Exploring the influence of personal factors on physiological responses to mental imagery in sport.

Imagery is a well-known technique in mental training which improves performance efficiency and influences physiological arousal. One of the biomarkers indicating the amount of physiological arousal is skin conductance level (SCL). The aim of our study is to understand how individual differences in personality (e.g. neuroticism), general imagery and situational sport anxiety are linked to arousal measuring with SCL in situational imagery. Thirty participants aged between 14 and 42 years (M = 22.93; SD = 5.24), with sport experience ranging between 2 and 20 years (M = 10.15; SD = 4.75), took part in our study. Participants listened to each previously recorded script and then were asked to imagine the scene for a minute. During the task SCL was monitored using the Biofeedback Expert 2000. Machine learning predictive models based on artificial neural networks have been trained for prediction of physiological response, as a function of selected psychological tests. We found an association among neuroticism, prestart anxiety, and general tendency to use imagery with SCL. From a practical point of view our results may help athletes, coaches, and psychologists to be more aware of the role of individual differences in sport.

Call It an "Evolution": Promoting Student-Athlete Well-Being During the Transition From Collegiate Sport.

After highly publicized stories of student-athletes' struggles with mental health, the spotlight on mental health and well-being in this special issue coincides with a broader growing concern for the long-term impact of competitive sport participation on student-athlete health and wellness. The end of a competitive sport career represents a potentially vulnerable life transition. As demonstrated in the literature, the unique aspects of elite sport culture shape student-athletes' perceptions of their identity, health, and health behaviors, which have implications for how student-athletes navigate their health and well-being as they transition away from the embedded health care structure inherent to elite sport. Given evidence indicating that student-athletes may face mental and physical health concerns after retirement from sports, targeted transitional strategies are needed to provide patient-centered care in this population. In this article, we briefly summarize current understanding of sport transition and highlight some key findings from studies conducted by the contributing authors' research groups exploring the impact of sport career transitions on student-athlete well-being. We also reflect on limitations of the existing research and transition models and, in turn, propose potential directions for adopting a nuanced and multidimensional framework to explore interconnected transition domains. We conclude by offering recommendations for sports medicine professionals to consider in future research, programming, and policies to promote student-athletes' holistic well-being through this critical transition.

Sports Supplements User Profile Based on Demographic, Sports, and Psychological Variables: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Despite the high prevalence of sports supplement (SS) use, efforts to profile users have not been conclusive. Studies report that 30-95% of recreational exercisers and elite athletes use SS. Research found has mostly focused on demographic and sports variables to profile SS users, but little research has studied the psychological factors that may influence the use of SS. The purpose of this investigation was to classify, describe, and differentiate the profile of users and non-users of SS, considering demographic, sports, and psychological variables. A total of 554 participants completed the questionnaire. Overall, 45% of recreational exercisers and elite athletes reported using supplements. There were significant differences found regarding the use of SS between men and women (51% vs. 49%, p = 0.002; OR = 1.799), and when training 4 or more days per week (p ≤ 0.001; OR = 1.526). Findings regarding the psychological variables have been found in the Adonis Complex. These results indicate that participants with greater concerns regarding physical appearance, tend to be SS users (p = 0.001; OR = 1.200). The results of this study fill a gap in previous research, and provide an approximate profile, including demographic, sports, and psychological variables of SS users.

Can we speak of a negative psychological tetrad in sports? A probabilistic Bayesian study on competitive sailing.

INTRODUCTION: Researchers display an interest in studying aspects like the mental health of high-performance athletes; the dark side of sport, or the earliest attempts to study the so-called dark triad of personality in both initiation and high-performance athletes. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to determine the possible existence and magnitude of negative psychological aspects within a population of competition sailors and from a probabilistic point of view, using Bayesian Network analysis. METHODS: The study was carried out on 235 semi-professional sailors of the 49er Class, aged between 16 and 52 years (M = 24.66; SD = 8.03). RESULTS: The results show the existence of a Negative Tetrad-formed by achievement burnout, anxiety due to concentration disruption, amotivation and importance given to error-as a probabilistic product of the psychological variables studied: motivation, anxiety, burnout and fear of error. CONCLUSION: These results, supported by Bayesian networks, show holistically the influence of the social context on the psychological and emotional well-being of the athlete during competition at sea.

