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At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1991

Body build and performance characteristics of male adolescent track and field athletes.

Body build and performance characteristics were studied in 38 elite young male track and field athletes. The athletes were classed into 4 groups depending on their chosen event: Sprinters/Hurdlers (SPR), Jumpers (JUMP), Throwers (THR) and middle distance runners (MD). Performance characteristics investigated were vertical jump (VJ), the Margaria stair run (MARG) and the Wingate Test (WING). Analysis of variance results showed THR to be significantly different from other groups in body build and MD to be significantly different from other groups in performance characteristics. Further investigation revealed that in the 4 groups studied, body weight and vertical jump height are 2 simple measures of differentiating between event participation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1975

Computer generated track and field scoring tables: II. Theoretical foundation and development of a model.

An investigation is made into the subject of scoring tables for track and field with emphasis on the application of computers to calculate and output the tables. The resulting scoring tables represent an attempt to describe the effective quality of performance for track and field events. This paper is published in three parts. The first portion reviewed the historical development of scoring tables. This part concerns the theoretical foundation and development of a mathematical model. A set of underlying principles and construction guidelines are established as a basis for all scoring tables. In order to satisfy the goals, a model which includes an exponential term is developed. The concept of a zero offset is introduced as a boundary value for the low-level performances. The final part concerns an evaluation of the model and an analysis of the point scores for different events.

Computers↗

PubMed1997

Laboratory simulator and field pursuit tracking performance with females and males in the presence of laser glare.

BACKGROUND: The developments in laser technology have increased the precision of many tasks and has made the presence of lasers common-place. In the military the pervasive use of laser devices in uncontrolled environments enhances the potential for human exposure. The visual disruption experienced during these exposures could lead to serious injury or disruption of performance. Characterization of changes in visual-motor performance of military personnel exposed to safe levels of laser glare assists in minimizing mission performance decrements. METHODS: There were 18 female and male military personnel who performed a tracking task in the field and in the laboratory. Two systems were used to assess possible gender differences inherent to the operation of each unit. There were six, 3-s laser trials presented at an irradiance of 400 microW.cm-2 during 15 bright light and 15 simulated dawn/dusk trials with each system. The laser beam on the retina was collinear with the image on the sight. Maximum absolute error (MAE) and total time-off-target (TTOT) scores were determined. RESULTS: Analysis showed that after the flash females tended to lead and males lagged behind the target. No significant differences in MAE or TTOT scores attributable to gender were found. Dawn/dusk flash trials produced greater disruption of pursuit tracking than did bright light trials. Repeated flash exposures showed either an adaptive or a cumulative response. CONCLUSIONS: Significant visual disruption was found following exposure to "safe" levels of laser light and this effect was increased during simulated dawn/dusk conditions. The degree of performance decrement was not related to gender.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The incidence and distribution of stress fractures in competitive track and field athletes. A twelve-month prospective study.

The incidence and distribution of stress fractures were evaluated prospectively over 12 months in 53 female and 58 male competitive track and field athletes (age range, 17 to 26 years). Twenty athletes sustained 26 stress fractures for an overall incidence rate of 21.1%. The incidence was 0.70 for the number of stress fractures per 1000 hours of training. No differences were observed between male and female rates (P > 0.05). Twenty-six stress fractures composed 20% of the 130 musculoskeletal injuries sustained during the study. Although there was no difference in stress fracture incidence among athletes competing in different events (P > 0.05), sprints, hurdles, and jumps were associated with a significantly greater number of foot fractures; middle- and long-distance running were associated with a greater number of long bone and pelvic fractures (P < 0.05). Overall, the most common sites of bone injuries were the tibia with 12 injuries (46%), followed by the navicular with 4 injuries (15%), and the fibula with 3 injuries (12%). The high incidence of stress fractures in our study suggests that risk factors in track and field athletes should be identified.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1976

Androgyny of physique in female track and field athletes.

Androgyny scores (3 x biacromial breadth - bicristal breadth) were calculated for 66 female track and field five event categories and 76 female non-athletes. Runners (distance and sprinters) did not differ significantly from the non-athletes in androgyny. However, jumpers, discus/javelin throwers, and shotputters were significantly more androgynous in physique. Androgyny scores for participants in jumping and throwing events overlapped considerably those for college-age males.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Older women track and field athletes have enhanced calcaneal stiffness.

