Development and validation of the Approach-Iron Skill Test for use in golf

The primary aim of this study was to develop and validate a golf-specific approach-iron test for use with elite and high-level amateur golfers. Elite (n=26) and high-level amateur (n=23) golfers were recruited for this study. The ‘Approach-Iron Skill Test’ requires players to hit a total of 27 shots. Specifically, three shots are hit at each of nine targets on a specially constructed driving range in a randomised order. A real-time launch monitor positioned behind the player, measured the carry distance for each of these shots. A scoring system was developed based on the percentage error index of each shot, meaning that 81 points was the maximum score possible (with a maximum of three points per shot). Two rounds of the test were performed. For both rounds of the test, elite-level golfers scored significantly higher than their high-level amateur counterparts (56.3±5.6 and 58.5±4.6 points versus 46.0±6.3 and 46.1±6.7 points, respectively) (P<0.05). For both elite and high-level players, 95% limits of agreement statistics also indicated that the test showed good test–retest reliability (2.1±7.9 and 0.2±10.8, respectively). Due to the clinimetric properties of the test, we conclude that the Approach-Iron Skill Test is suitable for further examination with the players examined in this study.

The long term effects of sports concussion on retired Australian football players: a study using Transranial Magnetic Stimulation

This study investigated corticomotor excitability and inhibition, cognitive functioning, and fine motor dexterity in retired elite and amateur Australian football (AF) players who had sustained concussions during their playing careers. Forty male AF players who played at the elite level (n=20; mean age 49.7±5.7 years) or amateur level (n=20; mean age 48.4±6.9 years), and had sustained on average 3.2 concussions 21.9 years previously, were compared with 20 healthy age-matched male controls (mean age 47.56±6.85 years). All participants completed assessments of fine dexterity, visuomotor reaction time, spatial working memory (SWM), and associative learning (AL). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to measure corticospinal excitability: stimulus-response (SR) curves and motor evoked potential (MEP) 125% of active motor threshold (aMT); and intracortical inhibition: cortical silent period (cSP), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), and long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI). Healthy participants performed better in dexterity (p=0.003), reaction (p=0.003), and movement time (p=0.037) than did both AF groups. Differences between AF groups were found in AL (p=0.027) and SWM (p=0.024). TMS measures revealed that both AF groups showed reduced cSP duration at 125% aMT (p>0.001) and differences in SR curves (p>0.001) than did healthy controls. Similarly, SICI (p=0.012) and LICI (p=0.009) were reduced in both AF groups compared with controls. Regression analyses revealed a significant contribution to differences in motor outcomes with the three measures of intracortical inhibition. The measures of inhibition differed, however, in terms of which performance measure they had a significant and unique predictive relationship with, reflecting the variety of participant concussion injuries. This study is the first to demonstrate differences in motor control and intracortical inhibition in AF players who had sustained concussions during their playing career two decades previously.

Development and measurement properties of a putting skill test for high-level golf

Despite a recent increase in the amount of research investigating performance in golf, a comprehensive putting skill test has not been reported in the peer-reviewed literature. In this study, the Golf Australia Putting Test (GAPT) was developed and a series of measurement properties were assessed. Elite (n = 18) and high-level amateur (HLA; n = 22) participants completed six single putts from various areas on six concentric circles (circle radii = 0.9, 1.5, 3.0, 4.6, 6.1 and 7.6 m). Using a scoring system that rewarded participants for holing putts from longer distances, the maximum score from a single round of the test (i.e. 36 putts) was 27 points. After two rounds of the test were completed by all players, a subsample of participants (elite, n = 15; HLA, n = 7) had their putting performance recorded during tournament play for a period of 90 days to assess criterion (predictive) validity of the test. The reliability, sensitivity and discriminative validity of the GAPT were also assessed. Better agreement between Rounds 1 and 2 scores was noted in the elite group, whilst reliability values were similar for both groups. Further, the GAPT scores were shown to predict players from the elite and high-ability groups with a low classification error. An equation for predicting on-course performance from GAPT scores was also developed. Findings from this study indicate that the GAPT is a valid and reliable tool for high-level players and the GAPT may be used for player evaluation in the field.

