Positive and negative spontaneous self-talk and performance in gymnastics: The role of contextual, personal and situational factors.

The purpose of this study was to analyse whether contextual (perception of motivational climate and positive and negative spontaneous self-talk in sports), personal (positivity) and situational variables (positive and negative spontaneous self-talk employed in competition and precompetitive anxiety) predict performance in a competition of ensembles of rhythmic gymnastics. 258 female gymnasts between ages14 and 20 (M = 15.24, SD = 1.46) participated in the study, completing pre- and post-competition measures. The results of the path-analysis showed that both the task-involving climate and positivity predicted positive self-talk in sport. This predicted self-confidence which, in turn, positively predicted positive situational self-talk in competition. For its part, the perception of an ego-involving climate positively predicted the use of both negative and positive self-talk in sport. Negative self-talk in sports predicted negative situational self-talk in competition and somatic and cognitive anxiety. In turn, cognitive anxiety positively predicted negative situational self-talk. Finally, performance was positively predicted by positive situational self-talk and negatively by negative situational self-talk. These results explain the functioning of spontaneous self-talk at different levels of generality and its relationship with sports performance.

Weight Loss Strategies in Male Competitors of Combat Sport Disciplines.

Background and objective: The use of suboptimal weight loss strategies in order to reach specific weight ranges as observed in combat sport disciplines can give rise to severe health problems. However, particular aspects regarding management of weight category comparing three sport disciplines remain to be investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to obtain information regarding the weight loss strategies that competitors performed before a tournament. Materials and Methods: This article describes the most common dietary-nutritional strategies used by 140 national university male competitors of judo (n = 52), karate (n = 40) and taekwondo (n = 48) in order to achieve a specific weight, according to the rapid weight loss questionnaire (RWLQ) and the EAT-27 questionnaire. Results: Around 50% of participants were not involved in a weight loss process. Among the remaining participants, we considered three periods for weight reduction: less than 1 week (35% in judo, 8% in karate and 19% in taekwondo), less than 1 month (17% in judo, 15% in karate and 26% in taekwondo) and more than 1 month (0% in judo, 5% in karate and 21% in taekwondo). Severe fasting, focused on food/water restriction, was the most commonly used strategy, being more frequent in judo players. Light weight judo practitioners generally lost 2-5 kg before the contest. One third of participants avoided carbohydrate consumption when performing food restriction. Finally, individuals that reduced weight in the last week seemed to develop an unhealthy psychological relationship with food. Conclusion: All these aspects could be particularly relevant, providing information regarding how competitors manage basic nutritional concepts that guide dieting strategies. This information is relevant to prepare future educational interventions in the area of nutrition for competitors, coaches and technical staff.

School Climate, Moral Disengagement and, Empathy as Predictors of Bullying in Adolescents.

Our work aimed to study the relationships between different dimensions of school climate, moral disengagement, empathy, and bullying behaviors (perpetration and victimization). The study sample consisted of 629 students (304 boys and 325 girls) aged 12-14 years (M = 12.55, SD = 0.67). Results showed how different dimensions of school climate predicted moral disengagement, empathy, and victimization, and these, in turn, predicted bullying perpetration. The results show the need to generate favorable educational environments to reduce the levels of moral disengagement and victimization and to increase empathy in students as a strategy to prevent negative consequences related to bullying.

Lack of Correlation between Accelerometers and Heart-Rate Monitorization during Exercise Session in Older Adults.

Aging is increasing worldwide; hence, aging-related health is also more relevant. Well-programmed physical exercise is now an indispensable tool to achieve active aging and preserve older people's health. Such "well-programmed" exercise requires efficient and useful tools to measure the activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of accelerometers to estimate two different intensities of physical exercise in older people. Thirty-eight subjects (64.5 ± 5.3 years) were measured during two different sessions of physical exercise: one moderate in intensity, the other of low intensity. Heart rate and accelerometry were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that the two variables in the physical exercise sessions were not highly correlated, and that accelerometry did not seem useful to assess low-intensity sessions not based on walking.

