bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variable Practice in Learning the Forehand Drive in Tennis
Authors: Douvis Stavros J.
Published: September 2010

One of the most important factors that has occupied researchers in motor learning is the method of practicing motor skills. This study examined the effect of variable practice in learning the forehand drive in tennis by children and adolescents. Variability of practice was achieved by the alternation of targets and the distance between the point of execution and the target. 40 male children ages 9 to 10 years and 40 male students ages 18 to 19 years were divided into eight equal groups according to age and training group (No Specific target, 1 target, 4 targets, and 5 targets). After 18 practice sessions over 40 days and similar teaching, the participants performed 60 transfer trials after a rest of 72 hours. The experimental design used was a 2 (age) × 4 (practice group) × 6 (block of trials) with repeated measures on the last factor for absolute and constant error scores. The analysis of variance showed that the children performed more poorly than the adolescents, and variable practice yielded better performance than constant and specialized practice. The results support the variability of practice hypothesis and indicate that the effect of variable and specialized practic was related to age of the groups of trainees.
Rapid Plastic Changes of Human Primary Motor Cortex with Repetitive Motor Practice and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Hayashi Shikako , Shimura Kuniyoshi , Kasai Tatsuya
Published: September 2010

Excitability changes of human primary motor cortex are assumed to be associated with motor learning processes. To examine motor behavioral and neural mechanisms in these processes, the adaptive motor learning processes of the index finger abduction were investigated using motor evoked potential (MEP) elicited from the first dorsal interosseous and extensor carpi radialis muscles. Practice effects were examined on changes of MEP amplitudes elicited from these muscles during motor imagery. Given general consensus that the MEP amplitude change during motor imagery is a useful parameter reflecting changes in excitability of the human primary motor cortex, the present results, that MEP amplitudes of both muscles increased with repeated practice by the index finger abduction and that magnitudes of MEP amplitudes of both muscles (motor learning curves) were clearly different, suggested that participation of the muscles performing the index finger abduction gradually changed with practice. Short-term plastic changes of human primary motor cortex occur with repetitive practice and such adaptive change in human primary motor cortex is expressed in human voluntary movement that becomes more automatic.
Speed-Accuracy Tradeoffs in Rapid Bimanual Aiming Movements
Authors: Sherwood David E. , Enebo Brian
Published: September 2010

Two experiments reported the effect of movement time and knowledge of results on overall spatial errors in rapid simultaneous bimanual aiming movements. In Exps. 1 ( n = 32) and 2 ( n = 32), participants used light, aluminum levers oriented vertically in the sagittal plane to make reversal movements over the same distance (20°–20° or 60°–60°) or different distances (20°–60°) in each arm in 250, 350, or 450 msec. to the reversal point. The participants in Exp. 1 were given knowledge of results on the spatial and temporal accuracy for both arms, while in Exp. 2 knowledge of results was provided for one arm only. Strong speed-accuracy tradeoffs were shown for all groups in both experiments, but errors were larger in the different distance movements compared to the same distance groups. Spatial errors were also elevated in Exp. 2 when knowledge of results was not available compared to those conditions where knowledge of results was available. Overall, bimanual speed-accuracy tradeoffs are similar to single arm movements when one moves the same distance in each arm and when knowledge of results is available.
A Field Study of Step-Up Exercises with Touch for Elderly People
Authors: Sakiyama Yukari , Sakuma Haruo
Published: September 2010

This study assessed step-up exercises appropriate for elderly persons ( M age = 70.7 yr., SD = 7.0). The group did several exercises in 7 sessions per month (average participants per session was 14, SD = 3). A 30-sec. chair-stand test (sit-to-stand), questionnaires on activities of daily living, and impressions of the exercises were examined. Activities of daily living were expected to differ on cluster analysis before and after exercise sessions. Each cluster was classified by basic and instrumental activities. The 30-sec. chair-stand test did not significantly improve. Subjects enjoyed doing exercises with touch. Appropriate exercises for elderly persons should promote activities of daily living. Functional movements with touch seem appropriate for maintaining physical fitness and social interaction.
Age as a Moderator of Relations of Physical Self-Concept and Mood Changes Associated with 10 Weeks of Programmed Exercise in Women
Authors: Annesi James J. , Westcott Wayne L.
Published: September 2010

Significant correlations were found between reported changes in scores on the Physical Self-concept scale of the Tennessee Self-concept Scale, with those on the Depression ( r = –.34) and Total Mood Disturbance ( r = –.38) scales of the Profile of Mood States, for 35 women who initiated a structured exercise program. Accounting for age in simultaneous multiple regression equations added to the explained variance in changes in both Depression ( R2 = .29) and Total Mood Disturbance ( R2 = .18) scores. Findings supported propositions of social cognitive theory and self-efficacy theory. Limitations and the need for replication and extension were discussed.
Mood States during a Successful World Record Underwater Diving Attempt
Authors: Herbert Edwin J. , Potgieter Justus R.
Published: September 2010

