The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour 10 year age eligibility and professional development review.

Concerns have long existed over the participation of adolescent athletes in professional sports. In 2004, the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour (WTA Tour) commissioned a Professional Development Advisory Panel (PDAP) to evaluate the WTA Tour's age eligibility rule (AER) and professional development programmes (PDPs) for female tennis players since their inception in 1995. More than 75% of the 628 respondents supported the principles of the AER, and 90% indicated a need for PDPs. Statistical analysis of WTA Tour players' careers found that premature retirements (players leaving the Tour at or before age 21) decreased significantly from 7% before the AER to less than 1% afterward, and median career length increased by 43%. The PDAP recommends that the WTA Tour continues a phased-in, developmentally appropriate AER, enhances the PDPs, and works with other sport governing bodies to coordinate rules and programmes at earlier ages to aid the transition of adolescents into adult sports.

Personality does not influence exercise-induced mood enhancement among female exercisers.

AIM: The present study investigated the influence of personality on exercise-induced mood changes. It was hypothesised that a) exercise would be associated with significant mood enhancement across all personality types, b) extroversion would be associated with positive mood and neuroticism with negative mood both pre- and post-exercise, and c) personality measures would interact with exercise-induced mood changes. METHODS: Participants were 90 female exercisers (M=25.8 y, SD=9.0 y) who completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory once and the Brunel Mood Scale before and after a 60-min exercise session. Median splits were used to group participants into 4 personality types: stable introverts (n=25), stable extroverts (n=20), neurotic introverts (n=26), and neurotic extroverts (n=19). RESULTS: Repeated measures MANOVA showed significant mood enhancement following exercise across all personality types. Neuroticism was associated with negative mood scores pre- and post-exercise but the effect of extroversion on reported mood was relatively weak. There was no significant interaction effect between exercise-induced mood enhancement and personality. CONCLUSIONS: Findings lend support to the notion that exercise is associated with improved mood. However, findings show that personality did not influence this effect, although neuroticism was associated with negative mood.

Psychological predictors of injury among elite athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To establish injury rates among a population of elite athletes, to provide normative data for psychological variables hypothesised to be predictive of sport injuries, and to establish relations between measures of mood, perceived life stress, and injury characteristics as a precursor to introducing a psychological intervention to ameliorate the injury problem. METHODS: As part of annual screening procedures, athletes at the Queensland Academy of Sport report medical and psychological status. Data from 845 screenings (433 female and 412 male athletes) were reviewed. Population specific tables of normative data were established for the Brunel mood scale and the perceived stress scale. RESULTS: About 67% of athletes were injured each year, and about 18% were injured at the time of screening. Fifty percent of variance in stress scores could be predicted from mood scores, especially for vigour, depression, and tension. Mood and stress scores collectively had significant utility in predicting injury characteristics. Injury status (current, healed, no injury) was correctly classified with 39% accuracy, and back pain with 48% accuracy. Among a subset of 233 uninjured athletes (116 female and 117 male), five mood dimensions (anger, confusion, fatigue, tension, depression) were significantly related to orthopaedic incidents over the preceding 12 months, with each mood dimension explaining 6-7% of the variance. No sex differences in these relations were found. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support suggestions that psychological measures have utility in predicting athletic injury, although the relatively modest explained variance highlights the need to also include underlying physiological indicators of allostatic load, such as stress hormones, in predictive models.

Motivation profiles in sport: a self-determination theory perspective.

The present study examined the link between motivation profiles among adult sports participants and the consequences of enjoyment, effort, positive and negative affect, attitude toward sport participation, intention to continue sport participation, satisfaction, and frequency of attendance in sport. Two samples of participants (n = 590 and n = 555) completed the Sport Motivation Scale and a range of self-report measures to assess the outcome variables. Exploratory cluster analyses applied to Sample 1 and confirmatory cluster analysis applied to Sample 2 identified two clusters of sport participants. The first comprised participants with high scores on both nonself-determined and self-determined motives. The second comprised participants with high scores on self-determined motives but low scores on nonself-determined motives. Participants in the first cluster scored higher on all outcome variables. The results are discussed with reference to a more in-depth understanding of the motivation dynamics of sport participation based on Self-Determination Theory.

Hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis of the Flow State Scale in exercise.

