Browsing by Author "Kulczycki, Cory"
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Item Open Access Appendix A: Not on My Front Lawn A Case Study of Hosting the 2017 Heritage Classic(2021-09-15) Kulczycki, Cory; Edwards, Jonathon; Potwarka, LukeAppendix A for the paper “Not on My Front Lawn”: A Case Study of Hosting the 2017 Heritage Classic Event on Parliament Hill in CanadaItem Open Access Appendix A_Not on My Front Lawn A Case Study of Hosting the 2017 Heritage Classic(2021-08-04) Kulczycki, Cory; Edwards, Jonathon; Potwarka, LukeItem Open Access Appendix B_Not on My Front Lawn A Case Study of Hosting the 2017 Heritage Classic_Final(2021-08-04) Kulczycki, Cory; Edwards, Jonathon; Potwarka, LukeItem 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 D.; Kulczycki, Cory; Paskevich, David; Kowalski, KentIn 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.Item Open Access Coping With Everyday Stressors In Adiposis Dolorosa: Is There a Role for Leisure?(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2016-01) Mukherjee, Urmi Jahar; Genoe, M. Rebecca; Rossow-Kimball, Brenda; Kulczycki, CoryAdiposis Dolorosa (AD) is a rare and painful disease characterized by multiple benign tumours (lipomas) that primarily occur on the trunk, upper arms and legs, but eventually spread throughout the body (National Organization for Rare Disorders - NORD, 2012). The lipomas press against nerves and cause cardinal, nerve pain - the most common symptom of AD. Pain is also accompanied by chronic fatigue, brain fog and generalized obesity (Hansson, Svensson, & Brorson, 2012). With no known cure, patients receive symptomatic treatment with substantial risk due to multiple medications (NORD, 2012). The complications of AD are burdensome and impact the overall quality of life (QoL) (Wortham & Tomlinson, 2005). Several studies have noted the positive role of leisure in coping and self-management of chronic illness (Castelli & Valley, 2007; Iwasaki, Coyle, & Shank, 2010; Kleiber & Hutchinson, 2010). Leisure may offer opportunities for creativity, participatory activities via clubs and organizations, social networking, spending time with family and loved ones, as well as enjoying personal space and freedom to recharge and look forward to life (Adams, Leibbrandt, & Moon, 2011; Hutchinson & Nimrod, 2012). Although the relationship between leisure and chronic illness is promising, leisure within the context of rare chronic illnesses has not yet been considered. The purpose of this study is to understand the lived experiences of individuals with AD and explore the role of leisure in coping with everyday stressors associated with it. Guided by hermeneutic phenomenology, telephone interviews were conducted with four persons with AD. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using detailed line by line analysis (van Manen, 1997). The findings indicate that amid the several negative life events brought about by AD, leisure provided participants with time, space and meaningful engagements to cope with daily stress and symptoms. Amid changes in relationships, threats to identity, and the apprehension of living with a poorly understood illness, experiencing shared leisure with family, utilizing free time to relax, practicing religion/faith, making behavioural adjustments and pursuing meaningful activities such as advocacy of rare chronic diseases helped participants maintain a positive attitude and live well with AD.Item Open Access Crafting Leisure Activities During COVID-19 Physical Distancing(2023-08-31) Kulczycki, Cory; Genoe, RebeccaIn the late winter and early spring of 2020 Canada experienced the COVID-19 pandemic where he Federal Government of Canada along with the provinces encouraged residents to socially distance and non-essential businesses to close. Canadian participants completed an online survey about their crafting and how crafting was impacted during COVID-19 restrictions. The participants explained how the restrictions provided opportunities and constraints during the first wave of the pandemic. Crating provided escape from stressors and worries often providing pleasure and social connections and even learning opportunities. As a leisure activity crafting contributed to their perceived well-being during the time of the research.Item Open Access Determinants of Leisure-Time Physical Activity Participation Among African Students Attending a Canadian University(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2018-09) Dasylva, Oluwakayode Tosin; Genoe, Rebecca; Kulczycki, Cory; Rossow-Kimball, Brenda; Daschuk, James; Rehman, Laurene A.A recent report that examined university students across 23 countries found that 4 out of 10 students were physically inactive (Pengpid et al., 2015). Physical inactivity has been linked to certain types of preventable diseases (Myers et al., 2004). This study is an examination of the perceived factors influencing leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among African students attending the University of Regina (U of R) to understand their experiences with and perceptions of LTPA. The study further explored how LTPA contributes to students’ wellness. This research was guided by an interpretive inquiry approach because it examines in-depth