High Intense Competition Research Articles

The causes of sports injuries of fencers and the coping strategies

Context Fencing is an ancient sport that originated in medieval European wars and gradually developed into a regulated competitive sport. It is a combination of elegant movements and flexible tactics, requiring athletes to be highly focused mentally and well-coordinated physically. Such high demands on movements and reactions reflect the excellent skills and agility of fencers. In order to achieve excellent competition results, many aspects are often involved in the training, including the comprehensive training of technical, physical, tactical and psychological quality. Such high-demand training and high-intensity competition make the probability of sports injury in the process of sports greatly increased. These injuries not only affect the athletes' immediate performance, but also may have a negative impact on their long-term career and shorten the athletes' sports life and may also bring huge psychological pressure and anxiety to the athletes. How to effectively avoid athletes' sports injury and improve the quality of training have become the key reasons for fencers to achieve good results. By understanding the causes and influencing factors of knee joint injury of fencers, it can provide theoretical basis for injury protection of fencers. At the same time, individual prevention or intervention strategies are adopted.

Topological perturbations on resilience of the world trade competition network

Network resilience refers to a system’s capability to adapt its functions to ensure continuity of essential operations amidst external environmental shifts or internal failures. The resilience of the world trade network faces structural disturbances, such as dynamic changes in the internal and external environments, increasing trade barriers and changes in competition between countries, which is an issue worth exploring. In this study, we introduce a world trade competition network that reflects export competition between two countries. We employ a network dynamics model to assess the resilience of this global trade competition network, focusing on the influence of topological disturbances. The eight distinct types of topological perturbations analyzed include nodes representing countries, links symbolizing inter-country competition, and weights indicative of the intensity of this competition. Our findings reveal that the intensity of export competition between countries significantly influences the resilience of the global trade competition network. Specifically, experimental outcomes indicate that network resilience declines more rapidly when nodes are removed sequentially based on higher weighted degrees than when based on lower ones. Similarly, in link perturbation scenarios, removing links associated with higher competition intensity first leads to a more precipitous decrease in network resilience when the network is otherwise stable. Furthermore, in weight alteration scenarios, networks maintaining a higher ratio of high-intensity competition links demonstrate greater stability compared to those with a reduced proportion of such links. Consequently, sustaining a robust level of export competition between countries is crucial for preserving the stability of the network.

Cooperation and Competition Coupled Diffusion of Multi-Feature on Multiplex Networks and Its Control

Cooperation and competition widely exist in various kinds of network diffusions which however are usually studied separately. Recently, a novel network diffusion model, called multi-feature diffusion (MFD), attracts considerable attentions. The existing works usually assume that each feature diffuses independently and neglects the possible complex interplay between different features. In this paper, we introduce the cooperation and competition into the MFD and propose the <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">c</i> ooperation and <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">c</i> ompetition coupled diffusion of <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">m</i> ulti- <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">f</i> eature on multiplex network (CCMF). An unified framework and mathematical analytic theory regarding CCMF are then presented which are applicable and computationally efficient for any number of features and their own different sub-diffusion dynamics. In addition, an interesting finding is obtained in CCMF: compared with the high intensity competition, performing lower intensity competition under weak competition ability is more easier to result in positive effect. Due to the great importance of controlling network diffusion in many diverse contexts, we also propose an optimal allocation strategy of control resource for CCMF which first realizes the promotion and suppression of network diffusion simultaneously under one optimization framework and is also verified to be very efficient.

The Contribution of Capital Assistance Promotional Strategies and Organizational Capability to Micro Business Performance in the New Normal Era

This research was conducted to determine the contribution of capital assistance, promotional strategies, and organizational skills to micro-businesses performance in the new normal era. This research is applied to micro-enterprises in Surabaya that must face the environmental conditions after the Covid-19 Pandemic, namely the new normal where there are changes in behavior by the community and micro-businesses related to the pandemic that has occurred, starting new businesses with various uncertainties, high-intensity competition. The Surabaya city government has used different methods to overcome the micro-enterprise downturn by providing trading opportunities and holding grand events to promote products and provide financial assistance. The population of this research is micro-entrepreneurs in Surabaya, totaling 112 people. The survey method is used to retrieve the necessary data from the sample. Testing with multiple linear regression shows the contribution of the variable capital assistance, promotion strategy, and organizational ability to business performance shows that micro-business performance is influenced by capital assistance, promotion strategy, and organizational capacity. The capital assistance obtained is used to carry out product innovations, promotion innovations, distribution, and additional resources supported by organizational capabilities that can improve micro-business performance.

