Psychosocial factors as predictors of dropout in ultra-trailers.

OBJECTIVE: Although research on the physiological and psychological factors of endurance performance has been extensive, the factors related to dropping out of ultra-trail races have not been well documented. The aim of this study was to examine psychosocial factors as predictors of dropout in ultra-trail runners. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-one volunteer athletes completed a survey that included measures of: (a) motivational variables (self-determined motivation, basic needs satisfaction, achievement goals), (b) theory of planned behavior constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacy and intention to finish the race), and (c) coping strategies in sport. RESULTS: The results showed that finishers had higher scores for self-efficacy and intention to finish the race than withdrawers, whereas withdrawers had higher scores for avoidance coping. Multiple logistic regression showed that the number of started and finished ultra-trail races (OR, 0.44; 95% CI 0.22-0.88; p<0.02), self-efficacy (OR, 2.03; 95% CI 1.06-3.89; p<0.04), intention to finish the race (OR, 0.34; 95% CI 0.16-0.71; p<0.004), mastery-approach goals (OR, 0.56; 95% CI 0.31-1.00; p<0.05), and coping strategies of seeking social support (OR, 0.43; 95% CI 0.26-0.71; p<0.001) were associated with a lower risk of race dropout, whereas avoidance coping strategies (OR, 2.26; 95% CI 1.46-3.52; p<0.001) were associated with an increased dropout rate. CONCLUSION: Interventions promoting self-efficacy constructs and specific coping strategies might contribute to preventing dropout in ultra-trailers.

[Physical exercise health promotion in the workplace: participative experimentation in a private company]. / Promotion de la santé par l'activité physique sur les lieux de travail : expérimentation participative dans une entreprise privée.

CONTEXT: The objective of this study was to identify collaborative processes involved in a physical activity health promotion project in companies, conducted through a participatory approach in a cross-sectoral partnership, and to estimate the preliminary effects in terms of employee health. METHODS: Action research was conducted in an industrial company comprising 240 employees over a 2-year period. This research was based on 4 criteria: description of the actors' network, the opportunities and constraints of the project, the implementation of physical activities, the participation of employees in the various activities, the impacts observed (after 3 months of activities) on physical parameters and quality of life. RESULTS: Six work groups selected two activities : muscle-development exercise and Taïchi. We evaluated muscle strengthening activity. The participation rate in the activity was 16%. A higher age, female gender and being a manager or employee rather than a worker were significantly associated with participation. A tendency towards increased physical and mental scores of SF12 was observed. We identified two major barriers: logistic and communicational. CONCLUSION: The participatory approach, based on a cross-sectoral partnership, is the determining element of the project's success in a context of local opportunities. Two factors were identified to perpetuate this dynamic and improve the system: rationalization of the structuring of the service and greater resources, particularly financial resources.

[DNA profile in legal practice]. / Les empreintes génétiques en pratique judiciaire.

This article shows the main advantages and drawbacks of the genetic analysis used by magistrates and police officers. Analyze a cellular trace on the scene of a crime, seek a paternity are some applications.