bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Time-Varying Stiffness, Damping, and Equilibrium Position in Human Forearm Movements
Authors: Konczak Jürgen , Brommann Kai , Kalveram Karl Theodor
Published: August 2016

Knowledge of how stiffness, damping, and the equilibrium position of specific limbs change during voluntary motion is important for understanding basic strategies of neuromotor control. Presented here is an algorithm for identifying time-dependent changes in joint stiffness, damping, and equilibrium position of the human forearm. The procedure requires data from only a single trial. The method relies neither on an analysis of the resonant frequency of the arm nor on the presence of an external bias force. Its validity was tested with a simulated forward model of the human forearm. Using the parameter estimations as forward model input, the angular kinematics (model output) were reconstructed and compared to the empirically measured data. Identification of mechanical impedance is based on a least-squares solution of the model equation. As a regularization technique and to improve the temporal resolution of the identification process, a moving temporal window with a variable width was imposed. The method's performance was tested by (a) identifying a priori known hypothetical time-series of stiffness, damping, and equilibrium position, and (b) determining impedance parameters from recorded single-joint forearm movements during a hold and a goal-directed movement task. The method reliably reconstructed the original angular kinematics of the artificial and human data with an average positional error of less than 0.05 rad for movement amplitudes of up to 0.9 rad, and did not yield hypermetric trajectories like previous procedures not accounting for damping.
Two-Joint Muscles Offer the Solution, but What Was the Problem?
Authors: Bobbert Maarten F. , van Soest A.J. “Knoek”
Published: August 2016

Prilutsky's paper is mainly concerned with the coordination of one- and two-joint muscles. This commentary on the paper addresses the question why we have two-joint muscles in the first place. From an evolutionary point of view, two-joint muscles must have contributed to fitness by presenting a solution to problems that could not be solved with musculoskeletal systems comprising only one-joint muscles. One such problem, not mentioned by Prilutsky, is the following. In a system equipped with only one-joint muscles, satisfying directional constraints would demand, in certain phases of movements, deactivation of muscles that are shortening. Consequently, the work output of these muscles would be limited. The incorporation of two-joint muscles helps to overcome this problem. The reason is that it offers the possibility to redistribute energy across joints, thereby making it possible to accomplish more successfully the difficult task of producing work while steering the movement.
Changes in Multi-Joint Performance with Age
Authors: Seidler Rachael D. , Alberts Jay L. , Stelmach George E.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine whether elderly adults exhibit deficits in the performance of multi-joint movements. Two groups of subjects (mean ages, 68.9 and 30.1 years, respectively) participated in this experiment. Subjects performed planar arm pointing movements to various targets. One target could be achieved via elbow extension only, while the remaining 3 required both elbow extension and horizontal shoulder flexion, thus requiring coordination at the 2 joints. In contrast to the young adults, the elderly adults produced movements that became less smooth and less accurate with increasing shoulder joint contribution. The results imply a selective coordination deficit for the elderly adults. In addition, the elderly adults coactivated opposing muscles more than the young adults for the single-joint movement. However, the elderly adults reduced coactivation at both joints for the 2-joint actions, while the young adults did not. These data suggest a relationship between high coactivation levels and good performance for elderly adults. It may be more difficult for the elderly to implement high coactivation levels for multi-joint movements because of the increased energy costs and complexity of planning required in comparison to the single joint actions. Thus, to achieve motor performance, elderly persons appear to use coactivation in a manner that is fundamentally different than young adults.
The Relative Roles of Feedforward and Feedback in the Control of Rhythmic Movements
Authors: Kuo Arthur D.
Published: August 2016

A simple pendulum model is used to study how feedforward and feedback can be combined to control rhythmic limb movements. I show that a purely feedforward central pattern generator (CPG) is highly sensitive to unexpected disturbances. Pure feedback control analogous to reflex pathways can compensate for disturbances but is sensitive to imperfect sensors. I demonstrate that for systems subject to both unexpected disturbances and sensor noise, a combination of feedforward and feedback can improve performance. This combination is achieved by using a state estimation interpretation, in which a neural oscillator acts as an internal model of limb motion that predicts the state of the limb, and by using alpha-gamma coactivation or its equivalent to generate a sensory error signal that is fed back to entrain the neural oscillator. Such a hybrid feedforward/feedback system can optimally compensate for both disturbances and sensor noise, yet it can also produce fictive locomotion when sensory output is removed, as is observed biologically. CPG behavior arises due to the interaction of the internal model and a feedback control that uses the predicted state. I propose an interpretation of the neural oscillator as a filter for processing sensory information rather than as a generator of commands.
Excitability Changes of Motor Evoked Potentials Dependent on Muscle Properties and Contraction Modes
Authors: Yahagi Susumu , Ni Zhen , Takahashi Makoto , Takeda Yusaku , Tsuji Toshio , Kasai Tatsuya
Published: August 2016

