This position paper examines decision-making in sport psychology practitioners from a dual processing perspective. Based on the work of Kahneman and Tversky, we draw upon cognitive and social psychology research to explore key decision-making vulnerabilities in the context of the sport psychology practitioner. We examine the influence of classic heuristics and biases, exploring issues such as: an exclusive focus on the inside view; tunnel vision; focusing on disposition as opposed to situation; the sport environment as a complex adaptive system; formulas for success; phase transitions; and conflating skill and luck. When considering how to combat such decision-making vulnerabilities, we explore a 'counterintuitive' approach developed by Mauboussin to mitigating these, and explain how sport psychology practitioners can apply such strategies. We suggest counterweight strategies, including: raising awareness of how biases and heuristics may be affecting our decision-making; diversifying our perspectives; proactively seeking critical feedback from diverse sources; creating useful checklists; and performing 'pre-mortems'. Likewise, we explore strategies for future research on decision-making in sport psychology practitioners. Lay summary: This position paper draws on research from social, cognitive and sport psychology to explore key decision-making vulnerabilities in the context of the sport psychology practitioner. We provide evidence-based suggestions to mitigate these vulnerabilities, and strategies for how practitioners can apply these ideas in their practice.Implications for PracticeA dual-processing approach has considerable potential for highlighting, and mitigating against, key decision-making vulnerabilities in sport psychology practitionersThe systematic use of evidence-based strategies could greatly enhance decision-making quality in practitioners.
Meta-analysis has become commonplace within sport and exercise science for synthesising and summarising empirical studies. However, most research in the field focuses upon mean effects, particularly the effects of interventions to improve outcomes such as fitness or performance. It is thought that individual responses to interventions vary considerably. Hence, interest has increased in exploring precision or personalised exercise approaches. Not only is the mean often affected by interventions, but variation may also be impacted. Exploration of variation in studies such as randomised controlled trials (RCTs) can yield insight into interindividual heterogeneity in response to interventions and help determine generalisability of effects. Yet, larger samples sizes than those used for typical mean effects are required when probing variation. Thus, in a field with small samples such as sport and exercise science, exploration of variation through a meta-analytic framework is appealing. Despite the value of embracing and exploring variation alongside mean effects in sport and exercise science, it is rarely applied to research synthesis through meta-analysis. We introduce and evaluate different effect size calculations along with models for meta-analysis of variation using relatable examples from resistance training RCTs.
Introduction: Understanding the impact of lockdown upon RT, and how people adapted their RT behaviours, is expected to have implications for strategies to maintain engagement in positive health behaviours such as this during-restrictive pandemic-related public health measures. Further, doing so will provide a baseline for investigation of the long-term effects of these measures upon behaviours and perceptions and facilitate future follow-up study. Objectives: To determine how the onset of coronavirus (COVID-19), and the associated ‘lockdown’, affected resistance training (RT) behaviours, in addition to motivation, perceived effectiveness, enjoyment, and intent to continue, in those who regularly performed resistance training RT prior to the pandemic. Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study using online surveys in multiple languages (English, Danish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Slovakian, Swedish, and Japanese) distributed across social media platforms and through authors professional and personal networks. Adults ( n = 5389 after data cleaning; median age = 31 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 25, 38]), who were previously engaged in RT prior to lockdown (median prior RT experience = 7 years [IQR = 4, 12]) participated. Outcomes were self-reported RT behaviours including: continuation of RT during lockdown, location of RT, purchase of specific equipment for RT, method of training (e.g. alone, supervision etc.), full-body or split routine, types of training, repetition ranges, exercise number, set volumes (per exercise and muscle group), weekly frequency of training, perception of effort, whether training was planned/recorded, time of day, and training goals. Secondary outcomes included motivation, perceived effectiveness, enjoyment, and intent to continue RT. Results: A majority of individuals (82.8%) maintained participation in some form of RT during-lockdown. Marginal probabilities from generalised linear models and generalised estimating equations of engaging in certain RT behaviours were largely similar from pre-to during-lockdown (particularly numbers of exercises, sets per exercise or muscle group, and weekly frequencies). There was reduced probability of training in privately owned gyms (~59% to ~7%) and increased probability
Background: Resistance training has well-documented health benefits; however, participation and adherence remain overwhelmingly low. Supervision has been evidenced to improve adherence, and produce favourable adaptations compared to unsupervised resistance training. A recent exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis on supervision during resistance training noted a lack of clarity as to the purpose/intent of the supervisor within the body of literature. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted in English and distributed primarily across social media platforms and through the authors’ personal and professional networks. The aim of the survey was to compare the perceptions of supervision between trainers and trainees. Secondary outcomes included exploratory analyses of the impact of training experience, sex of participant, and comparison based on supervision type. Results: 468 participants completed all elements of the survey (68% male, 32% female). Of which 236 were personal trainers/strength coaches, and 232 were trainees. In brief, descriptive data from the survey suggest that trainers perceived supervision as more important than trainees for the characteristics and variables measured. Females perceived supervision in resistance training as more important than males. Trainees who engage in supervised resistance training reported supervision to be more important compared to those training alone or with a training partner. Technical coaching was reported to be the most important characteristic of supervision. Finally, trainers and trainees engaging in supervised strength training reported lower injury rates compared to those strength training unsupervised or with a training partner. Qualitative data are presented regarding perceptions of how and why supervision should differ based on sex, age, and experience, as well as reporting injury experiences. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the perceived benefits of supervision vary based on population. We posit that the present data have implications for both trainers and trainees, which might serve to strengthen a relationship by aligning roles and realising goals in supervised resistance training. Further, this data might provide insight and prompt future research as to how to engage more people into resistance training.