The Impacts of Sports Schools on Holistic Athlete Development: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: To understand the multiple and wide-ranging impacts of intensified youth sport, the need for a holistic approach to athlete development has recently been advocated. Sports schools are an increasingly popular operationalisation of intensified youth sport, aiming to offer an optimal environment for holistic development by combining sport and education. Yet, no study has systematically explored the impacts associated with sports schools. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this mixed method systematic review were to (1) determine the characteristics and features of sports schools; (2) identify the methods used to evaluate sports school impacts, and (3) evaluate the positive and negative holistic athlete development impacts associated with sports school programme involvement. METHODS: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, eight electronic databases were searched until the final return in February 2021. Forty-six articles satisfied the inclusion criteria, were analysed thematically, and synthesised using a narrative approach. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: Findings indicated (1) sports school student-athletes receive considerable support in terms of academic and athletic services, more intensified training and competition schedules with high-level training partners, but regularly miss school; (2) multiple methods have been used to evaluate student-athlete impacts, making comparison across studies and developing consensus on the impacts of sports schools difficult; and (3) there are a multitude of immediate, short- and long-term positive and negative impacts associated with the academic/vocational, athletic/physical, psychosocial and psychological development of sports school student-athletes. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to systematically review the research literature to understand the impacts associated with sports schools in terms of holistic athlete development. Practitioners should be aware that they can promote (positive) and negate (negative) health impacts through the design of an appropriate learning environment that simultaneously balances multiple training, academic, psychosocial and psychological factors that can be challenging for youth athletes. We recommend that practitioners aim to design and implement monitoring and evaluation tools that assess the holistic development of student-athletes within their sports schools to ensure they are promoting all-round and healthy youth athlete development.

Strength and Conditioning Coaches' Perceptions of Sport Psychology Strategies.

ABSTRACT: Quartiroli, A, Moore, EWG, and Zakrajsek, RA. Strength and conditioning coaches' perceptions of sport psychology strategies. . J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1327-1334, 2022-Strength and conditioning coaches (SCCs) hold a central role in the development of student-athletes. Although they certainly focus on student-athletes' physical skill development, SCCs are in an ideal position to integrate mental skills into their strength and conditioning sessions. For example, sport psychology (SP) strategies can be used within strength and conditioning sessions to assist in athlete exercise execution by regulating arousal, improving concentration, confidence, as well as improve self-correction through self-talk and imagery. The purpose of this study was to assess collegiate SCCs' use of SP skills/strategies. A total sample of 415 SCCs (19.7% return rate) across the United States participated in an online survey. Although the majority of these coaches reported having less than moderate training in SP (59.9%), they also reported a moderate to high use of certain SP strategies (e.g., goal setting, self-talk). Strength and conditioning coaches' familiarity with, knowledge of, and confidence to use the SP strategies were found to be predictors of SCCs' frequency of SP strategy use. This study aimed to provide an initial exploration of SCCs' understanding and use of specific SP strategies, which was influenced by the SCCs' perceived level of preparation to use these strategies. For SCCs to be able to purposefully and confidently incorporate SP strategies into training sessions, the current study suggests the need for specific training aimed to enhance the SCCs' knowledge of and confidence in using specific SP strategies.

Mental performance and mental health services in sport: a call for interprofessional competence and collaboration.

The provision of holistic care for athletes often involves interprofessional teams with specialists to support athletic performance and overall wellness. Yet, regarding psychological support, some have advocated for a single professional to attain both a certified mental performance consultant (CMPC) credential and any type of mental health license (e.g., Licensed Psychologist [LP], Licensed Social Worker [LSW], or Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC]) to address the mental performance and mental health needs of athletes. Unfortunately, this approach may hinder interprofessional collaboration and ignore distinctions between CMPCS and other types of mental health professionals. Alternatively, CMPCs and various types of mental health professionals may work together on interprofessional psychological support teams. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the distinct historical and theoretical foundations of mental performance consulting, clinical psychology, social work, and professional counseling in sport contexts to serve as a resource for enhancing interprofessional competence within such teams. The distinct training pathways of CMPCs, LPs, LSWs, and LPCs are outlined with attention to how each can serve a valuable role on an interprofessional support team for athletes. Applications of the World Health Organization's framework for interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP) to psychological support teams in sport contexts is discussed.

Community-Based Survey Exploring Use of the Dietary Supplement Creatine by Adult Non-Athletes.

