Personal Goods Research Articles

Personal Best Time, not Anthropometry or Training Volume, is Associated With Total Race Time in a Triple Iron Triathlon

The purpose of this study was to investigate in 81 male recreational ultratriathletes (64 finishers and 17 nonfinishers) the relationship of anthropometry, prerace experience, and training with race outcome in a Triple Iron triathlon, using bi and multivariate analyses. In the bivariate analysis, the sum of 8 skinfolds (r = 0.38) and the sum of upper body skinfolds (r = 0.37) were positively related to total race time. None of the anthropometric variables was related to the swim or bike split. Circumference of upper arm (r = 0.42), percent body fat (r = 0.43), the sum of 8 skinfolds (r = 0.47), and the sum of upper body skinfolds (r = 0.45) were positively associated with the time in the run split. None of the training variables was related to total race time or split times. Personal best time in an Ironman triathlon (r = 0.59) and a Triple Iron triathlon (r = 0.82) were positively and highly significantly related to total race time. When all significant variables after bivariate analysis were included in a regression model, personal best time in a Triple Iron triathlon (p < 0.0001) remained the single predictor variable. For practical considerations, athletes with a background as an ultrarunner might have an advantage in successfully finishing a Triple Iron triathlon. However, ultrarunners should also have enough prerace experience in competing in Ironman and Triple Iron triathlons to successfully finish such a race.

A Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimizer for Constrained Optimization

Constraint handling techniques are mainly designed for evolutionary algorithms to solve constrained multiobjective optimization problems (CMOPs). Most multiojective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) designs adopt these existing constraint handling techniques to deal with CMOPs. In the proposed constrained MOPSO, information related to particles’ infeasibility and feasibility status is utilized effectively to guide the particles to search for feasible solutions and improve the quality of the optimal solution. This information is incorporated into the four main procedures of a standard MOPSO algorithm. The involved procedures include the updating of personal best archive based on the particles’ Pareto ranks and their constraint violation values; the adoption of infeasible global best archives to store infeasible nondominated solutions; the adjustment of acceleration constants that depend on the personal bests’ and selected global best’s infeasibility and feasibility status; and the integration of personal bests’ feasibility status to estimate the mutation rate in the mutation procedure. Simulation to investigate the proposed constrained MOPSO in solving the selected benchmark problems is conducted. The simulation results indicate that the proposed constrained MOPSO is highly competitive in solving most of the selected benchmark problems.

Personal Best (PB) Approaches to Academic Development: Implications for Motivation and Assessment

Personal Best (PB) Approaches to Academic Development: Implications for Motivation and Assessment

Personal Best (PB) Approaches to Academic Development: Implications for Motivation and Assessment

Personal Best (PB) Approaches to Academic Development: Implications for Motivation and Assessment

CPD Event: Helping You Perform Your Personal Best

CPD Event: Helping You Perform Your Personal Best

Comparison of five portable peak flow meters

OBJECTIVETo compare the measurements of spirometric peak expiratory flow (PEF) from five different PEF meters and to determine if their values are in agreement. Inaccurate equipment may result in incorrect diagnoses of asthma and inappropriate treatments.METHODSSixty-eight healthy, sedentary and insufficiently active subjects, aged from 19 to 40 years, performed PEF measurements using Air Zone®, Assess®, Galemed®, Personal Best® and Vitalograph® peak flow meters. The highest value recorded for each subject for each device was compared to the corresponding spirometric values using Friedman’s test with Dunn’s post-hoc (p<0.05), Spearman’s correlation test and Bland-Altman’s agreement test.RESULTSThe median and interquartile ranges for the spirometric values and the Air Zone®, Assess®, Galemed®, Personal Best® and Vitalograph® meters were 428 (263–688 L/min), 450 (350–800 L/min), 420 (310–720 L/min), 380 (300–735 L/min), 400 (310–685 L/min) and 415 (335–610 L/min), respectively. Significant differences were found when the spirometric values were compared to those recorded by the Air Zone® (p<0.001) and Galemed ® (p<0.01) meters. There was no agreement between the spirometric values and the five PEF meters.CONCLUSIONSThe results suggest that the values recorded from Galemed® meters may underestimate the actual value, which could lead to unnecessary interventions, and that Air Zone® meters overestimate spirometric values, which could obfuscate the need for intervention. These findings must be taken into account when interpreting both devices’ results in younger people. These differences should also be considered when directly comparing values from different types of PEF meters.

