The Relevance of the Expected Value of the Proportion of Arabian Genes in Genetic Evaluations for Eventing Competitions.

The Arabian horse is a generally reliable sport horse, and continues to be a remarkable endurance horse, so the relevance of the expected value of the proportion of Arabian genes (EV%AG) in horses participating in eventing could be a relevant factor. A total of 1089 horses participating in eventing (8866 records) were used. A GLM revealed that the EV%AG was significant in dressage, show jumping and cross-country. A BLUP genetic evaluation was computed with five genetic models (without the EV%AG (0) using as a covariate (A), as a fixed effect (B), with variance heterogeneity, and in genetic groups without (C) and with (D)). Dressage heritability ranged from 0.103 to 0.210, show jumping ranged from 0.117 to 0.203 and cross-country ranged from 0.070 to 0.099. The lowest DIC value was used as a criterion of fitness. The best fits (those which included variance heterogeneity) showed fewer than two points of difference in DIC values. The highest average estimated breeding value in dressage, show jumping and cross-country was found for horses with an expected value of the proportion of Arabian genes of 0%, ≥1% to <25%, and 100%, respectively. Therefore, the best way to model the EV%AG effect seems to be by considering the variance heterogeneity.

Precompetitive anxiety profiles in runners: Differences in the running motives.

The study aimed to identify precompetitive anxiety profiles and analyze the impact of those profiles in their reasons to adhere to running. A sample of 473 Spanish Amateur Athletes participated in the study. Results revealed the emergence of three profiles: (a) a high precompetitive anxiety profile characterized by high cognitive and somatic anxiety and low self-confidence; (b) a precompetitive medium-low anxiety profile characterized by medium-low scores in cognitive and somatic anxiety and medium self-confidence; (c) a precompetitive low anxiety profile characterized by low scores in cognitive and somatic anxiety and medium self-confidence. Results showed that most of the working runners, who participate in ten-kilometer races, who practice three days a week, and most experienced runners, belonged to the extremely low anxiety profile. In conclusion, the precompetitive low anxiety profile reported the most suited outcomes which mean that is a more adaptive profile.

Effects of a sport competition on acute affective response in wheelchair basketball players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sport game outcomes on acute affective responses in injured veterans. Twenty-three wheelchair basketball players (mean age, 38.39±11.78 years) participated in this study and were divided into two groups: game winner group (n=12) and game loser group (n=11). All participants completed the Physical Activity Affect Scale immediately before and after participation in the first game of a wheelchair basketball tournament. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to examine a significant difference in acute affective responses between the groups and over time within each group. The losers experienced significantly higher negative affect and lower positive affect at the end of the first game compared to the winners. Therefore, the results of the present study indicated that the experience of losing may diminish the positive effect that sport participation can have.

[The organizational principles of medical support of ceremonies of opening and closing international sport competitions (as exemplified by the XXVII Summer World Student Games of 2013 in Kazan)].

The results of implementation of developed approaches to medical support of ceremonies of opening and closing international sport competitions are demonstrated by the example of the XXVII Summer World Student Games in Kazan in 2013. The ceremonies took place at the venue with capacity of 45,000 spectators. The number of requests for medical assistance during the opening and closing ceremonies was 5.1 and 2.5 per 1000 spectators and accredited participants, respectively. Six individuals were evacuated to hospitals (0.1 cases per 1000 spectators and accredited event participants). The experience of organization of medical support of opening and closing ceremonies of international sport competitions is of practical significance in the framework of preparation and holding of international events in Russia.

Effects of a Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Model Intervention in Competitive Youth Sport.

The aim of this study was to implement the teaching personal and social responsibility (TPSR) model in a competitive context analyzing the differences between the intervention and the control group on personal and social responsibility, prosocial behaviors, and self-efficacy in youth soccer players. Participants were 34 youth soccer players between the ages of 14 and 16 years old (15.18 ± 0.72) divided into two different soccer teams of 17 members, corresponding to the control and intervention groups. The implementation of the TPSR model took place during 9 months, including initial and ongoing coach training (3 months), program implementation (three sessions per week lasting 90 min during 6 months), and a series of expert-led seminars for athletes (one session per week lasting 90 min during 4 months). The questionnaires used to collect data were the Personal and Social Responsibility Questionnaire, Prosocial Behavior Scale, and two Children's Self-efficacy Scales. Results indicated that the TPSR intervention group obtained an increase in post-test levels of personal and social responsibility, prosocial behavior, and self-efficacy due to the application of the TPSR model compared with control group that used a conventional sport teaching methodology. The conclusion is that the TPSR model has the potential to be adapted and implemented with flexibility in youth sport competition contexts in order to improve personal and social responsibility, prosocial behavior, and self-efficacy.

