This study sought to identify a balance test or combination of tests that would efficiently predict Olympic Balance Beam performance. Of interest, too, was the effect previous experience might have on the performance of standardized and modified balance tests. In order to determine if height affected balance performance and would therefore be an element to consider in teaching methods and progressions, the Bass Stick Test and Sideward Leap Test were raised to a height of three feet and eleven inches.

This thesis attempted to examine the role of various task factors on children's group and individual learning on the balance beam: task presentation, task difficulty initial knowledge and physical feedback. Initially the literature is reviewed, there then follows a series of four empirical studies. The first empirical study examined if the mixed ability groups produced more learning then similar ability groups on Wilkening and Anderson's (1982) balance beam task. The study did not find the effect but it is suggested that this was due to the unsuitability of the task to the methodology used. The second study attempted to examine the effect on two levels of task difficulty on learning in groups on Sielger's (1976, 198) balance beam. It was found with higher difficulty task items the individual conditions, where children worked on their own, revealed less learning than the group work conditions, an effect that was found with the easier items. Also it was found that the children's pre-test classifications affected whether they advanced or not; the children with higher pre-test classifications showing less advancement. The third study attempted and succeeded in replicating this result. It also examined the verbal interactions between the children within the groupwork conditions. It was found that there was little relation between the dialogue within the interaction and the outcome in the post-test. The fourth study analysed the role of feedback in learning in the Sielger's balance beam, the children either worked on their own or in groups on the balance beam. They were given feedback on either all items or just the items that they performed poorly on the pre-test. It was found that the manipulation had only a slight effect on learning, but it was found that the pattern of learning across the three phases of the experiment was different for the group work conditions and the individual conditions. These findings are discussed in relation in other models and the role of the social situation is suggested.

The purpose of the investigation was to determine the effect of self-modeling on self-efficacy and performance of balance beam routines. Subjects (n=ll) were intermediate level gymnasts rated at the 5, 6, and 7 skill levels with ages ranging from 8 to 13 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups, a self-modeling or a control group. For the self-modeling group, self-modeling videotapes were made of each subject performing her balance beam routine. During a six week period, the self-modeling group subjects viewed the videotape of themselves prior to practice three times a week for six consecutive weeks. All subjects completed two different self-efficacy inventories and a balance beam skills test at four intervals: a pretest, a 2-week test, a 4 week-test, and a posttest. During the six weeks, each group participated in their normal instructional program at the gymnastics academy.The results of this study indicated no significant differences in ratings of self-efficacy or balance beam performance, as based on judge's ratings between the self-modeling group and the control group. However, a significant correlation was found between predicted performance scores and actual performance scores for the self-modeling group (r=.92). This correlation was not significant for the control group (r=.02). Even though a significant effect of self-modeling on self-efficacy and performance scores was not found, this significant correlation indicates that self-modeling may enhance a subject's ability to realistically assess her/his performance. Thus, self-modeling may benefit the learner by developing an accurate conception of one's performance which would enhance the ability to understand and utilize instructional feedback to improve performance. / School of Physical Education

Este trabalho estuda o comportamento estrutural de blocos sobre estacas em concreto armado situados em divisas de terrenos. Foi feita revisão bibliográfica abordando os assuntos de blocos de coroamento, vigas de equilíbrio, modelo de bielas e tirantes e um breve comentário sobre o programa computacional Diana (2010). O trabalho apresenta um roteiro para análise estrutural e dimensionamento de vigas de equilíbrio sobre estacas com pilar excêntrico ao apoio. É apresentado um exemplo feito por Andrade (1989), comparado com o método proposto por Burke (1979) e com análise numérica. Além deste, foram analisados casos de projetos reais utilizando o método Burke (1979) adaptado neste trabalho. Alguns desses exemplos foram modelados em regime elástico e linear no programa computacional Diana (2010). São apresentadas comparações de resultados obtidos com o método Burke (1979) e análise numérica, comprovando a eficácia desse método. Em todos os exemplos estudados o método proposto por Burke (1979) indicou bons resultados quando comparados com os encontrados em análise computacional. A dissertação apresenta soluções para projetos de bloco sobre estacas, situados em divisas de terrenos e associados a vigas de equilíbrio. / This research investigates the structural behavior of reinforced concrete blocks piles located on the limit of land. Literature review was done about blocks piles, balance beams, strut and tie model and a short comment about the Diana computer program (2010). The dissertation presents a roadmap for structural analysis and sizing of balance beams on stakes with eccentric support pillar. An example, which was studied by Andrade (1989), is compared with the same example done using the method proposed by Burke (1979) and with numerical analysis. In addition to this, are analyzed real cases of projects using the method of Burke (1979). Some of these examples were modeled in linear and elastic characteristics using Diana program computer (2010). Here, it is presented comparisons between the method proposed by Burke (1979) and numerical analysis. It is presented comparisons between the method Burke (1979) and numerical analysis, proving the effectiveness of this method. In all examples studied the method proposed by Burke (1979) provided with good accuracy the results for computer analysis. The conclusion presents suggestions for projects of block piles located in limit of land associated with balance beams.