In this study, we examined the factor structure and internal consistency of the Flow State Scale using responses of exercise participants. This self-report questionnaire consists of nine subscales designed to assess flow in sport and physical activity. It was administered to 1231 aerobic dance exercise participants. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to test three competing measurement models of the flow construct: a single-factor model, a nine-factor model and a hierarchical model positing a higher-order flow factor to explain the intercorrelations between the nine first-order factors. The single-factor model showed a poor fit to the data. The nine-factor model and the hierarchical model did not show an adequate fit to the data. All subscales of the Flow State Scale displayed acceptable internal consistency (alpha > 0.70), with the exception of transformation of time (alpha = 0.65). Collectively, the present results do not provide support for the tenability of the single-factor, nine-factor or hierarchical measurement models in an exercise setting.

Development and validation of a mood measure for adolescents.

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a shortened version of the Profile of Mood States suitable for use with adolescents. The Profile of Mood States-Adolescents (POMS-A) was administered to 1693 participants from two populations: school children and young athletes. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factorial validity of a 24-item six-factor model using both independent and multi-sample analyses. Correlations of POMS-A scores with previously validated inventories, which were consistent with theoretical predictions, provided evidence of criterion validity. It is proposed that the POMS-A is a valid instrument for the assessment of mood in adolescents.

Development and initial validation of an instrument to assess the motivational qualities of music in exercise and sport: the Brunel Music Rating Inventory.

Equivocal results of the psychophysical effects of music have been explained in part by the insensitivity of researchers to important personal and situational variables when selecting music. The aim of the present study was to operationalize a conceptual framework for the prediction of psychophysical responses to music into a music rating inventory to assess the motivational qualities of music in exercise and sport environments. An initial item pool was developed and administered to 334 aerobics instructors. Exploratory factor analysis produced a 13-item, four-factor structure (association, musicality, cultural impact and rhythm response), which accounted for 59.2% of the variance. This model demonstrated acceptable fit indices when tested using confirmatory factor analysis on 314 exercise-to-music participants, and was better than an alternative two-factor model. When cross-validated using multisample confirmatory factor analysis, the model also showed an acceptable fit overall, although some invariance in the rhythm response factor was evident that can be attributed to the exclusive use of synchronous music by aerobics instructors. The Brunel Music Rating Inventory appears to be a valid and reliable tool for both researchers and practitioners to assess the motivational qualities of music in exercise and sport environments.

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factor structure of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) using confirmatory factor analysis. Volunteer participants (n = 1213) completed the CSAI-2 approximately 1 h before competition and the data were analysed in two samples. The hypothesized model showed poor fit indices in both samples independently (Robust Comparative Fit Index: sample A = 0.82, sample B = 0.84) and simultaneously (Comparative Fit Index = 0.83), suggesting that the factor structure proposed by Martens et al. is flawed. Our findings suggest that a limitation of the Cognitive Anxiety scale derives from phrasing items around the word 'concerned' rather than 'worried'. We suggest that being concerned about an impending performance does not necessarily mean that an athlete is experiencing negative thoughts, but that the athlete is acknowledging the importance and difficulty of the challenge and is attempting to mobilize resources to cope. The present results question the use of the CSAI-2 as a valid measure of competitive state anxiety.

Eating attitudes, body shape perceptions and mood of elite rowers.

The study assessed the influence of age, gender and weight category upon eating attitudes, body shape perceptions, and mood. Elite rowers (N = 103) participating in the 1996 World Championships or Great Britain National Championships completed the Eating Attitude Test (EAT), the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and a short form of the Profile of Mood States (POMS-C). Participants were grouped as lightweight (Female: < 59 kg, n = 19; Male: < 72.5 kg, n = 31) or heavyweight (Female: n = 25; Male: n = 28) competitors. Results showed higher EAT scores among the lightweight group, 12.0% of whom reported scores above the threshold associated with eating disorders. Body shape concerns were higher for heavyweights than lightweights and for females than males. The interaction effect was not significant. BSQ scores were negatively correlated with age. Depression, Confusion and Tension scores collectively predicted 37% of the variance in BSQ scores while Depression scores predicted 9% of the variance in EAT scores. The results provide further evidence that the risk of eating disorders among elite rowers is moderated by age, gender and weight category. Further, they suggest that measures of mood may help identify athletes at risk from eating disorders.

