The present study examined a coaching method for the Healy maneuver in gymnastics, which is a support with 1/1 twist on one arm on the parallel bars. In the study, four university gymnasts were coached in the technique and practiced a onebar Healy. The purpose was to evaluate the coaching method developed by the present authors (Baba & Tsuchiya, 2015, in Japanese). Techniques for solving individual problems are also described. As a result of the coaching, two of the four gymnasts acquired the Healy technique, and performed it in a competition; one of the others succeeded in doing a Healy once, although he was not able to perform it in a competition; and the fourth gymnast improved his technique in practice to a level at which he was able to catch the bar.

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The present study examined training for short distance cycling events from the point of view of improvement in performance of a woman middle-distance cyclist who started cycling at college and who, after four years, won the All Japan Championship Bike Games - Omnium. The period of investigation was the four years between April 2010 and August 2014. Changes in the content of her training, her body composition, and physical strength factors during that period were examined. The four-year period was split into three stages, based on her results in 500-meter time trials, specifically, Stage I: beginner, Stage II: weight training and the introduction of short distance practice, and Stage III: improving her power and technique. In Stage I, road exercises were done mainly to increase the aspects of physical strength specifically required for cycling. In Stage II, practicing on a banked track and weight training were introduced to improve the short distance ability of obtaining the feeling of power exertion. In Stage III, improvement of technique from start to acceleration phases, increase in maximum power, and strengthening the upper limbs and trunk were attempted in order to achieve a significantly shorter time. The main factors for improving this woman’s competitive performance appeared to be an emphasis on short distance ability, which, in the past, has not been thought to be important, increase of muscle power as a result of weight training, and technical improvements from start to acceleration. These factors may be applicable to other cyclists.

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The present study investigated the relationship between playing menko (a Japanese card game) and initial ball-throwing speed. The participants were 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade boys and girls. The study also examined the possibility of using menko games as a training tool for improving softball throwing. The results suggested that menko games might be a useful training tool for 3rd and 5th grade boys. The 1st grade boys did not have enough power to flip the opponent’s menko cards by hitting them with a thrown card, so those boys concentrated on improving their hitting technique. On the other hand, because menko play using a commercial rubber coaster and gym mat was too difficult and not enjoyable for the 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade girls, it was judged not to be a suitable training tool for elementary school girls. These results suggest a possible way to improve physical education in elementary schools.

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The present study examined the static and dynamic balancing abilities of athletes in the sports of canoe sprint, sailing, and swimming, in order to characterize features of those abilities. The participants were 30 students of K university (average age 20.7±1.2) who specialized in canoeing, sailing, or swimming. The three groups of athletes were tested on a Balance Master. The balancing indices measured included sway vision (SV) and the limit of stability (LOS). The limit of stability was evaluated with the eyes open and closed on a hard platform and a soft platform, and their composite value (comp) was calculated. The limit of stability included the initial attainable point, the highest attainable point, response time, sway vision, movement velocity (MVL), and direction control. Tests were conducted in 8 directions, i.e., front (F: 0 degrees), right front (RF: 45 degrees), right (R: 90 degrees), right back (RB: 135 degrees), back (B: 180 degrees), left back (LB: 225 degrees), left (L: 270 degrees), and left front (LF: 315 degrees); their composite value (comp) was also calculated. The data were evaluated by a one-way analysis of variance to obtain the main effect (across groups). Whenever significant results (p<.05) were obtained, a second test was conducted for verification. The results were as follows. No significant differences were observed in body height, body weight, or body mass index (BMI) among the 3 groups of athletes. Also, no significant differences were obtained in the main effect (across groups) on the static balancing index. A significance difference was observed in the dynamic balancing indices, with a significant main effect (across groups) of movement velocity. The front movement velocity, right-front movement velocity, left movement velocity, and composite movement velocity of the canoe athletes were significantly higher than those indices in the other two groups of athletes. The above results suggest that these canoe athletes had a higher movement velocity than did the swimmers and sailors. However since the movement style in the canoe sprint is different in kayak and Canadian, further study should be done to examine those differences.