Predicting Bullying through Motivation and Teaching Styles in Physical Education.

From the theoretical framework offered by the self-determination theory, the objective of the study was to test a predictor model of bullying behaviors based on the physical education teacher's supportive style, the students' satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and self-determined motivation. A total of 608 students of both sexes, between 11 and 15 years of age, from primary and secondary schools in the province of Alicante (Spain) voluntarily completed questionnaires to measure each of the variables under study. The design of the study was cross-sectional. The results showed that the autonomy supportive style positively predicted the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, which, in turn, positively predicted self-determined motivation towards physical education. The latter negatively predicted bullying perpetration and bullying victimization. The controlling style presented inverse relationships to those of the autonomy supportive style. These results are in line with the positions of the self-determination theory and underline the potential responsibility of physical education teachers in the struggle against bullying, and how, by supporting autonomy and avoiding a controlling style, they can help reduce bullying perpetration and victimization.

Teaching Styles in Physical Education: A New Approach to Predicting Resilience and Bullying.

The main objective of this study was to analyze student-perceived teaching styles' power to predict students' resilience and the emergence of bullying behaviors in physical education class. A total of 537 students of both sexes, between 11 and 15 years of age, from primary and secondary schools in the province of Alicante (Spain), participated in the study. The design of the study was cross-sectional. The results showed that bullying was positively predicted by students' perceptions of a more controlling style and negatively by a greater perception of an autonomy-supportive style in physical education classes. Victimization was negatively predicted by greater resilience and positively by students' perception of a teacher's more controlling style. Finally, the mediation analysis showed that the perception of autonomy support indirectly and negatively predicted victimization, with resilience acting as a mediator. These findings provide useful information for physical education teachers interested in preventing bullying, and have important practical implications about the teaching style recommended for this purpose.

Associations Between Self-Determined Motivation, Team Potency, and Self-Talk in Team Sports.

The current study aimed to evaluate the determinant factors of athletes´ internal positive self-talk that might lead to decreased anxiety and increased performance. The sample consisted of 191 male and female athletes ranging in age from 14 to 35 years old. They played soccer, volleyball and basketball and they were cadets (43%), juniors (29.6 %) and adults (27.4%). Results showed that satisfaction of the basic psychological needs was the strongest predictor of positive self-talk or positive thoughts during competition. Specifically, perception of autonomy was the strongest predictor, because it positively predicted concentration, control of anxiety and instructions, followed by perception of competence, which positively predicted confidence. Finally, team sports coaches should promote perception of autonomy and competence in their athletes, with the aim of enhancing more positive self-talk in competition, which may promote a better performance.

Correction: Trunk Stability, Trunk Strength and Sport Performance Level in Judo.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156267.].

Trunk Stability, Trunk Strength and Sport Performance Level in Judo.

Although trunk muscle function has been suggested to be a determinant of judo performance, its contribution to high-level performance in this sport has been poorly studied. Therefore, several tests were used to assess the differences in trunk muscle function between 11 international and 14 national level judo practitioners (judokas). Trunk strength and endurance were assessed using isokinetic tests and core stability was assessed using two protocols: 1) sudden loading, to assess trunk responses to unexpected external perturbations; 2) stable and unstable sitting, to assess the participants' ability to control trunk balance. No differences between groups were found for trunk flexor isokinetic strength, trunk responses against lateral and posterior loading and trunk control while sitting. However, international level judokas showed significantly higher trunk extensor isokinetic strength (p <0.05) and lower trunk angular displacement after anterior trunk loading (p <0.05) than national level judokas. Few and low (r < 0.512) significant correlations were found between strength, endurance and stability parameters, which suggests that trunk strength and endurance are not limiting factors for trunk stability in competitive judokas. These results support the importance of trunk extensor strength and trunk stability against forward perturbations in elite judo performance.

EATING DISORDERS AND DIET MANAGEMENT IN CONTACT SPORTS; EAT-26 QUESTIONNAIRE DOES NOT SEEM APPROPRIATE TO EVALUATE EATING DISORDERS IN SPORTS.