1.Introduction There is a growing body of research supporting the idea that a plethora of health benefits can result from resistance training using a low volume,high-effort approach(e.g.,increased metabolic rate and bone mineral density,a reduction in blood pressure,and improved muscle quality and insulin sensitivity,among others 1,2 ).Further,muscular strength and muscle mass—primary goals and benefits of participation in resistance training—are independently strong predictors of longevity and quality of life. 3,4 Thus,many have sought to identify how the manipulation of resistance training variables might lead to "optimal" adaptations in such outcomes,
Research has shown that motor imagery (MI) interventions, involving the systematic and repeated imagination of visual and kinaesthetic components of movements, can enhance performance in sport. Twenty years ago, Holmes and Collins (2001) published the PETTLEP model as a framework to improve the delivery and outcome of MI interventions. The model outlined seven principles to be considered when designing effective imagery interventions: Physical, Environment, Task, Timing, Learning, Emotion, Perspective (i.e., PETTLEP). The incorporation of these principles within MI interventions was assumed to facilitate performance through the optimisation of a functional equivalence between the neurophysiological substrates of motor preparation and execution, and that of MI. Since its conception, this model has become a standard for many in the delivery of imagery interventions in sport and has been corroborated through research and practice. This 20-year review first covers the reach and impact of this influential model and the more recent empirical investigations related to PETTLEP. We then outline how PETTLEP-based imagery may be integrated with action observation to support an increasingly popular approach to the delivery of imagery interventions in sport. Research indicates that combining these two simulation states can enhance sport performance whilst also providing the sport psychologist more control over the imagery experience than is possible through traditional imagery interventions. This article discusses the application of PETTLEP within a combined action observation and imagery framework and provides guidance for sport psychologists for the creation of new PETTLEP-informed interventions.
Background: Since many people choose to perform resistance training unsupervised, and a lack of supervision within strength training is reported to result in inadequate workout quality, we aimed to compare outcomes for resistance training with and without supervision. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed for performance/functional outcomes and/or body composition measurements. Results: 12 studies were included in the review; 301 and 276 participants were in supervised and unsupervised groups, respectively. The main model for all performance/function effects revealed a small, standardised point estimate favouring SUP (0.28 [95%CI = 0.02 to 0.55]). For sub-grouped outcome types, there was very poor precision of robust estimates for speed, power, function, and endurance. However, for strength there was a moderate effect favouring SUP (0.40 [95%CI = 0.06 to 0.74]). The main model for all body composition effects revealed a trivial standardised point estimate favouring SUP (0.07 [95%CI = -0.01 to 0.15]). Conclusions: Supervised resistance training, compared to unsupervised training, might produce a small effect on increases in performance/function, most likely in strength, but has little impact on body composition outcomes.
