RSS 1.0Brockport Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education Master’s Theses
Recent Submissions
-
Effects of Strategies for Promoting Gender Diversity in Leadership Positions in SportsWomen in sports leadership positions is a growing social issue, with increasing attention focused on advancing gender diversity in this male-dominated field. As more organizations recognize the benefits of diverse leadership, gender initiatives have been encouraged targeting women in leadership roles in sports. The purpose of the study is to review the literature on the effects of strategies for promoting gender diversity on women in leadership positions in sports. Additionally, the study highlights the challenges that gender initiatives face. The findings suggest that while gender diversity initiatives have made progress in more inclusive environments, there are still significant barriers that remain.
-
The Effects of the Foot-Surface Interface on Agility Performance in SoccerAgility, defined as the ability to change direction quickly and efficiently, is a crucial skill in soccer that impacts a player’s ability to outmaneuver opponents, maintain control, and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Agility not only enhances performance by enabling quick and effective responses to dynamic game situations but also serves as an indicator distinguishing higher-level players from lower-level players. Soccer demands agility, and the frequent, rapid changes in direction places significant physical demands on players. Shoe design factors and related accessories, such as high-friction socks and insoles, can influence a soccer player’s agility performance. The purpose of this synthesis is to review the literature on how the foot-surface interface affects agility performance in soccer. It was concluded that while the stud configuration is the primary design factor of agility performance, supplementary accessories like grip socks or friction-enhanced insoles serve as valuable complements for improving stability and efficiency during rapid directional changes.
-
What impacts parent’s ability to influence their children’s physical activity?This synthesis examines the factors that influence parental involvement in children’s physical activity, focusing on role modeling, socioeconomic challenges, and education. The analysis uses peer-reviewed research from 2001 to 2024 to answer two main research questions: “What affects parents’ ability to support their children’s physical activity?” and “How do socioeconomic status (SES) and education shape parental involvement in children’s physical activity?” The findings show that active parents who offer logistical and emotional support help children develop long-term healthy habits. However, families with lower SES face barriers like limited finances, transportation issues, and fewer resources, while higher-SES families benefit from better access to opportunities. Parental education also plays a role, with higher education levels linked to better support for physical activity. Addressing these gaps through affordable programs, parent education, and community efforts is key to creating equal opportunities for all families. This study also highlights the importance of early parental involvement and the need for support systems to promote active and healthy lifestyles for children.
-
The Effects of the Foot-Surface Interface on Agility Performance in SoccerAgility, defined as the ability to change direction quickly and efficiently, is a crucial skill in soccer that impacts a player’s ability to outmaneuver opponents, maintain control, and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Agility not only enhances performance by enabling quick and effective responses to dynamic game situations but also serves as an indicator distinguishing higher-level players from lower-level players. Soccer demands agility, and the frequent, rapid changes in direction place significant physical demands on players. Shoe design factors and related accessories, such as high-friction socks and insoles, can influence a soccer player’s agility performance. The purpose of this synthesis is to review the literature on how the foot-surface interface affects agility performance in soccer. It was concluded that while stud configuration is the primary design factor of agility performance, supplementary accessories like grip socks or friction-enhanced insoles serve as valuable complements for improving stability and efficiency during rapid directional changes.
-
The Effect of Athletic Participation on the Character and Social Development of Youth Sport AthletesThere are both pros and cons identified that are related to youth sport participation. This synthesis project was initiated by brainstorming specific research questions and criteria related to the topic. This allowed for the analysis of what was presented and concluded in the current research. As a result of the investigation, it was shown that sport participation can have many favorable outcomes for individuals when taught and enforced in a positive way. Specifically, life skills, social skills, and positive character attributes can be translated into their lives outside of sport. Moreover, these skills and characteristics are often influenced by coaches and the environment athletes are involved in. In order for athletes to develop through sport, it is essential that coaches place an emphasis on the individual, positive youth development, and build an effective team environment. Therefore, the purpose of this synthesis project is to review the literature on the effect of athletic participation on the character and social development of youth sport athletes. In addition, the articles highlight the impact of coaches and sporting environments on youth sport athlete development.
-
Factors that Influence Team Cohesion among Female Adolescent and Collegiate AthletesTeam cohesion is an important skill for athletes to possess when playing a team sport. The importance of team cohesion can help lead teams to success or failure, depending on how teams use their cohesive skills. Analysis of previous research shows that female athletes have an easier time adjusting to team cohesion and incorporating these skills throughout their team. Finding these factors that help develop team cohesion skills can make an easier understanding of how athletes progress overall as a team. The purpose of this synthesis project is to review the literature among the factors that influence successful team cohesion among female adolescent and collegiate-aged athletes in sports.
