bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between age at menarche and early-life nutritional status in India
Authors: Dahiya Monika , Rathi Vinod K
Published: July 2011

Age at menarche is associated with anthropometry in adolescence. Recently, there has been growing support for the hypothesis that timing of menarche may be set early in life but modified by changes in body size and composition in childhood. To evaluate this, a cohort of 100 girls aged ≤14 years recruited in 2006 were followed up in 2009 in NCR Delhi, India. The analysis was based on nutritional status as assessed by anthropometry and recalled age at menarche. Data were examined using life-table techniques and the Cox regression model. The association between nutritional status indicators and age at menarche was examined in a multivariate model adjusting for potential confounding variables. Censored cases were accounted for. The median age at menarche was 14·7 year. After controlling for early-life predictors (birth size, childhood underweight, childhood stunting) it appeared that adolescent stunting stood out as the most important determinant of age at menarche. Birth size was not a significant predictor of age at menarche. It is concluded that age at menarche is strongly influenced by nutritional status in adolescence, notably the level of stunting, which is in turn highly dependent on the level of stunting in early childhood. A ‘late’ menarche due to stunting may be detrimental for reproductive health in case of early childbearing because of the association between height and pelvic size.
Salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) responses to bovine colostrum supplementation during regular training in physically active young healthy adolescents
Authors: Appukutty Mahenderan , Radhakrishnan Ammu , Ramasamy Kalavathy , Majeed Abu Bakar Abdul , Chinna Karuthan , Noor Ismail Mohd , Safii Nik Shanita , Koon Poh Bee
Published: July 2011

Immunoglobulin (Ig) is an essential soluble mediator of humoral immunity to prevent infectious agents that invades the host. Secretory IgA is the main effecter in mucosal immunity and acts as a first line of defence in the host immunity system. Exercise is known to modulate the production of specific antibody and it is anticipated that dietary intervention such as bovine colostrum may modulate the mucosal immunity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nutritional supplementation of bovine colostrum on salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The subjects comprise adolescent school boys from Bukit Jalil Sports School that are actively involved on regular physical training. The subjects were randomly assigned into experimental (colostrum; n=20) or control (skimmed milk; n=20) group. The experimental and control groups were not significantly different in terms of age and body mass index. The former consumed 20 g of bovine colostrum supplement, and the latter 20 g of skimmed milk, daily for 6 weeks. sIgA measurement was conducted pre- (day 0) and post-supplementation (day 42). Bovine colostrum supplementation significantly increase saliva IgA (p<0.001) in the experimental group as compared to the control group. It was concluded that 6 weeks of bovine colostrum supplementation increases sIgA concentration in active young adolescents during training. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanistic basis of sIgA and colostrum interaction.
Effect of interventions on performance and KAP of rural female athletes
Authors: Subapriya M Sylvia , Shaijamol P
Published: July 2011

India has a strong human resource of 113 crores, largely vested in its villages. Effectively harnessing this great potential can help Indians dominate the international sports arena. This study was undertaken as a small step in recognising and enhancing athletic talent among rural women, the most neglected group of sports persons. Thirty female rural athletes (15–18 years of age) were selected of whom 12 each were school/college level and district level players, respectively, and 6 were state level players. Nutritional status was assessed through anthropometry, dietary survey (3-day food weighment method) and blood haemoglobin analysis. Physical fitness was assessed in terms of cardiovascular endurance and flexibility tests. Two pregame foods viz. groundnut chikki and lemon juice were developed and their effects were assessed on physical performance and group competition (volley ball). Nutrition education was imparted through conventional (booklet, poster, chart) and computer assisted nutrition education materials developed and their impact was assessed on the on the KAP of athletes. Forty per cent of the athletes were from BPL families and though 87% were non-vegetarians, food and nutrient intakes were grossly inadequate, 57% were in different stages of CED. All of them were in negative energy balance. Majority had mild or moderate anaemia. The two pregame foods improved individual physical performance significantly (p<0.01), while they had no significant effect on group competition. Nutrition education had an overwhelming effect on KAP.
Assessment of nutritional quality of wheat malt extract and preparation of non-conventional malted health beverages
Authors: Anand Kanika , Sharma Parul
Published: July 2011