Impulsiveness and Cognitive Patterns. Understanding the Perfectionistic Responses in Spanish Competitive Junior Athletes.

INTRODUCTION: High performance sport requires that the athletes maintain a constant intensity and control of their personal resources, as well as a balance between self-regulation and performance. Likely, such requirements involve the influence of their beliefs regarding the tasks to be performed to improve the confidence in their own resources to face the competition. Theoretical arguments provide new insights for understanding multidimensional perfectionism and its relationships with other variables such as affective experiences, among others. In this study, perfectionism was conceptualized as a "stable personality disposition," whereas the impulsiveness components were defined as "representing psychological mechanisms (or processes)" underlying the relationships between perfectionism and athletic experiences. AIM: This study aims to establish and show profiles of perfectionist beliefs and impulsive responses according to sport modality and the relationships between all these variables. Team athletes were expected to show more functional resources than those in combat or endurance sports. METHODS: The psychological responses of 487 athletes (273 boys; 214 girls) practicing high-performance sport were examined. A non-randomized, cross-sectional design was used. Self-reports were used to measure impulsiveness, perfectionism and competence self-perceptions. RESULTS: Athletes with functional responses of impulsivity and perfectionism showed higher perceived self-competence. Athletes with more reflective thoughts, more careful planning and generally less sensitive to rewards and behaviors were more self-regulated and planned (functional impulsivity) and showed more moderate relationships between the most dysfunctional perfectionist beliefs and self-competence. In addition, perfectionism seems to be useful to the striver athletes that want to be the best, and they are focused on and committed to future goals and performance and self-improvement. It is important for coaches and athletes to understand how the processes of self-regulation (impulsivity) and self-knowledge (perfectionism) could be formed to try to offer better opportunities for building psychological resources that enhance high-performance mental abilities.

Actitud hacia el dopaje y perfeccionismo en atletas profesionales de fútbol, fútbol sala y baloncesto en Costa Rica / Attitudes Towards Dopping and Perfectionism in Soccer, Indoor Soccer, and Basketball Professional Athletes in Costa Rica / Atitude frente ao doping e perfeccionismo em atletas profissionais de futebol, futebol de salao e basquetebol na Costa Rica

Resumen El propósito del presente estudio fue evaluar la actitud hacia el dopaje y su relación con el perfeccionismo en atletas profesionales de tres deportes de equipo en Costa Rica. Mediante cuestionarios se evaluó estos dos factores en 217 atletas profesionales mayores de 18 años de los cuales 121 eran hombres y 96 mujeres, inscritos en el campeonato de máxima categoría de Costa Rica durante las temporadas 2013 y 2014 en las disciplinas de fútbol, fútbol sala y baloncesto. Los hombres presentan una actitud significativamente (p=0.001) más positiva hacia el dopaje y son más perfeccionistas (p= 0.028) en su desempeño deportivo que las mujeres. Existe una correlación positiva significativa (p= 0.000) entre la actitud hacia el dopaje y el perfeccionismo en el deporte. A modo general, los participantes en este estudio tienen una actitud negativa hacia el dopaje. Tanto en la actitud hacia el dopaje como en el perfeccionismo no se encontraron diferencias entre deportes ni en la interacción deporte-sexo. La relación significativa encontrada nos sugiere que un atleta con estas características perfeccionistas podría estar más propenso a incurrir en dichas prácticas.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the attitude toward doping and its relationship with perfectionism in professional athletes from three sports in Costa Rica. Through questionnaires, the attitude towards doping and its relationship with perfectionism was evaluated in 217 professional athletes over 18 years of age, 121 were men and 96 women. They were enrolled in the top-elite championship of Costa Rica during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, in the disciplines of soccer, indoor soccer, and basketball. For the attitude towards doping an average of 34.33 ± 11.40 was obtained, while for perfectionism the average was 83.08 ± 12.27. Men presented a significantly more positive (p= 0.001) attitude toward doping and are more perfectionist (p= 0.028) in their sports performance than women. There is a significant positive correlation (p= 0.000) between attitude towards doping and perfectionism in sports. In general, the participants in this study have a negative attitude toward doping. Both in the attitude toward doping and in perfectionism, no differences were found between sports or in the sport-sex interaction. The significant relationship found between perfectionism and the attitude towards doping suggests that an athlete with these perfectionist characteristics might be more prone to incur such practices.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a atitude frente ao doping e sua relação com o perfeccionismo em atletas profissionais de três esportes coletivos na Costa Rica. Através de questionários, foi avaliada a atitude em relação ao doping e sua relação com o perfeccionismo em 217 atletas profissionais com mais de 18 anos de idade, dos quais 121 eram homens e 96 mulheres, inscritos no campeonato nacional da Costa Rica durante as temporadas de 2013 e 2014 nas disciplinas de futebol, futebol de salão e basquete. Os homens apresentam uma atitude significativamente mais positiva (p = 0,001) em relação ao doping e são mais perfeccionistas ( p = 0,028) no seu desempenho esportivo do que as mulheres. Existe uma correlação positiva significativa (p = 0,000) entre a atitude em relação ao doping e o perfeccionismo no esporte. Em geral, os participantes deste estudo têm uma atitude negativa em relação ao doping. Tanto na atitude em relação ao doping quanto no perfeccionismo, não foram encontradas diferenças entre esportes nem na interação esporte-sexo. A relação significativa encontrada entre o perfeccionismo e a atitude em relação ao doping sugere que um atleta com essas características perfeccionistas pode ser mais propenso a incorrer em tais práticas.

