Thematic AnalyseParalympian Para-Asian Games Athletic Identity
Mental SkillsBackground: During last two decades, researchers have become more interested in psychological development of para-athletes. In fact, psycho-social benefits of para sport are apparent in psychosocial development of para-athletes that needs further consideration. Objective: The objective of this study was to study psychological characteristics of Iranian para-athletes. Methods: A number of 60 purposefully selected Paralympic and Para-Asian athletes (40 males and 20 females) participated in a quasi-structured interview; data were analysed thematically. Results: After preliminary processes, para-athletes' psychological characteristics were categorized in four groups: Athletic identity, mental skills, virtuous relationships, and needs for consultation; each category covers several codes. Conclusions: Findings are discussed in relation to their significance in para-athlete's mental health, well-being, and performance. Using psychological characteristics of paraathletes as models to train younger athletes and employing a comprehensive approach to train sport psychologist are suggested.
The present study aimed to make and establish psychometric features of an exercise commitment questionnaire. The primary 35 questions were administered to 210 staffs working in Isfahan Steel Company, 120 males and 90 females. Subjects had 10 years of work experience in the company and were randomly selected using stratified sampling method. Principle component analysis and Varimax rotation were used to measure its construct validity. Finally, 25 questions were extracted with more than 0.5 loading factor indicating the validity of the instrument. Accordingly, a four-factor construct was made, being capable of explaining 58.4 percent of total variance by the use of principle component method. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis yielded features indicating positive fitness of the confirmatory analytic model of the commitment to exercise questionnaire. Also by using internal consistency reliability was calculated with Cronbach's alpha and the coefficient was 0.873 showing strong reliability. Overall, based on the satisfactory reliability and validity, this study shows that commitment to exercise questionnaire serves as a suitable measuring tool for the future research.
Background and Aims Time-of-day is a factor that could affect balance performance. On the other hand, arousal fluctuates throughout the day. The aim of this study was to investigate the static balance performance prediction based on arousal and activation in circadian rhythm. Methods In the current study, 30 healthy subjects (age= 21± 0.5 years) participated. Static balance performance was measured three times: 10:00 am, 15:00 pm, and 8:00 pm. Arousal was recorded continuously during the performance of the balance task. A balance scoring test (BESS) and a Bioderm device were used to measure static balance and arousal. Repeated measures ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results Results indicated that balance performance was greater at 3:00 pm than at 8:00 pm and 10:00 am (P<0.05). The relationship between activation and static balance performance was significant (P<0.05), while no significant relationship was found between arousal and static balance performance. Also, the intensity of activation correlation and static balance performance was higher at 3:00 pm (P<0.05, r=-0.46). The regression results showed that activation was a significant predictor at three different times of the day. Conclusion According to the results, these findings can provide evidence for differentiation between arousal and activation as separable aspects of the energetics of physiological and behavioral function. It also introduces activation as a factor that raises the static balance in the afternoon to morning and evening.
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