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between periodization and DP activities in each phase of sport development is proposed,and a number of research approaches to address periodization are discussed.2017Abraham, A., Dunsky, A., & Dickstein, R. (2017). The effect of motor imagery practice onelevé performance in adolescent female dance students: A randomized controlled trial.Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity, 12. doi: https://doi.org/10.1515/jirspa-2016-0006Motor imagery practice (MIP) is the process of mentally rehearsing motor imagery (MI)contents with the goal of improving motor performance. The potential of MIP in providingmotor and non-motor benefits to dancers has not been thoroughly investigated to date.This study investigated the feasibility of providing a 6-week MIP intervention for adolescentfemale dance students and its effect on performance of repeated and static elevé.Participants’ imagery ability and self-reported views and attitudes toward MIP were alsoinvestigated. Data regarding ankle plantar-flexion (PF) maximal angles, range-of-motion(ROM), and weight bearing symmetry index (SI) were collected from 25 adolescent femaledance students randomly assigned to either MIP (experimental) or upper body exercise(control). Results showed feasibility of delivering the MIP intervention with a significant (p<0.05) improvement in ankle PF maximal angle and ROM for the repeated elevé followingthe intervention. Participants’ views regarding MIP and their imagery characteristics are alsopresented and discussed in light of practical implications. This study provides support to apromising relationship between implementing MIP as an adjunct dance training method andeliciting enhanced dance performance. Scientific Publications 2016-2017 51

Ziv, G. (2017). The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs – A review. Journal ofVeterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 19, 50-60.The purpose of this study was to review a series of studies (N=17) regarding the effectsof using various methods when training dogs. The reviewed studies examined thedifferences between training methods (e.g., methods based on positive reinforcement,positive punishment, escape/avoidance, etc.) on a dog’s physiology, welfare, and behaviortoward humans and other dogs. The reviewed studies included surveys, observationalstudies, and interventions. The results show that using aversive training methods (e.g.,positive punishment and negative reinforcement) can jeopardize both the physical andmental health of dogs. In addition, although positive punishment can be effective, thereis no evidence that it is more effective than positive reinforcement-based training. Infact, there is some evidence that the opposite is true. A few methodological concernsarose from the reviewed studies. Among them are small sample sizes, missing dataon effect size, possible bias when coding behavior in observational studies, and theneed to publish case reports of bodily damage caused by aversive training methods. Inconclusion, those working with or handling dogs should rely on positive reinforcementmethods and avoid using positive punishment or negative reinforcement as much as possible.Ziv, G., &  Lidor, R. (2017). Accuracy and gaze behavior of a closed self-paced task performedunder varied conditions. Journal of Athletic Enhancement, 6, 1-8.Closed, self-paced tasks are typically performed in a stable environment, but some featuresof the environment may vary (e.g., quiet/noisy conditions) or may negatively influencethe outcome of performance. Optimal gaze behavior, and specifically long quiet eye (QE)durations, have been found to be associated with improved performance of closed, self-paced tasks. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between QEand accuracy of a golf-putting task, under both quiet and distracted conditions, in 24 malephysical education students. Accuracy of performance and gaze behavior were measuredin both conditions. Data analyses revealed that the presence of noise led to reduced quieteye duration and accuracy, and that golf-putting performances improved in a transfer taskcompared to both acquisition and retention tasks. Future studies should examine whether52 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

maintaining QE durations, or training for longer QE durations, can prevent the deteriorationin performance under distracted conditions. Ziv, G., Lidor, R., Arnon, M., & Zeev, A. (2017). The vividness of movement imageryquestionnaire (VMIQ-2) – Translation and reliability of a Hebrew version. Israel Journal ofPsychiatry, 54.The Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire 2 (VMIQ-2) assesses individuals’ abilityto imagine themselves performing 12 simple motor tasks, from three perspectives: internalvisual imagery, external visual imagery, and kinesthetic imagery. The purpose of the currentstudy was twofold: (a) to describe the translation process of the VMIQ-2 into a Hebrewversion, and (b) to test the reliability of the Hebrew version. Eighty-eight physical educationstudents completed the questionnaire twice (test, re-test), with two weeks in-between thetests. Correlational analyses on the scores of the questionnaires given in the two phases –test and re-test – yielded two main findings: (a) there were no differences in mean scoresof the questionnaires administered in the test phase and re-test phase; and (b) significantmoderate correlations between the questionnaires’ scores in the test and re-test phaseswere observed. In conclusion, the Hebrew version of the VMIQ-2 was found to be reliable.A number of implications are discussed concerning the use of the questionnaire in the fieldsof psychiatry and psychology. Scientific Publications 2016-2017 53

Nutritional and Biochemical Aspects of Exercise54 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

