Sports Exercise Science – Page 21

The Exploration of the Effect of Taekwondo Training on Personality Traits

Submitted by: Dr. Richard C. Bell, United States Sports Academy and Chia-Ming Chang, Tajen Institute of Technology, Taiwan, Republic of China

Abstract

In
this paper, the authors analyze the effects of Taekwondo training
on personality. The authors found that Taekwondo participants
realize, that in addition to the physical training, Taekwondo
emphasizes concentration, self-control and self-discipline.
Other researchers suggest that Taekwondo training has many
psychological benefits, such as enhanced self-esteem, self-concept,
reduced aggressiveness, decreased anxiety, increase in personal
independence, and ability to take a leadership role. Taekwondo
training might be used as a therapeutic program.

Introduction

Although
the relationship between certain aspects of self-concept and
performance in activities such as aerobic dance, soccer, volleyball,
and handball has been reported (Plummer & Koh, 1987; Harter,
1978; Olszewskal, 1982; Scanlan & Passer, 1979), little
evidence exists regarding the psychological value of the martial
arts. Miller (1989) states that self-concept may be enhanced
through the acquisition or mastery of a new skill. Novices
are most likely to gain self-concept through participation
in physical activities. Finkenberg (1990) studied the effect
of participation in Taekwondo on college women’s self-concept
and found significant differences on total self-concept and
on subscale scores in physical, personal, social identity,
and satisfaction. Therefore, the authors believe that the
Taekwondo training is of great psychological value to participants.

The
Background of Taekwondo

Taekwondo
has been under constant evolution for over several thousand
years. However, it was not until the 1950s that Taekwondo
was standardized and organized by Gen Choi Hong Hi and the
sport was brought outside the Korean borders, at first to
Vietnam and the US, and later to the rest of the world. Today,
Taekwondo is organized in three international federations:
the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), with headquarters in
Seoul, Korea; the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF),
with headquarters in Austria; and the Global Taekwondo Federation
(GTF) with headquarters in Korea. Taekwondo has recently been
declared an official Olympic sport with the first competitions
held during the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, in 2000
(Lucas, 1992).

According
to Skelton (1991), one may benefit from the study of Taekwondo
regardless of age, size, or athletic ability. Taekwondo training
can increase strength and muscle tone, reduce body fat, improve
cardiovascular conditioning and endurance, improve balance
and coordination, reduce stress, improve concentration and
focus, improve performance in one’s job, school, or sports,
provide a structured program of advancement with achievable
goals, and improve self discipline and self confidence.

Effects
of Taekwondo Training on Personality

Finkenberg
(1990) studied the effects of participation in Taekwondo on
college women’s self-concept. The experimental group contained
51 women enrolled in Taekwondo classes, and the control group
contained 49 women enrolled in 4 sections of general health
courses. Pretests and posttests were administered in the first
week of a semester and the last week of the semester. The
Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (Roid and Fitts, 1989) measuring
self-concept was used as the instrument in this study. The
questionnaire was used to assess perceptions of physical self,
moral-ethical self, personal self, family self, social self,
identity, self-satisfaction, and behavior. Roid and Fitts
(1989) support the test’s reliability and validity. An analysis
of Covariance was used to control statistically for initial
differences in self-concept among subjects with the pretest
scores as the covariant. The results indicated that significant
differences were found on total self-concept and on sub-scale
scores in physical, personal, social, identity, and satisfaction.
Insignificant differences were found on moral-ethical, family,
behavior and self-criticism scales. The authors concluded
that the total self-concept and certain sub-scales were influenced
by participation in an 8-weeks course in Taekwondo. This study
supports the findings of Duthie, et al. (1978) who showed
that students of martial arts were more self-confident than
those without training. It also supports the conclusion that
“it could be assumed that one or two months of karate
training is sufficient to improve the typical student’s level
of general self-esteem” (Richman & Rehberg, 1986).

