Insights Gained into the Use of Individual Development Plans as a Framework for Mentoring NIH Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) Trainees.

This study examines the use of individual development plans (IDPs) in a structured mentoring program as an effective mechanism for reducing identity-related anxiety for underrepresented trainees and increasing their learner agency. Social cognitive theory served to provide the theoretical framework for our implementation of IDPs and our investigation of the effects of completing IDPs on trainees attaining academic goals and subsequent success in enrolling in competitive PhD programs. Results suggest that IDPs are also an effective tool that can allow faculty mentors to provide the social support necessary for trainees to persist in accomplishing their short- and long-term learning goals.

Perceived Barriers, Challenges, Successes, and Rewards of Leadership Positions in Colleges of Health Professions: A Survey of Female Leaders.

Aims: This study explored the perceptions of female leaders in schools of health professions regarding the barriers, challenges, successes, and rewards of holding academic leadership positions.

Methods: The study utilized an exploratory survey research design with convenience sampling. The survey was electronically disseminated to academic representatives from 115 Association of Schools of Advancing Health Professions member institutions with subsequent distribution via institution representative.

Perceived Barriers and Challenges of Leadership Positions in Schools and Colleges of Health Professions in Higher Education: A Survey of Faculty at ASAHP Institutions.

Aims: Faculty recruitment into leadership positions is increasingly more difficult. The purpose of this research study was to explore the perceived barriers and challenges to leadership positions in schools of allied health professions from a faculty perspective.

Methods: This study utilized an exploratory, survey design with convenience sampling.

Correlates of learning in introductory biomechanics.

Characteristics hypothesized to be related to learning in introductory biomechanics classes were examined. Data from a 2003 national study were supplemented by additional instructor-reported data about experience, tests, laboratory hours, and average course-related expenditures. The number of credit hours of the course (r = .

A randomized, prospective study of 3 minimally invasive surgical approaches in total hip arthroplasty: comprehensive gait analysis.

Purported advantages of total hip arthroplasty performed with minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches are less muscle damage and faster recovery. There are little data scientifically evaluating these claims. Twenty-four consecutive hips were randomized to total hip arthroplasty through 1 of 3 MIS approaches (2-incision, mini-posterior, and mini-anterolateral).

Stretching has no effect on tennis serve performance.

Stretching prior to vigorous physical activity has been shown to decrease high-force muscular performance, but little is known about the effect of stretching on speed and accuracy movements. Serving percentage and radar measurements of ball speed were studied to examine the acute effect of stretching on tennis serve performance. Eighty-three tennis players from beginning level to advanced volunteered to serve following traditional (T) warm-up and traditional plus stretching (S) conditions.

Development and evaluation of a biomechanics concept inventory.

To help instructors in evaluating innovations in biomechanics instruction, a standardised test of the key concepts taught in the introductory biomechanics course was developed. The Biomechanics Concept Inventory (BCI) consists of 24 questions that test four prerequisite competencies and eight biomechanics competencies. Three hundred and sixty seven students from ten universities throughout the United States took the test at the beginning and the end of the introductory biomechanics course.

Acute effects of The Stick on strength, power, and flexibility.

The Stick is a muscle massage device used by athletes, particularly track athletes, to improve performance. The purpose of this project was to assess the acute effects of The Stick on muscle strength, power, and flexibility. Thirty collegiate athletes consented to participate in a 4-week, double-blind study, which consisted of 4 testing sessions (1 familiarization and 3 data collection) scheduled 1 week apart.