Strain within the hoof capsule is unknown and difficult to estimate and limited information is available on motion of all the distal joints of the forelimb. Consequently, how impact is attenuated in the hoof, distal joints and suspensory system is still not fully understood. This study aims to develop instrumentation capable of measuring internal hoof strain in conjunction with a method of recording the three dimensional (31)) kinematics of the joints of the distal. forelimb. Instrumented plugs were developed and validated and radial strain was measured in equine hooves at the dorsum together with lower forelimb kinernatics and kinetics during in vitro simulations of walking. 3D kinematics were recorded from the lower forelimb of 4 ponies at the walk using non-invasive cluster markers and the Calibrated Anatomical Systems Technique. Soft tissue artefacts using this method were assessed in vitro. Relationships between radial strain and locomotion were investigated. Tensile radial strain is predominant in normal hooves at the dorsum with magnitudes in the region of 500 pE in the stratum medium at midstance during simulated walking. Compression was recorded in the hoof strata of limbs with chronic laminitis. Radial strain was moderately correlated with proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) flexion (r = -. 519). Large reductions in radial strain were found in simulated impact and heel lift positions. As the PIPJ flexes at impact passive loading of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) due to weight bearing is more gradual, so direct radial stress in the stratum me&m is reduced. Radial stress in the stratum medium is also reduced as a proportion of the ground reaction forces are redirected through the heels. This vital role needs further investigation in vivo with improved non-invasive techniques.

The goal-directed regulation of the exercise intensity over an exercise bout has been shown to be an essential determinant for performance. During their competition, exercisers are required continuously to make decisions about how and when they are going to invest their limited available energy resources. The regulation of the exercise intensity is an intriguing area of sport science research, and a complex one as demonstrated by the multitude of different theories regarding pacing that are around attempting to explain how this is done. Previous research revealed optimal pacing strategies in time trial exercise and the importance of feedback regarding the internal bodily state. The present thesis adds onto this knowledge by highlighting the external world around the exerciser and its effect on pacing. This has been done by focusing on arguably the most important external variable in competitions: the opponent. It has been shown how opponents could invite exercisers to adjust their pacing behaviour in real-life competitions and in controlled laboratory situations. Moreover, it has been illustrated that even the same opponent could evoke different pacing responses and alter the information-seeking behaviour, depending on the competitive situation that is presented towards the exerciser. It has been demonstrated how an accumulation of preceding race efforts could impact the pacing and performance of elite athletes during their competition. Finally, the reciprocal interaction in pacing decision-making between the effect of an opponent and the internal state of the exerciser was demonstrated, providing novel insights into the regulatory mechanism of exercise regulation. The present findings of this thesis emphasizes the importance of what is happening around the exerciser for the outcome of the decision-making process involved in pacing, and highlight the necessity to incorporate human-environment interactions into models that attempt to explain the regulation of exercise intensity.

Within the past two decades, the snowboard and freeski disciplines of halfpipe, slopestyle and big air (collectively Park & Pipe) have progressed dramatically in objective performance levels while transitioning into Olympic sports. This thesis investigates the nature and impact of this transition, with a focus on athlete performance and coaching. A general overview of the sport from a biopsychosocial perspective is followed by a more specific investigation into skill acquisition and the role of the coach in Park and Pipe as an action sport. A retrospective analysis of trick progression amongst eight elite performers at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics is complemented by interviews with ten current elite Park and Pipe coaches and an athlete survey to achieve triangulated perspectives exploring approaches to training and associated coaching methods. The inherent risk of injury in action sports is considered throughout, along with approaches to managing this risk at an athlete, coach and systemic level. A suite of both formal and informal tools is presented including the application and use of professional judgment and decision making (PJDM, Collins & Collins, 2014). This thesis provides insight for the action sports athlete, coach, high performance support team and management, exploring theory and application, examining change, success, failure, and providing a number of solutions to the optimal performance challenge. By establishing what current Park and Pipe best coaching practice looks like and comparing this to athlete preference, this research provides a picture of where the sport is currently at, proposes direction for the future, and highlights potential transfer to other action sports. Specific areas of focus and contribution to existing knowledge include sport progression modelling, holistic long-term athlete development, the use of motor imagery in skill acquisition, risk management, decision-making, and the periodisation of risk.