In
a study addressing aggressive behavior as a function of Taekwondo
ranking, Skelton, et al. (1991) investigated the relationship
between aggressive behavior and advancement through the belt
ranks among children in the American Taekwondo Association
(ATA). The sample consisted of 68 children, from the ages
6 to 11 years old, who were enrolled in 10 ATA schools located
in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois. The parents of the
students answered the survey form. One-way Analysis of Variance
indicated a significant inverse relationship between the children’s
belt rank and their aggression. A trend analysis was performed
to help clarify the nature of the relationship between the
two variables (belt rank and aggressive score). Results suggested
that there was a significant trend towards reduced aggression
with advanced ATA group rank. The authors suggested that further
research should include longitudinal reassessments of aggression
of the children beginning at the lower ranks and continuing
as they progress through the higher Taekwondo ranks to confirm
the conclusion.

Kurian
et al. (1994) studied the relationship between personality
factors and ATA Taekwondo training in a sample of younger
students. The subjects were 72 boys attending two ATA schools
in the southwestern United States. Subjects completed the
1973 Form A of the Children’s Personality Questionnaire following
a regular training session. The questionnaire contains 14
bipolar primary factors. Correlation analysis for the test
factors with age, training time, and belt rank of the sample
was conducted. Factor A (reserved versus outgoing) correlated
significantly with age. Training time was significantly related
to Factor N (naive versus socially perceptive), suggesting
that longer times in Taekwondo training are associated with
more socially perceptive behavior. Belt rank was significantly
correlated with Factors D (+), F (+), I (-), and N (+). These
correlations indicate that attainment of higher belt rank
is associated with scores indicating more demanding, enthusiastic
and optimistic, self-reliant, and socially perceptive personality
traits. The author concluded, ” These results suggest
that ATA belt rank is associated with a pattern of enthusiastic
optimism and self-reliance. This personality pattern is socially
positive and suggests that Taekwondo training may be beneficial
for younger male students”.

In
a study on personality characteristics and duration of ATA
Taekwondo training, Kurian et al. (1993) compared personality
characteristics of two groups having participated in Taekwondo
for different lengths of time. The subjects were 30 adults
attending two American Taekwondo Association schools in the
southwestern United States. They averaged 2.6 years of Taekwondo
training (range of 17 to 44 years old). Form C of the 16 Personality
Factor Questionnaire (Cattell, 1980) containing 105 items
distributed across 16 bipolar primary factor scales was used
as the instrument. The groups with shorter time (less than
1.4 years) and longer time (more than 1.5 years) in Taekwondo
training were compared using a t-Test for the mean scores
of Anxiety, Independence and Leadership. The results indicated
that the length of Taekwondo participation was associated
with lower scores on Anxiety and with higher scores on Independence.
The authors suggested that lower scores on Anxiety and higher
scores on Independence often accompany improved mental health,
suggesting that participation in Taekwondo training may be
useful as part of therapeutic programs.

Summary

This
study was expected to contribute to an understanding of the
psychological value of Taekwondo. The study was also expected
to provide more insight into the beneficial effects of Taekwondo
training for both physical educators and Taekwondo trainees.
Research suggests that Taekwondo training may have many psychological
benefits, such as enhanced self-esteem, self-concept (Columbus
& Rice, 1991, cited from Kurian et al., 1993 ; Finkenberg,
1990), and reducing aggressiveness (Skelton, 1991). In the
study of Kurian et al. (1993), it was indicated that Taekwondo
training could decrease scores on anxiety and increase scores
on personal independence and ability to take a leadership
role. Furthermore, Kurian et al. (1993) concluded that participation
of Taekwondo training might be used as a therapeutic program.
Finkenberg (1990) found that Taekwondo training was helpful
for college women to build self-concept.

REFERENCES

Cattell, R. B., Eber, H. W., & Tatsuoka, M. M. (1980).
Handbook for the 16 PF. Champaign, IL: Institute for
Personality and Ability Testing.

Duthie,
R. B., Hope, L. & Berker D. G. (1978). Selected personality
traits of martial artists as measured by the adjective checklist.
Perceptual and Motor Skills, 47, 71-76.

Finkenberg,
M. E. (1990). Effect of participation in Taekwondo on college
women? self-concept. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 71,
891-894.

Kurian
M., Caterino L., C., & Kulhavy R. W. (1993). Personality
characteristics and duration of ATA Taekwondo training. Perceptual
and Motor Skills, 76, 363-366.