The anticipatory stress response to sport competition; a systematic review with meta-analysis of cortisol reactivity.

OBJECTIVE: Athletes anticipating sport competition regularly experience distinct emotional and physiological responses as a result of the expected psychosocial and physical stress. Specifically, cortisol, an indicator of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation, prepares the athlete for the psychological and physiological demands of competition. The objective of this meta-analysis is to analyse the magnitude of the anticipatory cortisol response in athletes preparing to participate in sport competition and to examine the influence of gender, level of competition and data collection time. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Four electronic databases were searched to March 2017: PubMed, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and Scopus. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: (1) Athletes participating in real sport competition;(2) salivary cortisol concentration collected before competition in addition to baseline sample(s);(3) original research article published in English language. RESULTS: Data from 25 studies provided 27 effect sizes. A significant anticipatory cortisol response of g=0.85, p<0.001 was identified. Males had a stronger trend for greater cortisol reactivity (g=1.07) than females (g=0.56, p=0.07). Females and athletes competing at international level did not demonstrate a significant anticipatory stress response. There were no significant differences between level of competition, type of sport or time of competition. Meta-regression indicated that the anticipatory cortisol response is greater when assessed closer to the start of competition (Q=6.85, p=0.009). SUMMARY/CONCLUSION: The anticipatory cortisol response before sport competition reflects moderate cortisol reactivity that prepares athletes optimally for the demands of sport competition via the influence on cognitive processes and attentional control. However, both female athletes and international competitors did not demonstrate a significant anticipatory cortisol response, possibly due to differences in appraisal of the stress of sport competition.

Defense Profiles in Adaptation Process to Sport Competition and Their Relationships with Coping, Stress and Control.

The purpose of this study was to identify the potentially distinct defense profiles of athletes in order to provide insight into the complex associations that can exist between defenses and other important variables tied to performance in sports (e.g., coping, perceived stress and control) and to further our understanding of the complexity of the adaptation process in sports. Two hundred and ninety-six (N = 296) athletes participated in a naturalistic study that involved a highly stressful situation: a sports competition. Participants were assessed before and after the competition. Hierarchical cluster analysis and a series of MANOVAs with post hoc comparisons indicated two stable defense profiles (high and low defense profiles) of athletes both before and during sport competition. These profiles differed with regards to coping, stress and control. Athletes with high defense profiles reported higher levels of coping strategies, perceived stress and control than athletes with low defense profiles. This study confirmed that defenses are involved in the psychological adaptation process and that research and intervention should not be based only on coping, but rather must include defense mechanisms in order to improve our understanding of psychological adaptation in competitive sports.