The mood states of a diver were recorded over a period of almost 10 days of submersion. Scores on the Profile of Mood States obtained on the components of Depression, Anger, and Confusion suggested that there were no signs of psychological disintegration over this period. As expected, scores on Fatigue increased whereas perceived Vigor diminished over time. High Esteem remained consistent. It is proposed that profiling of mood states can be a useful monitoring tool of an acclimatization process.
Body-Esteem, Body Mass Index, and Risk for Disordered Eating among Adolescents in Synchronized Swimming
Authors: Ferrand Claude , Magnan Claire , Philippe Roberta Antonini
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to examine dimensions of body-esteem, Body Mass Index, and their relations with eating disorder symptoms among 42 elite adolescent athletes engaged in competitive synchronized swimming ( M = 15.4 yr., SD = 1.2) and to compare them with 40 athletes in sports with no emphasis on leanness ( M = 16.5 yr., SD = .93), and 50 nonathlete college female students ( M = 16.3 yr., SD = 1.1). They completed the Body-esteem Scale and the Eating Attitudes Test, and the Body Mass Index was computed. Analysis showed synchronized swimmers reported greater negative feelings about their appearance than the two other groups and low perceptions of how others evaluate their physical appearance. Participants did not differ on the EAT-26. Regression analyses showed that Body Mass Index and Body-esteem Appearance accounted for 38% of the variance in log-transformed Dieting scores of synchronized swimmers. Results are discussed in relation to the literature.
Average KR Schedule in Learning of Timing: Influence of Length for Summary Knowledge of Results and Task Complexity
Authors: Ishikura Tadao
Published: September 2010

This experiment investigated the influence of length for average Knowledge of Results (KR) and task complexity on learning of timing in a barrier knock-down task. Participants (30 men and 30 women) attempted to press a goal button in 1200 msec. after pressing a start button. The participant was assigned into one of six groups by two tasks (simple and complex) and three feedback groups (100% KR, Average 3, Average 5). The simple and complex tasks required a participant to knock down one or three barriers before pressing a goal button. After a pretest without KR, participants practiced 60 trials of physical practice with one of the three following groups as a practice phase: one given the result of movement time after every trial (100% KR), a second given the average movement time after every third trial (Average 3), a third given the average movement time after every fifth trial (Average 5). Participants then performed a posttest with no-KR and two retention tests, taken 10 min. and 24 hr. after the posttest without KR. Analysis gave several findings. (1) On the complex task, the absolute constant error (|CE|) and the variable error (VE) were less than those on the simple task. (2) The |CE| and the VE of the 100% KR and the Average 3 groups were less than those of the Average 5 group in the practice phase, and the VE of the 100% KR and the Average 3 group were less than those of the Average 5 group on the retention tests. (3) In the practice phase, the |CE| and the VE on Blocks 1 and 2 were higher than on Blocks 5 and 6. (4) On the retention tests, the |CE| of the posttest was less than retention tests 1 and 2. And, the VE of the 100% KR and the Average 3 groups were less than that of the Average 5 group. These results suggest that the average feedback length of three trials and the given feedback information after every trial are advantageous to learning timing on this barrier knock-down task.
Suicide Rate and National Scores on the Big Five Personality Factors
Authors: Voracek Martin
Published: September 2010

Across 46 nations around the world, suicide rates were negatively correlated with national scores on the Big Five personality factors of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness (two facets indicating low Psychoticism), thus not replicating previous findings of Lester (1993, 2005).
Reliability and Factor Structure of the Finnish Version of the Sport Imagery Questionnaire
Authors: Watt Anthony P. , Jaakkola Timo T. , Morris Tony
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and factor structure of the Finnish version of the Sport Imagery Questionnaire, a measure which examines cognitive and motivational functions of imagery. The final sample comprised 231 participants drawn from 34 sports and ranging in age from 14 to 49 years ( M = 20.9, SD= 5.8). Internal consistency and confirmatory factor analyses were undertaken to evaluate the reliability and factorial validity of the scale. Fit indices and modification data generated from examining the 30-item five-factor model were equivocal, suggesting minor amendment and recategorization of several items rather than major adjustment to the proposed latent factor structure. Cronbach coefficients alpha indicated the scale is reliable. Overall, these results provide positive additional support for the claim that the Sport Imagery Questionnaire has a reproducible factor structure and is a reliable test for measuring imagery use in Finnish athletes.
Attitudes toward and Approaches to Learning First-Year University Mathematics
Authors: Alkhateeb Haitham M. , Hammoudi Lakhdar
Published: September 2010

This study examined the relationship for 180 undergraduate students enrolled in a first-year university calculus course between attitudes toward mathematics and approaches to learning mathematics using the Mathematics Attitude Scale and the Approaches to Learning Mathematics Questionnaire, respectively. Regression analyses indicated that scores for the Mathematics Attitude Scale were negatively related to scores for the Surface Approach and accounted for 10.4% of the variance and scores for the Mathematics Attitude Scale were positively related to scores for the Deep Approach to learning mathematics and accounted for 31.7% of the variance.
Grip Strength and Physical Demand of Previous Occupation in a Well-Functioning Cohort of Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Liu Karen P. Y. , Chu Mary M. L.
Published: September 2010