21세기 한국영화, ‘가난 혐오’와 청년

This is an era in which people do not regard absolute poverty as their own problem. However, the low rates of poverty and the seeming ease of escaping from poverty mean that the poor have to bear a greater stigma. As evidenced by the emergence of various words that hate the poor, poverty has become a shame that must be thoroughly concealed. Poverty is becoming a disease of the mind, beyond just economic difficulties.BR This article focuses on contemporary Korean films that put poverty at the center of the narrative. Films after the 2010s, which focused on poverty as a problematic reality of young people, are the main subjects of research. Under the premise that cinema is essentially the story of a community belonging to the public realm, I will examine the way poor young people are being narrativised on the screen, and through it, I will try to reveal the main affect of this era. The Films that imagines poverty provide an opportunity to discuss the value systems that dominate this era and the psychological reality shared throughout society, along with the opportunity to face our inner desires and anxieties’.BR The current films, which put poor young people at the center of the narrative, erased the connection with the social reality of the times, unlike the past, when poverty was contextualized as closely related to the history of the nation. Poverty is represented as a very personal problem. Today’s young people have been living hard in high-intensity competition since childhood, but the reward for it is very small. As the difficulties of growth faced by the young generation and the variables of choice and responsibility intervene, a more complex and dark psychological landscape depicting poverty was created in the film.BR In these films, the young man is represented as a ‘homeless’ wandering in search of a place to sleep, in a situation of isolation in which all personal relationships are disintegrated. In addition, various hate speeches that distinguish and constantly stigmatize poor young people appear every time, and among them, the self-hatred that poor young people in the same situation spit out toward each other requires attention. Although the state of mind differs depending on gender, most films carefully depict the process by which the space occupied by the poor young people becomes narrower, the moment when the relationship is broken and they are stigmatized and insulted. These films, which end in destruction or isolation without any hope, bring to the fore a more gloomy affect than modern people’s sense of alienation. The image of a young man who chooses the path of subordination rather than bocoming a master forms a depressing self-portrait of a young generation with anxiety about a dead-end world and self-hatred.BR What lies behind this cinematic phenomenon is meritocracy that brings meritism to the fore. Meritocracy, a regime that dominates the minds of people of this era, is democratic compared to Aristocracy, but it causes continuous anxiety and produces hatred. Under meritocracy, which connects ability, performance and reward in a straight line, ordinary people are more likely to feel frustrated and have the feelings of losers and drive everyone into a state of psychological poverty. Furthermore, as neoliberal values are internalized, a very desperate perception of reality and self-hatred are prevalent. These problems cannot be overcome by individual will alone, but can be solved only when the entire community cooperates together. Cinema, a kind of public record, can be an affective way to reduce the wounds of the heart and prevent hatred by alleviating the pressures from meritocracy and performance.

Influences of Physical, Environment, Task, Timing, Learning, Emotion, Perspective (PETTLEP) Intervention on Psychological Resilience, Psychological Skills, Anxiety and Depression of Athletes.

High-intensity competition pressure leads to psychological problems for athletes, which need to be improved through intervention. We aimed to explore the influences of PETTLEP (physical, environment, task, timing, learning, emotion, perspective) intervention on the psychological state of athletes, and provide references for their psychological improvement. Overall, 120 basketball players were enrolled through the convenience sampling method from Shaanxi, Yunnan, Fujian, and the national basketball team in China from April to June 2022. PETTLEP-based imagery intervention was given to all athletes, and their psychological resilience, training state, psychological skills, anxiety, and depression before and after the intervention were evaluated using a questionnaire survey. The psychological resilience value of athletes after the intervention was higher than that before the intervention (P<0.05). The psychological resilience index of athletes who trained for more than three years was higher than that of athletes who trained for less than 3 years (P<0.05). The athletes who trained for over three years felt better after the intervention concerning good feelings, self-efficacy, self-adjustment, and physical fitness recovery than before the intervention (P<0.05). No statistical differences in self-confidence, coordination ability, and motivation were observed among the athletes trained for different years before and after the intervention (P>0.05). The athletes who trained for over three years have shown better results regarding focal attention and cognitive regulation after the intervention than before the intervention (P<0.05). The PETTLEP-based imagery intervention can improve the athletes' psychological skills, relieves anxiety and depression, and enhance their psychological resilience.