Vigorous weight-bearing exercise is recommended to women as a method of osteoporosis prevention. This study examined older women athletes to see if they indeed were less likely to develop osteoporosis than those in the general population, and to investigate which factors could have contributed to these results. One hundred and thirty-nine women 40-88 years old, all competitors in a USA National Masters Track and Field Championships, volunteered for the study. Masters refers to competitors > or =40 years old. Their calcaneal stiffness (SI) was measured by a Lunar Achilles+ ultrasonometer. Subjects were also measured for height and weight, and completed a questionnaire on exercise history, diet, lifestyle factors, medical and menopausal issues, and use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The women, mean age 57.3 years, had an overall average SI of 99.5 (T-score = 0.04) which is equivalent to that of a 20-year-old woman and 20.8% higher than expected for women of their age. Their median SI remained not different from expected peak bone SI until the age of 70. For analysis, this cohort of women was divided into two groups: premenopausal and postmenopausal athletes. The SI of both groups was correlated with the earliest age at which they had first participated in sports or exercises that impart moderate to high strain rates to the lower limbs and with current participation in high impact track and field events. Variables correlated with SI in the general population, such as weight, HRT, previous fracture, hysterectomy, and current menopausal status, did not predict SI in this cohort. In conclusion, women competing in Masters track and field at the national level had calcaneal stiffness substantially higher than expected for women of their age in the general population, and their participation in vigorous sports and activities, either currently or at a younger age, was predictive of this association.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Track and field athletics injuries--a one-year survey.

The training programmes and competitive performances of 147 track and field athletes, from many different clubs within the UK, were analysed retrospectively in order to study the incidence, severity and types of injuries which they had suffered during the year September 1989-September 1990. This information was then related to the particular event in which they specialized as well as a number of hypothetical risk factors proposed for making them more prone to injury. Of the athletes 96 (65.3%) were male and 51 (34.7%) were female, and their ages ranged from 14 to 32 years, with their levels of competition ranging from 'competitive spectators' to UK internationals. A marked correlation was noted between their age, level of competition, number of supervised training sessions which they attended, and their incidence of injuries. However, certain other factors which were studied, such as their sex, the hours they trained, and the particular event in which they specialized appeared to provide no obvious relationship.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Acute lateral ankle sprains in track and field athletes: an expanded classification.

We present a longitudinal observational study on classification of acute lateral ankle ligament injuries in track and field athletes, based on objective criteria. These very common and sometimes troublesome sports injuries are treated functionally, but there is a lack in international literature on predicting the time needed for full recovery. Taking into consideration (1) active range of motion, (2) edema, (3) stress radiographs findings, and (4) full rehabilitation time, we divided grade III sprains in IIIA and IIIB, proposing that these injuries can be classified in four categories (I, II, IIA, IIIB). The range of motion-edema-stress radiographs classification that we propose evaluates the severity of lateral ankle injuries, is an easy and practical method, and predicts full return in athletic activities without residual complaints, if the proper rehabilitation program is executed.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1999

Nutritional intake of elite Japanese track-and-field athletes.

Mean daily intakes of energy and nutrients were surveyed from 3-day food records for 62 elite Japanese track-and-field athletes (28 males and 34 females) selected to participate in the 1994 Asian Championship games held in Hiroshima, Japan. Mean energy intakes of male and female athletes were 3,141 kcal (+/-592) and 2,508 kcal (+/-537), respectively. Based on the Japanese Recommended Dietary Allowances (JRDAs), long-distance and middle-distance runners had significantly higher energy and macronutrient intakes than did sprinters, jumpers, and throwers. There was no significant difference in micronutrient intake among the different types of athletes. However, of the sprinters, jumpers, and throwers, 15 males (54%) and 22 females (65%) consumed less than the JRDA for at least one micronutrient (i.e., vitamin or mineral). For some athletes, nutritional counseling that provides strategies for increasing food intake is recommended to optimize nutrient intake.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Self-perception in elite collegiate female gymnasts, cross-country runners, and track-and-field athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare self-perception between a group of competitive, elite female collegiate athletes (participating in gymnastics, cross country, and track and field) and a group of female political science students (nonathletic control subjects). We hypothesized that the athletic group would rate athletics as more important than would the nonathletic group, that the perception of athletic competence would correlate positively with self-worth for athletes only, and that the perception of athletic competence would have a stronger influence on self-worth in the athletic group. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The Self-perception Profile for College Students was completed by 32 athletes and 13 nonathletes. This profile measures 12 subscales plus Global Self-worth independently and generates scores that reflect the subject's perceived importance of and competence in each of the subscale areas. RESULTS: The athletes rated athletics as more important than did nonathletes, although this trend was nonsignificant when adjusted for age. As age increased, the importance of athletics decreased for both groups. There was a direct relationship between perceived athletic competence and self-worth for the athletes but not for the nonathletes. Variables that accounted for the Global Self-worth score in athletes were perceptions of Competence subscales for Appearance, Social Acceptance, Friendship, and Job. Variables that accounted for the Global Self-worth scores in the nonathletes were perceptions of Competence subscales for Romance, Morality, Humor, and Appearance. The athletic group had significantly lower Global Self-worth scores than the nonathletic group. CONCLUSIONS: The female athletes in this study derived a large component of their self-worth from their perceived athletic competence. Clinicians should bear in mind the relative importance of athletics to young female athletes and the relationship of perceived athletic ability to self-worth when treating these individuals.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Optimal and predicted anxiety in 9-12-year-old track and field athletes.