The influence of game location on athletes' psychological states.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between game location and precompetition psychological states. Male rugby players (N = 100) completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 and the Profile of Mood States approximately 1 hr before a home and an away game. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance of mood and anxiety scores indicated significant differences between home and away locations. Participants scored higher on Vigor and Self-confidence, and lower on Tension, Depression, Anger, Fatigue, Confusion, Cognitive Anxiety, and Somatic Anxiety when competing at home. The findings support the proposal (Courneya & Carron, 1992) that psychological states are influenced by game location.

Anxiety, self-confidence and performance in Tae Kwon-Do.

142 male Tae Kwon-do competitors completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 about 1 hr. before competition. Multivariate analysis of variance showed that the players who won reported lower cognitive and somatic anxiety and higher self-confidence than those who lost. Discriminant function analysis indicated that 89 (62.68%) participants could be correctly classified as winners or losers on the basis of their precompetition Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 scores. The findings concur with previous research in karate.

Effects of pretest stimulative and sedative music on grip strength.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of stimulative (energizing) and sedative (relaxing) music on grip strength. A 2 x 3 (gender x condition) repeated-measures analysis of variance and post hoc tests showed that participants (N = 50) evidenced higher grip strength after listening to stimulative music (M = 43.94 kg.force) than after sedative music or a white noise control condition. Sedative music yielded lower scores than white noise. Men evidenced higher grip strength than women, but there was no interaction between gender and music condition. It was concluded that a simple motoric task such as grip strength provides a sensitive measure of psychophysical responses to music.

Measures of anxiety among tennis players in singles and doubles matches.

Male and female tennis players (N = 100) completed the Competitive State Anxiety. Inventory-2 about 1 hr. before playing singles and doubles matches. Multivariate analysis of variance of anxiety and self-confidence responses by match result indicated that winners of singles matches had significantly lower scores on Cognitive Anxiety and higher ones on Self-confidence scores than losers. Winners of doubles matches had significantly higher Self-confidence scores than losers. Discriminant function analysis indicated that 72% of results for singles matches and 70% of results for doubles matches could be correctly classified from responses to the precompetition measures. A comparison of anxiety responses by playing condition indicated that, irrespective of the match outcome, scores on Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety were higher and scores on Self-confidence were lower before playing singles than before playing doubles. The findings suggest that precompetition scores on measures of anxiety provide significant indicators of performance in tennis but that responses vary for singles and doubles play.

Discriminant effectiveness of psychological state measures in predicting selection during field hockey trials.

Field hockey players (N = 128) completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 and the Profile of Mood States about 45 min. before a British Universities trial. Single-factor multivariate analysis of variance indicated no significant differences between selected and nonselected players for any preperformance mood or anxiety measure. Discriminant function analysis showed that 74 participants (57.81%) could be correctly classified as selected or nonselected players on the basis of preperformance mood scores. This figure rose to 83 participants (64.84%) when scores on the anxiety subscales were also included in the discriminant function analysis. Anxiety scores alone discriminated 71 participants (55.47%). These results concur with earlier proposals of Terry that psychological state measures decline in predictive effectiveness in long duration, open skill team sports.

Eating attitudes and body shape perceptions among elite rowers: effects of age, gender and weight category.

This study examined the influence of age, gender and weight category upon measures associated with eating disorders. Elite rowers (N = 124) participating in the 1994 Great Britain National Squad trials, completed the Eating Attitude Test (EAT) and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Subjects were grouped according to whether they competed in the Lightweight (Female: < 59 kg, N = 31; Male: < 72.5 kg, N = 31) or Heavyweight (Female: N = 31; Male: N = 31) category. Results revealed significantly higher EAT and BSQ scores among the Lightweight group, 16.2% of whom showed EAT scores above the threshold associated with eating disorders. Females showed significantly higher BSQ scores than males. The interaction effect was significant for BSQ, indicating a much greater increase in scores from heavyweight to lightweight for females than for males. EAT and BSQ scores were inversely correlated with age. These results suggest that the risk of eating disorders among elite rowers is mediated by age, gender and weight category.

Path analysis examining relationships among antecedents of anxiety, multidimensional state anxiety, and triathlon performance.