Kurian,
M., Verdi, M. P., Caterino, L. C., & Kulhavy R. W. (1994).
Relating scales on the children personality questionnaire
to training time and belt rank in ATA Taekwondo. Perceptual
and Motor Skills, 79, 904-906.

Lucas
J. (1992). Taekwondo, Pelote Basque/jai-alai, and roller hockey-three
unusual Olympic demonstration sports, The Journal of Physical
Education, Recreation & Dance, 63, 80-83.

Miller,
R. (1989). Effects of sports instruction in children self-concept.
Perceptual and Motor Skills, 68, 239-242.

Olszewskal,
G. (1982). The relation of self-image, self-estimation and
a tendency to dominate or submit to the effectiveness of team
players. International Journal of Sport Psychology,
13, 107-113.

Plummer,
V. K., & Koh, Y. O. (1987). Effect of erobics” on
self-concepts of college women. Perceptual and Motor Skills,
65, 271-275.

Richman,
C. L., & Rehberg, H. (1986). The development of self-esteem
through the martial arts. International Journal of Sport
Psychology, 17, 234-239.

Roid
, G. H., & Fitts, W. H. (1989). Tennessee Self-concept
Scale, revised manual. Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological
Services.

Scanlan,
T. K., & Passer, M. W. (1979). Factors influencing the
competitive performance expectancies of young female athletes.
Journal of Sport Psychology, 1, 212-220.

Skelton,
D. L., Glynn, M., & Berta, S. M. (1991). Aggressive behavior
as a function of Taekwondo ranking. Perceptual and Motor
Skills, 72, 179-182.

U.S. Sports Academy2013-11-26T21:30:54-06:00February 15th, 2008|Sports Exercise Science, Sports Studies and Sports Psychology|Comments Off

The Effect of Physical Exercise on Anxiety

Submitted by: Dr. Mevhibe Akandere and Ali Tekin

Abstract

In this study, the effects of physical exercise to eliminate the anxiety in university youth was investigated. The study covered 311 students who had never involved in physical exercise or any form of physical exercise. They were from 7 different departments of Education Faculty of Konya Selçuk University. State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) by Spielberger was applied to the students. The first 60 who had the highest anxiety scores were determined. Half of 60(30 student) participated in physical exercise while the other 30 were accepted as the control group. Pre, mid and post–test were administered to both the test and control group. Results were estimated by ANOVA. As a result ; the anxiety level of female students was found to be higher comparison to males’ depending upon the gender. In addition, the results also showed that participation physical exercise and physical activities decreased the anxiety level of both sexes. According to the age, a similar level of anxiety was seen at the beginning. It appeared that these activities had a reduction in anxiety levels of all age categories. The reduction mentioned above was found highest in 19–20 age group. According to fields, the physical exercise activities played a very important role in minimizing the anxiety. This effect was the most reliable on the students of music department. As a result, it has been concluded that physical exercise activities played a very notable role to eliminate anxiety of the university youth.

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U.S. Sports Academy2016-10-14T13:06:26-05:00February 14th, 2008|Sports Exercise Science, Sports Studies and Sports Psychology|Comments Off

Effects Music Has on Lap Pace, Heart Rate and Perceived Exertion Rate During a 20-Minute Self-Paced Run

Submitted by: Brian C. Matesic and Fred Cromartie, Ed. D.

Abstract

The general problem of this study was to determine the effect, if any, that music had on heart rate, lap pace, and perceived exertion rate (RPE) during a 20-min self-paced run completed by a group of trained participants and a group of untrained participants. The participating subjects, all males, attended a college with an enrollment of 1,200. There were 12 participants, ranging in age from 18 to 23 years. They comprised two experimental groups. Experimental Group A consisted of 6 subjects who were considered untrained individuals, because they did not partake in exercise, or only in very limited exercise. Experimental Group B consisted of 6 subjects who were considered trained individuals, because they were in the habit of running more than three times a week to reach or exceed a target heart rate. The 12 subjects signed an informed consent form before participating in the study. No pre- or post-test capable of affecting the rate at which subjects completed the 20-min run was taken. The data were collected, condensed, and analyzed to measure performance differences when running to music and running without music. Analysis of the collected data employed Microsoft Excel as well as the t-test for the two samples’ means. Findings were that music had a noticeable effect on the pace demonstrated by both groups when running. Differences in heart rate and perceived exertion were found only in the untrained group, which may be due to source of error problems. Further research is recommended involving various styles of music and forms of athletic performance other than running.

