Browsing by Author "Dorsch, Kim"

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Open Access
“A world of difference”: Interpreting aggression in women's hockey.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2000) Nickel, Kenneth M.; Dorsch, Kim
Open Access
Application of Investment Theory to Sport Consumers: Predicting Intention to Continue or Reduce Commitment
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2014-11) Jackle, Sandra Ann; Riemer, Harold; Hoeber, Larena; Dorsch, Kim; Fink, Janet S.
The purpose of the present investigation is to use the Investment Model to better understand the intention to continue or reduce commitment to a sports team. The study will examine the nature of the relationships between satisfaction, investment, quality of alternatives on commitment and the subsequent intention to continue in the relationship by taking on a comparative analysis of major works, and applying Investment theory to sport consumers. Development of a newly proposed Sport Commitment Model will provide insight into the underlying psychological processes with regards to the intention to continue or reduce commitment to a professional sports team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Instrument development will involve the use of previously validated and reliable scales, specifically the Psychological Commitment to Team (PCT) scale (Mahony, Madrigal, & Howard, 2000) and the Investment Model scale (Rusbult, Martz, & Agnew, 1998). The analysis indicated that reduced commitment is associated with low scores on scale items measuring both behavioural and attitudinal loyalty as well as satisfaction and investment constructs, and higher scores on items measuring the quality of alternatives. Based on these findings, sport marketers can target marketing strategies by assessing differing levels of commitment to a team. This framework is useful in assessing the impact of past and current promotional efforts by moving beyond accepting the loss of consumers. Research conducted in this context will shed light on a different type of consumer, and the effect this type of consumption has on the sport industry as a whole.
Open Access
Assessing Pre-Frontal Cortex Oxygenation After Sport Concussion With Near Infrared Spectroscopy
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2016-07) Bishop, Scott Allen; Neary, J. Patrick; Bruno, Paul; Dorsch, Kim
Clinicians typically rely on neuropsychological and balance tests to track concussion recovery. These balance and neuropsychological tests only imply impairments that are based on performance – the tests do not directly measure (or reliably track) brain physiology throughout concussion recovery. Because of these issues, there has been a call to find an objective biomarker that can index both severity and the timeline for recovery. An additional problem is that, with the amount of concussions occurring at a recreational activity level, an effective biomarker must be cost effective, easily applied, and easily interpreted for lay people. To address these issues, non-invasive near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to assess pre-frontal cortex oxygenation, by measuring relative changes in oxy- (HbO2 ) and deoxy-hemoglobin (HHb), and the associated standard deviations. Resting hemoglobin, and hemoglobin changes in response to increases in CO2 (induced by 20s breath-holds), were measured in all participants. Data were aggregated into healthy baselines (n = 115), and concussed participants on days 1-3 (n =14), 4-6 (n = 8), and 7-14 (n = 11). The data were statistically compared using 1 x 4 ANOVAs. Results showed that resting HbO2 values progressively lowered from days 1-3 to 7-14 (with no differences compared to controls). This is a similar statistical trend to a previous functional magnetic resonance imaging study that focused on concussions (Meier et al., 2015). The second major finding showed that hypercapnic HbO2 standard deviation was lower than resting values in days 1-3 and 4-6, but reversed back towards the healthy control group as the injury abated. Monitoring pre-frontal cortex oxygenation changes is a viable biomarker to assess the physiological state of the brain following concussion. Keywords: concussion, pathophysiology, near-infrared spectroscopy, hypercapnia
Open Access
Coaches’ Coping with Stressors: Hardiness in Coaching
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2015-06) McDonald, Kyle Shawn; Dorsch, Kim; Kulczycki, Cory; Paskevich, David; Kowalski, Kent
In the field of competitive sports there is an emphasis on the growth of technical, tactical, and physical aspects as it relates to coach performance. However, little emphasis is placed on how coaches cope with stress and adversity that accompanies their career choice. The purpose of the present research is to establish the background of coping with the stressors by professional (paid to coach) hockey coaches using the conceptual model of hardiness. Hardiness has been used to describe stress resistant individuals (Kobasa, 1979). Kobasa (1979) indicates that hardiness involves the three C’s – commitment, control, and challenge. Commitment is the ability to interpret situations as interesting and worthwhile; control is the ability to influence one’s surroundings through effort; and challenge involves the ability to learn and grow from positive and negative experiences. Nine male coaches who were presently coaching in the Western Hockey League, Canada West League (Canadian Interuniversity Sport), Austrian Elite League, National Collegiate Athletic Association, American Hockey League, or the National Hockey League were asked to complete an open-ended survey. The survey was conducted via email to discuss individual coaching behaviours with respect to how they handle the stressors of their position. Through an interpretive lens of the experiences of nine professional coaches, a record was provided of coping strategies and experiences through the conceptual framework of hardiness. Findings were in line with commitment, control, and challenge (hardiness attributes) and included seven subthemes that portrayed examples of experience as it relates to stressors. Subthemes were developed through a thematical analysis of the responses within the survey. Subthemes that emerged from the commitment attribute included passion and authentic modeling. Subthemes that arose around control included communication, positivity/emotional control, and building accountability. Finally, the challenge attribute subthemes revolved around learning and flexibility. As stated earlier, there is a premium on technical, tactical, and physical aspects as key topics in coach performance. This research attempts to bridge the gap in the mental attributes needed to keep pushing forward in times of stress for professional coaches at an elite level. The methods used do not promote or suggest if a coach that participated was hardy. What it may suggest, is that taken together, all the coaches comments would demonstrate how a “hardy” coach would deal with stressors.
