Match performance and physical capacity of players in the top three competitive standards of English professional soccer

The aim of this study was to compare the match performance and physical capacity of players in the top three competitive standards of English soccer. Match performance data were collected from players in the FA Premier League (n = 190), Championship (n = 155) and League 1 (n = 366) using a multiple-camera system. In addition, a selection of players from the Premier League (n = 56), Championship (n = 61) and League 1 (n = 32) performed the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test level 2 (Yo-Yo IE2) to determine physical capacity. Players in League 1 and the Championship performed more (p < .01) high-intensity running than those in the Premier League (Effect Size [ES]: 0.4–1.0). Technical indicators such as pass completion, frequency of forward and total passes, balls received and average touches per possession were 4–39% higher (p < .01) in the Premier League compared to lower standards (ES: 0.3–0.6). Players also covered more (p < .05) high-intensity running when moving down (n = 20) from the Premier League to the Championship (ES: 0.4) but not when players moved up (n = 18) standards (ES: 0.2). Similar Yo-Yo IE2 test performances were observed in Premier League, Championship and League 1 players (ES: 0.2–0.3). Large magnitude relationships (p < .05) were observed between Yo-Yo IE2 test performances and the total and high-intensity running distance covered in both Championship (r = .56 and .64) and Premier League matches (r = .61 and .54). The data demonstrate that high-intensity running distance was greater in players at lower compared to higher competitive standards despite a similar physical capacity in a subsample of players in each standard. These findings could be associated with technical characteristics inherent to lower standards that require players to tax their physical capacity to a greater extent but additional research is still required to confirm these findings.     

Similar changes in muscle fiber phenotype with differentiated consequences for rate of force development: Endurance versus resistance training

Resistance training has been shown to positively affect the rate of force development (RFD) whereas there is currently no data on the effect of endurance training on RFD. Subjects completed ten weeks of either resistance training (RT, n = 7) or endurance cycling (END, n = 7). Pre and post measurements included biopsies obtained from m. vastus lateralis to quantify fiber phenotype and fiber area and isokinetic dynamometer tests to quantify maximal torque (Nm) and RFD (Nm/s) at 0–30, 0–50, 0–100 and 0–200 ms during maximal isometric contraction for both knee extensors and flexors. Both groups increased the area percentage of type IIa fibers (p < .01) and decreased the area percentage of type IIx fibers (p = .05), whereas only RT increased fiber size (p < .05). RT significantly increased eccentric, concentric and isometric strength for both knee extensors and flexors, whereas END did not. RT increased 200 ms RFD (p < .01) in knee flexor RFD and a tendency towards an increase at 100 ms (p < .1), whereas tendencies towards decreases were observed for the END group at 30, 50 and 100 ms (p < .1), resulting in RT having a higher RFD than END at post (p < .01). In conclusion, resistance training may be very important for maintaining RFD, whereas endurance training may negatively impact RFD.     

Psychosocial determinants of road traffic offences in a sample of Spanish male prison inmates

ObjectiveThere is very little information available about the characteristics of drivers convicted for traffic offences. The objective of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the psychosocial characteristics of Spanish prison inmates convicted of road traffic offences (CRTOs), drivers serving a prison sentence for other types of offence (DCOOs), and drivers with no criminal record (DNCRs), in order to identify the psychosocial predictors associated with RTOs.MethodsThe study sample comprised 434 male participants divided into three groups: CRTO (n = 240); DCOO (n = 85); and DNCR (n = 105). Instruments included an interview on sociodemographic data, driving behaviour, and past offences, as well as a set of tests to evaluate personality traits (ZKPQ-50CC), driving-related aspects (MDSI-S and DAS), and alcohol dependence (AUDIT).ResultsA logistic regression analysis showed the following to be reliable predictors of RTOs: low education level (p < .05); having been involved in several road traffic accidents (p < .001); having received several fines (p < .001); a high score on the MDSI-S Risky subscale (p < .05); a low score on the MDSI-S Careful subscale (p < .05); AUDIT scores > 8 (p < .05), and repeatedly driving whilst under the influence of alcohol (p < .05).ConclusionsThe results obtained have significant practical implications for designing and implementing traffic offenders programmes.     

