Athletes In Age Group Research Articles

Pacing strategy in male elite and age group 100 km ultra-marathoners.

Pacing strategy has been investigated in elite 100 km and elite 161 km (100 mile) ultra-marathoners, but not in age group ultra-marathoners. This study investigated changes in running speed over segments in male elite and age group 100 km ultra-marathoners with the assumption that running speed would decrease over segments with increasing age of the athlete. Running speed during segments in male elite and age group finishers for 5-year age groups (ie, 18–24 to 65–69 years) in the 100 km Lauf Biel in Switzerland was investigated during the 2000–2009 period. Average running speed over segment time station (TS) TS1–TS2 (56.1 km) was compared with running speed Start–TS1 (38 km) and Start–TS3 (76.7 km) and running speed TS2–TS3 was compared with running speed Start–Finish. For the top ten athletes in each edition, running speed decreased from 2000 to 2009 for TS1–TS2 and TS2–TS3 (P<0.0001) but not in TS3–Finish (P>0.05). During TS1–TS2, athletes were running at 98.0%±2.1% of the running speed of Start–TS1. In TS2–TS3, they were running at 94.6%±3.4% of the running speed of TS1–TS2. In TS3–Finish, they were running at 95.5%±3.8% of running speed in TS2–TS3. For age group athletes, running speed decreased in TS1–TS2 and TS2–TS3. In TS3–Finish, running speed remained unchanged with the exception of the age group 40–44 years for which running speed increased. Running speed showed the largest decrease in the age group 18–24 years. To summarize, the top ten athletes in each edition maintained their running speed in the last segment (TS3–Finish) although running speed decreased over the first two segments (TS1–TS2 and TS2–TS3). The best pacers were athletes in the age group 40–44 years, who were able to achieve negative pacing in the last segment (TS3–Finish) of the race. The negative pacing in the last segment (TS3–Finish) was likely due to environmental conditions, such as early dawn and the flat circuit in segment TS3–Finish of the race.

Do non-elite older runners slow down more than younger runners in a 100 km ultra-marathon?

BackgroundThis study investigated changes in normalised running speed as a proxy for effort distribution over segments in male elite and age group 100 km ultra-marathoners with the assumption that older runners would slow down more than younger runners.MethodsThe annual ten fastest finishers (i.e. elite and age group runners) competing between 2000 and 2009 in the ‘100 km Lauf Biel’ were identified. Normalised average running speed (i.e. relative to segment 1 of the race corrected for gradient) was analysed as a proxy for pacing in elite and age group finishers. For each year, the ratio of the running speed from the final to the first segment for each age cohort was determined. These ratios were combined across years with the assumption that there were no ‘extreme’ wind events etc. which may have impacted the final relative to the first segment across years. The ratios between the age cohorts were compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test. The ratios between elite and age group runners were investigated using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s multiple comparison post-hoc tests. The trend across age groups was investigated using simple regression analysis with age as the dependent variable.ResultsNormalised average running speed was different between age group 18–24 years and age groups 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59 and 65–69 years. Regression analysis showed no trend across age groups (r2 = 0.003, p > 0.05).ConclusionTo summarize, (i) athletes in age group 18–24 years were slower than athletes in most other age groups and (ii) there was no trend of slowing down for older athletes.

Feeling Elite: The Collective Effervescence of TEAM USA at the 2012 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final

Collective effervescence is an amplified, excited reaction made possible when a group of people experience something emotional together. We used a descriptive mixed methods approach to investigate both the individual and collective emotions of Team USA age group triathletes as they participated in the 2012 International Triathlon Union’s (ITU’s) Grand Final in Auckland, New Zealand. The results of our study suggest that participation in this event evoked emotions consistent with the themes of Intrinsic Arousal, Anxiety, National Pride, and Social Arousal. Further, the results indicated that this group of experienced athletes was less motivated by performance outcome goals (i.e., placing in the top three) and more motivated by the individual and collective emotions associated with being a member of Team USA and representing the USA on a national stage. While some have suggested that the more elite athletes may be more attuned to their emotional states than less accomplished competitors, we found the very nature of the Grand Final as a world championship event, coupled with the symbols and rituals associated with Team USA membership, provided age group athletes a rare chance to experience similar states.