Alcohol Drinking Among Kosovar Adolescents: An Examination of Gender-Specific Sociodemographic, Sport, and Familial Factors Associated With Harmful Drinking.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent alcohol consumption is a significant public-health problem, although there is a lack of studies investigating this issue in Kosovo. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this investigation was to examine the prevalence of alcohol drinking, and the factors associated with harmful drinking (HD) in Kosovar 17-18 years old adolescents. METHODS: The sample comprised 636 girls and 366 boys (17-18 years old) from Pristina, Kosovo. The independent variables included sociodemographic factors, variables examining familial-monitoring and conflict (familial-variables), and sport-factors. Alcohol-drinking (dependent variable) was measured by means of the alcohol use disorders identification test scale. RESULTS: 39% of the girls and 43% of the boys reported HD (odds ratio (OR) = 1.17; 95% confidence interval = 0.90-1.55). A higher likelihood of HD is found for those girls whose mothers have an advanced education (OR = 1.59), who reported a higher level of conflict with their parents (OR = 1.95), whose parents are frequently absent from home (OR = 1.93), and who reported lower religiosity (OR = 0.90). HD is more frequent among boys who have participated longer in sports (OR = 1.49), whose fathers have an advanced education (OR = 1.80), and who reported higher level of familial conflict (OR = 2.87). CONCLUSIONS/IMPORTANCE: The prevalence of HD is high. Knowing the problems related to alcohol drinking in girls (violence, trafficking, etc.), public-health authorities should urgently develop a specific preventive programme (SPP) to combat the misuse of alcohol. In preparing SPP, special attention should be paid to the varying influences of the studied factors on HD in boys and girls.

Relação entre objetivos e conflitos psicológicos e suas influências no desempenho de uma nadadora / The relationship between sporting goals and psychological confucts and their influence on the performance of a swimmer / La relación entre los objetivos y conflictos psicologicos y sus influencias en el desempenho de uma nadadora

A definição de objetivos é a principal referência para o desenvolvimento pleno de competidores de natação. Este estudo de caso teve como proposta compreender a influência dos objetivos esportivos nos conflitos emocionais de uma nadadora que, mesmo demonstrando aptidões físicas e técnicas nas sessões de treinamento, não conseguia melhorar os resultados esportivos, passando a apresentar, de forma recorrente por um período de dois anos, comportamento apático no ambiente competitivo. Para a investigação das experiências vivenciadas, foi utilizada a entrevista psicológica com as narrativas submetidas ao método fenomenológico para a interpretação dos dados. A mudança de comportamento e os resultados esportivos da atleta demonstraram que a fenomenologia pode ser utilizada como embasamento metodológico nas intervenções psicológicas no campo esportivo, tanto para um novo significado dos resultados atléticos, na redefinição de novos objetivos, no foco esportivo, na preservação da saúde mental de atletas competidores, como nas pesquisas qualitativas dessas atividades.

Setting goals is the main reference for the full development of competitors swimming. This case study aimed at understanding the influence of sporting goals in the emotional conflicts of an swimmer, even showing physical skills and techniques in training sessions, could not get improvements in sports scores, going forward, on a recurring basis by a period of two years, apathetic behavior in the competitive environment. For the investigation of experiences, it was used the psychological interview with the narratives submitted to the phenomenological method to the interpretation of data. The change in behavior and performance of sports athlete demonstrated that phenomenology can be used as a methodological foundation in psychological interventions in the sports field, both for a new athletic significance of the results in reset new goals focus on sports, preservation of health mental competitive athletes, as well as in qualitative research of these activities.

La definición de objectivos és la principal referencia para el desarollo pleno de competidores de natación. Este estudio de caso ha tenido como propuesta comprender la influencia de los objectivos deportivos en los conflitos emocionales de una nadadora que, mismo enseñando disposiciónes fisicas y técnicas en las seciónes de entrenamientos, no ha obtenido mejoras en los resultados deportivos, presentando por lo tanto, de forma recurrente, por uno período de dos años, comportamiento apático en el ambiente de competición. Para la investigación de las experiências que han sido tenidas, ha sido hecha la entrevista psicológica con las narrativas que han sido sometidas al método fenomenológico para la interpretación de los resultados. El cambio de comportamiento y los resultados deportivos del atleta enseñaran que puede utilizarse la fenomenología como basamento metodológico en las intervenciones psicológicas en el terreno del deporto, tanto para el nuevo sentido de los resultados con los atletas, en la redefinición de nuevos objetivos, en el enfoque del deporto, en la preservación de la salud mental de los atletas de competición, así como en los estudios cualitativos en estas actividades.