Increased forefoot loading is associated with an increased plantar flexion moment

The aim of this study was to identify the cascade of effects leading from alterations in force generation around the ankle joint to increased plantar pressures under the forefoot. Gait analysis including plantar pressure measurement was performed at an individually preferred and a standardized, imposed gait velocity in diabetic subjects with polyneuropathy (n = 94), without polyneuropathy (n = 39) and healthy elderly (n = 19). The plantar flexion moment at 40% of the stance phase was negatively correlated with the displacement rate of center of pressure (r = ?.749, p < .001 at the imposed, and r = ?.693, p < .001 at the preferred gait velocity). Displacement rate of center of pressure was strongly correlated with forefoot loading (r = ?.837, p < .001 at the imposed, and r = ?.731, p < .001 at the preferred gait velocity). People with a relatively high plantar flexion moment at 40% of the stance phase, have a faster forward transfer of center of pressure and consequently higher loading of the forefoot. This indicates that interventions aimed at increasing the control of the roll-off of the foot may contribute to a better plantar pressure distribution.     

Experiential avoidance in body dysmorphic disorder

Experiential avoidance (i.e., the attempt to avoid certain internal experiences including bodily sensations, thoughts, emotions, memories, and urges) has been studied in various psychological disorders. However, research examining experiential avoidance in individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is limited and inconsistent. The present study compared experiential avoidance in individuals with primary BDD (n = 23) to healthy controls (n = 22). Standardized measures were used to assess baseline clinical characteristics as well as experiential avoidance. Compared to healthy controls, individuals with BDD presented with significantly greater experiential avoidance (p < .001, d = −2.51). In BDD, experiential avoidance was positively correlated with depressive symptoms (p < .01) and avoidant coping strategies (p < .01). Clinician sensitivity to experiential avoidance may serve to improve the course of treatment for BDD.     

Trunk coordination in healthy and chronic nonspecific low back pain subjects during repetitive flexion–extension tasks: Effects of movement asymmetry,velocity and load

Multiple joint interactions are critical to produce stable coordinated movements and can be influenced by low back pain and task conditions. Inter-segmental coordination pattern and variability were assessed in subjects with and without chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). Kinematic data were collected from 22 CNSLBP and 22 healthy volunteers during repeated trunk flexion–extension in various conditions of symmetry, velocity, and loading; each at two levels. Sagittal plane angular data were time normalized and used to calculate continuous relative phase for each data point. Mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) were derived to quantify lumbar–pelvis and pelvis–thigh coordination patterns and variability. Statistical analysis revealed more in-phase coordination pattern in CNSLBP (p = 0.005). There was less adaptation in the DP for the CNSLBP group, as shown by interactions of Group by Load (p = .008) and Group by Symmetry by Velocity (p = .03) for the DP of pelvis–thigh and lumbar–pelvis couplings, respectively. Asymmetric (p < 0.001) and loaded (p = 0.04) conditions caused less in-phase coordination. Coordination variability was higher during asymmetric and low velocity conditions (p < 0.001). In conclusion, coordination pattern and variability could be influenced by trunk flexion–extension conditions. CNSLBP subjects demonstrated less adaptability of movement pattern to the demands of the flexion–extension task.     

