Prevention programme for eating disturbances in adolescents. Is their effect on body image maintained at 30 months later?

We assessed changes in the body image of Spanish adolescents who participated in a programme aimed at preventing disordered eating, with a 30-month follow-up. 254 girls and 189 boys aged 12–14 were assigned to a control group (n = 201) or one of two possible experimental conditions: media literacy programme (ML, n = 143) and media literacy plus nutrition awareness programme (ML + NUT, n = 99). Body image was assessed with the Body Image Questionnaire (Qüestionari d’Imatge Corporal; QÜIC). Pre-test, post-test, 7- and 30-month follow-up measurements were taken. Linear model analyses were carried out with a 2 × 3 × 3 ANOVA (sex × group × phase), adjusted by the baseline level. At 30-month follow-up, ML and ML + NUT participants showed fewer body problems and more body satisfaction than the control group. There is a need for prevention programmes addressing eating and body image disturbances that involve both boys and girls.     

The Supraspinatus and the Deltoid – Not just two arm elevators

BackgroundThe debate on the clinical and functional role of the Supraspinatus in relation to the Deltoid necessitates experimental assessment of their contributions to arm elevation. Our goal was to evaluate the responses of both muscles to increased elevation moment loading.MethodsTwenty-three healthy volunteers applied 30 N elevation forces at the proximal and distal humerus, resulting in small and large glenohumeral elevation moment tasks. The responses of the Deltoid and Supraspinatus were recorded with surface and fine-wire electromyography, quantified by (EMG_distal − EMG_proximal), and normalized by the summed activations (EMG_distal + EMG_proximal) to R_Muscle ratios.ResultsDeltoid activity increased with large elevation moment loading (R_DE = .11, 95%-CI [.06–.16]). Surprisingly, there was no significant average increase in Supraspinatus activation (R_SSp = .06, 95%-CI [−.08 to .20]) and its response was significantly more variable (Levene’s test, F = 11.7, p < .001). There was an inverse association between the responses (ß = −1.02, 95%-CI [−2.37 to .32]), indicating a potential complementary function of the Supraspinatus to the Deltoid.ConclusionThe Deltoid contributes to the glenohumeral elevation moment, but the contribution of the Supraspinatus is variable. We speculate there is inter-individual or intra-muscular function variability for the Supraspinatus, which may be related to the frequently reported variations in symptoms and treatment outcome of Supraspinatus pathologies.     

Emotional intelligence and risky driving behaviour in adults

BackgroundRisky driving is considered a key predictive factor in road traffic accidents resulting in morbidity and mortality. Intra-individual emotional and personality factors have been shown to influence risk-taking behaviours among drivers. Despite this, there is limited research investigating the individual dimensions of these constructs and their relationship to risky driving behaviour (RDB). The current study therefore aimed to assess whether the individual dimensions of Emotional Intelligence (EI) were implicated in RDB.MethodsThe sample comprised 179 adults (55% male) aged between 18 and 64 years (M = 29.85, SD = 11.46) and who currently held a valid driver’s licence completed an online survey. Emotional Intelligence was assessed via self-report using the Swinburne University Emotional Intelligence Test (SUEIT), and RDB was measured using both the Brief Distracted Driving Scale (BDDS) and the Dula Dangerous Driving Index (DDDI).ResultsRegression analyses revealed that ‘Risky Driving’ was related to greater levels of Emotional Recognition and Expression and lesser Age [F_{(6, 172)} = 2.27, p < 0.05: R² = 7.3%], and the Negative Emotions sub-scale of DDDI, was significantly predicted by Emotional Control and Age [F_{(6, 172)} = 6.41, p < 0.05: R² = 18.3%]. A mediation model incorporating Age, Emotional Control scores and the Negative Emotions driving behaviour score indicated that a significant indirect effect of Age through Emotional Control (K² = 0.08, 95% CI [−0.02, −0.03]). (H [3] = 10.98, p = 0.012).ConclusionsLower scores on specific indices of EI are associated with increased rates of RDB, suggesting that poor emotional control may impede an individuals’ ability to make safe behavioural decisions when driving. The effect sizes for these models were small, however, and further research is needed to explore the contributory components in this association. Greater awareness of the role of emotional regulation and driving behaviours may be useful in preventing RDB in adults.     