The show must go on’ : older entertainers making music in the community in Melbourne, Australia

Globally countries are faced with an aging population and Australia is no different. This creates challenges for the maintenance of well-being which can be enhanced by active engagement in society. There is extensive research that confirms that engagement in music by older people is positively related to individual and community wellbeing. Music engagement encompasses a range of social participation and has the potential to recognise the contribution of older people to their local communities. Music participation can contribute to a better quality of life, particularly in relation to health and happiness. There are many possible forms of music engagement. This study is part of an on-going Deakin University and Monash University research project, Well-being and ageing: community, diversity and the arts in Victoria. This article focuses on three members of a mixed voluntary singing group formed by older residents of an outer suburban community in Melbourne, Australia. This group, The Skylarkers, were established in 1999 as a four-part choir. Over the years the nature of the choir has changed under subsequent music directors. Since 2009 the group has focused on music theatre repertoire and performance style. Membership of the group is fluid reflecting changing life circumstances of the members but the ensemble is resilient. This small amateur music theatre group is based in suburban Melbourne, rehearses weekly and performs regularly at retirement villages, nursing homes and facilities for senior citizens. This article presents a phenomenological qualitative single case study of members of the Skylarkers. In this study, interview data were gathered in 2011-2012 and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two significant themes emerged that concern musical self-identity and gaining a sense of purpose and fulfilment. The Skylarkers are more than a choir; they are an amateur entertainment troupe that engages with each other and the wider community. This resilient group holds true to the motto ‘the show must go on’.

Improving availability, promotion and purchase of fruit and vegetable and non sugar-sweetened drink products at community sporting clubs: a randomised trial

BACKGROUND: Amateur sporting clubs represent an attractive setting for health promotion. This study assesses the impact of a multi-component intervention on the availability, promotion and purchase of fruit and vegetable and non sugar -sweetened drink products from community sporting club canteens. We also assessed the impact the intervention on sporting club revenue from the sale of food and beverages. METHOD: A repeat cross-sectional, parallel group, cluster randomized controlled trial was undertaken with amateur community football clubs in New South Wales, Australia. The intervention was conducted over 2.5 winter sporting seasons and sought to improve the availability and promotion of fruit and vegetables and non sugar-sweetened drinks in sporting club canteens. Trial outcomes were assessed via telephone surveys of sporting club representatives and members. RESULTS: Eighty five sporting clubs and 1143 club members participated in the study. Relative to the control group, at follow-up, clubs allocated to the intervention were significantly more likely to have fruit and vegetable products available at the club canteen (OR = 5.13; 95% CI 1.70-15.38), were more likely to promote fruit and vegetable selection using reduced pricing and meal deals (OR = 34.48; 95% CI 4.18-250.00) and members of intervention clubs were more likely to report purchase of fruit and vegetable (OR = 2.58 95% CI; 1.08-6.18) and non sugar -sweetened drink (OR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.09-2.25) products. There was no significant difference between groups in the annual club revenue from food and non-alcoholic beverage sales. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that the intervention can improve the nutrition environment of sporting clubs and the purchasing behaviour of members. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12609000224224 .