The grip strength of 214 independently ambulatory Chinese older adults ( M age = 75.1 ± 7.0 yr.) was measured, and preliminary mean values presented. Their previous occupations were recorded, and the physical demands of those occupations in terms of oxygen consumption and work done were classified. Grip strength generally decreased across age groups. The physical demand of individuals' previous occupations had significant associations with grip strength, for example, participants who previously worked as construction site workers had a greater grip strength than those who worked previously as office workers.
Relations of Perceived Bodily Changes with Actual Changes and Changes in Mood in Obese Women Initiating an Exercise and Weight-Loss Program
Authors: Annesi James J.
Published: September 2010

Significant relationships were found between mean difference scores for body satisfaction and mood ( rs=|.42 to .54||) for obese women ( N = 50) beginning exercise programs for weight loss. No significant relationships were found between self-reported body satisfaction and measures of bodily changes. After replication, implications for theory and treatment were discussed.
Goal Setting in Acquisition of a Volleyball Skill Late in Motor Learning
Authors: Corrêa Umberto Cesar , de Souza Orlando Pereira , Santos Suely
Published: September 2010

To examine the effects of different types of goal setting on motor skill acquisition during advanced stages of learning. 44 female volleyball players were tested in four experimental training groups with generic goals, specific long-term goals, specific short-term goals, and as a control group. This study's pretest, training, and retention test phases used performance of a volleyball dig/forearm pass oriented to a target. Analyses yielded no significant differences among groups, although performance increased from pre- to retention test.
Effects of Religion and Type of Religious Internalization on the Mental Health of Iranian Adolescents
Authors: Mazidi Mohammad , Ostovar Soghra
Published: September 2010

This study was designed to assess the effects of religion and two types of religious internalization on the mental health of Iranian adolescents. High school students (82 Moslem and 37 Christian) were selected randomly from four high schools in Shiraz and completed the Religious Self-regulation Questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire. Analysis showed that main effects of types of religious internalization measured on four subscales of the General Health Questionnaire were significant. Religion was significantly associated only with somatic symptoms. For other scales no main effects of religion, types of religious internalization, or their interactions were significant.
Intensity and Direction Dimensions of Competitive State Anxiety: A Time-to-Event Approach
Authors: Stavrou Nektarios A. , Psychountaki Maria , Zervas Yannis
Published: September 2010

The purpose of the present study was to examine the temporally patterned changes in intensity and direction of competitive state anxiety prior to and during competition as well as correlations among intensity and direction on the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory–2D subscale scores. 99 athletes completed the inventory one day before and an hour before the competition, based on how they felt during that time, and 30 min. after the competition with reference to how they felt during the competition. Analysis indicated different temporal patterning in subscale scores prior to competition. Correlations were medium (.40) for Intensity and Direction dimensions. Significant differences were noted between scores of those classified as Facilitators and Debilitators on the Intensity dimension. The results support the multidimensional nature of competitive anxiety. Moreover, additional information lies in directional interpretation of competitive anxiety and self-confidence.
Extending Effects of Salience and Payoffs on Stimulus Discrimination: An Experimental Simulation of Prescription Checking
Authors: Schell Kraig L. , Hunsaker Cory , Kelley Kyle
Published: September 2010

This study applied specific aspects of signal detection theory (target salience and decision payoffs) to examine the associations among measured attention and accuracy on a stimulus discrimination task patterned after prescription checking. 85 participants completed the d2 Test of Attention and were assigned to either a control condition with general task instructions or a payoff condition with points accumulated or lost based on ultimate performance. Participants checked simulated product order forms for clerical errors for 40 min. The stimulus set included errors that varied with respect to their ease of detection or salience. Analysis indicated that measured attention was related to performance accuracy and speed as expected. Also decision payoffs significantly increased accuracy on the discrimination task regardless of target salience and discrimination accuracy decreased as the salience of the stimulus mismatches decreased. Implications for real-world applications of signal detection theory to tasks such as prescription checking are explored.
Digit Ratio (2D:4D), Lateral Preferences, and Performance in Fencing
Authors: Voracek Martin , Reimer Barbara , Ertl Clara , Dressler Stefan G.
Published: September 2010