Using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), differences in the excitability changes of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) between isometric (force task) and isotonic (movement task) muscle contractions in a distal (first dorsal interosseous; FDI) and a proximal (middle deltoid; MD) muscle were studied. In the FDI muscle, the active threshold of MEP recruitment was significantly lower in the isotonic than that in the isometric muscle contraction in spite of identical background EMG activity levels. Additionally, the dependence of the MEP amplitude on background EMG activity was significantly greater in the isotonic than in the isometric muscle contraction at low EMG activity levels, but the difference disappeared beyond middle EMG activity levels. In the MD muscle, the dependence of the MEP amplitude on background EMG activity was significantly greater in the isotonic than in the isometric muscle contraction, and further this dependence was kept at all muscle contraction levels. These results indicate that the dependence of the MEP amplitude on background EMG activity is modulated not only by the different muscle contraction modes (isotonic and isometric), but also by muscle properties (distal and proximal). Thus, the present findings suggest that the task-specific extra excitation in the proximal muscle is definitely produced corresponding to task differences (task-dependent subliminal fringe), which might be explained by the predominant frequency principle if applied to the proximal muscle. On the other hand, the lack of task-dependent extra excitation in the distal muscle is explained by the predominant recruitment principle for force grading in small hand muscles.
Contextual Interference: Single Task versus Multi-task Learning
Authors: Maslovat Dana , Chua Romeo , Lee Timothy D. , Franks Ian M.
Published: August 2016

This experiment examined contextual interference in producing a bimanual coordination pattern of 90° relative phase. Acquisition, retention, and transfer performance were compared in a single-task control group and groups that performed 2 tasks in either a blocked or random presentation. Surprisingly, acquisition data revealed that both the random and control groups outperformed the blocked group. Retention data showed a typical CI effect for performance variability, with the random group outperforming the blocked group. Neither the random nor blocked groups outperformed the control group, suggesting interference of a second task may be as beneficial to learning as extra practice on the initial task. No group effects were found during transfer performance. Results suggest that random practice is beneficial for learning only one task.
Differential Transfer Processes in Incremental Visuomotor Adaptation
Authors: Seidler Rachael D.
Published: August 2016

Visuomotor adaptive processes were examined by testing transfer of adaptation between similar conditions. Participants made manual aiming movements with a joystick to hit targets on a computer screen, with real-time feedback display of their movement. They adapted to three different rotations of the display in a sequential fashion, with a return to baseline display conditions between rotations. Adaptation was better when participants had prior adaptive experiences. When performance was assessed using direction error (calculated at the time of peak velocity) and initial endpoint error (error before any overt corrective actions), transfer was greater when the final rotation reflected an addition of previously experienced rotations (adaptation order 30° rotation, 15°, 45°) than when it was a subtraction of previously experienced conditions (adaptation order 45° rotation, 15°, 30°). Transfer was equal regardless of adaptation order when performance was assessed with final endpoint error (error following any discrete, corrective actions). These results imply the existence of multiple independent processes in visuomotor adaptation.
The Movement-Specific Effect of Motor Imagery on the Premotor Time
Authors: Li Sheng , Stevens Jennifer A. , Kamper Derek G. , Rymer William Z.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of motor imagery on the premotor time (PMT). Twelve healthy adults performed reaction time movements in response to external visual signals at rest, when holding an object (muscle activation), or performing different background imagined movements (motor imagery). When compared to rest, muscle activation reduced the PMT; imagined finger extension of the right hand and imagined finger flexion of the left hand elongated the PMT; imagined finger flexion of the right hand had no effect on the PMT. This movement-specific effect is interpreted as the sum of the excitatory effect caused by enhanced corticospinal excitability specifically for the primary mover of the imagined movement and an overall inhibition associated with increased task complexity during motor imagery. Our results clearly demonstrate that motor imagery has movement-specific effects on the PMT.
Speed, Amplitude, and Asymmetry of Lip Movement in Voluntary Puckering and Blowing Expressions: Implications for Facial Assessment
Authors: Schmidt Karen L. , Van Swearingen Jessie M. , Levenstein Rachel M.
Published: August 2016