-
The Effect of Organized Sports on Depression and Anxiety in Adolescent AthletesAdolescence is a time of physical and emotional changes. These can be exciting times as individuals become independent and explore who they are as they transition from childhood to adulthood. However, this time in life can also be overwhelming. Physical activity is known to reduce stress and be beneficial to overall health. However, playing organized sports can become part of a person’s identity and lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Analysis of previous research shows that individual sport athletes suffer from depression and anxiety symptoms at higher rates than team sport athletes. Females also suffer at higher rates than males. In addition, adolescent athletes with a fear of failure increase their chances of experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms. Proper education and training are necessary for coaches to notice the signs and symptoms in order to help athletes learn to cope with their problems. The stigma surrounding mental health needs to be eliminated so that athletes feel comfortable reaching out for help. The purpose of this synthesis project was to review the literature on organized sports to see how participation is associated with depression and anxiety symptoms.
-
The Effects of Sport Specialization on Adolescent AthletesYouth sports continue to grow worldwide. With this continued rise in popularity, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that all adolescent athletes can enjoy sports with as little risk as possible. Sport specialization has also seen a rise in numbers among adolescent athletes, as many athletes try to gain advantages by putting all training efforts towards one sport. The purpose of this synthesis is to review the literature on the effects of sport specialization on adolescent athletes.
-
The Importance of K-12 Physical Education Classes on a Child’s Social Emotional Learning and DevelopmentPhysical education is a subject that goes far beyond teaching students essential skills in movement and sport. Students have the opportunity to learn and develop critical skills to build their social-emotional learning through physical activity. It is crucial that physical education teachers create environments in which social-emotional learning (SEL) is possible which can be done through various pedagogical approaches. The purpose of this synthesis project is to review the literature on the importance of K-12 physical education classes on a child’s social-emotional learning and development.
-
What Influences Student-Athletes to Commit to a School?Student-Athletes today are faced with very difficult choices constantly. One of the most difficult choices that they face is what school to attend to continue their educational/athletic careers. Depending on the level (Division I, II, III), there can be a variety of different factors that can pull them in different directions. The factors that could determine this decision are proximity to home, relationship with coaches, professional opportunities, etc. The decision that they make can set the trajectory for the rest of their lives depending on the choice they make. The purpose of this synthesis project is to review the literature of studies that have been completed to determine what are the top factors in the selection process for today’s student-athlete.
-
The Role of Sensory Input for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Physical EducationAddressing sensory needs creates an inclusive environment to help students reach their full potential. 1 in 36 in the United States are estimated to have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For students with ASD sensory needs might not look the same as their peer with ASD. Individuals with autism may experience hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, balance (vestibular), body position and movement (proprioception), awareness of body cues (interoception). As physical education teachers, depending on your college class background, knowledge, and or experience working with individuals with autism you might not completely understand sensory input and how to integrate sensory needs into your PE lessons. Thus, the purpose of this synthesis is to review literature on the educational implications of stimulant identification in students with ASD.
-
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports: On-Task Behavior in Physical EducationPhysical education teachers have similar yet different types of classroom management issues connecting to student behavior. Physical education teachers deal with the increased risk of child safety since the class is movement based while sometimes requiring equipment. What is similar is that undesired behaviors in any class take away from time on-task. Findings from previous research shows a positive correlation between the use of positive behavior interventions and supports in physical education in relation to on-task student behaviors. The purpose of this synthesis project is to review literature on the use of Positive Behavioral Supports on increasing on-task behavior in physical education.
-
Specialization in Youth Athletes and How it Affects Their DevelopmentYouth sport specialization has been a growing concern over the last decade. While parents feel the need to specialize their kids at a young age, they may not be fully aware of the potential risk associated with sport specialization. As youth athletes age, they need proper growing and maturation throughout early, mid, and late adolescence to achieve proper development. Prior review of literature from this study proves how sport specialization can cause negative effects through overuse injuries and dysfunctions, psychological issues, and lack of sleep which may disrupt proper development. Preventative measures such as diversity of activity, neuromuscular training interventions, and specializing at the proper age may help lower the severity of risks that sport specialization present. The purpose of this synthesis study is to review literature on youth sport specialization to determine the effect that it has on overall youth athlete development.
-
The Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet Among Athletes, Ages 18 and OlderFor many athletes, finishing at the top of their respective sport is what motivates them to push themselves beyond their limits. Countless hours are spent in the weight room and on the field trying to stay ahead of their opponents. However, it is not just how strong an athlete is, or how cerebral they might be that separates themselves from their competition. Nutrition and diets also play a key component in the athlete’s overall well-being. Does a specific diet put an athlete at any sort of competitive advantage? The purpose of this synthesis project is to review the literature on the benefits of a vegetarian diet among athletes, ages 18 and older.