Consumer awareness for the deleterious impact of malnutrition on health has grown in the last years. Thus leading to the increase in the demand for natural food and beverage products by health conscious consumers. The present study attempts to introduce a novel concept for the production of non-conventional health beverages based on malted wheat extract (variety used HD2733). In view of their health credentials these malted health beverages can be used as healthier alternative to conventional soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The study involves the determination of physical characteristics of unmalted and nutrient analysis of both malted and unmalted wheat kernels of chosen varieties. Sensory acceptability of prepared malted health beverages that is, malted coffee and malted ice-cream milk shake was also evaluated at 5%, 15% and 20% incorporations. Physical characteristics of kernel that is, 1000 kernel weight, hectolitre weight, grain length and width were 42.4 g, 80.9 kg, 6.5 mm and 3.30 mm, respectively. Malting resulted in slight increase in certain nutrients like protein content, mineral ash content, calcium and ascorbic levels, although a decrease in fat content, iron content and phytic acid levels was observed post malting. Sensory acceptability based on the overall acceptability showed malted health beverages prepared from 15% malt extract were most acceptable. Thus some modifications in the well known processes in the brewing industry would pave the way to design and produce innovative malt based health drinks.
Let's rock
Authors: Väänänen Ilkka J
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the scientific background of registered rocking chair training programme. A three-step study was carried out. In the first part, the muscle activity (EMG) level of rectus abdominis was quantified while rocking in a rocking chair. After this, the training effect of the 6-week rocking compared with the traditional resistance training was clarified. In the third part, the changes of the volume of the lower extremity after rocking were compared. Eight subjects participated in the first and second part of the study. The EMG data were collected while the subjects were rocking in a rocking chair. The mean EMG activity recorded during rocking was compared with the maximum EMG level during maximal voluntary isometric contraction. After this, five men rock daily 30 min in a rocking chair and three had resistance abdominal muscle strength training session twice a week. Sit-up test was used to evaluate the training effect. In the third part of this study, nine subjects rocked 30 min and sat 30 min in an upright chair separate days in random order. The volume measurement of one leg was done before and after both sitting session using the water displacement volumetry method. The results are presented as means (SE). Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The differences between the measurements were assessed using a paired and between groups non-paired t test. A priori p value <0.05 was chosen to indicate statistical significance.
Local application of turmeric on delayed onset muscle soreness
Authors: Gauri Md Izhar
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of local application of turmeric on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The study had 12 healthy, untrained subjects. Subjects were then randomly assigned to two groups, six participants in each group. Subjects of group A were given cryotherapy and subjects of group B were given cryotherapy along with local application of turmeric. The soreness was on its peak at 48 h post exercise in both groups. Mean extension strength was lowest at 48 h post exercise in both group A and B, strength decrease results because of the reluctance to use sore muscle and from the loss of inherent force providing capacity within the muscle, resulting in decrease in resting elbow angle. The increase in biceps brachii girth was due to inflammatory response because of the micro trauma in muscle due to unaccustomed eccentric exercise resulting in swelling. Our result showed that ice massage along with local application of turmeric produce more effect on DOMS than ice massage only. Local application of turmeric along with ice massage adds on to the effect of cryotherapy in management of DOM. It may be due to the anti-inflammatory property of turmeric. curcumin, the main yellow bioactive component of turmeric has two natural analogues FHM [feruloyl-(4-hydroxycinnamoyl)-methane] and BHM [bis-(4-hydroxycinnamoyl)-methane], are potent anti-inflammatory agents, which are potent anti-inflammatory agents, results in decrease in swelling and pain. Turmeric is also thought to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels and it may also stimulate the adrenal glands to increase production of inflammation reducing hormones.
Nutrition support for elite athletes: lessons learnt from the 2006 Commonwealth Games
Authors: Pelly Fiona E
Published: July 2011

Provision of a nutrition support service at elite level competition can assist athletes to make informed food selection at a critical time in their sporting career. Research conducted at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games revealed that nutrition labelling and access to dietitians was rated highly and widely used by athletes across a range of countries, cultures and sports. The aim of this study was to evaluate a comprehensive nutrition support service within the athletes' village of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. The nutrition services available included nutrition labelling of menu items, fact sheets, individual or group dietetic consultations and a request service to cater for athletes with special dietary requirements. Dietitians kept detailed records of each occasion of service from the week prior to until the completion of competition. At the end of each consultation, clients were invited to complete an evaluation of the service provided. In addition, a questionnaire was distributed randomly to patrons in the dining hall. The majority of athletes (67%) rated nutrition information as being very important or essential in determining their food choice, with 87% of athletes using the nutrition labelling at least some of the time. Nearly 60% of respondents said that the menu met their special dietary needs, supported by the small number (n=8) of requests requiring specialised catering. Evaluation of the nutrition support service confirmed its beneficial role in supporting the needs of athletes at elite level competition but also highlighted areas which could be improved for future games.
Nutrition and sports performance
Authors: Manikandan S , Selvam D
Published: July 2011