The context of voluntary movement during facial assessment has significant effects on the activity of facial muscles. Using automated facial analysis, we found that healthy subjects instructed to blow produced lip movements that were longer in duration and larger in amplitude than when subjects were instructed to pucker. We also determined that lip movement for puckering expressions was more asymmetric than lip movement in blowing. Differences in characteristics of lip movement were noted using facial movement analysis and were associated with the context of the movement. The impact of the instructions given for voluntary movement on the characteristics of facial movement might have important implications for assessing the capabilities and deficits of movement control in individuals with facial movement disorders. If results generalize to the clinical context, assessment of generally focused voluntary facial expressions might inadequately demonstrate the full range of facial movement capability of an individual patient.
Spatial Coupling in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy during Bimanual Circle and Line Drawing
Authors: Volman M.J.M.
Published: August 2016

The effect of amplitude incongruence (small circles–large circles) and form incongruence (circles–lines) on the performance of the affected and non-affected arm was examined in 12 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy in bimanual rhythmic drawing tasks. Amplitude and form incongruence are assumed to be associated with aspects of movement execution and movement planning, respectively. The following questions were addressed: Does amplitude or form incongruence in bimanual coordination result in: (a) accommodation of the affected or non-affected arm, or both, (b) an increase of temporal variability of drawing movements of the affected or non-affected arm, and (c) a decrease of bimanual coordination stability? Form incongruence resulted in accommodation of both affected and non-affected arm in a similar way found in non-disabled participants. Despite this accommodation, the temporal variability of both affected and non-affected arm was increased, and coordination stability decreased, because the spatial trajectories of affected and non-affected arm were still rather dissimilar. Amplitude incongruence resulted in accommodation of either the affected arm (large circles required) or non-affected arm (small circles required), and in an increase or decrease of temporal variability of the affected arm, depending on the degree of spatial similarity of the trajectories of affected and non-affected arm. These findings suggest that in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy aspects of movement execution, but not aspects of movement planning are affected by the “hemiplegic” condition.
Predicting Females' Attendance for Step-Aerobics Classes
Authors: Wininger Steven R.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study is to examine the relative predictive abilities of self-efficacy (SE) for exercise attendance, retrospective exercise enjoyment, and environmental factors for predicting female participants' attendance for step aerobics classes at a university activity center. The final sample for this study consisted of 71 females, each enrolled in at least 12 hours of classes. Participants were surveyed during the fourth week of exercise classes and attendance was monitored for the next ten weeks. Regression analyses revealed that SE (20%) and hours of classes enrolled in (5%) were significant predictors of exercise attendance. Implications of the results of this study and suggestions for future research are presented.
A Student Perspective of Intramural Sport Risk Management Procedures
Authors: Miller John , Veltri Frank R. , Gillentine Andy
Published: August 2016

One of the best ways for an intramural sports program to ensure that an ordinary and reasonable standard of care is adhered to, as well as guarding against litigation, is communication of a risk management program. While having a risk management plan has been widely stressed, no previous research has been conducted from a participant's viewpoint. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of university intramural risk management plans from the participant's perception.

The primary results of this study indicate that the majority of the intramural sport participants responded that they had never: a) noticed an intramural supervisor being present while the activity was taking place; b) been informed about the potential for participant injury; c) noticed signage relating to emergency procedures at the area of the activity; d) knew of a risk management plan for intramural sports; d) noticed emergency equipment at the site of the activity; and e) been informed about the possession of First Aid/CPR certification or equivalent by the supervisor.
A Survey of Campus Recreation Directors at NIRSA Institutions: Activities Emphasized, Student Participation Patterns, Trends and Future Offerings Contemplated
Authors: Stier William F. , Schneider Robert C. , Kampf Steve , Haines Scott , Wilding Gregory E.
Published: August 2016

A survey, using an instrument constructed expressly for this investigation, was conducted of directors of campus recreation at all 682 NIRSA colleges and universities in the United States and Canada to determine the current status of: (a) the degree of emphasis institutions currently place on nine categories of sports and recreational activities, (b) the percentage of students, undergraduate and graduate, actually participating in each of these nine categories of activities, (c) future recreational activities and programs, not currently offered to students, but being considered for inclusion within the next 12 months, and (d) future trends in terms of problems (challenges and opportunities) facing college campus recreation departments. Two hundred and sixty-nine schools returned usable surveys for a 39% rate of return. This investigation provides a snapshot of specific current practices and programming offerings of campus Recreation Directors, as well as their opinions in terms of future programming plans and anticipated trends affecting their campus recreation departments. The data were analyzed in light of the locations of the responding institutions within the six regions of NIRSA, the size of the institutions and whether the schools were classified as public or private. The nine categories of recreational activities included: (a) intramurals, (b) club sports, (c) open recreation, (d) outdoor recreation, (e) group exercise/aerobics, (f) aquatics, (g) instructional programming, (h) special events, and (i) youth and family activities.
Impact of Advisor Interaction on the Development of Leadership Skills in Club Sports Officers
Authors: Hall-Yannessa Stacey L. , Forrester Scott
Published: August 2016

