Influence of Music on Closed Motor Skills: A Controlled Study with Novice Female Dart-Throwers.

The influence of music heard at different tempos is analyzed during the execution of a dart-throwing task. The sample consisted of 56 female university students (Mean age = 23.38, SD = 6.773). The participants were randomly assigned to GC (group control without music; n = 18), GS (group with slow-paced music at a tempo of 60 BPM; n = 19) and GF (group with fast-paced music at a tempo of 105 BPM; n = 19). All participants performed a dart-throwing task in two phases. Analysis of the scores obtained during Phase 1 and Phase 2 of dart throwing (examining both between-group differences and within-group differences, i.e., changes in scores from Phase 1 to Phase 2 using a mixed factorial ANOVA) revealed no differences in dart-throwing scores. There were, however, differences in execution time, where the participants in GS needed more time to complete the task than those in GF (F(2,55) = 4.426, p = 0.017) with a large effect size (ŋ2p = 0.143), although neither of these groups differed from GC. The results are discussed in terms of the role of music in precision tasks and the synchronization of the task with the pace of the music.

Influence of Sleeping Patterns in Health and Academic Performance Among University Students.

Sleep problems in university students are important and have implications for health, quality of life, and academic performance. Using an ex post facto design, a total sample of 855 students (55.7% women) participated in the study. Sleep assessment was conducted using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Nightmare Frequency Scale, the Nightmare Proneness Scale, and the Composite Morningness Scale. Women show a higher risk [OR = 2.61] of presenting poor sleep quality (> 5 points on the PSQI) compared with men (p < 0.001). Similarly, women reported a greater frequency of nightmares (p < 0.001, d = 0.60), greater propensity for nightmares (p < 0.001, d = 0.70) and a higher score on Item-5h of the PSQI regarding nightmares (p < 0.001, d = 0.59). Women, compared with men, show higher risk [OR = 2.84] for a sleep disorder related to nightmares (p = 0.012). Women need more time to reach a state of alertness after getting up (p = 0.022), and there was an interaction between sex and the alertness factor when evaluating the subjective quality of sleep (p = 0.030). Women show worse sleep quality and a higher frequency and propensity for suffering nightmares. When considering the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance, it is observed that students with poor sleep quality obtain lower academic scores (M = 7.21, SD = 0.805) than those with good sleep quality (M = 7.32, SD = 0.685), an effect that reaches significance (t = 2.116, p = 0.035). Regarding the relationship between the categorized chronotype and academic performance, students with a morning chronotype achieve better academic results (M = 7.41, SD = 0.89) than their evening counterparts (M = 7.15, SD = 0.76), although these differences have a small effect size (d = 0.31).

Men vs. women world marathon records' pacing strategies from 1998 to 2018.

The aim of this study was to analyse the pacing strategies adopted by elite male and female marathon runners when setting every world record since 1998. For data analysis, the total distance of the marathon was divided into eight sections of 5 km and a final section of 2.195 km, and the relative average speed of each section was calculated individually. Female athletes maintained similar speeds in the first and second half of the marathon (ES = 0.22, small effect, p = 0.705), whereas male athletes increased their speed as the marathon progressed (ES = 1.18, moderate effect, p = 0.011). However, no differences were observed between men and women in either the first (ES = 0.56, small effect, p = 0.290), or in the second half of the marathon (ES = 0.60, moderate effect, p = 0.266). When comparing the women's world records (1998-2003) vs. men's records (1998-2018) by sections, we observed differences at the beginning of the race (second section, ES = 0.89, moderate effect) and at the end (last section, ES = 0.87, moderate effect). The pace variations during the race were similar between male athletes and that of women with male pacemakers (1.53% ± 0.60 vs. 1.68% ± 0.84, respectively). However, a trend towards higher pace variations during the race in the female records with female pacemakers was observed (2.28% ± 0.95). This study shows how male and female marathon records in the last 20 years have been set using different pacing strategies. While men used a negative strategy (faster finishing), women used a less uniform pacing strategy.

Anthropometric Measures as Predictive Indicators of Metabolic Risk in a Population of "Holy Week Costaleros".