In completing this thesis I am attempting to answer the broad question of what golfers should do with their time on the course when they are not executing their shots. Surprisingly, and considering the amount of research within golf that has considered how performance can best be optimised, either by focusing on the development of technique, mental skills, physiological factors, or tactical considerations, this has remained an under-researched area with few authors considering the potential impact of these time periods. In attempting to answer this broad question I present five, substantive chapters, one desktop study, one chapter which explains and justifies the chosen research philosophy and methodologies (Chapter 3), and three empirical studies. These are wrapped in introduction (Chapter 1) and conclusion (Chapter 7) chapters. Chapter 2 critically reviews the extant literature prior to the completion of this thesis. In addition to critiquing existing literature future avenues for research that would fill some of the identified gaps in knowledge are suggested. Adopting a pragmatic philosophical approach Chapter 4 explores the perceptions from golfers and support personnel of what golfers should do on the course when not executing their shots. Results point to the use of a number of novel processes specifically the use of pre2- and post-shot routines, in addition to the impact of caddies at the meso-level of performance. These impacts of these processes and inputs on both player attention and other psychological factors are discussed. Reflecting the suggestion from Chapter 4 of the importance of meso-level processes, Chapter 5 seeks to identify if, and how, high-level golfers use the meso-level processes identified in Chapter 4. The findings suggest that high-level golfers do use the processes identified in Chapter 4 but that the content and application of the processes varies depending upon shot outcome. In particular, post-shot routines need to be adaptive based upon shot outcome. Consequently, the need to develop meta-cognitive skills is also highlighted. In order to close the pragmatic loop and practically apply the knowledge generated in the thesis to that point Chapter 6 takes five high-level golfers through a 10 week intervention. These interventions are aimed at developing the skills and processes discovered in the thesis and assesses both the perceived and performance benefits derived from the interventions. There were notable improvements in performance as a consequence of the interventions, although these were not statistically significant. However, participants did also positively note a number of perceived benefits derived from the interventions including the development of meso-level skills and associated general benefits and improvements. In concluding the thesis, and as per the pragmatic approach adopted, I offer practical suggestions to what golfers should do with the rest of the day and the impact that adopting these processes has on performance. Finally, and in order to provide practically useful findings to practitioners, a model for how to integrate the findings from the thesis is proposed.

No description available.

Sammanfattning Syfte och frågeställningar Syftet med studien var att undersöka vilka eventuella effekter ett friskvårdsbidrag har på anställdas upplevda nivå av fysisk aktivitet och välmående. För att kunna undersöka detta togs fem frågeställningar fram: 1. Är anställda som nyttjar friskvårdsbidrag på en arbetsplats mer fysiskt aktiva än de som inte nyttjar friskvårdsbidrag? 2. Skulle de anställda utfört samma fysiska aktivitet även om de inte fått bidraget? 3. Finns det några skillnader i aktivitetsnivå mellan anställda som har valt olika typer av friskvård? 4. Finns det några skillnader i upplevt psykiskt och fysiskt välmående mellan anställda som nyttjar och inte nyttjar friskvårdsbidrag? 5. Finns det någon skillnad i upplevt psykiskt och fysiskt välmående mellan anställda som valt olika typer av friskvård? Metod Studien genomfördes på ett vård- och omsorgsboende i en svensk kommun. Friskvårdsbidraget innefattar 1600 kr per anställd och år. Arbetsplatsen har ca. 100 medarbetare, vilka alla gavs möjlighet att delta i denna studie. Deltagarantalet var 40 stycken (40 %) med en medelålder på 48,5 år (bortfall n=12). Könsfördelningen var 7 (17,5 %) män och 33 (82,5 %) kvinnor. Föreliggande studie är kvantitativ för att på bästa sätt kunna mäta samband och skillnader. Data samlades in med hjälp av enkäter. Resultat Alla respondenter var medvetna om att deras arbetsgivare erbjöd friskvårdsbidrag till alla anställda. Det var totalt 27 respondenter som nyttjade friskvårdsbidraget. Av dem så trodde 23 respondenter att de skulle utföra den aktivitet de nyttjade bidraget till även om de inte hade haft friskvårdsbidrag. De respondenter som nyttjar friskvårdsbidraget upplevde sin fysiska hälsa som bättre till skillnad från de som inte nyttjade friskvårdsbidraget. Det resultatet var signifikant (Z=-2,45; p <0,05 ). När det kommer till aktivitetsnivå visade analysen att de personer som nyttjar friskvårdsbidraget styrketränar mer än de som inte nyttjar friskvårdsbidraget. En analys av val av friskvårdsaktivitet och upplevd fysisk och psykisk hälsa visade att de respondenter som använder bidraget till gymkort hade en högre skattning på sin upplevda fysiska hälsa i jämförelse med de som använder bidraget till massage. Detta var ett signifikant resultat (Z=-2,268; p <0,05) . Diskussion Det var 34,3 procent som inte nyttjade friskvårdsbidraget, trots att samtliga respondenter var medvetna om friskvårdsbidraget . Att de inte nyttjade bidraget berodde inte på otillräckligt vetenskap eller att de inte fått tillräcklig information kring hur man nyttjar det. Anledningen skulle kunna vara att de glömmer att möjligheten att nyttja friskvårdsbidrag finns. Det behövs mer forskning på området om friskvårdsbidrag och dess påverkan på individers upplevda hälsa. Friskvårdsbidraget är en mycket uppskattad förmån hos de anställda.