Physical preparedness and functional status of young players in the competition period

Purpose : evaluate physical preparedness and functional status of young players in the competitive period. Material : the study involved two groups of players. One group - 18 athletes aged 13 years. The second group - 16 players aged 14-16 years. Athletes performed tests: running 15 m stroke and 15 m, 30 m from the spot. Determines the amount of creatinine in the urine of athletes. Results : the evaluation of physical preparedness of young players indicates a decrease in the speed of the players, as evidenced by indicators and creatinine excretion in the urine. Revealed hypertrophy of the left ventricle, systolic blood volume. Functional state of the older age group athletes is somewhat better than the younger players. Analysis of the studied parameters indicates incomplete recovery of the body of young players. Conclusions : It is recommended to use the results to correct the training process of young players.

Conceptual bases of physical rehabilitation of young athletes with somatic dysfunctions

The analysis of preventive medical examination data of 5437 athletes of different specializations aged 8–17 years has been made. The structure of the incidence of somatic disease and the character of its course in athletes of different age groups have been studied. Based on obtained data the peculiarities of clinical manifestations and the course of somatic pathology have been revealed in age aspect. The role of the factors of preparation process in pathogenesis of the somatic dysfunction development in young athletes has been determined.

Differences in participation and performance trends in age group half and full marathoners.

Recent studies investigated participation and performance trends in age group half marathoners and full marathoners for a single event. The present study investigated participation and performance trends in age group athletes in all half marathons and full marathons held in a single country during a given period of time. Changes in running performance and age of 226,754 half marathoners and 86,419 full marathoners competing in Switzerland between 2000 and 2010 were analyzed using linear regression analyses. The number of half marathoners increased (P < 0.01) from 2000 to 2010 for both men (+231%) and women (+299%). In contrast, the number of male and female full marathoners increased until 2005 only and decreased thereafter. The greatest part of the finishers of both genders was assigned to age group 40-44 years in half marathons (19.5% of finishers) and full marathons (22.0% of finishers). Running performance of female full marathoners improved in age groups 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49 and 50-54 years. Running performance of male full marathoners improved in age groups 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 45-49 and 55-59 years. Female half marathoners achieved no change in running times in all age groups. For male half marathoners in age groups 30-34, 40-44 and 50-54 years, running performance declined. In conclusion, during the 2000-2010 period in Switzerland, it appeared that participation in half marathons increased but running performance stabilized. In contrast, participation in full marathons decreased but running performance improved. Further investigations are required to collect complete data for other countries and the investigation of other endurance events in Switzerland.

Stress Resistance to Emotional Tension Condition in Elite Athletes

The characteristics of stress resistance and emotional tension in elite athletes were studied. 19 elite athletes (12 athletes at age of 19-24 and 7 athletes aged 27-31); members of the Ukrainian National Team in Greco-Roman wrestling took part in the research. The balance of nervous system, stress tolerance and state of autonomic regulation of the heart rhythm were studied. The results of the study are shows that athletes in younger age group (19-24) have higher level of performance of cognitive functions. Apart of it, it was indicated that athletes in a younger age group has the balance of nervous processes to acceleration and deceleration. Psycho emotional load leads to decline of average meanings of cardio intervals (Mean RR), the increase of low-frequency (VLF) and high-frequency (HF) heart rate variations in older age group. This fact indicates the influence to sinus node the central contour of regulation in the situations of psycho emotional tension with simultaneous activation parasympathetic link of vegetative regulation.

A Study of VO2 Max and Body Fat Percentage in Female Athletes.

Aerobic capacity of athletes is an important element of success in sports achievements. It is generally considered the best indicator of cardio respiratory endurance and athletic fitness. Body fat percentage affects VO2 max and thus the cardiovascular status of the athletes. The present study was undertaken to assess the VO2 max and body fat percentage in athletes. The secondary objective of the study was to study the relationship between VO2 max and body fat percentage. Twenty five female athletes of age group 17-22years were selected for the study. VO2 max was determined by Queen's college step test and body fat percentage by skin fold calipers. The VO2 max and body fat percentage were determined in non athletes of same age group for comparison. The statistical analysis was done by Student's t-test and Pearson correlation test. The mean VO2 max in athletic group was 39.62 ± 2.80 ml/kg/min. In non-athletic group, VO2 max was 23.54 ± 3.26 ml/kg/min. The mean body fat percentage in athletes was 24.11 ± 1.83% and in non-athletes it was 29.31 ± 3.86%.The difference in VO2 max and body fat percentage was statistically significant in our study. The VO2 max and body fat percentage in both the groups showed negative correlation by Pearson test but, was not statistically significant. The present study showed a statistically significant higher VO2 max in female athletes. The study showed a negative correlation between VO2 max and body fat percentage but was not statistically significant.