INTRODUCTION: there is a growing concern in the appearance of eating disorders in athletes, especially those that practice sports grouped into weight categories. This affects the way athletes eat, using frequently unhealthy strategies to control weight, especially during the pre-competition period. AIM: this study analyses the prevalence of contact sports athletes in developing eating disorders, and how a controlled diet plan can reduce this risk. At the same time, it evaluates the use of the EAT-26 questionnaire to detect such disorders. METHODS: a randomized frequency study was performed on 244 athletes (158 men, 86 women), who were separated into two groups: those that followed a diet plan given by a nutritionist, and a control group on a free diet. The athletes completed an EAT-26 questionnaire while participating in the University-level National Championships. RESULTS: the free diet group scored significantly higher on the questionnaire. Also, the female athletes controlled diet group scored significantly higher than their male counterparts. DISCUSSION: the results of the questionnaire indicate that an adequate nutritional program circumvents the use of unhealthy habits to control body weight and therefore avoids developing particular eating disorders. EAT-26 questionnaire does not seem the most appropriate tool to detect these disorders.

Introducción: existe una preocupación creciente por los desórdenes alimentarios en deportistas, especialmente en aquellos que practican deportes agrupados en categorías de peso. Esto afecta a la manera de comer de los deportistas, usando con frecuencia estrategias no saludables para control del peso, en especial en periodo precompetitivo. Objetivo: este estudio analiza la prevalencia de desórdenes alimentarios en deportistas de deportes de contacto, y cómo una planificación dietética controlada puede reducir el riesgo. También valora el uso del cuestionario EAT-26 para detectar dichos desórdenes. Métodos: ha sido realizado un estudio aleatorizado de frecuencias en 244 deportistas (158 varones, 86 mujeres), que fueron separados en dos grupos: los que seguían un plan dietético proporcionado por un nutricionista y un grupo control con una dieta libre. Los participantes rellenaron el cuestionario EAT-26 mientras participaban en los Campeonatos Universitarios Nacionales. Resultados: el grupo con dieta libre puntuó con valores más altos en el cuestionario. Al mismo tiempo, las deportistas que seguían una dieta controlada puntuaron de forma significativa en el cuestionario respecto a los varones del mismo grupo. Discusión: los resultados del cuestionario indican que una adecuada planificación nutricional evita el uso de hábitos poco saludables para controlar el peso corporal, evitando desarrollar desórdenes alimentarios particulares. El cuestionario EAT-26 no parece la herramienta más apropiada para detectar estos desórdenes.

Eating disorders and diet management in contact sports; EAT-26 questionnaire does not seem appropriate to evaluate eating disorders in sports / Desórdenes alimentarios y supervisión dietética en deportes de contacto; el cuestionario EAT-26 no parece apropiado para evaluar desórdenes alimentarios en deportistas

Introduction: there is a growing concern in the appearance of eating disorders in athletes, especially those that practice sports grouped into weight categories. This affects the way athletes eat, using frequently unhealthy strategies to control weight, especially during the pre-competition period. Aim: this study analyses the prevalence of contact sports athletes in developing eating disorders, and how a controlled diet plan can reduce this risk. At the same time, it evaluates the use of the EAT-26 questionnaire to detect such disorders. Methods: a randomized frequency study was performed on 244 athletes (158 men, 86 women), who were separated into two groups: those that followed a diet plan given by a nutritionist, and a control group on a free diet. The athletes completed an EAT-26 questionnaire while participating in the University-level National Championships. Results: the free diet group scored significantly higher on the questionnaire. Also, the female athletes controlled diet group scored significantly higher than their male counterparts. Discussion: the results of the questionnaire indicate that an adequate nutritional program circumvents the use of unhealthy habits to control body weight and therefore avoids developing particular eating disorders. EAT-26 questionnaire does not seem the most appropriate tool to detect these disorders (AU)

