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The purpose of the study was to compare the televised depictions and portrayals of male and female athletes who partook in the so-called ‘masculine’ events of the marathon, shot-put and discus at the 5th World Athletics Championships in 1995. Both commentary and modes of production were analyzed in order to ascertain if women were treated equally in terms of the above modes of presentation when participating in physically challenging events that defy traditional and stereotypical notions of femininity.

Based upon the results, not only were the men’s events given greater air time, but the quality of the commentary and modes of production also favored the men’s events when compared with their female counterparts. Thus, commentators frequently framed the female athletes’ accomplishments in terms of traditional notions of femininity, through the use of negative, condescending and ambivalent descriptors and a gendered hierarchy of naming.

It is accepted among scholars that coping changes as people mature during adolescence, but little is known about the relationship between maturity and coping. The purpose of this paper was to assess a model, which included dispositional coping, coping effectiveness, and cognitive social maturity. We predicted that cognitive social maturity would have a direct effect on coping effectiveness, and also an indirect impact via dispositional coping. Two hundred forty-five adolescent athletes completed measures of dispositional coping, coping effectiveness, and cognitive social maturity, which has three dimensions: conscientiousness, peer influence on behavior, and rule following. Using structural equation modeling, we found support for our model, suggesting that coping is related to cognitive social maturity. This information can be used to influence the content of coping interventions for adolescents of different maturational levels.

Context: Lumbopelvic-hip complex (LPHC) exercises are used to increase stabilization within the human body. Torso-elevated side support (TESS), foot-elevated side support (FESS), prone bridge plank (PBP), and V-sit are common LPHC exercises. Objective: To evaluate muscle activation in the shoulder girdle and LPHC during 4 LPHC exercises and evaluate the reasoning for termination. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Seventeen healthy participants (12 males and 5 females; age: 21.47 [3.16] y, height: 179.73 [8.92] cm, mass: 76.89 [11.17] kg). Main Outcome Measures: Participants completed 2 repetitions of the TESS, FESS, PBP, and V-sit until failure. Surface electromyography of the middle deltoid, latissimus dorsi, middle trapezius, rectus abdominis, erector spinae, external oblique, and gluteus medius were recorded and normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). The duration of exercise and subjective reasoning for termination of exercise was completed following the 4 tasks. Results: The TESS and PBP had significantly greater middle deltoid muscle activation (TESS: 55.66% [24.45%] MVIC and PBP: 42.63% [18.25%] MVIC) compared with the FESS (10.10% [10.04%] MVIC) and V-sit (2.21% [1.94%] MVIC), P < .05. The TESS produced significantly greater external oblique activity (78.13% [32.32%] MVIC) than the PBP (54.99% [19.54%] MVIC), P < .05. Due to shoulder fatigue and pain, 41.1% and 17.0% of participants terminated the TESS, respectively. The PBP was terminated due to abdominal fatigue (41.1%) and upper-extremity fatigue (47.0%). Conclusions: The V-sit resulted in isolated activity of the abdominal portion of the LPHC. The FESS had increased global co-contraction of the LPHC compared with the TESS. The PBP and TESS had significant muscle activation in the upper-extremity.

Increasing rates of childhood obesity has prompted calls for comprehensive approaches to school-based physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) development and related contextual issues within a rural Appalachian county using a Systems Approach. A multicomponent needs assessment was conducted, including 11 school site visits with interviews with school personnel, physical space audits, and self-reported professional development, curricular, and equipment/resource needs. Data were summarized into case narratives describing context, space/facilities, and school assets/needs. Member checks verified the accuracy of narratives and inductive cross-case analysis was used to explore emergent themes. Six themes emerged: Leadership/Capacity Building, PA Access and Opportunities, Physical Education/PA Equipment and Resources, Physical Fitness Data Management and Reporting, Equity and Access to Safe and Usable Play Spaces, and Community Connections. Results support the feasibility of CSPAPs in rural communities and provide insight to factors influencing CSPAP. This study provides a framework for schools considering the development of CSPAP.

Mall walking has been a popular physical activity for decades. However, little is known about why mall managers support these programs or why adults choose to walk. Our study aim was to describe mall walking programs from the perspectives of walkers, managers, and leaders. Twenty-eight walkers, 16 walking program managers, and six walking program leaders from five states participated in a telephone or in-person semi-structured interview (N = 50). Interview guides were developed using a social-ecological model. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. All informants indicated satisfaction with their program and environmental features. Differences in expectations were noted in that walkers wanted a safe, clean, and social place whereas managers and leaders felt a need to provide programmatic features. Given the favorable walking environments in malls, there is an opportunity for public health professionals, health care organizations, and providers of aging services to partner with malls to promote walking.