Screening Solid Foods Infants 1 (SSFI-1) development of a screening tool to detect problems in the transition from milk to solid food in infants from six to nine months of age

AimTo establish the psychometric properties of a newly developed screening tool Screening Solid Foods Infants 1 (SSFI-1) used by early childhood professionals, to detect problems in the transition from milk to solid food of smooth consistency in infants 6–9 months of age.MethodsThe SSFI-1 score was filled out by the parents of a subgroup with term infants (n = 35); healthy preterm infants (n = 26); infants with comorbidity (n = 17); infants with feeding problems (n = 13). Internal consistency, reproducibility, construct, criterion and related validity was evaluated.ResultsThe preterm subgroup differed significantly in age when starting with fruits/vegetables and period of experience (p < 0.01). The SSFI-1 was sufficiently reliable for the total group and term subgroup (α = 0.78 and 0.76), but not for the preterm and comorbidity/feeding problem subgroup (α = 0.51 and 0.69). Inter-rater reliability was high for the total score (n = 25, ICC r = 0.93), and moderate to good for individual items (weighted kappa range 0.55–0.95). Validity was confirmed by significantly higher scores for the comorbidity/feeding problem subgroups and clinically distinguishable subgroups (p < 0.05) and area under the curve values > 0.78. The initial 10-item screening tool was modified to a seven item screening tool. A SSFI-1 score of 4, +2 SD of the term subgroup, had 76.9% sensitivity and 82.1% specificity, for detecting the presence of a feeding problem.ConclusionThe seven-item screening tool Screening Solid Foods 1 may be used as a screening tool for term infants. Further testing of the SSFI-1 in new infants is needed, to confirm reliability and validity both for term, preterm and (risk for) feeding problem infants.     

The effect of a motor skills training program in the improvement of practiced and non-practiced tasks performance in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of a group-based task oriented skills training program on motor and physical ability for children with DCD. It was also investigated if there was an effect on fine motor and handwriting tasks that were not specifically practiced during the training program. Forty-one children aged 6–10 years took part in this study. Children were assigned to three groups: an experimental training group consisting of 14 children with DCD, a control non-training group consisted of 13 children with DCD and a control non-training group consisting of 14 typically developed children. The measurements included were, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC), the Modified Agility Test (MAT), the Triple Hop Distance (THD), the 5 Jump-test (5JT) and the Handwriting Performance Test. All measures were administered pre and post an 8-week training program. The results showed that 10 children of the DCD training-group improved their performance in MABC test, attaining a score above the 15th percentile after their participation in the training program. DCD training-group showed a significant improvement on all cluster scores (manual dexterity (t (13) = 5.3, p < .001), ball skills (t (13) = 2.73, p < .05) and balance (t (13) = 5.13, p < .001). Significant performance improvements were also found in MAT, THD, 5JT (t (13) = –4.55; p < .01), handwriting quality (t (12) = –2.73; p < .05) and speed (t (12) = –4.2; p < .01) after the training program. In conclusion, improvement in both practiced and non-practiced skills, in the training program, may reflect improvement in motor skill but also transfer to other skills.     

Depression mediates the relationship between social performance impairment and hostility

The goal of this study was to test depressive symptoms as a mediator between social difficulties and hostility in young adults. Hostility is often a reaction to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors; therefore a greater understanding of contributing factors is needed, especially among emerging adults. College students (n = 608; 408 females, 200 males) self-reported on social difficulties, depression, and hostility. Via exploratory factor analyses, two latent constructs related to social difficulty were identified: social performance and social motivation. Using structural equation modeling, the direct effects found that poor social performance was significantly positively associated with BPAQ Total (β = .44, p < .01). Social motivation was not associated with BPAQ Total (β = −.07, p = .21). Further, depression scores were found to partially mediate the relationship between social performance deficits (β = .34, p < .01; 95% CI = .05–.16), but not social motivation (β = −.06, p > .05; 95% CI = −.04 to .04), and overall aggression. Results are discussed in terms of the influence of negative affect and impaired emotion regulatory processes on hostility as a consequence of social performance deficits.     