The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic trait (men tend to have lower values than women) and a likely biomarker for the organizational (permanent) effects of prenatal androgens on the human brain and body. Prenatal testosterone, as reflected by 2D:4D, has many extragenital effects, including its relevance for the formation of an efficient cardiovascular system. Previous research, reviewed here, has therefore investigated possible associations of 2D:4D with sport performance. Several studies found more masculinized digit ratio patterns (low 2D:4D values or a negative right-minus-left difference in 2D:4D) to be related to high performance in running, soccer, and skiing. The present research tested this hypothesis in a sample of 54 tournament fencers, predominantly from Austria. For men, negative right-left differences in 2D:4D corresponded significantly to better current as well as highest national fencing rankings, independent of training intensity and fencing experience. The mean 2D:4D values of these fencers were significantly lower and the proportion of left-handers was elevated relative to the local general population. For the right hand, the ratio was somewhat lower in male sabre fencers than in male 6pke and foil fencers combined and significantly lower in left-handed compared to right-handed fencers. Although nonsignificant due to low statistical power, effect sizes suggested that crossed versus congruent hand-eye and hand-foot preferences might also be related to fencing performance. The present findings add to the evidence that 2D:4D might be a performance indicator for men across a variety of sports.
Attention and Perception, Memory, and Judgment of Line Length
Authors: Masin Sergio Cesare
Published: September 2010

The literature reports that focused attention alters perceived length of lines. Some tests of this attentional effect require that subjects compare line lengths. This note shows that conceptual confusions inherent in this comparison make the tests invalid.
Measurement of Active Rotation in Standing: Reliability of a Simple Test Protocol
Authors: Evans Kerrie , Refshauge Kathryn M. , Adams Roger
Published: September 2010

Interrater and intrarater reliability were evaluated for a test measuring active rotation range in a standing position. Subjects stood with their feet comfortably apart while a horizontal bar rested on their shoulders. A plumb bob attached to the end of the bar was allowed to drop to the floor, indicating maximal rotation range achieved. Two raters measured 24 subjects ( M age = 35 ± 14 yr.), who were sedentary office workers and active recreational golfers, on two occasions separated by two weeks to obtain values for left and right trunk rotation range. The test had good intrarater and interrater reliabilities, with standard error of measurement values varying from 5.6° to 8.6° against an overall mean range of 128°. This simple active rotation test requires inexpensive equipment and could be incorporated into clinical examinations when there is a need to assess active rotation in standing with minimal constraints.
Regional Intelligence and Suicide Rate in Germany
Authors: Voracek Martin
Published: September 2010

Regional intelligence proxies (intranational average domain scores from the PISA 2000 and 2003 studies) were not reliably associated with the suicide rate across the states of Germany, thereby not replicating findings of a positive ecological correlation of regional intelligence and suicide prevalence from other within-nation studies (Austria, Belarus, the British Isles, Denmark, The Netherlands, and the USA).
Validity and Reliability of the Greek Version of the Multisource Assessment of Social Competence Scale
Authors: Magotsiou Evmorfia , Goudas Marios , Hasandra Maria
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to adapt the Multisource Assessment of Social Competence Scale to the Greek language. The validity and reliability of the scale were examined in three studies with 209, 192, and 147 sixth-grade students, respectively. The subscale structure of the Multisource Assessment of Social Competence Scale was supported through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The hypothesized two main dimensions, Prosocial and Antisocial behavior, were divided into two factors, Cooperating skills and Empathy for Prosocial behavior and Quick-temperedness and Disruptiveness for Antisocial behavior. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were high. Additionally, correlations between each factor and social desirability scores were nonsignificant. The resultant model of the present study is a behavior rating scale that should be considered a reliable choice for assessing Greek middle school students' social skills.
Interference Effects between Saccadic and Key-Press Reaction Times of Volleyball Players and Nonathletes
Authors: Kokubu Masahiro , Ando Soichi , Kida Noriyuki , Oda Shingo
Published: September 2010

To investigate the interference effect in volleyball players and nonathletes ( ns=10) when they executed both saccadic and key-press reaction time (RT) tasks concurrently, the two groups responded to the onset of peripheral visual stimuli as quickly as possible in single and dual conditions. In the single condition, subjects responded with either saccadic eye or key-press movement. In the dual condition, they responded concurrently with both saccadic eye and key-press movements. In both groups, the key-press RT was longer in the dual condition than in the single condition. However, the amount of key-press RT delay was remarkably smaller for the volleyball players than for nonathletes. This suggests the motor command to initiate manual movement of volleyball players might be less interfered with by a concurrent oculomotor command to initiate saccadic eye movement when compared to that of nonathletes.
Measurement of Discrimination of Separation in Elderly Persons Using a Liquid-Crystal Display and Grating Method
Authors: Huang Kuo-Chen , Lin Chin-Chiuan , Yeh Po-Chan
Published: September 2010

This study analyzed psychophysical data from younger and elderly people on the influence of spacing between vertical lines, exposure time, and number of vertical lines in a stimulus for visual performance. A total of 50 elderly people and 31 graduate students participated in the experiment. Nine levels of spacing between lines (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 29 points), three exposure times (0.2, 0.6, and 1.0 sec.), and five sets of numbers of lines (4, 5, 6, 7, and 8) were manipulated. Analysis showed enhanced spacing between lines and exposure time improved discrimination of separation. However, although performance on discrimination of separation increased as spacing between lines increased up to 21 points, it was degraded at higher values. A positive effect of number of lines on discrimination of separation was also observed, and performance increased as the number of lines decreased. The effect of age group, i.e., elderly versus younger, on performance was significant. The accuracy of the younger was greater than that for the elderly group. Moreover, three interactive two-way effects were found: group × spacing between lines, number of lines × spacing between lines, and number of lines × exposure time. The present findings could be used as a practical reference in the design of instrument displays in which the operator has to consider the scale and markings on a dial, especially if the display is operated in an emergency or is manipulated by elderly people.
Evaluating a Modified Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale for College-Age Women
Authors: Ornes Lynne L. , Ransdell Lynda B. , Pett Marjorie A.
Published: September 2010