the meanings and understanding people create of their personal experiences and perceptions (Gephart & Rynes, 2004). Seven students were recruited for the study and semi-structured interviews were conducted during data collection. The transcripts were analyzed by way of inductive analysis, the most common approach for qualitative studies (Thomas, 2006). The results of the study provided insights into African students’ perceived benefits of LTPA and constraints to participation. This thesis sets out suggestions for improving or maintaining LTPA participation among the students. Finally, it contributes to the body of knowledge on the perceived constraints to physical activity and LTPA participation among international students and provides suggestions for further research. Keywords: leisure-time physical activity, participation, motivation, constraintsItem Open Access Effect of Textured Insoles on Gait Variability During Continous Overground Walking in Older Adult Fallers and Non-Fallers(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2022-02) Ruf, Sarah Michelle; Barden, John; Bruno, Paul; Kulczycki, Cory; Kobsar, DylanFalls represents one of the leading causes of injury and mortality in older adults. There is a need amongst gait clinicians and researchers to develop better methods to analyze fall risk. In addition to the calculation of mean spatiotemporal gait parameters, gait variability and the fractal scaling index (FSI) have been suggested to be sensitive markers of previous falls and predictive of future fall risk in older adults. Gait variability and the FSI of gait require hundreds of strides for valid analysis, which requires specific technology such as accelerometers to capture such large data sets. In addition to developing more sensitive measures to quantify fall risk, it is imperative to develop interventions that will reduce or prevent falls in older adults. Textured insoles are a recent intervention method that have been suggested to improve proprioceptive acuity in older adults, and as such are postulated to reduce and prevent falls. The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate (i.e., the acute) effect of textured insoles on step- and stride time variability, along with the FSI of stride time during continuous overground walking in older adult fallers and to compare these results to a healthy group of older adult non-fallers. Group differences were found with respect to mean step- and stride time. No significant differences were found for step- and stride time variability along with the FSI of gait. An interaction effect revealed that the textured insoles altered the mean spatiotemporal gait values differently between groups. As a result, this thesis demonstrates that a history of falls does appear to increase mean stepand stride time, and that textured insoles resulted in an increased step- and stride time with a greater change experienced in the older adult fallers. Keywords: textured insoles, gait variability, fractal scaling index (FSI), accelerometry, fallsItem Open Access A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding the Progressive Constraints of the Social Worlds within Indoor Climbing Gyms(2020-05-15) Kulczycki, Cory; Buning, Richard J.Item Open Access Perceptions and experiences of leisure-time physical activity among older adults following a heart attack(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2023-07) Sultana, Sabiha; Genoe, Rebecca; Kelsey, Roz; Kulczycki, Cory; Wickson-Griffiths, AbigailLeisure has been found to improve later-life well-being and to help people in coping with life changes (Dupuis & Alzheimer, 2008; Michèle et al., 2019). Leisure activities, including leisuretime physical activity, may significantly affect healthy aging and improve health-related quality of life among older persons. However, there is a lack of literature revealing the determining factors of participation in leisure-time physical activity among older adults following a heart attack. The aim of this research was to explore the perceptions and experiences of leisure-time physical activity among older people who have had a heart attack. To obtain participants’ perspectives, a parallel mixed-methods design was used. Data were collected from 10 participants using a survey (Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity questionnaire) to measure leisure-time physical activity, followed by a face-to-face interview. A qualitative descriptive technique was used to guide the qualitative data collection and analysis. SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze the demographics and the RAPA questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Four main themes, making lifestyle changes after a heart attack, engagement in leisure-time physical activity, perceptions about leisure-time physical activity after a heart attack, and constraints were generated to describe participants’ perceptions and experiences of leisure-time physical activity. Leisure-time physical activity participation after a heart attack was influenced by several motivators which led to engagement in leisure activities. Participants experienced several constraints in engaging in leisure-time physical activity, however, they described different ways