Creatine is classified as a "sports supplement", but it also has health benefits. The purpose of this study was to assess use of creatine as a dietary supplement in adult non-athletes. Three hundred ninety-nine adults (19-89 years) completed an online survey. Among the respondents, 77% (n = 307) were regularly active, including participation in weightlifting (34%), running (34%), and cycling (21%). Twenty-eight percent (n = 111) reported use of creatine with an average dose of 6.4 ± 4.5 g. Daily creatine use was reported by 45%, and 38% reported using creatine 2-6 times weekly. Primary sources of information about creatine were trainers/coaches (29%), friends/family (32%), and internet (28%). Forty percent (n = 44) of creatine users were female. When compared by age, 46% of young, 32% of midlife, and 6% of old respondents reported creatine use with no differences in dose or frequency. Young and midlife respondents reported primarily trainers/coaches, friends/family, and internet as sources of information about creatine, but old respondents limited their sources to friends/family and fitness magazines. Although creatine is widely used by adult non-athletes who regularly exercise, dietitians and other healthcare providers are not the primary source of information. Fitness trainers can appropriately provide guidance and education regarding safe and effective use of creatine.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Prescribing Practices Among Sports Medicine Providers.

CONTEXT: The drive for a quick return to sport after injury can be great. Athletes look to their sports medicine provider for guidance on a speedy and effective recovery. The sports medicine physician has a number of different treatment options to consider when they turn to their medical armamentarium. One of those treatment choices is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Unfortunately, there is limited evidence for many of the CAM modalities. Furthermore, CAM prescribing practices among sports medicine physicians is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the prescribing practices of CAM among physicians for common sports medicine pathologies. METHODS: An online survey of the prescribing practices of CAM by physician members of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. RESULTS: A total of 257 physicians answered the question on prescribing CAM for a response rate of 11%. Of those who responded, 88% prescribed at least one type of CAM in the last one year. The responders identified 23 different CAM modalities they prescribed. Of those modalities prescribed, chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation was the most common followed by acupuncture/electroacupuncture and yoga. Less commonly prescribed CAM included omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin, and meditation. Providers utilized CAM for common sports medicine pathologies including ligamentous, tendinous and muscle injury, concussion, and low back pain among others. The survey participants believed many of these CAM modalities to be effective. CONCLUSIONS: Among responders, the prescribing prevalence of at least one CAM therapy was high. Sports medicine physicians utilized a number of different CAM modalities to treat common sports medicine pathologies.

The Understudied Side of Contemplation: Words, Images, and Intentions in a Syncretic Spiritual Practice.

The science of contemplation has focused on mindfulness in a manner quite disproportionate to its use in contemplative traditions. Mindfulness, as understood within the scientific community, is a practice that invites practitioners to disattend to words and images. The practitioner is meant to experience things as they "really are," unfolding here and now in the flux of embodied sensations. Yet the use of words and images, together with intentions, is a far more common contemplative practice. The authors present ethnographic research with a syncretic contemplative tradition, Integral Transformative practice (ITP), which grew out of the Human Potential Movement of the 1960s. The authors focus on the practice of "affirmations," in which practitioners seek to actualize spiritual goals by imagining future possibilities. Our ethnographic account invites new avenues for psychological research to illuminate the role of words and images in contemplation.

Supporting Mental Health and Well-being Among Student-Athletes.

Although athletics participation provides benefits that can be protective for mental health, stressors unique to athletics are present. This article reviews the frequency and symptoms of the most common mental health concerns impacting collegiate student-athletes. Treatment approaches and best practices are discussed. The importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being at all levels within the university and athletics department by reducing stigma and providing access to providers is emphasized. Multidisciplinary treatment teams and coordination of care provides a holistic approach that ensures student-athletes are able to optimize their personal, social, academic, and athletic goals.

The Competition-Day Preparation Strategies of Strongman Athletes.

Winwood, PW, Pritchard, HJ, Wilson, D, Dudson, M, and Keogh, JWL. The competition-day preparation strategies of strongman athletes. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2308-2320, 2019-This study provides the first empirical evidence of the competition-day preparation strategies used by strongman athletes. Strongman athletes (n = 132) (mean ± SD: 33.7 ± 8.1 years, 178.2 ± 11.1 cm, 107.0 ± 28.6 kg, 12.8 ± 8.0 years general resistance training, 5.9 ± 4.8 years strongman implement training) completed a self-reported 4-page internet survey on their usual competition-day preparation strategies. Analysis of the overall group and by sex, age, body mass, and competitive standard was conducted. Ninety-four percent of strongman athletes used warm-ups in competition, which were generally self-directed. The typical warm-up length was 16.0 ± 8.9 minutes, and 8.5 ± 4.3 minutes was the perceived optimal rest time before the start of an event. The main reasons for warming up were injury prevention, to increase activation, and increase blood flow/circulation, temperature, and heart rate. Athletes generally stated that competition warm-ups were practiced in training. Dynamic stretching, foam rolling, and myofascial release work were performed during warm-ups. Warm-up intensity was monitored using the rate of perceived exertion, perceived speed of movement, and training load (as a percentage of 1 repetition maximum). Cognitive strategies were used to improve competition performance, and psychological arousal levels needed to increase or be maintained in competition. Electrolyte drinks, caffeine, and preworkout supplements were the commonly used supplements. These data will provide strongman athletes and coaches some insight into common competition-day preparation strategies, which may enhance competition performances. Future research could compare different competition-day preparation strategies in an attempt to further improve strongman competition performance and injury prevention.

