Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Physical And Technical Demands Of Australian Football: An Analysis Of Maximum Ball In Play Periods, Christopher Wing, Nicolas H. Hart, Fadi Ma’Ayah, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: This study compares ball in play (BiP) analyses and both whole game (WG) and quarter averaged data for physical and technical demands of sub-elite Australian football (AF) players competing in the West Australian Football League across playing positions. Methods: Microsensor data were collected from 33 male AF players in one club over 19 games of the 2019 season. BiP time periods and technical performance data (e.g., kicks) were acquired from the Champion Data timeline of statistics, and time matched to the microsensor data. Linear mixed modelling was utilised to establish differences between maximum BiP periods and averaged data. Results: …

Study Protocol: Investigating The Feasibility Of A Hybrid Delivery Of Home-Based Cluster Set Resistance Training For Individuals Previously Treated For Lung Cancer, C. M. Fairman, O. L. Owens, Kristina L. Kendall, J. Steele, Christopher Latella, M. T. Jones, L. Marcotte, Carolyn M. J. Peddle-Mcintyre, K. K. Mcdonnell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Symptom burden remains a critical concern for individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following the completion of treatment. The most common symptom clusters, dyspnea (shortness of breath) and fatigue, can contribute to physical decline, reductions in quality of life, and a higher risk of comorbidities and mortality. Dyspnea is a primary limiter of exercise capacity in individuals with lung cancer, resulting in exercise avoidance and an accelerated physical decline. As such, designing resistance training with cluster sets to mitigate symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue may result in improved exercise tolerance. Thus, maintaining the exercise stimulus via cluster sets, …

Genetic Variants Within Noggin, Col1a1, Col5a1, And Igf2 Are Associated With Musculoskeletal Injuries In Elite Male Australian Football League Players: A Preliminary Study, Ysabel Jacob, Ryan S. Anderton, Jodie L. Cochrane Wilkie, Brent Rogalski, Simon M. Laws, Anthony Jones, Tania Spiteri, Dana Hince, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction:

Australian Football is a dynamic team sport that requires many athletic traits to succeed. Due to this combination of traits, as well as technical skill and physicality, there are many types of injuries that could occur. Injuries are not only a hindrance to the individual player, but to the team as a whole. Many strength and conditioning personnel strive to minimise injuries to players to accomplish team success.

Purpose:

To investigate whether selected polymorphisms have an association with injury occurrence in elite male Australian Football players.

Methods:

Using DNA obtained from 46 elite male players, we investigated the associations …

Evaluation And Utility Of The King-Devick With Integrated Eye Tracking As A Diagnostic Tool For Sport-Related Concussion, Mark Hecimovich, Myles Murphy, Paola Chivers, Payton Stock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Eye-tracking technology for detecting eye movements has been gaining increasing attention as a possible assessment and monitoring tool for sport-related concussion (SRC). Purpose: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of a rapid number-naming task with eye tracking, the King-Devick Eye Tracking (K-D ET) assessment, in identifying SRC. Study Design: Cohort study. Methods: One female and 1 male team of United States collegiate rugby-15 players competing during the 2018 season were recruited. Variables assessed were total saccades, saccade velocity, total fixations, fixation duration, fixation polyarea, and test duration. A generalized estimating equation was used to examine group (concussion vs nonconcussion), time …

What Are The Odds? Identifying Factors Related To Competitive Success In Powerlifting, Daniel J. Van Den Hoek, Patrick J. Owen, Joel M. Garrett, Robert J. Howells, Joshua Pearson, Jemima G. Spathis, Christopher Latella

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The ability for athletes to gain a competitive advantage over their opponents is well recognised. At times, this advantage may be considered a marginal gain. However, in the context of competition, marginal advantages may be the difference between winning and losing. This investigation explores how competition factors influence the odds of competitive success (i.e. winning) in powerlifting (PL) to assist athletes and coaches in achieving a competitive advantage. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of competition data from raw/classic, Australian powerlifting competitions 2010–2019 was conducted. Data included 10,599 competition entries (males: n = 6567 [62%], females: n = 4032 [38%]). …