The awareness of nutrition playing an important role in sports performance. Many factors can impact the performance of a sports person during competition which may be related to different domains. The most commonly encountered nutritional related problem among sports person is their failure to consume sufficient total of food energy. Food is composed of six basic substance: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. Each one of these has specific function in providing nourishment for the body. For the sportsman, it is of critical importance to recognise what each does to his body under the physical, mental and emotional strains of competition. The duration and the intensity of the exercise involved in a given sports will determine the principal source of energy used in meeting the work demands of that particular sports. The certain nutrition and dietary approaches an enhance the sports performance and also nutrition is essential for an athletes good performance. The athlete's diet should be high in carbohydrates, moderate in proteins and low in fat.
Targeting basic strength: resistance training versus combined aerobic and resistance training?
Authors: Shaw Brandon S
Published: July 2011

Resistance and aerobic training are often performed concurrently in most exercise programmes in an attempt to get gains in more than one physiological system. This is done even though it is believed that combined resistance and aerobic training may impede the strength gains achieved by resistance training alone. However, this belief is not supported by unequivocal evidence and little is known about the effect of this mode of training on initial strength development or strength development for performance or health. It has been proposed that by simultaneously performing these two modes of exercise training, the strength gains achieved by resistance training alone may be impaired. Research has alluded to a possible optimal resistance training dose to optimise muscular strength development in certain populations and it seems that training status influences the requisite dose and potential magnitude of strength development. Thus, it is important to establish the effect of resistance training versus combined resistance and aerobic training on muscular strength in specific populations using specific exercise doses. This may be so since those individuals seeking muscular strength development for basic strength or general health may need a much lower resistance-training dosage and lower training doses may limit or negate the interference effect. Unequivocal research makes it difficult to support the general concept of the interference effect as it seems to hold true in specific situations only and only when optimal strength development is required.
Differences in maximum heart rates in distance runners during training, competition and laboratory testing
Authors: Shaw Ina
Published: July 2011

Successful performance in aerobic distance running is dependant on the athlete's ability to cover a fixed distance in the shortest time possible. An effective distance runner's programme must include an exercise prescription specifically developed for the individual athlete. In this regard, a percentage of either measured or predicted maximum heart rate is commonly used to prescribe and measure exercise intensity. However, maximum heart rate in athletes may be greater during competition or training than during laboratory exercise testing. Therefore, it is essential to determine if endurance-trained runners train and compete at or above laboratory measures of ‘maximum’ heart rate. Research indicates that long distance runners attain higher maximal heart rates in a field or competition setting than in a laboratory setting and as such, distance event runners' exercise intensities should not be based on laboratory assessment of maximum heart rate, but instead on maximum heart rate obtained either during training or during competition.
Strength training exercise for special population
Authors: Manilal K Prabhakaran
Published: July 2011

Development of an appropriate strength training programme for different population is a complicated process. This programme design requires a solid understanding of the underlying scientific principles and should be based on a sound rationale. For an effective strength training programme design, it is very important to identify the specific variables that need to be controlled in order to better predict the training outcomes. The proper combination of these variables will determine the type of exercise stimulus presented to the body because presentation of appropriate exercise stress is very vital for optimum physiological adaptation. Strength training exercise prescription for children, women and elderly people need special attention, as it should cater the training goal and individual need.
A precision athletic track marking system
Authors: kumar P Ravi , Rao C S P , Reddy P C , Krishna Murali , Moiz Md
Published: July 2011

Aim

On an athletic track the marking of staggers is a time consuming activity. No accurate method for manual marking of stagger is available. The aim of this paper is to suggest simplified and accurate method for manual marking of stagger and relay change over zones and also the ‘Mechatronic Track Marking System’ device which is designed based on this is simple and reachable.

Methodology

Staggers are required to be marked on imaginary lines known as running distance curve (RDC). Literature suggests use of large number of nails to be put on RDC so that the stretched tape follows RDC. This method is time consuming and inaccurate due to tape following a straight line between two nails. The improved method uses computer programme for converting curved staggers on RDC to chords on actual curved lines for straight marking by stretching the tape without use of any nails.

Results

The method has been tested at JN Stadium, Warangal, (AP), India, NIT Stadium, Hanamkonda, Warangal, (AP), India and LB Stadium, Hyderabad (AP), India and found to be very accurate and time saving.

