NCAA Division Research Articles

Videogaming as stress coping in NCAA Division III student-athletes during the pandemic: An exploratory analysis

Videogaming as stress coping in NCAA Division III student-athletes during the pandemic: An exploratory analysis

You Know the Words


 
 
 This content analysis study examines the lyrics contained in the fight songs of the 130 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision schools. Because fight songs are still being written and other fight songs are being updated to account for societal changes, a study of the themes that are common among fight songs would be valuable to those responsible for writing these important works. Literature related to college fight song studies, music, and branding, as well as music in advertising provides context to the study. The researchers engaged in a two-step process that involved theme identification and coded theme count. In the theme identification stage, the researchers used a common sample of two fight songs per conference to identify themes that consistently appeared in the song lyrics. The researchers then coded the full population of 130 songs seeking the identified themes across all songs. The most common themes were self-reference to the name of the university (97.7%), exclamation (93.1%), and togetherness (90%). The thematic analysis confirms the unification and excitement purposes that fight songs are intended to generate and confirm the role fight songs play in intercollegiate athletics branding— selling the concepts of unification and excitement to college sport consumers. The remaining themes included game-specific references, nickname, school colors, victory, vocalization, war, and word-splits.
 
 

Examining valuation of corporate naming rights partnerships in collegiate sports and their impact on consumer behavior

PurposeMost college athletics department have not sold corporate naming rights to their athletics facilities. Popp et al. (2016) suggests two primary reasons: (1) difficulty in determining proper valuation and (2) fear of stakeholder backlash. The purpose of the current study is to address both concerns by utilizing a hedonic pricing model predicting collegiate naming rights values and utilizing fixed-effects models to determine if consumer behavior (event attendance and donations) is impacted by a corporate name change.Design/methodology/approachData from 110 naming rights agreements among NCAA Division I programs were examined, alongside market-related variables, institution-related variables and venue-related variables. Utilizing hierarchical model building to reduce independent variables and OLS regression modeling, significant relationships with annual value of naming rights agreements were uncovered. Fixed effects models were utilized to determine if naming rights impacted attendance and donations.FindingsA final model explained more than 53% of the variance in average annual value of naming rights agreements, with three significant factors: (1) attendance, (2) all-time winning percentage and (3) venue construction cost. Fixed-effects models revealed no significant differences in attendance or donations after a naming rights deal was signed.Originality/valueCorporate naming rights agreements for college athletics facilities are a recent phenomenon. While a similar study examining drivers of collegiate sport naming rights was previously conducted, the current study revealed a shifting marketplace. In addition, no prior study has examined the impact of a corporate naming rights agreement on future attendance and donations.

Periacetabular Osteotomy for Hip Dysplasia in a NCAA Division I Female Water Polo Athlete

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of applying a very minimal weight bearing in the early phase of a general rehabilitation program for returning to sports after periacetabular osteotomy for developmental dysplasia of the hip in physically active populations.METHODS A 22 year-old NCAA Division I female water polo player, with no prior history of hip injury and no signs of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), reported to athletic training facility early season complaining of right hip pain after stationary bike workout. The athlete reported hearing and feeling a sudden “pop” within the right hip with immediate hip pain when she was pedaling at moderate intensity of a stationary bike. Numbness and tingling was felt initially with the mechanism. Tender to palpate at the right hip flexor and anterior hip joint, as well as the greater trochanter. The athlete’s chief complaints were pain with walking and prolonged sitting. Antalgic gait noticed during evaluation. A 6-, 12-, and 24-week rehabilitation protocol were performed.RESULTS X-ray and MRI images showed no avascular necrosis or fracture. An abnormal alpha angle found and no bursitis or tendonitis was shown. A periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) was performed to rotate the acetabular fragment into optimal position and fixed to the pelvis with 3 screws. During the initial 6-week of post-surgical rehabilitation, the level of pain and edema were minimized, the athlete was able to perform toe-touch and partial weight-bearing with crutches, and restored hip ROMs. From 6 to 10 weeks, the athlete recovered full hip ROMs and able to perform lunges, leg press, deadlifts, mini squats back to pre-injury status. The athlete was able to return to activities of daily living (ADLs) after 12 weeks. At 24 weeks, the athlete was able to fully participate in sports without limitations.CONCLUSIONS This case describes the rehabilitation program employed following PAO for an atypical case of DDH in a water polo athlete who had no signs and symptoms of DDH prior to sports participation. At the end of the season, the athlete opted to undergo PAO given the risks and underwent a 6-month rehabilitation before a full return to function. This case report aides with treatment knowledge and postsurgical rehabilitation techniques for athletic trainers.