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Effective strikes in kendo require smooth coordination of the movements of the arms (strike) and legs (step-in) in ki-ken-tai-itchi (unity of spirit, sword, and body). Kendo coaches describe a point at which the kendoka does the strike and step-in at almost the same time. Actually, experts do this in their front strike, in which their strike precedes the step-in, whereas beginners’ step-in precedes their strike. The present study quantified the time between strike and step-in in the front strike of kendo experts. A newly developed instrument for measuring time intervals was used to measure the time from strike to step-in of 126 expert kendoka. The results showed that their strikes preceded their step-in by 42.7 ms. This can be used to specify a criterion for the timing between strike and step-in in ki-ken-tai-itchi, and as an index of timing between strike and step-in in the coordination of the arms and legs when coaching kendo beginners. Furthermore, kendo experts can utilize this value as a basic reference for i mproving their front strike.

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Windmill pitching is a typical pitching method in softball. The present study examined the relationship between the pitcher’s center of gravity and ball speed when doing windmill pitching. The participants were 16 high school girl softball pitchers. Each of them did straight pitching using the windmill method five times. For each pitcher, her pitch with fastest ball speed was chosen for the analysis. The pitching motions were divided into three phases, i.e., kicking, stepping-out, and releasing. The average speed of the center of gravity in each phase was calculated, and the correlation between the average speed and ball speed determined. The results revealed a significant correlation between average speed of the center of gravity and ball speed in the kicking and stepping-out phases. This suggests that, in order to increase ball speed, the speed of the center of gravity must increase in the kicking and stepping-out phases, and should be sharply reduced in the releasing phase.

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The present study examined features of top-class sailors’ sailing indices [sailing speed, sailing angle, VMG (Velocity Made Good), and sailing distance] in various sailing phases (starting, upwind, downwind, and reaching). The data were obtained from GPS data on the movement of the sailboats during a National Team screening race for a 470 class sailing competition. The results were as follows: 1. In the starting phase, the top group had a high sailing speed and VMG throughout the phase. Particularly, right after starting (0-5 seconds), they had already achieved a high speed and VMG. 2. In the upwind phase, the top group had a high sailing speed and small sailing angle due to a shortened sailing distance, which resulted in a high VMG. 3. In the downwind phase, the top class group achieved a high VMG by increasing their sailing speed. On the other hand, there was no difference in sailing angle between the top group and the lower group. 4. In the reaching phase, the top group obtained a high VMG by increasing their sailing speed, just as they had done in the downwind phrase. These results show features of the performance of top-class sailors participating in a National Team screening race for a 470 class sailing competition, and suggest how other sailors might obtain a higher rank in domestic top-level races.

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The present study examined differences in the physiological responses of muscle activity, oxygen intake, energy consumption, and poling force during two kinds of Nordic walking: a diagonal (DIA) style and a defensive style (DEF). The participants were 15 young males whose responses were measured while they were walking on a large treadmill. The results of a repeated measures ANOVA showed that a significant main effect (walking style) was found in the trapezius, deltoid， latissimus dorsi, triceps brachii, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior muscles. Higher muscle activity was noted in the deltoid, latissimus dorsi, and triceps brachii muscles in the participants in the diagonal style group, and in the trapezius and biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior muscles in the defensive style group. An interaction (walking style × walk speed) was found in the thigh triceps muscle, which suggested that muscle activity increased along with the increase in walking speed. No significant differences were found in physiological responses in any other muscle groups between the diagonal style and the defensive style. A main effect (walking style) was also observed in poling force; it was higher in the diagonal style group than in the defensive style group. No significant differences in energy expenditure were observed between the diagonal style and defensive style groups. In the present study, individual variation was found to be high; the coefficient of variation (CV) was very large, which may have influenced the observed variation in muscle activity. However, it can be concluded that no large differences were noted in the measured variables between the diagonal style and defensive style groups, as the noted differences in the variables were not very large, suggesting that either style could be used as an aerobic exercise for health promotion in young males.

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The present study investigated where collegiate kendoka were looking when striking men-waza in debana-men and shikake-men. The direction of their gaze was measured by an eye movement analysis instrument. The participants were 7 collegiate kendoka [age: M=19.9±0.4; dan (level in kendo): M=3.3±0.5; athletic career: 13.6±0.9 years]. Significant differences were found in the direction of their gaze. In shikake-men, the participants’ gaze was more often in the central region (shinai, fist, arms) than in the upper region (face, eyes). On the other hand, in debana-men, the participants’ gaze was more often in the upper region than the central one. In both shikake-men and debana-men, the participants did not look directly at the lower part of the opponent’s body (feet). Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that these kendoka used their peripheral vision as a visual pivot for metsuke in debana-men.

