Matching Items (3)
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Description
Mental toughness is frequently cited as a key psychological component for superior athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in mental toughness exist between female soccer players at different levels of collegiate competition: intramural, club, and varsity. Based on the available literature, a progressive relationshi

Mental toughness is frequently cited as a key psychological component for superior athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in mental toughness exist between female soccer players at different levels of collegiate competition: intramural, club, and varsity. Based on the available literature, a progressive relationship between mental toughness and level of competition was hypothesized. A total of sixty-two athletes (n=62) were recruited from the intramural, club and varsity soccer teams and administered the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMQT). Descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variances (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences between total mental toughness or subcategories (confidence, constancy, control) of mental toughness between athletes of different levels. Though these findings were surprising, there are several possible explanations as to why no relationship could be established. The study controlled for age and gender which may have proved to be a limitation. Other limitations included a small sample size, a brief questionnaire and the timing of the administration of the questionnaire. Future research should examine gender and sport differences in mental toughness across the three collegiate competitive levels as well as examine how/if mental toughness can change over the course of a competitive season.
ContributorsBreunlin, Lina Irene (Author) / Hoffner, Kristin (Thesis director) / Broman, Tannah (Committee member) / School of Nutrition and Health Promotion (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-12
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Description
The purpose of this thesis was to use the inverted-U theory to explore similarities and differences in optimal intensity among baseball pitchers and provide them recommendations on how to manage their intensity. Controlling for the task and environment, data was collected through interviews to explore how the individual (i.e., the

The purpose of this thesis was to use the inverted-U theory to explore similarities and differences in optimal intensity among baseball pitchers and provide them recommendations on how to manage their intensity. Controlling for the task and environment, data was collected through interviews to explore how the individual (i.e., the person) influences the optimal level of arousal needed for peak performance. Interviews were conducted with three collegiate baseball players. Interview questions focused on the athletes describing their own perceived optimal intensity for performance. The interviews were analyzed for each individual athlete and those results were then compared across athletes to find similarities and differences. Additionally, a short infographic was made that provides some recommendations on how to manage their optimal intensity. If used correctly, the pitchers can achieve an ideal optimal intensity that can help them maintain a high level of performance.
ContributorsReyes, Adrian (Author) / Miossi, Lindsey (Thesis director) / Hoffner, Kristin (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2022-05
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Description

This thesis project is part of the W.P. Carey Founders Lab, a collaborative entrepreneurship track that gives students the opportunity to create a start-up business based on a list of given problems or technologies. The technology selected utilized a piece of NASA technology (U.S. patent application 20200193857) that combines mixed,

This thesis project is part of the W.P. Carey Founders Lab, a collaborative entrepreneurship track that gives students the opportunity to create a start-up business based on a list of given problems or technologies. The technology selected utilized a piece of NASA technology (U.S. patent application 20200193857) that combines mixed, virtual, and augmented reality (MR, VR, and AR) with biofeedback metrics to help athletes get in the zone. The goal is to use the technology during practice so athletes can be better prepared to combat performance anxiety during high-pressure situations. The NASA patent states that if the user’s brain activity, sweat, or heartbeat indicate that they are stressed while completing the activity, the device will make it more difficult for the athlete to complete their task. ITZ’s device increases the difficulty of hitting a target with a ball by obscuring the vision with augmented reality graphics. The visual obstacles will subside if the user’s brain activity metrics indicate that they have become more calm or focused. Due to circumstances outside of the team's control, a prototype was unable to be obtained, and the idea was based on the patent and supporting documentation provided after a meeting with NASA.

ContributorsTurcheck, Abigail (Author) / Maro, Kathleen (Co-author) / Garza, Nichelle (Co-author) / Wang, Qike (Co-author) / Byrne, Jared (Thesis director) / Satpathy, Asish (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2022-05