Disparities in minority executive dismissal: A contingency perspective

As part of society’s motivation to address racial and ethnic disparities, scholars have examined racial/ethnic minorities’ underrepresentation in organizations’ upper echelons. However, prior research on minority executive dismissal has yielded equivocal findings. We draw on leadership categorization theory and token status theory to hypothesize that, under conditions of greater ambiguity and uncertainty, the likelihood of dismissal differs for White and non-White executives. Using a sample of NCAA Division 1 college basketball coaches over an 18-year period, we find overall support for our theorizing—lower financial support, low prestige power, and greater strategic change increase the chances of non-White executives being dismissed. Our findings have important implications for minority executive dismissal research and point to potential remedies that organizations can implement to reduce stereotyping and bias against non-White executives.

Perceptions of Current Training Monitoring Techniques for Fatigue Used by Strength Coaches on NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Players

Perceptions of Current Training Monitoring Techniques for Fatigue Used by Strength Coaches on NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Players

“Switching the mind off completely” – Understanding the psychology of rest in coaches

ObjectivesTo better understand the psychology of rest in coaches. Rest appears to be important for coping, recovery, and well-being in coaches, yet there is limited research on and in turn understanding of this concept in this population. DesignA qualitative description study design was employed. Method22 NCAA Division I coaches were interviewed about what rest means to them, key barriers to rest in coaching, and strategies employed to obtain rest in the face of these barriers. A codebook thematic analysis was undertaken to examine the analytical generalizability (Smith, 2018) to the coaching context of an extant model of the psychology of rest in athletes (Eccles & Kazmier, 2019). ResultsThe Eccles-Kazmier model appears to offer some analytical generalizability to the coaching context. Consistent with the model, the process of resting in coaches involves both sleep and resting while awake. Resting while awake involves (a) a break from thinking about work, (b) a break from effortful thinking generally, and (c) engaging in life outside coaching. However, departures from the model were also observed; specifically, unlike for athletes, the wakeful resting process for coaches does not appear to involve assuming control or experiencing variety. ConclusionThe findings advance the current understanding of the constituents of rest in coaches and can inform coach education about how to obtain the rest needed to perform effectively and stay healthy.

Early Detection of COVID-19 in Female Athletes Using Wearable Technology.

Heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate (RR), and resting heart rate (RHR) are common variables measured by wrist-worn activity trackers to monitor health, fitness, and recovery in athletes. Variations in RR are observed in lower-respiratory infections, and preliminary data suggest changes in HRV and RR are linked to early detection of COVID-19 infection in nonathletes. Wearable technology measuring HRV, RR, RHR, and recovery will be successful for early detection of COVID-19 in NCAA Division I female athletes. Cohort study. Level 2. Female athletes wore WHOOP, Inc. bands through the 2020 to 2021 competitive season. Of the athletes who tested positive for COVID (n = 33), 14 had enough data to be assessed (N = 14; 20.0 ± 1.3 years; 69.8 ± 7.2 kg; 172.0 ± 8.3 cm). Roughly 2 weeks of noninfected days were used to set baseline levels of HRV, RR, recovery, and RHR to compare with -3, -2, and -1 days before a positive COVID-19 result. Increases in RR (P = 0.02) were detected on day -3. RHR (P < 0.01) and RR increased (P < 0.01), while HRV decreased (P < 0.05) on day -1, compared with baseline. Differences were noted in all variables on the day of the positive COVID-19 result: decreased HRV (P < 0.05) and recovery scores (P < 0.01), and increased RHR (P < 0.01) and RR (P < 0.01). In female athletes, wearable technology was successful in predicting COVID-19 infection through changes in RR 3 days before a positive test, and also HRV and RHR the day before a positive test. Wearable technology may be used, as part of a multifaceted approach, for the early detection of COVID-19 in elite athletes through monitoring of HRV, RR, and RHR for overall team health.