Identification of biological and environmental risk factors for language delay: The Let's Talk STEPS study

The aim of this population-based study was to identify demographic factors for language delays at an early age. The risk analysis covered 11 biological and 8 environmental factors. The mothers’ concerns regarding language development were also examined. A total of 226 children from a Finnish cohort study were invited to participate in language assessments at 36 months. The test results for word finding and language comprehension were compared with parental questionnaires about children's vocabulary at 13 and 24 months.Regression analysis revealed that the father's social class (t = −2.79, p = 0.006) and working full time (t = −2.86, p = 0.005) significantly predicted children's language delay. In addition, language comprehension was significantly predicted by the mother's social class (t = −2.06, p = 0.041) and by gender, with an advantage to girls (t = −2.71, p = 0.008). Vocabulary at 24 months was a powerful predictor for lexical development (t = 4.58, p < 0.0001) and language comprehension (t = 4.85, p < 0.0001) at 36 months. Mothers’ concerns were correlated with children's limited lexicons as early as 24 months (r = 0.31, p < 0.0001) and poor language comprehension (r = −0.35, p < 0.0001) at 36 months. Mothers were especially concerned if the parents needed special education during school years.At the population-level, gender was the most powerful biological factor in predicting language delays. Similarly, both parents’ social status had predictive value for the child's language development. In addition, it was found that the mother's concern about her child's slow language acquisition should be taken into account when making decisions regarding special support.     

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.     

Predictors of aerobic physical activity and resistance training among Canadian adults with type 2 diabetes: An application of the Protection Motivation Theory

BackgroundIt is well established that both aerobic physical activity (PA) and resistance training are essential in the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but few studies have examined the determinants of both modes of PA in the same sample.PurposeThe main objective was to investigate the utility of the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) in predicting aerobic PA and resistance training in a population sample of T2D adults.MethodsA total of 244 individuals completed self-report PMT constructs of vulnerability, severity, fear, response efficacy, self-efficacy and intention, and a 3-month follow-up that assessed aerobic PA and resistance training.ResultsPMT explained 19% (p < .001) and 20% (p < .001) of the variance respectively for aerobic PA and resistance training behaviour. Significant associations were found between self-efficacy (β = 0.45, p < .001) and gender (β = 0.15, p < .05) for aerobic PA, and self-efficacy (β = 0.48, p < .001) and age (β = 0.17, p < .05) for resistance training. PMT accounted for 43% (p < .001) and 56% (p < .001) of the variance respectively for aerobic PA and resistance training intentions. For aerobic PA, response efficacy (β = 0.14, p < .05) and self-efficacy (β = 0.59, p < .001) were significantly associated with intention, while response efficacy (β = 0.23, p < .001), self-efficacy (β = 0.64, p < .001) and age (β = 0.10, p < .05) were significantly related with resistance training intention.ConclusionsNone of the unique constructs of the PMT (i.e., perceived vulnerability, severity and fear) were significant with either aerobic and resistance training intention. These results may guide the development of effective PA interventions in people with T2D.     

Promoting an equitable and supportive school climate in high schools: The role of school organizational health and staff burnout

In response to persistent racial disparities in academic and behavioral outcomes between Black and White students, equitable school climate has drawn attention as a potential target for school reform. This study examined differences in Black and White students' experiences of school climate and explored whether indicators of school organizational health and staff burnout moderated differences in students' school experiences by race. Utilizing hierarchical linear modeling with a sample of 18,397 Black students (n = 6228) and White students (n = 12,169) and 2391 school staff in 53 schools, we found a consistent pattern of racial inequalities, such that Black students reported less positive experiences than White students across three indicators of school climate (caring γ = − 0.08, p < .001; equity γ = − 0.05, p = .007; and engagement γ = − 0.05, p < .001). In addition, we found significant, positive associations between aggregated staff-report of school organizational health and student-reported school climate (e.g., staff affiliation and student-perceived equity, γ = 0.07, p < .001). Surprisingly, a number of school organizational health indicators were more strongly associated with positive perceptions of school climate among White students than Black students, translating into greater racial disparities in perceived school climate at schools with greater organizational health (e.g., supportive leadership by race on student-perceived engagement, γ = − 0.03, p = .042). We also found negative associations between staff-reported burnout and students' experience of equity, such that the racial gap was smaller in schools with high ratings of burnout (γ = 0.04, p = .002). These findings have implications for educators and education researchers interested in promoting school social contexts that equitably support student engagement and success.     