Club sports are an important component of a comprehensive recreational sports program. Participation in club sports and student organizations has been of particular interest to student services professionals who relate this type of involvement to increased skills development and other dimensions of personal growth. For years, club sports programs have required an advisor for each club sport. While there is a growing body of knowledge on the personal growth and development that students experience from faculty and staff academic advising, there is little, if any, empirical research examining the impact of club sports advisors on the development of club sports officers. This study attempts to identify differences in leadership-skills development of club sport officers based on the number of hours the officers spend consulting with their advisor.

The researchers surveyed 94 officers using the Student Leadership Skills Inventory eight months after their leadership role had begun. Analysis of the self-reported data reveals a positive correlation between leadership-skills development, and the amount of time spent with the advisor. Suggestions for future research are made in the context of the limitations of the study.
Student Employee Recruitment and Retention through Campus Partnerships
Authors: Daprano Corinne M. , Coyle Megan L. , Titlebaum Peter J.
Published: August 2016

Student employees play a critical role in the operation of student recreation centers. One of the challenges faced by many recreational sports departments is the ongoing need to recruit and retain these student employees. Recruitment can be done through word of mouth, current employee referrals, and on-campus advertising. Retention can be accomplished through competitive pay rates, flexible work hours, a challenging and exciting work environment, and opportunities to advance, among other strategies (Chelladurai, 1999). Recruitment and retention are important considerations for any recreational sports department, large or small, because student employees have an enormous impact on both the quantity and quality of programs and services offered by the department.

This article proposes a strategy for establishing partnerships with academic departments to aid in the recruitment and retention of student employees. These collaborative partnerships have the ability to benefit students, the recreational sports department, academic departments, and university student retention efforts. This article outlines how to establish and implement these relationships and proposes several possible partnerships between recreational sports and various academic departments. Following a description of this strategy is an example of a partnership that has been successfully established at one Midwestern university.
Retaining Student Workers: The Importance of Organizational Commitment
Authors: Turner Brian A. , Jordan Jeremy S. , DuBord Rhonda R.
Published: August 2016

College recreational sport departments across the US typically depend greatly on student workers to deliver services. Because of this reliance on student workers, turnover in college recreational sports departments is very high (i.e., students are normally at the institution for a maximum of four years). One construct often examined when combating turnover is organizational commitment. Using Meyer and Allen's (1991) conceptualization of organizational commitment, 205 student workers in a recreational department at a mid-size university responded to a questionnaire regarding their levels of commitment to the department. Four separate dimensions of organizational commitment were examined in this study: (a) affective commitment (AC); (b) normative commitment (NC); (c) continuance commitment—high personal sacrifice (CC:HiSac); and (d) continuance commitment—low number of alternatives (CC:LoAlt). Results of the study showed the longer students worked in the department, the higher their commitment levels. Also, students supervised by a professional staff member showed higher commitment levels in three of the four scales (all but CC:LoAlt). Finally, students' levels of AC and CC: HiSac were significant determinants of their desire to maintain employment with the department.
The Financial and Facility Status of Campus Recreation Programs at NIRSA Colleges and Universities
Authors: Stier William F. , Schneider Robert C. , Kampf Steve , Wilding Greg E. , Haines Scott
Published: August 2016

Directors of campus recreation at NIRSA colleges and universities in the US and Canada were surveyed to determine: (a) the number of schools that have built, within the preceding three years, major indoor as well as major outdoor campus recreation facilities and the number of institutions planning to do so within the next three years; (b) the usage and scheduling priorities covering all campus recreation facilities; (c) the sources of funding for the construction of these major facilities and sites; and (d) the sources of funding for operational activities for campus recreation. The data were analyzed in terms of school size, location, and whether public or private in nature. The findings revealed that 56% of the institutions surveyed had either recently built new major indoor student recreation centers or were planning to do so, within the next three years. In terms of major outdoor facilities or sites, the percentage was 41%. The majority of construction funds for indoor and outdoor facilities/sites as well as operational funds for programs and activities came from future student fees at most of the public schools. Typically, private schools had the majority of their monies for both indoor and outdoor facilities emanating from private sources while the majority of operating costs was covered through the general fund of the institutions. The sharing of facilities continues with both physical education and with athletics; and, the directors of campus recreation, generally speaking, felt comfortable with such arrangements, even when such arrangements include having athletic and physical education activities take precedence in usage over those of campus recreation.
Differences between Participants and Non-Participants of Campus Recreation Offerings across Demographic Variables and Perceptions of the College Experience
Authors: Frauman Eric
Published: August 2016

