<p> Over two-thirds of youth participate in a structured sport, making it a vital context in which transactional relations with cognitive development can occur. Yet, little is known about how these constructs inform one another across childhood. Most previous studies have focused on health benefits of sport participation, or on demographic and family characteristics as predictors of participation. Though some previous literature has explored the cognitive impacts of sport participation during childhood, as well as whether early cognitive skills may predict later sport participation, critical gaps remain. Specifically, there is a need to investigate the extent to which there are longitudinal relations between these constructs as well as the nature of those associations throughout childhood. Thus, this dissertation examines whether: (1) participating in sports during preschool predicts kindergarten cognitive outcomes (i.e., executive functioning, math, language, literacy), (2) executive functioning and pre-academic skills (i.e., math, language, literacy) at 54 months predict participating in a structured sport (open-skilled, closed-skilled) in third and fifth grade, and (3) if there are bidirectional relations between executive functioning and academic outcomes (i.e., math, language, literacy) and structured sports (open-skilled, closed-skilled) in third and fifth grade. Findings from this dissertation indicated that associations between sport participation and cognition in children are complex, such that the direction of these associations likely depend on developmental period and conceptualization of sport. In particular, there may be positive transactional relations between early sport and cognitive skills, but not in middle childhood. Further, the results suggest that there may be bidirectional relations between open-skilled sport participation and executive functioning across childhood. In addition, almost all associations between closed-skilled sport participation and cognitive skills were nonsignificant. Thus, open-skilled sport participation may demand more cognitive resources than closed-skilled sport participation. Results from this dissertation reinforce the need to use intensive longitudinal data analysis to continue exploring transactional relations between sport participation, executive functioning, and academic skills. Finally, it is vital to reconsider how we evaluate sport participation in children and to include context-specific measures of participation that likely influence relations between these constructs. </p>

The Basics of Training Science. A Terminological Analysis in German and English with a Particular Focus on Endurance Training. Sport and exercise are an essential part of many people’s lives. In German speaking countries, a sub-discipline of sport and exercise science has developed in the past few decades that provides the scientific foundation for an effective training practice, called Trainingswissenschaft (training science). Like other scientific disciplines, it has its own terminology. The goal of this thesis was to develop a German-English terminology database for terms relating to training science with a particular focus on endurance training. This was done according to the principles of terminology work as set out by Arntz et al. (2014). The final database in SDL MultiTerm is based on a detailed concept system and contains 156 entries. It could be used by sport and exercise scientists and/or students, coaches, athletes, and of course translators and interpreters working with texts on these topics.:Abbildungsverzeichnis 4 Tabellenverzeichnis 5 1 Einleitung 7 2 Terminologielehre und -arbeit 11 2.1 Grundlagen der Terminologielehre 11 2.1.1 Die Disziplin der Terminologielehre 11 2.1.2 Fachsprache 13 2.1.2.1. Gliederung der Fachsprache und Verhältnis zur Gemeinsprache 13 2.1.2.2. Fachlichkeitsgrad von Texten 14 2.1.2.3. Fachwortschatz und -phraseologie 15 2.1.2.4. Bedeutung von Fachsprache für die Fachkommunikation 17 2.1.3 Grundelemente der Terminologielehre 17 2.1.3.1. Gegenstand 19 2.1.3.2. Begriff 21 2.1.3.3. Merkmal 22 2.1.3.4. Definition 23 2.1.3.5. Begriffssysteme 25 2.1.3.6. Bezeichnung 27 2.2 Grundlagen der Terminologiearbeit 30 2.2.1 Bedeutung von Terminologiearbeit 30 2.2.2 Deskriptive, präskriptive und rechnergestützte Terminologiearbeit 31 2.2.3 Praktisches Vorgehen 32 2.2.4 Einträge in einer terminologischen Datenbank 34 3 Trainingswissenschaft 37 3.1 Die Disziplin der Trainingswissenschaft 37 3.1.1 Von Meisterlehren zur Trainingslehre und Trainingswissenschaft 37 3.1.2 Anwendungsfelder und Gegenstandsbereiche 38 3.1.3 Bezug zur Sportpraxis und zu anderen Disziplinen 40 3.1.4 Forschungsstrategien und -methoden 41 3.1.5 Definition der Trainingswissenschaft 42 3.1.6 Trainingswissenschaft im angloamerikanischen Raum 46 3.2 Grundlagen der Trainingswissenschaft 50 3.2.1 Grundlagen des Trainings 50 3.2.1.1. Trainingsbegriff 50 3.2.1.2. Trainingsprinzipien 51 3.2.1.3. Trainingsplanung 53 3.2.1.4. Belastungsnormative 55 3.2.1.5. Auswirkungen von Training 58 3.2.2 Grundlagen der Leistungsfähigkeit 60 3.2.2.1. Begriffe Leistung und Leistungsfähigkeit 60 3.2.2.2. Kraft und Schnelligkeit 63 3.2.2.3. Ausdauer 67 3.2.3 Methoden des Ausdauertrainings 73 3.2.3.1. Dauermethode 73 3.2.3.2. Intervallmethode 75 3.2.3.3. Wiederholungsmethode 77 3.2.3.4. Wettkampfmethode 77 4 Terminologie der Trainingswissenschaft 79 4.1 Bestehende Terminologiesammlungen der Trainingswissenschaft 79 4.2 Vorgehen im Rahmen der Arbeit 83 4.2.1 Fachgebietsauswahl und Quellen 83 4.2.2 Begriffssysteme 84 4.2.3 Definitionen 85 4.2.4 Aufbau der Datenbank 86 5 Fazit 91 Anhang 93 Literaturverzeichnis 101 Eigenständigkeitserklärung 107

