMG–Analyse bestätigen, dass die Maximalkraft leistungsbestimmend für die Bootsleistungen ist. In den EMG–Signalverläufen werden die unterschiedlichen Belastungen der Labor– und Feldbedingungen mit individuellen Charakteristika nachgezeichnet. Deutlich unterscheiden sich die Kraftverläufe im "Freiwasser" gegenüber den Kraftverläufen in der "Kanu–Gegenstromanlage".<br><br> Bei der vorliegenden Untersuchung handelt es sich um eine erste empirische Arbeit zur Auswirkung von Seitigkeitsunterschieden in zyklischen Sportarten auf der Expertiseebene. In der Untersuchung wurden methodische Verfahren eingesetzt, die dem derzeitigen Forschungsstand in der Trainings- und Bewegungswissenschaft entsprechen. Neben varianzanalytischen Verfahren der Auswertung zur Darstellung von Mittelwertunterschieden und Zusammenhänge prüfenden Verfahren wurden ebenso explorative EMG–Analysen angewandt. Die Ergebnisse aus dem Längsschnitt belegen bei ausschließlich rechtshändigen Probanden, dass die Schlussfolgerung von bevorzugter Extremität auf ein höheres Kraftniveau nicht eineindeutig ist. Zwischen den oberen Extremitäten bei Kanurennsportlern bestehen nicht nur zufällige Kraftunterschiede, trotz des bilateralen Trainings. Kontrovers diskutiert wird die Beziehung von bevorzugter Extremität und der Höhe der Kraftentfaltung. Im Alltagsverständnis wird häufig angenommen, dass ein höheres Maximalkraftniveau in der Extremität vorliegen muss, die auch die bevorzugte (z.B. Schreibhand) ist (WIRTH & LIPHARDT, 1999). Diese Eindeutigkeit konnte in der durchgeführten Untersuchung nicht bestätigt werden. Wie die Ergebnisse dieser Untersuchung deutlich zeigen, nimmt mit der höheren Maximalkraft aber auch die Differenz der Kraftleistungen zwischen dem linken und rechten Arm bei bilateral ausgerichtetem Training zu. FISCHER (1988; 1992) wies nach, dass sich ein Training auf der subdominanten Seite in einem kontralateralen Leistungstransfer auf der dominanten Seite positiv auswirkte. Erkenntnisse von KUHN (1986) und HOLLMANN & HETTINGER (2000) unterstützen nachhaltig die Ergebnisse. Die EMG–Ergebnisse zeigen die individuelle Reaktion auf die Belastungsanforderungen. Die elektromyographischen Daten beziehen sich auf den neuromuskulären Komplex. Somit sprechen hohe Amplitudenwerte einerseits für eine hohe Innervation der beteiligten motorischen Einheiten an der Bewegungsausführung und andererseits für einsetzende Ermüdungserscheinungen im Muskel. In Bezug auf die Ermüdung der oberen Extremitätenmuskeln der rechten und linken Seite beschreiben WILLIAMS, SHARMA & BILODEAU (2002) keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen der dominanten und nichtdominanten Handseite. / The development of body extremity laterality is closely linked to hemisphere specialization of the human brain. Laterality, the dominance of one hemisphere, and the effect of these two phenomena on sports performance capacity have yet to be described in detail. The question arises as to whether performance differences between paired extremities and the attendant extent of this difference might determine performance levels. In flat water canoeing, measurements in flat water as well as in the canoe counter current system reveal force time functions of the left and right body side that differ in quality and quantity. These differences have been documented for a number of years. However, so far their influence on performance has been presumed to exist and no attempt has been made to explain them.<br><br> During the period from October 1997 to October 2000, 275 kayakers and canoeists between the ages of 11 and 20 were examined twice annually (March and October) using extensive training scientific, kinetic and biomechanical equipment. The athletes were members of a state-wide canoeing club.<br><br> The main focus of the study was the correlation between (a) force differences arising between the left and right upper extremity and (b) athletic performance under laboratory conditions and field conditions. The following data was gathered: selected strength capacities of the upper arm flexor at a static strength measurement system (Wick & Krüger, 1998), force curves at the measuring paddle during exercise tests using the canoe counter current system and canoeing times in flat water over 250 m and 2,000 m during the course of the year.