While outcomes associated with involvement in extracurricular activities have been shown to be linked to persistence and overall satisfaction with college life, there is still a paucity of recent research (Barcelona & Ross, 2002) that has examined the differences between college students who participate in campus recreation offerings and those who do not. Therefore, the primary purpose of this paper was to examine the association between students who participate in campus recreation programs and services and those who do not across demographic characteristics, as well as their perceptions of the overall college experience. A self-administered questionnaire was administered randomly to 389 students of a southeastern university during spring 2001. The findings in this study revealed that students were quite similar across demographic characteristics and perceptions of the college experience regardless of their participation in campus recreation programs and services. Despite the differing response categories for many of the demographic characteristics examined, expected responses nearly matched actual responses for the majority of each characteristic analyzed. Regardless of the findings, the use of this type of information would likely be valuable to a campus recreation department, as well as provide information for a division of student affairs to assist in better understanding the relationship between student involvement in recreational activities and the overall college experience.
Directors of Public and Private State-of-the-Art Multimillion Dollar Recreational Facilities Lead the Way in Risk Management Practices
Authors: Styles Alvy E. , Mulrooney Aaron L.
Published: August 2016

The study's purpose was to identify and examine two main areas: the risk management practices and documents being used by recreation directors of state-of-the-art multimillion dollar recreational facilities and the number of lawsuits, settlements, and accidents. Due to the large amount of financial and legal risk exposure at these facilities, it is assumed that the facility directors would implement and rate as either important or very important the five elements of a bona fide risk management program:

Surveys were distributed to recreational directors in senior colleges and universities throughout the US. The sample frame was listing in the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association Facilities of Distinction, Volumes, I, II, and III, and college and university facilities listed in “State of the Art Facilities” in Athletic Business ( N = 65). These institutions typically offer a wide range of recreational programs and have large recreational facilities that are either purpose-built or shared.

A total of 35 recreational directors responded, a 54% return rate. The findings suggest that: (a) the importance of risk management practices has reached the university administration, (b) recreational directors are implementing risk management plans, (c) recreational directors are creating their own risk management manuals, and (d) the ACSM and the NIRSA documents are the two publications most commonly used by recreational directors to assist them in creating their risk management manuals.
Current Hiring Practices of Campus Recreation Directors of NIRSA Institutions
Authors: Stier William F. , Schneider Robert C. , Kampf Stephen , Wilding Gregory , Haines Scott
Published: August 2016

A survey of all National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) campus recreation directors was conducted to determine the hiring practices, policies, and procedures relating to professional employees, graduate assistants, and student employees in campus recreation programs throughout North America. The survey instrument, in its final form, addressed hiring practices, policies, and procedures of campus recreation directors through 28 questions relating to the following areas: (a) search and screen committees, (b) job descriptions, (c) advertisement and announcement of vacancies, (d) applications, (e) references, (f) interviews, and (g) impact/involvement of national professional organizations in the hiring process. Selected data is presented in terms of (a) entry level position (coordinator) or for mid-level positions, (b) size of institutions (small, medium, and large), (c) rural, urban, and suburban locations, and (d) public and private institutions.
Repositioning Campus Recreation: A Case Report on Designing Program Evaluation Procedures
Authors: Cooper Nelson , Faircloth Craig
Published: August 2016

The nature and tradition of campus recreational services stresses the importance of recreation staff evaluating their programs. The increasing diversity among college students and the escalating expectations of campus patrons, donors, and accrediting bodies have required campus recreation professionals to increase their foci on standards and benchmarks of practice and outcomes of services. While most campus recreation programs engage in some form of evaluation, very few have invested in the development of a comprehensive evaluation system that critically reviews program outcomes. Outcome evaluation is accomplished with careful planning and attention, similar to many other operational systems and activities such as risk management or budgeting. The result can be useful information that can position the campus recreation program for more growth as well as increased integrity across campus. The purpose of this article is to introduce the growing need for comprehensive program evaluation in campus recreational services. In addition, this article will present a case report on establishing direction for evaluation. Recommended actions by the campus recreation staff for establishing comprehensive evaluation plans are also discussed.
Aquatics Benchmarks: Personnel, Programming, and Facilities
Authors: Eakin Annie C. , Schurger Terese M.
Published: August 2016

