Introduction: Bone is a metabolically active tissue which plays a multifunctional role within the body. Animal models have provided evidence demonstrating that dynamic and unaccustomed mechanical loads imposed by gravity and/or muscle activation which exceed the customary strain stimulus are anabolic for bone. Moreover, because the bone’s response to multiple cycles diminishes over time, the inclusion of rest periods between loading cycles has been shown to augment the osteogenic response by allowing the mechanosensory system to re-initialise. As such, rest-inserted intermittent exercise might offer a favourable environment for bone adaptation beyond traditional continuous exercise. Despite this many still engage in continuous aerobic exercise training such as continuous running, which might be deleterious to bone. The use of interval or intermittent running has been proposed as an alternative to reduce bone fatigue and maximise bone accrual more so than continuous exercise. However, evidence for the benefits of intermittent load-bearing exercise on bone adaptation is confined to animal models. Therefore, the aims of the thesis were (1) to investigate the effect of intermittent exercise of varying exercise-to-rest durations with a fixed ratio on the mechanical loading dose, assessed via components of the ground reaction force (GRF), and the osteogenic index, and (2) and to establish the magnitude of effect of intermittent load-bearing exercise on changes in bone tissue, using bone turnover markers compared to a non-exercising control condition. Study 1 The Force 3 non-motorised treadmill (NMT) was used throughout the thesis because of its ability to measure vertical (vGRF) and anterior horizontal (hGRF) GRF continuously during exercise, and its capacity to reflect intermittent movement patterns which are not as easily replicable on a motorised treadmill (MT). However, a preliminary study to investigate; (1) the cardiorespiratory responses to running on an NMT compared to an MT, and (2) establish appropriate reference speeds to dose intermittent performance for subsequent protocols on the NMT was required. Therefore, the aim of study one was to establish the validity of peak cardiorespiratory responses to intermittent and continuous graded exercise tests (GXTs) on a NMT compared to an MT. When a continuous GXT is performed on the NMT a similar maximal oxygen uptake can be achieved (VO2max) compared to that achieved on the MT (P = 1.00, d = 0.01, trivial). However, there was a reduction in peak heart rate (P = 0.0001, d = 0.9, moderate), and peak speed is reduced by ~30%. When an intermittent GXT (15 x 15 s) is performed on a NMT, a similar VO2max can be achieved (P = 0.701, d = 0.16, trivial), together with smaller reductions in peak HR (P = 0.170, d = 0.34, small), and peak speed (P = 0.009, d = 0.8, moderate) compared to a continuous MT running. Conversely, 30 x 30 s had a statistically significant reduction in VO2max (P = 0.04, d = 0.37, small) and peak HR (P = 0.0001, d = 0.57, small) compared to the Cont-MT. As such, the shorter 15 x 15 s GXT was used to obtain reference speeds for subsequent studies (Studies 2-4). Study 2 The osteogenic potential of impact exercise can be quantified from the analysis of kinetic (peak vGRF, load rate and vertical impulse) variables with greater peak vGRF, load rate and vertical impulse reflecting (indirectly) the magnitude and rate of the mechanical load applied to bone tissue. Our aim was to establish how manipulating the duration and frequency of exercise-to-rest intervals might change the mechanical loading environment using a fixed 1:1 ratio. Twelve healthy active males performed five 45 min intermittent running protocols on the NMT. Experiment 1: three of the intermittent protocols differed in their exercise-to-rest durations (5 s intervals [5s-Int], 20 s intervals [20s-Int] and 80 s intervals [80s-Int]). Experiment 2: three of the protocols differed in the rate of acceleration and deceleration but matched for the exercise-to-rest duration (20 s by 2 s intervals [20s2s-Int], 20 s by 4 s [20s4s-Int] and 20 s by 6 s [20s6s-Int]). The primary outcome measures for experiment 1 & 2 were mean and peak vGRF, vertical impulse, load rate and the intra-step variability assessed via the coefficient of variance (%CV) of the kinetic and kinematic data. There was no statistical difference between conditions for impulse (P = 0.175), maximum load rate (LR) (P = 0.104) or average load rate (ALR) (P =0.345). Peak vGRF data were statistically different between conditions (P = 0.023) with the 5s-Int being greater than the 80s-Int (P = 0.022). There was a statistical effect of condition on all CV data for vertical impulse (P = 0.0001), load rate (P = 0.0001), vGRF (P = 