Contextual effects on activity profiles of domestic field hockey during competition and training

Game context is widely accepted to influence performance but most data available is ‘categorical’ and addresses performance rather than activity. This study assessed direct effects of opposition and team ranking in field hockey to establish influences on activity. One hundred and eight (n = 108) female field hockey players (age 16–39 years) participated, giving 186 competition and 48 training analyses. Team average distance (mean ± SD) observed in a mid-ranked team during competition ranged from 5949 ± 611 to 7719 ± 257 m demonstrating an opposition rank effect (Pearson’s r = .71; adjusted R² = .42). However, multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated a stronger relationship in lower ranked teams (Pearson’s r = .99; adjusted R² = .97 through 3–9). In contrast, no team rank effect was observed during randomly monitored competition where team average distance ranged from 5177 ± 444 to 7316 ± 241 m (Pearson’s r = .15 and adjusted R² = .12). In training, however, a team rank effect was observed in distance-related performance indicators where team average distance during small-sided games ranged from 5877 ± 188 to 3551 ± 193 m drill (per 70 min) with Pearson’s r = .95 and adjusted R² = .87. The presence of contextual effects has significant practical implications for team sports where the training load assumed from competition may be overestimated.     

Local muscle oxygen consumption related to external and joint specific power

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of external work rate on joint specific power and the relationship between knee extension power and vastus lateralis muscle oxygen consumption (mVO₂). We measured kinematics and pedal forces and used inverse dynamics to calculate joint power for the hip, knee and ankle joints during an incremental cycling protocol performed by 21 recreational cyclists. Vastus lateralis mVO₂ was estimated using near-infrared spectroscopy with an arterial occlusion. The main finding was a non-linear relationship between vastus lateralis mVO₂ and external work rate that was characterised by an increase followed by a tendency for a levelling off (R² = 0.99 and 0.94 for the quadratic and linear models respectively, p < 0.05). When comparing 100 W and 225 W, there was a ∼43 W increase in knee extension but still a ∼9% decrease in relative contribution of knee extension to external work rate resulting from a ∼47 W increase in hip extension. When vastus lateralis mVO₂ was related to knee extension power, the relationship was still non-linear (R² = 0.99 and 0.97 for the quadratic and linear models respectively, p < 0.05). These results demonstrate a non-linear response in mVO₂ relative to a change in external work rate. Relating vastus lateralis mVO₂ to knee extension power showed a better fit to a linear equation compared to external work rate, but it is not a straight line.     

Social physique anxiety and physical activity: A self-determination theory perspective

ObjectiveUsing self-determination theory [Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York, NY: Plenum Press; Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2002). An overview of self-determination theory: an organismic-dialectical perspective. In E. L. Deci, & R. M. Ryan, (Eds.), Handbook of self-determination research (pp. 3–33). Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Press.] as a framework, this study examined the relationships between social physique anxiety (SPA) and physical activity-related psychological needs, motivation, and reported behavior.MethodThree hundred and eighty one males and females (M_age = 18.69, SD = 1.15) completed a self-administered questionnaire package.ResultsResults revealed a good measurement model for the total sample (χ² = 592.52; df = 238; RMSEA = .063; CFI = .94; SRMR = .05) and multi-group invariance indicated that the male and female measurement models were comparable. The structural model was adequate for the total sample (χ² = 638.69; df = 243; RMSEA = .065; CFI = .94; SRMR = .06) and accounted for 36% of the variance in reported physical activity behavior. In addition, the structural model was partially gender invariant.ConclusionsFindings supported the proposed motivational sequence in which SPA directly influenced need satisfaction, and indirectly influenced physical activity motivation and behavior. From a practical perspective, interventions aimed at decreasing SPA may be helpful in promoting physical activity motivation and behavior.     