of negotiating those constraints.Item Open Access POST-SECONDARY VOLUNTEERISM: A SASKATCHEWAN BASED PROJECT(2018-01-23) Kulczycki, Cory; Lott, Korinne; Rutherford, HaleyThis 2017 research inquired about the niche population of college and university students studying across Saskatchewan. An online survey was distributed throughout Saskatchewan to uncover post-secondary students’ perceptions and experiences about volunteering.Item Open Access Prairie mountain biking: A mix methods approach to understanding family participation(2024-01-27) Kulczycki, Cory; Rundio, AmyMountain biking is a lifestyle and adventure sport (Immonen, et al., 2017) that “is an exciting, intense, physically challenging sport” (Dodson, 1996, p. 317). Athletes ride bicycles off-road on trails through fields and forests, mountains, and deserts (Moularde & Weaver, 2016). Multiple factors influence youth participation (Bogage, 2017) in organized sport (Jellinek & Durant, 2004). Parents or guardians facilitating youth sport participation (Harwood & Knight, 2015). Mountain bike participation tends to rely upon grassroots organizations to advocate for access to facilities and resources (Buning & Lamont, 2021). Therefore, this study sought to inform Community Sport Organizations (CSO) about their participants’ motivations, desired club elements/offerings and interest in being engaged/involved (e.g., volunteering). The focus is on mountain biking from the CSO members’ perspectives.Item Open Access Predicting Hockey Success: The Western Hockey League Bantam Draft and Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2015-07) Atkinson, Curtis Ryan; Hoeber, Larena; Riemer, Harold; Kulczycki, Cory; Dixon, JessThe successful identification of talent and the ability to build a solid foundation of players are essential elements in developing winning athletic programs (Gee, Marshall, & King, 2010). In the Western Hockey League (WHL), players are eligible to be drafted at the conclusion of their second year of bantam hockey – the year they turn 15 years old. In the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), players are eligible to be selected one year later than the WHL – at the conclusion of their first year of midget hockey. The present study explored relations between player size, birth date and selection order in the WHL and OHL drafts and whether or not selection order predicted future success as a hockey player. Players born earlier in the year, and heavier (WHL and OHL) and taller (OHL) players were selected earlier in both the WHL and OHL drafts. Players selected earlier in their respective drafts were also advantaged over later picks with respect to the future success achieved in the game. Players drafted in the OHL were more likely to play at a higher level, which may in part be a result of the later draft, compared to the WHL. The present findings suggest that current draft procedures are successful in that players who are drafted higher tend to achieve higher levels of success. However, it is not possible to determine if this is due to potentially successful players not being provided with the opportunity to achieve similar success because they were not drafted high or not drafted at all. An important implication of the work is to encourage structural changes to hockey leagues that will minimize age differences within groupings. Minimally, scouts should be made aware of the tendency to perhaps over-emphasize larger players, both directly through size and through players born relatively earlier than their competitors, so they can consider how such information factors into their own decisionsItem Open Access ‘Rallying’ for Change: Examining the Engagement of Pre-Adolescents, Schools, A Community Partnerships Through Triple-Ball Volleyball Using and Appreciative Lens(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2020-10) Goby, Benjamin James; Hoeber, Larena; Kulczycki, Cory; Stoddart, AlexandraElementary schools are of critical importance in our society. While their legislated mandate is to teach curricular outcomes to the youth who attend, these institutions are also being asked to do much more. Society continues to rely on schools to provide many student and community needs, particularly where physical activities, athletic achievement, and social development are concerned (Larsen et al., 2013). Community leaders and youth advocates are asking the publicly-funded school system to help ensure that youth receive the activity and education that they need to remain healthy in the long-term (PHE Canada, 2013). This study was done by creating a “Triple-Ball” volleyball league for pre-adolescent female youth aged eleven to thirteen to participate in, intended not only to create age-appropriate programming, but also to examine the pursuits of this study. The purpose of this study is centred on identifying the practices, resources and people that were essential for a new, volunteer-driven extracurricular physical activity program (Triple-Ball volleyball) to thrive at the elementary school level. An Appreciative Inquiry approach was utilized (Watkins et al., 2011) to guide data collection and analysis. This qualitative methodology uses stakeholder feedback to analyze the context at present, and reimagine what