0.0001), kVert (P =0.0001) and kLeg (P = 0.0001) with the 5s-Int & 20s-Int being higher than the 80s-Int. The similarity in the mean GRF data are likely due to the higher loads generated during higher speeds being counteracted by the lower loads at the lower speeds. The variability in the data are caused by the variation between the high and low speeds. Study 3 The magnitude, rate and frequency of the mechanical load are proportional to the amount of bone adaptation. These components were considered in isolation in study 2. However, the components can be combined into one mathematical algorithm, the osteogenic index (OI), to assess the osteogenic potential of the exercise. However, because we demonstrated no statistical effect on mean loading due to the higher loads being counteracted by the lower loads, it is unlikely that the traditional OI can distinguish between the variable loading environments of more intermittent exercise. A novel approach has been developed which incorporates the magnitude and rate of the loading dose across a frequency spectra. The number of loading segments of a particular exercise can then be categorised into the magnitude, intensity and frequency. As yet this method has only been utilised with accelerometers and only during steady-state conditions. Experiment one: There was a statistically significant difference between conditions for the OI_fft (P = 0.0001). The OI_fft was highest for the 80s-Int being 28% greater than the 5s-Int and 23% greater than the 20s-Int. There was a statistically significant 3-way interaction for condition*frequency band*intensity (P = 0.012) with the more intermittent conditions having a higher loading dose at higher frequencies. Experiment two: There was a significant main effect for condition for the mean differences of the OI_fft between conditions (P = 0.033). There was no significant effect of condition for the OI_BW (P = 0.572). There was no significant 3-way interact for condition 'frequency band' loading intensity (P = 0.870). When the magnitude, intensity and frequency of multiple loading segments are considered, intermittent locomotion allows the individual to obtain higher magnitudes of loading dose, shifting towards a higher frequency band. It is unclear whether the intermittent protocol might offer a more favourable loading environment due to the more variable loading patterns with greater magnitudes of load at higher frequencies. Study 4: Whilst brief continuous load-bearing exercise increases bone remodelling in favour of resorption, it is unclear how intermittent exercise effects acute bone remodelling. Our aim was to investigate the effect of varying degrees of intermittent exercise, with a fixed exercise-to-rest ratio, on acute bone remodelling, as measured by bone turnover biomarkers. It was hypothesised that the more intermittent protocol would result in a greater bone turnover compared to the non-exercising control and less intermittent conditions. The same exercise protocols from study 2 and 3 were used. Venous blood samples were collected at the same time of day following a 12 h fast at baseline, 1 h, 2 h and 24 h post-exercise. / Carboxyterminal crosslinked telopeptide (CTX-1) and procollagen type 1 amino terminal propeptide (P1NP) were used as markers of bone resorption and formation, respectively. There was a significant main effect for time (P = 0.0001), condition (P = 0.032) and a significant condition by time interaction (P = 0.001) for CTX-I. At 1 h the 20s-Int and 5s-Int were higher than the control condition (20s-Int: P = 0.0001, 5s-Int: P = 0.010). There was no significant condition by time interactions for P1NP. The results confirm that bone remodelling is stimulated acutely by load-bearing exercise. Very short and short interval intermittent exercise results in greater bone turnover compared to longer interval intermittent exercise. Conclusion: The effect of different exercise-to-rest intervals, and therefore different frequency of intermittency did not have an effect on the mean vGRF, load rate, vertical impulse or osteogenic index. However, as expected there was a greater intra-step variability in these measures leading to a more variable mechanical loading environment which might offer a more favourable loading environment for bone. Indeed, when bone tissue turnover was assessed using traditional bone turnover markers all exercise conditions demonstrated an increase in bone resorption compared to a non- exercising control condition at 1 h. However, only the short and very short intervals were statistically elevated above control. Therefore, very short and short intermittent exercise might cause greater bone resorption in the prevailing hours following exercise which could stimulate an increase bone formation.

