Weight loss and weight management can be difficult for many individuals to achieve or maintain. There are numerous forms of support available to those who wish to lose or manage their body weight. With over two-thirds of U.S. adults classified as overweight (33.0%) or obese (35.9%), effective interventions that help adults achieve and maintain a healthy weight are imperative for the prevention and management of obesity and related diseases. Social relationships and interactions can have positive and negative influences on diet, physical activity, and weight status (Wang, Pbert & Lemon 2014). This synthesis of research literature focuses on mobile apps, family and friends, and personal fitness trainers. By focusing on these three popular categories of support, the literature will show how different forms of support can have different impacts on success with both weight loss and weight management. A comprehensive literature review took place to investigate why these three forms of support may be beneficial to those trying to lose or maintain their body weight.

The purpose of this synthesis was to examine the existing body of knowledge on factors affecting LGBT students’ participation in physical education and athletics. Previous research identified low levels of participation by the LGBT population in physical education and interscholastic athletics. The studies reviewed within the critical mass yielded factors which either encouraged or discouraged LGBT students and athletes to participate in physical education and athletics. The climate and environment, presence of interventions, safe spaces and openly “out” teammates were noted as factors which affected participation. While previous research notes that society has created a discriminatory environment for LGBT students and athletes, further research is needed to determine the necessary implications to address this issue. Future research should examine the effects of suggested interventions on the LGBT population.

The purpose of this synthesis was to examine the existing body of literature on alternative teaching approaches in physical education and their relationship to student motivation at the high school level. The self-determination theory was used throughout the critical mass of articles as a guide to measure student motivation levels. Themes were organized by varying teaching approaches used within each study. Prevalent research focused on the sport education model (SEM) as a major alternative teaching model that was useful when measuring student motivation. To provide concrete findings, more research needs to be conducted in regards to other alternative teaching styles in connection to student motivation in physical education. Specifically, future research should examine alternative teaching approaches that are “less-direct” to see if there is a correlation between student involvement and student motivation to participate. Keywords: [increased student motivation, autonomy, amotivation, student participation, teaching styles or methods, pedagogy or teaching or learning, self-determination theory, sport education model, teaching games for understanding, and constraints-led approach]

Recent studies have explored the stress that individuals experience in the coaching profession. Stress can have negative effects on an individual physically, mentally, and emotionally. The impact that stress has on a coach can directly influence the anxiety and performance of their athletes. The purpose of this study was to identify and prioritize stressors found in the literature. The prevalence of these stressors was then used to recommend coping techniques to help coaches reduce the impact that coaches experience. A total of 10 studies were analyzed for this synthesis. Results found seven prevalent stressors. The seven prevalent stressors found in the literature were performance, resources, many roles and responsibilities, athletes, assistant coaches, and self-imposed demands. Based on the stressors identified, four different types of coping techniques were recommended for coaches to use. The recommended coping techniques for these stressors were mindfulness training, self-talk, goal setting, and dyadic coping.

This synthesis highlights the effects of running up the score in sport. To examine this matter to the fullest extent, there were seven peer-reviewed articles chosen that involved the ethics of running up the score and several arguments for and against the issue. Several topics included in the articles were the anti-blowout thesis, humiliation, sportsmanship and competition. The review of literature provides information, and conclusions that support the idea that running up the score may be ethical or unethical depending on the circumstances of the game.

This synthesis highlights the available physical activity interventions/programs for children with Down syndrome. More specifically, the literature review examined evidence-based research in the areas of dance and movement, balance and stability, two-wheel bicycle, strength and agility and barriers and facilitators. The literature review used peer-reviewed and scholarly articles in order to examine the most effective physical activity intervention/programs for children with Down syndrome. Results showed that all physical activity interventions/programs can be effective for children with Down syndrome, especially when developmentally appropriate modifications and adaptations are incorporated. Dance and movement programs, balance and stability exercises using virtual reality games, learning to ride a two-wheel bicycle and strength and agility interventions can enhance the whole child’s quality of life through participation and exposure.