Assessing Decentering: Validation,Psychometric Properties,and Clinical Usefulness of the Experiences Questionnaire in a Spanish Sample

Decentering is defined as the ability to observe one’s thoughts and feelings in a detached manner. The Experiences Questionnaire (EQ) is a self-report instrument that originally assessed decentering and rumination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of EQ-Decentering and to explore its clinical usefulness. The 11-item EQ-Decentering subscale was translated into Spanish and psychometric properties were examined in a sample of 921 adult individuals, 231 with psychiatric disorders and 690 without. The subsample of nonpsychiatric participants was also split according to their previous meditative experience (meditative participants, n = 341; and nonmeditative participants, n = 349). Additionally, differences among these three subgroups were explored to determine clinical validity of the scale. Finally, EQ-Decentering was administered twice in a group of borderline personality disorder, before and after a 10-week mindfulness intervention. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable model fit, _sbχ² = 243.8836 (p < .001), CFI = .939, GFI = .936, SRMR = .040, and RMSEA = .06 (.060–.077), and psychometric properties were found to be satisfactory (reliability: Cronbach’s α = .893; convergent validity: r > .46; and divergent validity: r < − .35). The scale detected changes in decentering after a 10-session intervention in mindfulness (t = − 4.692, p < .00001). Differences among groups were significant (F = 134.8, p < .000001), where psychiatric participants showed the lowest scores compared to nonpsychiatric meditative and nonmeditative participants. The Spanish version of the EQ-Decentering is a valid and reliable instrument to assess decentering either in clinical and nonclinical samples. In addition, the findings show that EQ-Decentering seems an adequate outcome instrument to detect changes after mindfulness-based interventions.     

Effect of an intensified training period on well-being indices,recovery and psychological aspects in professional soccer players

IntroductionIntensified training periods (IT) are associated with fatigue increase and psychological variations.ObjectiveThis investigation aimed to examine the perceived well-being, recovery quality and psychological responses during an IT.MethodsFifteen professional soccer players (mean ± SD: age: 24 ± 1 years, body mass: 71.3 ± 15.1 kg, height: 178.0 ± 6.1 cm) completed a 6-week training program consisting of 2 weeks of basic training (BT) and 4 weeks of IT. They were tested before (T1) and after (T2) the IT. Training load (TL) perception, strain and monotony were measured by the session-RPE method. Well-being indices (sleep quality, fatigue level, stress and delayed-onset muscular soreness [DOMS]) and total quality recovery (TQR) were recorded before each training session. The profile of mood states (POMS) and the Ottowa mental skills assessment tool (OMSAT)-3 were conducted before and after IT.ResultsNo significant difference was found after IT in OMSAT-3 scores (p > 0.05). TL, monotony and strain increased during IT (p < 0.001). Moreover, well-being indices (stress, sleep quality, fatigue level and DOMS) increased (p < 0.001) and TQR decreased (p < 0.001) during IT. The IT increased total mood disturbance (TMD, p < 0.001), tension (p < 0.05) and fatigue (p < 0.01) and decreased vigor (p < 0.001). Significant relationships were found between TL and Hooper Index (HI), TQR and TMD (r = 0.58, 0.65, −0.57, respectively; all p < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of this investigation suggested that mental ability was not sensitive to fatigue caused by training load intensification. However, perceived well-being, recovery state and mood were found to be sensitive measures and may provide coaches with information about wellness and psychological state of soccer players during IT.     

The influence of the number of toys in the environment on toddlers’ play

We tested the hypothesis that an environment with fewer toys will lead to higher quality of play for toddlers. Each participant (n = 36) engaged in supervised, individual free play sessions under two conditions: Four Toy and Sixteen Toy. With fewer toys, participants had fewer incidences of toy play, longer durations of toy play, and played with toys in a greater variety of ways (Z = −4.448, p < 0.001, r = −0.524; Z = 2.828, p = 0.005, r = 0.333; and Z = 4.676, p < 0.001, r = 0.55, respectively). This suggests that when provided with fewer toys in the environment, toddlers engage in longer periods of play with a single toy, allowing better focus to explore and play more creatively. This can be offered as a recommendation in many natural environments to support children’s development and promote healthy play.     