Exposing Clinicians to Exposure: A Randomized Controlled Dissemination Trial of Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

ObjectiveThe present study evaluated three technology-based methods of training mental health providers in exposure therapy (ET) for anxiety disorders. Training methods were designed to address common barriers to the dissemination of ET, including limited access to training, negative clinician attitudes toward ET, and lack of support during and following training.MethodClinicians naïve to ET (N = 181, M_age = 37.4, 71.3% female, 72.1% Caucasian) were randomly assigned to (a) an interactive, multimedia online training (OLT), (b) OLT plus a brief, computerized motivational enhancement intervention (OLT + ME), or (c) OLT + ME plus a Web-based learning community (OLT + ME + LC). Assessments were completed at baseline, posttraining, and 6 and 12 weeks following training. Outcomes include satisfaction, knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, self-reported clinical use, and observer-rated clinical proficiency.ResultsAll three training methods led to large and comparable improvements in self-efficacy and clinical use of ET, indicating that OLT alone was sufficient for improving these outcomes. The addition of the ME intervention did not significantly improve outcomes in comparison to OLT alone. Supplementing the OLT with both the ME intervention and the LC significantly improved attitudes and clinical proficiency in comparison to OLT alone. The OLT + ME + LC condition was superior to both other conditions in increasing knowledge of ET.ConclusionsMulticomponent trainings that address multiple potential barriers to dissemination appear to be most effective in improving clinician outcomes. Technology-based training methods offer a satisfactory, effective, and scalable way to train mental health providers in evidence-based treatments such as ET.     

Social influence and physical activity in older females: Does activity preference matter?

BackgroundOlder adults appear to have different activity preferences (prefer to be active alone or with others, or show no preference). As the activity of older females is often associated with social influences (i.e., how others influence the behavior or thoughts of another), understanding how activity preference might interact with social influences becomes important.ObjectivesThis study explored whether activity preferences would moderate the social influence – physical activity relationship in older females.MethodsThe sample for this study was 102 older females with the majority (87%) classified as ‘maintainers’. Using a cross-sectional approach, participants completed questionnaires on social influences by channel (family, friends, healthcare workers) and type (modeling, compliance, conformity, obedience), activity preferences, and physical activity.ResultsMANOVA and follow-up results revealed that friends-modeling (F (2, 99) = 8.15, p < .01) and friends-compliance/conformity (F (2, 99) = 9.82, p < .01) were greater in individuals who preferred to be active with others than those who preferred to be active alone. Results from a hierarchical multiple regression examining activity preferences as a moderator were significant (R²_change = .11). For those who preferred to be active with others, friends-modeling was positively related to activity (b = 1.28). For individuals with no activity preference, activity was positively related to friends-compliance/conformity (b = 1.38) and negatively related to friends-modeling (b = ?1.56).ConclusionResults provide preliminary evidence that activity preferences appear to moderate the relationship between the influence of friends and activity in older females, especially for those who are activity maintainers.     

Applying an active lumbopelvic control strategy during lumbar extension exercises: Effect on muscle recruitment patterns of the lumbopelvic region

ObjectiveExamine whether implementing an active lumbopelvic control strategy during high load prone lumbar extension exercises affects posterior extensor chain recruitment and lumbopelvic kinematics.MethodsThirteen healthy adults acquired an optimal active lumbopelvic control strategy during guided/home-based training sessions. During the experimental session electromyography was used to evaluate the activity of the posterior extensor chain muscles during high load trunk/bilateral leg extension exercises with/without application of the strategy. Video-analysis was used to evaluate thoracic/lumbar/hip angles.ResultsImplementing the active lumbopelvic control strategy decreased the lordotic angle during trunk (p = 0.045; −3.2°) and leg extension exercises (p = 0.019; −10°). The hip angle was solely affected during trunk extension (p < 0.001; +9.2°). The posterior extensor chain (i.e. mean of the relative activity of all muscles (%MVIC) was recruited to a higher extent (p = 0.026; +9%) during trunk extension exercises performed with active lumbopelvic control. Applying the strategy during leg extension exercises lead to less activity of longissimus thoracic (p = 0.015; −10.2%) and latissimus dorsi (p = 0.010; −4.4%), and increased gluteus maximus activity (p ≤ 0.001; +16.8%).ConclusionsWhen healthy people are taught/instructed to apply an active lumbopelvic control strategy, this will decrease the degree of lumbar (hyper)lordosis and this influences the recruitment patterns of trunk and hip extensors. Hence, the possible impact on predetermined training goals should be taken into account by trainers.     