Among professionals a need exists to compile benchmark data in all areas for the field of aquatics. To address this need, the questionnaire “Benchmarking Study for Campus Aquatic Programs” was created and distributed to NIRSA members. The questionnaire focuses on gathering data related to aquatic staff, facilities, and programs. Results indicate that the job responsibilities and certifications for hourly staff positions are similar across institutions. Pay rates for each hourly position are not unanimous for each position, but rather have a range that was common. Programming questions address available pool time and how it is divided among various activities. This article presents the collected data to establish benchmark statistics for the aquatics community with the intent that it be used as guidelines or benchmarks by aquatic professionals and decision makers in the development of recreational aquatics programs.
The Contribution of Constraint Negotiation to the Leisure Satisfaction of College Students in Campus Recreational Sports
Authors: Elkins Daniel J. , Beggs Brent A. , Choutka Erica
Published: August 2016

Satisfaction experienced during leisure activity plays an important role in continued leisure participation. Leisure participation is also affected by leisure constraints. In recent years, the idea of negotiating leisure constraints has emerged as an important area of research. The concept of constraint negotiation suggests that individuals use various methods to overcome constraints and participate in leisure activities. Although research has been done examining the leisure satisfaction of college students, as well as constraint negotiation strategies used by college students, little research has examined the role of negotiation in creating satisfying leisure experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine which type of constraint negotiation strategies contributed to satisfying leisure experiences for college students. The sample of this study consisted of college students at two midwestern universities ( N = 363). Results from this study indicate that college students commonly use interpersonal relations, physical fitness, and skill acquisition negotiation strategies in order to participate in leisure activities. Additional results from multiple regression analyses suggest that the strongest predictors of leisure satisfaction are negotiation strategies that involve a social component, the practicing of a skill in order to improve, and a sense of accomplishment during participation. The findings of this study indicate that leisure satisfaction for college students may be associated with the negotiation strategies used to participate in leisure activities.
Career Paths of Campus Recreational Sport Directors
Authors: Ross Craig M. , Schurger Terese
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the job profiles and career paths taken by directors in campus recreational sport. Using a Web-based survey of 52 closed-ended and 2 open-ended items, the study results provided a rich overview of the perceptions, issues, and patterns that 145 current directors identified as relevant factors contributing to successful career paths in campus recreational sport administration. Overall, the results of the study revealed that future campus recreational sport directors must gain diverse practical experiences, be actively involved in professional organizations, learn how to network effectively with professionals both at the institutional and nationwide levels, and be passionate about recreational sport management.
NIRSA Members' Perceptions of Organizational Effectiveness
Authors: Daprano Corinne M. , Pastore Donna L. , Costa Carla A.
Published: August 2016

This study assessed National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) members' perceptions of effectiveness in a sport association. Specifically, this study investigated the extent to which professional members of the NIRSA perceive it to be effective in achieving its stated and operative goals. A stratified systematic sample of professional NIRSA members ( N = 600) was selected to complete the survey. The survey was sent to NIRSA members who had 1 through 4 years of membership, 5 through 9 years of membership, and 10 or more years of membership in the association. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to compare perceptions of organizational effectiveness among the membership groups. No significant differences were found between the three membership groups and satisfaction. Correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between stated and operative goal effectiveness and satisfaction. Significant relationships were confirmed between satisfaction and several stated and operative goal factors.
The Benefits of a Weight Loss Contest in Overweight and Obese College Students
Authors: Ferrara Cynthia , Laurent Christine St. , Wilson Thomas
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a weight loss contest would result in changes in body composition in college students. Students were invited to participate in a semester-long weight loss contest. Monthly “weigh-ins” included body weight, body mass index (BMI), percent fat, and circumference measurements. Thirty-nine participants registered for the contest. Only 41% of the original participants attended at least four weigh-ins ( n = 16). Those participants who attended at least four weigh-ins attended more education and exercise sessions than the other participants and significantly reduced their weight, BMI, percent fat, waist, and waist-to-hip ratio over the semester-long contest. Percent change in weight was associated with education ( r = –.39) and exercise sessions attended ( r = –.41). In conclusion, campus-based weight loss contests can be successful in promoting weight loss, although additional studies are needed to determine what factors increase adherence and whether such programs promote long-term changes in physical activity and diet.
Club Sport Legal Liability Practices at NIRSA Institutions
Authors: Schneider Robert C. , Stier William F. , Kampf Stephen , Gaskins Brady , Haines Scott G.
Published: August 2016