Preventive measures are a priority in those groups that perform intense physical efforts without physical preparation and that can also be overweight or obese. One of the groups that reflect these characteristics is the costaleros of the Holy Week of Andalusia, Spain. This paper aims to describe the effect of obesity on blood pressure. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 costaleros. The anthropometric measures were determined through segmental impedance. Cardiac recovery and anaerobic power were measured through the Ruffier⁻Dickson test and the Abalakov test, respectively. Blood pressure was measured when the individuals were at rest. The Kruskal⁻Wallis test was applied for of continuous parameters and the X² test for dichotomous measures. Binary logistic regression models were used for the subsequent analysis with R-square and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. The average population was 28 years of age, 173.7 cm tall, and 82.59 Kg weigh. The excess of body fat was 11.27 Kg and Body Mass Index was 27.33 Kg/m². 72.3% showed abnormal blood pressure and 68.2% were overweight. 32.7% had a waist-hip ratio higher than 0.94. The probability of presenting abnormal blood pressure was higher among the subjects whose fat content was higher and muscle content was lower.

Pacing and Performance in the 6 World Marathon Majors.

The main goal of this study was to analyse the pacing strategies displayed by the winners of the six World Marathon Majors in order to determine which race offers the greatest potential for future world record attempts. For data analysis, the total distance of the marathon was divided into eight sections of 5 km and a final section of 2.195 km, and time needed to complete each section was calculated in seconds. When we analyzed the mean winning time in the last 13 editions of each of the World Marathon Majors, we observed differences between New York and London (ES = 1.46, moderate effect, p = 0.0030), New York and Berlin (ES = 0.95, small effect, p = 0.0001), London and Boston (ES = 0.08, small effect, p = 0.0001), Boston and Berlin (ES = 0.10, small effect, p = 0.0001), Boston and Chicago (ES = 0.16, small effect, p = 0.0361), Berlin and Tokyo (ES = 0.20, small effect, p = 0.0034), Berlin and Chicago (ES = 0.27, small effect, p = 0.0162). This study shows that Berlin and London are likely candidates for future world record attempts, whilst such a performance is unlikely in New York or Boston.

Level of physical activity and sleep characteristics in university students.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to identify the subjective quality of sleep, the chronotype, the frequency of nightmares and the propensity for nightmares in university students depending on whether they are sufficiently physically active (SPA) or insufficiently physically active (IPA). METHODS: The study involved 855 students (55.67% women) of which 38.01% are IPA. Evaluations were conducted using the Brief Physical Activity Assessment Tool, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Nightmare Frequency Scale, the Nightmare Proneness Scale and The Composite Scale of Morningness. RESULTS: IPA students showed a greater probability of presenting [OR=2.02] poor sleep quality (> 5 PSQI points) compared with SPA students (p<.001). The IPA participants showing a greater probability [OR=3.70] of having an evening chrontoype (p<.001), report a higher frequency of nightmares (p<.001) and a greater propensity for nightmares (p<.001) compared with the SPA participants. In terms of propensity for nightmares an interaction was found between gender and level of PA (F (3,843)=11.360, p=.001). CONCLUSION: The possibility of implementing strategies to increase the level of PA among university students should be explored, as well as offering sleep hygiene programs that are effective when used in brief sessions.

Physically active undergraduates: Motivational and emotional profiles.

Objectives: The aim was to determine the motivational profiles - including variables from the theory of self-determination and emotional intelligence - of active undergraduates, and to examine their relationship with physical activity. Participants: Six hundred and fifteen undergraduates participated in the study. Methods: Trait Meta-Mood Scale, Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale, Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire and Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered. Cluster analysis was used to identify the motivational profiles. Results: Two motivational profiles were found. One of the motivational profiles included the participants with high levels of satisfaction of the basic psychological needs and self-determined motivation; moderately high levels of emotional clarity and repair; and low levels of non-self-determined motivation. Further, this group showed the highest rates of physical practice than its counterpart. Conclusions: The combination of self-determination theory and emotional intelligence should be considered when examining adherence to physical activity.