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Until now, respiratory muscle training done when the trainee is not moving has used a method in which deep, slow respirations are repeated in a constant rhythm, but effects of this training have not been identified. The present study examined the effects of respiratory muscle training in which the participants used a nose clip on physiological functions and running performance. The participants were 8 university and graduate school students (3 men, 5 women) who ran regularly. They were divided into 2 groups: a nose-clip group (N=4) who used a nose clip, and a control group (N=4) who did not use a nose clip. Both groups were trained for 4 weeks, then switched to the other procedure for another 4 weeks of training (crossover experiment). They were tested 3 times on a treadmill test with incrementally increasing loads: before training, after the first 4 weeks of training, and after the final 4 weeks of training. The results indicated that only the nose-clip group improved their running speed on the treadmill, extending their all-out distance by 6 meters (2.4%) and their duration by 0.6 minutes (4.8%). Furthermore, their running speed at their ventilation threshold increased by 13 m/min (7.6%, p<0.05). However, causes of the improvement in aerobic physiologic responses could not be identified. Future research should extend the period of respiratory muscle training beyond one month and include investigation of the physiological mechanisms underlying improved performance.

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Study I analyzed the speed and spinning frequency of tennis serves with a new instrument, TrackMan. In Study II, a comparison of Japanese top players younger than 14 years old, Japanese top players, and world top players as mentioned by Muramatsu in 2015, revealed a relationship between speed and spinning frequency in tennis serves at different skill levels. Because TrackMan has the same accuracy of measurement as the conventional method, which uses a high-speed camera and a speed-measuring instrument, but can also supply instant feedback, TrackMan seems to be a useful instrument for training. The results of the analysis of the relationship between ball speed and spinning frequency of tennis serves at different levels suggests that TrackMan might be useful for evaluating players’ skill level, that is, balls served at a high speed and with a greater amount of spin are higher quality service balls.

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Fundamental movements such as squat and lunge are important elements of the foundation of athletic ability. The functional movement screen (FMS) test evaluates the quality of basic movements through seven screening tests (deep squat: DS; hurdle step: HS; in-line lunge: ILL; shoulder mobility: SM; active straight leg raise: ASLR; trunk stability push up: TSPU; and rotary stability: RS). The results can be used to predict the risk of injury and also individuals’ athletic ability. However few studies have been published about the relationship of functional movement screen test scores and athletic ability in children. The present study analyzed relationships between functional movement screen test scores and tests of athletic ability. Healthy elementary school boys on a recreational sports team (N=84) were screened with the functional movement screen test and also took athletic ability tests (50-meter sprint, standing broad jump, side step, and long distance throw). A negative correlation was found between the 50-meter sprint results and scores on all seven basic movements and total scores on the functional movement screen test. A positive correlation was found between the standing broad jump results and scores on six of the seven movements tested in the functional movement screen test, but not between the standing broad jump and scores on the deep squat or total scores on the functional movement screen test. A positive correlation was found between the side step results and scores on five of the basic movements, but not between the side step results and scores on the in-line lunge, trunk stability push up, or total scores on the functional movement screen test. A partial correlation analysis between functional movement screen test total scores and athletic ability total scores revealed a positive correlation (r=0.45, p<0.01). These results suggest that there may be a reliable relationship between functional movement screen test scores and athletic ability.

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In volleyball, it is important to make a successful dig against a spike, because it blocks the opponent’s chance of scoring, and provides one’s own team with a chance to score by turning the dig into an attack. Also, from the point of view of total defense, an increase in successful digs against spikes is required to limit the course of spikes. The basic method of digging is detailed in standard coaching books. However, in actual play, that method is often not applicable to high speed spikes. In fact, the authors have played in games in which they received spikes from world top-class players, and feel that the method in the coaching books is insufficient. Furthermore, the authors got regrettable impressions in various actual instances in which digging was done. For those reasons, they developed a more effective method of digging. The present article proposes a concrete method for digging against high speed spikes. The point is how to set up the position for digging, in which the player’s hands face downward and are folded together loosely, the knees are moved ahead of hitting the ball, and the hip is placed under the ball without stretching the arms. At that time, the player should not try to return the ball to the setter, but rather toss the ball above the player’s own court.