Spiritual Care Perspective of College Student-Athletes.

Spirituality in healthcare has been researched in multiple healthcare professions; however, very little research has been done in athletic training, and no studies have investigated the athletes' perception. The purpose of our online survey study was to determine the perceptions of college student-athletes on spiritual care. Our participants included 268 collegiate student-athletes from both faith-based and non-faith-based institutions. Respondents agree that spirituality may affect treatment progress, addressing spiritual concerns of the athlete could result in a more positive outcome, and certified athletic trainers should have some basic skills and knowledge to support the spiritual needs of the athlete.

The Mindfulness- Based Soccer Program (MBSoccerP): Effects on Elite Athletes / El Programa Basado en Mindfulness nel Fútbol (MBSoccerP): Efectos en los Atletas de Élite / Programa baseado no Mindfulness para Futebol Profissional (MBSoccerP): estudo de eficácia em Atletas de Elite

Newly, 3º wave CBT programs suggest that mindfulness-based programs might be an powerful strategy to optimize performance and improve flow. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based soccer program (MBSoccerP) on elite soccer athletes. In a quasi-experimental design with experimental (n = 28) and control group (n = 29), the effectiveness of MBSoccerP was tested. The results of an analysis of covariance with repeated measures indicate that the intervention group (M=25.68, SD=3.42) significantly improved in FFMQ_Act awareness, FFMQ_Non react, SCS-Mindfulness, SCS-Self-Kindness, SCS-Common-Humanity, DFS2-total, and decreased BSI-Anxiety and AAQ-II, as traits compared to the control group, and increase direct measures scores of sport performance FAIP-A-global and FAIP-T-global performance. Results suggest that MBSoccerP can be effective in enhance elite soccer performance, self-compassion, psychological flexibility, mindfulness and flow

Recientemente, los programas de Terapia cognitiva conductual (TCC) de 3ª generación sugieren que los programas basados en el mindfulness pueden ser una estrategia poderosa para optimizar el rendimiento y mejorar el estado de flow. El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la eficacia de un programa de mindfulness (MBSoccerP) en atletas de fútbol profesional. En un plano cuasi-experimental con grupo experimental (n = 28) y grupo de control (n = 29), se probó la eficacia del MBSoccerP. Los resultados del análisis de covariancia con medidas repetidas indicaron que el grupo experimental (M = 25.68, SD = 3.42) mejoró significativamente el Mindfulness agir consciente, Mindfulness Agir Consciente y Mindfulness No Reaccionar subescalas, la Autocompasión Mindfulness, Autocompasión Auto-bondad, y la Autocompasión Humanidad Común subescalas, el estado de flow total escala, y desempeño deportivo total y entrenador total indicador. Se verificó la disminución de Breve inventario de sintomas Ansiedad subescala y evitación experiencial escala, en comparación con el grupo de control. Los resultados sugieren que MBSoccerP puede ser efectivo en la optimización del rendimiento, mindfulness, autocompasión, flexibilidad psicológica y estado de flow

Recentemente, a Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental (TCC) de 3º geração sugere que os programas baseados no mindfulness podem ser uma estratégia útil e eficaz na otimização do desempenho e melhoria do estado de flow. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar a eficácia de um programa de mindfulness em atletas de futebol profissional - 2ª liga (MBSoccerP). Num plano quase-experimental com grupo experimental (n = 28) e grupo de controle (n = 29), foi testado o impacto do programa MBSoccerP. Os resultados da análise da covariância (medidas repetidas), indicaram que o grupo experimental (M = 25.68, SD = 3.42) melhorou significativamente nas subescalas Mindfulness Agir Consciente, Mindfulness Não Reagir; nas subescalas Auto-compaixão Mindfulness, Autobondade e Condição Humana; na escala de Flow Disposicional, e desempenho desportivo global dos atletas pela Ficha de Avaliação de Indicadores da Performance-Versão Atleta/Treinador. Verificou-se ainda a diminuição na subescala Ansiedade do Inventário de Sintomas Breve e no evitamento experiencial, por comparação com o grupo de controlo. Os resultados sugerem que o MBSoccerP pode ser efetivo na otimização do desempenho, mindfulness, autocompaixão, flexibilidade psicológica e estado de flow