Predictors of Personal Best Performance in the Hammer Throw for U.S. Collegiate Throwers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the variables that contributed most to maximum throwing distance in the hammer throw event in track and field. A 41-item survey instrument was developed to collect data regarding national level collegiate hammer throwers throughout the United States. Multiple regression analysis for hammer throw personal record (PR) yielded a significant model (r=0.811, p≤0.001) with the following predictors: number of throws per year, number of years throwing the hammer, NCAA division, back squat, and type of hammer technique. The model explained in excess of 65% of the variance in hammer technique among the respondents (r2=0.658). These results provide quantitative information for coaches and athletes involved in the hammer throw event about the importance of years of experience, volume of training and strength levels. Furthermore, the results may provide some insight into the obstacles and barriers limiting the development of US hammer throwers.

Training Volume and Personal Best Time in Marathon, Not Anthropometric Parameters, are Associated with Performance in Male 100-KM Ultrarunners

We investigated the relation between selected anthropometric and training variables and the personal best time in a marathon with total race time in 66 Caucasian male nonprofessional ultrarunners in a 100-km run. In the multiple linear regression analysis, the average weekly training volume in kilometers (r2 = 0.224, p < 0.01) and the personal best time in a marathon (r2 = 0.334, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with total race time, whereas no anthropometric variable was related to race performance (p > 0.05). We conclude that high training volume and a fast time in a marathon were more important for a fast race time in male 100-km runners than any of the determined anthropometric variables.

Personal Best Time, Percent Body Fat, and Training Are Differently Associated With Race Time for Male and Female Ironman Triathletes

We studied male and female nonprofessional Ironman triathletes to determine whether percent body fat, training, and/or previous race experience were associated with race performance. We used simple linear regression analysis, with total race time as the dependent variable, to investigate the relationship among athletes' percent body fat, average amount of weekly training, and best time in an Ironman triathlon. For male athletes, percent body fat (r2 = 0.57, p < .001) was related to total race time but not average weekly training. For women, percent body fat showed no association with total race time; however, average weekly training volume was related to total race time (r2 = .43, p < .01). Percent body fat and average weekly training were not correlated in either gender. Speed in training was not associated with race performance in either gender. For men (r2 = .56, p < .001) and women (r2 = .45, p < .05), personal best time in an Ironman triathlon was related to total race time. We concluded that percent body fat was related to race performance in male athletes and to average weekly training in female athletes. Personal best time in an Ironman triathlon was associated with total race time for both male and female athletes.

Academic personal bests (PBs), engagement, and achievement: A cross-lagged panel analysis

Using a cross-lagged analytic framework, the present study examined (1) the relative salience of prior academic personal bests (PBs) in predicting subsequent engagement and achievement compared with (2) the relative salience of prior engagement and achievement in predicting subsequent PBs. Academic PBs, engagement, and achievement measures were administered to 1866 high school students at two time waves across a one-year interval. Path models suggest the salience of prior academic PBs over subsequent engagement and achievement, and in some instances, evidence of reciprocal effects. The findings hold substantive, applied, and methodological implications for researchers and practitioners seeking to improve students' academic development through academic PBs.