Prevalence of Sports Injuries in Adolescent Athletes

Prevalence of Sports Injuries in Adolescent Athletes Adolescence is the common age for sport involvement and theses athletes are more vulnerable to injury compared to adults. Due to the various factors there is a need to know the prevalence, nature of injuries and the various factors contributing to them in sports like football, hockey, cricket, athletics and basketball are the most common played here. Athletes in age group of 11-19 years who play competitive sports were recruited from the stadium and athletic training centers over a period of one year. They were observed prospectively to detect the occurrence of injuries, injury rate both previous and new. A structured questionnaire was developed and given to the athletes to note injuries and causes for it. Prevalence of sports injuries was 65% in this study. Injury risk factors found in this study were male gender, age, psychological and stress related issues, previous injuries.

A Study of the Unity of Sports Teams: Development of a Scale and Examination of Related Factors

IntroductionGroup cohesiveness is most critical social psychological construct for sport teams (e.g.. Carron et al., 2005). Group cohesiveness is defined as dynamic process that is reflected in tendency for a group stick together and remain united in pursuit of its instrumental objectives and/or for satisfaction of member affective needs (Carron et al., 1998).In particular, relationship between group cohesiveness and team sports performance is one of most interesting topics within sports psychology research (Cotterill, 2012). As an example. Carron et al. (2002) found two concepts have consistent positive relationships and reciprocity.Nevertheless, number of surveying Japanese research on group cohesiveness of sport teams is small. So far, few studies were particularly conducted using scales with sufficient reliability and validity. Ucliida et al. (2011) emphasized that development of a scale that can appropriately evaluate group cohesiveness of sports teams will increasingly become indispensable in Japan. Therefore, development of a scale measure group cohesiveness specializing in Japanese sports teams is an urgent task.However, despite a concept of group cohesiveness is understood as a multidimensional structure based on Carron et al. (1985), there lias barely been any research conducted in Japan that could serve as its foundation. Therefore, it would be difficult comprehensively perceive and evaluate concept of group cohesiveness. In keeping with above, it is effective attain new findings that can serve as foundations of group cohesiveness research by launching studies focused on subordinate concept of group cohesiveness.Concerning subordinate concept, Forsyth's (2006, 2010) new group cohesiveness model provides a thought-provoking suggestion. Forsyth (2006, 2010) conducted a meta-analysis of major research defining group cohesiveness, based on several findings from group dynamics research studies. He then proposed that group cohesiveness is a concept that unites three collective characteristics of teamwork, unity, and attraction (Fig-1)-On basis of Forsyth's (2006, 2010) model, no research has focused on unity. Furthermore, Arai et al. (2013) indicated necessity of quantitatively evaluating unity in teams. Thus, it is of vital importance create a scale that can evaluate unity of a sports team.Therefore, this study will develop a scale that evaluates unity of a sports team, and clarify related factors of unity. Preceding this, this paper will first define concept of unity pertaining sports settings, since it is not possible render a uniform definition of unity from a sports science perspective. Forsyth (2006, 2010) defined unity as groups are cohesive social arrangements of individuals that perceivers, in some cases, consider be unified wholes. According Homna (2011), unity is state of group being united and its awareness. These two definitions exhibit commonalities such as the properties of target are group, and its unity or cohesiveness serve as subjects when summarized. Therefore, this study will consider sports setting perspective and ultimately define unity as to feel that a team is united as one.Concerning development of scale, Ohlert (2012) stated that it is necessary include athletes and teams specializing in co-active sports and not just interactive sports. Kawazu et al. (2012) argued that an evaluation scale with high versatility covering a wide range of athletic events is required. Therefore, it is necessary develop a scale that can be applicable a variety of athletic events, as well as athletes of various age groups, from both co-active and interactive sports. Furthermore, reducing burden on participants is a particularly important issue (Namikawa et al., 2012). This burden can be minimized by reducing number of questionnaire items on scale, ensuring that participants' response times will be shorter. …

