Kinesiology Commons^™

Outdoor Recreation Participation Of Pennsylvanians With Disabilities, Elizabeth H. Weybright, Alan R. Graefe, Andrew J. Mowen, Nate E. Trauntvein

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Approximately 16% of United States residents report having some sort of physical disability that limits their recreation participation. Many of these individuals may have an abundance of free time due to unemployment, part-time work status, or retirement, and therefore recreation and leisure have the potential to provide great meaning in their lives. Qualitative and quantitative data from a State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan was used to better understand the outdoor recreation habits and perceptions of Pennsylvania residents with disabilities. Using descriptive, chi square, and ANOVA statistics, results indicate that these individuals perceive fewer benefits from outdoor activities, experience different types …

Measuring Relationships Between Camp Staff And Camper Developmental Outcomes: An Application Of Self-Determination Theory, Mark F. Roark, Gary D. Elis, Mary Sara Wells, Ann Gillard

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

While recent studies have suggested that positive developmental outcomes may result from participating in camp experiences, it is unclear what specific aspects of camp (e.g., staff dispositions, counselor teams, non-counselor staff) might influence these camper outcomes. Previous studies have measured the autonomy support of schoolteachers and found that more autonomy-supportive dispositions that, for example, engage autonomy, relatedness, and competence through the use of meaningful choice or rationale have positive effects on student developmental outcomes (e.g., intrinsic motivation, competence, self-esteem). Unlike schools, camps are noncompulsory recreation environments and most are outdoor-based. The existence of differences between the physical, social, and motivational …

Service To Olympic Teams In The Usa Over A 30-Year Period, Richard D. Gordin

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

An Application Of A Modified Experiential Learning Model For A Higher Education Course: Evidence Of Increased Outcomes, Mark F. Roark, Jonathan C. Norling

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

This case study applied a modified Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) model in an undergraduate outdoor recreation management course. The Kolb (1984) ELT model was modified to accommodate the higher education learning processes suggested by L. B. Sharp (1943), Sugarman (1985) and Greenaway (1995). Results indicate evidence of increased student learning. Quantitative results from a retrospective pre/posttest evaluation of change score means in learning outcomes supported the study hypotheses that 1) the application of a modified ELT model affects the outcomes of planning, knowledge/skills, and potential for transfer of learning and 2) previous trip experience affects these outcomes. A secondary analysis …

Playful Experiences: Measure Youth Outcomes In Parks And Recreation, Mark F. Roark, F. Evans

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Do you like to play or know anyone else who likes to play? Play has forever been a seminal focus for recreation and parks programs. When designing and implementing experiences for youth participants, we typically measure our success by how much fun youth had. These days, while play and the outcome of fun are still meaningful to youth, stakeholders expect outcomes beyond fun. From season to season, many of us now hear parent voices asking, “What will my children gain from your program?” or “Why is yours better? What makes yours unique?” City council members ask us to justify the …

Effect Of Self-Determination Theory-Based Strategies For Staging Recreation Encounters On Intrinsic Motivation Of Youth Residential Campers, Mark F. Roark, Gary D. Ellis

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Parents and caregivers generally believe that the camp experiences they purchase for their children will not only yield transient pleasure and lasting memories of fun encounters, but significant developmental outcomes as well. Camp professionals serving over 11 million youths each year embrace such outcomes and commonly advance mission statements that point to the development of friendship skills, self-confidence, competence, self-reliance, independence, citizenship, and many other developmental outcomes. Empirical evidence of how these outcomes might be facilitated through specific recreation leadership strategies (e.g., activity staging) is lacking. The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) would suggest that youth leaders (e.g., camp counselors, recreation activity …

Effect Of Surface Stability On Core Muscle Activity During Dynamic Resistance Exercises, Brennan J. Thompson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare core muscle activity during resistance exercises performed on stable ground versus an unstable surface and to examine whether lifting at different relative intensities affects core muscle activity levels. Twelve trained men performed four different movements including the deadlift, back squat, military press, and curl. Surface electromyography (EMG) was utilized to assess the activity of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, transversus abdominis, and erector spinae muscles. Participants performed each movement under three separate conditions including standing on stable ground with 50% of their one repetition maximum (1-RM), standing on a BOSU balance trainer …

Visitor Perceptions Of Benefits Of Local Park, Deborah L. Kerstetter, Andrew J. Mowen, Nate E. Trauntvein, Toni Liechty, Nuno Rubiero

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Recent research regarding the perceived benets of local parks has been limited, posing a problem for recreation and park directors who must promote the value of and gain support for aging park facilities. To collect evidence concerning the value of local parks and the impact of park upgrades, we conducted a study with one local park to (a) document behavioral changes that have occurred as a result of renovation, and (b) determine the perceived benets of having a community park. Two-thirds of respondents reported visiting the park more frequently since renovations were completed. When asked why they visit the park …

Distinct Timing Mechanisms Produce Discrete And Continuous Movements, Raoul Huys, Breanna E. Studenka, Nicole L. Rheaume, Howard N. Zelaznik, Viktor K. Jirsa

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

The differentiation of discrete and continuous movement is one of the pillars of motor behavior classification. Discrete movements have a definite beginning and end, whereas continuous movements do not have such discriminable end points. In the past decade there has been vigorous debate whether this classification implies different control processes. This debate up until the present has been empirically based. Here, we present an unambiguous non-empirical classification based on theorems in dynamical system theory that sets discrete and continuous movements apart. Through computational simulations of representative modes of each class and topological analysis of the flow in state space, we …

Good (Youth) Sports: Using Benefits-Based Programming To Increase Sportsmanship, Mary Sara Wells, Skye G. Arthur-Banning, Karen P. Paisley, Gary D. Ellis, Mark F. Roark, Kara M. Fisher

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Sportsmanship problems in youth sport have recently become a more prominent issue for parks and recreation professionals. Benefits-based programming is one method these professionals could use to address the issues of sportsmanship in their youth leagues. Recent studies and programs have successfully employed prosocial behavior techniques in this process as a means of improving the sportsmanship atmosphere in youth leagues. Previous research, however, has yet to compare the efficacy of such programs in comparison to a control group. Data for this study were gathered through observations of positive and negative sportsmanship behaviors youth basketball games at two local community centers. …

Effect Of Staged Practices And Motivational Climate On Goal Orientation And Sportsmanship In Community Youth Sport Experiences, Mary Sara Wells, Gary D. Ellis, Skye G. Arthur-Banning, Mark F. Roark

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Significant acts of poor sportsmanship and aggression are becoming increasingly prevalent in youth sports. Youth who have negative experiences as a result of witnessing or being directly involved in such poor sportsmanship experiences are less likely to participate in future sport activities, thereby contributing to sedentary lifestyles and a number of health related problems. Goal orientation theory provides a basis for understanding why many of these unsporting acts may occur. “Task-oriented” participants focus on their intra-individual growth and development in sports and tend to be much less involved in aggression and poor sportsmanship. In contrast, “Egooriented” participants judge success in …

Team Rules And Regulations Used By Football And Basketball Coaches In Utah High Schools, Robert Kent Molgard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to gather and analyze information concerning the establishment and administration of specific team rules and regulations used by the football and basketball coaches in Utah High schools.

Sub-objectives of this study were: (a) to compare the opinions of coaches according to school classification - class AA, class A, and class B; (b) to compare the opinions of less experienced coaches with those of more experienced coaches; (c) to compare the opinions of basketball coaches with those of football coaches.

One-hundred and thirty-nine coaches responded to a questionnaire that included statements asking for information concerning …