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U.S. Sports Academy2016-10-12T13:12:50-05:00February 14th, 2008|Sports Coaching, Sports Exercise Science, Sports Studies and Sports Psychology|Comments Off

A Strength Training Program of “Ya-Tung” Women’s Basketball Team of Taiwan

Submitted by: Dr. Richard C. Bell and Steven Chen

Rebounding, jumping, shooting, and playing defense require a decent level of strength and power. A basketball player in great condition should demonstrate the endurance to run tirelessly on the court and should possess the strength to engage in the physical battles beneath the basket. There is no doubt that strength training plays an important part in building up the power to meet demands on the court (Fulton, 1992). College basketball has emphasized strength training to a great degree because it increases overall strength, flexibility, and lean body mass (Fulton, 1992). The implementation of strength training in order to increase vertical jumping ability, thereby enhancing overall sport performance, appears well founded (Renfro, 1996). This explains why college coaches prefer their players to stay involved in strength training even under the restrictive practice schedule of the NCAA.

In Taiwan, however, coaches of women’s basketball teams did not traditionally support the idea of strength training. They distrusted it (as some American coaches do, too), viewing it as a threat to players’ flexibility, athleticism, and shooting touch (Mannie & Vorkapich, 2000). Taiwanese coaches want their players to be quick and strong, but without strength training. Can such an objective be achieved?

Working since last March with the coaches of Taipei’s national women’s basketball team, the researchers observed an interesting fact. Female players with team Cathay, the perennial Taiwanese champion, were generally stronger and more “physical” than other players. The Cathay team was the only Taiwanese women’s team with a strength-training routine, so the researchers decided to study strength training in basketball more closely, designing for a rival Taiwan team called Yatung a lifting program reflecting sound basic strength-training principles.

Strength Training and Basketball

Groves and Gayle (1989) surveyed the top 100 men’s college basketball teams using data from a USA Today poll, and found that 98% of these schools had a pre-season weight-training program. In-season weight training was employed by 75% of the programs; 88% used off-season weight training for team members, and 64% used summer weight training. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that a school with in-season weight training was likely to rank higher than a school without it. While the correlation does not indicate that strength training leads to wins, but does help explain, perhaps, why 87% of coaches and athletic directors endorse strength training for their teams.

Grove and Gayle also studied physiological change in 8 college players who engaged in a year-round training program (1993). Several findings resulted from repeated ANOVA testing. First, the players experienced a decrease in the proportion of body fat. Second, lean body mass was significantly increased, although body weight did not vary much over the course of the year. Finally, players on average experienced improvement of some 27.5 lb in the bench press but did not improve significantly in terms of the height of their vertical jumps. Fulton (1992) conducted research on the combined effects of strength training and plyometrics training. In contrast to Grove and Gayle’s findings (1993), a player in Fulton’s study on average improved vertical jumps by 4.5 in following 18 weeks of training; an average player furthermore added 45 lb to his bench press performance and experienced improvement of 4% on the I-test (a test of speed and agility).

There is no data to support concerns that strength training is detrimental to shooting in basketball. Shoenfelt (1991) tested the effect of an 8-week strength-training program on the accuracy of free throws, studying 14 female collegiate players divided into two groups. Every other day, one group engaged in weight training and the other in aerobic exercise. Results showed that the immediate effect of weight training was no more detrimental (or beneficial) to free throw accuracy than the immediate effect of aerobic exercise. Kerbs (2000) studied an entire women’s basketball team, measuring free throw and speed spot shooting accuracy 8 hours after a morning weight-lifting routine. According to the study results, accuracy did not differ significantly between days when the weight-lifting routine was followed and days when it was not followed. The results, then, indicated that these players could continue with a regular lifting program on game-day mornings without losing shooting accuracy.

The results of these studies indicate that basketball players experience more advantages than disadvantages from strength training, even on game days. The conclusion reached is that strength training for basketball players is beneficial to their overall development as athletes.