Predictors of individual player match performance in junior Australian football

PURPOSE: Player match statistics in junior Australian football (AF) are not well documented while contributors to success are poorly understood. A clearer understanding of the relationships between fitness and skill in younger age players participating at the foundation level of the performance pathway in AF has implications for the development of coaching priorities (e.g., physical or technical). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between indices of fitness (speed, power and endurance) and skill (coach rating) on player performance (disposals and effective disposals) in junior AF. METHODS: Junior male AF players (n = 156, 10 - 15 years old) were recruited from 12 teams of a single amateur recreational AF club located in metropolitan Victoria. All players were tested for fitness (20 m sprint, vertical jump, 20 m shuttle run) and rated by their coach on a 6-point Likert scale for skill (within a team in comparison to their teammates). Player performance was assessed during a single match in which disposals and their effectiveness were coded from a video recording. RESULTS: Coach rating of skill displayed the strongest correlations and combined with 20 m shuttle test showed a good ability to predict both disposals and the number of effective disposals. None of the skill or fitness attributes adequately explained the percentage of effective disposals. The influence of team did not meaningfully contribute to the performance of any of the models. CONCLUSION: Skill development should be considered a high priority by coaches in junior AF.

As cooperativas de trabalho médico no Brasil: uma proposta de arquitetura organizacional

Este trabalho apresenta o estudo das dimensões organizacionais mais relevantes na arquitetura organizacional das cooperativas de trabalho médico. À luz do arcabouço teórico de alguns autores especialistas em organizações e cooperativas, buscou-se compreender, discutir e analisar, quais as possibilidades e a aplicabilidade de tais pressupostos. Fez-se uma retrospectiva histórica sobre o cooperativismo e, em especial o cooperativismo de trabalho médico, com o objetivo de identificar em quais bases foram construídas e quais as necessidades a serem satisfeitas desde a sua criação. Buscamos dentro da bibliografia disponível sobre o assunto, identificar em cada autor a sua visão sobre a problemática da gestão em cooperativas e os possíveis apontamentos para as praticas gerenciais. Constatamos que existe uma convergência de opiniões dos diversos autores sobre o tema, principalmente quanto à profissionalização da gestão nas cooperativas e, 'a falta de um modelo único capaz de cotejar as nuances de cada organização. Concluiu-se que, pela complexidade dos empreendimentos cooperativos e pelas exigências do mercado, não é mais possível que as cooperativas mantenham dirigentes amadores em seu corpo diretivo. Constatou-se também não ser possível propor um esboço sequer de uma estrutura organizacional, pela complexidade e pelo alto grau de especificidade das cooperativas atualmente.

A relevância do profissionalismo no futebol e os impactos da credibilidade dos dirigentes na obtenção de patrocício

A maioria dos clubes do futebol brasileiros tem suas principais posições de liderança ocupadas por gestores amadores que trabalham de forma voluntária e sem remuneração. São pessoas que agem impulsionadas pela paixão que carregam por seu time do coração e que se dedicam parcialmente as suas funções nos clubes, pois têm outro emprego. Esses mesmos indivíduos são responsáveis por negociar os patrocínios, que – junto com as cotas de televisão - formam uma das principais fontes de receita dos clubes. São contratos milionários, mas num patamar ainda bem inferior aos dos clubes europeus. O que se busca investigar aqui é se há alguma relação entre o vinculo amador desses dirigentes com a capacidade de obtenção de patrocínio dos clubes. Isto é, identificar se as empresas que vinculam suas marcas a clubes de futebol pagariam mais para patrocinar um clube liderado por indivíduos dedicados integralmente as suas funções nos clubes, bem remunerados e com experiência de mercado. Este trabalho demonstra que mais profissionalismo na gestão dos clubes não trará, necessariamente, maiores receitas de patrocínio. O foco das empresas que investem nas camisas dos clubes de futebol é a exposição da marca, podendo direcionar maior investimento a clubes com mais torcedores e exposição. Não há uma preocupação clara com a forma com que os clubes são geridos e com o que é feito com as receitas oriundas deste tipo de patrocínio.