Introducción: existe una preocupación creciente por los desórdenes alimentarios en deportistas, especialmente en aquellos que practican deportes agrupados en categorías de peso. Esto afecta a la manera de comer de los deportistas, usando con frecuencia estrategias no saludables para control del peso, en especial en periodo precompetitivo. Objetivo: este estudio analiza la prevalencia de desórdenes alimentarios en deportistas de deportes de contacto, y cómo una planificación dietética controlada puede reducir el riesgo. También valora el uso del cuestionario EAT-26 para detectar dichos desórdenes. Métodos: ha sido realizado un estudio aleatorizado de frecuencias en 244 deportistas (158 varones, 86 mujeres), que fueron separados en dos grupos: los que seguían un plan dietético proporcionado por un nutricionista y un grupo control con una dieta libre. Los participantes rellenaron el cuestionario EAT-26 mientras participaban en los Campeonatos Universitarios Nacionales. Resultados: el grupo con dieta libre puntuó con valores más altos en el cuestionario. Al mismo tiempo, las deportistas que seguían una dieta controlada puntuaron de forma significativa en el cuestionario respecto a los varones del mismo grupo. Discusión: los resultados del cuestionario indican que una adecuada planificación nutricional evita el uso de hábitos poco saludables para controlar el peso corporal, evitando desarrollar desórdenes alimentarios particulares. El cuestionario EAT-26 no parece la herramienta más apropiada para detectar estos desórdenes (AU)

Adaptación y validación de un cuestionario para valorar la motivación en el contexto deportivo / Adaptação e validação de um questionário para avaliar a motivação no contexto desportivo / Adaptation and validation of a questionnaire to assess motivation in the sport context

El objetivo de este estudio era adaptar y validar al contexto deportivo el Cuestionario de Motivación en Educación Física (CMEF), basado en la Teoría de la Autodeterminación (Deci y Ryan, 1985; 2000; Ryan y Deci, 2000) y desarrollado originalmente en el ámbito educativo, para tratar de analizar la motivación intrínseca, identificada, introyectada, externa y desmotivación de los adolescentes. Para ello, participaron un total de 985 deportistas con edades comprendidas entre los 10 y 16 años (M = 14.34; DT = 2.52), de género masculino y femenino pertenecientes a 24 modalidades deportivas diferentes. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que la escala con cinco factores correlacionados presentaba una adecuada validez factorial a partir de los índices de ajuste obtenidos, registró relaciones positivas entre los motivos de práctica más autodeterminados y relaciones negativas con la desmotivación, que oscilaron de entre -,21 a ,74. Además, se obtuvieron valores aceptables de consistencia interna (Ω > .70) y resultó invariante en función del género, considerando las mínimas modificaciones sufridas en ∆CFI. Asimismo, la validez discriminante de los factores resultó satisfactoria. Por tanto, este estudio aporta una nueva herramienta que permite analizar los tipos de regulación motivacional que impulsan a los adolescentes a realizar una práctica deportiva (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo era adaptar e validar no contexto desportivo o Questionário de Motivação em Educação Física (CMEF), com base na Teoria da Autodeterminação (Deci & Ryan, 1985; 2000; Ryan & Deci, 2000) e desenvolvido originalmente para ser utilizado no âmbito educativo, para analisar a motivação intrínseca, identificada, introjetada, externa e amotivação de adolescentes. Para ele, participaram um total de 985 desportistas com idades compreendidas entre 10 e 16 anos (M = 14.34; DP = 2.52), do género masculino e feminino pertencentes a 24 diferentes modalidades desportivas. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a escala com cinco factores correlacionados apresentava uma adequada validez factorial a partir dos índices de ajuste obtidos, com relações positivas entre razões de práticas mais auto-determinada e relações negativas com amotivação, que vão desde - ,21 a ,74. Além disso, valores de consistência interna aceitáveis (Ω > .70) foram obtidos e provou gênero invariável, tendo em conta as mínimas modificações sofridas no Confirmatory Fit Index (∆CFI). Asi mismo, validade discriminante dos fatores foi satisfatória. Portanto o estudo contribuiu para uma nova ferramenta que permite analisar os tipos de regulação motivacional que impulsam os adolescentes a realizar uma prática desportiva. Palavras chave: Adolescentes, autodeterminação, desporto, escala (AU)