This pilot study examined test-retest and internal consistency reliabilities of original and modified formats of the Exercise Self-efficacy Scale in college-age women. 30 completed original and modified versions of the scale. Data from both tests, administered 1 wk. apart, were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to assess test-retest reliability and Cronbach coefficient alpha for internal consistency. Scores for both versions correlated .96. Cronbach coefficients alpha for the original scale were .96 for Time 1 and .98 for Time 2. Cronbach coefficients alpha for the revised scale were .95 for Time 1 and .98 for Time 2. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency remained consistently high for both versions of the scales within this sample. Implications for use of this scale and recommendations for research are given.
Screening People with Disturbed Sleep for Depression
Authors: Brašić James Robert
Published: September 2010

Disturbed sleep may be associated with a multitude of environmental, medical, and psychological conditions. Since sleep disturbances are leading manifestations of major depression, a common potentially fatal disorder, persons with disturbed sleep must be screened for depression. Different forms of disturbed sleep are associated with specific subtypes of depression. Those with evidence of depression must then be referred for prompt treatment to abort serious adverse outcomes, including suicide.
Sensation Seeking, Aggression, and Reckless Behavior in High School Students, College Students, and Adults
Authors: George Kelley , Baechtold Julia A. , Frost Ryan E. , Campbell John B.
Published: September 2010

Replicating work of Arnett, males reported more frequent Reckless Behavior than females, and 27 high school and 48 college students did not differ in scores on Sensation Seeking or Aggression. As anticipated by Arnett, the 35 adults had significantly lower Sensation Seeking and Aggression scores than the two younger groups and less Reckless Behavior as well. In contrast to Arnett, Reckless Behavior did not rise for college students, and Sensation Seeking, but not Aggression, correlated with Reckless Behavior in all samples.
Music in the Moment? Revisiting the Effect of Large Scale Structures
Authors: Lalitte P. , Bigand E.
Published: September 2010

The psychological relevance of large-scale musical structures has been a matter of debate in the music community. This issue was investigated with a method that allows assessing listeners' detection of musical incoherencies in normal and scrambled versions of popular and contemporary music pieces. Musical excerpts were segmented into 28 or 29 chunks. In the scrambled version, the temporal order of these chunks was altered with the constraint that the transitions between two chunks never created local acoustical and musical disruptions. Participants were required (1) to detect on-line incoherent linking of chunks, (2) to rate aesthetic quality of pieces, and (3) to evaluate their overall coherence. The findings indicate a moderate sensitivity to large-scale musical structures for popular and contemporary music in both musically trained and untrained listeners. These data are discussed in light of current models of music cognition.
Effects of Imagining Eating Favorable and Unfavorable Foods on Gastric Motility Indexed by Electrogastrographic (EGG) Activities
Authors: Zhou Renlai , Hu Senqi
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of imagining favorable or unfavorable foods on the amplitude of EGG recordings. 40 subjects were assigned to Favorable food and Unfavorable food groups in which they were asked to imagine eating a list of favorable foods or unfavorable foods. Subjects sat in a chair for 16 min. of baseline measurement prior to the 16 min. of food imagining. Electrogastrographic (EGG) activities were recorded continuously throughout. Using Fast Fourier Transform analysis, the spectral power of EGG activity of 3 cycles per minute (cpm) was calculated, and the ratios of EGG 3 cpm spectral power for the period of food imagining and baseline were obtained. The EGG amplitude at 3 cpm during imagining eating a list of unfavorable food was significantly lower than that of the baseline period and the EGG ratio between the food-imagining and baseline periods was significantly lower in the Unfavorable group than in the Favorable food group. It appears that imagining eating unfavorable food significantly inhibited gastric motility as indexed by decreased power of EGG activities at 3 cpm.
Correlates of a Taoist Orientation
Authors: McCollaum Bruce , Zeyrek Emek Yüce , Lester David
Published: September 2010

Using rating scales no associations were found between having a Taoist orientation to life, death anxiety, and the perception that one's self is unified (versus fragmented) in a sample of southeastern Asian students (18 women and 12 men).
Changes in Somatosensory Evoked Potentials and Hoffmann Reflexes during Fast Isometric Contraction of Foot Plantarflexor in Humans
Authors: Nakajima Tsuyoshi , Wasaka Toshiaki , Kida Tetsuo , Nishimura Yukio , Fumoto Masaki , Sakamoto Masanori , Takashi Endoh , Komiyama Tomoyoshi
Published: September 2010