Background. Despite on-going efforts to reduce bullying among adolescents, this phenomena remains a persistent public health problem (Espelage & Colbert, 2015). Positive youth development (PYD)-physical activity based programs have the potential to target health risk behaviors by focusing on positive psychological assets and promoting personal growth (Fraser-Thomas, Côté, & Deakin, 2005). Similarly, physical activity has been associated with physical and psychosocial benefits as it enhances the process of development, promote life skills, and foster personal and interpersonal skills through peers and non-parental adult interactions (Fraser-Thomas et al., 2005; Weiss, Smith, & Stuntz, 2008). While we know quite a bit about PYD programs and understand the importance of physical activity related to its influence on bullying behaviors, we know far less about the effectiveness of anti-bullying programs that combine both PYD with physical activity components. However, addressing this gap in the literature could inform prevention science research efforts as it would enhance understanding on how such interventions might decrease bullying in youth. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of positive youth development (PYD) physical activity based interventions on bullying behaviors among pre- and young adolescents (8 - 14 years old). Methods. A systematic review was conducted and included a search of five databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ERIC and CINAHL), and reference lists of included studies and reviews from 2003 to 2017. Additional information was requested from study authors. The study inclusion criteria included interventions that used both PYD and physical activity components, recruited participants who ranged in age from 8 to 14, and that targeted bullying behaviors (bullying, victimization, and bystander). Two independent reviewers assessed studies, and extracted data, and one reviewer evaluated risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool (Higgins, Sterne, Savović, Page, & Hróbjartsson, 2016). Studies were placed into two groups based on type of study (quasi-experimental and experimental). To determine effect sizes for the quasi-experimental designs and experimental designs, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and standardized mean differences (SMD) were used, respectively. Results. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, of which three were quasi-experimental and four were experimental studies. For bullying outcome, the quasi-experimental studies were found to have a small effect size (r = -.24 to -.22) while experimental designs had small, medium, and large effect size (SMD = -.68 to -.27). For victimization, a medium effect size was found in one study (SMD = -.53), and for bystander involvement, a medium effect size was found for unadjusted model (r = .37), and a small/negligent effect size was found for the adjusted model (r = -.05). Reductions in bullying and victimization, and increase in prosocial bystander behavior were found across the physical activity-based, PYD interventions, which utilized a combined approach of PYD components (e.g., caring, empathy, respect), and physical activity context, as well as the use of an interactive and supportive approach to deliver the program’s PYD component between the participants and staff. Selection bias, lack of blinding bias, attrition to follow-up bias, and failure to control for confounding were found across the studies, with experimental study designs reporting generally better quality than quasi-experimental. Conclusion. PYD-based, anti-bullying interventions with a physical activity component are promising in reducing bullying among adolescents. Findings revealed that the further interventions should be structured into a physical activity-based PYD setting that foster youth’s psychosocial development and provide them with opportunities to develop these PYD components in a mastery-oriented climate, which in turn may reduce problem behaviors The small number of studies identified strongly suggests that there remains a critical need for PYD-physical activity based interventions that target bullying behaviors.