Age group athletes in inline skating: decrease in overall and increase in master athlete participation in the longest inline skating race in Europe &amp;ndash; the Inline One-Eleven

BackgroundParticipation and performance trends in age group athletes have been investigated in endurance and ultraendurance races in swimming, cycling, running, and triathlon, but not in long-distance inline skating. The aim of this study was to investigate trends in participation, age, and performance in the longest inline race in Europe, the Inline One-Eleven over 111 km, held between 1998 and 2009.MethodsThe total number, age distribution, age at the time of the competition, and race times of male and female finishers at the Inline One-Eleven were analyzed.ResultsOverall participation increased until 2003 but decreased thereafter. During the 12-year period, the relative participation in skaters younger than 40 years old decreased while relative participation increased for skaters older than 40 years. The mean top ten skating time was 199 ± 9 minutes (range: 189–220 minutes) for men and 234 ± 17 minutes (range: 211–271 minutes) for women, respectively. The gender difference in performance remained stable at 17% ± 5% across years.ConclusionTo summarize, although the participation of master long-distance inline skaters increased, the overall participation decreased across years in the Inline One-Eleven. The race times of the best female and male skaters stabilized across years with a gender difference in performance of 17% ± 5%. Further studies should focus on the participation in the international World Inline Cup races.

A comparison of participation and performance in age group finishers competing in and qualifying for Ironman Hawaii

BackgroundAthletes intending to compete in Ironman Hawaii need to qualify in an age-group based qualification system. We compared participation and top ten performances of athletes in various age groups between Ironman Hawaii and its qualifier races.MethodsFinishes in Ironman Hawaii and in its qualifier races in 2010 were analyzed in terms of performance, age, and sex. Athletes were categorized into age groups from 18–24 to 75–79 years and split and race times were determined for the top ten athletes in each age group.ResultsA higher proportion of athletes aged 25–49 years finished in the qualifier races than in Ironman Hawaii. In athletes aged 18–24 and 50–79 years, the percentage of finishes was higher in Ironman Hawaii than in the qualifier races. For women, the fastest race times were slower in Ironman Hawaii than in the qualifier races for those aged 18–24 (P<0.001), 25–29 (P<0.05), and 60–64 (P<0.05) years. Swim split times were slower in Ironman Hawaii than in the qualifier races for all age groups (P<0.05). Cycling times were slower in Ironman Hawaii for 18–24, 25–29, 40–44, 50–54, and 60–64 years (P<0.05) in age groups. For men, finishers aged 18–24 (P<0.001), 40–44 (P<0.001), 50–54 (P<0.01), 55–59 (P<0.001), 60–64 (P<0.01), and 65–69 (P<0.001) years were slower in Ironman Hawaii than in the qualifier races. Swim split times were slower in Ironman Hawaii than in the qualifier races for all age groups (P<0.05). Cycling times were slower in Ironman Hawaii for those aged 18–24 and those aged 40 years and older (P<0.05).ConclusionThere are differences in terms of participation and performance for athletes in different age groups between Ironman Hawaii and its qualifier races. Triathletes aged 25–49 years and men generally were underrepresented in Ironman Hawaii compared with in its Ironman qualifier races. These athletes may have had less chance to qualify for Ironman Hawaii than female athletes or younger (<25 years) and older (>50 years) athletes.

Age and gender interactions in short distance triathlon performance

This study investigated the participation and performance trends as well as the age and gender interaction at the Olympic distance ‘Zürich Triathlon’ (1.5 km swim, 40 km cycle and 10 km run) from 2000 to 2010 in 7,939 total finishers (1,666 females and 6,273 males). Female triathletes aged from 40 to 54 years significantly (P < 0.05) increased their participation while the participation of younger females and males remained stable. Males of 50–54 years of age and females of 45–49 years of age improved their total race time. For elite top five overall triathletes, mean gender differences in swimming, cycling, running and overall race time were 15.2 ± 4.6%, 13.4 ± 2.3%, 17.1 ± 2.5%, and 14.8 ± 1.8%, respectively. For both elite and age group athletes, the gender difference in cycling time was significantly (P <0.001) lower than for swimming and running. The gender difference in overall Olympic distance triathlon performance increased after the age of 35 years, which appeared earlier compared to long distance triathlon as suggested by previous studies. Future investigations should compare gender difference in performance for different endurance events across age to confirm a possible effect of exercise duration on gender difference with advancing age.