2017Cohen, D., Perry, A., Gilam, G., Mayseless, N., Gonen, T., Hendler, T., & Shamay-Tsoory, S.G. (2017). The role of oxytocin in modulating interpersonal space: A pharmacological fMRIstudy.  Psychoneuroendocrinology, 76, 77-83.Interpersonal space is a nonverbal indicator of affiliation and closeness. In this study weinvestigated the effects of oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide known for its social role in humans,on interpersonal space. In a double-blind placebo controlled study we measured the effect ofintranasal OT on the personal distance preferences of different familiar (friend) and unfamiliar(stranger) protagonists. Behavioral results showed that participants preferred to be closer toa friend than to a stranger. Intranasal OT was associated with an overall distancing effect, butthis effect was significant for the stranger and not for the friend. The imaging results showedinteractions between treatment (OT, placebo) and protagonist (friend, stranger) in regionsthat mediate social behavior including the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), a regionassociated with the mentalizing system. Specifically, OT increased activity in the dmPFCwhen a friend approached the participants but not when a stranger approached. The resultsindicate that the effect of OT on interpersonal space greatly depends on the participant’srelationship with the protagonist. This supports the social salience theory, according to whichOT increases the salience of social cues depending on the context.Cohen, D., & Shamay-Tsoory, S. G. (2017). Oxytocin regulates social approach. SocialNeuroscience, 13, 680-687.The physical space individuals share is known as interpersonal space. As social creatures,people tend to approach others actively and explore the environment around them, opting fordifferent space preferences with different people. In the current study, we sought to examinethe role of oxytocin (OT) in regulating active social interpersonal space preferences. Contraryto previous studies that reported a preference for increased space following intranasal OT,we predicted that following OT administration individuals would exhibit increased activeapproach towards a protagonist. Accordingly, we measured active approach towards Scientific Publications 2016-2017 55

friends and strangers. The results indicated that OT increased social approach, particularlyto strangers, suggesting that the OT system plays a major role in regulating social approach,depending on the type of protagonist. The results are in line with the social salience andanxiety reduction hypotheses showing that OT increases the approach to strangers.S‫ ‏‬hmaya ,Y., Eilat-Adar, S., Leitner, Y., Reif, S., & Gabis, L. V. (2017). Meal time behaviordifficulties but not nutritional deficiencies correlate with sensory processing in children withautism spectrum disorder. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 66, 27-33.Food aversion and nutritional difficulties are common in children with autism spectrumdisorder. We aimed to compare meal time behavior of children with autism to their typicallydeveloping siblings and to typical controls, and to examine if sensory profiles can predictmeal time behavior or nutritional deficiencies in the autism group. Fifty children withautism spectrum disorder, age three to six years, were compared in a case-control studyto their typically developing siblings and a typically developing age- and gender-matchedcontrol group. We examined the nutritional intake and mealtime behavior and comparedbetween groups; the findings within the autism group were compared to their sensory profileassessment. Mealtime behavior difficulties were significantly more prevalent in the autismgroup as compared to siblings as well as controls, and were associated with various sensoryregulation difficulties, but not to nutritional deficiencies.Tsuk, S., Har Lev, Y., Rotstein, A., Carasso, R., Zeev, A., Netz, Y., Dwolatzki, T., & Steiner,G. (2017). Clinical effects of a commercial supplement of Ophiocordyceps sinensis andGanoderma lucidum on cognitive function of healthy young volunteers. International Journalof Medicinal Mushrooms, 19.Ophiocordyceps sinensis (= Cordyceps sinensis) and Ganoderma lucidum are medicinalmushrooms used in traditional Chinese medicine. The effects of O. sinensis and G. lucidumon cognitive function have been evaluated through the use of animal models and in vitro56 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

studies, which indicated beneficial effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate theeffects of treatment with a commercially available supplement of O. sinensis and G. lucidumon cognitive function in young, healthy human participants. Physical education students (N= 96 [53 men, 43 women]; mean ± standard deviation age, 26.3 ± 3.21 years) were randomlydivided into 3 treatment groups: high-dose supplement (HD) group, low-dose supplement(LD) group, and a placebo (PL) group. Each group received the treatment, administeredby a technician blinded to supplements/placebo, for 30 days. Participants were evaluatedfor various cognitive functions before and immediately after treatment. Evaluation ofcognitive function domains— global cognitive score, memory, executive function, attention,information processing speed, visuospatial ability, verbal function, and motor skills—showedno significant differences between groups. These results indicate that a combination of O.sinensis and G. lucidum supplements for 30 days did not enhance cognitive function domainsin young, healthy participants.Tsuk, S., Har Lev, Y., Rotstein, A., Zeev, A., Carasso, R., & Steiner, G. (2017). Effects of acommercial supplement of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps Sinensis) and Ganodermalucidum on physiological responses to maximal exercise in healthy young participants.International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 19.Cordyceps sinensis (Cs) and Ganoderma lucidum (Gl) are two medicinal mushrooms, whichwere suggested to have the potential to enhance exercise capacity. We used a combinedcommercial supplement of Cs and Gl and tested their effects on human physical, aerobic,and anaerobic capacities. Ninety-six physical education students (43 women; age 26.3±3.21)were randomly divided into three groups: low dose treatment, high dose treatment, andplacebo. Participants received the supplement or the placebo for 28-33 days. In both thepre- and post-intervention the participants performed a graded maximal VO2max test ona treadmill, and on a different day a Wingate anaerobic cycle test. From the maximalgraded treadmill test the following parameters were measured and recorded: heart rate(HR); oxygen consumption (VO2); respiratory exchange ratio (RER); and ventilation (VE).From the Wingate anaerobic cycle test, the following parameters were calculated: maximalanaerobic power, mean anaerobic power, and fatigue index. The supplements did not affectVO2max or the physiological responses at maximal exercise during the graded treadmill Scientific Publications 2016-2017 57

test. Similarly, there was no effect on peak and mean power or fatigue index as measured bythe Wingate anaerobic test. A borderline interaction indicated a somewhat lower HR at restpost-treatment, however, post-hoc analysis did not reveal any further significant statisticaldifferences, (P=0.047* F=3.169). The findings indicate that the dual supplementation withCs and Gl had no effect on maximal oxygen consumption, on physiological responses atpeak exercise load of a graded maximal treadmill test, or on the parameters of anaerobiccapacity.58 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

