Intramural Sports Research Articles

Inclusivity & Modification Attitudes in Collegiate Intramural Sport: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate college students’ inclusivity and openness for modifications made for those with physical disabilities in intramural sport. Participants were 268 students from two midwestern universities. Attitudes toward inclusivity and modification were assessed using the Collegian Attitudes toward Inclusive Recreation (CAICR) Scale. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results show that positive attitudes toward inclusivity increased as students got older, and male students were less likely to be inclusive compared to female students. Students majoring in education and human services fields had more positive attitudes toward inclusion than those in arts and sciences fields did. Being a non-traditional student was the only and strongest predictor of less positive attitudes toward modification. Findings demonstrate that students in the two midwestern colleges may have welcoming attitudes toward individuals with physical disabilities in intramural sports; however, they may be less willing to make modifications, particularly among non-traditional students.

The subtle Lisfranc injury: A case for bilateral weight-bearing radiographs.

A subtle Lisfranc ligament disruption is a rare but potentially devastating injury to the midfoot. If the injury is recognized and treated early, the patient can avoid future arthritic changes and the need for more extensive surgery. The use of bilateral weight-bearing radiographs can aid in the early detection of this subtle injury. This article describes a patient who presented to an orthopedic office with complaints of right foot pain and an inability to participate in physical activity following an intramural sports injury 3 months earlier, and was eventually diagnosed with Lisfranc injury.

Examining if changes in gender-specific and co-ed intramural programs affect youth physical activity over time: a natural experiment evaluation using school- and student-level data from the COMPASS study

BackgroundDespite the benefits of physical activity (PA), the majority of Canadian youth are falling short of the recommended 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day. School-based physical activity programs such as intramurals, are important opportunities for youth to be physically active. There is limited evidence available on the impact of gender-specific (e.g., female-only, male-only) and co-ed intramurals on youth PA over time, however, evidence suggests female-only intramurals may be important for female MVPA. This research aims to capitalize on a natural experiment to generate practice-based evidence on the impact of changes in gender-specific and co-ed intramurals on youth MVPA over time.MethodsThis study used linked longitudinal school- and student-level data from Ontario secondary schools in year 5 (Y5:2016–2017), year 6 (Y6: 2017–2018) and year 7 (Y7: 2018–2019) of the COMPASS study. Data on intramurals from 55 schools were used to determine the changes to gender-specific and co-ed intramurals that occurred from Y5 to Y6. Baseline demographic characteristics were measured and data on PA and sport participation were collected in Y5, Y6 and Y7 on a sample of 4417 students. Hierarchical linear mixed regression models were used to estimate how changes in gender-specific and co-ed intramurals were associated with youth MVPA over time.ResultsParticipation in intramural, varsity and community sport were all positively and significantly associated with youth MVPA. Changes in gender-specific and co-ed intramurals were not significantly associated with youth MVPA in Y6 or Y7. However, the positive association between maintaining the addition of gender-specific intramurals on female MVPA in Y7 was on par with the significance level of α = 0.05, suggesting that adding gender-specific intramurals may be important for female MVPA.ConclusionsAdding gender-specific and co-ed intramurals may not be sufficient strategies to increase PA among youth. Further research should explore the effect of gender-specific intramurals on youth PA, as this study may have been underpowered at the school-level. Gender-specific intramurals may promote a supportive PA environment that promotes MVPA, especially among females. These intramurals may be an important component of more comprehensive strategies to increase youth MVPA.

Intramural Sport Participation: An Examination of Participant Benefits, Service Quality, Program Satisfaction, and Student Retention

This study investigates whether the benefits of participation in, and perceived service quality of, an intramural sport program contribute to student retention and overall program satisfaction. Health and wellness outcomes, student learning outcomes, service quality, program satisfaction, and student retention in intramural programming were assessed at one Canadian university. The results reveal that participants experience physical, emotional, social and academic outcomes as a result of participation in intramural programming. The results also reveal that benefits of participation (physical health and wellness, emotional wellness, academic learning outcomes, social learning outcomes) and service quality are associated with greater student retention and program satisfaction. The results highlight the unique association between physical health and wellness benefits and student retention. The results also highlight the association between service quality, social and emotional wellness and program satisfaction among participants. Implications for practice and future research are presented.

The Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Exercise Overvaluation Scale.

While regular exercise is associated with a number of physical and mental health benefits, basing one's self-esteem largely on exercise is likely associated with negative outcomes. In the present studies, the authors developed a novel measure of this construct, something they term "exercise overvaluation." In Study 1, 820 participants completed an online survey measuring self-esteem, exercise attitudes and behaviors, and eating disorder symptoms. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were employed to develop the 14-item Exercise Overvaluation Scale. The results provided evidence of discriminant and convergent validity and internal consistency reliability of scale scores. In Study 2, the Exercise Overvaluation Scale was administered to 134 university athletes, including those who participated in intramural sports, club sports, and collegiate athletics. The results from Study 2 supported the criterion validity and test-retest reliability of scale scores. This scale offers researchers a new tool to help understand the relationships among exercise, self-esteem, and physical and mental health outcomes.