Este trabalho estuda o comportamento estrutural de blocos sobre estacas em concreto armado situados em divisas de terrenos. Foi feita revisão bibliográfica abordando os assuntos de blocos de coroamento, vigas de equilíbrio, modelo de bielas e tirantes e um breve comentário sobre o programa computacional Diana (2010). O trabalho apresenta um roteiro para análise estrutural e dimensionamento de vigas de equilíbrio sobre estacas com pilar excêntrico ao apoio. É apresentado um exemplo feito por Andrade (1989), comparado com o método proposto por Burke (1979) e com análise numérica. Além deste, foram analisados casos de projetos reais utilizando o método Burke (1979) adaptado neste trabalho. Alguns desses exemplos foram modelados em regime elástico e linear no programa computacional Diana (2010). São apresentadas comparações de resultados obtidos com o método Burke (1979) e análise numérica, comprovando a eficácia desse método. Em todos os exemplos estudados o método proposto por Burke (1979) indicou bons resultados quando comparados com os encontrados em análise computacional. A dissertação apresenta soluções para projetos de bloco sobre estacas, situados em divisas de terrenos e associados a vigas de equilíbrio. / This research investigates the structural behavior of reinforced concrete blocks piles located on the limit of land. Literature review was done about blocks piles, balance beams, strut and tie model and a short comment about the Diana computer program (2010). The dissertation presents a roadmap for structural analysis and sizing of balance beams on stakes with eccentric support pillar. An example, which was studied by Andrade (1989), is compared with the same example done using the method proposed by Burke (1979) and with numerical analysis. In addition to this, are analyzed real cases of projects using the method of Burke (1979). Some of these examples were modeled in linear and elastic characteristics using Diana program computer (2010). Here, it is presented comparisons between the method proposed by Burke (1979) and numerical analysis. It is presented comparisons between the method Burke (1979) and numerical analysis, proving the effectiveness of this method. In all examples studied the method proposed by Burke (1979) provided with good accuracy the results for computer analysis. The conclusion presents suggestions for projects of block piles located in limit of land associated with balance beams.

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Title: Comparison of balance of abilities of artistic gymnasts and TeamGym gymnasts Objectives: The aim of this work is to describe the relationship between selected factors and performance in selected balance tests of groups of artistic gymnasts and TeamGym gymnasts and at the same time to verify the effect of the balance beam exercise on the balance ability of TeamGym gymnasts. Methods: Field tests were chosen for data acquisition: stand on dominant and non- dominant limb with closed and open eyes, walking back on balance beam and bench, jumps to balance position (track). Furthermore, a questionnaire survey was used. The obtained data were evaluated by means of Wilcoxon tests for two dependent and independent samples, correlation analysis, materiality investigation for non-parametric data and means of descriptive statistics. The data were also examined in terms of the percentages of the achieved maxima. The intervention method was chosen to verify the influence of the exercises on the balance beams. Results: The relationship of the direct proportion between age and performance in walking back on bench and track test was confirmed, and between height and performance in stand-up tests and track run were confirmed. In addition, a better level of balance skills in artistic gymnasts was demonstrated...

This diploma thesis focueses on a composition of training simple gymnastic exercises including bar and balance beam exercises and climbing for students of an elementary school and its use in practice. This methodology was applied to a chosen class of an elementary school. The main aims were to find the level of skills through the input tests then to make a progress after application of the composed methodology and finally to find the level of skills through the output tests. The thesis consists of 20 complete lesson plans of the particular lessons just as they were done. It should open up the issue of training simple gymnastic skills and to help teachers to make their P. E. Lessons attractive.

Current-to-pressure (I/P) converters are pneumatic devices which provide precise control of pressure in various industries – for example these devices are often used in valve positioner systems (typically found in the oil and gas industry) and tensioning systems (typically used in the packaging industry). With an increasing demand for such devices to operate in harsh environments all by delivering acceptable performance means that Current-to-pressure converters need to be carefully designed such that environmental factors have no or minimal effects on its performance. This work presents an investigation of the principles of operation of an existing I/P converter through mathematical modelling. A simulation model has been created and which allows prediction of performance of the I/P converter. This tool has been used to identify areas of poor performances through theoretical analysis and consequently led to optimisation of certain areas of the I/P converter through a design change to deliver improved performances, for instance the average percentage shift in gain at 1mA input signal (over the temperature range of -40°C to 85°C) on the new I/P converter is 2.13% compared to the average gain of 4.24% on the existing I/P converter, which represents an improvement of almost two fold. Experimental tests on prototypes have been carried out and tests results showed that improved linearity and temperature sensitivity can be expected from the new design.