Physical Activity in Older Adults Scientific Publications 2016-2017 59

2017Dunsky, A., Abu-Rukun, M., Tsuk, S., Dwolatzky, T., Carasso, R., & Netz, Y. (2017). Theeffects of a resistance vs. an aerobic single session on attention and executive functioningin adults. PLoS ONE, 12, e0179799.Evidence from recent studies showed that acute aerobic exercise results in improvementsin different cognitive functions. The goal of this study was to assess the influence of acutebouts of aerobic versus resistance exercise on attention and executive function in adults.Thirty-nine physically active adults (age = 52±8 yr) served as participants. Each participantvisited the laboratory four times: on the first visit participants performed a cognitive test(NeuroTrax) followed by an aerobic fitness assessment, as well as a maximal strength testcomposed of six exercises. During visits 2±4, participants completed the cognitive test beforeand after the experimental condition, which consisted of either 25 min of aerobic exerciseor resistance exercise, or watching a recorded interview show in a seated position (controlcondition). Findings indicated significantly higher changes in scores of attention after acuteaerobic exercise (mean change 3.46, 95% CI -0.32, 7.27) than following the control condition(mean change -0.64, 95% CI -2.23, 0.96). The changes following resistance exercise(mean change -0.67, 95% CI -4.47, 3.13) were not significantly different from the changesfollowing the control condition. Executive function scores showed a marginally significantimprovement following acute aerobic (mean change 4.06, 95% CI 1.68, 6.44) and resistanceexercise (mean change 3.69, 95% CI 0.78, 6.60), but not after control (mean change 0.91,95% CI -1.21, 3.02). We suggest that adults consider augmenting both modalities into theirtraining routines, which may improve their cognition in addition to providing other physicalbenefits. Dunsky, A., Yahalom, T., Arnon, M., & Lidor, R. (2017). The use of step aerobics and thestability ball to improve balance and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults – arandomized exploratory study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 71, 66-74.The aim of the study was to explore the use of step aerobics (SA) and the stability ball (SB)60 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

as tools for balance improvement in community-dwelling older adults. Forty-two women(age: 72.2 ± 5.8 years) who attended a community day center volunteered to participatein the study. Following the first assessment session, 28 women were assigned randomlyto one of two experimental groups (the use of either SA or SB). The other 14 participants,who were engaged in a ceramics class, served as the control group. The study design wasbased on four assessment sessions and eight weeks of intervention. Assessment includedfour balance tests: Timed Up and Go (TUG), One-Leg Stand, Functional Reach, and thePerformance-Oriented Assessment of Mobility (POMA). Quality of life was assessed by theuse of the Short Form-36 Health Survey questionnaire. The TUG and POMA interventionimproved significantly (d = .83 and d = .95, respectively) following the SA. In addition, generalhealth perception following both the SA and SB interventions improved significantly relativeto the control condition (d = .62 and d = .22, respectively). The findings of this study mayimply that trainers should consider the inclusion of SA and SB as components of physicalactivity programs for seniors, aimed at improving balance ability and quality of life.Dunsky, A., Zeev, A., & Netz, Y. (2017). Balance performance is task-specific in older adults.BioMed Research International, 2017, Article ID 6987017.Balance ability among the elderly is a key component in the activities of daily living, andis divided into two types: static and dynamic. For clinicians who wish to assess the risk offalling among their elderly patients, it is unclear if more than one type of balance test canbe used to measure their balance impairment. In this study, we examined the associationbetween static balance measures and two dynamic balance field tests. One hundred andtwelve community-dwelling older adults (mean age 74.6) participated in the study. Theyunderwent the Tetrax static postural assessment and then performed the Timed Up andGo (TUG) and the Functional Reach (FR) Test as dynamic balance tests. In general, low-moderate correlations were found between the two types of balance tests. For women,age and static balance parameters explained 28.1–40.4% of the variance of TUG scoresand 14.6–24% of the variance of FR scores. For men, age and static balance parametersexplained 9.5–31.2% of the variance of TUG scores and 23.9–41.7% of the variance of FRscores. Based on our findings, it is suggested that a combination of both static and dynamictests be used for assessing postural balance ability. Scientific Publications 2016-2017 61

Hutzler, Y., Korsensky, O., & Laufer, Y. (2017). Rapid Stepping Test towards virtual visualobjects: Feasibility and convergent validity in older adults. Technology and Health Care, 25,49-58.Rapid voluntary stepping has been recognized as an important measure of balance control.The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and convergent validity of a RapidStepping Test protocol utilizing a virtual reality SeeMe TM system (VR-RST) in elderlyambulatory and independent individuals living in a community residential home. Associationsbetween step execution times determined by the system and the Activities-specific BalanceConfidence (ABC) Questionnaire, and clinical measures of balance performance in theMiniBESTest and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, were established in 60 participants (meanage 88.2±5.0 years). All participants completed the study. RESULTS: The correlations ofthe ABC questionnaire and the clinical tests with VR-RST forward and backward steppingwere moderate (ρ range 0.42–0.52), and weak to moderate with sideward stepping (ρ range0.32–0.52). Moderate to strong correlations were found across stepping directions (ρ range0.45-0.87). Findings support the test’s feasibility and validity and confirm the utility of theVR-RST as an assessment tool in an elderly population.Kafri, M., Hutzler, Y., Korsensky, O., & Laufer, Y. (2017). Functional performance and balancein the oldest-old. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy.The group of individuals 85 years and over (termed oldest-old) is the fastest-growingpopulation in the Western world. Although daily functional abilities and balance capabilitiesare known to decrease as an individual grows older, little is known about the balanceand functional characteristics of the oldest-old population. The aims of this study were tocharacterize balance control, functional abilities, and balance self-efficacy in the oldest-old,to test the correlations between these constructs, and to explore differences between fallersand nonfallers in this age group. Forty-five individuals living in an assisted living facility whoambulated independently participated in the study. The mean age was 90.3 (3.7) years.Function was tested using the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). Balancewas tested with the mini-Balance Evaluation System Test (mini-BESTest) and the TimedUp and Go (TUG) test. Balance self-efficacy was tested with the Activities-Specific Balance62 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