Current legal practices in collegiate club sport programs were studied. A 23-item questionnaire consisting primarily of close-ended questions was mailed to 563 campus recreation directors representing all six National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) regions. Data obtained showed that mean club sport budgets ranged from $51,657 in Region 4 to $135,657 in Region 6, with an overall mean of $69,138 across all regions. Signing a waiver before participating was required by 91% of the directors. Lack of consistency in waiver language and font size was reported. Only 9% of campus recreation directors always require that an institutional employee travel with a club sport team. The most frequent modes of approved travel for club sport participants were students driving personal cars (94%), renting vans from outside vendors (95%), and the use of private transportation such as a chartered bus (70%). Paid coaches were used by 15% of the directors.
Determinants of Sport Participation in Middle School Children and the Impact of Intramural Sports
Authors: Kanters Michael , Bocarro Jason , Casper Jonathan , Forrester Scott
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants for adolescent participation in sports and to determine the impact of an alternate model of sport delivery (i.e., school intramural sports). More specifically, this study used the theory of planned behavior to highlight factors that might contribute to young people's decisions to play sports and to determine what impact an alternate model of sport delivery would have on intention to participate in sport. Three hundred and three students in grades seven and eight completed measures of their participation in intramural and extramural sports and items related to the theory of planned behavior. In addition to results that showed a relatively large number of students participating in school intramural sports, notable differences in the relative contributions of the predictor variables of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were found across different sport-participation subgroups. Suggestions for future research are made in the context of the limitations of the study.
Characteristics of Users and Nonusers of a Campus Recreation Center
Authors: Miller Kim H. , Noland Melody , Rayens Mary Kay , Staten Ruth
Published: August 2016

College students' physical activity provides protection against weight gain and chronic disease. Convenient exercise facilities have been correlated with physical activity. This study examined use of a college recreational facility among a sample of undergraduates, personal and demographic factors related to facility use, and factors predictive of facility use. A sample of 1,700 undergraduates was randomly selected and mailed a survey about health behaviors and recreation-center use. Facility users were more likely to be freshman or sophomore unmarried men who live on campus. Users of the facility had a slightly lower average body mass index, yet were more likely to use alcohol. Significant predictors of facility use included sex, class standing, living situation, belonging to a fraternity or sorority, and the desire to change one's weight. This study contributes to the research on college students' physical activity in that it identifies those likely to use or not use the recreational facility.
Assessment and the Recreational Sports Program
Authors: Cissik John M.
Published: August 2016

The focus on learning outcomes has made assessment challenging to recreational sports programs. By providing some context for the assessment movement, providing common terms, reviewing best practices in terms of learning outcomes, and overcoming institutional inertia, one can overcome some of these challenges.
Impact of Campus Recreational Sports Facilities and Programs on Recruitment and Retention among African American Students: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lindsey Robert , Sessoms Eugene , Willis Georgia
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of campus recreational sports facilities and programs on student recruitment and retention among male and female African American students. A convenience sample of students from classes in the Department of Health and Human Performance at a small, southeastern, private, historically black college and university was used in the study. The instrument consisted of a modified version of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association's Quality and Importance of Recreational Services Survey. An independent samples t test was used to test for differences between gender and the recruitment and retention questions, alpha = .05. It was determined that 60% of the male students reported that the availability of recreational sports was important/very important in deciding to attend the college and 68% of the men reported that the availability of recreational sports was important/very important in deciding to continue attending the college. Men scored higher than women when it came to importance of the availability of recreational facilities and programs in deciding to attend the school, the importance of the availability of recreational facilities and programs in deciding to continue at the school, how important sports and fitness activities will be to them after graduation, and the total times per week they participate in active recreational sports pursuits. Although there are limitations to the study, the results provide further evidence that students report that the availability of recreational sports facilities and programs has an impact on both their decisions to attend and remain at an institution. This is a finding that can only serve to increase the practitioner's understanding of those who use such facilities and programs. More studies are needed to further examine the impact of campus recreational facilities and programs on African American students.
Comparison of Health and Academic Indices between Campus Recreation Facility users and Nonusers
Authors: Todd M. Kent , Czyszczon Greg , Carr Julie Wallace , Pratt Casey
Published: August 2016