Poster 219: Changes in Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density Following Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoral Acetabular Impingement in Collegiate Athletes: A Matched Cohort Study

Poster 219: Changes in Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density Following Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoral Acetabular Impingement in Collegiate Athletes: A Matched Cohort Study

P32-019-23 Tapering Before NCAA Division I Cross-Country Competition Reduces Plasma HDL-C but Has No Effect on Structural HDL Apolipoproteins

P32-019-23 Tapering Before NCAA Division I Cross-Country Competition Reduces Plasma HDL-C but Has No Effect on Structural HDL Apolipoproteins

Poster 210: Stride Cross-over and Pelvic Rotation Contribute to Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury Risk and Pitching Performance in Collegiate Level Baseball Players

Poster 210: Stride Cross-over and Pelvic Rotation Contribute to Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury Risk and Pitching Performance in Collegiate Level Baseball Players

Association between anthropometric, physical and demographic characteristics and performance among NCAA Division III swimmers.

Anthropometric, physical and demographic characteristics have the potential to affect performance in competitive pool swimmers. Study aimed were therefore to examine the effect of 26 anthropometric, physical and demographic characteristics on qualification for Nationals and swim times among both male and female collegiate swimmers in separate analyses. Swim times were determined by swimmers' best swim time for their best swim stroke as a percent of the top swim time among Division III collegiate swimmers during the 2017-2018 swim season. Lower body fat measured mid-season and a greater ratio of height to arm span were associated with qualifying for Nationals among females. For males, associations were present for older age, shorter left-hand length and larger left arm circumference; and qualifying for Nationals. In relation to percent of top swim times, there was an association between larger right-hand width and left foot length among males. None of the other associations achieved statistical significance. Owing to the large number of analyses performed and the resultant likelihood of type I errors as well as the small effect sizes in most statistically significant associations, study results suggest that collegiate swimmers should not be chosen for swim teams based on any of the non-modifiable anthropometric or physical characteristics that were measured in this study. Results suggest however, that swim speed times are decreased among female collegiate swimmers with lower body fat percent when measured mid-season.

Decisions, Decisions: Analyzing College Choice Amongst NCAA Division II Transfer and Non-Transfer Athletes

Decisions, Decisions: Analyzing College Choice Amongst NCAA Division II Transfer and Non-Transfer Athletes

P04-009-23 Impact of a PharmD, MSCN Guided Educational Intervention on Knowledge of Nutrition & Dietary Supplement Use in Baseball and Softball Athletes at an NCAA Division II Program

P04-009-23 Impact of a PharmD, MSCN Guided Educational Intervention on Knowledge of Nutrition & Dietary Supplement Use in Baseball and Softball Athletes at an NCAA Division II Program

Psychological Rest in Student-Athletes: Relationships Between Sport Demands, Mental Rest, Depressive Symptoms, and Well-Being