Predicción de la intención de seguir siendo físicamente activos en estudiantes universitarios / Predicting intention to remain physically active in university students

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue el de integrar la teoría de metas de logro 2x2 con la teoría de la autodeterminación en el marco del ejercicio para conocer la intención de seguir siendo físicamente activo. Se teorizó que el efecto de la aproximación a la maestría sobre la satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas y el índice de autodeterminación ayudaría a explicar la intención de seguir siendo físicamente activo. La muestra del estudio estuvo compuesta por un total de 422 estudiantes universitarios físicamente activos. De los cuales eran 182 mujeres y 240 hombres, de edades comprendidas entre los 17 y los 51 años (M = 21.47, DT = 4.07). Los resultados del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales muestra que la meta de aproximación a la maestría predice de forma mediada la motivación autodeterminada. Con dichos resultados podemos apoyar firmemente que la teoría de metas 2x2 es útil para la comprensión de los patrones de ejercicio. Estos resultados son discutidos en el marco de la teoría de la autodeterminación y de las metas de logro (AU)

The aim of this study was to integrate the achievement goal theory of approach and avoidance with the self-determination theory in exercise to assess the intent to remain physically active. It was theorized that the eGect of mastery-approach on the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and the self-determination index would help to explain the intention to remain physically active. The study´s sample consisted of 422 physically active college students, of which 182 were women and 240 were men. Their ages ranged from 17 to 51 years (M = 21.47, SD = 4.07). According to the data, the mastery-approach goal predicts and mediates self-determined motivation. Based on these results, we strongly support that the 2x2 goal theory is useful for understanding exercise patterns rather than examining each separate objective. These results are discussed in the framework of the theories of self-determination and achievement goals (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi integrar a teoria das metas de realização com a teoria da autodeterminação no âmbito do exercício, procurando conhecer a intenção de se manter fisicamente ativo. É assumido teoricamente que o efeito da aproximação à maestria relativamente à satisfação das necessidades psicológicas básicas e o índice de autodeterminação ajudariam a explicar a intenção de permanecer fisicamente ativo. A amostra do estudo é constituída por um total de 422 estudantes universitários fisicamente ativos. Dos quais, 182 são mulheres e 240 homens, com idades situadas entre os 17 e os 51 anos (M = 21.47, DP = 4.07). Os resultados do modelo de equações estruturais mostra que o objetivo de se aproximar de domínio prevê motivação mediada forma auto-determinada. Estes resultados suportam fortemente a afirmação de que a teoria das metas 2x2 é de maior utilidade na compreensão dos padrões de exercício. Estes resultados enquadram-se no contexto da teoria da autodeterminação e de metas de realização (AU)

Validación de la escala medida de la intencionalidad para ser físicamente activo adaptada al contexto universitario / Validation of the Scale Measure of the Intention to be Physically Active in the University Context

El objetivo del estudio fue adaptar y validar la escala Medida de la Intencionalidad para ser Físicamente Activo al contexto universitario (MIFAU). Paralelamente, se comprobó si la necesidad de competencia, la motivación intrínseca y la desmotivación son factores predictores de la intención de ser físicamente activo. La muestra fue de 116 estudiantes. Los instrumentos fueron la MIFAU, los factores regulación intrínseca y desmotivación del Cuestionario de la Regulación de la Conducta en el Ejercicio (BREQ-3) y el factor competencia percibida de la Escala de Necesidades Psicológicas Básicas en el Ejercicio (BPNES). Los resultados revelaron que el instrumento muestra una adecuada consistencia interna y estabilidad temporal, siendo válido y fiable. Se encontró que la competencia percibida y la motivación intrínseca predijeron positivamente la intención de seguir siendo físicamente activo (AU)

The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the measurement scale Intention to be physically active in the university context (MIFAU). Similarly, it was checked whether the need for competition, intrinsic motivation and demotivation are predictors of intention to be physically active. The sample was 116 students. The instruments were MIFAU, the factors intrinsic-regulation and desmotivation of the Questionnaire of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise (BREQ-3) and perceived competence factor of the basic psychological needs scale in Exercise (BPNES). The results revealed that the instrument shows adequate internal consistency and temporal stability, being valid and reliable. It was found that perceived (..) (AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi de adaptar e validar a escala de Medida da Intencionalidade para ser Fisicamente Ativo ao contexto universitário (MIFAU). Paralelamente foi comprovado se a necessidade de capacidade, motivação intrínseca e a desmotivação são fatores que predizem da intenção de ser fisicamente ativo. A mostra foi composta por 116 estudantes. Os instrumentos de avaliação foram a MIFAU, os fatores de regulação intrínseca e desmotivação foram o Questionário de Conduta no Exercício (BREQ-3) e o fator de capacidade percebida da Escala de Necessidades (..) (AU)