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The present study investigated effects of intake of a milk-protein-enriched drink on the physical condition and performance of college long-distance runners. The milk-protein-enriched drink was provided to the runners for 16 weeks. Blood parameters were analyzed (0 week, 4th week, 8th week) and the degree of thirst and fatigue was measured by a visual analog scale (VAS; 0 week, 4th week). Continuous intense training resulted in decreased body weight and muscle mass, but the measures of serum creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LD), which are indicators of muscle degradation, were significantly lower in the 8th week (p<.05) than at the start of the study. Plasma osmotic pressure at weeks 4 and 8 was also significantly lower (p<.05) than at the start of the study. The degree of thirst, the runners’ physical condition, and their whole body fatigue as measured by the visual analog scale at the 4th week significantly improved (p<.05) compared with those measures at the start of the study. In a 10,000-meter race held after the 16-week study, 12 of the 13 participants improved their personal records. These results suggest that the intake of the milk-protein-enriched drink may have prevented muscle damage, improved fluid retention, and decreased fatigue, which, in turn, may have resulted in the observed improvement in the participants’ physical condition and performance.

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The flying split is a training exercise used widely for the quadriceps and hamstrings.In this training, the motion conditions depend on the position of the knee and the ankle that is, in the quadriceps-type flying split, the knee is moved ahead of the ankle, whereas in the hamstrings flying split, the knee is not moved ahead of the ankle. The present study investigated this training method with one participant, examining the influence of the positions of the knee and the ankle when landing on the foreleg in the flying split. The results were that the hamstrings flying split showed significantly greater hip extension torque than the quadriceps-type flying split. Furthermore, knee-bending torque was generated with the hamstrings flying split, whereas it was not observed with the quadriceps-type flying split. These results suggest that the hamstrings flying split produces remarkably greater force in the hamstrings compared to the quadriceps-type flying split, and that it activates the hip extension muscles. Therefore, when using the flying split in training, it is important to select a suitable motion condition depending on which of the trainee’s muscles are to be strengthened.

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The present study aimed at developing a new method for coaching beginners in the forehand drive in table tennis. First, a new 14-step coaching method for the forehand drive was produced by combining standard coaching methods described in table tennis guidebooks, methods based on the authors’ experiences as beginners, and methods based on their experiences as coaches. Next, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the new method, the new method was tested with 5 university student table tennis players who had had no previous coaching in table tennis. In the test coaching, some differences were found in the time required for the participants to reach the target level, but within 90 minutes of coaching with the new method, 4 of the 5 students acquired the technique of 5th-ball attack by using a forehand drive (learning step #14). The remaining student acquired the technique of using an attacking forehand drive (learning step 12), despite taking a comparatively longer time to meet the criterion. These results suggest that the newly developed coaching method may have some effectiveness.

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Numerous studies have devoted great attention to the importance of coach-athlete relationships (see Jowett & Cockerill, 2003; Jowett, 2005; Rhind & Jowett 2012; Philippe, Sagar, Huguet, Paquet, & Jowett, 2011). owever, there appear to be no discernable studies focusing specifically on the communicative relationships between coaches and players participating in short-term sports camps. The aim of this current study was to examine the mindset of ice hockey players in an elite level short-term camp through answers given to an interview questionnaire. Twenty-seven players (16― 22 years old) attending the 2013 West Coast Hockey Prep Camp were interviewed in semi-structured interviews on their reasons for attending the West Coast Hockey Prep Camp, their personal goals for the camp and hockey in general, and their expectations surrounding camp coaches and fellow participants. An inductive content analysis found that players showed a substantially high level of commitment to their sport (approx. 13.8 camps/player since they began playing hockey), a strong determination to use hockey to pursue higher education (22/27 players specified college or university either as their primary goal, or as part of their future plan for hockey), and an astute awareness of their needs development.

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The present study aimed at evaluating relations between cognitive function, subjective fatigue, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and the free throw performance of university basketball players. Participants, ten basketball players (age range: 18 – 23 years), underwent evaluation of their free throw performance, inhibitory control, and subjective fatigue before and after a 60-min basketball practice session. Inhibitory control as an index for cognitive function was evaluated by the Stroop Color and Word Test. The results indicated that the players’ free-throw performance was maintained, their inhibitory control facilitated, and subjective fatigue increased after the practice. A relative change in inhibitory control was inversely correlated with subjective fatigue and the participants’ ratings of perceived exertion. Relative changes in inhibitory control were also inversely correlated with the relative changes in their free throw performance. In conclusion, inhibitory control increased after the basketball practice session. However, an increment in fatigue was associated with a decline in inhibitory control. Free throw performance might be coupled with inhibitory control; subjective fatigue and ratings of perceived exertion appeared not to mediate free throw performance. Maintaining inhibitory control during matches might be important for players’ free throw performance.