Reduced cortical voluntary activation during bilateral knee extension

IntroductionReduced neural drive is mainly thought to explain the bilateral deficit phenomenon, i.e. the difference in maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) between unilateral and bilateral contractions. The aim of the present study was to further document if bilateral knee extension is associated with changes in voluntary activation level assessed by both peripheral nerve electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation.MethodsFourteen subjects performed unilateral and bilateral knee extensions with both superimposed femoral electrical nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation in order to assess voluntary activation (VA_FNES) and cortical voluntary activation (VA_TMS), respectively.ResultsThere was no difference in MVC force of the tested leg when involved in unilateral and bilateral knee extensions (p = 0.87). However, a significantly reduced VA_FNES (−2.1 ± 2.4%; p = 0.01) and VA_TMS (−1.6 ± 2.7%; p = 0.04) have been evidenced during bilateral knee extension.DiscussionIt is hypothesized that counterbalances could have masked the decrease of voluntary activation during bilateral contraction.     

Personality,intelligence and proof-reading

Two studies sought to determine personality and cognitive ability correlates of proof-reading. In both studies candidates were given 5 min to identify up to 55 errors in a 920 word, two page document. In Study 1, which tested 240 school children, fluid intelligence (as measured by the Baddeley Reasoning Test) was the highest correlate of proof-reading (r = .30). Eleven percent of the variance in total attempted scores was accounted for by intelligence, Introversion and low Conscientiousness. In the second study 70 undergraduates completed the same proof-reading test along with two intelligence tests (Baddeley Reasoning Test; Wonderlic Personnel Test) and a more robust personality measure (NEO-FFI). Proof-reading was correlated with both intelligence tests (Baddeley r = .45; Wonderlic r = .40). More of the variance was accounted for in the total attempted-score of errors than for a correct errors-detected score. When the two intelligence and five personality trait scores were regressed on to the proof-reading test score over a quarter of the variance (Adj R² = .28) was accounted for, but only the Baddeley test was a significant predictor (Beta = .39).     

Validation française d’une version brève de l’Échelle de satisfaction maritale

IntroductionFew measuring instruments of couple satisfaction maximizing the individual perception of the relationship exists in French. Settings such as Liaison psychiatry of a general hospital could benefit from a questionnaire adapting to a variety of clinical profiles.ObjectiveThis article proposes a French revision and validation of the Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS; Roach, Frazier, and Bowden, 1981), a 48-item self-reported questionnaire designed to evaluate personal satisfaction towards one's couple relationship.MethodA sample of 349 community-dwelling individuals aged 20–85 answered the MSS, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS; Spanier, 1976), and a series of inquiries related to sociodemographics. As an initial Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) did not validate the unidimensional structure postulated by the original authors, the item number was reduced to 14.ResultsThis brief version of the scale (MSS-14) was subsequently validated with an internal replication analysis, a strong criterion-related validity with the DAS (r_s = 0.73, P < 0.001), an excellent internal consistency (α = 0.961, IC à 95% [0.955, 0.967]), a strong test-retest reliability (r_s = 0.90, CI à 95% [0.85, 0.93], P < 0.001, Z = − 0.033, P = 0.973), and strong item-to-total correlations (> 0.69). The MSS-14 could differentiate individuals with and without marital distress (AUC = 0.97), while no sociodemographic variable seemed to have a significant influence on couple satisfaction.ConclusionThe MSS-14 appears to be a reliable instrument to assess the personal satisfaction towards a couple relationship in community-dwelling adults.     