INFLUÊNCIA DO TREINAMENTO INTERVALADO DE ALTA INTENSIDADE NOS JOGADORES DE TÊNIS DE MESA

ABSTRACT Introduction The development of the technical level of table tennis and the reform of the rules require players to have a proportionally comprehensive technical base, aiming to climb to the top of world table tennis. Objective Study the effect of high-intensity competition on the physical fitness of table tennis players. Methods By analyzing the questionnaires of coaches and athletes in colleges and universities in Zhejiang province, as well as the development status and situation of soldiers and soldier teams in colleges and universities in Zhejiang province, find out the factors that restrict the competitive level of table tennis in ordinary colleges and universities in our province. Results Most athletes felt that the specific qualities of agility and strength were important, accounting for 63% of the total, while endurance and speed were less important, accounting for 19% and 18%, respectively. Conclusion The time devoted to physical training is short, and the disposition of training time is insufficient. Compared to high-level sports teams, the quality of physical preparation and the particular technical training time cannot be combined rationally and satisfactorily. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

The Protective Effect of Interval Exercise on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Players.

In recent years, the popularity of sports has been increasing. In the high-intensity competition, many players have been injured; most of them are myocardial ischemia. With the development of medical science and technology, myocardial ischemia can be reperfusion. However, sometimes, the function of tissues and organs cannot be restored, but the dysfunction and structural damage of tissues and organs can be aggravated. Therefore, it is necessary to actively carry out intermittent exercise to protect players from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The purpose of this paper is to explore the protective effect of intermittent exercise on the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury of players. 60 clean male Sprague Dawley (SD) old rats were selected as the research objects, which were divided into control group, ischemia/reperfusion model group, intermittent exercise + model group, and intermittent exercise + control group, and compared the parameters of heart function indexes of each group. The results showed that the creatine kinase (CK) content of control group was 0.577 ± 0.176 u/ml, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content was 7.834 ± 1.507 u/ml, model group was 1.257 ± 0.113 u/ml, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content was 14.441 ± 1.793 u/ml, intermittent exercise + model group was 0.987 ± 0.127 u/ml, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content was 11.714 ± 3.017 u/ml, intermittent exercise + control group was 1.103 ± 0.125 u/ml, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content was 14.647 ± 2.575 u/ml. It can be seen that intermittent exercise has a good protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. If the interval exercise method is integrated into the daily training of athletes, it can effectively improve the perfusion injury caused by myocardial ischemia.

Cardiac morphology changes in horses as a response to various types of sports

ABSTRACT Cardiovascular problems can cause poor performance and sudden cardiac death during high-intensity competitions in athletics both humans and horses. A cardiac examination is one of the most important parameters used to define cardiac performance and cardiovascular diseases in sports horses. Some studies look at the cardiac morphology of horses from racing, eventing, endurance, and dressage. However, there is no information directly comparing these sports on the cardiac response. The objective was to evaluate the cardiac response of horses to various types of sports. Forty-eight horses were enrolled in this study and divided into 4 groups according to the type of sport: 12 control nonathlete horses, 12 show-jumping horses, 12 dressage horses, and 12 endurance horses. Electrocardiography with modified precordial leads was used to obtain electrophysiological heart function, and transthoracic echocardiography was evaluated. There were no significant differences among the groups concerning mean age and body weight. The electrocardiography and echocardiography results suggested that left ventricular internal diameter was highly associated with long-duration high-intensity exercise, such as endurance sports, and left ventricular wall thickness was significantly associated with short-duration high-intensity sports, such as show jumping. This study demonstrated exercise-induced cardiac morphology changes in each type of sports training.

Shorter constant work rate cycling tests as proxies for longer tests in highly trained cyclists.