Open Access
Coaching Strategies for Working with Athletes Who Have High Perceptions of Entitlement
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2017-07) Etheredge, Mikaila Sue; Dorsch, Kim; West-McMaster, Brandy; Hoeber, Larena; Din, Cari
The mainstream media has been increasingly describing athletes as entitled over the past several years and deems this concept of entitled athletes as a plague – something to be remedied. However, in the academic sport community, entitlement is a neglected topic. Using entitlement as it is looked at in education, psychology, and sociology as a base, this research aims to understand entitlement in sport as well as examine strategies coaches use in order to create and maintain success when working with athletes who have high perceptions of entitlement. A qualitative approach consistent with phenomenological principles was used to conduct the research. Eight participants from the United States and Canada who currently hold or have held a head coaching position at a junior college, college, or university level were interviewed for approximately sixty minutes and asked to discuss their experiences coaching athletes who have high perceptions of entitlement as well as the strategies they use to coach these athletes. Data were analyzed using an interpretive qualitative analysis approach and findings included categories centered around characteristics of athletes with high perceptions of entitlement as well as the impact these players have on the team. Additionally, categories (or strategies) were identified which showcase how coaches suggest managing these athletes.
Open Access
Competition and Cooperation: Challenging the beauty and the beast paradigm
(University of Regina Graduate Students' Association, 2011-04-02) Harenberg, Sebastian; Dorsch, Kim; Karreman, Erwin; Riemer, Harold A.
Competition and cooperation have been conceptualized by social interdependence theory (Johnson & Johnson, 1989), which functions as the theoretical framework in many contexts (e.g., cooperative learning in education). Most studies show that positive interdependence in cooperative structures leads to more positive outcomes in terms of group productivity and interpersonal relationships. As a result, the focus has been on the structure of cooperation and competition has been viewed as an unproductive condition and a counterpart to cooperative structures. Some scholars (Baumgarten, 1988; Kohn, 1986) even argued that competition should be banned out of our workplaces and schools as it can only lead to destructive outcomes. Lately, studies (Fülöp, 2008; Sheridan, & Williams, 2006) have challenged this dichotomous view of competition and cooperation and suggested that both concepts need to be seen as continuums. Stanne, Johnson, and Johnson (1999) found that appropriately structured competition can lead to equally or more favorable outcomes than cooperative settings in motor task execution. Other researchers (Fülöp, 2009; Tjosvold, Johnson, & Johnson, 2003, 2006) have since examined the nature of constructive competition and its applicability in different contexts. This study examines the concept of constructive competition by exploring and structuring the most recent literature from educational and athletic contexts. The dimensions of constructive competition found in various studies will be explained and compared. The implications for educational and athletic contexts will be highlighted and future research directions will be discussed.