Conclusion

Improved method and the devise is simple, less time consuming, accurate and recommended to be adopted for teaching and professional use.
Communication skills: a cognitive–behavioural approach to enhance relationship skills in young sport coaches
Authors: Margaret Glory D , Kirubakar S Glady , Kumutha N
Published: July 2011

Communication is a multifaceted phenomenon involving the transmission or exchange of thoughts, ideas, feelings or information through verbal and non-verbal channels (Anderson 1959). Communication means not only talking but also listening to each other. Effective communication involves mutual sharing and mutual understanding. Its foundation is trust and mutual respect. Communication can be expressed in many different ways: it can be interpersonal, intrapersonal, written or visual. Athletes in different sports have to communicate with many different people in different ways. Athletes communicate in, before competition, in competition and after competition coaches find difficulties in communicating with an athlete due to a number of issues which includes the athlete's perception of something is different, the athlete may jump to a conclusion instead of working through the process of hearing, understanding and accepting, the athlete may lack the knowledge needed to understand what the coach trying to communicate and so on. Effective communication contains six elements: clear, concise, correct, complete, courteous and constructive. Improved communication skills will enable both the athlete and coach to gain much more from their coaching relationship. Good communication is the foundation of all successful coaching. It is well known that outstanding and effective coaches all have communication skills which can shift an athlete or a team from negative to positive attitudes, can express the intricate mechanics of movement in a manner which is clear and understandable, can lift a player from mediocre to elite performance by zoning in on an athlete's individual learning and motivation styles.
Acute injuries in cyclists participated in 3rd International Presidency Iran Cycling Tour
Authors: Bagherian Sajjad , Rahnama Nader
Published: July 2011

The increasing participation in the athletic forms of bicycling warrants expanded physician attention to the traumatic and overuse injuries experienced by cyclists. The aim of this study was to describe injuries in cyclists participated at the 3rd International Presidency Iran Cycling Tour (Iran–Tehran 10–15 May 2010). All injuries occurring over a 5-day period at this tournament were documented for analysis. Altogether, 93 cyclists from 19 teams (14 foreign countries and 5 local teams) participated in this tournament. Seventeen out of 93 cyclists were injured in this event. In total, 71 injuries occurred. Abrasions (80%), contusions (16%) and fractures (4%) were the most common injuries in cyclists. Shoulder and clavicle (18%), pelvis (17%), elbow (15%), femur (13%) and knee (13%) represented the most common sites of injury (p<0.05). Collision with another cyclist (49%) accounted as a main cause of injury followed by collision with obstacles in the road (30%), slippery road (13%) and sudden twist in front of another cyclists (8%) (p<0.05). Rate of injury during the escape period (intense race with high speed) (89%) was significantly (p<0.05) more than less intense period (11%). Number of minor injuries (96%) was significantly higher than that of severe injuries (p<0.05). More injuries occurred in the initial period of the race (68%) than mid and end of the race (p<0.05). Injured cyclists lost the results and were not successful in this event. In conclusion, lower extremities had greater number of injury and collision with another rider was the main cause of injury; this information will assist decision makers in designing injury prevention techniques.
Technology and badminton
Authors: Singh Gurmeet , Yogesh
Published: July 2011

Badminton is fastest racket game and now days there are great changes in the playing pattern and speed. Technological innovations have a great influence in today's game of badminton. In this paper the influence of technology is explained, that how the technology has changed the standard of the game by use of technology and new material in construction of the equipments like court, racket, shuttle, shoes and clothing. The game or badminton is now more skill and technology oriented. Better quality courts are used now for better grip of shoes and power cushion is used in shoes according to presser points, light weight and titanium made very powerful rackets are used now, much better aerodynamic shuttles are used in a lot of variety according to the conditions. Video technology is the most important these days for complete analysis of the skill performed by the player, video recording and analysis is very useful for improvement of the technique of skill accusation. So technology has developed lot in the game of badminton.
Relation between leadership profiles of sports administrators and sports organisational effectiveness in Nigerian Universities
Authors: Kankanala Venkateswarlu , Yakasai Musa G
Published: July 2011