Physical And Technical Demands Of Offence, Defence, And Contested Phases Of Play In Australian Football, Christopher Wing, Nicolas H. Hart, Fadi Ma’Ayah, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: This study compared the physical demands and effect of field location for different phases of play (offence, defence and contested), and examined the physical and technical demands of successful and unsuccessful phases of play during Australian Football matches. Methods: Global positioning system (GPS) and technical performance data were collected from 32 male Australian Football players in one club over 19 games in the 2019 season. The GPS data was aligned with phases of play acquired using Champion Data. Linear mixed models were used to detect differences between phases of play and field location which were further contextualized using Cohen’s …

Changes In Biceps Brachii Muscle Hardness Assessed By A Push-In Meter And Strain Elastography After Eccentric Versus Concentric Contractions, Mitsuyoshi Murayama, Takayuki Inami, Norihiro Shima, Tsugutake Yoneda, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Changes in biceps brachii muscle hardness assessed by a push-in meter (PM) and strain elastography (SE) were compared between eccentric (ECC) and concentric contractions (CON) of the elbow flexors to test the hypothesis that muscle hardness would increase greater after ECC. Ten men performed 5 sets of 10 ECC with their non-dominant arms and 5 sets of 10 CON with their dominant arms using a dumbbell corresponding to 50% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force at 90º elbow flexion. Before and 1–4 days after the exercise, MVIC force, elbow joint angles, upper-arm circumference, and muscle soreness as muscle damage …

Feasibility And Acceptability Of A Remotely Delivered, Home-Based, Pragmatic Resistance ‘Exercise Snacking’ Intervention In Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial, Jackson J. Fyfe, Jack Dalla Via, Paul Jansons, David Scott, Robin M. Daly

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Very few older adults meet current muscle strengthening exercise guidelines, and several barriers exist to supervised, community-based resistance exercise programs. Older adults therefore require access to feasible resistance exercise modalities that may be performed remotely. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of undertaking a four-week home-based resistance ‘exercise snacking’ intervention (performed either once, twice, or thrice daily) when delivered and monitored remotely in older adults. Methods: Thirty-eight community-dwelling older adults [mean ± SD age 69.8 ± 3.8 y, 63% female] were randomised to complete resistance ‘exercise snacks’ (9-minute sessions) either once (n = 9), twice (n = …

Muscle Architectural And Force-Velocity Curve Adaptations Following 10 Weeks Of Training With Weightlifting Catching And Pulling Derivatives, Timothy J. Suchomel, Shana M. Mckeever, Justin D. Nolen, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The aims of this study were to examine the muscle architectural, rapid force production, and force-velocity curve adaptations following 10 weeks of resistance training with either submaximal weightlifting catching (CATCH) or pulling (PULL) derivatives or pulling derivatives with phase-specific loading (OL). 27 re-sistance-trained men were randomly assigned to the CATCH, PULL, or OL groups and completed pre-and post-intervention ultrasound, countermovement jump (CMJ), and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length, CMJ force at peak power, velocity at peak power, and peak power, and IMTP peak force and force at 100-, 150-, …

Weight Loss And Competition Weight In Ultimate Fighting Championship (Ufc) Athletes, Corey A. Peacock, Duncan French, Gabriel J. Sanders, Anthony Ricci, Charles Stull, Jose Antonio

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Previous research has demonstrated that professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes employ a variety of weight manipulation strategies to compete at given weight classes. Although there is much literature demonstrating weight manipulation methods, minimal research exists analyzing how much weight MMA athletes lose prior to the official weigh-in. Moreover, there is minimal research examining how much weight professional MMA athletes gain between the official weigh-in and competition. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to analyze weight loss/regain in professional MMA athletes. Data collected from 616 professional MMA athletes (31.1 ± 4.0 yrs. ; 177.1 ± 4.7 cm) competing …

On-Field Deployment And Validation For Wearable Devices, Calvin Kuo, Declan Patton, Tyler Rooks, Gregory Tierney, Andrew Mcintosh, Robert Lynall, Amanda Esquivel, Ray Daniel, Thomas Kaminski, Jason Mihalik, Nate Dau, Jillian Urban

