The purpose of this study was to examine collegiate female swimmers' attitudes toward gender and coaching. The study also examined the coaching styles of male and females coaches and determined whether a difference between styles existed. A purposeful sample of 250 female swimmers from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 2001-2002 swimming season participated in the study. Swimmers were required to have been coached by both female and male coaches in order to be eligible to participate. Addressing the purpose of this study, participants were asked to complete a 30-item questionnaire developed by the researcher. Frequency counts revealed that 23 of the 57 participants preferred a male coach to a female coach. Only two individuals reported their preference for a female with 32 participants citing no gender preference. Two sections, including 14 questions for each gender on the Gender Preference Instrument, assessed coaching style. Independent t -tests were calculated on each question (p < .05). Eight significant gender differences were observed on coaching styles, with the participating athletes scoring the male coach higher on all of the eight categories. / School of Physical Education

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a supplement containing polyunsaturated phoshphatidylcholine (PPC) on physical performance, delayed muscle soreness (DOMS), markers of membrane damage, and lipid peroxidation after repeated bouts of whole body resistance on men ages 18-35 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either PPC or placebo supplements for 31 days. After 3 weeks of supplementation, subjects were to perform 3 whole body resistance exercise sessions with 3 days of recovery between sessions. In order to document the effects of supplementation on recovery, fasting blood samples for determination of creatine kinase (CK) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and muscle soreness ratings were obtained each day in the morning after the initial 3 weeks of supplementation. The data was analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. The results indicate notable trends favoring PPC supplementation, such as lower ratings of perceived muscle soreness, lower CK and MDA responses to repeated bouts, improved maintenance of upper body strength and power, and increased lean body mass. However, these findings were not statistically different when compared to the placebo group. / School of Physical Education