Open Access
The Development of Context-Specific Biofeedback Training Screens – An Application to Hockey Officials
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2014-07) Chomos, Adam James Stephen Chomos; Dorsch, Kim; Neary, J. Patrick; Paskevich, David; MacLennan, Richard
The benefits and potential of biofeedback training for enhancing athletic performance has received noticeable consideration in both research and practice. While most biofeedback research applied to sport participants has focused primarily on athletes, one group of participants has been neglected in both research and training. This group is known as sports officials. Ice hockey officials are required to possess various physical, cognitive, and psychological skills, suggesting that biofeedback training to enhance their on-ice performance holds strong utility. Since biofeedback research applied to sport offers very little perspective into the needs and requirements of biofeedback protocols applied to officials of sport, the purpose of this research project is to develop the first context-specific biofeedback training screens applied to hockey officiating. Working in conjunction with and obtaining approval from the Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA), participating referees and linesman were outfitted with a Contour 1080p© helmet camera to capture various on-ice experiences from a game-to-game basis. A focus group was held with SHA official representatives (i.e., official supervisors, mentors) to gain a better understanding as to (a) the various physical and cognitive/mental skills and abilities that are necessary to the official while on the ice, (b) the potential utility of biofeedback training for enhancing hockey official’s performance, and (c) how the previously obtained videos could be incorporated into the training experience so as to make the training experience more applied and meaningful. The results of the focus group provided valuable insight as to how the biofeedback training screens and tasks could be developed around the acquired video segments. Once the video segments were identified and validated by contextual experts (participants of the focus group), they were incorporated and configured into formatted biofeedback training screens using software offered by Thought Technology™. The implications of this research include educating officials on how their psychophysiology can influence their on-ice performance as well how they can utilize biofeedback training methods to restore and improve their performance. As a result, this research project is a critical step for future biofeedback research and training applied to sports officials.
Open Access
Effects of Exercise Training on Heart Failure Measured Using Seismocardiography
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2019-12) Silbernatel, Jonathan Eric; Neary, J. Patrick; Candow, Darren; Dorsch, Kim; Buttigieg, Josef
Heart failure has become a growing health concern across most of the Western world and will soon become a global health focus. The nature of the disease presents with a very high mortality rate. In Canada alone, the average mortality rate is approximately 50% within the first five years of diagnosis [1]. Exercise has now become a common treatment modality for many chronic disease conditions including heart failure. As heart failure advances, the myocardium goes through a remodeling phase that alters the contractility of the heart and its pumping efficiency. Exercise is known to lead to a positive remodeling of the myocardium in healthy populations, but the degree to which exercise reverses pathological remodeling in individuals with heart failure remains to be determined. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Systolic Timing Intervals (STI) of the myocardium, specifically left ventricular ejection time (LVET) and the pre-ejection period (PEP) using seismocardiography (SCG), as well as to investigate the functional health changes measured using the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Participants exercised three times per week for a period of 12 weeks involving a combination of aerobic and resistance type activities. The SCG screening and 6MWT were performed at the commencement, and at the 12 week point of their exercise program. Eleven individuals participated in this study with varying etiologies for heart failure (ischemic n=6 and nonischemic n=5). Among the individuals with ischemic heart failure, significant improvement were observed in 6MWT distance, (477.0±127.0m to 539.3±113.9m t(5)=- 3.01, p=0.030), but no significant improvements were noted in indices of myocardial function. However, in the non-ischemic group, significant changes were noted in indices iii of myocardial function including LVET (449.6±36.0ms to 438.4±30.5ms t(149)=4.28, p=<0.001), and PEP (128.0±23.5ms to 119.9±18.5ms t(149)=6.87, p=<0.001), but no statistically significant changes were observed in 6MWT distance (p=0.056). This study showed that SCG can be used to record the mechanical function of the heart in individuals with heart failure, that exercise training can produce positive mechanical changes to the heart for individuals with non-ischemic heart failure, and exercise capacity can increase in for individuals with ischemic based heart failure.
Open Access
The Effects of Mild Bilateral Jugular Vein Compression on Cerebrovascular Physiology
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2019-12) Dech, Ryan Tyler; Neary, J. Patrick; Candow, Darren; Dorsch, Kim; Doyle-Baker, Patricia K.