A typical strength-training program for women collegiate basketball players resembles one for men’s team players (Owens, 1998). General exercises (such as the squat and the split-squat) are often used to strengthen the muscles involved in jumping and running (Renfro, 1996). Certain upper-body exercises focusing on strength, flexibility, and coordination have been examined for their effects on rebounding (Stilger & Meador, 1999). In general, a strength-training program’s goal is to increase players’ power, not just size. Sessions should be designed to prevent muscle accommodation—and boredom; they should also take into account the individual player’s particular weaknesses (Owens, 1998). Hitchcock (1988) proposed that four criteria of importance in devising a strength-training program for women basketball players: specified goals, work assigned based on performance, an equal workload, and communication with the players.

Wilmore and Costill (1994) offered a prescription for basic strength training for basketball players based on four factors: mode, frequency, duration, and intensity; the concept is illustrated in Table 1. The present researchers devised a strength-training prescription for Taiwan’s Yatung women’s basketball team that similarly incorporated the mode, frequency, duration, and intensity factors (see Table 2).

Table 1

General strength-training prescription for basketball players

Factors

Emphases

References

Mode

use of major muscle groups: leg, hip, back,

abdomen, chest, shoulder, upper arms*

____________________________________

major exercises: bench press, lat-pull, inclined/declined dumbbell press, squat, abdominal curl, leg curl/extension, good morning exercise, power cleans, hang cleans, upright and T-bar row*

____________________________________

*Olympic-style lifts preferred

Mannie & Vorkapich, 2000

________________________

Davies, 1993; Earles, 1989; Fulton, 1992; Johnson, 1989; Mannie & Vorkapich, 2000; Renfro, 1996; Zucker, 1989

_______________________

Owens, 1998

Fre-quency

3–4 times (sessions) per week, on alternate days*

____________________________________

*in season, 5 times weekly with shorter sessions

Earles, 1989; Fulton, 1992; Johnson, 1989; Mannie & Vorkapich, 2000; Zucker, 1989

________________________

Owens, 1998

Duration

training period divided into “seasons,” each lasting about 8–10 weeks; pre-season may be as brief as 6 weeks*

____________________________________

each session is 1.25 hr – 1.5 hr ; 3 sessions per week*

____________________________________

30–45 min per session; 4 or more sessions per week*

____________________________________

*no more than 4 hours per week

Fulton, 1992; Groves & Gayle, 1993; Johnson, 1989; Owens, 1998; Shoenfelt, 1991; Zucker, 1989

________________________

Fulton, 1992; Mannie & Vorkapich, 2000

________________________

Owens, 1998

________________________

Hitchcock, 1988; Zucker, 1989

Intensity

in general, 3 sets of each exercise including 3–12 repetitions per set*

____________________________________

off-season for hypertrophy and endurance—60–75% 1 RM; early season for strength—70-85% 1 RM; in season for maximum strength—3–5 RM, or >90% 1 RM*

____________________________________

*Variation within a week, e.g., Monday 8–12 RM, Wednesday 6–8 RM, & Friday 3–5 RM

Earles, 1989; Fulton, 1992; Owens, 1998; Mannie & Vorkapich, 2000

________________________

Davies, 1993; Earles, 1989; Fulton, 1992

________________________

Earles, 1989; Johnson, 1989; Owens, 1998; Zucker, 1989

Table 2

Experimental strength-training prescription for Yatung players

Period	Exercise	Intensity	Sets/Reps	Frequency
off-season, April—July	bench press, shoulder press, knee extension, knee curl, squats, front/ side lunge, power cleans, bicep curl, good morning exercise, situps	70–75%> 1 RM	3 x 8–12; 3 x 25–30 for situps	Monday Wednesday Friday Saturday
pre-season, August—September	bench press, shoulder press, knee extension, knee curl, squats, front/ side lunge, power cleans, bicep curl, good morning exercise, situps	80–90%> 1 RM	3 x 5–8; 3 x 30–40 for situps	Monday Wednesday Friday
in season, October—November	bench press, shoulder press, knee extension, knee curl, squats, front/ side lunge, power cleans, bicep curl, good morning exercise, situps	85–95%> 1 RM	3 x 2–3; 3 x 35–50 for situps	2–3 times/week; NOT on game days

Discussion

Since the late 1970s strength training has become popular among college basketball teams worldwide; however, strength training is just now emerging among Taiwan’s basketball players. The present researchers suggest to coaches and sport administrators that, in order to benefit the players, they

work to educate Taiwanese coaches about the uses of strength training, putting to rest any misconceptions
promote proper strength-training methods, for example introducing them in secondary schools and the high school basketball league
support additional research examining physiological and psychological effects of strength training on elite Taiwanese players

References

Davies. (1993). Strength training for basketball at Maclay High School. Journal of Strength and Conditioning. 15(2), 37.