Confidence (ABC) scale. The mean total function LLFDI score was 63.2 (11.4). The meanmini-BESTest score was 69.8% (18.6%) and the mean TUG time was 12.6 (6.9) seconds. Themean ABC score was 80.2% (14.2%). Good correlation (r > 0.7) was observed between theABC and the function component of the LLFDI, as well as with the lower extremity domains.Correlations between the mini-BESTest scores and the LLFDI were fair to moderate (r’srange: 0.38-0.62). Age and ABC scores were significant independent explanators of LLFDIscore (P = .0141 and P = .0009, respectively). Fallers and nonfallers differed significantlyacross all outcome measures scores, except for TUG and for the “Reactive PosturalControl” and “Sensory Orientation” domains of the mini-BESTest. The results of this studyprovide normative data regarding the balance and functional abilities of the oldest-old, andindicate a strong association between self-efficacy and function. These results emphasizethe importance of incorporating strategies that maintain and improve balance self-efficacy ininterventions aimed at enhancing the functional level of this cohort.Litwin, H., Erlich, B., & Dunsky, A. (2017). The complex association between fear of fallingand mobility limitation in relation to late life falls: A SHARE-based analysis. Journal of Agingand Health, 0898264317704096.This study examines fear of falling (FOF) in relation to falls in light of mobility limitation. Dataon community-dwelling older Europeans, aged 65+, were drawn from two consecutive wavesof the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The analysis regressedfall status in 2013 on reported FOF 2 to 3 years earlier, controlling for previous falls. FOFpredicted subsequent falls when mobility limitation was low to moderate. However, the effectof FOF on fall probability was reversed when mobility limitation was high. The analysisunderscores a complex association between FOF and mobility limitation in relation to late-life falls. People who are worried about falling tend to fall more. Those having high mobilitylimitation but lacking FOF are also more likely to fall. In cases of considerable mobilitylimitation, FOF may act as a protective buffer. The less worried in this group, however, maybe subject to greater falling, and thus require greater attention. Scientific Publications 2016-2017 63

Segev, D., Hellerstein, D., & Dunsky, A. (2017). Physical activity – does it really increasebone density in postmenopausal women? A review of articles published between 2001-2016. Current Aging Science, Sept.Physical activity is known for its many health benefits, among them the positive effect on bonehealth during the life cycle. During childhood, physical stress stimulates bone remodeling andincreases density. However, due to hormonal changes during adulthood, and mainly duringpostmenopause, the rate of bone remodeling is slowed and is less efficient. As a result, anargument has arisen in the literature regarding the benefit or harm of physical activity onbone health among postmenopausal women. The objective of this study was to examine theefficacy of physical activity for improving Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in postmenopausalwomen based on a review of the literature. The articles included in the review were chosenfrom three databases (PubMed, SPORT Discus with full text and Science Direct). Onlypublications with intervention studies which provided BMD measures clearly affected byphysical activity in postmenopausal women were included. Twelve articles met the criteriafor inclusion. In general, physical activity had a positive effect on BMD. Exercise preventedbone loss, and in some cases contributed to the increase in BMD. In conclusion, physicalactivity may improve BMD in postmenopausal women. However, the exact type of activity,its intensity, its duration, and its frequency, are still unclear. Further studies are needed todetermine the precise training protocol for postmenopausal women.64 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

Physiological Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity Scientific Publications 2016-2017 65

2016Attene, G., Nikolaidis, P. T., Bragazzi, N., Dello Iacono, A., Pizzolato, F., Zagatto, A. M.,… & Padulo, J. (2016). Repeated sprint ability in young basketball players (Part 2): Thechronic effects of multi-direction and of one change of direction are comparable in terms ofphysiological and performance responses. Frontiers in Physiology, 27, 262.The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 5-week training program, consisting ofrepeated 30-m sprints, on two repeated sprint ability (RSA) test formats: one with one changeof direction (RSA) and the other with multiple changes of direction (RSM). Thirty-six youngmale and female basketball players (age 16.1±0.9 years), divided in to two experimentalgroups, were tested for RSA, RSM, squat jump, counter-movement jump, and the Yo-YoIntermittent Recovery-Level-1 (Yo-YoIR1) test, before and after a 4-week training programand 1 week of tapering. One group performed 30-m sprints with one change of direction(RSA group, RSAG), whereas the other group performed multidirectional 30-m sprints (RSMgroup, RSMG). Both groups improved in all scores in the post-intervention measurements(P<0.05), except for the fatigue index in the RSM test. However, when comparing the twogroups, similar effects were found for almost all parameters of the tests applied, except forRPE in the RSA test, which had a greater decrease in the RSAG (from 8.7 to 5.9) than in theRSMG (from 8.5 to 6.6, P=0.021). We can conclude that repeated 30-m sprints, either withone change of direction or multidirectional, induce similar physiological and performanceresponses in young basketball players, but have a different psycho-physiological impact.Dello Iacono, A., Martone, D., Cular, D., Milic, M., & Padulo, J. (2016). Game-profile-basedtraining in soccer: A new field approach. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 31,3333-3342.The aim of the study was to profile and compare the time-motion, physiological, andneuromuscular responses of both national youth league (NYL) and UEFA Youth League(UYL) matches with those of an experimental game-profile-based training (GPBT) protocol.Time-motion traits and physiological, perceptual, and neuromuscular responses were66 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