This study was commissioned by the Västerbotten sports federation, who called for an overview of the policies that the municipalities in Västerbotten work after in the field of sport. The study aimed to identify sports policy programs or documents that have been produced by the municipalities, and how they work with them. Furthermore, the study highlights the municipality’s politicians reasoning about sport and recreation-sector, and how their sport policy-work was practiced. The data collection was based on seven interviews and document-collections from the 15 municipalities. The result shows that no municipalities have drawn up a sport policy program, and the lack of common goals, guidelines and a clear vision of the sport and recreation-sector were big. The overall process consisted of running the handling of cases involving the sports industry. Municipalities work with sport and recreational questions dealt largely with preserving the existing level and maintaining the sporting activities already in place.

Many studies have considered the effect of training techniques (especially plyometric) on jump height. However, previous research has not considered the optimum surface for these training techniques. The aim of this research was to determine which training and/or playing surface is most beneficial in maximising vertical jump height for volleyball players. Attainment of such knowledge will not only assist athletes in optimising results but also help coaches in developing training. Conclusions. It is reasonable to suggest that sand training and playing surface had a greater effect on increasing vertical jump height on both surfaces. This minor thesis was written by a post graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

This study investigated the injuries sustained by elite Australian sport aerobic athletes in the 12 months prior to the FISAF world's sport aerobics championships in May/June 2004. Data was collected using a retrospective questionnaire developed from published research in similar areas. This study is important in establishing the prevalence and rate of injury in elite sport aerobic athletes and provides a basis for further research. This minor thesis was written by a post graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

A prospective study was performed in order to examine the relationship of internal hip rotation to groin pain in Australian Rules Football players. 101 subjects were tested using a plurimeter placed on the lateral aspect of the tibia whilst lying prone on a plinth. Subjects were tested twice at an interval of six weeks and episodes of groin pain that occurred between the first and second testing dates were recorded. This study may have implications for the treatment and prevention of groin injuries in the athletic population and in particular Australian Rules Football players. This minor thesis was written by post-graduate students as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Background and objectives: Current research on respiratory diseases is mainly focused on the effects of drug treatments, however much less work has looked into the use of manual treatments of patients with symptoms of respiratory dysfunction. Studies currently being conducted through Victoria University are attempting to investigate whether manual treatments, such as HVLA and Lymphatic Pump techniques have an effect on lung function. There has however been no research into the effect of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) on measurable respiratory function even though it is such a widely used technique. This study aims to identify whether MET leads to a measurable change in ventilatory function in asymptomatic individuals. Conclusion: Thoracic MET performed on asymptomatic volunteers had no significant effect on FVC or FEV measurements immediately post, 10 minutes post or 20 minutes post-intervention. This minor thesis was written by post-graduate students as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Background: Edge Light Pupil Cycle Time (ELPCT) is a light reflex of the eye, which is controlled via the automatic nervous system. Studies have shown ELPCT to be a measurable constant, unaffected by visual acuity, refractive error, eye colour, pupil size or gender. Recent studies have shown that high-velocity manipulation of the upper cervical spine causes an immediate decrease in ELPCT on the same side as the manipulation. This change is presumed to me mediated in part by alterations in the autonomic tone following mauipulative intervention, therefore suggesting that unilateral manipulation produces an immdeiate unilateral change in the autonomic nervous system. Objective: To investigate the lasting effects (up to 1 hour) of C1-2 high velocity low amplitude manipulation upon ELPCT. Design: A two group blind, randomized study, with a control group. Conclusion: This suggests that ELPCT, which is mediated by the autonomic nervous system, can be directly influenced by high-velocity manipulation to the atlanto-axial joint and these changes occur on the same side as the manipulation (i.e. unilateral manipulation produces unilateral physiological change). Over a one-hour time frame these changes are still significant at 20-minutes post-manipulation but only slightly evident at one-hour post manipulation. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Background: High velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust techniques are commonly used by manual therapists. One of the primary goals of these techniques is to increase the range of motion within spinal segments. Still, there is much contention about the outcomes of the audible release or cavitation associated with these techniques. This study is to investigate the effect that HVLA thrust techniques has on total cervical ROM asymmetries with and without cavitation. Conclusion: HVLA thrust technique to the AA joint with cavitation produced a significant amelioration in total cervical rotation asymmetry immediately post-manipulation. A significant amelioration in toal cervical rotation asymmetries was not found when HVLA failed to produce a cavitation. The reduction in the asymmetry immediately post-manipulation had reduced or returned to the pre-manipulation level at 30 minutes post-manipulation. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.