-
Teachers’ Perceptions and Students’ Performances of Fundamental Motor Skills Using the “Ladders to Success”The development of fundamental motor skills is essential for youth’s ability to participate efficiently in physical activity. Their levels of daily physical activity and motor skills, however, both in and out of the K-12 Physical Education setting have been slowly decreasing over the past decades (Friel et al., 2020). In Physical Education, teachers are tasked with the assessment of students’ motor skills (as reflected by SHAPE’s 2020 National Learning Standard as well as students’ progress toward meeting program goals. The field of physical education, though, lacks practical assessment tools that teachers can use to easily and efficiently measure students’ progress in these areas. Therefore, this exploratory, mixed methods study assessed select students’ abilities to perform the fundamental skills of overhand throwing, jumping rope, striking with a paddle, and kicking while using the respective “Ladders to Success” (Graham et al., 2023). Quantitative data was collected from 22 fifth grade students; and their two physical education teachers were then interviewed to gain their qualitative perceptions about their students’ motor abilities. Results show that students who participated in this study do not appear, overall, to have the necessary fundamental motor skills needed to be successful in a variety of physical activities commonly found in childhood. Boys were overall more successful than girls in completing a majority of the given tasks. Teachers believe that the increased use of technology, COVID-19, and a lack of family involvement, and play contribute to children lacking these necessary fundamental motor skills. They also believe that the “Ladders to Success” provide both benefits and challenges for use in a physical education setting. Recommendations for future research include the replication of this study in a variety of contexts across the United States as well as to determine if similar similarities and differences of results continue to be found.
-
Mental Health: A Growing Concern in Collegiate AthletesMental health is a topic that has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years. Unfortunately, this topic has not gained as much traction in the athletic community. Mental health can affect anyone at any time. Collegiate athletes are constantly faced with stigmas and barriers when it comes to mental health, and often times do not get the support they need. Analysis of previous research shows that mental health issues are just as prevalent in collegiate athletes and in some cases more prevalent than their nonathlete counterparts. Barriers that collegiate athletes face, especially the stigma that is in the athletic community in relation to mental health is a major factor when considering why collegiate athletes don’t get the help they need. Additionally, colleges and coaches can have a major contribution to the help-seeking behaviors of their athletes. Furthermore, previous research will support that strategies like resilience or resilience training, and mindfulness can have a very positive effect on a college athletes’ psyche and should be considered moving forward if colleges want to lower the prevalence of mental health issues in their athletes. The purpose of this synthesis project was to review the literature on the mental health of collegiate athletes.
-
Collegiate athletes’ coping behaviors to deal with stress and anxietyThe purpose of this synthesis project was to review the literature on collegiate athletes’ coping behaviors to deal with stress and anxiety The research shows that there's a big need for better mental health resources that fit the specific needs of athletes. It also points out how important strong support systems are in college sports programs. Many studies found that stress and anxiety are common problems for college athletes, affecting their performance and well-being. This project aims to highlight these findings and push for better mental health support for student-athletes.
-
The Prevalence of Depression Disorders in Retired Adult Athletes who have been Exposed to sub–Concussive Head Impacts Throughout their Playing CareersThis literature review examines the prevalence of depression disorders among retired adult athletes who have been exposed to sub-concussive head impacts throughout their playing careers. The study aims to synthesize existing research findings on the association between concussion history, repetitive head impacts, and depressive symptoms in retired athletes across various sports contexts. A systematic review of relevant literature yielded a critical mass of ten articles, which were analyzed to address the research questions. The review highlights several key themes, including the increased risk of depression associated with multiple concussions, the importance of understanding the long-term consequences of repetitive neurotrauma, and the need for further research to inform preventive measures and support strategies for athletes at all levels. Limitations of the studies reviewed, such as small sample sizes, retrospective reporting biases, and cross-sectional designs, are also discussed. Despite these limitations, the findings of the review provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between concussion history and mental health outcomes in retired athletes. The conclusions drawn from the literature review have implications for real-world applications, particularly in informing interventions aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of retired athletes. Recommendations for future research include conducting longitudinal studies with larger cohorts, validating findings in diverse populations, and exploring potential therapeutic interventions targeting mental health outcomes in this population.
-
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports: On-Task Behavior in Physical EducationPhysical education teachers have similar yet different types of classroom management issues connecting to student behavior. Physical education teachers deal with the increased risk of child safety since the class is movement based while sometimes requiring equipment. What is similar is that undesired behaviors in any class take away from time on-task. Findings from previous research shows a positive correlation between the use of positive behavior interventions and supports in physical education in relation to on-task student behaviors. The purpose of this synthesis project is to review literature on the use of Positive Behavioral Supports on increasing on-task behavior in physical education.
-
Specialization in Youth Athletes and How it Affects Their DevelopmentYouth sport specialization has been a growing concern over the last decade. While parents feel the need to specialize their kids at a young age, they may not be fully aware of the potential risk associated with sport specialization. As youth athletes age, they need proper growing and maturation throughout early, mid, and late adolescence to achieve proper development. Prior review of literature from this study proves how sport specialization can cause negative effects through overuse injuries and dysfunctions, psychological issues, and lack of sleep which may disrupt proper development. Preventative measures such as diversity of activity, neuromuscular training interventions, and specializing at the proper age may help lower the severity of risks that sport specialization present. The purpose of this synthesis study is to review literature on youth sport specialization to determine the effect that it has on overall youth athlete development.