investigated in 24 male soccer players across 14 matches and 6 GPBT training sessions,for a total of 420 samples. The GPBT had a greater influence on time-motion traits andperceptual responses than the NYL and UYL matches (all p< 0.001). No significant GPBTvs. matches differences were found for mean heart rate (%HR) or BLa (F= 1.228, p= 0.304and F= 0.978, p= 0.385, respectively). Finally, the GPBT protocol led to greater impairmentof the neuromuscular explosive performances when compared to those of the post-matchscores (SJ: F= 19.991, p< 0.001; CMJ: F= 61.703, p< 0.001). Results identified the GPBTprotocol as characterized by relatively greater high-intensity workloads than official NYLand UYL matches, requiring increasingly demanding efforts. In light of these outcomes, theGPBT protocol can be considered an advantageous training method for elite soccer players,capable of stimulating the physical effort and physiological capabilities required during amatch. This approach is favorable when designing a training intervention according to theprinciple of sport specificity, as it is based on the specific metabolic demands.Dello Iacono, A., Martone, D., Zagatto, A. M., Meckel, Y., Sindiani, M., Milic, M., & Padulo,J. (2016). Effect of contact and no-contact small-sided games on elite handball players.Journal of Sports Sciences, 36, 14-22.This study aimed to investigate the effect of contact (C-SSG) and no-contact (NC-SSG)handball small-sided games (SSGs) on motion patterns and physiological responses ofelite handball players. Twelve male handball players performed 10 C-SSG and 10 NC-SSGwhile being monitored through heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) asphysiological responses, and a time-motion activities profile using video-match analysis.Both game conditions resulted in similar HR responses (P>0.05), but the NC-SSG ledto higher RPE scores. The time-motion activities analysis featured NC-SSG with greateramount of walking (855.6±25.1 vs. 690.6±35.2m) and backward movements (187.5±12.3 vs.142.5±8.7m) combined with fast running (232.3±8.5 vs. 159.7±5.7m) and sprinting (79.5±4.7vs. 39.7±3.7m) activities (P<0.001). Conversely, C-SSG had a higher percentage of joggingand sideways movements associated with a greater frequency of jumping (0.87±0.09 vs.0.31±0.06 nr) and physical contact (1.82±0.55 vs. 0.25±0.03 nr) events (P<0.001). Nobetween-regimen differences were found for the number of throws (P=0.745). In addition, theRPE was significantly correlated with fast running relative distances (r=0.909, P<0.001) and Scientific Publications 2016-2017 67

sprinting relative distances (r=0.939, P<0.001). In conclusion, this investigation showed thatboth C-SSG and NC-SSG in team handball can effectively represent specifically orientedexercises, according to the sport task and the performance demands.Netz, Y., Abu-Rukun, M., Tsuk, S., Dwolatzky, T., Carasso, R., Levin, O., & Dunsky, A.(2016). Acute aerobic activity enhances response inhibition for less than 30 min. Brain andCognition, 109, 59-65.Acute exercise appears to facilitate certain aspects of cognitive processing. The possibilitythat exercise may lead to more efficient inhibitory processes is of particular interest, owingto the wide range of cognitive and motor functions that inhibition may underlie. The purposeof the present study was to examine the immediate and the delayed effect of acute aerobicexercise on response inhibition, motor planning, and eye-hand coordination in healthy activeadults. Forty healthy and active participants (10 females) with a mean age of 51.88 ± 8.46years performed the Go-NoGo test (response inhibition) and the Catch Game (motor planningand eye-hand coordination) before, immediately after, and following a 30-min recovery periodin two conditions: a moderate-intensity aerobic session and a control session. In 2-wayrepeated measures ANOVAs (2 treatments 3 times) followed by contrast comparisons forpost hoc analyses, significant pre-post interactions – indicating improvements immediatelyfollowing exercise but not following the control condition – were observed in the Go-NoGomeasures Accuracy, Reaction Time, and Performance Index, but not in the Catch Game.In the post-follow-up interaction a deterioration was observed in Performance Index, anda trend of deterioration in Accuracy and Reaction Time. The conclusion was that a singlesession of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise facilitates response inhibition, but not motorplanning or eye-hand coordination, in middle-aged healthy active adults. On the otherhand, the improvement does not last 30 min following a recovery period. Further studiesare needed to examine the duration of the inhibitory control benefits and the accumulativeeffect of a series of acute exercise bouts, as well as to determine the brain networks and/orneurotransmitter systems most affected by the intervention. 68 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