<br><br> The results of the static maximum force test showed that the difference in maximum force between the left and right arm increases with age. In the cross-sectional group, maximum force differences were observed between the left and right upper extremity; in terms of strength performance the right arm was clearly superior to the left arm. Despite bilateral training, contrary to what might be expected, the difference in maximum force between the left and right upper extremity increases with rising maximum force level. The proportional relationship remains unaffected by this. The evaluation of force parameters from the longitudinal and cross-sectional standpoint does not provide any clear indication of performance dominance of a specific extremity. The differences of the force parameters between the left and right upper extremity as measured in the canoe counter current system and in flat water are not stable. An analysis of EMG results confirmed that the maximum force has a decisive effect on canoeing performance. Force curves in flat water differ markedly from force curves in the canoe counter current system.<br><br> The present investigation is a first empirical paper on the effect of laterality differences on expert athletes in cyclic sports. The methodologies applied during the investigation correspond to the present state of research in the fields of training science and human kinetics. Variance-analytical methods of evaluation for the representation of average value differences, procedures that search connections and explorative EMG analyses were used. Results from the longitudinal section indicate that with exclusively right-handed subjects the preferred extremity cannot biuniquely be shown to have a higher force level. This result is confirmed by the cross-sectional findings. Despite bilateral training, force differences are observed between the upper extremities of canoeists. However, there is ongoing controversy about the relationship between preferred extremity and the extent of force development. The preferred extremity (e.g. the writing hand) is commonly believed to possess the higher maximum force level (Wirth & Liphardt, 1999). Nonetheless, this assumption could not be confirmed during the present investigation. However, the results of this investigation clearly show that as maximum force increases, the difference in strength performance between the left and right arm increases, including when bilateral training is applied. Fischer (1988; 1992) showed that training the subdominant side positively affected the dominant side. This is attributable to contralateral achievement transfer. These results are strongly supported by the findings of Kuhn (1986) and Hollmann & Hettinger (2000). The proportional difference remains stable over time with the athletes studied. This too supports the concept that the preferred extremity benefits from positive transfer effects. The electromyographic data pertains to the neuromuscular complex. Thus high amplitude values suggest on one hand a high innervation of the motor units involved in the performance of the movement and on the other hand the first signs of muscle fatigue. Williams, Sharma & Bilodeau (2002) found no significant differences between fatigue levels in the upper extremity muscles of the dominant and non-dominant extremity.

Die wachsenden Kosten für die Behandlung chronischer lumbaler Rückenschmerzen stehen zunehmend in Diskrepanz mit den begrenzten Mitteln für das Gesundheitswesen.<br /> Untersuchungen zeigen, dass aktive Trainingsprogramme, je früher sie eingesetzt werden, einen positiven Einfluss auf die Senkung von Kosten für die Gesellschaft haben. Ein rechtzeitiger Einsatz der medizinischen Kräftigungstherapie bei Rückenschmerzpatienten ist somit unter rehabilitativen Gesichtspunkten notwendig. Insbesondere das Training im Wasser gestattet gelenkschonende Übungen in frühen Phasen der Rehabilitation und lassen eine raschere Wiederherstellung erwarten.<br /> Über die körperlichen Auswirkungen therapeutischer Trainingsmaßnahmen im Wasser sind bis dato wenige Studien verfügbar, welche die Wirkung des Mediums Wasser auf konditionelle Parameter objektiv quantifizieren und bewerten. Jedoch sind bislang die Möglichkeiten für ein gezieltes Krafttraining im Wasser begrenzt.<br /> <br /> Eine gerätetechnische Entwicklung, die ein rumpfstabilisierendes Krafttraining im Warmwasser ermöglicht, lässt im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen Trainingsmöglichkeiten eine noch effizientere rehabilitative Behandlung erwarten.<br /> Es wird die Fragestellung verfolgt, inwieweit aktive Trainingsformen im Wasser die Maximalkraft und die neuromuskuläre Funktion der Rumpfmuskulatur, sowie den Schmerz von Rückenpatienten beeinflussen. Ferner soll im Rahmen der Untersuchungen die Effektivität eines neu entwickelten Wassertrainingsgerätes geprüft werden.