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Recent studies have demonstrated that greater physical fitness (e.g., agility) is related to higher quality tennis performance, whereas the effects of cognitive function on tennis performance are unclear. The present paper reports an analysis of the relation between cognitive function and tennis performance when an elite junior tennis player was participating in a singles match. The participant was a 14-year-old female tennis player who had advanced to the quarterfinals of the All Japan Tournament. Cognitive functions, including cognitive processing speed, accuracy, and attention shifting, were evaluated with a local-global task at every court change during the match. The player’s tennis performance was recorded by the court-side analysts (two tennis instructors). The results indicated that shifts in her attention were significantly correlated with her rate of error in shots and the total number of points won. These results suggest that greater attention shifting may be related to higher quality tennis performance, and that improved attention shifting ability during a singles tennis match may have been an important factor in the higher quality tennis-specific performance of this elite junior female player.

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The present study proposed a support method using imagery and analysis for a university swimming club, and examined the effectiveness and possible future improvements of this method based on reactions from coaches and swimmers. The support method proposed here might be applicable to other types of teams, because it does not require use of specific systems or equipment; rather, what it uses, such as cloud service, smart phones, and spread sheet software, is generally available. Also, in response to a request from a coach, remote support using the cloud during competitions was tried. Favorable reactions to the imagery and analysis support were obtained. The information supplied was used often in both training and competitions, and swimmers reported that they felt that its contribution to the improvement of their competitive power meant that the support had been an effective way of improving their competitive power. The imagery and analysis support method may be applicable to other teams and other types of support, and may be a good reference for communication about the use of information technology in sports.

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本研究では、年齢および競技レベルの異なるセーリング競技選手を対象に、ハイクアウトの持続時間を規定する体力要因を明らかにすることを目的とした。対象は、セーリング競技を行っている男性44名、女性20 名であった。体力測定は、18 歳未満のシングルハンド群に対しては、ハイクアウトテスト、20m シャトルラン、握力、腕立て伏せ、懸垂、上体起こしテスト、ウォールシットを実施した。上記のテストに加えて、18 歳以上のシングルハンドおよびダブルハンド群では、等尺性膝伸展筋力、ウインゲートテスト(30 秒)、30 秒間上体起こしテストを実施した。ハイクアウトテストは、ハイクアウトベンチ上で膝関節、股関節を等尺性収縮に保って行わせた。ハイクアウトの姿勢は、ベンチの端に大腿部中央が接するようにして、肩の高さが膝の高さと同じになるようにした。18 歳未満のシングルハンド、18 歳以上のシングルハンド、18 歳以上のダブルハンドの間に、ハイクアウトの持続時間には差が認められなかった。一方、男女関わらず、国際レベルは、国内レベルに比べて、ハイクアウトの持続時間が有意に長いことが認められた。 ハイクアウトの持続時間は、20m シャトルランの間と上体起こしテスト（男性のみ）に有意な相関関係が認められた。有酸素性作業能力は、ハイクアウトの持続時間を規定する体力要因であることが明らかになった。しかし、先行研究において、ハイクアウトの持続能力と関連性が認められている等尺性膝伸展筋力との間には有意な相関関係が認められなかった。これらの結果から、本研究で考案したハイクアウトテストは、セーリング競技におけるハイクアウトの持続能力を評価できることが示唆された。

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[Abstract] The present study proposes factors that may lead to success in trail running races. The subject was a woman runner who had participated in a 16-week training program. Measures included her pace distribution and heart rate during a 76.7 km trail running race in which she achieved the overall win. The major findings were as follows: 1) Compared to previously published research, the amount of training was rather less, but the time spent in higher load training was about 50%. 2) During the training period, the training was modulated, i.e., high load training was done with a 50-km run on weekends, whereas the training load on weekdays was lower. 3) After the runner participated in a 37-km race around 2 weeks before the main race, the amount of training was significantly reduced. 4) Compared to past races, the runner maintained a high pace up to the final stage of the race, and her heart rate was high. This resulted from her experience of racing and the present training, as well as her well prepared pace-distribution strategy. These results suggest that the winning factor may have been acquisition of a good ability to distribute her pacing, in addition to the effects of long-term training on a hilly course.