High School Intramural Participation and Substance Use: A Longitudinal Analysis of COMPASS Data

Background There is an association between sports participation and substance use. However, there is some evidence that intramural sports in high school may not have the same effect. Therefore, the objective of this research was to examine the longitudinal associations between intramural participation in high school and substance use. Methods: This study used a three-year linked sample (2016-2018) of grade 9 and 10 (ages 13-17) Canadian high school students in the COMPASS (Cannabis use, Obesity, Mental health, Physical activity, Alcohol use, Smoking, Sedentary behavior) study (n = 7,845). Students reported their participation in intramurals over time (consistent, none, initiate, intermittent, and quit) and their substance use behaviors (binge drinking, cannabis use, cigarette use, and e-cigarette use). Mixed effects models were used. Results: 42% of students did not participate in intramurals. For binge drinking, male students who never participated had lower odds (0.66 [0.47-0.93]) compared to consistent intramural participators. Female (3.50 [CI: 1.34-9.16]) and male students (1.97 [1.28-3.02]) who did not participate in any intramurals were more likely to use cannabis than consistent participators. Male students who did not participate were also more likely to use cigarettes (1.81 [1.05-3.12]). No associations were found between intramural participation and e-cigarette use. Conclusion: Intramural participation may be associated with increased binge drinking among male high school students. More promisingly, consistent participation in intramurals may be protective against cannabis use among male and female students and cigarette use among male students.

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis Following Noncontact Collegiate Recreational Activity: A Case Report

A healthy 19-year-old male (body mass = 68.04 kg, height = 175.26 cm) participating in a collegiate intramural flag football tournament presented with unilateral gastrocnemius exercise-associated muscle cramps. He was given electrolytes, stretched, and returned to play. The exercise-associated muscle cramps progressed to his quadriceps bilaterally within 23 min of initial reported symptoms. Emergency medical services was activated and the patient was transported by ambulance to the emergency department, where he was diagnosed with acute exertional rhabdomyolysis. This case report explores the rarity of exertional rhabdomyolysis in a noncontact intramural sport and highlights the necessity for early recognition and treatment.

How Constraints to Campus Recreation Participation Differ Based on Activity Type, Gender, and Citizenship

The purpose of this study was to explore the differential effects of constraints on participation in three different types of campus recreation (i.e., intramural sports, drop-in sports, fitness center), and how constraints differ based on gender and citizenship. Data were collected from undergraduate students ( n = 344) using a questionnaire at a large university in Ontario, Canada and analyzed using logistic regression and Mann–Whitney U. Non-participation in intramurals was associated with not knowing how to get involved, drop-in sports with not knowing enough people to participate, and fitness center with feeling uncomfortable exercising in public. Women and men did not differ in the ten constraints measured in the study. International students were more constrained than domestic students by feeling as though the recreation facilities were inaccessible. Implications for practice are discussed.

Exploring first-generation college students’ leadership behaviors and actions during intramural sports.

College graduates need to have specific leadership-related skills, behaviors, and traits when entering the workforce. Campus involvement is one way for students to develop such areas. Therefore, this qualitative study explored the self-reported leadership skills of first-generation college students who were actively participating in intramural sports. Twelve students from a 4-year public university in the Northeast were interviewed about the research-driven photographs they submitted depicting leadership skills they engaged in during intramural sports participation. Photograph captions and interviews were analyzed using Kouzes and Posner’s (2014) leadership model. Findings revealed that students reported engaging in behaviors and actions aligned with the leadership practices described by Kouzes and Posner (2014). These findings can help inform the decisions campus recreation professionals make about the role leadership development plays in program offerings.

‘Not just for fun anymore’: a qualitative exploration of social norms related to the decline in non-organised physical activity between childhood and adolescence in Australia