Personal Best Time, Percent Body Fat, and Training Are Differently Associated With Race Time for Male and Female Ironman Triathletes

Personal Best Time, Percent Body Fat, and Training Are Differently Associated With Race Time for Male and Female Ironman Triathletes

Association of footprint measurements and running training level, performance success, and training specificity

This study aimed to determine the association of various footprint measurements and running training level (high school vs. post-high school), training specificity (sprint vs. distance), and performance success amongst competitive runners. Footprint parameters are variable between individuals. Several studies have assessed footprint measurements’ relationship to injury, but not the relationship with performance characteristics. One hundred and three high school and post- high school competitive runners were assessed for running ability and provided footprints. Athletes documented personal bests in competitive events. All footprints were digitized with PictZar-Calibrated Digital Measurements version 4.02 and the following calculations were made: truncated arch index (TAI), arch index (AI), Chippaux-Smirak Index (CSI), and Staheli Index (SAI). Post-high school runners exhibited lower TAI [0.347 (0.138), 0.260 (0.086)], higher AI [0.267 (0.035), 0.299 (0.031)], lower CSI [2.538 (0.639), 2.139 (0.394)], and higher SAI [0.684 (0.162), 0.816 (0.133)] [HS, PHS mean (SD)] (P < 0.001). Faster sprinters were associated with lower TAI, higher AI, lower CSI, and higher SAI (P < 0.03). There was no statistical significance demonstrated with any footprint assessment and training specificity. Univariate analysis did not reveal body mass index as a significant independent predictor of variables. These results indicate an association between footprint measurements and both running competition level and performance success. Such associations may represent physical foot posture characteristics associated with a competitive advantage or consequences of extensive training. The biomechanical implications and other determinants of this relationship remain to be investigated.

On your marks, get set… go!

LIKE ME, you have probably been glued to the Olympics over recent weeks. Th e achievement of our team over in China has surpassed virtually all expectations and is an apt reward for the hard work, time, commitment, eff ort and belief shown by everyone involved in getting so many medals – and so many personal bests, as well.

Running-Specific, Periodized Strength Training Attenuates Loss of Stride Length During Intense Endurance Running

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a running-specific, periodized strength training program (performed over the specific period [8 weeks] of a 16-week macrocycle) on endurance-trained runners' capacity to maintain stride length during running bouts at competitive speeds. Eighteen well-trained middle-distance runners completed the study (personal bests for 1500 and 5000 m of 3 minutes 57 seconds +/- 12 seconds and 15 minutes 24 seconds +/- 36 seconds). They were randomly assigned to each of the following groups (6 per group): periodized strength group, performing a periodized strength training program over the 8-week specific (intervention) period (2 sessions per week); nonperiodized strength group, performing the same strength training exercises as the periodized group over the specific period but with no week-to-week variations; and a control group, performing no strength training at all during the specific period. The percentage of loss in the stride length (cm)/speed (m.s) (SLS) ratio was measured by comparing the mean SLS during the first and third (last) group of the total repetitions, respectively, included in each of the interval training sessions performed at race speeds during the competition period that followed the specific period. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in mean percentage of SLS loss between the 3 study groups, with the periodized strength group showing no significant SLS change (0.36 +/- 0.95%) and the 2 other groups showing a moderate or high SLS loss (-1.22 +/- 1.5% and -3.05 +/- 1.2% for the nonperiodized strength and control groups, respectively). In conclusion, periodized, running-specific strength training minimizes the loss of stride length that typically occurs in endurance runners during fatiguing running bouts.

Even Better than a Personal Best

Even Better than a Personal Best

STUDY OF PERSONAL BEST VALUE OF PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW IN PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA : Comparison of the Highest Value of Daily PEF under Good Control and the Highest Value of Daily PEF Obtained after Using Repeated Inhaledβ2-Agonist during High-Dose Inhaled Steroid Treatment

STUDY OF PERSONAL BEST VALUE OF PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW IN PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA : Comparison of the Highest Value of Daily PEF under Good Control and the Highest Value of Daily PEF Obtained after Using Repeated Inhaledβ2-Agonist during High-Dose Inhaled Steroid Treatment