Sports marketing programs yielding significant economic benefits have been in place for a number of years at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institutions, in professional sports venues, and in community development programs. Research indicates a paucity of sports sponsorship arrangements for mid-size and small college institutions and businesses in contiguous communities. This study applied exchange theory, as described in the field of business administration in the compilation of economic impact information to include spending amounts for visiting athletic teams competing in the Pensacola, Florida area. Data from the Sports Team Travel Survey was shared with randomly selected businesses and not shared with a control group of businesses. The effects of economic impact information on the attitudes of potential sports sponsors were then assessed to gain a better understanding of the decision-making processes. An analysis of the data depicted significant differences (p< .05) with group one displaying more-favorable attitudes about sponsorship potentialities as a function of accessibility to economic impact information portraying commercial benefits. The emphasis upon commercial benefits, as contrasted to patronage and philanthropic motives, supported the work of Abratt, Clayton, and Pitt (1987); Gratton and Taylor (1985); McCarville and Copeland (1994) and others defining sponsorship as an investment in cash return for exploitable commercial potential associated with an activity. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Sport Management, Recreation Management and Physical Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Fall Semester, 2004. / August 19, 2004. / Intercollegiate Athletics, Sport Economic Impact, Sponsorship, Sport Marketing, Exchange Theory / Includes bibliographical references. / Michael Mondello, Professor Directing Dissertation; Joseph Beckham, Outside Committee Member; Aubrey Kent, Committee Member; Cecile Reynaud, Committee Member.

A study was conducted to test the role mental representations play in executing a motor skill under different visual conditions that vary in complexity and vividness. High-skill (n = 20) and low-skill (n = 20) soccer players performed a passing task to a 10 and 20 yard (9.14 and 18.29 m, respectively) target under three visual conditions: normal, occluded, and distorted in a counter-balanced order omitting visual feedback. Following each pass, participants provided an estimate of the perceived final ball destination of their previous pass. This estimate was contrasted to the observed performance, which was unknown to the performer. Results revealed that the visual attention conditions and the task complexity affected the motor task of both the high-skill and low-skill participants. High-skill participants, however, performed significantly better than low-skill participants on all tasks. Furthermore, high-skill players were able to estimate performance better than low-skill participants, across all conditions. Findings have major implications on the practice of motor skills under varying visual conditions, because of the role mental representations play under conditions of uncertainty. / A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Science. / Spring Semester, 2009. / February 6, 2009. / Sport, Visual information, Motor task, Mental representations / Includes bibliographical references. / Gershon Tenenbaum, Professor Directing Thesis; Robert Eklund, Committee Member; David Eccles, Committee Member.

Exploring the alternative assessments techniques used by physical educators and what motivates them to use them is the thrust of this study. The review of literature provides evidence that the majority of physical education teachers use attendance, participation/effort, behavior and some traditional assessments as common methods of grading students. It is also very clear that alternative assessments are better for the students but still the majority of teachers are not using them. We know that some of the reasons for not using these assessments are lack of time, not enough knowledge about these assessments, too many students, etc, but we don't know what motivates the teachers that are using alternative assessments to use them. This is a research project based on interviews to a group of physical education teachers who use alternative assessments the majority of the time and who think are a good example to other teachers. Knowing what was their motivation to use these assessments is an essential key for college teachers to learn how to motivate future physical education teachers on the use of alternative assessments. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Sport Management, Recreation Management, and Physical Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Spring Semester, 2005. / October 27, 2004. / Alternative Assessments, Physical Education / Includes bibliographical references. / Charles Imwold, Professor Directing Dissertation; Sande Milton, Outside Committee Member; Susan Lynn, Committee Member; Kristie Walsdorf, Committee Member.