<br /> Die Untersuchungen der Ergebnisse von 80 weiblichen Probanden (in fünf Gruppen aufgeteilt: Kontrollgruppe, Aquajogging, Aquarücken, Aquagerät und Rückengymnastik an Land) zeigen, dass durch aktive Interventionsmaßnahmen eine Verbesserung der Kraftfähigkeit und eine Reduzierung von Schmerzen erzielt werden kann. Hingegen kommt es in der Kontrollgruppe, ohne Trainingsanwendungen, zur Stagnation des chronischen Schmerzzustandes, sogar zur Verschlechterung der Kraftentwicklung der Rückenstreckmuskulatur.<br /> <br /> In allen Trainingsgruppen konnten kurzfristig und mittelfristig weniger Muskelfunktionsstörungen nachgewiesen werden. Bei Betrachtung der Kraftentwicklung der unteren Rumpfmuskulatur fällt auf, dass die höchsten Zuwächse der Bauchmuskelkraft in den Gruppen Aquarücken und Aquagerät festzustellen sind. Die Kraft der Rückenstreckermuskulatur entwickelte sich in der Gruppe Aquagerät mit einer Steigerung von 55% nach der Intervention am stärksten. Es kann die Hypothese aufgestellt werden, dass das Training im warmen Wasser unter stabilisierten Voraussetzungen eine effizientere Methode zur Stärkung der unteren Rumpfmuskulatur zu sein scheint.<br /> Bei der Entwicklung der Kraft der oberen Rücken- und Schultergürtelmuskulatur kommt es in den Gruppen Aquajogging und Aquarücken zu den größten Steigerungen. Dies könnte mit der höheren Aktivität der Arme im Übungsprogramm zusammenhängen.<br /> Positiv ist die hohe Reduzierung der Schmerzen in allen Trainingsgruppen zu bewerten. Jedoch ist bei Betrachtung der Ergebnisse festzustellen, dass für eine weitere Manifestierung der Trainingserfolge ein weiterführendes Training bedeutsam ist.<br /> Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie belegen, dass durch ein gezieltes Training im Wasser und an Land über 6 Wochen, je zweimal pro Woche, deutliche Verbesserungen in der Entwicklung von Kraft, Schmerzintensität, Funktionseinschränkung und Muskelfunktion möglich sind. Ferner werden in dieser Arbeit positive Zusammenhänge zwischen den Entwicklungen Schmerzintensität und Rückenstreckerkraft, sowie Schmerzintensität und Bauchmuskelkraft beobachtet. Zwischen den Versuchsgruppen im Wasser und der Versuchsgruppe an Land konnten nur geringe Unterschiede in den Ergebnissen nachgewiesen werden. Jedoch geben die Resultate Hinweis darauf, dass bei höheren Schmerzintensitäten die Intervention im Wasser die Therapie der Wahl zu sein scheint.<br /> Die Resultate dieser Untersuchungen machen deutlich, dass der Einsatz eines Wassertrainingsgerätes in der Therapie chronischer Rückenschmerzpatienten eine effiziente Methode zur Senkung von Schmerzen und zur Steigerung der Kraft der Rücken- und Bauchmuskulatur ist.<br /> Vorteile des Wassertraingsgerätes sind die gute Stabilisation des Beckens, trotz auftriebswirksamer Mechanismen im Wasser, die bedienerfreundliche Handhabung, der separat einstellbare Widerstand, die schnellen Therapieerfolge und die hohe Motivation der Kursteilnehmer. Diese Beobachtungen lassen eine effizientere Therapie und damit Kostenersparnisse vermuten.<br /> Nachteile sind das hohe Gewicht des Wassertraingsgerätes und die relativ hohen Anschaffungskosten. Die hohe Reduzierung der Schmerzintensität bei den Probanden, die am Wassertrainingsgerät Interventionen durchführten, lassen vermuten, dass diese Geräteanwendungen für Patienten mit sehr schmerzhaften oder subakuten Verlaufsformen besonders geeignet ist.<br /> Der schonende Charakter der Aquatherapie und der Einsatz eines neuen Wassertrainingsgerätes unterstützt in effektiver Weise die modernen Konzepte der Rehabilitation chronischer Rückenschmerzpatienten. / Question: Aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different aquatic exercise programmes on trunk strength, pain level, neuromuscular function and functional ability for patients with low back pain. Another aim was to construct and implement of a new aquatic exercise machine.<br /> <br /> Methods: 80 female subjects aged from 25 to 45 years with low back pain were randomized into a control group or one of the following training groups: aqua jogging, aqua gymnastics, aqua machine and gymnastics on land. The four training groups took part in a muscle strengthening program two times a week over 6 weeks. The control group did not receive any alternative physiotherapeutic treatment. All groups were tested at the beginning, after 6 weeks and 4 months later.<br /> <br /> Results: The data obtained for the control group remained unchanged over all periods of investigation. The isometric maximum of trunk strength improved significantly in all exercise groups. Furthermore it was to be seen that there were less malfunction in all training groups after 6 weeks. The most significant improvements are in the exercise machine group concerning reduction of pain level and increase strength of lumbar extension.