Severe-intensity constant work rate (CWR) cycling tests simulate the high-intensity competition environment and are useful for monitoring training progression and adaptation, yet impose significant physiological and psychological strain, require substantial recovery, and may disrupt athlete training or competition preparation. A brief, minimally fatiguing test providing comparable information is desirable. Purpose To determine whether physiological variables measured during, and functional decline in maximal power output immediately after, a 2-min CWR test can act as a proxy for 4-min test outcomes. Methods Physiological stress ( kinetics, heart rate, blood lactate concentrations ([La-]b)) was monitored and performance fatigability was estimated (as pre-to-post-CWR changes in 10-s sprint power) during 2- and 4-min CWR tests in 16 high-level cyclists ( ml∙kg-1∙min-1). The relationship between the 2- and 4-min CWR tests and the physiological variables that best relate to the performance fatigability were investigated. Results The 2-min CWR test evoked a smaller decline in sprint mechanical power (32% vs. 47%, p<0.001). Both the physiological variables (r = 0.66–0.96) and sprint mechanical power (r = 0.67–0.92) were independently and strongly correlated between 2- and 4-min tests. Differences in and [La-]b in both CWR tests were strongly associated with the decline in sprint mechanical power. Conclusion Strong correlations between 2- and 4-min severe-intensity CWR test outcomes indicated that the shorter test can be used as a proxy for the longer test. A shorter test may be more practical within the elite performance environment due to lower physiological stress and performance fatigability and should have less impact on subsequent training and competition preparation.

Assessment of the State of Competition in the Tourist Market of Ukraine

The article evaluates the intensity of competition and the level of monopolization in the tourism market of Ukraine. It is noted that the most important feature of the tourist market of Ukraine is the intensity of competition – the struggle between tourist organizations for the most favorable conditions of production and sale in order to achieve better business results and business development. In such conditions, the assessment of the intensity of competition and the level of monopolization of the tourism market will allow companies to develop their pricing, product, sales and communication policies, to shape their strategy and tactics of behavior in the market. It is noted that among the indicators most often used to assess the intensity of competition in the industry: market concentration index, Rosenbluth index (Hall-Tydman), Herfindahl-Hirschman index and the relative concentration ratio. It is possible to assess the efficiency of a tourist enterprise, as well as to predict the prospects of its development with the help of a traditional tool – market share. It demonstrates the place of a travel company in the relevant market segment among competitors. It is proved that the information base for the analysis of competition in the market of tourist services of Ukraine is statistical and accounting of enterprises of various types for which tourism is the main, statistics of the Main Department of Statistics of Ukraine, State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine, State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The rating of tour operators of Ukraine by the number of served tourists was assessed. It is determined that the leaders in the tourist market and the largest share in the number of tourists served are tour operators “Join UP!”, Travel Company “Anex Tour”, “TEZ Tour”, “Coral Travel”. Indicators of intensity of competition in the tourist market of Ukraine for 2018-2019 are calculated. According to the indicators for assessing the intensity of competition in the market, it was noted that the market is non-monopolized, low-concentrated (moderately concentrated) and high-intensity competition. The results of the assessment of the intensity of competition can be used in the formation of competitive strategies of tour operators in Ukraine, in deciding on the entry of new enterprises in the industry or on the feasibility of continuing to operate effectively in existing firms. Keywords estimation, tourist market, competition, intensity, monopolization, indicators, index, coefficient.

High Incidence of Bronchospastic Response to a Stair Climbing Exercise.

BackgroundWhile it is increasingly recognized that exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) affects a substantial proportion of sport participants, the relation of EIB incidence and severity to the type and intensity of exertion remains under-investigated. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence and severity of EIB during a stair race, a highly demanding all-out effort exercise. We hypothesized that a large proportion of participants would develop EIB to this particular high-intensity competition, and that among the predisposing factors, severity of EIB would depend on the level of exertion.MethodologyIn this study, screening for EIB was conducted during the official competitive race to a 114-m skyscraper held during the late spring in a city center of approximately 0.5 million residents. Healthy active men (n = 26; age = 32.0 ± 7.0 years) volunteering for the study from the field of the race were included. Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes was completed, and responses of expiratory capacity (forced expiratory volume in the first second, FEV1) and blood lactate were measured by portable digital devices.ResultsOn average, FEV1 dropped by 10.5 ± 5.6% after the exercise. In 11 (approximately 42.5%) participants, FEV1 drop was >10%, indicative of clinical EIB. While age, anthropometry, training experience, allergy history, baseline FEV1, and post-exercise lactate did not differ in responders versus non-responders, those with FEV1 decrement of >10% were slower in the race.ConclusionsDue to very high incidence of EIB observed in active men performing a maximal-effort task and negative association of EIB with competitive performance, the condition of these individuals undertaking regular intense exercise deserves more attention.