Padulo, J., Bragazzi, N. L. Nikolaidis, P. T., Dello Iacono, A., Attene, G., Pizzolato, F., …Migliaccio, G. M. (2016). Repeated sprint ability in young basketball players: multi-directionvs. one-change of direction (Part 1). Frontiers in Physiology, 7, 133.The aim of the present study was to examine the reliability of a novel multi-direction repeated sprint ability (RSA) test [RSM; 10 × (6 × 5-m)] compared with a RSAwith one change of direction [10 × (2 × 15-m)], and the relationship of the RSM and RSAwith Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and jump performances [squatjump (SJ) and counter-movement-jump (CMJ)]. Thirty-six (male, n = 14, female n=22) youngbasketball players (age 16.0 ± 0.9 yrs) performed the RSM, RSA, Yo-Yo IR1, SJ, and CMJ,and were re-tested only for RSM and RSA after one week. The absolute error of reliability(standard error of the measurement) was lower than 0.212 and 0.617-s for the time variablesof the RSA and RSM test, respectively. Performance in the RSA and RSM test significantlycorrelated with CMJ and SJ. The best time, worst time, and total time of the RSA and RSMtest were negatively correlated with Yo-Yo IR1 distance. Based on these findings, consistentwith previously published studies, it was concluded that the novel RSM test was valid andreliable.Zach, S., Raviv, T., & Meckel, Y. (2016). Using information communication technologies(ICTs) for motivating female adolescents to exercise/run in their leisure time. Computers inHuman Behavior, 60, 593-601.The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a 12-week intervention program onmotivational climate in physical education (PE) lessons, on female adolescents’ self-efficacyfor independent training in leisure time, and on physical fitness measures. Participants were154 female high school students, divided into three groups: (1) The first group received aprogram to enhance motivation for physical activity (PA) during PE lessons and in leisuretime, using the Internet; (2) The second group followed the regular curriculum, and provideda self-report at the end of each lesson using a smartphone application; and (3) The thirdgroup engaged in standard PE lesson activities. A self-efficacy for training questionnaire, amotivational climate questionnaire, and tests of physical fitness were administered. Findingsindicated improvement pre-post in motivational climate and in the physical fitness measures, Scientific Publications 2016-2017 69

and a decline in the intensity of negative affect towards running, in all three groups.Incorporating innovative ways and promoting self-accountability using self-documentationencourage students to exercise during their leisure time.Zagatto, A. M., Ardigò, L. P., Barbieri, F. A., Milioni, F., Dello Iacono, A., Camargo, B. H., &Padulo, J. (2016). Performance and metabolic demand of a new repeated-sprint ability testin basketball players: Does the number of changes of direction matter? Journal of Strength& Conditioning Research, 31, 2438-2446.This study compared two repeated-sprint ability tests in basketball players. Both testsincluded 10×30-m sprints, with the difference that the previously validated test (RSA2COD)featured two changes of direction (COD) per sprint, while the experimental test (RSA5COD)featured five CODs per sprint. Tests` performances and metabolic demands were specificallyassessed in 20 basketball players. Firstly, RSA5COD test-retest reliability was investigated.Then RSA2COD, RSA5COD sprint times, peak speeds, oxygen uptake (VO2), and post-test blood lactate concentration [La] were measured. RSA5COD results were shown tobe reliable. RSA2COD resulted in better performance results than the RSA5COD version(P<0.01), with shorter sprint times and higher peak speeds. Over sprints, the tests did notdiffer from each other in terms of VO2 (P>0.05). Over a whole bout, the RSA2COD wasmore demanding than the RSA5COD, considering the overall metabolic power requirement(i.e., VO2-driven+ [La]-driven components). Given that 1) RSA5COD mimics real game-play such as sprint distance and action change frequency/direction, and 2) has the samemetabolic expenditure per task completion as metabolic cost, RSA5COD is a valuable optionfor players and coaches for training basketball-specific agility and assessing bioenergeticdemands.70 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

2017Dello Iacono, A., Eliakim, A., Padulo, J., Lover, L, & Meckel, Y. (2017). Neuromuscular andinflammatory responses to handball small-sided games: The effects of physical contact.Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sport. 27, 1122-1129.The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of physical contact on neuromuscularimpairments and inflammatory response during handball small-sided games. Using acounterbalanced design, 12 elite male junior handball players were divided into two groups:contact (C-SSG) and no-contact (NC-SSG), performing both contact and no-contactsmall-sided games, in reverse order in two training sessions separated by five days. Themethodology and rules were identical for the two SSG regimens, with the only differencebeing the inclusion or prohibition of upper-body use for physical contacts. Upper and lowerbody neuromuscular performances and blood concentrations of inflammatory cytokine IL-6were assessed before and immediately after the games. During the small-sided games,video analysis was used to establish the physical contact counts. Significant differenceswere found in most upper and lower limbs’ muscles kinetic variables and in the physicalcontact events (all P < 0.001) following the two training regimens. There was an increase inIL-6 after C-SSG and no changes following NC-SSG (P < 0.05 and P = 0.12, respectively).Moreover, a strong correlation was found between the number of physical contacts andIL-6 responses (r = 0.971, P < 0.001) in C-SSG. This study indicates that an inflammatoryresponse and large upper and lower body neuromuscular impairments result from physicalcontact in elite handball players. These outcomes outline the specific physiological profile ofC-SSG that, in turn, might be used by practitioners and coaches as a practical approach tostrategically select exercises to be included in the athlete’s overall training program. Scientific Publications 2016-2017 71

