Sport and Traditions of Feminist Theory involves a philosophical examination of the opportunities that are offered to females who seek authority in sporting participation, by an examination of the ideas that emanate from various streams of feminist thought. Chapter One introduces the concepts of oppression and authority in sport for females. It also introduces Rortian pragmatism, and four strands of feminist thought which will be utilised throughout the thesis; liberal, standpoint, poststructural and Foucauldian feminism. Finally it briefly suggests the potentials for each of these feminisms to explain and alter the situation of women in sport. Chapter Two is an elaboration of Rortian liberalism. It explains the concepts of anti-foundationalism, the private-public split and the ideal liberal society. These ideas are then applied to an understanding of the opportunities for freedom in sport. Sport is viewed as a symbolic language medium where athletes have the opportunity to express their private freedom through idiosyncratic action. The chapter then goes on to address feminist concerns with Rortian pragmatism. It will be suggested that the female position in society forces a reformulation of Rortian pragmatism to include the possibility of collective expressions of freedom, and to recognise the systematic oppression of women in, and by, society. The female athlete must negotiate the unenviable position of performing in a practice that has a long history of male control over sporting discourses, and female exclusion from, or incorporation into, those sporting discourses. A feminist -reformed, Rortian pragmatism gives the female some tools with which to break down male control and produce individual and collective changes in the language; practice and theory of sport. Chapter Three is a selective history of feminist politics and female participation in sport. The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate that strong poetry; i.e. collective and individual language changes which increased the opportunity for females to speak with authority, were often the result of both contingent conditions in society, and the whims of the dominant class of males. Yet two important points should be made; firstly, within that limited area of freedom in both politics and sport, women did recreate themselves and their society, and secondly, the public discourse about female athleticism throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries suggests a genealogy of ideas which continues to limit female athletic participation and authority. It would be naïve to suggest that this history of ideas about female athleticism would be broken down simply by legislative change which allows for wider female participation in sport. Chapter Four investigates one mechanism of gaining authority for females in society and sport, the liberal intervention of equal opportunities. It has been suggested by radical and postmodern feminisms that such an intervention is inadequate because it leaves in place the structure of ideas that oppress females in the first place. Critiques of liberal feminist interventions in sport likewise suggest that such interventions maintain the maleness of reason in sport. Females are asked to participate and be judged in sports that have a male history and male structure of control. However, because Rortian pragmatism recognises that sport is a symbolic medium, liberal interventions should not be discarded. There are a number of sports which women either are not allowed to play or are discouraged from playing. The liberal intervention may allow women to participate in sport, and gain authority through their local and specific languages of participation. Chapter Five is an application of feminist standpoint theories to women's authority in sport. Feminist standpoints will be suggested as an important method for doubting the certainty of gendered truth statements in sport and society. The truth statements, which oppress women in sport reporting, and reinforce different modes of sport participation, will be deconstructed using feminist standpoint theories. Rortian pragmatism offers tools with which alternate candidates for truth status may be produced and disseminated throughout the sporting world. These alternatives may grant women greater authority in performing and talking about sports. Chapter Six will look at the postmodern and Foucauldian treatments of the female body as another mechanism of challenging the his-story about female athletes, which continues to limit both their participation in sports and their commentary about sports. It will be suggested that the fuzziness of the athletic body allows women all sorts of opportunities to challenge the maleness of authority in sport. One case study, which will be particularly investigated here, is the suggestion that women athletes could look at drugs as a mechanism for approaching the narrowly defined -by men- participation standards of male athletes. And as authority in sport is partially granted on the basis of objective sporting performance, females should view the drug ban as potentially a piece of phallocentric legislation designed to maintain male power. Other case studies that could be investigated at a later date are the suspicions about genetic engineering and virtual reality sport, and the distaste for female athletes aborting before sporting performance. Are these suspicions and distaste mechanisms of the control of the female athlete's performance which females should oppose? The final chapter summarises the opportunities that a reformed Rortian pragmatism, reformed by the female question, provides for females in sport. Sport as a bodily activity may offer some potentials and obstacles that are not present in theoretical activities like education and politics. This is not to imply a dualism, but simply to suggest that sport, like dance and theatre, is an activity where the body's movements and actions are symbolically communicative.

