Development of the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI).

AIM: The development of the 6-factor, 27-item Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI) was based on Lantz et al. proposed model of characteristics associated with Muscle Dysmorphia. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: quantitative procedures including item-to-total correlations, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and structure equation modeling confirmed the construct validity of the scale. Convergent validity was also tested. SETTING: bodybuilding and powerlifting competition venues, weight training facilities, and university athletic venues. PARTICIPANTS: the 1(st) study consisted of 77 experienced male free weight lifters. The 2(nd) study consisted of 156 male non-competitive bodybuilders and weight lifters and 168 elite level powerlifters and bodybuilders. The 3(rd) study consisted of 151 male and female bodybuilders and weight lifters. MEASURES: each participant completed demographic information, the MDI, Drive for Thinness subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory, and the Training Dependency subscale of the Bodybuilding Dependence Scale. RESULTS: Reliability estimates (Cronbach's a) ranged from 0.72 to 0.94. Factor loadings in all 3 studies supported the 6-factor structure (size/symmetry, supplement use, exercise dependence, pharmacological use, dietary behavior, and physique protection). Much of the scale validation was focused on construct validity, however, correlations with the MDI's subscales and the Training Dependency subscale of the Bodybuilding Dependence Scale and the Drive for Thinness subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory provided evidence of convergent validity also. CONCLUSIONS: From these preliminary results, the MDI appears to contribute to the identification of a newly formed disorder by offering a multi-dimensional measure of factors related to Muscle Dysmorphia.

Anthropometric dimensions to predict 1-RM bench press in untrained females.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has indicated a strong relationship between anthropometric dimensions and strength in males. To date, little work has been done to explore this topic in females. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between selected anthropometric dimensions and 1-RM bench press in untrained college females. METHODS: Untrained college females (n = 113) were evaluated for 18 measured and seven derived anthropometric variables to predict 1-RM bench press strength. Triplicate measurements were averaged for five skinfolds, five circumferences, and six skeletal widths. Derived measurements included Body Mass Index, percent fat, fat-free mass (FFM), flexed arm cross-sectional area (CSA), shoulder width: hip width ratio, androgyny index, and somatotype. RESULTS: Highest zero-order correlations with bench press were arm CSA (r = 0.45), flexed arm circumference (r = 0.45), mesomorphy (r = 0.44), and forearm circumference (r = 0.42). First-order partial correlations holding constant body mass or FFM generally decreased most correlations with bench press (r < 0.30). Factor loadings were used to produce muscle, length, and fat components which were placed in a multiple regression analysis to predict bench press but resulted in only limited success (R = 0.58, SEE = +/- 5.6 kg). Coefficients of variation (SEE/Mean x 100) for the equations ranged from was 18.9% to 21.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Prediction of bench press strength from anthropometric dimensions does not appear to be practical or accurate in untrained females.

The role of social physique anxiety and other variables in predicting eating behaviors in college students.

Early identification of potentially harmful eating patterns is critical in the effective remediation of such behaviors. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the degree to which various factors including gender, family history, and athletic status predict disordered eating behavior; social physique anxiety and percent body fat were added as potential predictor variables. The eating behaviors of student-athletes and nonathlete students were also compared. One hundred eighty undergraduate students (males = 49, females = 131) provided demographic information and completed the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS). Stepwise multiple-regression analysis indicated that social physique anxiety, gender, and body fat (%Fat) combined to predict 34% of disordered eating behaviors: EAT = 0.921 SPA - 1.05 %Fat + 10.95 Gender (1 = M, 2 = F) - 17.82 (R2 = .34, SE = 4.68). A one-way ANOVA comparing the eating behaviors of athletes and nonathletes revealed no significant difference between these groups.

Clinical ladder to professional advancement program. An evolutionary process.

Since the early 1970s, clinical ladder programs have been a method of defining, recognizing, and rewarding nursing practice. As clinical practice in an institution grows and evolves, so must the program that supports the development of the practitioner. An in-depth evaluation of one clinical ladder program was conducted to determine if it was reflective of current practice. The authors discuss the method of evaluation, findings, and the revised program.