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The purpose of the present study was to determine effects of a Nordic walking program on functional fitness, dynamic balance, and gait in community-dwelling, frail older adults. Functional fitness (arm curl (AC), chair stand (CS), up and go (UG), functional reach (FR), back scratch, sit and reach, and a 12-min walk), gait (8-m walk at a selfselected pace and for maximal speed), and dynamic balance (20-sec march-in-place) were assessed before and after an 8-week Nordic walking program participated in by 9 frail older adults (4 men, 5 women; average ge=80.3 ± 5.3 yr). The program was conducted for 20 minutes/day and for an average of 2.2 ± 1.9 days/week. Following the training, arm curl, chair stand, and up and go improved significantly. Upper-body flexibility and the 12-min walk did not change following training. Walk speed, and singleand double-support time did not change during the 8-m walk with a self-selected pace. However, stride increased in the 8-m maximal speed walk test. A Nordic walking exercise program appears to improve upper-body strength and mobility in frail older adults. The changes observed after this training appear to favor muscular strength rather than work capacity.

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The present study reports an example of training strategies for achieving a target in university women’s ekiden, and an examination of effectiveness of these strategies. The team that participated in the study was the women’s ekiden team of K university’s track and field club. They won 6th prize in the All-Japan University Women’s Ekiden in 2010, and 14th prize in 2009. This was the first time that this team had been seeded in the Kyushu area. As a result of analyzing and examining the training process, the following strategies were identified: 1) The target for the training should be realistic and achievable. 2) The contents and conditions of training for reaching that target should be quantified. 3) Before the race, that is, during the month in which the race will be held, the runners and more members should become able to achieve the contents of training (target time). 4) Individual training programs that have been executed by the team should be activated.

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The present study reports effects of 3 months of training on the reception movements of a woman university volleyball player Y, and provides basic data for improving competitive power in volleyball. Player Y had two problems: (a) When she got set with her feet side by side, she did not follow the back and forth movement of the ball. When balls were in front of her, she immediately fell down on her knees, and when they were behind her, she stood bolt-upright and bent backwards. (b) She tried to control the ball by swinging her arms toward her body. The training included making a plane surface with her arms, hitting free balls lightly, and rolling balls to the setter. After the 3 months of training, her problems were corrected, and her reception success rate improved. This suggests that the training may have been effective for improving her performance.

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The present study investigated influences of changing the motions involved in throwing, such as the initial velocity at the moment of release, in introductory training, in order to examine problems with the standing throw aiming at a target that were introduced by beginner throwers of the javelin. The participants were 10 university athletes: 5 who specialized in the javelin (expert group) and 5 who pecialized in other sports (inexperienced group). The participants were instructed to use two kinds of standing javelin throws, A and B, with different motion consciousness goals, with the target at distances of 10 m and 15 m. The initial velocity at the moment of release of the javelin, the inclination of their trunk, and the angle of rotation of their trunk at the time of release were compared. In A trials, they did not step forward on their right foot after releasing the javelin, while in B trials, the javelin was thrown with a feeling of hitting the target with their right upper trunk and they stepped forward with their right foot after releasing the javelin. The following results were obtained: 1) Both the expert group and the inexperienced group showed significantly higher initial velocity in the B trials than in the A trials, regardless of the distance to the target. 2) Measurements of the inclination of their trunk and the angle of rotation of their trunk at the time of release indicated that the forward movement of their upper body was significantly larger in the B trials compared to the A trials, regardless of the distance to the target. Their trunk was turned forward when the javelin was released.

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The present study examined influences of step width on speed and motion in shortdistance runs. The participants, 7 male university runners who were members of a track and field club, ran 60-meter trials in free style (Free condition) and also with two step widths: a 0-cm condition and a 50-cm condition. Their runs were photographed with 4 high-speed cameras in order to obtain the three-dimensional coordinates of 11 reflective markers that were attached to the runners. Each marker’s coordinates were projected on sagittal and horizontal planes in order to analyze the runners’ motions. Time-space valuables and data on the motions of the lower limbs were assessed by multiple comparisons among the three conditions. The results indicated that the participants’ running speed was not influenced by step width; moreover, their step length lengthened by 40 cm in the 0-cm condition, and was significantly longer than in the Free condition. On the other hand, the step frequency in the 0-cm condition was significantly higher than in the 40-cm one. A comparison of the 40-cm condition to the other conditions revealed an increase in both the minimum angle of the knee joint in the swing phase and the angles of knee and foot joints in the landing phase, and a decrease in the amplitude of the swing angle of their pelvis in the horizontal plane in the supporting phase. These results suggest that in short-distance runs with different step widths, the running speed in the middle phase of running does not change, but, rather, step length, step frequency, and lower-limb motions change. It is possible that, in technical training aimed at the improvement of running performance, changing step width may be an effective measure for controlling step length and step frequency.