Within athletic domains, athletic identity is a cognitive structure guiding and organising how the person processes self-related information (Brewer, Van Raalte, & Linder, 1993). Being one of the domains of the self-concept, athletic identity is the “degree of importance, strength, and exclusivity attached to the athlete role that is maintained by the athletes and influenced by environment” (p. 39; Cieslak, 2005). Previous studies have shown that athletic identity is related to various psychological processes such as identity foreclosure and the emotional reactions of athletes to injuries (Grove, Lavallee, & Gordon, 1997). The Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) is a 10-item quantitative inventory measuring the level of athletic identity (Brewer, Van Raalte, & Linder, 1993). Throughout the past decade, researchers have been examining the psychometric properties and factor structures of the AIMS with samples mainly from English-speaking societies (Brewer & Cornelius, 2001; Hale, James, & Stambulova, 1999). This thesis consisted of two studies. The first one investigated the internal consistency and factor structure of the AIMS within a Hong Kong Chinese sample by performing confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) and Cronbach’s alphas. The author constructed a Chinese version of the AIMS and administered it to 186 Hong Kong athletes. The CFAs showed that multi-dimensional models were better fits than the original unidimenional model. The goodness-of-fit indices of three previously suggested models (and one simplified model) were either above or extremely close to acceptable levels. Considering the possible cultural influences and translation processes, the findings are substantial. In this study, the author also discusses the cultural differences in terms of each factor and overall athletic identity scores. The second study followed up the results of the first study and further explored the construct of athletic identity through qualitative interviews. The author, who was also the interviewer, recruited 13 Hong Kong athletes for in-depth interviews exploring their life experiences of being athletes in Hong Kong. The results revealed that some contributing elements of the participants’ athletic identities seemed well represented by the AIMS items and factors, such as recognition from others (i.e., social identity), sport-related goals, dysphoric emotions associated with injury (i.e., negative affectivity), and perceived importance of sport (i.e., exclusivity). Some themes from the interviews, however, were not represented in the items or factors of the AIMS. For some participants, appearance and accoutrements, such as clothing and equipment, formed part of their overall athletic identities. Also, the author found that the participants’ fantasies about professional athletes were major features of the interviews. These results showed that various cultural characteristics in Hong Kong may influence the development of the participants’ self-identities including athletic identities. The author employed the theory of self-construals (Markus & Kitayama, 1991) and features of Hong Kong culture to explain the results. In the general discussion, the author also discussed the AIMS items, the factor structure, and their connections with Hong Kong athletes’ experiences, based on the qualitative findings. The author recommended some possible items for further development of the AIMS.

A detailed reply paid questionnaire was posted via surface mail to overseeing members of Australian surfboard riding clubs in May 2004. Clubs from Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland partcipated. Further participants were randomly recruited from surfing locations throughout Australia including beaches in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Participants were asked to recall injury details over a retrospective period of two years. Conclusions: Laceration is the most common surfing injury (52%), followed by contusions(36%), muscle strains or tears (4%), fractures (4%), joint sprains (3%), and joint dislocations (1%). Lower limbs are the most commonly injured area, followed by upper limbs, and the head and face. Surfing safety equipment should be designed to protect the limbs from lacerations, and aid in the prevention of serious injuries such as vertebral, facial and skull fractures. Delayed onset muscle soreness is common amongst recreational surfers. Medical doctors are the most commonly consulted health care practitioner by surfers for treatment of surfing related injury, followed by physiotherapists and Osteopaths. This minor thesis was written by post graduate students as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

This study examined the effects of music on physiological and psychological responses in Osteopathic patients who listened to relaxation music. Fifty subjects, twenty-six females and twenty-four males ranging in age from 18-51, were randomly assigned to one of two environmental settings. Participants in the control group were treated in the absence of relaxation music. The participants allocated to the experimental group received their normal osteopathic treatment whilst relaxation music played in the background. The specific music selected was shown in previous research to decrease State anxiety. Pysiological data collected before and after treatment included heart rate, respiration, diastolic blood pressure, and systolic blood pressure. Psychometric data was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale for self-perceived relaxation. Significant differences (p<.05) were found from pre-test to post-test in the music group for heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. There were no significant differences in self-perceived tension ratings between the two groups. This minor thesis was written by post-graduate students as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