In the present study, the extent to which the early component of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and the Hoffmann (H-) reflex induced by stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve are altered during the ascending and descending phases of fast plantarflexion was investigated. SEPSs and H-reflex of the soleus following tibial nerve stimulation were examined during fast plantarflexion when performed by nine normal subjects. The analyses focused on differences in amplitude modulation of the P30-P40 component of SEP and the H-reflex between the ascending and descending phases of full-wave rectified and averaged soleus electromyographic (EMG) activity. The H-reflex amplitude was significantly increased and decreased during the ascending and descending phases more than under resting control conditions, respectively. The reduction of SEP amplitude was 49% for the ascending phase and 83% for the descending phases with respect to the resting situation. Modulation of SEP during the ascending and descending phases was robustly retained even during ischemic nerve blockade of large diameter afferent fibers. These findings suggest that the transmission of afferent inputs from muscle spindles to motoneurons and to the somatosensory cortex during fast isometric contraction of the plantar flexor is regulated in a time-dependent fashion by descending commands.
Trait-Anger Enhances Effects of Caffeine on Psychomotor Vigilance Performance
Authors: Killgore William D. S. , Killgore Desiree B. , Ganesan Goutham , Krugler Alexandra L. , Kamimori Gary H.
Published: September 2010

This study examined the combined effects of caffeine and the personality attribute of trait-anger on the speed of psychomotor vigilance performance during sleep deprivation. 23 young adult soldiers (19 male) were administered the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory–2 when well-rested. Participants were then sleep deprived for three consecutive nights (77 hours total) during which they completed repeated psychomotor vigilance testing. Half of the participants received four doses of oral caffeine (200 mg every 2 hr.; 800 mg total) each night, while the other half were administered a placebo. For the first night, higher scores on trait-anger, outward anger expression, and intensity of anger expression predicted better sustained overnight vigilance performance, but only for those volunteers receiving caffeine. These correlations were not significant for the subsequent nights. Findings suggest a possible synergistic effect between personality traits associated with arousal of the central nervous system and vigilance-promoting effects of caffeine.
A Preliminary Note: Campus Subgroup Membership and Football Game Day Attire
Authors: Crosby Melanie , Kim Soyoung , Hathcote Jan M.
Published: September 2010

Differences were found in college women's attire at football games by organizational identification, perceived organizational prestige, game day attendance, and fashion opinion leadership. Factors of clothing choice were Fashion Consciousness, Desire for Comfort, Desire for Uniqueness, and Expression of School Spirit.
Relations of Singing Talent with Voice Onset Time of Trained and Untrained Female Singers
Authors: McCrea Christopher R. , Watts Christopher
Published: September 2010

This study examined phonatory-articulatory timing during sung productions by trained and untrained female singers with and without singing talent. 31 untrained female singers were divided into two groups (talented or untalented) based on the perceptual judgments of singing talent by two experienced vocal instructors. In addition to the untrained singers, 24 trained female singers were recorded singing America the Beautiful, and voice onset time was measured for selected words containing /p, b, g, k/. Univariate analyses of variance indicated that phonatory-articulatory timing, as measured with voice onset time, was different among the three groups for /g/, with the untrained-untalented singers displaying longer voice onset time than the trained singers. No other significant differences were observed across the other phonemes. Despite a significant difference observed, relatively small effect sizes and statistical power make it difficult to draw any conclusions regarding the usefulness of voice onset time as an indicator of singing talent.
Contrast of Frequency of Positive and Negative Feeling State Changes Associated with Standard and Reduced Cardiovascular Exercise
Authors: Annesi James J.
Published: September 2010

A field investigation was conducted to assess whether cardiovascular exercise assigned at a level to maximize improvements in fitness, i.e., a standard exercise amount or 30 min. at approximately 80% maximal heart rate, differed significantly in frequency of positive exercise-induced feeling changes when contrasted with exercise that was reduced to 20 min. at approximately 65% maximal heart rate. A significantly more frequent occurrence of positive changes in feelings just after exercise (χ12 = 4.95, p < .05, φc = .26) was noted for adults initiating programs at the reduced ( n = 36; 86% positive change) vs the standard ( n = 36; 64% positive change) amount of exercise. After replication, implications for adjusting exercise to increase adherence were discussed.
Using Developmental Principles to Assist Preschoolers in Developing Numeracy and Literacy
Authors: Pasnak Robert , MacCubbin Elise , Ferral-Like Melissa
Published: September 2010

In a yoked control design, 4-yr.-olds ( N = 39) in a Head Start program played numerous structured games involving either the oddity principle or letter identification and letter sounds. The children's mean age was 53.2 mo.; SD = 4.1 mo. Three were Middle Eastern, 14 were Latino, 7 were East African, and 15 were African American. Children showed better mastery of oddity after playing games directed at this concept, and numeracy scores on the Woodcock-Johnson III were better for children who had played this type of game. Woodcock-Johnson III Letter-Word scores for children who had played the oddity and seriation or letter games were equivalent. These results are consistent with other research indicating that the understanding of oddity relations may be a key transitional thinking which supports quantitative and verbal development at the preschool-kindergarten interface. The standardized test scores indicate that guided play directed at this aspect of cognitive growth or more narrowly directed at early literacy can produce equivalent knowledge of letters.
Correlations between Speakers' Body Size and Acoustic Parameters of Voice
Authors: Conzález Julio
Published: September 2010