Cerebrovascular physiology is a branch of study surrounding the relationship between the brain and heart. This relationship is critical for health, performance, and survival and must be maintained in a metabolically balanced state to prevent any adverse effects. Recently, there have been efforts by groups of researchers to challenge this system via external jugular vein compression to investigate the effect of brain blood-flow and hemodynamics. So far positive outcomes using the Q-Collar™ have been observed in neuroanatomical and neurophysiological studies. However, there has yet to be validation of Q-Collar™ use through real-time monitoring of cerebrovascular physiology, specifically during acute exercise. This project examined the effects of the Q-Collar™ on cerebrovascular physiology through monitoring various indices. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, capnograpahy, electrocardiography and photoplethysmography, a detailed understanding of the Q-Collar™ effect was ascertained. Data was acquired over an 87-minute protocol that tested the effect of Q-Collar™ application during seated rest, postural change, and acute aerobic exercise. Results showed that there were significant increases in blood volume (via deoxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin, p = <0.05) during postural change and exercise when using the collar. This study suggests that the Q-Collar™ does not present any known physiological risk during short-term acute exercise and should continue to be used and researched. Further research is warranted to examine the chronic use of the collar over a season(s) of sport to see whether adaptive processes occur.
Open Access
An exploratory consideration of cognition and physiology in athletes following concussion
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2023-03) Lillie, Garrett Richard; Dorsch, Kim; Neary, J. Patrick; Mang, Cameron; Brigham, Mark
A mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), colloquially known as a concussion, is an injury of the brain that often results in significant functional impairment for days, weeks, or even months. While the most common symptoms of concussion have been well documented and studies frequently note a deficit in either higher-level cognitive functioning and autonomic physiological control, there is a lack of research describing the effect of concussion on executive functioning and heart rate variability (HRV). The aim of this study was to address gaps in literature by describing changes in an individual’s executive functioning and physiology simultaneously following a concussion using two investigative approaches, using the theory of neurovisceral integration as a guiding framework. Secondary data from University of Regina athletes was used to examine baseline executive functioning (measured by Neurotracker®) and athlete HRV transformed from ECG. These results were subsequently compared to the same measures postinjury. Prior to review of data from the 2019-2020 academic year, there was an expectation that occurrence of a concussion would be associated with a decrease in Neurotracker® performance, Mean R-R intervals (Mean R-R), and Root-Mean-Square-Difference of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD) while also being associated with increases in Low-Frequency/High-Frequency (LF/HF) ratio and Standard Deviation 2/Standard Deviation 1 (SD2/SD1) ratios. Across a sample of eight participants, only one participant experienced the expected change in variable while the two participants that experienced symptoms the longest, featured smaller deviations from their baselines. My study was exploratory in nature and suggests directions for future research.
Open Access
Exploring Relationships Among Passion, Self-Compassion, Fear of Self-Compassion, Deliberate Practice, and Performance in Canadian Women's Fastpitch Athletes
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2019-05) VanHorn, Candice Lee; Dorsch, Kim; Riemer, Harold; Bruno, Paul; Kowalski, Kent
Research has been conducted on passion through a variety of activities, including sport. Passion, according to Vallerand et al. (2003), is “a strong inclination toward an activity that individuals like [or love], that they find important, in which they invest time and energy, and which comes to be internalized into one’s identity” (p. 507). Defined by the dualistic model of passion, harmonious passion describes a passion freely chosen because it had become valuable and meaningful to a person; conversely, obsessive passion describes a passion where individuals feel compelled to participate because some feelings of social acceptance, self-esteem, etc. are attached to the activity (Mageau et al., 2009; Rousseau, Vallerand, Ratelle, Mageau, & Provencher, 2002; Vallerand, 2012; Vallerand et al., 2003, 2006, 2007). A review of the literature shows harmonious passion relates positively to positive emotions such as enjoyment, higher self-esteem, and self-compassion (e.g. Kowalski, Mack, & Sabiston, 2015); whereas obsessive passion relates positively to negative factors of well-being such as guilt, anxiety, rumination (Mageau, Carpentier, & Vallerand, 2011; Mageau & Vallerand, 2007; Mageau et al., 2009), and a lack of self-compassion (Schellenberg, Bailis, & Mosewich, 2016). While self-compassion serves to manage through emotionally difficult experiences in sport in effectively healthy ways, a fear of self-compassion can have an effect on whether a person (athlete) displays self-compassion. In this study, participants were players on a female, elite, team sport (N = 26). These athletes completed an online survey that included measures of deliberate practice (Helsen, Starkes, & Hodges, 1998), passion (Vallerand et al., 2003), self-compassion (Neff, 2003), and fear of self-compassion (Gilbert et al., 2011). Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses describe ii the sample. Findings show higher levels of harmonious passion than obsessive passion, low levels of deliberate practice both in and out of season, moderate levels of self-compassion, and low levels of fear of self-compassion. In terms of correlations, there was a significant moderate positive correlation between harmonious and obsessive passion, and a significant strong negative correlation between self-compassion and fear of self-compassion, as well as a significant strong positive correlation between strikeouts (pitcher-only statistic) and in-season deliberate practice.