The aim of this study was to adapt and validate into the sport context the Motivational Questionnaire in Physical Education (CMEF), based on Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985; 2000; Ryan & Deci, 2000) and developed to be used in the educative domain, to assess the intrinsic motivation, identified, introyected, external and amotivation. Thus, 985 athletes, ranging in age from 10 to 16 years old (M = 14.34; SD = 2.52), both male and female belonged to 24 different sport modalities, participated in the study. Results showed that the scale with five factors correlated had an adequate factorial validity through the fit index, with positive relationships between types of motivation more self-determined and negative relations with the amotivation, ranging from - ,21 to ,74. In addition, acceptable internal consistency values (Ω > .70) were obtained and an invariance analysis taking into account the minimum modifications obtained in ∆CFI was conducted. Besides, the discriminant validity of the factors was satisfactory. Therefore, this research provides a new instrument that allows examining the types of motivational regulation that the adolescents have to participate in sport (AU)

Evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas de la escala de satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas en general con adultos españoles / Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the scale of satisfaction of basic psychological needs in general with spanish adults

Los postulados de la teoría de la autodeterminación defienden que para lograr una motivación más positiva y el bienestar es necesario satisfacer las necesidades psicológicas básicas: autonomía, competencia y relación. Para medir la satisfacción de estas necesidades en la vida, se ha creado la Escala de Satisfacción de las Necesidades Psicológicas Básicas en General (BNSG-S). Sus propiedades psicométricas han sido analizadas recientemente, aunque sólo con muestras de estudiantes universitarios. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar su validez y fiabilidad con una muestra de adultos españoles. En el estudio participaron 399 personas (202 hombres y 197 mujeres), con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 65 años. Los resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio dieron apoyo a la validez de un modelo reducido de 16 ítems y efecto de método en los ítems negativos. La estructura factorial fue invariante por sexo y edad. Además, se obtuvieron valores adecuados de fiabilidad y estabilidad temporal. El análisis de las evidencias de validez externa mostró que la satisfacción de las tres necesidades psicológicas básicas se asociaba positivamente con la motivación autodeterminada hacia la actividad física y la satisfacción con la vida. Estos resultados dan apoyo a la utilización del instrumento en el contexto español.

The postulates of self-determination theory advocate the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness) to achieve more positive motivation and well-being. The Basic Needs Satisfaction in General Scale (BNSG-S) was created to measure the satisfaction of these needs in life. Its psychometric properties have recently been analyzed, although only with samples of college students. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the validity and reliability of the BNSG-S with a sample of Spanish adults. Three hundred ninety-nine people (202 men and 197 women), aged between 18 and 65, participated in this study. The results of confirmatory factor analysis support the validity of a reduced model of 16 items and a negative-worded method effect. The factor structure was invariant across gender and age. It was also obtained acceptable values of reliability and temporal stability. The analysis of external validity evidences showed that the satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs was positively associated with self-determined motivation towards physical activity and satisfaction with life. These results support the utilization of the instrument in the Spanish context.

Análisis de los perfiles motivacionales en practicantes de danza: Diferencias en función de la modalidad / Analysis of motivational profiles in dancers: differences regarding modality / Análise dos perfis motivacionais em praticantes de dança: diferenças em função da modalidade