There are many contributing factors to sport specialization at an early age whether these are intrinsic or extrinsic motivation, parental influence and amount of practice time. There are positive and negative effects of sports specialization and sports generalization. Therefore, the purpose of this synthesis was to review the literature on sport specialization and the creation of an elite athlete in the realm of soccer. The research shows the need for sport specialization early in soccer is not necessary because it is not necessary to reach peak performance early as compared to a sport such as gymnastics. With the physical developments our body endures an athlete will not reach peak performance in soccer until a later age in life. In an athletes adolescent years it is imperative that we provide choice to our adolescents to select the pathway (recreational or elite) and activities that will keep the athlete motivated and engaged in the sport. The most important factor on the creation is the use of deliberate practice. It was found that the more hours spent in deliberate practice the higher chance of becoming an elite athlete. Further research and education is still needed in order to promote future research.

Many factors can affect coaching tendencies and career longevity in the profession of coaching athletics. Work addiction and burnout are two areas that have been individually studied in various professional work settings; however, information linking the two is scarce. With the pressures of winning at all costs seemingly taking over the American sports culture, coaches now find themselves in highly stressful work environments that require immediate attention around the clock. The purpose of this synthesis was to review the literature on coaching burnout and work addiction in athletics. Both individual factors and situational factors are explored as they pertain to coaching burnout. The sub-themes of commitment, coaching efficacy, perfectionism and emotional exhaustion are each developed and discussed as individual factors that are linked to having sufficient impact on coaching burnout. Work addiction research is limited in the athletics coaching field. The topic is found to be relevant thus subtle connections are made between the limited research providing on coaching and research provided from other professional realms. Lastly, the topic of youth specialization in athletics is introduced as possible links are explored between this area and those previously mentioned. Thus far, previous research has shown while either area could be individual causes to coaches leaving the profession of coaching athletics, there is not enough sufficient evidence supporting a direct link between work addiction and coaching burnout within athletics. Further studies utilizing the proper participants and longitudinal methods are necessary to provide critical information that could prevent an increasing problem among athletic coaches at all levels of sport.

Abstract The purpose of this synthesis is to review current research about how to identify, prevent and respond to an abusive coach. A total of 12 articles were used for this literature review. Literature suggests that coaches hold a significant position of power over their athletes (Misia, Rhind, & Luzar, 2016). There is reason to believe that coaches who have a certain type of coaching style have a higher chance of being emotionally, mentally, verbally, and physically abusive towards their athletes. This synthesis aims to identify what constitutes tough coaching vs. abusive coaching. From the literature review, a few major themes were noticed. These themes helped answer the research questions that were drawn up and provided the basis for the conclusions. Based on the literature the three conclusions were (1) the behaviors that reflect coaching abuse are accepted in sports when the intent of the coach is for the development and growth for the athlete; (2) teachers are trained and coaches are not always trained indicating a need for more formal training of coaches; and (3) high level athletes respond to different coaching styles that may include behaviors linked to coaching abuse and may, in fact prefer the behaviors. Techniques used within sports are purposefully used in order to teach and produce winning teams. Depending on the intent of coaches, these techniques are a part of the culture of sports. The intent to develop and push an athlete will come at a cost. Depending on the level of competition, some coaches and athletes will endure whatever it takes to win.

Youth participation in sports include recreational, organized, informal programs as well as Olympic hopefuls. These young athletes can have positive or negative experiences from their participation in sports. Perhaps an important aspect of what makes those experiences either positive or negative is how they are motivated to participate in these activities. Motivation in these young athletes can come in various ways. One main theme found in the literature that has a direct influence on their experiences is extrinsic motivation. It is important to understand how these athletes' performances are affected by outside influences, such as parents, coaches and peers. This synthesis of the research of literature examines how extrinsic motivation impacts athletic performance