could be if learnings are capitalized on. In its inaugural season (2014), this “Triple-Ball” league’s administrative team consisted of the author of this research, in the role of teacher, graduate student researcher, and league/schedule coordinator. Additionally, this work relied heavily on a professor with the University of Regina’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, as well as a program coordinator with SaskVolleyball. From May through to August of 2014, monthly meetings and daily emails between each other and various stakeholders put the administrative team in position to design a truly community-focused opportunity for pre-adolescent female students. Data were collected over the course of several interviews with two of the main coordinators of the program. In addition, email threads between stakeholders related to the program were cached and subsequently examined. As an invested stakeholder and administrative team member, the researcher’s own thoughts and reflections on the process were also collected. Eight major categories emerged as a result of an analysis of the data. Communication played a major role in the success of this work. Identifying and relying on established and emerging partners and relationships was paramount. For leaders, motivation in this endeavor was found by the want to ‘win’ and the perceived need to carry through that which was started to a successful conclusion. Remaining optimistic and coming at challenges from a problem-solving approach led to positive negotiation of problems and navigation of obstacles. Kids, and specifically, a want to see them living with a healthy, active lifestyle, were a motivator towards a better future. Resources of all types – human, infrastructure, financial, and in-kind, were appreciated, sought after, and never in abundance. The success of this endeavour was grounded in a large way in having a stable of volunteers of both quantity and quality. Finally, the personal attributes of the leader overseeing the entire operation was of paramount importance. Above all else, the evidence suggests that for this type of work to be successful, there should be one convicted, energetic lead in charge of the overall project. Their ability to lean on pre-existing relationships, and rely on a full complement of volunteers, is crucial. Consistent, effective, audience-based communication at all stages of the project was also key. When looking to move forward with programs of similar mission and scope, it would be wise to consider the potential dedication, aptitude, and network that this person would bring to the project.Item Open Access Research Summary for the 2017 Spoke n'Hot Gran Fondo(2018-06-18) Kulczycki, CoryShort report on the Spoke n'Hot Gran Fondo research from the 2017 event.Item Open Access ‘Return on[boarding] investment’: Exploring volunteer onboarding experiences on newcomer behaviours and implications for volunteer board performance(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2023-03) Lott, Korinne Kimberly; Kulczycki, Cory; Dubnewick, Michael; Genoe, Rebecca; Kerwin, ShannonExploration of the onboarding experiences (OE) of newcomer volunteers in a volunteer leadership context is lacking in current volunteer management and governance research. Through a lens of socialization and self-efficacy principles, this study aims to address whether OE can be an interceding influence for newcomer behaviours and motivations. The level at which an individual is onboarded (Bauer, 2010) and the exchange between existing employees and newcomers, affects attitudinal aspects of the individual toward the role that they uphold (Sluss & Thompson, 2012). Increasing the knowledge base about the implications of onboarding practices within a volunteer context allows for more discernment surrounding appropriate considerations to effectively optimize the acquisition of knowledge and information for newcomers within a volunteer board, as well as how to enhance the interactional exchange between new individuals and existing members. Seven semi-structured interviews (approximately 45 – 60 minutes in length) were conducted with newcomer volunteers of non-profit sport or recreational organizations. New board members were considered to be within one year of their tenure, and were recruited to participate through various petitioned means. The study adopted an inductive approach complemented with thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) as a way to parse-out and construe the data collected from each of the participants. Findings within this study highlighted a number of themes and sub-themes that may impact a newcomer’s OE. These themes (i.e., process, information and organizational knowledge acquisition, original intent to participate, and person-organization fit) are aspects for sport and recreation organizations to consider when onboarding new individuals to a group. Overall, this project sought to provide cogency toward the knowledge and experiences that foster individual group members’ motivations and actions at a volunteer leadership level. It begins to address the onboarding experiences in a volunteer context and questions if we can adapt similar principles and understanding to volunteers compared to a workplace setting.