The coupling between gaze behavior and opponent kinematics during anticipation of badminton shots

PurposeWe examined links between the kinematics of an opponent’s actions and the visual search behaviors of badminton players responding to those actions.MethodA kinematic analysis of international standard badminton players (n = 4) was undertaken as they completed a range of serves. Video of these players serving was used to create a life-size temporal occlusion test to measure anticipation responses. Expert (n = 8) and novice (n = 8) badminton players anticipated serve location while wearing an eye movement registration system.ResultsDuring the execution phase of the opponent’s movement, the kinematic analysis showed between-shot differences in distance traveled and peak acceleration at the shoulder, elbow, wrist and racket. Experts were more accurate at responding to the serves compared to novice players. Expert players fixated on the kinematic locations that were most discriminating between serve types more frequently and for a longer duration compared to novice players. Moreover, players were generally more accurate at responding to serves when they fixated vision upon the discriminating arm and racket kinematics.ConclusionsFindings extend previous literature by providing empirical evidence that expert athletes’ visual search behaviors and anticipatory responses are inextricably linked to the opponent action being observed.     

L'évaluation du burnout de Pines : adaptation et validation en version française de l'instrument Burnout Measure Short version (BMS-10)

The aim of this research present the psychometrics properties of a global measure of burnout. This study concern a framework of Pines and Aronson (1988). The aim of the study consist in testing the structure validity, a confirmatory factorial structure and a reliability of the BMS (“Burnout Measure Short version”). The results show that a confirmatory factor analysis and the temporal stability led to a BMS in French version (participants: N1 = 111; for reliability: N2 = 32). The unidimensional dimension of BMS was correlated with other measures (positively with “emotional exhaustion” [r = 0.53; p < 00] and negatively with “work satisfaction” [r = –0.19; p<0.02]). Practical implications are discussed.     

Walking impairs cognitive performance among people with multiple sclerosis but not controls

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) complain of problems completing two tasks simultaneously; sometimes called ‘dual-tasking’ (DT). Previous research in DT among people with MS has focused on how adding a cognitive task interferes with gait and few have measured how adding a motor task could interfere with cognition. We aimed to determine the extent to which walking affects a concurrent working memory task in people with MS compared to healthy controls. We recruited MS participants (n = 13) and controls (n = 10) matched by age (±3 years), education (±3 years) and gender. Participants first completed the cognitive task (subtracting 7’s from the previous number) and then again while walking on an instrumented walkway. Although there were no baseline differences in cognition or walking between MS participants and controls, MS participants demonstrated a 52% decrease in number of correct answers during DT (p < 0.001). Mental Tracking Rate (% correct answers/min) correlated strongly with MS-related disability measured using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS; r(11) = −0.68, p < 0.01). We propose that compromised mental tracking during walking could be related to limited neural resource capacity and could be a potentially useful outcome measure to detect ecologically valid dual tasking impairments.     

Body appreciation,sexual relationship status,and protective sexual behaviors in women

The relationship between body appreciation and sexual risk reduction behavior in women is under-explored. This cross-sectional study examined the relationships between body appreciation, male condom use, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing among a community-based sample of women (n = 285). Logistic regression results revealed that after controlling for age, BMI, and sexual orientation, having more than one sexual partner moderated body appreciation and current male condom use (OR = 4.21, p < .01, CI = 1.510–11.726). Body appreciation was not a significant predictor of STI testing in the previous 12 months. This suggests that women with higher body appreciation may be more likely to engage in some protective sexual health behaviors. Interventions that seek to improve body appreciation instead of body size change such as weight loss or gain may encourage certain protective sexual behaviors in women.