Hammer acceleration due to thrower and hammer movement patterns

Ground reaction force and wire tensile force were measured during test throws by three hammer throwers: the Asian record holder, who had a personal best of 83.47 m at the time of the investigation, and two university athletes, with personal bests of 59.95 m and 46.30 m respectively. They were filmed using three high-speed video cameras (250 Hz). The displacements of the hammer head and the athletes' centres of mass were calculated using three-dimensional analysis procedures. The Asian record holder's centre of mass and the hammer head on the final two turns exhibited approximate conjunctions of the hammer high point and the thrower's low point and vice versa about the hammer's azimuth angle. It is conjectured that the reason why the thrower's movement is asynchronous with the hammer's movement by approximately half a turn is to accelerate the hammer head in a manner similar to the way that the amplitude of a pendulum increases when it is pulled upward by a string against the downward movement of the swinging weight.

Personal bests (PBs): A proposed multidimensional model and empirical analysis

This study seeks to identify the cornerstones of personal bests (PBs) in the educational setting. The study proposes a multidimensional PB model in which students are most likely to attain PBs on tasks/goals that are (1) specific, (2) challenging, (3) competitively self-referenced, and (4) self-improvement based. The study draws upon data from 1,016 students from 5 Australian high schools. The hypothesized 4-factor structure, its invariance across gender and year-level, and the predictive utility of PBs are tested using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models with particular focus on the contribution of a higher-order PB construct to measures of persistence, class participation, educational aspirations, and enjoyment of school. The fundamental dimensions of the model are further tested using multidimensional scaling. The 4-factor structure fit the data well and significantly predicted persistence, class participation, educational aspirations, and enjoyment of school. The multidimensional scaling indicates that the 4 component factors can be defined in terms of the dual extent to which they reflect a clear goal focus and a self-improvement focus. Discussion centres on a proposed 'Quadriploar PB Model' emanating from the data analysis and strategies educators can use to facilitate PBs in the classroom.

Control chart for monitoring occupational asthma

Introduction Work-related asthma has become the most prevalent occupational respiratory disease in the developed world. Occupational asthma is thought to affect 5%–10% of people worldwide. The first step in the diagnosis of occupational asthma is to establish work-relatedness. Although considerable research has been conducted in the area of occupational asthma, no simple, effective, and statistically sound method has been developed that can be used as an initial step to effectively identify the workers at risk for occupational asthma. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether Shewhart control chart method can be used as an effective method to detect occupational asthma. Method Forty-five workers who completed the study and provided usable peak expiratory flow (a lung function marker) recordings while at work and away from work were included in this study. Control charts were developed using Shewhart's Method. The lower control limit of at work control chart (LCL W) was compared to each subject's Personal Best (PB) value. Results Reviewing the results of this comparison showed LCL W < 60% PB to have a sensitivity of 85.71%, specificity of 87.50%, and an error rate of 13.33%. When the subjects suspected for false positive and false negative diagnoses were identified, the test produced a sensitivity of 95.24%, a specificity of 95.83% and an error rate of 4.44%. Conclusions Our results were as good as, and in some cases better than, published clinical guidelines. Impact on Industry Our research showed that the control chart method is an effective, simple, and inexpensive tool for early intervention in workers suspected for occupational asthma.

The Role of Positive Psychology in Enhancing Satisfaction, Motivation, and Productivity in the Workplace

Positive psychology offers scope for enhancing satisfaction, motivation, and productivity in the workplace. Wiegand and Geller (2004, this issue) point to a number of strategies to enhance individuals' success orientation and conclude their discussion with the actively caring model which appears to be a useful means of representing pivotal facets of a positive and supportive workplace climate. The discussion in this article extends some of the concepts presented in their paper, adapts a model of motivation to develop the Occupational Motivation and Engagement Wheel, and also further discusses some particularly key strategies alluded to by Wiegand and Geller. These include a discussion of workplace resilience, authoritarian versus authoritative leadership/management styles, motivating workplace climates, personal bests, staff morale, flow in work, the value individuals attach to tasks and outcomes, and the centrality of relationships in the performance context. The article concludes with a multi-level “broaden and build” framework for enhancing satisfaction, motivation, and productivity in the workplace.