Clever or foolish? Playing with the rivalry in leveraging sports sponsorships of SMEs

This article explores the significance of sports sponsorships by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Due to limited resources, and the high-intensity competition among sponsors for the recipient’s attention, SMEs have to look for alternative ways to exploit the potential of their sponsorships. With the help of an experimental research design, two studies examine the effects of integrating existing sporting rivalries between sports teams into the leveraging of sponsorships. Among both fans (study 1) and local residents (study 2), the reference to a sporting rivalry in sponsorship leveraging has positive effects on sponsorship-fit, attitudes towards sponsorship and brand attitudes towards the sponsor. Negative attitudes of rival fans on this type of sponsorship leveraging are mostly irrelevant for SME sponsors due to their limited market scope. This type of sponsorship leveraging offers SMEs the opportunity to differentiate themselves as sponsors in contrast to large enterprises with a supra regional, national or international sponsorship scope.

Athlete perceptions of playing-up in youth soccer

A common practice in sport is to play-up youth athletes who are highly skilled against chronologically older peers. However, the potential effects of playing-up on youth’s athletic and personal development have not been explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate athletes’ perceptions of how playing-up may have influenced their sport-specific skill and psychosocial development. Seventeen athletes from four soccer clubs in Ontario, Canada, participated in semi-structured interviews where they described their playing-up experiences. An inductive thematic analysis was performed to capture athletes’ perceptions of playing-up and the ways in which it may have affected their development. Results showed that athletes perceived playing-up to involve a balance between two high-order themes: (a) challenge and (b) progress. Regarding challenge, athletes struggled most to cope with the intensity of practices and games and to fit in socially with older peers. Regarding progress, athletes felt most rewarded when they received recognition for their talent, experienced success, and had opportunities to develop expertise. Athletes also commented that their teammates and coaches played a pivotal role in facilitating their sport-specific skill and psychosocial development. Practical applications for sport practitioners are proposed and avenues for further research are identified. Lay summary: This study explored athletes’ perceptions of playing-up at higher age levels. Playing-up was challenging because it required athletes to cope with high-intensity competition and fit in with older peers. Playing-up was also rewarding for athletes who received recognition for their skill, succeeded against older peers, and developed expertise. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Athletes were more likely to integrate socially within an older team when teammates introduced themselves and included them in sport and social activities. Constructive feedback from coaches that included clear strategies for improvement facilitated mutual trust and respect with athletes who played-up. Athletes who had opportunities to demonstrate their skill and share tactical knowledge with teammates perceived less challenge in proving themselves within an older team.

Effects of short duration high intensity competition on cardiac and cell damage biomarkers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cardiac biomarkers like cardiac troponin T (cTnT), cardiac troponin I, and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and the cell damage biomarkers including creatine phosphokinase (CPK), C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in response to a short-duration high-intensity competition with correction of the post-exercise raw data with the plasma volume loss in trained athletes. Thirty-two male athletes (age, 26.9±4.7 years) competed in 8 min high-intensity competition. The competition items included: running for 400 meters; three-stage deadlifting; bar pulling up; and 30 kg kettlebell swinging. Venous blood samples were obtained before and immediately after the competition and biomarkers analysed. Plasma volume changes were estimated from haemoglobin and haematocrit readings before and after the competition. A significant increase was shown immediately after the competition compared to resting in cTnT, AST, ALT, CPK, and CRP (P&lt;0/001). CK-MB showed no significant difference. When raw data were corrected for plasma volume loss, CPK showed a significant increase (P&lt;0.001), and LDH and CK-MB a significant decrease (P&lt;0.001), however cTnT, AST, ALT and CRP showed no significant difference. The plasma volume loss can affect the response of cardiac and cellular damage biomarkers to exercise. High-intensity competition for 8 min did not elevate the cardiac biomarkers, but elevated the muscle biomarkers.