Every time the issue of effectiveness in university sports administrations addressed, consideration is given mainly to programme, facilities and funds. There is hardly any mention of quality of leadership of sports administrators, especially in the universities whereas organisational effectiveness appears to depend mainly on the leadership provided. The study was therefore conducted to found out the relationship between leadership profiles of sports administrators and sports organisational effectiveness in Nigerian Universities. To achieve the purpose of the study, a self developed and validated questionnaire on leadership profiles and sports organisational effectiveness was administered to 700 students, representing football, athletics, basketball, racket games and combat sports, randomly selected from 14 Nigerian Universities. Part of the questionnaire on leadership profiles was based on multifactor leadership questionnaire of Bass and Avolio and part of the questionnaire on organisational effectiveness was based on multiple constituency approach to organisational effectiveness proposed by Chelladurai. The result of the study indicated that the sports administrators in Nigerian Universities had mainly transactional organisational effectiveness profile. The result further significant correlations between transformational leadership and organisational effectiveness (r,688=705<0.05)transactional leadership and organisational effectiveness (r,688=0.56<0.05) and on leadership and organisational effectiveness (r,688- 0.56<0.05). Thus transformational leadership profile explained 0% transactional leadership profile, 31% and non-leadership profile, 42% of the variance in organisational effectiveness. Taken together they showed significant correlations between leadership profiles of sports administrators and sports organisational effectiveness in Nigerian Universities.
A study on effectiveness between set and SHT teaching modules in acquiring speed and accuracy, knowledge acquisition, 3 versus 3 game play (ball control, decision making and skill execution) among students of varying skill levels in hockey
Authors: Nathan Sanmuga
Published: July 2011

The study examined the effectiveness of two teaching modules of Style E Tactical (SET) and Style H Tactical (SHT) on school boys' in acquiring speed and accuracy in executing general hockey skill, declarative and procedural knowledge as well as ball control, decision making and skill execution in 3 versus 3 hockey game play. The samples (n = 225 for general hockey skill and knowledge acquisition and n = 108) school boys aged 12–13 years old were divided equally into groups of high skilled boys (HSB), medium skilled boys and low skilled boys (LSB). The findings indicated the two models were effective for all skill groups on speed and accuracy, declarative knowledge, ball control, decision making and skill execution in 3 versus 3 hockey game plays except for procedural knowledge. SHT was the most effective teaching modules for HSB compared to other skills group in declarative knowledge, ball control, decision making and skill execution in 3 versus 3 game plays. SHT teaching module was also most effective for LSB compared to other skills group in speed of executing general skills in hockey. Whereas SET module was most effective for HSB compared to other skills groups in accuracy executing hockey general skills.
Analyses of pointing actions of top male competitors in karate at world level
Authors: Marandi Seied Mohammad , Zolaktaf Vahid , Batavani Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2011

Karate takes a significant place in sport today. Work goal is determination of quantity indicators related to pointing action at sports fights at top-level male karate competitors. Pointing actions were analysed through basic pointing ways (attack, interception and counterattack) and pointing techniques that exist in sports fight and are defined by judging rules. Research is based on analysis of seven final matches at all weighting categories in male competition at the World Championships in Finland 2006. Collecting of data was performed by analysis of electronic material of completely recorded fights, and by Quintic software. For record of data, used from special forms that was assigned by 2 statistical experts and 15 coaches of Iran national karate team. Methods of descriptive statistical analyse and analyses of quantity differences were used for data processing.

Result

Quantity indicators show that men have pointed dominantly from attack (61.6%) while pointing from counterattack (19.6%) and interception (18.6%) have lower frequency, significantly (p≤0.05). Pointing techniques that have dominant frequency are combination techniques (36.7%), gjaku tsuki dzodan (18.1%) and gjaku tsuki cudan (7.7%). Besides that, gjaku tsuki dzodan (28.5%) was the most effective technique to take point. Head (66%), as most common goal area to achieve point (p≤0.05), doing the technique under pressure of opponent (34.2%), as most common pressure, central zone of Tatami (52.7%), as most motion area of actions, middle distance (38.4%), as most common distance from opponent, Uri asi forward (47.0%), as most common way to shortening of distance, middle open guard (36.7%) and middle close guard (29.2%), as most common offensive and defensive guards (respectively). Analyse, show that the following factors, which are very important for success and can leading to training systems.
Symposium on interactive experiences, practices and challenges in sport psychology: approaches to psychological testing of athletes
Authors: Kamlesh M L
Published: July 2011

With increasing emphasis on psychological training of athletes at all levels of performance, testing of psychological characteristics of athletes has gained importance over the decades. The two approaches to effect this task are: (1) the use of general psychometric tests to study athletic behaviour and (2) construction, standardisation and administration of sport-specific psychological tests. Both approaches have their respective merits and demerits and the debate over them is inconclusive. For example, all general psychometric tests were never developed to be used on athletic populations; this raises a big question mark on their validity in athletic contexts. The increasing number of sport-specific tests face two formidable challenges: (1) validity of the methodological procedures used to construct them and (2) the possibility of their application in different sport settings; for instance, a test of motivation constructed for badminton players to be used to collect data on gymnastic athletes and vice versa. The abstract of nature most psychological variables poses another big challenge to sport psychologists to collect data under dynamic athletic conditions and objectify if. There is, therefore, a need for a concerted effort to resolve this tangle. The presentation highlights important aspects of this most important issue in sport psychology.
Coaching sport to develop personal strengths in young people: perspectives from positive psychology
Authors: McKenna Jim
Published: July 2011