Generally, there is a significant relationship between some acoustic measures (F0 and formant parameters) and the body size of speakers; however, data become less clear when age and sex variables are controlled. To date, no other vocal parameter apart from F0 has been studied in relation to body size. In the present study, correlations between a set of 27 parameters of the Multi-dimensional Voice Program (Kay Elemetrics Corp.) and 4 body measures were obtained from 134 speakers of both sexes belonging to one age group (20–29 years). Correlations within sex groups were null or very weak, and all significant coefficients were below .35.
Extra Version and Neuroticism in Team Sport Participants, Individual Sport Participants, and Nonparticipants
Authors: Eagleton Jessica R. , McKelvie Stuart J. , De Man Anton
Published: September 2010

Scores on Extraversion and on Neuroticism as measured by the Eysenck Personality Inventory were compared for 90 undergraduate team sport participants, individual sport participants, and nonparticipants (43 men, 47 women, M age = 20.3 yr.). From past research and Eysenck's biological theory of personality, it was hypothesized that sport participants would score higher on Extraversion and lower on Neuroticism than nonparticipants, and that team participants would score higher on Extraversion and perhaps higher on Neuroticism than individual sport participants. By comparing scores for students in first year and final year, it was also investigated whether pre-existing personality differences drew people to sport (the gravitational hypothesis) or whether personality changed as a function of sport participation (the developmental hypothesis). The main findings were that team participants scored higher on Extraversion than both individual sport participants and nonparticipants, and that test scores did not change over time, supporting the gravitational hypothesis for Extraversion.
Influence of Attention Manipulation on Emotion and Autonomic Responses
Authors: Murakami Hiroki , Ohira Hideki
Published: September 2010

Psychopathologies such as depression and anxiety have been associated with self-consciousness, a trait focusing on the self in terms of emotions and social images. A technique designed to shift attention away from the self tends to reduce anxiety, so the present purpose was to assess the effect of self body-state information on an individual's emotional and autonomic activity. 24 undergraduate and graduate students (10 men and 14 women), ages 19 to 27 years ( M = 22.1, SD = 2.5), were recruited as subjects. Focusing on body-state during an anxiety-inducing situation led to an increase of low to high frequency ratio of heart-rate variability which reflected cardiac sympathovagal balance. That is, attending to one's own bodily states enhanced relative sympathetic activity compared to parasympathetic activity, which can be interpreted as one of the physiological emotional responses elicited by anxiety.
Is Prism Adaptation “for” Growth?
Authors: Bedford Felice L.
Published: September 2010

The assumption that prism adaptation mechanisms evolved for developmental plasticity was questioned by analyzing natural transformations (magnification, rotation, displacement) of the arm and shoulder. Accommodating ordinary movement was found to be a closer match to prisms than transformations caused by growth. In addition, overlap between equations of movement and growth may point to a distal function of adaptation that is very general.
Effects of a Computer Feedback Treatment and Behavioral Support Protocol on Drop out from a Newly Initiated Exercise Program
Authors: Annesi James J.
Published: September 2010

Drop out from newly initiated exercise regimens is problematic. Three treatments intended to support new exercise programs (standard exercise counseling, computer feedback, and behavioral support) were tested to estimate their association with drop out over the initial 3 and 6 mo. Data from a total of 1,336 adults (44% men; Mage = 41.9 yrs., SD = 9.8) initiating exercise programs at 18 community exercise facilities (six in each of the three treatment groups) were aggregated by facility on a measure of drop out and were then contrasted both within and between groups. After a mixed model repeated-measures analysis of variance was significant overall, planned contrasts were conducted using the Tukey-Kramer test. Significantly less drop out was found at Month 3 for both the computer support (27%) and behavioral support (17%) groups, when contrasted with the standard exercise counseling group (38%). Behavioral support had significantly less drop out than computer feedback at Month 3. The behavioral support group showed significantly less drop out at Month 6 (33%) when contrasted with both the standard exercise counseling (58%) and computer feedback (52%) groups, which did not significantly differ from one another. Limitations and the need to evaluate and extend research on interventions for reducing drop out from exercise programs were discussed.
Immediate Effect of Two Yoga-Based Relaxation Techniques on Performance in a Letter-Cancellation Task
Authors: Sarang S. P. , Telles Shirley
Published: September 2010