ABSTRACT Participation in physical activity (PA) tends to decline between childhood and adolescence, and in Australia the bulk of this decline has been shown to occur in the domain of non-organised PA (e.g. active play, informal sports). A better understanding of the reasons for the decline in non-organised PA may support strategies to counter barriers and strengthen enablers of participation. This study aimed to explore the stories of young adults who withdrew from non-organised PA and overall PA between 11y and 15y. Specifically, we sought to explore social norms related to non-organised PA during adolescence, and barriers and enablers of participation. Participants were young adults (18–22y) who were recruited from undergraduate, vocational and special entrance classes, as well as two churches in the Illawarra region, Australia. Recruitment was stratified by sex and socioeconomic status. Data collection occurred via semi-structured interviews with embedded Life History Calendars (n = 22). Thematic analysis was supported by concept and pattern coding. Findings revealed that social norms were related to an interplay of adult modelling/influence, concerns about being childish, puberty, identity development, adult choices and responsibilities, and changing life circumstances. Barriers to participation centred on fears of being different, bullying, peer judgement and rejection. Enablers of participation included safe people and places, accessible games (e.g. handball/foursquare) and, for girls, having an identity that supported challenging gender norms. Future PA promotion strategies may involve ‘reframing’ childhood activities to be appropriate for adolescents, and emphasising identity-congruent types of PA (e.g. active video games, drama games). Such strategies may be implemented in a similar style to after-school intramural sports to allow youth to participate despite potential changes in their life circumstances during adolescence.

Big 10 institution campus recreation: A review of current values, policies, and practices

Purpose: To systematically examine the institutional values and campus recreational policies and practices of all Big 10 institutions to determine whether equitable physical activity opportunities are being provided. Approach: Websites were systematically searched, and data extracted were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: Community (n=13) and diversity and inclusion (n=12), emerged among the most common institutional values. All but one institution funded campus recreation through mandatory student fees. Health and/or wellness (n = 12), recreation, activity, and/or fitness (n=12), and community (n=11) emerged as dominant themes, as did diversity and inclusion (n=9). Despite the proclaimed commitment to diversity and inclusion, one institution offered women-specific programming, and considerably more intramural sport opportunities were available for men. Implications: Findings indicate all students fund shortcomings regarding the provision of equitable student physical activity opportunities, especially given that campus recreation and that institutions purportedly value community, diversity, and inclusion.

A Multi-Institutional Review of College Campus Adapted Intramural Sports Programming for College Students With and Without a Disability

This study examined factors surrounding the development and advancement of campus intramural programming for college students with physical disabilities. Campus recreation staff from 164 universities completed a survey examining campus programming for students with and without physical disabilities, marketing, modifications, barriers, needs, and strategies for developing adapted and inclusive intramural sports programming. Weight training, cardiovascular training, and personal training were among the most reported programming designed to include students with physical disabilities. Wheelchair basketball is among the longest-running intramural programs with sitting volleyball, goalball, and beep baseball increasing in popularity. Environmental and equipment accessibility was a predominant strategy and accommodation to facilitate inclusive programming, with the primary reason for not including adapted or inclusive intramural programming attributed to lack of request or too few students with physical disabilities on campus. Additional results and discussion address best practices and recommendations to initiate and improve programming for students with physical disabilities.

Contents and features of intramural (in-school) sports in the USA

The study and generalization of foreign experience is a value for Ukraine, which has set itself the task of integration into the world community and can be an important source of thorough thinking and creative use of positive ideas in domestic theory and practice of physical education and sports. This article analyzes the content and features of the organization of intramural (in-school) sports in the United States. The study found that intramural sports in the United States are an integral part of the overall education program, which provides an opportunity to involve children with different levels of development of motor skills and qualities in motor activities outside of physical education lessons. Participation in intramural sports programs is voluntary. It is determined that the intramural sports program in the United States is characterized by certain features that must be taken into account for its successful implementation. It was found that, first of all, American specialists determine the direction (nature) of the sports program and possible types of physical activity, taking into account the wishes of students; it is important to properly plan and compile a quality schedule for classes in compliance with the capacity of existing sports facilities; it is obligatory to observe the rules of admission of students to classes and competitions, as well as their annual medical examination; implementation of the sports program is carried out with the use of modern information technologies; the accounting and evaluation of the program is constantly carried out; proper administration and quality arbitration are of great importance; special attention is paid to the competition procedure itself and the determination of winners; a special place is given to the financing of programs and their support and promotion.

Physical Activity Messaging on North American Jewish Day School Websites

ABSTRACT Studies of Jewish day schools’ websites regarding opportunities for students to engage in physical activity (PA) have not been published. We analyzed the content of 516 North American Jewish day schools’ websites in 237 cities to ascertain mentions of sports (i.e., interscholastic) and PAs (e.g., intramural sports, PA clubs) and to determine how their prevalence differed by school religiosity, composition, and level. Overall, 41% and 45% of websites mentioned at least one sport and PA, respectively. Liberal (vs. Orthodox and Haredi), coeducational (vs. single sex), and schools with secondary grades (vs. elementary only) mentioned proportionately more sports, PA, or both.