Earles, J. (1989). Implementing an in-season JV strength program for female athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning. 11(3), 32–34.

Fulton, K. T. (1992). Off-season strength training for basketball. Journal of Strength and Conditioning. 14(1), 31–44.

Groves, B. R., & Gayle, R. C. (1993). Physiological changes in male basketball players in year-round strength training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 7(1), 30–33.

Groves, B. R., & Gayle, R. C. (1989). Strength training and team success in NCAA men’s Division-I basketball. Journal of Strength and Conditioning. 11(6), 26–28.

Hitchcock, W. (1988). Individualized strength and conditioning program for women’s basketball. Journal of Strength and Conditioning. 10(5), 28–30.

Johnson, A. (1989). West Virginia University preseason basketball conditioning program. Journal of Strength and Conditioning. 11(1), 43–46.

Kerbs, B. (2000). Effects of same-day strength training on shooting skills of female collegiate basketball players. Microfilm Publication. Eugene, OR: University of Oregon.

Mannie, K., & Vorkapich, M. (2000). Off-season and preseason strength conditioning for basketball. Scholastic Coach and Athletic Director. 70(3), 6–11.

Owen, J. (1998). Strength training for basketball: Building post players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning. lang=FR>20 lang=FR>(1), 16–21.

Renfro, J. G. (1996). Basketball specific squats. Journal of Strength and Conditioning.18(6), 29–30.

Shoenfelt, E. L. (1991). Immediate effect of weight training as compared to aerobic exercise on free throw shooting in collegiate basketball players. Perceptual and Motor Skills. 73(2), 367–370.

Stilger, V., & Meador, R. (1999). Strength exercises: An upper body proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation rebounding exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning. 21(6), 29–31.

Zucker, A. (1989). Men’s basketball off-season Phase I strength program. Journal of Strength and Conditioning. 10(6), 39–40.

Author Note

Dr. Richard C. Bell is the chair of sport management at the United States Sports Academy. Steven Chen is a doctoral candidate at the United States Sports Academy.

U.S. Sports Academy2015-10-22T23:42:41-05:00February 14th, 2008|Sports Exercise Science, Sports Studies and Sports Psychology, Women and Sports|Comments Off

Magnetic Therapy and Athletic Performance

Submitted by: David Schall and Jimmy H. Ishee

The theory that magnetic therapy could be used to enhance the lives of human beings was formulated in the early 16th century (Ramey, 1998). Since that time it has been suggested that magnetic therapy can be useful in treating many ailments, such as broken bones (Rogachefsky, 1998; Sharrard, 1990), wounds (Lee, Canady, & Doong, 1993; Man, Man, Plosker, Markov, 1997; Szor, 1998), chronic pain (Campbell, 1997; Valbona, Hazelwood & Gabor,1997), and even psychiatric disorders (Baker-Price & Persinger, 1996; George et al., 1997; Kirkcaldie, Pridmore, & Pascual-Leone, 1997). There is limited literature with regard to magnetic therapy and to athletic performance, and mostly in the form of testimonials.