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Wearable sensors are an important tool in the study of head acceleration events and head impact injuries in sporting and military activities. Recent advances in sensor technology have improved our understanding of head kinematics during on-field activities; however, proper utilization and interpretation of data from wearable devices requires careful implementation of best practices. The objective of this paper is to summarize minimum requirements and best practices for on-field deployment of wearable devices for the measurement of head acceleration events in vivo to ensure data evaluated are representative of real events and limitations are accurately defined. Best practices covered in this …

Force Plate-Derived Countermovement Jump Normative Data And Benchmarks For Professional Rugby League Players, John J. Mcmahon, Nicholas J. Ripley, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is an important test in rugby league (RL), and the force plate is the recommended assessment device, as it permits the calculation of several variables that explain jump strategy, alongside jump height. The purpose of this study was to produce normative CMJ data and objective benchmarks for professional RL forwards and backs. Normative data for jump height, modified reactive strength index, and jump momentum are provided for 121 professional RL players (66 forwards and 55 backs) who completed CMJ testing on a portable force plate during preseason training. Standardized T-scores (scaled from 0 to 100) were …

The Effects Of A Unilateral Strength And Power Training Intervention On Inter-Limb Asymmetry And Physical Performance In Male Amateur Soccer Players, Francesco Bettariga, Luca Maestroni, Luca Martorelli, Paul Jarvis, Anthony Turner, Chris Bishop

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the effects of a unilateral training program in reducing inter-limb asymmetry in male soccer players; (b) to explore such effects on measures of physical performance and unilateral inter-limb asymmetry. Twenty-four soccer players, randomly assigned to a 6-week unilateral strength and power training (UNI) (n = 12) or a control group (CON) (n = 12), performed single countermovement jump (SLCMJ), single leg broad jump (SLBJ), single leg drop jump (SLDJ), 10-m sprint, and 505 change of direction (COD) speed test. Raw jump scores revealed small to large improvements in SLCMJ, SLBJ, and …

Characterising Lower-Body Musculoskeletal Morphology And Whole-Body Composition Of Elite Female And Male Australian Football Players, Callum J. Mccaskie, Marc Sim, Robert U. Newton, Jarryd Heasman, Brent Rogalski, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Physical demands and injury rates differ between elite female and male Australian Football (AF) players. To improve understanding of contributing physical factors to these differences, the purpose of this study was to investigate lower-body morphology and whole-body composition of elite footballers competing in the Australian Football League (AFL) and Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW). Methods: Lower-body morphology and whole-body composition of 23 AFL players and 23 AFLW players were assessed using peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography and Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry at the beginning of pre-season. Differences between cohorts, with sub-analyses of kicking vs. support limbs, and experienced vs. inexperienced player …

Athlete Experiences Of Communication Strategies In Applied Sports Nutrition And Future Considerations For Mobile App Supportive Solutions, David Mark Dunne, Carmen Lefevre-Lewis, Brian Cunniffe, Samuel George Impey, David Tod, Graeme Leonard Close, James P. Morton, Rebecca Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim:

This study aimed to explore athletes' experiences and opinions of communication strategies in applied sports nutrition, as well as capture suggestions for future mobile app supportive solutions.

Methods:

A qualitative approach was used for this research. Data was generated from semi-structured focus groups (n = 9) with a purposive sample of 41 (male = 24, female = 17) full time professional athletes (mean age 24 ± 4.59) from five sports (football, rugby union, athletics, cycling, and boxing). Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results:

The analysis identified four higher order themes and five sub themes. Athletes appear dissatisfied …

Hamstrings Force-Length Relationships And Their Implications For Angle-Specific Joint Torques: A Narrative Review, Eleftherios Kellis, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Temporal biomechanical and physiological responses to physical activity vary between individual hamstrings components as well as between exercises, suggesting that hamstring muscles operate differently, and over different lengths, between tasks. Nevertheless, the force-length properties of these muscles have not been thoroughly investigated. The present review examines the factors influencing the hamstrings’ force-length properties and relates them to in vivo function. A search in four databases was performed for studies that examined relations between muscle length and force, torque, activation, or moment arm of hamstring muscles. Evidence was collated in relation to force-length relationships at a sarcomere/fiber level and then moment …