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本事例は，下肢に痛みを感じて約3 カ月間走トレーニングが行えなくなった陸上競技長距離走選手が，従来とは異なる考え方に基づいて「積極的リハビリテーショントレーニング」のプログラムを考案・実施することで，復帰後早期のうちに，5000m 走の自己ベスト記録を大きく更新した事例について報告す るものである． 被検者は，平成25 年8 月8 日の練習において，走トレーニング中，右脚足底部に足底筋膜炎を発症した5000m 走を専門とする大学男子陸上競技長距離走選手1 名であった．リハビリテーショントレーニングとして，自転車エルゴメータ等を用いた自転車運動と水中運動を走トレーニングの運動強度と心 肺の主観的運動強度とが一致するように意識して実施した． その結果，復帰後20 日目に3000m 走，28 日目には5000m 走において自己ベスト記録を更新することができた． 以上の結果から，下肢の故障からのリハビリテーションの過程で，本事例で用いたような「積極的リハビリテーショントレーニング」を実施することで，体力低下を抑制できるだけではなく，復帰直後に走パフォーマンスを向上させうる可能性もあることが示唆された．

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The present study examined immediate effects on total jump distance and on each step of placing markers at target landing positions on the runway in the standing five-step jump, and also examined the possibility of training for the five-step jump using such target markers. The participant was a male university jumper. To evaluate effects of the markers, total jump distance, distance, ground time, flying time and speed, preand post-jump percentages for each step, and continuous photography were used. The target jump percentages were set to 14.9%, 17.4%, 19.6%, 21.1%, and 26.9% in order of the steps. The pre-measurement jump percentages were 14.8%, 17.2%, 18.3%, 20.4%, and 29.3%. After the athlete had trained with the target markers, his post-jump percentages changed to 14.3%, 17.2%, 19.0%, 21.0%, and 28.5%, that is, values that were somewhat closer to the target values. Increases were noted especially in jump distance and in the percentages for the 3rd and 4th steps. The total jump distance increased from 15.32 meters to 15.51 meters, which suggests an immediate effect of this method.

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Referees must ensure that games are conducted smoothly, but they are pressured by various individuals, including the players, the spectators, and the media. In spite of their important position, referees’ psychological characteristics have never been examined. It was therefore thought that valuable suggestions might be found if psychological characteristics of top referees were examined. In the present study, seven top referees were interviewed about their opinions regarding psychological characteristics necessary for referees. Analysis of the results revealed seven categories: demonstration of psychological skill, application of psychological techniques, awareness of the situation, communication, attitude and expression, motivation, and mastery of the rules of the sport. It is expected that the results of the present study will contribute to information about psychological aspects of top referees and mental training programs specific to referees.

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The present study examined effects on the 50 meter full-power rowing time of high school canoe kayak paddlers of exercises involving pulling with one hand while extending a leg. The participants, 12 high school male kayak paddlers, were split into two groups; 6 paddlers (Training Group; Tr) did exercises pulling with one hand with leg extension, the other 6 paddlers (Control Group; Con) did no special exercises. The training exercises were done 12 times x 3 sets (with a 3-minute rest between sets) for the left and the right hand, 3 times a week for 4 weeks, or a total of 12 times. Analysis of the results with a t-test indicated that the 50-meter rowing times of the Tr Group both with a canoe ergometer and on the water were significantly shortened (p<0.05). Also the maximum and average power of the Tr Group significantly increased (p<0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were found in the Con Group between the pre- and post-training measures. These results suggest that the exercises involving pulling with one hand while extending a leg may have been effective not only in increasing the maximum and average demonstrated power but also in shortening the 50-meter time with the ergometer and on the water. Thus, exercises involving pulling with one hand while extending a leg appear to be effective for improving the 50-meter full-power rowing time.