This study was conducted to assess whether stressed tempo music would effect performance rates of track athletes. The music the athletes listened to was systematically increased over a three-week period to determine if the track athletes' times became faster. The participants of this study were measured during practice for the times in which they ran the 400 meters, or one lap around a track. The 27 track athletes that were a part of this study were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=12) or the control group (n=15). The experimental group was provided with Compact Disks (CD) of their music preferences with altered tempos. The control group practiced two times a week without music. The experimental group listened to their selected music twice a week. Both groups were timed once a week (Mondays) during the four-week period. Both groups were made up of members of the track and the cross-country teams. The cross-country team's practice schedule consisted of Monday speed workouts. On Monday's the cross-country team would run 5 to 6 400 meters. The cross-country team would 400 meters and then have a short rest period before they were to run it again. The track team ran two 400 meters with rest in between each day in addition to their practice schedule of speed drills for turn-over, hurdle drills, jumping exercises, etc. to help build up their stamina. Graphic analysis of the data revealed differences during Monday practices of those involved in the experimental group. The experimental group was able to decrease their times while running 400 meters by an average of half a minute. The control group's times slightly decreased by about two minutes. The results of this study show that track athletes who listen to music with slightly increasing tempos can decrease their running times. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music. / Spring Semester, 2005. / December 9, 2004. / Alternative Athletic Training Techniques, Track and Music / Includes bibliographical references. / Jayne M. Standley, Professor Directing Thesis; Clifford K. Madsen, Committee Member; Dianne Gregory, Committee Member.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a classroom exercise video program on the behavior of fourth grade students who displayed disruptive behaviors in the classroom. Six students, 5 identified as consistently off-task, and their 23-year old female student teacher were participants. An Alternating Treatments Experimental Design (Cooper, Heron & Heward, 2007) was used to investigate the effects of a classroom exercise program called HealthMPowers on the off-task behavior of selected students during a regularly scheduled morning math class. Two interventions were used on alternate days during this study: a) exercising for approximately 2-minutes to a clip from the HealthMPowers exercise DVD program and b) a control procedure—placing the head down on the desk. Baseline measurements were conducted until the level of off-task behavior during the math class stabilized for most of the participants (no conspicuous trending up or down). At that point, the whole class in which the participants were enrolled received one of the two interventions (exercise with video or head down) on an alternating schedule with one intervention each day. Visual analysis was used to assess the degree of consistency and magnitude of the effect. Observations were made using a 10-second interval recording procedure and interobserver reliability averaged 94% for occurrence reliability and 96% for total reliability. Results indicated that off-task performance stabilized for most students during the third week of baseline and decreased by an average of 13% during the seven weeks that the exercise and head-down interventions were in use. Although the mean decrease in off-task behavior for the exercise intervention was slightly greater, it was not notably different from the head-down procedure. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Sport Management, Recreation Management, and Physical Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Spring Semester, 2011. / February 14, 2011. / Disruptive, Behavior, HealthMPowers, Effects / Includes bibliographical references. / Thomas Ratliffe, Professor Directing Dissertation; Sandra Lewis, University Representative; Diana Rice, Committee Member; Tom Welsh, Committee Member.

Reversal theory conceptualizes that telic-dominant individuals tend to be more serious-minded and anxiety-avoidant than paratelic-dominant individuals who tend to be more playful and excitement-seeking. Previous reversal theory research has shown that telic/paratelic metamotivation plays an important role in the way individuals experience their sport involvement. This study was undertaken given the fact that no known effort has been made to comprehensively examine the influence of motor task conditions (favorable vs. unfavorable) on motor performance and related affective states for individuals who differ in their metamotivational dominance. The main purpose of this research was to experimentally examine whether motor performance, affect, self-efficacy, and telic/paratelic state vary as a function of task condition (favorable vs. unfavorable) and telic/paratelic dominance. It was hypothesized that paratelic-dominant individuals would show better motor performance, more pleasant feelings, and higher efficacy perceptions under unfavorable task conditions (i.e., losing) compared to telic-dominant individuals. On the other hand, telic-dominant individuals would show better motor performance, and more pleasant feelings under more favorable task conditions (i.e., winning) compared to paratelic-dominant individuals. Furthermore, it was predicted that telic-dominant individuals would reverse to a paratelic state of mind while performing under favorable condition, whereas paratelic-dominant individuals would tend to maintain a paratelic state of mind for a longer period of time until they reverse to the telic state under unfavorable conditions. Participants (n = 40) were divided into three dominance groups (telic, nondominant, and paratelic) based on their paratelic dominance scale (PDS) total scores. Two main tasks were employed in the current study. The first task required participants to throw darts from short (1.37m) and long (3.37m) distances from the dartboard. The second task required participants to compete against each other under positive (win), variable (win/lose), and negative (lose) feedback conditions. The dependent variables included dart-throwing accuracy, pleasantness, arousal, self-efficacy, and telic/paratelic state. Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were utilized to test the study's hypotheses. Although the hypothesized condition-by-dominance interaction effects did not achieved statistical significance, the main effects of the dart-throwing condition on the dependent variables were evidenced. Results for dart performance, pleasantness, and efficacy perception in the competitive task revealed that the effects of receiving variable and negative feedback were relatively more negative for telic-dominant participants than for their paratelic counterparts. Under variable and negative feedback, paratelic-dominant participants demonstrated better dart accuracy performance, more pleasant feelings, and higher efficacy perceptions compared to the telic-dominant participants. The results further showed that several reversals from telic-to-paratelic state and from paratelic-to-telic state occurred between and within conditions. Participants were more serious-minded under the long throwing distance and negative feedback conditions (more unfavorable conditions), whereas they tended to be more playful-minded under the short throwing distance and the positive feedback conditions (more favorable conditions), with significant differences between conditions. Furthermore, the results showed that the pleasant feelings and efficacy perceptions experienced in the short throwing distance and the positive feedback conditions were more pronounced than in the long throwing distance and negative feedback conditions. These differences between conditions were found to be significant. Furthermore, overall results of this study revealed that participants were more paratelic-minded and reported the highest pleasant scores in the short throwing distance and positive feedback conditions. Their efficacy perceptions were also the highest in these conditions. This suggests that the perception of self-efficacy is important in elevating feelings of pleasantness, as well as inducing the paratelic state while performing. These results might therefore clarify previously reported findings. Moreover, results showed that although paratelic-dominant participants performed better and felt more self-efficacious under the short throwing condition; they felt less pleasant compared to their telic counterparts. In accordance with reversal theory, this suggests that paratelic-minded participants might have interpreted their high efficacy as an indication of task competence and, thus, such a non-challenging task is less likely to be appealing to them. Overall, the study's findings provide some evidence that supports previously reported research findings that assert that task condition interact with metamotivational dominance to determine feelings and motivations. The current study emphases the importance of including metamotivational dominance in future reversal theory research. Importantly, this study adds efficacy perceptions to the existent reversal theory literature on telic/paratelic dominance. Telic and paratelic-dominant individuals' difference in efficacy perceptions might be valuable to consider in order to more fully understand their sport behavior and experience (e.g., affect, physical activity preference, risk taking). Thus, forthcoming reversal theory studies need to consider both telic/paratelic dominance and efficacy perceptions in studying sport and exercise experiences. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Spring Semester, 2004. / November 13, 2003. / Sport, Emotion, Affect / Includes bibliographical references. / Gershon Tenenbaum, Professor Directing Dissertation; Aubrey Kent, Outside Committee Member; David Pargman, Committee Member; Akihito Kamata, Committee Member.

The purposes of this study were to determine the reliability of the bat swing (BS) and rotational medicine ball throw (RMBT) load-velocity profiling (LVP) methods and the relationships between LVP variables and batting performance in NCAA Division I softball players. Current NCAA Division I softball athletes participated in this study. Bat velocity was tracked with a swing sensor during the BS method. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) tracked forearm velocity during the BS and RMBT methods. Two-way intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used for relative reliability and coefficient of variation (CV) was used for absolute reliability. For the BS method with the swing sensor, relationships between the multiple- and two-load models and between LVP variables and batting variables were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficients. During the RMBT method and BS method using the IMU, no LVP variables were reliable (ICC = 0.7; CV = 15%). For the BS method with the swing sensor, all bat loads and V0 had acceptable reliability using peak velocity (PV) and average peak velocity (PVavg) (ICC > 0.7; CV < 15%). All LVP variables were highly related between the multiple- and two-load models when utilizing PV and PVavg (r = 0.915-0.988; p < 0.01). There were significant relationships (r = 0.603-0.671; p < 0.05) between PV using the 0.99 kg bat load and slugging percentage and on-base plus slugging, and between V0 and doubles, runs batted in, and total bases. Neither the RMBT method nor the BS method using the IMU provided reliable LVP variables. All bat velocities were highly reliable during the BS method using the swing sensor, while only V0 provided acceptable reliability. Practitioners may utilize the two-load model when utilizing the BS method using the swing sensor, although further research is needed to examine the relationship between LVP variables and batting performance.