The purpose of this study was to explore how sport demands and psychological aspects of rest are related to depressive symptoms and well-being among female college athletes. Eccles and Kazmier (2019) proposed that physical and psychological (i.e., cognitive and emotional) demands of sport negatively affect perceptions of being mentally rested, which in turn reduce well-being and elicit depressive symptoms. They also proposed that engaging in resting experiences buffers negative effects of sport demands on perceptions of being mentally rested. These model predictions were tested in this study. Female athletes (N = 179) in NCAA Division I sports provided online responses to the Demand-Induced Strain Compensation Questionnaire for Sport (Balk et al., 2018), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (Radloff, 1977), and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (Keyes et al., 2008). They also completed measures of perceptions of recent resting experiences and perceived current level of mental rest that were developed for this study. Results showed that emotional demands but not physical or cognitive demands, significantly predicted current level of mental rest. Also, recent resting experiences significantly predicted current level of mental rest but did not significantly moderate the relationship between sport demands and current level of mental rest. Finally, athletes who reported a lower current level of mental rest experienced a lower level of well-being and more depressive symptoms. Monitoring of emotional demands and engaging in key psychological resting experiences might be useful for athletes as they attempt to obtain adequate mental rest and stay healthy mentally.

A-33 Examining Acute Symptoms after Sport-Related Concussion in Collegiate Athletes with Pre-Injury Migraines

Abstract Purpose To examine whether a personal history of migraines is associated with worse acute symptom burden following sport-related concussion (SRC) in collegiate athletes. Methods Data were collected through a prospective concussion surveillance system in 11 NCAA Division III college athletic programs between September 2014 and January 2023. Mann-Whitney U tests compared total Post Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) score and individual symptom scores (taken within 3 days of injury) between collegiate athletes with and without pre-injury migraines. Chi-squared tests were used to compare proportions of athletes endorsing individual symptoms (i.e., item score ≥1) between the two groups. Multivariable regression analyzed potential predictors of PCSS scores. Results Of 1,190 athletes with an SRC, 93 (7.8%) had a pre-injury history of migraines. No significant difference in total PCSS scores were found between athletes with and without pre-injury migraines (22.0±16.4 vs. 20.5±15.8; U=48719, p=.47). Athletes with pre-injury migraines reported greater “sensitivity to light” (1.59±1.59 vs. 1.23±1.41; p=.04) and “feeing more emotional” (0.91±1.27 vs. 0.70±1.30; p=.008). Athletes with migraine histories were more likely to endorse “feeing more emotional” (45.2% vs. 29.5%; p=.002). No differences were found across all other symptoms. In a multivariable model, history of migraine was not a significant predictor of acute PCSS scores, but those with a history of depression (β=0.12, p&amp;lt;.001) and longer days to symptom evaluation since injury (β=0.08, p=.005) had higher PCSS scores. Conclusions Collegiate athletes with a pre-existing history of migraines did not have higher acute symptom burden following SRC. Future studies should investigate whether migraine history is associated with recovery time.

Comparative analysis between operative and non-operative acetabular labral tear injuries in division 1 collegiate athletes

Acetabular labral tears have shown to be difficult to diagnose and manage in an active and competitive athletic population. The goal of this study was to compare NCAA Division 1 collegiate athletes undergoing operative and non-operative management of their labral injuries by assessing ability to return to competition and secondarily evaluate days lost from sport. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on Division 1 collegiate athletes from 2005 to 2020, incorporating all varsity university sports. Records showing MRI confirmed diagnosis were included in the cohort, as well as all pertinent clinical data. Data revealed 10/18 (55%) of individuals managed conservatively versus 23/29 (79%) surgically (p-value = 0.0834) were able to return to sport following treatment. Of those athletes, 22 surgical patients experienced a mean of 324 days ± 223 days lost from sport and nine conservatively managed patients experienced a mean of 27 days ± 70 lost days (p-value < 0.001) Seven of nine conservatively managed patients were able to continue competition while undergoing treatment. Findings suggest no statistical significance regarding operative vs non-operative management of acetabular labral tears. The majority of athletes returning to sport and treated conservatively were able to resume competition during treatment. Therefore, treatment of these injuries should be individualized based on athlete’s symptoms.