Feasibility, Psychosocial Effects, Influence, And Perception Of Elastic Band Resistance Balance Training In Older Adults, Nichola M. Davis, Andy Pringle, Anthony D. Kay, Anthony J. Blazevich, Danielle Teskey, Mark A. Faghy, Minas A. Mina

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study utilised feedback from older adults during balance-challenging, elastic band resistance exercises to design a physical activity (PA) intervention. Methods: Twenty-three active participants, aged 51 – 81 years, volunteered to perform a mini balance evaluation test and falls efficacy scale, and completed a daily living questionnaire. Following a 10 min warm-up, participants performed eight pre-selected exercises (1 × set, 8 – 12 repetitions) using elastic bands placed over the hip or chest regions in a randomised, counterbalanced order with 15 min seated rests between interventions. Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured throughout. Participant interview …

Metabolomics Reveals Mouse Plasma Metabolite Responses To Acute Exercise And Effects Of Disrupting Ampk-Glycogen Interactions, Mehdi R. Belhaj, Nathan G. Lawler, John A. Hawley, David I. Broadhurst, Nolan J. Hoffman, Stacey N. Reinke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of energy homeostasis that becomes activated by exercise and binds glycogen, an important energy store required to meet exercise-induced energy demands. Disruption of AMPK-glycogen interactions in mice reduces exercise capacity and impairs whole-body metabolism. However, the mechanisms underlying these phenotypic effects at rest and following exercise are unknown. Furthermore, the plasma metabolite responses to an acute exercise challenge in mice remain largely uncharacterized. Methods : Plasma samples were collected from wild type (WT) and AMPK double knock-in (DKI) mice with disrupted AMPK-glycogen binding at rest and following 30-min submaximal treadmill …

Comparing Biomechanical Time Series Data Across Countermovement Shrug Loads, David Meechan, Stuart A. Mcerlain-Naylor, John J. Mcmahon, Timothy J. Suchomel, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The effect of load on time-series data has yet to be investigated during weightlifting derivatives. This study compared the effect of load on the force–time and velocity–time curves during the countermovement shrug (CMS). Twenty-nine males performed the CMS at relative loads of 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, 100 %, 120 %, and 140 % one repetition maximum (1RM) power clean (PC). A force plate measured the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), which was used to calculate the barbell-lifter system velocity. Time-series data were normalized to 100 % of the movement duration and assessed via statistical parametric mapping (SPM). SPM …

Consensus Head Acceleration Measurement Practices (Champ): Origins, Methods, Transparency And Disclosure, Kristy B. Arbogast, Jaclyn B. Caccese, Thomas A. Buckley, Andrew S. Mcintosh, Kyvory Henderson, Brian D. Stemper, Gary Solomon, Steven P. Broglio, James R. Funk, Jeff R. Crandall

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The use of head kinematic measurement devices has recently proliferated owing to technology advances that make such measurement more feasible. In parallel, demand to understand the biomechanics of head impacts and injury in sports and the military has increased as the burden of such loading on the brain has received focused attention. As a result, the field has matured to the point of needing methodological guidelines to improve the rigor and consistency of research and reduce the risk of scientific bias. To this end, a diverse group of scientists undertook a comprehensive effort to define current best practices in head …

Progressive Resistance Training For Concomitant Increases In Muscle Strength And Bone Mineral Density In Older Adults: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Steven J. O’Bryan, Catherine Giuliano, Mary N. Woessner, Sara Vogrin, Cassandra Smith, Gustavo Duque, Itamar Levinger

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Older adults experience considerable muscle and bone loss that are closely interconnected. The efficacy of progressive resistance training programs to concurrently reverse/slow the age-related decline in muscle strength and bone mineral density (BMD) in older adults remains unclear.

Objectives:

We aimed to quantify concomitant changes in lower-body muscle strength and BMD in older adults following a progressive resistance training program and to determine how these changes are influenced by mode (resistance only vs. combined resistance and weight-bearing exercises), frequency, volume, load, and program length.