Indexing Character in the Context of Sport Participation Within the United States Military Academy: The Character in Sport Index

Organized sports are an important context for promoting character, and the particular values emphasized illuminate how a setting develops or reveals character. The Character in Sport Index (CSI), an observer rating scale of sportsmanship in cadets within the United States Military Academy (USMA; 2 samples, n = 1,926 and 1,798) engaged in intramural sports, measured setting-specific character virtues relevant to USMA. Using 12 items, two factors emerged: positive behaviors (e.g., resilience) and negative behaviors (e.g., argumentativeness). The positive behavior factor was related to grit, self-regulation, academic and military achievement, and an instructor-completed character rating scale. The negative behavior factor related to manipulative traits and number of disciplinary reports. Findings are discussed in regard to sportsmanship and character development within USMA and in other college settings.

Factors Militating the Organization of Intramural Sport Programs in Secondary Schools: A Case Study of the Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Factors Militating the Organization of Intramural Sport Programs in Secondary Schools: A Case Study of the Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Physical Activity, Sport Participation, and Perceived Barriers to Engagement in First-Year Canadian University Students.

Background: Physical activity (PA) declines during early adulthood with higher rates of inactivity in university students. The authors aimed to examine the frequency, intensity, time, type of PA, and the barriers to PA participation in Canadian students during the first year of university. Methods: Questionnaires assessing PA variables were administered to 301 first-year students at the beginning and end of the academic year. Results: PA decreased over a year. Males engaged in more vigorous activity minutes, more strength training, and more organized sports than females (P < .05). Females participated in more fitness activities than males (P < .05). Intramural (noncompetitive and school organized) sport participation remained constant throughout the year. Significant intrapersonal barriers to PA engagement included stress and perceived self-skill; significant interpersonal barriers included lack of friends and peer influence; and significant structural barriers included homework, class schedule, and overcrowded facilities. Conclusion: PA and sport participation declined, and some differences existed between the sexes. Focus should be placed on reducing the barriers that students' experience that may impact their PA. Interventions/programming to promote different aspects of PA should focus on noncompetitive sport and recreation activities, as well as activities that students can do on their own time. Ensuring the availability of adequate campus facilities is also important.

Developing and Piloting a School-Based Online Adolescent Student-Athlete Concussion Surveillance System.

Despite increased awareness of concussions, epidemiologic surveillance efforts have been scarce, especially among adolescents. This project, which was developed with school stakeholders (certified athletic trainers [ATCs], nurses, athletic directors), piloted a public secondary school-based online surveillance tool for interscholastic and intramural sports and physical education-related concussions in New Jersey during 2014-2017 school years (SY). Participating public high schools (5 within 4 districts) and career-technical-vocational education districts (2 with 5 campuses) completed forms anonymously online via PsychData within 5days. There were 208 concussions reported, 115 in 2015-2016 SY and 93 in 2016-2017 SY. In fall 2015, 86 concussions were reported, including 16 from summer preseason. In fall 2016, 56 concussions were reported; 3 occurred during preseason. There were 7 concussions reported in winter 2016 and 16 in winter 2017. Twenty-two concussions were reported in spring of both 2016 and 2017. Most online forms were completed in <10minutes, usually using either desktop computers or tablets/iPads. School nurses followed by ATCs were primary sources of data entered online, usually by ATCs. Cooperation of nurses and ATCs at participating schools suggested online surveillance was valued and viable. Data inform future concussion prevention education and ongoing injury surveillance.

Retention and Academic Success of First-Year Student-Athletes and Intramural Sports Participants

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the relationship of intramural sports and Division III athletic participation to retention and academic success in first-year college students. A first-year student cohort ( n = 568) was grouped into four categories: no participation, student-athlete, intramural participant, and participant in both. There was no statistically significant difference in academic success among the participant groups, F(6, 1084) = .626, p = .710. Both the student-athlete and intramural participant groups were retained at a higher rate than the no participation group, 4.65% and 10.48%, respectively. Of the 46 student-athletes who discontinued playing varsity sports, only 17 remained at the institution. This investigation supports that intramural sports and Division III varsity athletic participation does not negatively affect grade point average and credit hours earned in first-year students, while demonstrating a positive relationship with retention. The results also highlight the need for intentional intervention and research related to the disengaged student-athlete.

Club and Intramural Sports Participation and College Student Academic Success

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between university club and intramural sports participation and student grades via the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey, while controlling for confounding variables. Data were obtained from the NCHA for the fall 2008, spring 2009, fall 2009, and fall 2010 time periods. The original sample included 178,091 respondents. After inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final analytic sample included 85,316 respondents. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the role of participation in club and/or intramural sports on self-reported grade averages. Analyses were adjusted for significant covariates that have been identified as potentially impacting academic success. In general, sport participants were more likely to report higher grade averages than nonparticipants. The strongest relationships were found for participants of club sports. Future research should investigate relationships between club and intramural sports and other indicators of academic success.