Open Access
Exploring the Relationship Between Cheerleading Injury, Coping Skills, and Athlete Burnout with Performance
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2014-10) Shuya, Daysha; Dorsch, Kim; Neary, J. Patrick; Riemer, Harold; Forsberg, Nicholas J.
Cheerleading is transitioning from a dance-like activity to an acrobatic, gymnastic-like sport. In the process, injuries have increased substantially, including higher rates of catastrophic injury. To date, no studies have addressed the psychological wellness of performers in relation to injury rates among cheerleaders, or used these psychometric measures over short time-frames. This study has two main objectives. Objective #1 is to explore the difference in scores between the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ; Raedeke & Smith, 2001) and the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28; Smith, Schutz, Smoll, & Ptacek, 1995) over a short duration, high-intensity performance timeframe. Objective #2 is to explore the possible relationship between psychological variables from the ABQ and the ACSI-28, in terms of injuries, over a short period, high-intensity time-frame to see if they are related to: performance errors and injuries. These objectives were accomplished with a prospective study of injury surveillance using descriptive data from psychometric questionnaires for a cheerleading team of 37 athletes (8 males, 29 females) from the Canadian Football League (CFL) with a mean age of 22.2 years. The team was followed over a high intensity, 4-day performance schedule, using the ABQ and the ACSI- 28 that were completed pre- and post-performance, to explore a possible relationship between short-term changes in the psychometric ratings of burnout and coping with performance. Performance was measured by tracking rates of performance error and injury during the 4-day intensive performance schedule. During the football game event, 20 errors were noted, involving 40 athletes and causing injuries. The number of injuries increased each day for the 4-day schedule (Day 1 = 2 injuries, Day 2 = 3 injuries, Day 3 = 4 injuries, Day 4 = 5 injuries). Paired t-tests were used to compare the changes pre- and postpsychometric measures, with statistically significant changes found in the athletes’ perception of coping with adversity (t = 2.2; p = .05) and freedom from worry (t = 2.6; p = .02). No statistically significant changes were seen in athlete burnout, though the athletes scored higher than average for each subset, compared to normative values at Time 1. Emotional and physical exhaustion levels increased (Time 1: M = 2.4, SD = .82; Time 2: M = 2.7, SD = .64); however, the athletes reported an increased sense of accomplishment (Time 1: M = 2.0, SD = .53; Time 2: M = 1.9, SD = .40) after completing the 4-day intensive performance schedule. In this study, athlete errors and safety risks increased during the high volume performance schedule. Little change occurred in the psychometric variables pre- and post-performance, but a correlation was seen between the pre- and post-testing of the ABQ (r =.82) and in comparing the ABQ with the ACSI-28 (r = .49).
Open Access
The Health Belief Model and Women’s Adherence to a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2015-05) Gates, Nicole Lindsey; Dorsch, Kim; Zimmer, June; Neary, Patrick; Urban, Ann-Marie
The purpose of this study was to identify health beliefs that affect adherence rates to prescribed exercise programming for women based on medically diagnosed cardiacrelated conditions. Research indicates that despite the documented health benefits of a Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) program, only a small percentage of eligible women are being enrolled and adhering to a CR program. This study sought to better understand participation and adherence rates of women using the Health Belief Model (HBM; Becker, 1974) as a theoretical framework. Qualitative research methods were used in this study. Five female patients who were enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program for 6 months or longer were recruited from a local CR program to participate in two, 45 minute interviews. The Qualitative Health Belief Interview Guide was used to explore health beliefs associated with adherence in their CR program. Each case was analyzed based on each construct of the Health Belief Model (HBM). Although each case differed, commonalities arose through each construct of the HBM. Analysis indicated that all constructs together led to adherence to a recommended health action. The results of this study indicate that by ensuring that women experience benefits in a CR program and by decreasing their barriers, it appears that women will adhere to a CR program. The results of this study will be of interest to physicians, health regions, nurse educators, and other stakeholders with the intent of understanding the issue and working toward improved practice at every level of involvement.