Mental toughness attributes in Judo: perceptions of athletes / Atributos de fuerza mental en el Judo: percepciones de los atletas / Características de força psicológica no Judo: percepções de atletas

Perceptions of mental toughness attributes were explored among Judo competitors. Twelve Portuguese judokas from different levels of achievement underwent a semi-structured interview, based on Personal Construct Psychology "sociality" and "dichotomy" corollaries (Kelly, 1991). Properties and dimensions of each conceptual category arose from the data among the verbatim transcribed interviews. Inductive content analysis revealed 22 attributes that composed mental toughness in competitive Judo. Emotional regulation, resilience, self-confidence, attention regulation, self-motivation and optimism were reported by all subjects of the sample. In relation to previous single-sport researches that explored mental toughness attributes, our results supported the existence of large conceptual similarities across sports, despite subtle differences in Judo discussed in reference to optimism, self-improvement, pragmatism and self-presentation regulation. Self-esteem and adaptability emerged as a novelty in the sport’s mental toughness literature. Combativity was suggested to be the only mental toughness attribute rather peculiar to Judo

El objetivo del presente estudio fue explorar las percepciones de los atributos de fuerza mental entre los competidores de Judo. Doce judocas Portugueses de diferentes niveles de realización deportiva fueron sometidos a una entrevista semiestructurada, basada en corolarios de sociabilidad y dicotomía de la teoría Personal Construct Psychology (Kelly, 1991). De las entrevistas realizadas resultaron 148 páginas de datos transcritos verbatim. A partir del análisis de contenido de manera inductiva surgieron las propiedades y dimensiones de cada categoría conceptual, totalizando 22 atributos que compusieron la fuerza mental en el Judo de competición. La regulación emocional, la resiliencia, la autoconfianza, la regulación de la atención, la automotivación y el optimismo fueron mencionados por todos los sujetos de la muestra. En relación con las investigaciones anteriores de un solo deporte que exploraron los atributos de la fuerza mental, nuestros resultados apoyaron la existencia de grandes similitudes conceptuales en los deportes, a pesar de las diferencias sutiles en Judo discutidas en referencia al optimismo, el auto-perfeccionamiento, el pragmatismo y la regulación de la autopresentación. La autoestima y la adaptabilidad surgieron como un nuevo aporte a la literatura de fuerza mental en el deporte. Se sugirió que la combatividad fue el único atributo de fuerza mental bastante peculiar al Judo

Percepções dos atributos de força psicológica foram exploradas em competidores de Judo. Doze judocas Portugueses, com diferentes níveis de realização competitiva, foram individualmente submetidos a uma entrevista semi-estruturada, assente nos corolários de sociabilidade e dicotomia da teoria Personal Construct Psychology proposta por Kelly (1991). Das entrevistas realizadas resultaram 148 páginas de dados transcritos verbatim. Da análise indutiva de conteúdo emergiram as propriedades e dimensões de cada categoria conceptual, totalizando 22 atributos que compuseram a força psicológica no Judo de competição. A regulação emocional, a resiliência, a autoconfiança, a regulação da atenção, a auto-motivação e o optimismo foram reportados por todos os sujeitos da amostra. Por comparação a estudos anteriores que exploraram os atributos de força psicológica num só desporto, os nossos resultados apoiaram a existência de grandes semelhanças conceptuais entre desportos, pese embora a obtenção de diferenças subtis no Judo discutidas em referência ao optimismo, ao auto-aperfeiçoamento, ao pragmatismo e à regulação da auto-apresentação. A auto-estima e a adaptabilidade emergiram enquanto novidade na literatura de força psicológica no desporto. A combatividade foi sugerida como sendo o único atributo de força psicológica bastante peculiar ao Judo