Introduction: Understanding the impact of lockdown upon RT, and how people adapted their RT behaviours, is expected to have implications for strategies to maintain engagement in positive health behaviours such as this during- restrictive pandemic-related public health measures. Further, doing so will provide a baseline for investigation of the long-term effects of these measures upon behaviours and perceptions and facilitate future follow-up study. Objectives: To determine how the onset of coronavirus (COVID-19), and the associated ‘lockdown’, affected resistance training (RT) behaviours, in addition to motivation, perceived effectiveness, enjoyment, and intent to continue, in those who regularly performed resistance training RT prior to the pandemic. Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study using online surveys in multiple languages (English, Danish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Slovakian, Swedish, and Japanese) distributed across social media platforms and through authors professional and personal networks. Adults (n = 5389 after data cleaning; median age = 31 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 25, 38]), who were previously engaged in RT prior to lockdown (median prior RT experience = 7 years [IQR = 4, 12]) participated. Outcomes were self-reported RT behaviours including: continuation of RT during lockdown, location of RT, purchase of specific equipment for RT, method of training (e.g. alone, supervision etc.), full-body or split routine, types of training, repetition ranges, exercise number, set volumes (per exercise and muscle group), weekly frequency of training, perception of effort, whether training was planned/recorded, time of day, and training goals. Secondary outcomes included motivation, perceived effectiveness, enjoyment, and intent to continue RT. Results: A majority of individuals (82.8%) maintained participation in some form of RT during- lockdown. Marginal probabilities from generalised linear models and generalised estimating equations of engaging in certain RT behaviours were largely similar from pre- to during- lockdown (particularly numbers of exercises, sets per exercise or muscle group, and weekly frequencies). There was reduced probability of training in privately owned gyms (~59% to ~7%) and increased probability of training at home (~18% to ~89%); greater probability of training using a full-body routine (~38% to ~51%); reduced probability of resistance machines (~66% to ~13%) and free weight use (~96% to ~81%), and increased probability of bodyweight training (~62% to ~82%); reduced probability of moderate repetition ranges (~62-82% to ~55-66%) and greater probability of higher repetition ranges (~27% to ~49%); and moderate reduction in the perception of effort experienced during- training (r = 0.31). Further, individuals were slightly less likely to plan or record training during- lockdown and many changed their training goals as a result of lockdown. Additionally, perceived effectiveness, enjoyment, and likelihood of continuing current training were all lower during- lockdown. Conclusions: Those engaged in RT prior to lockdown appeared mostly able to maintain these behaviours with only slight adaptations in both the location and types of training performed. However, people employed less effort, had lower motivation, and perceived training as less effective and enjoyable, reporting that their likelihood of continuing current training was similar or lower than pre- lockdown. These results have implications for strategies to maintain engagement in positive health behaviours such as RT during- restrictive pandemic-related public health measures.
Purpose: It has been suggested that the media influences beliefs regarding ideal body appearance and drive for muscularity whilst also offering recommendations for achieving this; most commonly heavy load free weight resistance training (RT). However, evidence for media effects are inconsistent in the literature. This study investigated this ‘lift big-get big’ culture and effects of imagery on males’ beliefs regarding RT. Method: An online survey was conducted with male participants (N = 110) randomised to different images (hyper-muscular/lean/control) and RT information (‘lift big-get big’/‘evidence based RT’/control). Results: Descriptive data suggested belief in necessity of heavy loads and free weights was pervasive. There was a small significant effect of condition for multivariate analysis of beliefs regarding RT. Univariate analyses showed significant effects of condition regarding the importance of free weights and heavy loads for strength, and free weights for hypertrophy. Small to moderate effects were found comparing ‘evidence-based RT’ with a hyper-muscular physique to ‘lift big-get big’ conditions with both hyper-muscular and lean physiques, the latter more likely to agree free weights and heavy loads are necessary for strength. A small effect was found comparing ‘lift big-get big’ conditions with both hyper-muscular and lean physiques and the control condition, the former more likely to agree free weights are necessary for hypertrophy. Conclusions: Although hyper-muscular bodies alone did not influence RT beliefs, new information i.e. ‘evidence-based RT’ combined with a hyper-muscular physique had a small effect. The ‘lift big-get big’ culture is perhaps pervasive enough that most conditions merely reinforced existing beliefs.
Abstract Purpose Investigate the impact of 12-weeks’ moderate-intensity resistance training on psychological parameters in ambulatory adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and Limb–girdle muscular dystrophy. Methods Seventeen adults with Facioscapulohumeral (n = 6), Limb–girdle (n = 6; types 2A, 2B, 2L, and 2I), or Becker (n = 5) muscular dystrophy took part. Participants were tested at baseline (PRE), after a 12-week control period (PRE2), and after a 12-week supervised resistance training programme (POST). Training included multi-joint and single-joint resistance exercises. Outcomes from self-report questionnaires were health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, self-esteem, and physical self-worth. Results No difference in outcome measures, except depressive symptoms, was found in the control period (PRE to PRE2). Symptoms of depression were reduced by 9% from PRE to PRE2 (p < 0.05) and by a further 19% from PRE2 to POST (p < 0.05). Other changes from PRE2 to POST were that trait anxiety reduced by 10%, self-esteem increased by 10%, physical self-worth increased by 20%, and quality of life improved in 8 domains (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings demonstrate the positive impact of moderate-intensity resistance training on psychological health and quality of life in adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and Limb–girdle muscular dystrophies. Implications for rehabilitation Resistance training can have a positive impact on psychological health and quality of life in adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and Limb–girdle muscular dystrophy. Healthcare professionals should consider including moderate-intensity resistance training within the management and treatment programmes of adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and Limb–girdle muscular dystrophy.