L’impact de la reconnaissance organisationnelle sur la santé psychologique au travail des répartiteurs d’urgence

The purpose of this research is to measure the relationships between organizational recognition and workplace psychological health for emergency dispatchers by a predictif correlational design. Data collected from a secure online questionnaire sent to dispatchers via four emergency call centers (n = 155) measured psychological health at work (Gilbert et al., 2011) and organizational recognition (Brun and Dugas, 2005). The results of multiple linear regression analyses partially confirmed the hypothesized links between the two variables: they attested that organizational and co-worker recognition partially explained psychological well-being at work (R² = .25, p < .001) and psychological distress at work (R² = .30, p < .001) among emergency dispatchers.     

Relationships between coordination,active drag and propelling efficiency in crawl

This study examines the relationships between the index of coordination (IdC) and active drag (D) assuming that at constant average speed, average drag equals average propulsion. The relationship between IdC and propulsive efficiency (e_p) was also investigated at maximal speed. Twenty national swimmers completed two incremental speed tests swimming front crawl with arms only in free condition and using a measurement of active drag system. Each test was composed of eight 25-m bouts from 60% to 100% of maximal intensity whereby each lap was swum at constant speed. Different regression models were tested to analyse IdC–D relationship. Correlation between IdC and e_p was calculated. IdC was linked to D by linear regression (IdC = 0.246 · D − 27.06; R² = 0.88, P < .05); swimmers switched from catch-up to superposition coordination mode at a speed of ∼1.55 m s⁻¹ where average D is ∼110 N. No correlation between IdC and e_p at maximal speed was found. The intra-individual analysis revealed that coordination plays an important role in scaling propulsive forces with higher speed levels such that these are adapted to aquatic resistance. Inter-individual analysis showed that high IdC did not relate to a high e_p suggesting an individual optimization of force and power generation is at play to reach high speeds.     

Weight-related actual and ideal self-states,discrepancies, and shame,guilt, and pride: Examining associations within the process model of self-conscious emotions

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between women's actual:ideal weight-related self-discrepancies and experiences of weight-related shame, guilt, and authentic pride using self-discrepancy (Higgins, 1987) and self-conscious emotion (Tracy & Robins, 2004) theories as guiding frameworks. Participants (N = 398) completed self-report questionnaires. Main analyses involved polynomial regressions, followed by the computation and evaluation of response surface values. Actual and ideal weight self-states were related to shame (R² = .35), guilt (R² = .25), and authentic pride (R² = .08). When the discrepancy between actual and ideal weights increased, shame and guilt also increased, while authentic pride decreased. Findings provide partial support for self-discrepancy theory and the process model of self-conscious emotions. Experiencing weight-related self-discrepancies may be important cognitive appraisals related to shame, guilt, and authentic pride. Further research is needed exploring the relations between self-discrepancies and a range of weight-related self-conscious emotions.     

Rumination and depression in Chinese university students: The mediating role of overgeneral autobiographical memory

ObjectiveIn this study, we examined the mediator effects of overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM) on the relationship between rumination and depression in 323 Chinese university students.Method323 undergraduates completed the questionnaires measuring OGM (Autobiographical Memory Test), rumination (Ruminative Response Scale) and depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale).ResultsResults using structural equation modeling showed that OGM partially-mediated the relationship between rumination and depression (χ² = 88.61, p < .01; RMSEA = .051; SRMR = .040; and CFI = .91). Bootstrap methods were used to assess the magnitude of the indirect effects. The results of the bootstrap estimation procedure and subsequent analyses indicated that the indirect effects of OGM on the relationship between rumination and depressive symptoms were significant.ConclusionThe results indicated that rumination and depression were partially mediated by OGM.     