Open Access
Identifying Coaching Abuses in Youth Sport: A Human Rights Approach for Policy Development
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2013-08) Cook, Elaine; Dorsch, Kim; Malloy, David C.; Rhind, Daniel; Kerr, Gretchen
Research indicates that the culture of sport tends to promote an idealized, or mythologized perception of the benefits of participation for youth (Brackenridge, 2006; Forster, 2006; Houlihan et al., 2011). The belief that sport is a moral oasis (Brackenridge, 2006) has had a serious negative impact on our understanding of the harm caused by abuse in youth sports. In particular, there is a lack of data, monitoring, evaluation, and universal definitions of abusive coaching behaviours, despite the general acknowledgement that coaches wield considerable power and influence that extends beyond the playing field. Without such information it is extremely difficult to develop and enforce policies that protect the rights of children who engage in sport. Therefore, it is the purpose of this study to classify observations made about unacceptable coaching behaviors, in order to identify behaviours that violate the rights of children, which in turn will provide the information necessary to develop policy statements intended to guide the conduct of coaches. Comments (164) from 4 different sports (ice hockey, baseball, basketball, and football) – collected by the Justplay Behaviour Management Program -will be deductively analyzed and categorized into the Typology of Coaching Transgressions (TOCT) model. Measures of construct and content validity provide evidence of the content and construct adequacy of the TOCT model. Results indicate that across all sports, indirect coaching abuses outnumber direct coaching abuses, χ2 (3, 255)= .18.52, p = .000, the two contact sports, hockey and football, contain the greatest number of direct abuses, χ2 (1, 255) = 10.79, p = .001, and they also contain the greatest number of neglect behaviours, χ2 (3, 255) = 9.27, p = .026 (two cells had less than 5 behaviours). Finally, psychological and modeling behaviours are the greatest percentage of all behaviours across all sports (43.5% and 44.7% respectively).
Open Access
The Impact of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and Gender on Depressive Symptoms in Cardiac Patients
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2014-03) Marshall-Prain, Natalie Kym; Dorsch, Kim; Neary, J. Patrick; Daschuk, James; Riemer, Harold; Hampton, Mary
A cardiac event affects the physical and psychological well being of individuals. Among the psychological consequences, researchers have found that a cardiac event can lead to high levels of depressive symptoms in both males and females (Milani, Lavie, & Cassidy, 1996). To date, research has confirmed the beneficial effects of a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program on depressive symptoms (Casey, Hughes, Waechter, Josephson, & Rosneck, 2008; Zellweger, Osterwalder, Langewitz, & Pfisterer, 2004); however, there has been a limited focus on how males and females differ in their depressive symptoms both prior to commencing and after completing a CR program. Previous research has shown that patients with heart disease and co-morbid depressive symptoms have a high risk for subsequent major cardiac events and potentially fatal cardiac consequences (Irwin, Artin, & Oxman, 1999). This can place a significant economic burden on society, lead to treatment drop-out and program non-compliance, and reduce the overall well-being of the patient (Tylee & Gandhi, 2005). However, understanding the impact of a CR program on depressive symptoms may reduce these health risks. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a CR program on depressive symptoms in male and female heart disease patients after a cardiac event. The study used secondary data based on the treatment of a twelve-week, physician supervised, community-based CR program. Responses from 272 participants (178 men and 94 women) who completed the center for epidemiological studies depression (CES-D) scale questionnaire were collected twice over the course of the rehabilitation program (at baseline and twelve weeks). Although previous research has shown that females have an increased susceptibility to depressive symptoms in both the cardiac and general population (Lindwall, Stain-Malmgren, Andersson, Aberg-Wistedt, & Schenck-Gustafsson, 2007), the female participants in this study did not score higher than males for depressive symptoms at the start or at the completion of the CR program. Moreover, male and female participants did not possess a high score for depressive symptoms at the start of the CR program or after completing the program; despite preceding studies that indicate a high score for depressive symptoms at the commencement of a CR program and an overall improvement in depressive symptoms over the course of a CR program (Milani & Lavie, 2007; Shepherd & While, 2012). It is also worth noting that only 35% of the sample were women. In order to understand some of reasons why the participants in this study did not show signs of depressive symptoms, there needs to be additional questions that address barriers to participation in cardiac rehabilitation as part of the questionnaires that are already in place. Moreover, to ensure that attendance in cardiac rehabilitation is effective and immediate, there needs to be more efficient strategies that allow for continued contact between the health care provider and the cardiac patient.