Return to Sports and Subsequent ACL Injury Rates after Revision ACL reconstruction with Patellar Tendon Autograft

Objectives:We sought to determine the rate at which competitive and recreational athletes of different age groups returned to the same sport at the same level after revision ACL reconstruction with a patella tendon autograft, as well as define the subsequent ACL injury rate to either knee.Methods:We prospectively studied patients after revision ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft. Patients who were involved in jumping/pivoting sports when they injured the ACL reconstructed knee and had the desire to return to the same sport at the same competitive level were included in the study. All patients underwent a perioperative rehabilitation program that emphasized limiting postoperative hemarthrosis, obtaining full range of motion, and achieving quadriceps muscle control before participating in an aggressive strengthening and functional progression program. Patients were grouped by age and competitive sport levels of high school (age <17.5 years, mean 16.6 ± 0.9 years; N=84), college (ages 18 to 21.9 years, mean 19.6 ± 1.2 years; N=58) or recreational (22 to 35 years, mean age 27.6 ± 4.1 years; N=117). A subjective activity survey was used to determine what specific sport and sport level patients participated in before and after surgery. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and modified Noyes knee surveys were also obtained.Results:Of 84 high school athletes, 62 (74%) returned to play the same sport in high school. Of 58 college athletes, 43 (74%) returned to play the same sport at the college level. Of 117 recreational athletes, 73 (62%) returned to the same sport at a recreational level. The number of patients who had a subsequent ACL graft tear rate after revision surgery was 2 of 84 (2.3%) in the high school group, 3 of 58 (5.1%) in the college group, and 4 of 117 (3.4%) in the recreational group. The number of patients who had a subsequent ACL tear in the contralateral knee was 1 of 84 (1.1%) in the high school group, 1 of 58 (1.7%) in the college group, and 2 of 117 (1.7%) in the recreational group. Long-term subjective follow-up was obtained for 210 patients at 7.2 ± 5.3 years after surgery. The mean IKDC subjective total score was 86.1 ± 11.7 points at 2 years after surgery and 76.7 ± 18.3 at long-term follow-up. The mean modified Noyes total score was 89.7 ± 11.1 points at 2 years after surgery and 83.7 ± 16.2 points at long-term follow-up.Conclusion:Revision ACL reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft combined with perioperative rehabilitation allows patients to return to the same sport at the same level at a high rate, which is higher than what is reported for revision surgery with hamstring grafts or allografts. Subsequent ACL injury rates to either knee is low and appears lower than after primary surgery, which may indicate that although patients report they return to the same level of sport, they may be doing so at a lower intensity.

Methodical and practical recommendations for sports training of elder age group athletes specializing in speed-strength field events

Methodical and practical recommendations for sports training of elder age group athletes specializing in speed-strength field events

청각장애선수의 신체적 자기개념인식

The goal of this research was to analyze and to compare the perceived physical self-concept of athletes with hearing impairment by factors such as sex, age, degree of disabilities, acquisition of disabilities, and level of athletic abilities (superior-athletes and non-superior athletes). For this purpose, 202 non-superior athletes and 101 superior athletes of hearing impairments athletes were selected and the sample data was collected by using a Korean model of physical self-concept measurement (PSDQ). According to statistical analysis results, 7 sub-factors (Flexibility, Physical activity, Body-fat, Resistance, Health, Overall physical, and Self-respect) were categorized, and MANOVA analysis results on the different perception of physical self-concept based on human societal variable factors were concluded as follows: Firstly, Self-respect had positive affect on Female athletes than Male athletes by Sex. Second, Teen age group athletes perceived higher on Health and Resistance than those 20th and 30th by Age. Third, athletes with Disabilities by Nature appreciated higher on Heath factor than those by Acquired disabilities. Fourth, Superior-athletes showed higher perception of Self-concept on Flexibility, Physical activity, Body-fat, Resistance, Health, Overall physical, and Self-respect of 7 sub-categories.