The performance in a six-letter cancellation task was assessed with 69 male volunteers, ages 18 to 48 years, immediately before and after two yoga-based relaxation techniques and a control session of equal duration. The techniques were Cyclic Meditation and Supine Rest. Cyclic Meditation consists of alternating cycles of yoga postures and supine rest. After both practices, the net scores were significantly higher, although the magnitude of change was more after Cyclic Meditation than after Supine Rest (24.9% versus 13.6%). There was reduction in scores for wrong cancellations after Cyclic Meditation and not after Supine Rest. The control group showed no change. The results suggest that Cyclic Meditation brings about a greater improvement in performance in this task, which requires selective attention, concentration, visual scanning abilities, and a repetitive motor response.
Relation of Fatigue with Alexithymia and Depression in Psychiatric Outpatients
Authors: Wise Thomas N. , Sheridan Michael J.
Published: September 2010

The complaint of fatigue is common in community, primary care, and psychiatric settings. Fatigue is often associated with depression and psychosocial stress. This report investigated the role of alexithymia and depression in fatigue as reported in a sample of 151 psychiatric outpatients (75 men and 76 women) who completed all scales. The mean age of the sample was 45.5 yr. ( SD = 12.5), and mean education was 16.2 yr. ( SD = 2.4). Fatigue was inversely correlated with education (–.16) and positively correlated with depression (.44), anxiety (.30), and alexithymia (.35). However, in a multivariate regression analysis, only depression and alexithymia remained significant ( p ≤ .01).
The Facilitation of Important Personal Goals through Exercise
Authors: Gebhardt Winifred A. , Dijkstra Arie , De Wilde Erik Jan , Doest Laura Ter , Maes Stan , Garnefski Nadia , Kraaij Vivian
Published: September 2010

In a sample of 1,287 adolescents, it appeared that weekly exercise facilitates a variety of goals: particularly those related to being or remaining healthy, feeling relaxed, not being bored, feeling physically good, not being stressed, and attaining high achievements were endorsed. Sedentary and active adolescents reported a similar order of 10 specific goals with respect to the likelihood of being positively influenced by exercise. The frequency of reported facilitation for each of the goals, however, was higher among the active adolescents. This suggests that the more exercise is incorporated in daily life, the more it can be regarded as an integral part of the personal goal structure.
Graded Auditory Stroop Effects Generated by Gender Words
Authors: Gregg Melissa K. , Purdy Kim A.
Published: September 2010

Two auditory Stroop experiments requiring identification of the speaker's sex were conducted. An auditory Stroop effect was expected, analogous to visual effects found in Stroop literature. In Exp. 1 the speaker's sex was identified faster when sex labels (“male” and “female”) and words that imply a sex (e.g., father, grandmother) were congruent with the speaker's sex. In Exp. 2, an auditory semantic gradient was established in which words that were more meaningfully tied to a particular sex produced more Stroop interference. This auditory semantic gradient is analogous to effects found in the visual Stroop literature of a semantic gradient related to color.
Definition of Compassion-Evoking Images in a Mexican Sample
Authors: Mercadillo Roberto E. , Barrios Fernando A. , Díaz José Luis
Published: September 2010

To assemble a calibrated set of compassion-eliciting visual stimuli, 60 clinically healthy Mexican volunteers (36 women, 24 men; M age = 27.5 yr., SD = 2.4) assessed 84 pictures selected from the International Affective Picture System catalogue using the dimensions of Valence, Arousal, and Dominance included in the Self-assessment Manikin scale and an additional dimension of Compassion. Pictures showing suffering in social contexts and expressions of sadness elicited similar responses of compassion. The highest compassion response was reported for pictures showing illness and pain. Men and women differed in the intensity but not the quality of the compassionate responses. Compassion included attributes of negative emotions such as displeasure. The quality of the emotional response was not different from that previously reported for samples in the USA, Spain, and Brazil. A set of 28 pictures was selected as high-compassion-evoking images and 28 as null-compassion controls suitable for studies designed to ascertain the neural substrates of this moral emotion.
A Longitudinal Study of “Choking” in Professional Golfers
Authors: Clark Russell D.
Published: September 2010

This study followed the performance of 35 professional golfers who played from 1997 to 2004 on the Professional Golfers Association Tour (PGA Tour) and investigated whether any players were prone to “choke” when placed in high-pressure situations. Choking was defined as a player having significantly higher than expected final round scores and being less likely than other professional golfers to win when in contention to win tournaments. Analysis yielded no support for a choking under pressure hypothesis. None of the players when in contention to win were both more likely to have higher than expected scores in the final round and less likely to win than other professional golfers in the sample. Limitations of the study were mentioned.
Function of Congruent Facial Responses to Smiling and Frowning
Authors: Ichikawa Hiroko , Makino Junshiro
Published: September 2010

The congruent facial response of a receiver may change a sender's facial display in subsequent facial communication. Senders were requested to smile and frown at a receiver of computer-synthesized animation and to rate how likeable the receiver was after the “interaction.” It was observed that a congruent facial response maintained the sender's facial expression longer than an incongruent response did. The results of the questionnaire revealed that senders reported a greater likeability for smiling receivers than for those who frowned. Likeability ratings did not depend on the congruency of the receiver's response but simply on whether the receiver was smiling or frowning.