During training and competition two things occur in the muscles. First, they are being torn down and damaged. If muscles are not allowed to rest, larger wounds in the muscle may occur resulting in missed training time, decreased vitality, and reduced performance. Secondly, waste products that lead to a decrease in the supply of oxygen and nutrition to the cells accumulate in the muscle tissue. This also leads to a breakdown in training and performance. Reportly, the constant pulsing of magnets penetrates the body, improving blood circulation that can aid in healing and stimulating metabolism that can lead to the faster removal of waste and an improvement in the cells’ supply of oxygen and nutrients (Case Studies and Testimonials, 1999). Claims are that this regeneration effect leads to safer, quicker recovery after training or competition and increased performance during training and competition. One such testimonial is from Andrew McManus, a professional race car driver, who uses the Quantron Resonance System (QRS). McManus stated that he used the QRS for more than 6 months, both mornings and evenings. Actual strength of the magnets was not mentioned. He reported that the number of injuries that occurred as a result of racing had dropped, and his lower back pain ceased. The general condition of his muscles improved; and his body felt regenerated, enabling him to drive the car faster. Another unexpected benefit was a noticeable improvement in his asthma. His use of medication and the frequency of attacks had diminished, thus enabling a greater training workload. McManus stated that he intends to continue the use of the QRS magnets (Case Studies and Testimonials, 1999). Also described was the AS Roma Football Club, an Italian professional soccer team that used the QRS for two months and experienced positive therapeutic results, especially in recovery from hard training. Dr. E. Allciccio, the team’s physician, noted that the fatigue factor was also lower and recommended the QRS to anyone who participates in sports.

Antonopulos (1999) stated in a testimonial for a popular magnetic company that players on the Denver Broncos of the National Football League are regular users of magnetic products. Antonopulos reported that a number of players have been using the products and have reported positive feelings from them. He mentioned that he personally has found significant results from using the magnetic insoles; they have cured his feelings of tired and sore feet. Antonopulos also stated that a prominent running back, who injured his groin prior to the Super Bowl, was treated with the magnet therapy and was able to prepare and play in the game without problem. Antonopulos believes that magnetic products are a positive aid in enhancing performance and the treatment of injuries, but did not discuss the strength of the magnets.

Jim Colbert, professional golfer on the Senior PGA Tour, stated that he has not missed a day of golf in 3 years. He attributed his longevity to wearing various types of magnets. Donna Andrews, a golfer on the LPGA tour stated that wearing magnets helps her feel and play well. Dan Marino, former quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League, stated that magnets had extended his career in professional football (Biomagnetic Testimonials, 1999).

Steizinger, Yerys, Scowcroft, Wygand, and Otto (1999) investigated the effects of repeated magnet treatment on prolonged recovery from exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness. Thirteen subjects (mean age = 23.5 years and mean weight = 74.2 kg) performed a 10-minute downhill run on a treadmill at 85% max heart rate and 16% grade to induce muscle soreness. In this double-blind procedure, participants received a randomly assigned magnet (M) or placebo magnet (P) placed 5 cm proximal to the superior patellar border, for two 1-hour sessions interspersed with a 10 minute measurement session. Treatments were administered at 24-, 48-, and 72- hours postexercise. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between M and P trials or between presoreness 24-, 48-, and 72- hour measurements. Thus, magnetic therapy at 500 gauss applied for 2 hours per day for 3 days did not alter the normal time course of recovery from exercise-induced muscle soreness. These findings concurred with Ramey (1998) who stated that explanations that magnetic fields increase circulation, reduce inflammation, or speed recovery from injuries are simplistic and unsupported by the weight of experimental evidence.

Whatever the findings or claims, there appears to be no harm from magnetic therapy. This probably makes it attractive to some athletes who are weary of the adverse effects of other products or procedures. The psychological effect of magnetic therapy should also be considered. Future research should shed more light on the effects of magnetic therapy on athletic performance and associated questions.

References

Antonopulos, S. L. (1999, February). Denver Broncos Letter of Testimonial. (Available from Larry Crisp of Preventative Health Care Alliance, 10940 S. Parker Rd., # 426, Parker, CO 80134)
Baker-Price, L. A., & Persinger, M. A. (1996). Weak but complex pulsed magnetic fields may reduce depression following traumatic brain surgery. Perceptual and Motor Skill, 83, 491-498.

Biomagnetic Testimonials. (1999). Magnetic Ideas Inc. Website [On-line].
Available: www.magneticideas.com

Campbell, D. (1997, November 14) New technology relieves chronic pain with magnets. Vanderbilt University Medical Center Reporter, 7, 1,2.

Case Studies and Testimonials. (1999). Quantron Resonance System Website
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U.S. Sports Academy2015-11-08T07:39:31-06:00February 14th, 2008|Sports Exercise Science, Sports Studies and Sports Psychology|Comments Off