<br /> <br /> Conclusions: The results of this study should be viewed as encouraging. The aquatic exercise machine is to be seen as an effective complement of treatment for low back pain.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a young person is a rare but tragic event, and the potential of prevention is unknown. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the prevention by analysing SCD in the young in Sweden during the period 1992-1999. Data of SCD in the young based on a national registry is not previously reported. The approach is broad, covering the spectrum from epidemiology to supportive needs of families confronted with SCD. The survey methods comprised analyses of national registries, questionnaires, personal interviews, forensic-, police-, medical- and military conscription records. The SCD group selected from the database of the National Board of forensic Medicine consisted of 181 persons, 15 to 35 years old, who had suffered an SCD during 1992-1999 in Sweden, 132 men (73 %) and 49 women (27 %). The mean incidence was 0.93 per 100,000 per year. The trend showed no decrease during the surveyed years, 1992-1999. The most common diagnoses were the structurally normal heart (21 %), coronary artery disease (18 %), and dilated cardiomyopathy (12 %). In a study group of 162 individuals (19 cases of aortic aneurysm, 17 men and two women, were excluded), ECGs, symptoms and lifestyle factors were analysed and related to the autopsy findings. ECGs were available in 66 individuals (59 men and seven women) and 50 % of these were pathological. The most frequent aberrations were repolarisation abnormalities and in half of the cases with more than one ECG a development in a pathological direction was seen. In four out of ten seeking medical advice because of symptoms an ECG was taken and three of these were pathological. Possibly cardiac-related alpitations were common, but also non-specific symptoms such as fatigue after an influenza- like illness. It was not possible to link a certain sign or symptom to a specific diagnosis. In 26 (16 %) there was a family history of SCD. Physical activity and body mass index (BMI) in men were the same as in a control group, whilst women had a higher BMI and a lower level of physical activity than the controls. In coronary artery disease deaths there were a high percentage of smokers and BMI was higher than in the controls in both sexes. Competing athletes more often died during physical activity than non-athletes, but were not overrepresented in the SCD group. The majority of the athletes who died during physical activity had an underlying structural cardiac disease. Death during sleep was the most common mode of death in subjects with structurally normal heart. A lack of supportive structures in the handling of bereaved relatives were disclosed in the interviews. Most participants felt that they had been left mainly to themselves to find information and support. A common reflection from the bereaved was that there is a need of the same supportive routines in cases of a single death as in accidents where there are several casualties. The bereaved had a need of getting an explanation and a need of supportive structures. The cognitive dimension of understanding and the emotional dimension of being understood were found to be significant for the complex processes of mourning and recreating one’s life as a bereaved. In summary, SCD was uncommon in the young, but the incidence was not decreasing during the study period. The most common autopsy findings were the structurally normal heart and coronary artery disease. Symptoms preceding SCD were common but often misinterpreted. The SCD group was very similar to the normal population with regard to life style factors. In certain cardiac disorders physical activity seemed to trigger sudden death, whilst in others death during sleep was the most common mode of death. There is no single test which predicts if a person is at risk of SCD. A further cardiac evaluation in cases with pathological ECGs, and in cases with a positive family history or serious unexplained symptoms such as syncope, might permit the early identification of persons at risk of SCD. ECG is an underused tool in the investigation of symptoms, and a database with old ECGs available for comparison could be useful in the prevention of SCD. There is a need of better care of the bereaved, and based on our findings we propose the introduction of a supportive program.