In an effort to determine the applicability of individual zone of optimal functioning (IZOF) theory in young athletes, state anxiety was assessed in 40 track and field athletes (20 male and 20 female) from 9 to 12 years of age. Optimal anxiety was determined by having participants complete the state-trait anxiety scale for children (STAIC) with instructions to recall how anxious they felt prior to their best performance of the season. Twenty-four hours prior to three 'more important' and three 'less important' track meets, participants completed the STAIC under instructions to predict how anxious they would feel 1 h prior to the upcoming track meet. Actual precompetition anxiety was assessed 1 h prior to each meet. Self-ratings of performance were collected following each meet in which the athletes competed. Athletes were grouped by age (younger, 9-10 years old); (older, 11-12 years old) and by gender for analysis. Analysis by independent t-tests indicated that predicted and actual precompetition anxiety values did not differ for either age or gender for the more important meets. However, the 11-12-year-old girls had higher (P<0.05) predicted and actual anxiety values in the 'less important' meets than all other groups. Significant correlations (P<0.05) between predicted and actual precompetition anxiety occurred in all groups for both the less important and more important meets (r=0.66-0.97), with the exception of the 9-10-year-old girls for less important meets (r=0.38, P>0.05). Of all the participants, 26% reported performing best when anxiety values were in the high range. Self-ratings of performance were not lower (P>0.05) in cases in which the athlete experienced high levels of precompetition anxiety. In summary, the present findings indicate that several aspects of IZOF theory apply to preadolescent athletes.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1982

"Biorhythms" and men's track and field world records.

The claims that athletic performance, like all human behavior, are governed by three invariant "biorhythms" were tested for all men's metric world records in track and field from 1913-1977 (N = 700). Outstanding performances are said to occur during positive cycle phases; and poor performances, errors of judgment, and accidents, during the negative phases and particularly at crossover points (critical days). "Biorhythm" amplitudes were calculated, and a chi-square (X2) analysis was used to compare the frequencies of records occurring in the positive, negative, and critical phases of each cycle with a random model. The phase-distribution of records within each individual cycle fit the random model (X2 less than or equal to 2.22, P greater than 0.30). The combined effects of the three cycles, determined from the mean "biorhythm" amplitude (X2 = 1.30, P greater than 0.20) and the number of cycles in each phase (X2 = 3.50, P greater than 0.30), also showed no significant departure from the expected frequencies. The number of records broken on single or multiple critical days was as expected from the number of critical days in ech cycle (X2 = 3.37, P greater than 0.15). These data reinforce our previous study on Australian records and the preponderance of acceptable published research into sports, accidents, and medical data in that they provide no evidence of the existence or effects of "biorhythms."

Circadian Rhythm↗

PubMed1996

Variability in precompetition anxiety and performance in college track and field athletes.

The influence of anxiety on sport performance was examined using the inverted-U hypothesis and Zone of Optimal Function (ZOF) theory. Sixty-seven collegiate track and field athletes completed versions of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to determine baseline state anxiety, recalled best anxiety, and precompetition anxiety. Precompetition state anxiety was determined 1 h before competition in four meets. Three variants of the inverted-U hypothesis were examined: 1) task-specific anxiety, 2) individualized median precompetition anxiety, and 3) mean precompetition anxiety. For ZOF, optimal anxiety was established from anxiety scores based on recalled best performance. Subjects were grouped as either inside or outside of optimal anxiety levels according to inverted-U or ZOF criteria. Mean group performance was determined by transforming individual results using intra- and interindividual standards. ANOVA revealed that subjects possessing optimal anxiety according to inverted-U criteria performed no better (P > 0.05) than cases outside optimal. Subjects with precompetition anxiety values within their individual ZOF performed significantly (P < 0.05) better than cases with anxiety outside ZOF for all contrasts. The largest (P < 0.05) performance decrements resulted when anxiety was within a 1 SD range above or below ZOF. These results indicate that ZOF theory was more efficacious than the variants of the inverted-U hypothesis examined.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Mood profiles of Masters track and field athletes.

In several studies attributing positive health benefits to running, the benefits include reduced depression, fatigue, anger, and increased vigor. Until now, little research has focused on Masters track and field athletes. The present study reports on 587 men and women Masters who participated in a mailed survey measuring mood states using the Profile of Mood States. In comparison to other groups of athletes, these Masters tend to be less depressed, less angry, and less fatigued. Attribution to lifestyle and maturity with their sport is discussed.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Risk factors for stress fractures in track and field athletes. A twelve-month prospective study.