Methods:

MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase databases were searched for articles published in English before 1 June, …

Appropriateness Of Indirect Markers Of Muscle Damage Following Lower Limbs Eccentric-Biased Exercises: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis, Emeric Chalchat, Anne Fleur Gaston, Keyne Charlot, Luis Peñailillo, Omar Valdés, Pierre Emmanuel Tardo-Dino, Kazunori Nosaka, Vincent Martin, Sebastian Garcia-Vicencio, Julien Siracusa

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose The aim of this review was to (1) characterize the time-course of markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) based on the level of maximal voluntary contraction torque loss at 24-48h post-exercise (MVCloss24-48h), (2) identify factors (e.g., exercise and population characteristics) affecting the level of MVCloss24-48h, and (3) evaluate the appropriateness of EIMD markers as indicators of MVCloss24-48h. Methods Magnitude of change of each EIMD markers was normalized using the standardized mean differences method to compare the results from different studies. Time-course of EIMD markers were characterized according to three levels of MVCloss24-48h based on a clustering analysis of the …

Effects Of A Multicomponent Resistance-Based Exercise Program With Protein, Vitamin D And Calcium Supplementation On Cognition In Men With Prostate Cancer Treated With Adt: Secondary Analysis Of A 12-Month Randomised Controlled Trial, Niamh Liana Mundell, Patrick J. Owen, Jack Dalla Via, Helen Macpherson, Robin Daly, Patricia M. Livingston, Timo Rantalainen, Stephen Foulkes, Jerremy Millar, Declan G. Murphy, Steve Fraser

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this preplanned secondary analysis of a 12-month randomised controlled trial was to investigate the effects of a multicomponent exercise programme combined with daily whey protein, calcium and vitamin D supplementation on cognition in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). DESIGN: 12-month, two-arm, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: University clinical exercise centre. PARTICIPANTS: 70 ADT-treated men were randomised to exercise-training plus supplementation (Ex+ Suppl, n=34) or usual care (control, n=36). INTERVENTION: Men allocated to Ex + Suppl undertook thrice weekly resistance training with weight-bearing exercise training plus daily whey protein (25 g), calcium (1200 …

Changes In Insulin Sensitivity And Lipid Profile Markers Following Initial And Secondary Bouts Of Multiple Eccentric Exercises, Trevor C. Chen, Min Jyue Huang, Leonardo C. R. Lima, Tai Ying Chou, Hung Hao Wang, Jui Hung Tu, Shi Che Lin, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

An acute bout of eccentric exercise affects insulin sensitivity and lipid profile, but how the magnitude of muscle damage affects them is not clear. We compared changes in blood insulin sensitivity and lipid markers after the first (EC1) and second (EC2) eccentric exercise bouts. Fifteen sedentary young men performed arm, leg and trunk muscle eccentric exercises, and repeated them 2 weeks later. Fasting blood samples were taken before, 2 h and 1–5 days after each exercise bout to analyze plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, serum glucose (GLU), insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), triacylglycerols (TG), total (TC) and low- (LDLC) and …

Effect Of Childhood Developmental Coordination Disorder On Adulthood Physical Activity; Arvo Ylppö Longitudinal Study, Jocelyn L. K. Tan, Anna Mari Mari Ylä-Kojola, Johan G. Eriksson, Minna K. Salonen, Niko Wasenius, Nicolas H. Hart, Paola Chivers, Timo Rantalainen, Aulikki Lano, Harri Piitulainen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Individuals at risk of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have low levels of physical activity in childhood due to impaired motor competence; however, physical activity levels in adulthood have not been established. This study sought to determine the impact of DCD risk on physical activity levels in adults using accelerometry measurement. Participants (n = 656) from the Arvo Ylppö Longitudinal Study cohort had their motor competence assessed at the age of five years, and their physical activity quantified via device assessment at the age of 25 years. Between group differences were assessed to differentiate physical activity measures for individuals based on …