Youth Football: Heat Stress and Injury Risk

Michael F. Bergeron, Ph.D., FACSM (Co-Chair)Douglas B. McKeag, M.D., FACSM (Co-Chair)Douglas J. Casa, Ph.D., ATC, FACSMPriscilla M. Clarkson, Ph.D., FACSMRandall W. Dick, FACSME. Randy Eichner, M.D., FACSMCraig A. Horswill, Ph.D., FACSMAnthony C. Luke, M.D., MPHFrederick Mueller, Ph.D., FACSMThayne A. Munce, Ph.D.William O. Roberts, M.D., FACSMThomas W. Rowland, M.D., FACSM

Specific aspects of contemporary triathlon: implications for physiological analysis and performance.

Triathlon competitions are performed over markedly different distances and under a variety of technical constraints. In 'standard-distance' triathlons involving 1.5km swim, 40km cycling and 10km running, a World Cup series as well as a World Championship race is available for 'elite' competitors. In contrast, 'age-group' triathletes may compete in 5-year age categories at a World Championship level, but not against the elite competitors. The difference between elite and age-group races is that during the cycle stage elite competitors may 'draft' or cycle in a sheltered position; age-group athletes complete the cycle stage as an individual time trial. Within triathlons there are a number of specific aspects that make the physiological demands different from the individual sports of swimming, cycling and running. The physiological demands of the cycle stage in elite races may also differ compared with the age-group format. This in turn may influence performance during the cycle leg and subsequent running stage. Wetsuit use and drafting during swimming (in both elite and age-group races) result in improved buoyancy and a reduction in frontal resistance, respectively. Both of these factors will result in improved performance and efficiency relative to normal pool-based swimming efforts. Overall cycling performance after swimming in a triathlon is not typically affected. However, it is possible that during the initial stages of the cycle leg the ability of an athlete to generate the high power outputs necessary for tactical position changes may be impeded. Drafting during cycling results in a reduction in frontal resistance and reduced energy cost at a given submaximal intensity. The reduced energy expenditure during the cycle stage results in an improvement in running, so an athlete may exercise at a higher percentage of maximal oxygen uptake. In elite triathlon races, the cycle courses offer specific physiological demands that may result in different fatigue responses when compared with standard time-trial courses. Furthermore, it is possible that different physical and physiological characteristics may make some athletes more suited to races where the cycle course is either flat or has undulating sections. An athlete's ability to perform running activity after cycling, during a triathlon, may be influenced by the pedalling frequency and also the physiological demands of the cycle stage. The technical features of elite and age-group triathlons together with the physiological demands of longer distance events should be considered in experimental design, training practice and also performance diagnosis of triathletes.

Training practices and overtraining syndrome in Swedish age-group athletes.

Heavy training in combination with inadequate recovery actions can result in the overtraining/staleness syndrome and burnout. Even young and aspiring elite athletes develop staleness. The aim was therefore to determine the incidence and nature of staleness, and its association with training behavior and psychosocial stressors in young elite athletes. A sample of 272 individuals from 16 sports completed questionnaires on training, staleness, and psychosocial stress and 37% reported being stale at least once. The incidence rate was higher for individual sports (48%) compared with team (30%) and less physically demanding sports (18%). Stale athletes reported greater perceptual changes and negatively elevated mood scores in comparison to healthy athletes. Staleness was distinguished from burnout on the basis of motivational consequences; 41 % of the athletes lost their motivation for training, which in turn indicates a state of burnout. Further, 35 % of the athletes reported low satisfaction with time spent on important relationships, 29% rated the relationship with their coach as ranging from very, very bad to only moderately good. The results indicate that staleness is a widespread problem among young athletes in a variety of sports, and is not solely related to physical training, but also to non-training stressors.

Multidimensional self-concepts, masculinity, and femininity as a function of women's involvement in athletics

Measures of multidimensional self-concepts, masculinity (M), and femininity (F) were completed by high-school women athletes and nonathletes, and by young-adult women athletes and nonathletes. Women athletes in both age groups had substantially higher scores in M and in self-concept of physical ability, but did not differ substantially from nonathletes in F and in other areas of self-concept. Women athletes in both groups also judged their self-concept of physical ability to be more important to them than did nonathletes, but the two groups did not differ in the perceived importance of other areas of self-concept. These findings support the androgyny contention that MF should not be considered a bipolar construct and suggest that women can be more M without being less F. The specificity of the relation between athletic involvement and the multiple dimensions of self-concept also provide further support for the construct validity of the self-concept dimensions.