The aim of this 12-month prospective study was to investigate risk factors for stress fractures in a cohort of 53 female and 58 male track and field athletes, aged 17 to 26 years. Total bone mineral content, regional bone density, and soft tissue composition were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and anthropometric techniques. Menstrual characteristics, current dietary intake, and training were assessed using questionnaires. A clinical biomechanical assessment was performed by a physical therapist. The incidence of stress fractures during the study was 21.1% with most injuries located in the tibia. Of the risk factors evaluated, none was able to predict the occurrence of stress fractures in men. However, in female athletes, significant risk factors included lower bone density, a history of menstrual disturbance, less lean mass in the lower limb, a discrepancy in leg length, and a lower fat diet. Multiple logistic regression revealed that age of menarche and calf girth were the best independent predictors of stress fractures in women. This bivariate model correctly assigned 80% of the female athletes into their respective stress fracture or nonstress fracture groups. These results suggest that it may be possible to identify female athletes most at risk for this overuse bone injury.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Risk factors for stress fractures in female track-and-field athletes: a retrospective analysis.

The incidence and nature of stress fractures and the relationship of potential risk factors to stress-fracture history were investigated retrospectively in a group of 53 female competitive track-and-field athletes. Forty-five stress fractures, diagnosed by clinical findings and bone scan, radiograph, or CT scan, were reported in 22 women. Tibial fractures were the most common (33%). There was no significant difference in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and tibia/fibula or in percentage body fat and total lean mass when comparing the groups with and without a stress-fracture history. Athletes with a past stress fracture were significantly older at menarche and were more likely to have experienced a history of menstrual disturbance (p < 0.05). Analysis of dietary behavior found that athletes with stress fractures scored significantly higher on the EAT-40 test and were more likely to engage in restrictive eating patterns and dieting. Multiple logistic regression showed that athletes with a history of oligomenorrhea were six times more likely to have sustained a stress fracture in the past, while those who were careful about their weight were eight times more likely. Prevention and treatment of stress fractures in female athletes should include a thorough assessment of menstrual characteristics and dietary patterns.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1993

Relationship between hamstring strains and leg muscle strength. A follow-up study of collegiate track and field athletes.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship between hamstring strains and leg muscle strength. The bilateral isometric extensions and flexion maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of knee and hip were measured among 64 collegiate track and field athletes (128 legs). The values of MVC per body-weight, flexion to extension ratio and bilateral legs imbalance index were calculated as the parameters for the investigation. The follow-up research was performed within the following two years. Among the 64 subjects (128 legs): 26 subjects (31 legs), 24.2 percent had suffered from hamstring strains. Then, the subjects were divided into injured (31 legs) and uninjured (97 legs) groups respectively. The parameters of the lower extremities measured at the beginning were compared for the two groups. The different rates of the hip flexion and knee extension of bilateral legs of the injured group were significantly higher than those of the uninjured group (p < 0.05). In the injured group, the value of MVC per body-weight of the knee flexor and the flexion-extension ratio were significantly lower than in the uninjured group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the imbalance of the bilateral legs, the hamstring strength and the ratio of the flexor to extensor were shown to be parameters related to the occurrence of hamstring strains.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Health of master track and field athletes: a 16-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To study different aspects of health in master athletes. DESIGN: A 16-year follow-up study. SETTING: Finland. PARTICIPANTS: All male Finnish master athletes (N=102, mean age 58.3 years) who in 1985 participated in track and field athletic World Veterans Games. Controls were men, who as young adults had been classified as completely healthy (N=777, mean age 55.0 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Health questionnaires at baseline (in 1985) and at 10-year and 16-year follow-ups. RESULTS: During follow-up, the master athletes self-rated their health as better (P<0.001) and they coped better with leisure-time daily activities (P=0.024) than controls. The adjusted risk for shoulder region (odds ratio 2.84, P<0.03) and Achilles tendon rupture (14.87, P<0.01) after the age of 45 years was higher in the athletes than in the controls. At the 16-year follow-up, none of the athletes, but 9% of controls reported having diabetes mellitus. The adjusted odds ratio of having at least 1 metabolic syndrome disease was 0.43 (P=0.01) in the athletes compared with the controls. At follow-up among subjects without reported coronary heart disease in 1985, the age-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) in the athletes compared with the controls of death from natural-cause was 0.41 (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Master athletes had a lower risk of chronic diseases than the controls. It remains to be determined how far this advantage is due to initial selection and/or incomplete adjustment for covariates. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There seems to be no such health risks as to why those who have good training background and feel healthy should avoid participating in master athletics.

Adult↗