Open Access
Passion Among Crossfit Enthusiasts: A Mixed Method Approach
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2021-10) Fougere, Kyla Reanne; Dorsch, Kim; Bruno, Paul; LeDrew, June; Mosewich, Amber
Passion has historically been broken down into two distinct types: harmonious passion (HP) and obsessive passion (OP; Vallerand et al., 2003). The type of passion that a person may possess depends on how that person controls the internalization of that passion into their identity. HP has typically been associated with adaptive outcomes, while OP has been typically associated with more rigid outcomes. Historically, passion within sport has primarily been studied through a quantitative lens. The current research study used a mixed-methods approach that aimed to explore the lived experiences of those who hold a high level of HP or OP for their passionate activity. The study began with the quantitative Passion Scale (Vallerand et al., 2003) that was completed by 72 CrossFit enthusiasts from Saskatchewan. From that questionnaire, a smaller sample was identified based on their results. While it was originally intended to identify a sample who measured as being highest in only one type of passion, while measuring lowest in the other type of passion, the participants who were highest in OP were also relatively high in HP. Eight participants took part in individual one-on-one interviews where the researcher was able to engage in dialogue exploring how each person believes CrossFit exists within their daily life. The interviews revealed that participants with high HP for CrossFit seemed to reflect previous literature that HP leads to positive outcomes. The interviews also revealed that the participants with highest OP for CrossFit in the sample seem to report similar experiences resulting in primarily adaptive outcomes, which is not reflective of previous literature or the dualistic model of passion. Although both groups occasionally experienced negative emotions in response to uncontrollable situations, they seem to experience mainly adaptive outcomes as a result of their CrossFit participation.
Open Access
The relationship between neurocognitive performance and sport-related musculoskeletal injury
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2022-08) O'Neill, Erica M.B.; Bruno, Paul; Dorsch, Kim; Mang, Cameron; Lebrun, Constance
Background: The number of sport-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries continues to rise even with an increase in prevention programs. The potential relationship between neurocognitive performance and sport-related MSK injury has begun to emerge in the literature, with results suggesting that athletes with lower baseline neurocognition sustain more injuries compared to those with higher baseline neurocognition. Purpose: This study aims to build on the previous literature by investigating this relationship while controlling for variables that have been well-documented as predisposing factors for injury (i.e., previous MSK and brain injury). Methods: A total of 87 participants from the University of Regina Rams football team were included in the study. Baseline Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) data (Verbal Memory Composite, Visual Memory Composite, Visual Motor Speed Composite, Reaction Time Composite, and Impulse Control Composite), MSK injury history, concussion history, and number of games participated were all gathered. Acute lower extremity (LE) MSK injuries that occurred over the course of the six-game, 11-week season were recorded and included in the analysis. Two statistical analyses were conducted: linear and logistic regression. Both regression analyses used a hierarchical method with step 1 including independent variables of previous LE MSK injury and previous concussion history. Step 2 involved the addition of the number of games played as an independent variable and step 3 involved the addition of all neurocognition measures as independent variables (Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Visual Motor, Reaction Time, and Impulse Control). The dependent variable for the linear regression was the severity of injury, measured as the number of days from time of injury to full return to sport with no restrictions. The dependent variable for the logistic regression was injury versus no injury. Results: Sixteen (18.4%) of the participants suffered an injury over the course of the season, with the average (standard deviation [SD]) injury severity being 3.77 (10.24) days. Step 2 (number of games played) had the largest impact on both regression models. Having played 1-2 games in the six-game season was the only independent variable to make a statistically significant contribution to predicting injury severity (β = .338, p = .005) and injury occurrence (OR [95%CI] = 19.880 [2.239, 176.477], Wald = 7.202, p = .007). The final logistic regression model correctly classified 18.8% of injured participants and 98.6% of non-injured participants. Conclusion: Playing in 1-2 games in a six-game season was the only statistically significant independent variable at predicting both musculoskeletal injury occurrence and severity. There are several limitations to this study affecting the generalizability of the results. The assumptions of linearity, homoscedasticity, and normality were not met in the data, and there was a small number of injuries due to the small sample size and short follow-up period. More research is needed in this area, particularly involving other populations outside of collegiate level football athletes, longer study periods, and the potential relationship between executive functioning and MSK injury.