Sport and dance interventions for healthy young people (15-24 years) to promote subjective well-being: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To review and assess effectiveness of sport and dance participation on subjective well-being outcomes among healthy young people aged 15-24 years. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: We searched for studies published in any language between January 2006 and September 2016 on PsychINFO, Ovid MEDLINE, Eric, Web of Science (Arts and Humanities Citation Index, Social Science and Science Citation Index), Scopus, PILOTS, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and International Index to Performing Arts. Additionally, we searched for unpublished (grey) literature via an online call for evidence, expert contribution, searches of key organisation websites and the British Library EThOS database, and a keyword Google search. Published studies of sport or dance interventions for healthy young people aged 15-24 years where subjective well-being was measured were included. Studies were excluded if participants were paid professionals or elite athletes, or if the intervention was clinical sport/dance therapy. Two researchers extracted data and assessed strength and quality of evidence using criteria in the What Works Centre for Wellbeing methods guide and GRADE, and using standardised reporting forms. Due to clinical heterogeneity between studies, meta-analysis was not appropriate. Grey literature in the form of final evaluation reports on empirical data relating to sport or dance interventions were included. RESULTS: Eleven out of 6587 articles were included (7 randomised controlled trials and 1 cohort study, and 3 unpublished grey evaluation reports). Published literature suggests meditative physical activity (yoga and Baduanjin Qigong) and group-based or peer-supported sport and dance has some potential to improve subjective well-being. Grey literature suggests sport and dance improve subjective well-being but identify negative feelings of competency and capability. The amount and quality of published evidence on sport and dance interventions to enhance subjective well-being is low. CONCLUSIONS: Meditative activities, group and peer-supported sport and dance may promote subjective well-being enhancement in youth. Evidence is limited. Better designed studies are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016048745; Results.

Perspectives of athletes and pharmacists on pharmacist-provided sports supplement counseling: An exploratory study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify athletes' interests in receiving advice about sports supplements from a pharmacist in a supermarket setting and to identify pharmacists' knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm for providing counseling on various sports supplements. METHODS: Two cross-sectional surveys were developed and administered. One survey was administered to athletes at local northwestern Ohio fitness facilities, and 1 survey was administered to pharmacists in chain pharmacies during mid-February to mid-March 2017. The athlete survey gathered demographic information, information sources, products purchased, including their location and selection factors, and perceptions of pharmacists providing sports supplement counseling. The pharmacist survey gathered demographic information; knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm for providing sports supplement counseling; perceptions of counseling benefit; and barriers to implementation of providing a sports supplement counseling service. RESULTS: The athlete survey had 129 participants. Athletes primarily reported obtaining sports supplement information from supplement stores, and only 2% indicated using a pharmacist. Although 52% said they would talk to a pharmacist about sports supplements, 66% said their perception of a pharmacist's fitness level would influence whether or not they would approach him or her. The pharmacist survey had 143 participants. On a 5-point Likert-type scale (1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree), the mean (SD) of their knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm statements were 2.49 (0.89); 2.61 (0.94); and 3.54 (0.87), respectively. Ninety-two percent (n = 130) of pharmacists thought it would be beneficial to provide counseling on sports supplements. Perceived barriers included lack of knowledge, evidence, and time. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists were not identified as a primary resource for sports supplements, but athletes would be willing to discuss this topic with knowledgeable and physically fit pharmacists. Pharmacists felt that they lacked knowledge and confidence regarding sports supplement products but noted enthusiasm to provide counseling. Sports pharmacy counseling could be a viable expansion of pharmacy services in community pharmacies with proper education and tools.

Difference in Imagery use between Full-contact and Limited contact sports / Diferencias en el uso de imágenes mentales entre deportes de contacto total y contacto limitado / Diferenças no uso da imagética entre esportes de contato total e contato limitado

Imagery is a set of techniques used in sport psychology to help athletes to improve skill performance, to boost motivation, to increase emotional management and to facilitate motor learning. Evidence suggests that individual differences explain the frequency of imagery use in sport. However, recent studies suggest that imagery is also linked to types of sport. The present study aimed to understand whether elite athletes from Full-contact and Limited contact sports differ regarding imagery use. The research had 199 participants divided in Full-contact (N=85) and Limited contact (N=114) sport categories. Demographics and frequency of imagery use were collected. A Canonical Discriminant Analysis was performed to assess the level of group discrimination each variable presented. Results suggested that Full-contact elite athletes train for more hours and use Cognitive Specific imagery more frequently than Limited contact professional athletes; whereas, this last group had significantly more sport psychologists working for them and higher frequency of Motivational Specific and Cognitive General imagery use. These findings altogether provide evidence that differences in imagery use can be also explained by sport categories, and sport psychologists must be aware of the particularities of each type of sport