This doctoral thesis deals with the type of architecture that materializes when age-related problems become a long-term condition (LTC) and gradually restrain the individual’s ability to perform activities in daily life (ADL). Their life situation necessitates a support from relatives or municipal eldercare staff in order for them to continue to participate in everyday living. In addition, the architectural space requires a close adjustment to the personal panorama of cognitive or functional impairments. The habitat can be a flat appropriated many years previously or in a residential care home for dependent and frail seniors. Architecture for ageing with dependency demonstrates how space can be used either to affirm or oppress the older person’s attempts to maintain an independent life style. By use of design theory, case study methodology and a heterogeneous research strategy, this study uses a threefold approach—a retrospective, a contemporaneous, and a future-oriented approach—to explore frail older people’s interaction with the architectural space of residential care homes. This has resulted in seven papers that focus on aspects of these human interactions with the built environment. Based on twelve exemplary models, the research paper I concludes that national guidelines result in a homelike, a hotel-like or a hospital-like environment. Research paper II is a retrospective study that examines the use of architecture competitions as a socio-political instrument to define architectural guidelines. Research paper III focuses on dependent seniors’ spatial appropriation of the communally shared space of a ward in a residential care home. Research paper IV employs two environmental assessment methods from the architecture profession and gerontological research (TESS-NH) in order to evaluate the use of interior colouring when refurbishing two residential care homes while the residents remained in place. Research paper V displays a municipal organizer’s considerations to opt for an architecture competition as a means of renewing architecture for the ageing population. Research paper VI examines competition documentation of three municipal architecture competitions organized during the period of 2006 to 2009. Research paper VII, the final study, explores notions concerning the appropriate space for ageing found among a group of municipal representatives, and people from organizations defending older people’s right. It supplies a model for understanding the appropriate space for ageing. This study illustrates the absence of older people with frailties in the public discussion about appropriate architecture for ageing. During the 20th century, the multi-dimensional idea of an architectural space with a homelike appearance has been used to contrast the negatively charged opposite—the complete and austere institution. The overarching conclusion of this study is that architecture for dependent and frail seniors constitutes a particular type of built space that requires an extended dialogue involving dependent seniors, architects, building contractors and care planners in order to conceive appropriate architecture for the ageing society. / QC 20110921

Cognitive Rehabilitation is an umbrella term which encompasses a number of restorative and compensatory techniques commonly and widely applied to assist with the sequelae following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Such techniques have been well established within the literature. More recently, an increasing body of research has emerged suggesting that electroencephalography (EEG) biofeedback is an effective intervention for sequelae following TBI. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation and EEG biofeedback as treatments for moderate to severe TBI. It aimed to determine the effectiveness of each intervention in treating cognitive, emotional, and behavioural sequelae following TBI. Methods: A multiple single case study cross-over (ABBA) design was used with six adult participants, no less than one year post TBI. Three of the participants received the two treatments in the opposite order to the remaining participants, each serving as their own controls. Over ten weeks, each participant received 20 hours of Treatment A. Then, following a ten week break they received 20 hours of Treatment B, with a final ten week follow-up. A number of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural measures were administered pre-post treatments. Quantitative electroencephalographs (qEEG) were also administered pre-post treatments to evaluate any change in the electrophysiological dynamics of the brain. Results: EEG biofeedback appeared to be more effective than cognitive rehabilitation in improving information processing impairments, namely, complex attentional control, response inhibition, and speed of language and comprehension. Cognitive rehabilitation appeared to be more effective than EEG biofeedback in improving visual memory. Both treatments were effective in reducing depression, anxiety, anger, and neurobehavioural symptomatology. Although both treatments were effective in reducing depression, greater reductions were evident following EEG biofeedback. A number of self-reported functional changes were also noted by each participant. EEG biofeedback was more effective than cognitive rehabilitation in the normalisation of dysregulated EEG (as measured by qEEG). Conclusions: Overall, EEG biofeedback appeared to be more effective in improving information processing skills, while cognitive rehabilitation was more effective in improving visual memory. Both treatments were effective in the treatment of emotional and behavioural sequelae following TBI. EEG biofeedback was more effective in normalising the participants'. However, the clinical meaningfulness of the qEEG finding is questioned. Speculations are made about the possible functional brain changes which may occur following rehabilitation.

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.