Dello Iacono, A., Padulo, J., Zagatto, A. M., Milic, M., & Eliakim, E. (2017). The effects ofstructural and technical constraints on the profiles of football-based passing drill exercises:suggestions for periodization planning and skill development. Science and Medicine inFootball, 2, 163-170.The aim of this study was to profile the physiological, time motion, and technical responsesinduced by football passing drills, and to analyze the influence of structural and technicalconstraints. Twenty-two male footballers performed five sets of intermittent passing drill boutslasting 3 min each, interspersed by 1 min of passive recovery. The experimental protocolsconsisted of either a triangle-shaped or a Y-shaped drill format, in which the number ofplayers (eight vs. six) and the technical demands (single vs. double pass) were manipulated.The physiological responses (heart rate [HR], rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), externalload measures (GPS related), and technical performances (pass speed and accuracy)were analyzed. The results highlighted specific profiles for the experimental protocols: (1) ahigher number of players involved led to greater internal and external load responses andhigher technical scores, and (2) additional technical requirements, such as for the double-pass task, determined lower internal load responses and a greater amount of accelerationand deceleration actions, but trivial or unclear effects on the technical performances. In lightof these outcomes, coaches could include passing drill formats with a variable number ofplayers and technical demands, within appropriate long-term programs that address bothphysical adaptations and skill development.72 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

Sindiani, M., Eliakim, A., Segev, D., & Meckel, Y. (2017). The effect of two types of interval-training programs on physiological and performance indices. European Journal of SportSciences, 17, 830-837.The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of an increasing-distance, interval-training programme and a decreasing-distance, interval-training programme, matched fortotal distance, on aerobic and anaerobic physiological indices. Forty physical educationstudents were randomly assigned to either the increasing- or decreasing-distance, interval-training group (ITG and DTG), and completed two similar relevant sets of tests beforeand after six weeks of training. One training programme consisted of increasing-distanceinterval-training (100–200–300–400–500 m) and the other decreasing-distance intervaltraining (500–400–300–200–100 m). While both training programmes led to a significantimprovement in VO2 max (ES = 0.83–1.25), the improvement in the DTG was significantlygreater than in the ITG (14.5 ± 3.6 vs. 7.8 ± 3.2%, p < .05). In addition, while both trainingprogrammes led to a significant improvement in all anaerobic indices (ES = 0.83–1.63),the improvements in peak power (15.7 ± 7.8 vs. 8.9 ± 4.7), mean power (10.6 ± 5.4 vs. 6.8± 4.4), and fatigue index (18.2 ± 10.9 vs. 7.0 ± 14.2) were significantly greater in the DTGcompared to the ITG (p < .05). The main finding of the present study was that beyond thesignificant positive effects of both training programmes on aerobic and anaerobic fitness,the DTG showed significant superiority over the ITG in improving aerobic and anaerobicperformance capabilities. Coaches and athletes should therefore be aware that in spiteof identical total work, an interval-training programme might induce different physiologicalimpacts if the order of the intervals is not identical. Scientific Publications 2016-2017 73

Psychological Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity74 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

2016Schinke, R. J., Stambulova, N. R., Lidor, R., Papaioannou, A., & Ryba, T. V. (2016). ISSPposition stand: Social missions through sport and exercise psychology. International Journalof Sport and Exercise Psychology, 14, 4-22.Sport psychology is expanding in how it might be utilized to benefit human activity and sociallife. Performance enhancement remains central to the field; however, there is growinginterest in how sport psychology practices and sport contexts can be crafted to enablesocial missions. The classification of social missions through the context of sports mightvary from one sport development agency or scholar to the next, and could relate to healthand well-being, sport for peace, social development, disease prevention, and positive youthdevelopment. This position stand has been conceived to situate the International Society ofSport Psychology within sport for development for the betterment of people in communities,countries, and regions. This ISSP Position Stand is structured into a historical overviewof sports as social missions, sport for cultural exchange and social justice, sport for healthand well-being, sport for positive youth development, sport for peace, and postulations andrecommendations.Zach, S., & Adiv, T. (2016). Strength training in males and females – motives, training habits,knowledge, and stereotypic perceptions. Sex Roles, 74, 323-334. doi:10.1007/s11199-015-0544-3.Despite scientific evidence regarding the benefits of strength training, participation ratesin the general population, particularly among females, remain low. Physical educationstudent teachers are a subset of the population whose aim is to educate the public aboutthe paramount importance of physical activity, including the importance of strength training.This study aimed to explore physical education student teachers’ motives for participationin, knowledge of, and stereotypic perceptions regarding strength training, as well as theirstrength training habits. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 204 male and femalephysical education student teachers from a physical education teachers college located incentral Israel. Findings regarding training habits from the sample show that about 80% of Scientific Publications 2016-2017 75

the females participating in strength training used light-moderately light resistance in theirroutine, while about half of the strength training males used light-moderately light resistanceand half used heavier resistance. Regarding motives, muscular development was rated asthe strongest motive among participants who did light-moderately light weights comparedwith participants who exercised with heavier weights. No significant gender differences weredemonstrated. Strength training participants received higher scores in knowledge of strengthtraining compared to non-strength training participants. The most promising result of thisstudy is that more knowledge was associated with perceptions favoring strength training forboth females and males. Still, physical education student teachers, especially males, as wellas non-strength training females, held stereotypic perceptions regarding strength trainingand gender role expectations Therefore, increased knowledge about strength training mayprove to be helpful in decreasing these stereotypic perceptions.Zach, S., & Lissitsa, S. (2016). Internet use and leisure time physical activity of adults – Anationwide survey. Computers in Human Behavior, 60, 483-491. doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2016.02.077.We examined the relationships between physical activity and Internet use habits, using theTheory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) modelas a framework. The purpose was to examine how Internet access, digital use, and timespent online correlate with the odds of engaging in three types of PA: strenuous, moderate,and muscle-strengthening. Data relied on the Annual Social Survey conducted by Israel’sCentral Bureau of Statistics in 2010 with 6035 participants aged 20-65. Logistic regressionsrevealed that the odds of engaging versus not engaging in three types of physical activitywere higher among Internet users compared to non-users. The odds of engaging versusnot engaging in strenuous physical activity were higher among those who used the Internetfor studying, social media, and downloading; in strengthening muscles the odds werehigher among those who used the Internet for seeking information and social media; andin moderate physical activity the odds were higher among those who used the Internet forstudying, compared to non-users. We suggest that the measured digital uses representintention and action plans similar in their determinants to being physically active. Health caredecision makers should increase the availability of information on the Internet regarding ahealthy lifestyle, concentrating on leisure-time physical activity habits.76 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