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The objectives of the present study were to consider and examine variables valuable for hammer throwers when preparing and conditioning for the Olympic Games. In order to do so, results and data from the past 4 Olympic Games (2000–2012) and pre- Olympic competitions were collected to determine individual means (AVG) and standard deviations (SD) for the pre-Olympic competition records, season best record (SB), and achievement rates (OG/SB) for Olympic game (OG) results. The differences between each relationship and the OG for each year were examined for the categories evaluated. 1) Although it was suggested that -4% from a Personal best record (PB) and/or SB are the Top Condition for a throwing event, the mean value of OG/SB for the top men/women finalists was significantly higher and exceeded the top condition value. 2) In comparing the results of PB, SB, pre-Olympic competition records, and each individual’s top 3 individual means and/or standard deviations for pre-Olympic competitions, a moderate positive correlation was observed for both men and women in the following order: pre-competition AVG>TOP 3 AVG>SB>PB. Because a strong association between the pre-competition individual means and the OG was observed, it has been suggested that improving pre-competition AVG, as well as aiming for high PB and SB, may lead to favorable and positive results at the Olympic Games. Furthermore, compared to other indicators, PB had less relevance to the OG, so it can be considered that as a performance evaluation method, other than making a comparison with an PB, combining the -4% records for the SB and the actual SB would be the best way to evaluate performance in preparing for the competitions.

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The method of holding the sword when sharp striking in kendo is said to be always a question when coaching striking. When the first author was in the seventh grade, he experienced a reduction in the effectiveness of his striking technique because he had learned the striking action improperly. The present report summarizes what the first author learned from an analysis of the process of improving his striking that he experienced at that time. What is thought to have been most important is the following: 1. After changing to a different standard bamboo sword, kendoka should check the difference in the feeling of the action when striking, and should particularly attend to any strain in the right hand and arm due to the sword’s length and weight being different. 2. If kendoka feel a strain in the right hand and arm upon striking, it may be helpful to slide the right hand slightly toward the left, so as to make the striking action more stretched. 3. If a striking action with a heavy strain on the right hand and arm has become a habit, this can be improved by using a big practice swing (transmitting swing) with the right hand held extremely close to the left, and confirming and reinforcing the feeling of transmitting force to the edge of the sword.

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In order to improve the softball throw record, it is important to improve the motion of lower limbs on initiating the throwing motion rather than the swing motion of upper limbs. It is particularly important to extend the knee joint of landing leg and to put the weight on the bottom of foot. With mashitanage which gets attention in the sports medical science as a training method of throwing motion, knee joint of landing leg is remarkably extended. Then the maximum load on the bottom of foot becomes bigger than the normal throw time. This mashitanage is a training method of throwing motion imitating the menko play which is a Japan’s traditional children play. The present study, supposing the menko play is an effective training tool for the improvement of softball throw records, examined the correlation between the results of menko play and the results of softball throw targeting the fifth graders of elementary school. As a result, it was only true for boys that children of good menko player could throw softball longer and faster. This suggests that boys has a possibility to improve the softball throw by improving the menko play.

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The present study compared the shoulder joint range of motion [ROM] and rotator cuff strength with or without past injury risk in male collegiate handball players during preseason period. The subjects were 15 male collegiate handball players. Players who experienced shoulder pain, or anterior joint instability, or resulted in the positive special tests were classified into the shoulder injury risk group (6 players). Other players were classified into the healthy group (9 players). The shoulder joint ROM and rotator cuff strength were measured for the both sides of shoulder of all players. The shoulder joint ROM did not show significant difference in preseason period, but players’ external rotational muscle strength with injury risk was low. The shoulder external rotational muscle strength is important for risk assessment of male collegiate handball players in preseason medical check. It is important to improve the external rotational strength which effectively contributes to prevention from the shoulder injury of high risk players.

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The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among perceived motivational climates, self-disclosure, and satisfaction for university athletic club activities. The sample comprised 138 university athletes (80 males and 58 females, mean age =20.1±1.04). The measures used included a questionnaire on motivational climates in athletic club activities (4 items for mastery climate and 4 items for performance climate), self-disclosure measuring scale (4 items), satisfaction scale (2 items for satisfaction with athletic club and 2 items for satisfaction with members). As the result of analysis with structural equation modeling, the performance climate had no influence on self-disclosure and two aspects of satisfaction (satisfaction with athletic club and satisfaction with members). On the other hand, the mastery climate had a positive influence on self-disclosure, which in turn had a positive influence on two aspects of satisfaction (satisfaction with athletic club and satisfaction with members). This results suggested that if athletes perceived mastery climate intensely, their self-disclosure is promoted, and their two aspects of satisfaction are promoted (satisfaction with athletic club and satisfaction with members). In conclusion, exercise adherence is emphasizing the mastery climate on athletic club activity.

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