Cardiac Troponin T Response during High-Intensity Competition and its Correlation with the Corrected QT Interval among the Trained Athletes

Cardiac Troponin T Response during High-Intensity Competition and its Correlation with the Corrected QT Interval among the Trained Athletes

The utility of salivary testosterone and cortisol concentration measures for assessing the stress responses of junior athletes during a sporting competition.

This study examined the utility of salivary testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentration measures for assessing the acute stress responses of junior athletes during a sporting competition. Paired capillary blood and saliva samples were taken from 71 junior athletes (45 males, 26 females) before and after a simulated Olympic weightlifting competition. The concentration measures of salivary T and C were referenced against blood total T (TT) and C (TC) concentrations. All hormones were tested by immunoassay. The competition promoted an increase in the blood TT concentrations of the male (10.1%±18.7%) and female (12.9%±19.9%) athletes (P<.05), with TC also rising in females (37.5%±69%) and tending to increase in males (23.2%±56.1%). No significant changes in salivary T or C were identified. Locally-weighted regression revealed that salivary T was strongly related to blood TT in males (r2 =.84), but not females (r2 =-.15), whereas salivary C was moderately related to blood TC in both sexes (r2 =.43, r2 =.48), respectively. A short, high-intensity competition promoted a predictable stress-induced rise in blood TT and TC concentrations. We observed no hormonal stress responses in saliva under the current format, which could be explained by individual variability and blood-saliva differences in hormone kinetics. Still, the salivary T and C measures did show a moderate to strong ability to track individual blood TT (males only) and TC (both sexes) concentrations in a young athletic cohort across a broad physiological range. Recommendations for researchers and practitioners are presented.

Application of Marketing Mix in Home Industry: Focussed on Micro and Small-Scale Coffee Industries

Differences in marketing strategies with other industries are needed to maintain business sustainability especially for facing fierce market competition. This research was aimed to identify a marketing mix implemented in micro and small scale coffee industries, and to identify external factors that affected business sustainability. This study was carried out in Sumberwringin Sub-district, Bondowoso District, East Java. Respondents of this study were 25 coffee industry players selected by using judgement sampling method. Primary and secondary data were collected in this study. Data were analyzed with descriptive-qualitative method and interactive analysis. The results showed that micro and small-scale coffee industries was still implementing conventional marketing pattern. The marketing mix which applied in coffee industry, were (a) the product mix was not persistent that depended on consumer demand; (b) selling price of product was determined from cost production and profit margins; (c) distribution was conducted with active and passive marketing particularly based on customer orders; (d) promotion mix was implemented by direct marketing, personal selling, and word of mouth. Micro-environments of the marketing affecting micro and small-scale coffee industries were: (a) customers as main target market in form of consumer markets and alternative target market as re-seller markets; (b) high intensity competition as a result of large number of competitors and lack of product diversification; (c) many raw material suppliers, but expensive input production cost; (d) there was no a marketing partnership with marketer agent/other partner, but it had strategic partnership with supplier and government; (e) government policies on product development and marketing had been implemented by facilitating exhibition activity, processing equipment, and training.

Exercise and Sport Participation for Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes

Exercise and Sport Participation for Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes

Division I Men and Women Athletes Do Not Differ on Perceptions of Worth

Historically, especially prior to the increased interest in women's athletics with the passage of Title IX in 1972, there have been negative perceptions of women as athletes. If these social perceptions still hold in part today, as is indirectly suggested by unequal press coverage and less basic support for women athletes, one might predict that collegiate female athletes would rate themselves lower on self-esteem and worth than collegiate male athletes. 176 Division I male (n = 90) and female (n = 86) athletes rated their perceptions of self on the Worth Index which measures basic human worth, personal security, performance, and physical self; these are divided into intrinsic (unconditional worth) measures and behavior or performance (conditional worth) measures. There were no significant sex differences in the ratings of any aspect of perceived worth, in contrast to prior results among non-athletes. In spite of less support given to women athletes, perhaps the long-term high-intensity competition that is required to reach Division I status tends to eliminate sex differences in self-worth.