Contemporary research emphasises that sport and physical activity can play a powerful role in helping young people to optimise their development. Indeed, this is one of the most enduring legacies that sport advocates wish to claim for engagement. However, it is unwise to assume that exposure to these activities is universally positive, and drop-out (as distinct from transfer) and long-term withdrawal from active living remain worrying outcomes of especially negative experiences. Equally, it is not sensible to assume that engagement should be made trouble-free, since successful management of negative experiences can all contribute to personal development. This presentation will draw on theoretical perspectives from Frederikson's Broaden and Build Theory of Emotions and different conceptualisations relating to both flourishing and resilience to address viable options for improving the experience of sport engagement for young people. With obvious relevance to leadership and governance, these issues will interest coaches, athletes governing bodies of sport and sport psychologists alike.
Sport/performance psychology services to youth elite athletes: challenges and lessons learnt
Authors: Kiran Sanjana
Published: July 2011

The age of an elite athlete is getting younger by the day. For some sports such as gymnastics, getting into an elite level at a very early age has always been emphasised. Today, many other sports seem to endorse this concept as well. Singapore hosted two significant inaugural youth sports events at an elite level, Asian Youth Games 2009 (AYG 2009) and Youth Olympic Games 2010 (YOG2010). Around 7000 international elite athletes participated in these two events. The challenges and lessons learnt in providing performance psychology services to elite youth athletes of Singapore representing AYG 2009 and YOG 2010 will be discussed.
Critical analysis of relaxation: conventional methods and contemporary practice
Authors: Roy Jolly
Published: July 2011

Relaxation techniques for sport are reviewed in relation to ‘muscle to mind’ and ‘mind to muscle’ strategies. The presentation addresses the different types of strategies and an overview of the overlap that exists in the techniques of relaxation. Most techniques offer a way to enhance self awareness to regulate arousals and behaviour. Without the knowledge and mastery of the different techniques, any application becomes limited. An understanding of different techniques would facilitate the use of the appropriate primary technique that works well for individual athlete and reserve back up techniques.
Psychology behind optimal performance
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Kotwal R R , Awasthy Soumi
Published: July 2011

Human behaviour is studied across a wide range of people from the emotionally disturbed to the healthy. Study of human behaviour helps to break through the mental barriers, facilitating the performance and enhancing consistency of performance. Psychology has traditionally been identified and studied as a trilogy of the mind: cognition, affect and conation. Cognition refers to concentration, attention, alertness, focus and other mental attributes. Affect includes anxiety, fear and stress proneness. Conation refers to the striving component (the mental processes) which causes an individual to act, react and interact according to an innate pattern of behaviour. It includes the psychomotor abilities which characterise mental processes that have motor consequences. Conation thus includes psychomotor abilities and motivation of the individual, which can be either intrinsic or extrinsic. These three domains viz. cognition, affect and conation affect an individuals performance. For example a small event, even a minor injury, on the match day can make a sportsperson doubt his ability. Thus affecting his concentration (cognition), by causing anxiety (affect) enhancing/degrading his reaction time to perform (conation). Under undue stressful conditions sportspersons tend to have a narrow attention span, often referred to as ‘Tunnel Vision’. Attention may also focus on the athlete's internal thought process which can lead to ‘choking’ under pressure. The present paper is an approach to help understand the effective latent processes active within a sportsperson in terms of his cognitive, affective and conative ability that results in enhancing his confidence, attention span and composure to perform optimally in adverse situations.
Perceived behavioural determinants of participation in leisure activities of junior and senior civil servants of Sokoto State
Authors: Chom Emmanuel J , Shuaibu Aminu S , Kankanala Venkateswarlu
Published: July 2011