Body mass index (BMI), electronic media (EM) use, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores, selected nutrient intake, smoking, and grade point averages (GPA) were compared between campus recreation (CR) facility users and nonusers at a public, four-year institution in the mid-Atlantic region. Participants (n = 1034) were categorized by CR visits: nonusers, low users (>0 to <1 visit/wk), moderate users (≥1 to <3 visits/wk), or high users (≥3 visits/wk). Significant (p < .05) main effects between user groups were found for BMI, EM use, IPAQ scores, fat intake, smoking, and GPA. High users had better GPA (3.35 vs. ≤3.15 for others), IPAQ scores (8135 MET-min/wk vs. <6800 MET-min/wk for others), and lower fat intake (<30% of total calories vs. >30.9% of total calories for others) than all other groups. High users also had lower BMI (22.8 kg/m2) than moderate users and nonusers (>23.9 kg/m2) and lower EM use (5.56 hr/d) than nonusers (6.55 hr/d). These results indicate that CR visitations are favorably associated with academic achievement and good health.
Winning Isn't Everything: Goal Orientation and Gender Differences in University Leisure-Skills Classes
Authors: Anderson Denise M. , Dixon Anthony W.
Published: August 2016

Achievement motivation is predicated on the notion that a person wants to demonstrate competence and feel successful and is motivated to achieve these outcomes. A person's goal orientation describes the individual's motivation—an ego orientation presupposes that achievement is a result of ability, whereas a task orientation ties achievement to effort. Understanding a person's achievement motivation can help us better understand how to facilitate positive leisure experiences and long-term participation in recreation activities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the goal orientation of male and female university students enrolled in leisure-skills courses. Results suggest that there are gender differences in goal orientation that may have an impact on enjoyment of and intention to continue participation in a recreation activity, regardless of the activity.
University Students’ Satisfaction and Effectiveness of Campus Recreation Programs
Authors: Tsigilis Nikolaos , Masmanidis Theophilos , Koustelios Athanasios
Published: August 2016

The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between effectiveness of campus recreation programs and participants’ satisfaction. Three hundred twelve students from 14 universities (95 women and 217 men) with a mean age of 21.0 years (SD = 1.9) participated in the study. The Target Population Satisfaction Index (TPSI) was used to measure effectiveness in campus recreation programs. To measure participants’ satisfaction, the Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire (ASQ) was used. Results indicated that the two questionnaires are valid and reliable instruments and can be used in measuring effectiveness in campus recreation programs in Greece. Canonical correlation analysis showed that the two factors from the TPSI were positively and significantly associated with the five dimensions of the ASQ.
Recruitment and Retention of Sports Officials
Authors: Titlebaum Peter J. , Haberlin Nichole , Titlebaum Garrett
Published: August 2016

Sabaini (2001) states that “virtually everyone with an interest in improving the numbers and quality of officials must become involved in recruitment and retention” (12). Once standards are set for recruiting and retaining hardworking, positive, and honest officials, management must find ways to evaluate and reward those officials to uphold the accountability of each individual performance at any sporting event. Managers need to reevaluate who, what, when, and where they are recruiting. They must be able to create clear, measurable, and significant goals for current officials such as making expectations clear, holding mandatory study sessions, demanding national and/or regional clinic attendance, creating standards for physical conditioning, and developing rules preparation and game performance expectations (Sabaini, 2003). These changes can only be accomplished by staying consistent with the idea that a change needs to be made.
What Helps Students Thrive? An Investigation of Student Engagement and Performance
Authors: Becker Craig , Cooper Nelson , Atkins Kemal , Martin Susanne
Published: August 2016

Graduation rates, academic success, and health status are top priorities of universities related to student success. Overall it has been found that students academically and socially integrated to the campus are more likely to remain in college and graduate. This article presents a strategy and results of a study that analyzed the overall relationship Student Affairs programs had with student GPA and health status. The goal of this research was to discover what helps students thrive, not just survive at school. To study thriving, the theoretical model of salutogenesis was adapted to investigate factors related to student success as measured through academic performance and health status. Using electronically collected data from a sample of 691 students, the results of relationships between student engagement in Student Affairs programs, student academic performance, and health status have been reported. Emphasis areas for student affairs programs are suggested.
Impact of Facility Maintenance on Campus Recreational Sports Departments at Public Universities in the United States
Authors: Hall Stacey
Published: August 2016

Society, government, and the economy have a direct impact on the condition and availability of facilities at public colleges and universities across the country. This article explores the factors that have led to the current state of facilities and specific attention is given campus recreation facilities. Strategies for addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance are included. Stakeholders need to work collaboratively to ensure an institution has the recreation facilities needed for the campus.