Perception of the Effectiveness of a One-Person Compliance Department in Small College Athletics

There is a wide scope to the responsibilities reported by compliance officers working in the NCAA Division II landscape. With the varying responsibilities, it is crucial for administrators working at Division II institutions to consider person-organization fit when hiring a compliance officer. Therefore, the purpose of the research presented in this paper is to analyze the current perception of current compliance operations on Division II campuses to gain a better understanding of the person-organization fit requirements that may be imperative for success in the position. The results of this study indicate that compliance professionals feel supported in their role, but it is not effective to have a one-person compliance operation. Participants in this study offer suggestions to improve current compliance operations on Division II campuses. Recommendations include using resources such as The National Association for Athletic Compliance (NAAC) and conference office staff. Additionally, it was recommended to limit roles and responsibilities for compliance personnel that fall outside the scope of compliance tasks.

The use of a holistic focus of attention to improve standing long jump performance among NCAA track and field athletes

Research on attentional focus has consistently shown that an external focus (EF) is superior to an internal focus (IF) for performance with novice performers or learners. When examining experienced performers, the findings have been ambiguous with various attentional focus types proving to be beneficial. Recent research suggests that coaches utilize a combination of attentional focus strategies when instructing highly skilled throwers in track and field. In addition to the traditional EF and IF, a holistic focus (HF) has been found to enhance performance similar to that of an EF. The purpose of the current study was to investigate attentional focus manipulations (i.e. IF, EF and HF) among NCAA Division I track and field athletes. Sixteen females performed a standing long jump under three attentional focus conditions in an outdoor long jump sand pit with an orange cone placed 5-m from the starting line. Participants performed three jumps under each focus condition in a counterbalanced order, nine jumps in total. Focus adherence was measured after each condition. Athletes also reported their preferred attentional focus at the conclusion of the study. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to analyze jump distance and adherence. It was observed that a HF led to significantly longer jump distances than an IF ( p &lt; .01). No other significant differences for condition were observed for distance ( p &gt; .05). These results suggest that a HF enhanced standing long jump performance among highly skilled individuals and can be used to enhance performance.

Reliability of sonographic measurements of the ulnar collateral ligament: a multi-rater prospective study.

The use of sonography is a cost-effective and reliable method to evaluate upper extremity superficial tissue structural integrity and pathology. Establishing the measurement reliability of widely used diagnostic ultrasound evaluation for musculoskeletal assessment is paramount enhance accurate clinical evaluations. The objective of this study was to establish the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of select ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) thickness measures at two distinct anatomical locations in intercollegiate baseball athletes using ultrasound imaging (USI). This was a prospective cohort study conducted in a university research laboratory and included a total of 17 NCAA Division I baseball athletes (age 20.4 ± 1.43, height = 183.63 cm ± 6.27 cm, mass = 89.28 kg ± 8.24 kg). Two trained clinicians measured UCL mid-substance and apex thickness in the throwing extremity, prospectively, on 5 occasions at 1-month intervals during rest. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) (model 3,3), associated standard error of measurement, and 95% minimal detectable change in thickness were derived. Intrarater reliability estimates for operator 1 were 0.90-0.98 (mid-substance) and 0.91-0.99 (apex). Operator 2's values were 0.92-0.97 and 0.93-0.99, respectively. The standard error of measurement (SEM) ranged from 0.045-0.071 cm (mid-substance) and 0.023-0.067 cm (apex). The minimal detectable difference (MDD95) was 0.12-0.20 cm (mid-substance) and 0.07-0.19 cm (apex). Interrater reliability was 0.86-0.96 (mid-substance) and 0.79-0.98 (apex); most ICCs were >0.90. Measurement of UCL thickness at two locations demonstrated very good to excellent reliability with high precision. Using this protocol, two evaluators can obtain consistent UCL measurement at two positions. This finding has significant implications for the clinical evaluation of superficial tissue pathology of the same individual by two experienced practitioners.