El propósito del presente estudio fue examinar los grupos de practicantes de danza que se establecen a partir del análisis de los perfiles motivacionales, analizando las diferencias existentes entre ellos según la modalidad practicada. Para ello, se contó con 332 participantes de danza clásica, contemporánea y española, de diferentes centros españoles. Se midió la percepción del clima generado por el profesor y por los compañeros, el nivel de autodeterminación y el flow disposicional. Los resultados muestran la existencia de cuatro perfiles motivacionales, dos más adaptativos, con un elevado índice de autodeterminación y flow disposicional y dos menos adaptativos, uno que presenta mayor percepción de clima ego y otro que muestra bajas puntuaciones en todas las variables contempladas. Además, los datos señalan que los perfiles más adaptativos corresponden a los practicantes de danza clásica y española mientras que el perfil más desadaptativo pertenece a los de danza contemporánea. Como conclusión, se destaca la necesidad de hacer un tratamiento diferente en función de los grupos de participantes que se han creado, pues los datos de este estudio ofrecen posibles explicaciones de su comportamiento y de los posibles antecedentes sociales y personales

The aim of this study was to examine the creation of groups of dancers through an analysis of their motivational profiles, by analyzing the differences between these profiles according to the modality practiced. To achieve this purpose, we used a sample size of 322 participants of classical, contemporary and Spanish dance from different Spanish schools. The perception of the climate generated by teacher and peers, degree of selfdetermination, and dispositional flow were measured. The results show the existence of four motivational profiles in dancers, two of which were more adaptive: a high self-determination index and dispositional flow; and two which were less adaptive: one which reveals a greater perception of ego climate and the profile that has low scores in all variables. Moreover, data analysis demonstrated that the most adaptive profiles were related to classical and Spanish dancers, whereas the most maladaptive profile belonged to contemporary dancers. To conclude, we emphasize the need for a different treatment depending on the groups of dancers created, because the data in this study offer possible explanations of their behavior and possible social and personal background

O objetivo do presente estudo foi examinar os grupos de praticantes de dança estabelecidos a partir da análise de perfis motivacionais,analisando as diferenças existentes de acordo com a modalidade praticada. Para tal, contou-se com 332 participantes dança clássica, contemporânea eespanhola, de diferentes centros de dança espanhóis. Foram medidas a percepção do clima gerado pelo professor e colegas, o nível de auto-determinaçãoe o flow disposicional. Os resultados revelam a existência de quatro perfis motivacionais, dois mais adaptativos, com um elevado índice de auto-determinação e flowdispositional e dois menos adaptativos, um que apresenta maior percepção de clima orientado para o ego e um que mostra baixaspontuações em todas as variáveis consideradas. Adicionalmente, os dados indicam que os perfis mais adaptativos correspondem aos praticantes de dançaclássica e espanhola, enquanto o perfil mais desadaptativo pertence aos da dança contemporânea. Em conclusão, destaca-se a necessidade de umtratamento diferenciado em função dos grupos de participantes que foram criados, uma vez que os resultados deste estudo fornecem possíveis explicaçõespara o seu comportamento e dos possíveis antecedentes sociais e pessoais

Metas sociales, necesidades psicológicas básicas y motivación intrínseca como predictores de la percepción del esfuerzo en las clases de educación física / Social goals, basic psycholoical needs, and intrinsic motivation as predictors of the perception of effort in physical education

El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido comprobar la capacidad predictiva de las metas sociales, las necesidades psicológicas básicas y la motivación intrínseca sobre la percepción de esfuerzo en las clases de educación física. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 558 estudiantes (297 chicas y 261 chicos) con edades comprendidas entre los 12 y 16 años. Los estudiantes completaron las versiones traducidas al castellano de la Escala de Metas Sociales en Educación Física (EMSEF), Necesidades Psicológicas Básicas en el Ejercicio (BPNES), adaptada a la educación física, el factor "motivación intrínseca" de la Escala de Locus Percibido de Causalidad (PLOC) y el factor "esfuerzo" del Inventario de Motivación Intrínseca (IMI). Después de un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple, los resultados revelaron que la meta de responsabilidad social y las necesidades psicológicas básicas de competencia y autonomía predecían positivamente la percepción de esfuerzo en las clases de educación física. Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto la importancia de que los docentes empleen estrategias orientadas a crear ambientes donde se fomente la responsabilidad, el sentimiento de competencia y la autonomía del alumnado, a fin de lograr mejoras en el esfuerzo realizado por el alumnado para superar las tareas (AU)