Heart rate deflection point (HRDP), identified as the second breakpoint in the "intensity / heart rate" relationship, is indicative of the anaerobic threshold (AT). This point can be determined via bi-segmental linear regression (2SEG) or through use of the maximal distance model (D-max); however, the relationship between these methods has yet to be investigated 2. Purpose: To compare the use of 2SEG and D-max methods to determine HRDP and to examine the relationship between these values with a metabolic threshold, respiratory compensation point (RCP), as well as running performance [5,000 meter treadmill time trial (5Ktime)]. Methods: Nineteen recreationally active men (n=9, 25.56±3.17y, 1.77±0.05 m, 83.52±6.77 kg, 48.98±7.37 ml·kg·min-1) and women (n=10, 22.78±2.11 y, 1.64±0.07 m, 62.28±6.20 kg, 42.32±4.13ml·kg·min-1) were recruited for this study. Participants completed two experimental trials, consisting of a graded exercise test to exhaustion (GXT) and 5,000m time trial on the treadmill. Estimates of HRDP and RCP were calculated from data collected during the GXT. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare HRDP found through 2SEG (HRDP2SEG), HRDP found through D-max (HRDPD-max), and RCP. Pearson product moment correlations were used to examine the relationship between variables (HRDP2SEG, HRDPD-max, RCP, and 5Ktime). Results: No differences were found between HRDP2SEG (176.70±9.40 bpm), HRDPD-max (178.18±6.85 bpm), and RCP (176.92±6.63 bpm) (p = 0.533). Strong correlations were found between HRDP2SEG and HRDPD-max (r = 0.831, p < 0.0001), RCP and HRDP2SEG (r = 0.650, p = 0.003), and RCP and HRDPD-max (r = 0.619, p = 0.005). No relationship was found between 5Ktime and HRDP2SEG (r = 0.419, p = 0.074), HRDPD-max (r = 0.241, p = 0.321), or RCP (r = 0.193, p = 0.429). Similar limits of agreement were found for all comparisons (HRDP2SEG and RCP, p = 0.070; HRDPD-max and RCP, p = 0.868; HRDP2SEG and HRDPD-max, p = 0.029), however, systematic bias was found between HRDP2SEG and HRDPD-max. Conclusion: Based on these results, HRDP2SEG and HRDPD-max could potentially be used interchangeably as methods to determine HRDP. However, the potential for systematic bias must be taken into consideration. Additionally, the results indicate that RCP and HRDP may provide similar estimates of the anaerobic threshold, but none of these thresholds appear to be related to 5Ktime on a treadmill.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is twofold: 1.) Examine the effects of 10-weeks of an introductory judo course on postural control during maximal bilateral isometric handgrip testing using different stance conditions and lower body power performance, and 2.) To analyze the relationship between maximal bilateral handgrip exertions on postural control during varied stance conditions. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active men and women divided into two an experimental group, (JDO) (n = 10; 21.70 ± 3.83 y; 169.91 ± 6.01 cm; 73.89 ± 12.10 kg; 19.01 ± 8.06% BF), and a control group, (CON) (n = 10; 21.50 ± 2.84 y; 170.06 ± 8.28 cm; 76.62 ± 12.03 kg; 22.41 ± 6.64% BF), participated in this study. Both groups completed pretesting, performing nine randomly assigned experimental trials measuring center of pressure (COP) variables during the performance of a bilateral reactionary gripping task using varied stance conditions. Each trial consisted of bilateral maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) measured simultaneously with a handgrip dynamometer, three times with a neutral (N), dominant foot forward (D), and non-dominant (ND) foot forward stance. Furthermore, participants performed three bilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ) trials. All trials were completed while standing on a portable force platform, which was used, in conjunction with corresponding software, to track COP amplitude in the mediolateral (COPML) and anteroposterior (COPAP) directions, COP mean velocity (MV), and COP area (AREA) while gripping the dynamometer, and ground reaction forces, peak force (CMJPKF), peak power (CMJPP), and rate of power development (CMJRPD), during CMJ performance. Subjects were instructed to grasp the dynamometers as forcefully as possible for ∼5-sec during each trial. All trials were separated by a recovery period of 60-sec. A Waterloo Handedness and Footedness Questionnaire was used to determine subject upper and lower body laterality. Participants repeated the testing protocol following the conclusion of the 10-week course. RESULTS: No significant interactions were observed in MVC strength of the DOM and NON hands during any of the three stance conditions following the 10-week judo course. Furthermore, no significant interactions were observed for any of the COP variables. However, a significant main effect of stance was observed for COPML, MV, and AREA. Results did reveal that CMJPP significantly improved in the JDO group (PRE: 3584.70 ± 716.59W - POST: 3750.10 ± 699.61W) following the 10-week judo course, while no change was observed in the CON group (PRE: 3693.10 ± 1083.77W – POST: 3654.40 ± 1023.94W). However, no change was seen in CMJPKF or CMJRPD. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation indicate that 10-weeks of an introductory judo course may increase CMJPP, however, has no effect on postural control or bilateral MVC strength of the DOM and NON hand during varied stance conditions. Furthermore, results reveal that bilateral MVC exertion has no influence on postural control performed during varied stance conditions.