Open Access
Relationship between trunk acceleration and arm stroke cycle coordination in competitive front crawl swimming
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2017-02) Hansen, Mads Bjørn; Barden, John; Dorsch, Kim; Bruno, Paul
In this study, the cyclic motion of front crawl was analyzed to determine the relationship between peak trunk acceleration and the arm stroke cycle. The data acquired in this study to quantify the timing of peak trunk acceleration, was recorded using triaxial accelerometers attached to the participants’ left and right wrist and one mounted on the swimmers’ lower back. Fifteen competitive national level front crawl swimmers were selected as participants (2 female, 13 male) to swim two trials of front crawl. For trial 1, the participants were instructed to swim at a preselected speed of their best time from competition, plus 50%. For trial 2, the swimmers were instructed to swim at their individual maximum velocity. The swimmers had 2 minutes of recovery between trials. Acceleration data were collected to determine the duration from the point where the hand enters the water, to the point of peak trunk acceleration (HaTD). To determine the peak trunk acceleration as a percentage of the stroke cycle (HaT%), the point of hand entry preceding the peak trunk acceleration was also determined. The results showed that trunk acceleration occurs earlier in the stroke cycle, meaning a smaller HaTD when swimming fast compared to when swimming slow (p < 0.05). The results also showed that the trunk acceleration occurs at the same percentage of the stroke cycle, meaning that HaT% was the same when swimming fast compared to when swimming slow (p > 0.05). Finally it was shown that varying degrees of bilateral asymmetry in HaTD and HaT% occur when swimming at both maximum and slow velocity.
Open Access
Self-Compassion, Psychological Flexibility, Hardiness, and a Hint of Harmonious Passion: The Recipe for Building Athletes Adaptable to the Stress of Sport Related Injury
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2022-03) Harris, Erin Marquise; Dorsch, Kim; Clune, Laurie; Bruno, Paul; Harenberg, Sebastian; Ferguson, Leah
Due to the recognition that sport related injury be approached from a biopsychosocial perspective, there has been a push for deeper psychological exploration in research. This has led to interest in two main areas: 1) identifying the psychological variables that may play a role in making an athlete more prone to injury, and 2) an athlete’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioural response to injury and how they influence the rehabilitation process (Almeida et al., 2014). As a result, the study presented in this dissertation explored the psychological factors believed to be important to athlete health. Using path analysis, two path models were presented and tested. The first model depicts the interaction between harmonious passion, self-compassion, psychological flexibility, hardiness, and perceived stress. The second, demonstrates the relationship between these variables when harmonious passion is replaced with obsessive passion and psychological flexibility is replaced with psychological rigidity. Multigroup invariance testing was then conducted in order to investigate possible variance between these psychological factors when athletes were separated into injured and non-injured groups. Two hundred and sixty-three athletes were included in this study and more than half of the athletes identified that they had experienced a sport related injury in the past year (n = 137, 52%). The results of the path analysis indicate that multiple psychological factors impact athlete perceptions of stress. Models met criteria for acceptable fit on all goodness-of-fit indices. However, the results of multigroup path analysis indicated that there were no differences in the relationships between psychological factors when athletes were separated into injured and non-injured groups.
Metadata only
Self-Efficacy in Sport - An Application to Sports Officials
(University of Regina, Graduate Students' Association, 2008-04) Chomos, Adam; Dorsch, Kim
Self-efficacy is the degree to which an individual feels competent and confident in carrying out specific behaviours and tasks towards a specific outcome. In the context of sport, self-efficacy research has been conducted and applied only in athletes and coaches. While understanding the implications of self-efficacy in athletes and coaches is critical, there is a group of 'athletes' that have been neglected with research in the area of self-efficacy. We recognize this group as sports officials. To understand how self-efficacy affects sports officials, the first step is to determine what skills and abilities are necessary for successful officiating. The purpose of this research is to identify specific skills and abilities deemed essential by officials for successful officiating experiences. Provincial sports associations will be contacted to give consent and provide support to approach their membership. Participants will be asked to complete an email-based, open-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire is designed to identify those skills necessary for officiating. Content analysis will be used to uncover themes among the responses. This study will allow future research to develop scales to be administered to sports officials, and integrate psychological skills training programs to improve officials' self-efficacy in areas where it is reported as low. This honours research project is designed to better understand how self-efficacy applies to sports officiating.