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive power of social goals, basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation on the perception of effort. A sample of 558 students, 297 girls and 261 boys, aged between 12 and 16 years, participated in the study. The students completed the Spanish versions of the Social Goal Scale-Physical Education (SGS-PE), the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) adapted to physical education, the intrinsic motivation subscale of the Perceived Locus of Causality Scale (PLOC) and the effort subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI). Multiple linear regression showed that social responsibility goals, perception of competence and autonomy positively predicted effort in physical education classes. These results show the importance for teachers to use strategies that promote responsibility, perception of competence and autonomy of the pupil, in order to achieve improvements in the effort made by pupils in physical education classes (AU)

La percepción de judocas de distinto nivel de pericia respecto a las actividades de entrenamiento específicas que contribuyen al rendimiento / Judoka´s perception of different levels of expertise respect to Specific training activities that contribute to performance

Introducción y objetivos: El presente estudio se centra en el marco teórico de la excelencia en el desempeño deportivo, el cual, abordamos mediante la teoría de la practica deliberada. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la percepción que tienen los judocas respecto a sus actividades de entrenamiento, identificar las actividades de entrenamiento que bajo la percepción de los judocas más influyen en la mejora del rendimiento y comprobar la relación existente entre las dimensiones de concentración, esfuerzo físico, diversión y rendimiento. Método: La muestra de estudio estuvo compuesta por judocas de nivel regional (n = 9), nacional (n = 27) e internacional (n= 40). Para la recogida de datos se utilizó el cuestionario como instrumento de medida. El cuestionario comienza con información general relativa al rendimiento deportivo de cada sujeto. Posteriormente, el estudio se centra en la percepción que tienen los judocas respecto a las actividades de entrenamiento específicas que llevan a cabo en torno a 4 dimensiones (concentración, esfuerzo físico, diversión e importancia para mejorar el rendimiento). Resultados: Los judocas de nivel regional (M=9.37) nacional (M= 8.69) e internacional (M= 9.20) percibieron la competición como el elemento que más importancia tiene para mejorar el rendimiento. Además, lo consideraron muy placentero, independientemente de que requiriera de gran esfuerzo físico y concentración. Conclusiones: Bajo la óptica de los judocas existe una visión relativamente homogénea respecto a qué actividades de entrenamiento contribuyen más a mejorar el rendimiento. Este hecho, sugiere que si las claves del éxito no son diferentes bajo la percepción de judocas con diferente nivel de habilidad, será el tiempo de dedicación al entrenamiento de cada uno de los factores de rendimiento, una de las claves más importantes para el desarrollo de la pericia, sustentando la idea de la práctica como variable explicativa principal de la adquisición de la habilidad (AU)

Introduction and Objectives: This study focuses on the theoretical framework for excellence in sports performance, which we deal with the theory of deliberate practice. The objective of this research is to analyze the perception of judo about their training activities, identify training activities in the perception of the most influential Judoka in improving the performance and confirmed the correlation between the dimensions of concentration, physical effort, fun and performance. Method: The study sample consisted of judo at the regional (n= 9), national (n = 27) and international (n = 40). For data collection questionnaire was used as a measuring device. The questionnaire begins with general information on the athletic performance of each subject. Subsequently, the study focuses on perceptions about the judo specific training activities carried out around 4 dimensions (concentration, physical effort, fun and importance to improve performance). Results: The regional-level judo athletes (M = 9.37) national (M = 8.69) and international (M = 9.20) perceived the competition as the most crucial element to improve performance. Moreover, considered it very enjoyable, whether requiring great physical effort and concentration. Conclusions: From the perspective of judo there is a relatively homogenous view on what training activities contribute more to improve performance. This fact suggests that if the keys to success are no different in the perception of players with different skill levels, will be the time devoted to training each performance factors, one of the most important keys to development expertise, supporting the idea of practice as the main explanatory variable of skill acquisition (AU)