Background That men are prioritised over women has been called the “gender regime in sport”, and has in part been explained by the gender difference in performance. However, gender differences in physical performance between women and men can be debated to depend on how comparisons are made and on the fact that there are many different confounders that may influence the results. Even if attempts are made to overcome this and the groups of women and men are stated to be matched, there are still often differences in training experience in years, or differences in training load. Women tend to have less experience in ice hockey in relation to age and differences in training conditions have also been reported. The aim of this thesis was to investigate how female and male ice hockey players position themselves in their sport and to visualise the interactions between society and biology that may affect performance. Theoretical approach and methods Harding’s three perspectives (Symbolic, Structural and Individual) were applied on information from team administration as well as on results from questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and tests of puck velocity, anthropometrics, body composition, isokinetic muscle strength, ergospirometry and on-ice tests from female and male ice hockey players. Results Vast differences in structural conditions were found, for example in hockey history and in the financial situation within the teams and both women and men were aware of the gender differences in structural conditions. However these differences were not even considered when comparisons of the ice hockey performance of women and men were made. Nine out of ten female players increased puck velocity when a more flexible stick and a lighter puck were used thus indicating that poorly adjusted equipment may affect performance. Male ice hockey players were taller, heavier and stronger, had more lean body mass and a higher aerobic capacity compared to the women in absolute values as well as in relation to body weight. However, the differences diminished or disappeared when the values were expressed in relation to lean body mass. Men had higher expectations on their situation as athletes and the interviewed women described men’s ice hockey as superior to theirs and consequently male ice hockey players deserved better conditions. Conclusions The views of women and men may affect structural conditions in sport which in turn may affect possibilities in sport for the individual. Gender differences in conditions thus risk confirming the traditional views of femininity and masculinity. However, by moving outside the normal gender boundaries individuals may change the traditional views of femininity and masculinity.

EMOTIKON-Studie benannte als Kurzform des Forschungsvorhabens zur “Interdisziplinäre(n) Evaluierung der motorischen Leistungsfähigkeit und des Gesundheitszustandes im Kontext sportlicher Eignung und Effizienz des Sportunterrichtes von GrundschülerInnen im Land Brandenburg“. Die Längsschnittstudie wurde durch den Arbeitsbereich Trainings- und Bewegungswissenschaft der Universität Potsdam, unter der Leitung von Prof. Dr. Ditmar Wick, an 29 Grundschulen der Schulämter Brandenburg/ Havel und Cottbus von 2006 bis 2010 realisiert. Mit der vorliegenden Publikation werden die Ergebnisse und deren Zusammenhänge zur Entwicklung der motorischen Leistungsfähigkeit, des Körperbaus, der Bewegungsaktivität und der Einschätzung des Sportunterrichts mit einführenden theoretischen Grundlagen und dem aktuellen nationalen Forschungsstand referiert. Die Autoren sind überzeugt, dass dieser Abschlussbericht nicht nur das Interesse der im aktuellen Forschungsprojekt „EMOTIKON-Grundschulsport 2010-2014“ involvierten Brandenburger Grundschulsportlehrer wecken wird, sondern auch den politischen Entscheidungsträgern (Schulämter, Ministerien) eine Entscheidungshilfe bieten als auch den Diskussionsprozess der im Themengebiet forschenden Wissenschaftler anregen kann. Diese Überzeugung gründet sich insbesondere auf die Ergebnisse zur körperlich-sportlichen Bewegungsaktivität der Dritt- bis Sechstklässler sowie der Analyse motorischer Leistung in Abhängigkeit von Geschlecht und soziodemografischen Gegebenheiten.

The ankle sprain is a common injury in basketball. A mechanism for this injury occurs when landing improperly from a jump. The concept of wedge and flare designs in shoes is (1) to offer benefit in reducing the potential for an ankle sprain while (2) not hindering performance or usability concerning basketball movements that are needed for successful play. The purpose was to take conceptual designs of the wedge and flare through an iterative design process. Therefore, the objectives were to fabricate shoe prototypes with these conceptual designs, to test the performance of these prototypes, and to develop the next iteration of design based upon the results of testing. The results of this design process are discussed.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Umeå universitet, 2010. / Härtill 4 uppsatser. Pp. 62-73: Bibliography.