The impacts of potentially treatable psychological parameters on quality of life are relatively unreported in adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker and Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. The purpose of this study was to compare quality of life, psychological parameters, and physical function between adults with muscular dystrophy and controls, and to examine relationships among these parameters in muscular dystrophy. Twenty-one adults with muscular dystrophy (n = 7 Becker, n = 8 Facioscapulohumeral, n = 6 Limb-girdle) and ten age-matched controls participated. Outcome measures were health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, self-esteem, physical self-worth and six-minute walk distance. Quality of life scores were lower in the muscular dystrophy groups than the control (p <.05). Depressive symptoms had the greatest association with quality of life in the Mental Health domain (r= -0.89, p <.001). Depressive symptoms also had the most associations with quality of life (7 of 10 domains), followed by trait anxiety (6 of 10 domains), physical self-worth (5 of 10 domains), self-esteem (4 of 10 domains) and six-minute walk distance (3 of 10 domains). Psychological parameters and, to a lesser extent, physical function impact quality of life in muscular dystrophy. This study provides a rationale to include psychological assessment and treatment within muscular dystrophy healthcare. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Objectives: The accepted wisdom within resistance training is that differing loads and corresponding repetition maximum (RM) ranges are optimal for inducing specific adaptations. For example, prominent organizations and their respective publications have typically prescribed heavy loads for maximal strength increases ( ≥ 85% 1RM/ ≤ 6RM), more moderate loads for hypertrophy (67-85% 1RM/6-12RM) and lighter loads for local muscular endurance (LME; ≤ 67% 1RM/ ≥ 12RM). Since we believe these recommendations originate from a misunderstanding and misinterpretation of DeLorme’s strength-endurance continuum, the aim of this narrative review is to discuss the preponderance of research surrounding training load and strength and LME adaptations. Design & Methods: Narrative Review Results: The current body of literature fails to support recommendations for the use of specific loads for specific strength, hypertrophy or LME adaptations. Furthermore, that the strength-endurance continuum originally presented by DeLorme was never intended to compare the use of heavier- and lighter-load resistance training, but rather to consider the adaptations to strength training and aerobically based endurance exercise. Finally, a lack of clarity considering absolute- and relative- LME has confounded understanding of this adaptation. Conclusions: The body of research supports that absolute LME appears to adapt as a result of maximal strength increases. However, relative LME shows minimal response to strength training with either heavier- or lighter-loads. We present the limitations of the current body of research and promote specifically detailed recent research as well as the importance of generality of strength and LME in both sporting and real-world settings.
One of the most valuable skill sets developed in nurse education is the ability to develop the clinical and practical skills learned. This can take various forms such as university-based practice, simulation and direct experience with patients. To this end imagery, a process where all of the senses are used to create or recreate an experience in the mind, could represent simulated practice of clinical skills. Research on imagery has indicated that the technique, when used to assist in the performance of skill based procedures carried out by nurses can be beneficial. However, guidelines are lacking in this area of simulated practice. In this article, we review current research on the topic of imagery in enhancing skilled performance and outline a model that can assist in conducting interventions. Furthermore, we consider how this could be implemented within a nursing environment to produce beneficial performance effects in both pre-registration and registered nurses.
The cause of muscle damage and injury is often attributed to large strains. Studies have suggested that strain is the principal cause of muscle damage rather than force. In this paper we show that force is the principal cause of muscle damage whereas strain is a means of increasing force. The subtle difference has important implications, as many studies use strain as an indicator for injury risk. In addition, we show that the data better supports a theory of stress as the principal cause of injury, rather than force alone, and aligns with both the myofibril and observational data. The implications of a stress-based model of injury is discussed within the paper.
Objective. Loss of disc height is commonly associated with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Isolated lumbar extension (ILEX) exercise for the lumbar extensors is recommended to treat CLBP and is suggested such exercise might promote disc healing and regeneration. This study examined a 12-week ILEX intervention on indirect determination of disc height and shrinkage through seated stadiometry, strength, pain, and disability. Design. A quasi-experimental wait-list controlled design was used. Nine participants underwent pretesting (T1), a 12-week control period, retesting (T2), a 12-week intervention period, and finally posttesting (T3). Seated stadiometry, ILEX strength, pain, and disability were measured at each time point. Results. No significant repeated-measures effects for any seated stadiometry variables occurred. Significant improvement across the intervention period (T2 to T3) was found for strength (P <0.0001; effect size [ES] = 2.42). Change in pain was not significant for repeated effects (P = 0.064); however, ES for the intervention period (T2 to T3) was moderate (ES = -0.77). Change in disability was significant between time point T1 and T3 (P = 0.037) and ES for the intervention period (T2 to T3) was large (ES = -0.92). Pain and disability achieved minimal clinically important changes. Conclusions. This is apparently the first study to examine disc change in vivo after exercise in CLBP. Results of the present study, though supporting ILEX resistance training to improve strength, pain, and disability, did not find any effect on spinal height.