Den senaste tidens forskning visar att dagens elever blir mer och mer stillasittande och att deras bristande motorik ger dem sämre resultat i skolan. Undersökningar har gjorts på elever som har fått pulshöjande aktiviteter och sedan haft matematik, reslutaten visar att de presterar bättre i matematik efter sin aktivitet. Syftet med denna studie var att se om elevers motorik blir bättre om de fick röra på sig utomhus. Studien genomfördes på en högstaideskola i Kalmar län under sex veckor med en försöksklass och en referensklass. NyTidstestet användes för att mäta elevernas motoriska förmåga före och efter studien. Resultatet visar att eleverna får något bättre motorik efter sex lektioner ute. Försöksklassen har utvecklats mer i vissa övningar än referensklassen och det kan bero på uteundervisningen, att röra sig på ojämnt underlag anses påverka den motoriska utvecklingen positivt. / The recent times research shows that today's students are becoming more and more sedentary and their lack of motor skills gives them poorer results in school Studies have been carried out on pupils who have received pulse-raising activities and then have mathematics, the results show that they perform better in mathematics after their activity. The purpose of this study was to see if pupils' motor skills are getting better if they had to move outside. The study was conducted at a high school in Kalmar County for six weeks with a trial class and a reference class. NyTidstestet was used to measure students' motorskills before and after the study. The result shows that the students get some better motorskills after six lessons outside. The trial class has developed more in some exercises than the reference class, and it may be due to outdoor education, moving on uneven surfaces is considered to have a positive impact on motordevelopment.

No description available.

Many daily activities and sporting events require an individual to perform brief periods of maximal exercise (i.e. < 10s) interrupted by limited periods of recovery. In the first study an intermittent maximal exercise test was used to examine the decline in power output with successive exercise periods and identify the changes in the metabolic environment associated with such exercise. The exercise protocol consisted of ten 6s maximal sprints with 30s recovery between each sprint on a cycle ergometer. The results suggest that phosphocreatine (PCr) and anaerobic glycolysis provided the majority of the energy to sustain an average power output (MPO) of 870.1 ±159.2W in the first sprint. In the final sprint, however, no change in lactate concentration was apparent, yet the average power output was still 73% of that in the initial sprint. It was suggested that the energy was derived from PCr degradation and oxidative metabolism.

Syfte och frågeställningar  Syftet med studien var att undersöka hur elevhälsan arbetar förebyggande och hälsofrämjande med psykisk ohälsa. -      Hur arbetar elevhälsan för att nå ut till alla elever?  -      Hur arbetar elevhälsan hälsofrämjande mot psykisk ohälsa?  -      Vilka riskbeteenden ser elevhälsan hos eleverna gällande psykisk ohälsa? Metod  I denna studie deltog totalt 11 personer från fem olika skolor där alla har en yrkesroll inom elevhälsan. Studiens fokus ligger på högstadiet och skolorna är placerade runt omkring i Stockholmsområdet. Genom semistrukturerade intervjuer har vi fått de anställdas egna uppfattningar om hur deras hälsofrämjande arbete ser ut samt hur de arbetar för att nå ut till alla elever.  Resultat  Elevhälsan är väl medvetna om att man ska arbeta med hälsofrämjande insatser på skolan men behöver tydligare riktlinjer för hur det ska gå till. Skolsköterska, kurator, psykolog, specialpedagog och skolläkare ska finnas tillgängliga inom elevhälsan. Efter analysprocessen framkom det att elevhälsan lägger mycket av ansvaret hos lärarna. Lärarna har den dagliga kontakten med eleverna och ser eventuella beteendeförändringar. Enligt skollagen (SFS 2010:800) har varje elev rätt till minst tre hälsobesök under grundskolan hos skolsjuksköterskan som efter analysprocessen uppfattas ligga som grund för elevhälsans arbete. Det är även viktigt med engagerade vårdnadshavare och att elevhälsan ska vara tillgängliga och arbeta med öppen dörr där eleverna kan komma och prata när de vill. Riskbeteenden de såg bland eleverna var hög frånvaro, beteendeförändring, försämrade provresultat, går inte framåt i skolan, problem med uppförandet, aggressivt beteende, självskadebeteende och psykosomatiska besvär som ont i magen och huvudvärk.  Slutsats  Mycket av elevhälsans arbete handlar om åtgärder exempelvis att läraren rapporterar om en elev blivit deprimerad eller har hög frånvaro medan det hälsofrämjande arbetet som att exempelvis ge eleverna kunskap och prata om ämnet psykisk ohälsa på skoltid verkar saknas. Det behövs tydligare riktlinjer för det hälsofrämjande arbetet och fler funktioner på skolan vars befattning endast fokuserar på hälsofrämjande insatser.