The success of any recreation programme organised either by private sector or by public sector depends largely on the acceptability, and affordability of the participants. It is therefore necessarily to determine the needs and interest of the target population. This study was conduct to find out the reasons for participation in leisure activities with regards to values and ideas, which vary from person to person from community to community and from culture to culture. The purpose of this study was therefore, to investigate the behavioural determinants of participation in leisure activities of junior and senior civil servants of Sokoto State. The behavioural determinant of participation included reasons for participation, obstacles for participation, attitude towards participation, subjective norms for participation, perceived behavioural control for participation role identify for participation, socialisation for participation, creative and artistic activities for participation, intellectual activities for participation and sports activities for participation. To achieve the purpose of this study a self developed and standardised questionnaire was administered on 400 junior and senior civil servants of Sokoto State selected by using simple convenient sampling technique. The results of this study showed significant differences between junior and senior civil servants in their obstacles for participation, norms for participation and creative and artistic activities for participation.
Will to win as a psychological differential to play and triumph among female runners, jumpers and throwers
Authors: Reddy T Onima , Singh Vikram , Reddy T Pushpa
Published: July 2011

The purpose of the study was to compare will to win as a psychological differential to play and triumph among female runners, jumpers and throwers. For the purpose of the study, 60 female athletes (15 short distance runners, 15 long distance runners, 15 jumpers and 15 throwers) were randomly selected from 10th National Junior Federation Cup Athletic Championship 2010 held at Visakhapatnam as the subjects of the study. The variable selected for the purpose of this study was: will to win. Will to win was assessed by the total scores in Will to Win Questionnaire constructed and standardised by Prof Anand Kumar Shrivastava and Prem Shankar Shukla. With the help of the questionnaire related to will to win as a psychological variable necessary data were collected. Data were collected with regard to will to win variable from 60 female athletes in 10th National Junior Federation Cup Athletic Championship 2010 held at Visakhapatnam. The data was analysed by applying descriptive statistic that is, mean, SD, SE and range and analysis of variance. The level of significance was set at 0.05. The findings of the study in relation to will to win showed insignificant difference among short distance runners, long distance runners, jumpers and throwers. On the basis of the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn: insignificant difference among short distance runners, long distance runners, jumpers and throwers was found as will to win is defined as the intensity of the desire to defeat an opponent or to exceed some performance standard in a given sports.
Emotional intelligence in athletes and non-athletes and its relationship with demographic variables
Authors: Pasand Fatemeh
Published: July 2011

Participation in sports activities is one of the best ways physical and mental health (1, 2). The purpose of this study was evaluation emotional intelligence among athletes and non-athletes and its relationship with demographic variables that 240 participants (200 athletes and 40 non-athletes) using emotional intelligence scale (Bar-On) were evaluated. For analysis of data were used Pearson correlation, analysis of variance and t test. Results research indicates there was no significant difference between emotional intelligence scores of athletes and non-athletes. There are significant difference (p <0.05) between variables of age with emotional intelligence as well as with problem-solving, independent action, realism, interpersonal relationships, responsibility and empathy components (p <0.01). In general we can say that emotional intelligence of these people that enables to control their emotions and understanding of themselves and others in the regulation of relationships with others are more successful, with daily stress to deal more easily and therefore health may enjoy more favourable psychological. Thus, the increasing importance of sports participation should be strengthened. Our findings provide a basis for research to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and physical activity.
Psycho physiological profiles of Indian wrestlers
Authors: Singh Vikram , Sahni Sanjeev P
Published: July 2011

At the elite level the mental or psychological factors affect the sportsperson's abilities. For developing greater pressure-handling ability, we need to examine individuals who are exposed to handling risk and pressure. Stress refers to the physical, energetic state of activation in the body. It is the physical intensity level. The level of stress or activation can vary from deep sleep to intense excitement. The idea of peak activation level is that for every skill there is an optimal level of activation, a level that corresponds to a maximum performance level. The peak stress state is the level of energy and intensity that relates to an athlete's best performance level. Top achievers in sports operate in or near to their peak stress level in pressure situations. In the present research paper the Indian male wrestlers were studied on select psycho-physiological variables and their profiles were analysed. The wrestlers were then exposed to the Progressive Muscle Relaxation training for 45 days and their responses were recorded on the four psycho-physiological variables. Thus the complete pretesting and the post training profiling was done and the outcomes were interpreted. The analysis of the present scenario of the psychological condition of the Indian male wrestlers were done and accordingly the recommendations are being made for the improvement of the performance of Indian wrestlers so that they can perform better by overcoming the psychological hurdles at the elite level.
Comparison of injury in Iran national junior and youth football players
Authors: Zarei Mostafa , Rahnama Nader , Rezaei A , Reisi Jalil
Published: July 2011

Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, but the rate of injury in this sport is high. A limited number of studies on the incidence of injuries in football players of differing ages have been published. The aim of this study was to establish a profile of injury in Iran national junior and youth football players. The team physician recorded details of all injuries that occurred during both training and matches. A total of 29 injuries were documented across both age groups, which is equivalent to an incidence of 36.51 injuries per 1000 play hours, the injury frequency rate during competition (64.15) being significantly (Z=2.51, p<0.05) higher than training (29.75). There was no significant difference in injury frequency between two age groups (36.1 injuries (U15) vs 37.9 injuries (U19) per 1000 h) (Z=0.05, p > 0.05) but junior players (U15) received more injuries during competition than youth players (U19) (86.08 injuries vs 46.41 injuries per 1000 h matches) (Z=2.43, p < 0.05). Also there was no significant difference in injury frequency during training (29.6 injuries vs 30.45 injuries per 1000 h training) (p > 0.05). Midfielders sustained greater percentage of injuries (55.2%). Most injuries were located in the lower extremities (n = 23, 79.3%), with the majority affecting the groin(31%) and ankle (17.2%) followed by thigh (13.8%) and knee (10.3%). Strains (34.5%) were the most common type of injury sustained in all players followed by sprains (17.2%) and contusions (17.2%).The overall rate of injury acquisition in the present investigation was 36.51 per 1000 h of exposure, this result was higher than recently observed for elite French youth football players (4.8). Junior players (U15) had twice as many injuries per 1000 h of exposure than youth players (U19). It seems that youth players (U19) are better trained to meet the demands of playing games than are junior players (U15).
Sports psychology in India
Authors: Sridhar Chaitanya
Published: July 2011

Consider the following scenario – a highly talented player on whom rests a million hopes is well prepared physically and dreaming of gold. But then just at the start of the match, he realises he hasn't learnt to deal with his nerves (and thoughts), which are essential to focus and perform. Now is it solely the players fault that he didn't know how to manage the psychological aspects of the game? It is a well established fact that mental skills training is an integral component to achieve peak performance. Why then is sports psychology still in its infancy in India? Countries like Australia and USA have a sport psychologist attached to every team. Why it is still not accepted in our country? One of the main reasons could be the negative connotation associated with psychology. Till date many a players and coaches think going to a psychologist means there is a ‘problem’. Some of the other reasons are the lack of resource personnel, lack of awareness, following traditional methods of coaching with little emphasis on sport psychology and sports science. Also, ‘image management’ is a key issue in India, especially in sports. Players want to maintain ‘I'm cool and have no problem attitude’. Mental skills training ought to be treated as a component of peak performance akin to physical training. Only, then can we think of achievement. What then is the solution? An integrative approach involving coaching with psychology and sports science is the ‘need of the hour’.
The effect of relaxation and mental imagery on self-efficacy, competitive anxiety and sportive performance
Authors: Karimian Maryam , Kashefolhagh Fateme , Dadashi Mohammad Sadegh , Chharbaghi Zahra
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was efficacy of relaxation training and imagery training (motivational general – mastery imagery) on self-efficacy, competitive anxiety and performance in (skate) athletes. The procedure of this study is experimental (pretest, post-test with control group). So that, 75 skate adolescence athletes in three group (relaxation training, imagery training and control group) randomly displaced. The instruments of study are self-efficacy, competitive anxiety and performance scales. For group 1 relaxation training and for group 2 imagery training applied and for group 3 not applied any training. Results of analysis of variance indicated that meaningful different between three groups in post-test scores of self efficacy, competitive anxiety and sportive performance (p<0.05). That means, the scores of self efficacy and performance in group 2 (mental imagery training) higher than group 1 and in group 1 higher than group 3 (control group), and the scores of competitive anxiety in group 1 lower than group 2 and in group 2 lower than group 3.
A comparative study of incentive motivation, achievement motivation and anxiety level between national and international hockey players
Authors: Dureha D K , Singh Moradhvaj , Yaduvanshi Santosh , Mishra Pooja
Published: July 2011

The purpose of the study is to compare the status of national and international hockey players on the selected psychological variables. Sixty male hockey players of India divided into two groups national (n=30) and international (n=30). The age range of the subjects was 17–25 years. The collection of data was based on four test-batteries that is, Alberta Incentive Motivation Inventory, the Sports Achievement Motivation Test, State and Trait Anxiety Inventory and Sports Competition Anxiety Test. As shown by the result of the study there were insignificant difference was found in incentive motivation, achievement motivation, state anxiety and trait anxiety between national and international hockey players and significant difference was found in sports competition anxiety. In order to test t test was used and 0.05 level of significance was used. The hypothesis that international and national players would not differ accepted in achievement motivation and rejected in the case of achievement motivation, state, trait and sports competition anxiety.