Fatigue-induced dissociation between rate of force development and maximal force across repeated rapid contractions

We examined whether the presence of fatigue induced by prolonged running influenced the time courses of force generating capacities throughout a series of intermittent rapid contractions. Thirteen male amateur runners performed a set of 15 intermittent isometric rapid contractions of the knee extensor muscles, (3 s/5 s on/off) the day before (PRE) and immediately after (POST) a half marathon. The maximal voluntary contraction force, rate of force development (RFD_peak), and their ratio (relative RFD_peak) were calculated. At POST, considering the first (out of 15) repetition, the maximal force and RFD_peak decreased (p < 0.0001) at the same extent (by 22 ± 6% and 24 ± 22%, respectively), resulting in unchanged relative RFD_peak (p = 0.6). Conversely, the decline of RFD_peak throughout the repetitions was more pronounced at POST (p = 0.02), thus the decline of relative RFD_peak was more pronounced (p = 0.007) at POST (−25 ± 13%) than at PRE (−3 ± 13%). The main finding of this study was that the fatigue induced by a half-marathon caused a more pronounced impairment of rapid compared to maximal force in the subsequent intermittent protocol. Thus, the fatigue-induced impairment in rapid muscle contractions may have a greater effect on repeated, rather than on single, attempts of maximal force production.     

Relative effects of reduced weight and increased physical activity on hemoglobin A1c: Suggestions for behavioral treatments

Behavioral treatments for diabetes have often been unsuccessful and may benefit from a better understanding of the relative effects of two common treatment foci – decreased weight and increased volume of physical activity – on blood glucose. Overweight and obese adults (N = 59; M_age = 60 years) with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values consistent with diabetes participated in a 6-month community-based behavioral treatment based on tenets of self-efficacy theory and social cognitive theory. The treatment was associated with significantly increased physical activity, reduced body mass index (BMI), and reduced HbA1c levels (ps < .001). Changes in BMI and physical activity accounted for a significant portion of the variance in change in HbA1c, R² = .13, p = .023. Change in volume of physical activity, β = ?.36, p = .007, but not change in BMI, β = ?.03, p = .792, significantly contributed to the variance in HbA1c change that was accounted for. There was no effect based on the sex of participants. Discussion focused on how findings might impact the efficacy, efficiency, and application of behavioral treatments for diabetes management.     

Arch structure is associated with unique joint work,relative joint contributions and stiffness during landing

To examine lower extremity joint contributions to a landing task in high-(HA) and low-arched (LA) female athletes by quantifying vertical stiffness, joint work and relative joint contributions to landing.MethodsTwenty healthy female recreational athletes (10 HA and 10 LA) performed five barefoot drop landings from a height of 30 cm. Three-dimensional kinematics (240 Hz) and ground reaction forces (960 Hz) were recorded simultaneously. Vertical stiffness, joint work values and relative joint work values were calculated using Visual 3D and MatLab.ResultsHA athletes had significantly greater vertical stiffness compared to LA athletes (p = 0.013). Though no differences in ankle joint work were observed (p = 0.252), HA athletes had smaller magnitudes of knee (p = 0.046), hip (p = 0.019) and total lower extremity joint work values (p = 0.016) compared to LA athletes. HA athletes had greater relative contributions of the ankle (p = 0.032) and smaller relative contributions of the hip (p = 0.049) compared to LA athletes. No differences in relative contributions of the knee were observed (p = 0.255).ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that aberrant foot structure is associated with unique contributions of lower extremity joints to load attenuation during landing. These data may provide insight into the unique injury mechanisms associated with arch height in female athletes.     

Facial width-to-height ratio and celebrity endorsements

This study hypothesized that the facial WHR of celebrity endorsers is associated with their endorsement income. Our sample consisted of the top 100 male and female celebrity endorsers (male = 50 and female = 50) in Seoul. The average annual total endorsement income of celebrity endorsers in 2012 was $1,691,924 for male endorsers and $1,684,474 for female endorsers. A statistical analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between celebrity endorsers’ facial WHR and their endorsement income in 2012 among male (r = −.390, p = .007, n = 47) but not among female (r = .166, p = . 248, n = 50) endorsers. Our findings imply that males with narrower faces are more popular among the media as well as among advertisers. Our study is the first to explore the relationship between physical features, such as facial WHR and monetary income in the entertainment industry.