The study explored predictive paths for antecedents of anxiety, state anxiety responses, and performance. Male triathletes (N = 175) completed a modified Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 which included the original intensity scale and a direction scale of Jones and Swain. They also completed a 23-item Prerace Questionnaire which measured antecedents of anxiety among triathletes. Factor analysis of intercorrelations for the Prerace Questionnaire identified six factors similar to those found in 1995 by the present authors. Path analysis to predict state anxiety from antecedents of anxiety indicated that rated intensity of anxiety was predicted by the perceived difficulty of race goals and by perceived readiness. Direction of anxiety was predicted by coach's influence, recent form, and perceived readiness. Path analysis to predict performance from state-anxiety scores and antecedents of anxiety indicated that recent form predicted performance directly without mediation of anxiety responses. Anxiety scores did not predict performance. The findings support the notion that intensity and direction of anxiety responses have different antecedents.

Discriminant effectiveness of psychological state measures in predicting performance outcome in karate competition.

Male Shotokan karate players (karateka) (N = 208) completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 and the Profile of Mood States about 40 minutes before a competition. Single-factor multivariate analysis of variance of preperformance mood and anxiety scores indicated significant differences between winning and losing competitors. Winners scored higher on Vigor, Anger, and Self-confidence, and lower on Tension, Depression, Fatigue, Confusion, Cognitive Anxiety, and Somatic Anxiety. Discriminant function analysis showed that 91.96% of participants could be correctly classified as winners or losers on the basis of preperformance mood scores. This figure rose to 93.47% when scores on the anxiety subscales were also included in the discriminant function analysis. Anxiety scores alone produced 78.89% discrimination. Mood profiles for winning karateka were in line with the "mental health" profile of Morgan except for above-average scores on Anger. This result supports the view of McGowan and Miller that anger may facilitate performance in karate competition. The capacity of measures of psychological state to discriminate performance exceeds previous reports, suggesting that karate performance may be exceptionally mood-dependent. These results suggest that interventions which increase scores on Vigor and Anger and reduce scores on Tension, Depression, Fatigue, and Confusion may be particularly efficacious for Shotokan karate performance.

Coaching preferences of athletes.

The study examined the coaching preferences of 80 male and 80 female athletes, as measured by the Leadership Scale for Sports (Chelladurai and Saleh, 1978, 1980). In addition, it attempted to assess the applicability to sport of the Life-cycle and Path-goal theories of leadership. Comparisons between groups were made on the basis of sex, age, and type of sport. A MANOVA indicated that athletes in independent sports preferred more democratic behaviour (p less than .001) and less autocratic behaviour (p = .028) than athletes in interdependent sports. No differences in coaching preferences were found which could be attributed to the age or sex of the athlete, or the variability of the sports task. These results partially supported the Path-goal theory, but did not support the Life-cycle theory. Athletes of all groups tended to favour coaches who displayed training behaviour and rewarding behaviour "often", democratic behaviour and social support behaviour "occasionally", and autocratic behaviour "seldom". This consistency may be a useful finding for those organizations and institutions interested in preparing coaches.

The coaching preferences of elite athletes competing at Universiade '83.

The study investigated the coaching preferences of 95 male and 65 female elite athletes competing at Universiade '83 (Edmonton, Canada). Preferred coaching behaviour (PCB) was measured using a version of the Leadership Scale for Sports (Chelladurai and Saleh, 1978, 1980). Preference scores were analyzed on the basis of sex, age, nationality, and type of sport. A MANOVA indicated that males prefer significantly more Autocratic behaviour than females (p = .039). Also, athletes in team sports prefer significantly more Training behaviour (p = .001), Autocratic behaviour (p less than .001), and Rewarding behaviour (p = .017), and significantly less Democratic behaviour (p less than .001) and Social Support behaviour (p = .002) than athletes in individual sports. No significant differences in PCB attributable to the age or nationally of the athlete were found. In addition, data collected in a previous study (Terry and Howe, 1984), which examined the PCB of 'club' athletes, was included to facilitate a comparison of club v elite athletes. A MANOVA showed that elite athletes prefer significantly more Democratic behaviour (p = .01) and Social Support behaviour (p = .001), and significantly less Rewarding behaviour (p = .01) than athletes at a 'club' level. Although differences between subject groups were found, it can be concluded that athletes generally tend to favour coaches who "often" display Training behaviour and Rewarding behaviour, "occasionally" display Democratic behaviour and Social Support behaviour, and "seldom" display Autocratic behaviour.