Imágenes mentales es un grupo de técnicas usadas por los psicólogos del deporte para ayudar a los atletas a mejorar el rendimiento de una habilidad, aumentar la motivación, mejorar el manejo emocional y facilitar el aprendizaje motor. Las evidencias sugieren que las diferencias individuales explican la frecuencia del uso de las imágenes mentales en el deporte. Sin embargo, estudios recientes sugieren que las imágenes también están ligadas a tipos de deporte. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender si los deportes de contacto total y contacto limitado difieren en relación a la frecuencia del uso de las imágenes mentales. Participaron de la investigación 199 atletas de élite divididos en deportes de contacto total (N=85) y deportes de contacto limitado (N=114). Se han recogido los datos demográficos y la frecuencia del uso de imágenes mentales. Se utilizó un Análisis Canónico Discriminante para evaluar el nivel de discriminación entre los grupos que cada variable presentó. Los resultados sugieren que los atletas de elite de contacto total presentan más horas de entrenamiento y mayor frecuencia en el uso de imágenes mentales Cognitivas Específicas que atletas de contacto limitado; mientras que estos últimos deportistas mostraron mayor cantidad de psicólogos del deporte trabajando con ellos, así como mayor frecuencia en el uso de las imágenes Motivacionales Específicas y Cognitivas Generales. Estos hallazgos reunidos constituyen evidencia de que las diferencias en el uso de las imágenes mentales pueden ser también explicadas por el tipo de deporte, y psicólogos del deporte deben estar atentos a las variables de cada deporte

Imagética é um grupo de técnicas usadas por psicólogos do esporte para ajudar atletas a melhorar o desempenho de uma habilidade, aumentar a motivação, melhorar o manejo emocional e facilitar o aprendizado motor. Evidências sugerem que diferenças individuais explicam a frequência do uso de imagética no esporte. Contudo, estudos recentes sugerem que a imagética tamém está ligada a tipos de esporte. O presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender se esportes de contato total e contato limitado diferem em relação à frequência do uso de imagética. A pesquisa teve como participantes 199 atletas de elite divididos em esportes de contato total (N=85) e esportes de contato limitado (N=114). Dados demográficos e frequência do uso de imagens mentais foram coletados. Uma Análise Canônica Discriminante foi usada para avaliar o nível de discriminação entre os grupos que cada variável apresentou. Resultados sugerem que atletas de elite de contato total apresentam mais horas de treino e maior frequência no uso de imagens mentais Cognitivas Específicas do que atletas de contato limitado; enquanto que, esses últimos desportistas mostraram maior quantidade de psicólogos do esporte trabalhando com eles, bem como maior frequência no uso de imagética Motivacional Específicas e Cognitiva Geral. Esse achados reunidos constituem evidência de que diferenças no uso da imagética podem ser também explicadas pelo tipo de esporte, e psicólogos do esporte devem estar atentos para as particularidades de cada esporte

Enhance Sport Performance of Elite Athletes: The Mindfulness-Based Interventions / Optimización del Rendimiento Deportivo en los Atletas de Elite: Las Intervenciones Basadas en la Atención Plena / Otimização da Performance em Atletas de Elite: As Intervenções Baseadas no Mindfulness

The purpose of this review is to summarize the empirical findings on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs to enhance elite athletes sport performance. A literature research was undertaken using Medline, Psych info, Web of Science, Cochrane, Ebscohost, Isi Web of Knowledge databases and references of retrieved articles. The search included original articles published from 1985 to March 2017. The main search terms were mindfulness programs, sport performance, elite athletes, in different combinations as needed. All articles were coded for their design, type of control, study population, and outcome measures. Search returned 26 articles, and set out 2 main mindfulness-based interventions on the field of elite sport performance. Despite methodological limitations in the research design, the results show MAC and MSPE programs as effective on enhancing elite athlete’s sports performance. To confirm these preliminary results, further research, with improved experimental designs, is recommended. Findings yielded mindfulness programs as an important factor on elite sport performance