Critérios comportamentais utilizados por técnicos na avaliação do desempenho esportivo de futebolista das categorias de base

Currently one of the major concerns in sports is to identify, select, discover and reveal talents in soccer. As principal reasons is perceived the search direct or indirect for resources for players, clubs, media, sports brands and their sponsors. However, high salaries are an exception and not a rule, because the majority of professional players in Brazil receives 1 minimum salary per month. It is also known that on professional clubs, daily, arriving several players to try to be a professional soccer player, however, the majority of clubs - almost all does not present methodological, systematic and analytical aspects to select promising players. The selective processes ("sieves" or "big sieves") developed by technical observers ( olheiros") summarized in the observation of the sportive performance of a big group of players in a period of few minutes given to each player. In this period the target behavior is the ability with the ball. If promising players are identified on that selection, they are referred to the club for a new observation, which will be conducted by the responsible coach of base category in question. It is understood by base categories, the amateur categories (not professional), to serve as a "base" for the formation of the cast of professional clubs. What are sub-13 (under 13 years), sub-15 (under 15 years), sub-17 (under 17 years) and sub-20 (under 20 years). The absence of common criterias and performance indicators of these professionals may hamper the evaluation of promising players, and be a costly activity for the club. This study proposes to identify, characterize and categorize the criterias and methods of behavioral evaluation, used by coaches of base categories of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) to evaluate the sportive performance of young soccer players, with the purpose of to compare the criterias of evaluation of sportive performance of young soccer players, used by coaches with different time of experience in function. The proposal had 2 pilot studies, the first (June and July, 2007) were interviewed 29 coaches, 17 of category sub-13 and 12 of category sub-17. The data were tabulated and organized into spreadsheets in order to describe, and developed a set of descriptors of behavior. And the second (May and June, 2008), with revisions made based on observations, analysis and descriptions found in the first, were interviewed 14 technical of category sub-15. After the results found in pilots, it was possible to outline the study in question, which had 46 coaches base categories of the RN. And from the results show that the characteristic of greatest importance, according to the interviewees was the behavior, the 2nd most important characteristic considered was the motivation, the 3rd was the ability and the 4th was the physical condition and the last was the affiliation. And by analyzing the results to the methods of evaluation of sportive performance used by coaches, it was noted clearly that most uses only the observation to select young soccer players. Therefore, needs a systematization to the selection of soccer players, since there is complexity in the verification of characteristics and aspects involved with purpose to avoid wrong evaluations and selections and the results negligible

VO2máx estimado e sua velocidade correspondente predizem o desempenho de corredores amadores

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Description of an injury in a human caused by a false tocandira (Dinoponera gigantea, Perty, 1833) with a revision on folkloric, pharmacological and clinical aspects of the giant ants of the genera Paraponera and Dinoponera (sub-family Ponerinae)

A partir de um acidente causado pela picada de uma formiga falsa tocandira na mão de um pescador amador, os autores descrevem os achados clínicos locais observados, tais como edema, eritema e dor excruciante e a evolução do envenenamento, que cursou com fenômenos sistêmicos imediatos, como sudorese fria, náuseas, vômitos, mal estar, taquicardia e linfadenopatia axilar à esquerda. Após três horas, a dor intensa persistia e o paciente apresentou um episódio de hematoquesia, sem história anterior de enfermidades do trato digestivo, hematológicas ou vasculares. O uso de analgésicos (Tramal® 300 mg/dia), água quente e gelo não melhorou a dor, que arrefeceu em oito horas, tendo permanecido por cerca de 24 horas. São apresentados ainda os aspectos folclóricos, farmacológicos e clínicos relacionados às picadas de tocandiras.

Meninas, espelhos e fotografias: o edulcore da aparência na Internet

Pós-graduação em Artes - IA

O teatro como meio e fim para um processo de instrumentalização do indíviduo na leitura da realidade: a intersecção entre o jogo, o texto e o corpo para a construção da cena

Pós-graduação em Artes - IA

Relação entre parâmetros fisiológicos aeróbios e anaeróbios com o desempenho de ciclistas

Pós-graduação em Fisioterapia - FCT

“De Palanque”: as crônicas de Artur Azevedo no Diário de Notícias (1885/1886)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)