Effects Of Upper Body Eccentric Versus Concentric Strength Training And Detraining On Maximal Force, Muscle Activation, Hypertrophy And Serum Hormones In Women, Keijo Häkkinen, Robert U. Newton, Simon Walker, Arja Häkkinen, Sonja Krapi, Rebekka Rekola, Päivi Koponen, William J. Kraemer, G. Gregory Haff, Anthony Blazevich, Kazunori Nosaka, Juha Ahtiainen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Effects of eccentric (ECC) versus concentric (CON) strength training of the upper body performed twice a week for 10 weeks followed by detraining for five weeks on maximal force, muscle activation, muscle mass and serum hormone concentrations were investigated in young women (n = 11 and n = 12). One-repetition bench press (1RM), maximal isometric force and surface electromyography (EMG) of triceps brachii (TB), anterior deltoid (AD) and pectoralis major (PM), cross-sectional area (CSA) of TB (Long (LoH) and Lateral Head (LaH)) and thickness of PM, as well as serum concentrations of free testosterone, cortisol, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and sex …

The Reliability And Magnitude Of Time-Dependent Force-Time Characteristics During The Isometric Midthigh Pull Are Affected By Both Testing Protocol And Analysis Choices, Stuart N. Guppy, Yosuke Kotani, Claire J. Brady, Shannon Connolly, Paul Comfort, Gregory G. Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aimed to investigate whether the use of short-duration (SHORT) isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) trials resulted in greater reliability and magnitude of time-dependent force-time characteristics than traditionally performed IMTP trials (TRAD). Fourteen subjects with > 6 months' training experience with the power clean volunteered to take part in the study. Subjects performed five ∼1-second IMTP trials (SHORT) and five 5-second IMTP trials (TRAD). SHORT resulted in substantially more reliable rate of force development (RFD) measures (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.97–0.99; coefficient of variation [CV] = 2.6–7.0%), particularly during time bands from force-onset to 150 ms, compared with TRAD when …

Effects Of Reciprocal Inhibition And Whole-Body Relaxation On Persistent Inward Currents Estimated By Two Different Methods, Ricardo N.O. Mesquita, Janet L. Taylor, Gabriel S. Trajano, Jakob Škarabot, Aleš Holobar, Basílio A. M. Gonçalves, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Persistent inward currents (PICs) are crucial for initiation, acceleration, and maintenance of motoneuron firing. As PICs are highly sensitive to synaptic inhibition and facilitated by serotonin and noradrenaline, we hypothesised that both reciprocal inhibition (RI) induced by antagonist nerve stimulation and whole-bodyrelaxation (WBR) would reduce PICs in humans. To test this, we estimated PICs using the well-established paired motor unit (MU) technique. High-density surface electromyograms were recorded from gastrocnemius medialis during voluntary, isometric 20-s ramp, plantarflexor contractions and decomposed into MU discharges to calculate delta frequency (ΔF). Moreover, another technique (VibStim), which evokes involuntary contractions proposed to result from PIC …

Dietary Iron And The Elite Dancer, Caitlin Attwell, Cory Dugan, Alannah K. A. Mckay, Joanna Nicholas, Luke Hopper, Peter Peeling

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Dancers are an athlete population at high risk of developing iron deficiency (ID). The aesthetic nature of the discipline means dancers potentially utilise dietary restriction to meet physique goals. In combination with high training demands, this means dancers are susceptible to problems related to low energy availability (LEA), which impacts nutrient intake. In the presence of LEA, ID is common because of a reduced mineral content within the low energy diet. Left untreated, ID becomes an issue that results in fatigue, reduced aerobic work capacity, and ultimately, iron deficient anaemia (IDA). Such progression can be detrimental to a dancer’s capacity …

Effect Of Physical Activity During Covid-19 On The Sleep Health Of Community-Level Athletes In Australia, Andrew Walsh, Sarah Harris, Philipp Beranek, Shayne Vial, Travis Cruickshank, Mitchell Turner

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The COVID-19 outbreak presents a serious health challenges, with Australia enforcing tight restrictions, impacting sporting activities and sleep health of many Australians. Routine lifestyle patterns (physical activity and employment) are important to maintaining overall sleep health. Current literature indicates COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the employment status and sport engagement. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of physical activity during COVID-19 on sleep health, and its association with employment and sport engagement of community-level athletes throughout Australia. Participants self-reported sleep health prior to COVID-19 (pre-sleep) and over the month prior to data collection (during-sleep) using the validated …