El propósito de esta revisión es resumir los resultados empíricos sobre la efectividad de los programas basados en la atención plena para mejorar el desempeño deportivo de los atletas de elite. Se realizó una investigación bibliográfica utilizando las bases de datos Medline, Psych info, Web of Science, Cochrane, Ebscohost, Isi Web of Knowledge. La búsqueda incluyó artículos originales publicados entre 1985 y Marzo de 2017. Los principales términos de búsqueda fueron programas de atención plena, rendimiento deportivo, atletas de élite, en diferentes combinaciones según sea necesario. Todos los artículos fueron codificados para su diseño, tipo de control, población de estudio y medidas de resultado. La búsqueda devolvió 26 artículos, y fijó 2 intervenciones principales basadas en la atención plena en el campo del deporte de élite. A pesar de las limitaciones metodológicas en el diseño de la investigación, los resultados muestran que los programas de MAC y MSPE son eficaces para mejorar el rendimiento deportivo de los deportistas de élite. Para confirmar estos resultados preliminares, se recomienda realizar más investigaciones, con diseños experimentales mejorados. Los resultados arrojaron programas de atención plena como un factor importante en el desempeño del deporte de élite

O objetivo desta revisão é sintetizar os resultados empíricos que retratam a eficácia dos programas baseados no mindfulness na optimização da performance em atletas de elite. Para a realizacão deste estudo, efetuou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica de artigos originais publicados com fator de impacto entre 1985 e Março de 2017, recorrendo às bases de dados Medline, Psych info, Web of Science, Cochrane, Ebscohost, Isi Web of Knowledge. A pesquisa focou-se nas intervenções baseadas no mindfulness, performance desportiva, atletas de elite e, por último, nas diferentes combinações de conceitos. Todos os artigos foram reunidos tendo em conta o design, tipo de controlo, população, instrumentos e resultados. No total, foram selecionados 26 artigos condicentes com os critérios metodológicos do presente estudo, verificando-se maioritariamente a implementação dos programas MSPE e MAC no campo da Psicologia da performance desportiva. Apesar das limitações do presente estudo, os resultados evidenciam que os programas MAC e MSPE são eficazes na otimização do desempenho desportivo de elite. Com efeito, e para confirmar os resultados preliminares, recomenda-se investigação adicional, com desenho experimental e controlo rigoroso. Conclui-se que, os programas baseados no mindfulness são um fator importante na otimização da performance em alta competição

Influencia de la música y la compañía sobre la percepción del esfuerzo y el estado de ánimo en corredores amateur / Influence of music and company on perception of effort and mood in amateur runners / Influência da música e da acompanhamento na percepção de esforço e estado de ânimo em corredores amadores

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la influencia de la música y la presencia de compañía sobre el estado de ánimo y la percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo en corredores amateur. Para la evaluación de los aspectos psicológicos se utilizó el Cuestionario POMS en su versión reducida de 29 ítems y el Test Borg en su versión CR-10. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 12 participantes adultos (6 hombres y 6 mujeres). Los sujetos realizaron tres pruebas de carrera en cinta: en solitario, con música y acompañado, con una velocidad y tiempo controlados. Cada prueba duró 21 minutos. Se midió el estado de ánimo previo y posterior a la tarea así como la percepción de esfuerzo cada siete minutos y la frecuencia cardíaca cada minuto. Esta información permite utilizar las condiciones de práctica de ejercicio físico para asegurar la calidad durante el ejercicio

The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of music and company on mood and rate of perceived exertion in amateur runners. POMS questionnaire in short version (29 items) and Borg test in CR-10 version were employed to measure psychological variables. The sample was composed by 12 participants (6 men and 6 women). Each participant performed three tests: run alone, run with music or run accompanied, with a speed and time controlled. Each test lasted 21 minutes. Mood state was measured before and after each test. The perceived exertion was measured each seven minutes and the heart rate during each minute. Various changes over mood state and rate of perceived exertion were mainly found because of contextual influences (music or company). This information allows the use of practical conditions in order to ensure the efficacy in the exercise and the adherence to the activity program

O objetivo do estudo foi analizar a influência da música e da presença de companhia sobre a percepção subjetiva do e estado de ânimo em corredores amadores. Para a avaliação dos aspecto psicológicos foi utilizado o Questionário POMS na sua versão reduzida de 29 items e o Teste Borg na sua versão CR-10. A amostra esteve composta por 12 participantes adultos (6 homens e 6 mulheres). Os sujeitos realizaram três testes de corrida em fita: sozinhos, com música e acompanhados, com velocidade e tempo controlados. Cada teste durou 21 minutos. O estado de ânimo previo e posterior a tarefa, bem como a percepção do esforço cada sete minutos e a freqüência cardíaca a cada minuto foram medidos. Foram encontradas mudanças que indicaram a influência do contexto (música ou acompanhamento) no estado de ânimo e a percepção subjetiva do esforço. Esta informação permite usar as condições de prática do exercício físico para garantir a eficácia durante o exercício e a adesão ao programa da atividade física