Zach, S., Raviv, T., & Meckel, Y. (2016). Using information communication technologies(ICTs) for motivating female adolescents to exercise/run in their leisure time. Computers inHuman Behavior, 60, 593-601. doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2016.02.096The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-week intervention program onmotivational climate in physical education (PE) lessons, on female adolescents’ self-efficacyfor independent training in leisure time, and on physical fitness measures. Participants were154 female high school students divided into three groups: (1) those who were given aprogram to enhance motivation for physical activity (PA) during PE lessons and in leisuretime, using the Internet; (2) those who followed the regular curriculum in addition to self-report at the end of each lesson, using a smartphone application; and, (3) those who engagedin standard PE lesson activities. A self-efficacy for training questionnaire, a motivationalclimate questionnaire, and tests of physical fitness were administered. Findings indicatedimprovement pre-post in motivational climate and in the physical fitness measures, and adecline in the intensity of negative affect towards running, in all three groups. Incorporatinginnovative ways and promoting self-accountability using self-documentation encouragestudents to exercise during their leisure time.Zach, S., & Shalom, E. (2016). The influence of physical activity on working memory.Perceptual & Motor Skills, 122, 365-374.The effect of three types of physical activity on two types of working memory were investigated.Participants were 20 adult males who trained twice a week in volleyball, two hours persession. Procedures included two pre and post intervention tests of working memory: theDigit span and Visual Memory Span subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale – Revised.Interventions included tactical volleyball formation, bodyweight resistance exercises, 15minutes of running, and sub-maximal aerobic activity. Volleyball activity improved memoryperformance to a greater extent than the other two activities. Results indicate that immediatelyafter acute exercise there is an increase in working memory function, more evident afterphysical activity in which cognitive functioning is inherent. Scientific Publications 2016-2017 77

2017Zach, S., Dobersek, U., Filho, E., Inglis, V., & Tenenbaum, G. (2017). A meta-analysis ofmental imagery effects on post-injury functional mobility, perceived pain, and self-efficacy.Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 34, 79-87. doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.09.011A meta-analysis was employed to examine the effects of mental imagery (MI) onbiopsychological variables, namely functional mobility, perceived pain, and self-efficacy. Tenstudies were included in the meta-analytical review. Cohen’s d effect sizes (ES) and Hedge’sg weighted mean ES (WMES) were computed for all dependent variables. The analysisrevealed non-significant effects of imagery interventions that were (1) small and positive forfunctional mobility (g = 0.16), (2) large and negative for perceived pain (g = -0.86), and (3)large and positive for self-efficacy (g = 0.99). These effects were all non-significant, probablybecause the interventions administered and populations sampled in the studies were mostlyheterogeneous. The observed null results might also reflect that existing studies on injurylack power. Hence, the effects of MI on bio-psychological variables warrant continuedempirical investigation. Conclusions: Given the observed statistical trends, MI interventionsmight be beneficial for athletes recovering from injury. However, more experimental work inneeded before one claims with certainty that MI enhances bio-psychological functioning ininjured athletes.78 Scientific Publications 2016-2017

Zach, S., Xia, Y., Zeev, A., Arnon, M., Choresh, N., & Tenenbaum, G. (2017). Motivationdimensions for running a marathon: A new model emerging from the Motivation ofMarathon Scale (MOMS). Journal of Sport & Health Sciences, 6, 302-310. DOI:10.1016/j.jshs.2015.10.003The aim of this study was to test and expand the Motivation of Marathoners Scale (MOMS)model (Masters et al., 1993). The MOMS questionnaire was distributed to 306 male andfemale marathon runners (age range: 20–77 years) with experience in marathon running(range: 1–44 runs). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the original modelfailed to fit the data. Hence, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to test thebest factorial solution for the current data, and a subsequent CFA was performed on therevised factorial structure. Then, a series of EFAs using maximum likelihood factor extractionmethod were performed. The best structure solution for model-data fit resulted in 11 factors:psychological coping—emotional-related coping, psychological coping—everyday-lifemanagement, life meaning, self-esteem, recognition, affiliation, weight concerns, generalhealth orientation – reduced disease prevalence and longevity, general health orientation –keeping fit, competition, and personal goal achievement. This study provides a sound andsolid framework for studying motivation for physically demanding tasks such as marathonruns, and needs to be similarly applied and tested in studies incorporating physical taskswhich vary in mental demands. Scientific Publications 2016-2017 79



Graphic design: Shelly Shalom Editors:Prof. Moshe Ayalon and Prof. Ronnie Lidor The Academic College at Wingate 2018 [email protected]