Sports Sciences Commons^™

Strength And Conditioning Society (Scs) 7th Annual Meeting, Murcia, Spain, 2024, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Konstantinos Spyrou, Anthony J. Blazevich, Tomás T. Freitas, Elena Marín-Cascales, Aarón Manzanares Serrano

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

On behalf of the Strength and Conditioning Society (SCS), we are pleased to present the abstracts submitted for the SCS 7th Annual Meeting. The event was held at the Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM) headquarters in Murcia, Spain, on 9–11 October 2024, and comprised several invited sessions by international and national speakers on a variety of topics related to biochemistry and exercise physiology, strength and conditioning practices and their application to health, injury prevention, and sports performance. These included strength training in high-performance sports, sport science and training–competition load management in elite environments, biochemistry and exercise physiology and prescription, nutrition …

Sex Differences In Upper- And Lower-Limb Muscle Strength In Children And Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis, James L. Nuzzo, Matheus D. Pinto

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

On average, adult men are physically stronger than adult women. The magnitude of this difference depends on the muscle tested, with larger sex differences observed in upper- than lower-limb muscles. Whether body region-specific sex differences in strength exist in children is unclear. The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to determine whether sex differences in muscle strength in children and adolescents differ between upper- and lower-limb muscles. Data were extracted from studies of participants aged ≤ 17 years who completed tests of maximal isometric or isokinetic strength of upper-limb muscles (e.g., elbow flexors and elbow extensors) or lower-limb muscles (e.g., …

Comparison Between Shoulder Flexed And Extended Positions In Elbow Flexion Resistance Training On Regional Hypertrophy And Maximum Strength: Preacher Versus Bayesian Cable Curls, Parsa Attarieh, João Pedro Nunes, Saeed Khani, Saman Negahdar, Amirali Goli, Hamed Nazarirad, Shahriar Nazarirad, Shima Mojtahedi, Kazunori Nosaka, Rahman Soori

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In the present study, the effects of resistance training on regional hypertrophy and maximum strength of the elbow flexor muscles were compared between elbow flexion exercises performed with different shoulder joint angles (∼50° of flexion vs. extension) while matched for resistance profiles. In a within-subject design, 15 young men (25.6 ± 2.1 y; 77.3 ± 6.8 kg; 175.1 ± 5.7 cm) underwent a resistance training program twice a week for 10 weeks (3–5 sets, 8–12RM), and their arms were dominant-side balanced, randomly assigned to one of the two conditions according to elbow flexion exercises: unilateral cable curl with shoulder flexed …

The Effects Of Situational Variables On Expected Goals: A Case Study In International Football, Panagiotis Ximialis, Vasilis Armatas, Mark Scanlan, Nikolaos P. Rachaniotis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: In the ever-evolving field of football analytics, understanding the factors influencing expected goals is crucial for gaining deeper insights into team performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of match conditions on the expected goals (xG) from defensive and offensive points of view in international elite football matches of the Greek national team. Methods: Twenty-four (24) Greek national team matches during the period between 23 March 2019 and 14 November 2021 were analyzed for the study. In these selected matches the Greek national team took 369 shots and conceded 174 shots, out of which scored …

Influence Of Height And Reach On Fight-Ending Punches In The Ultimate Fighting Championship™ Mixed Martial Arts Promotion, Oliver R. Barley, Shayne Vial, Mark Scanlan, Liam C. Tapsell, Corey Wilson, Julian Giustiniano, Matthew G. Plush, Colin S. Doherty

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In mixed martial arts, punches commonly lead to a knockout (KO) or technical knockout (TKO), though factors influencing such punches are unclear. This study assessed how differences in height, reach, and combined difference (height + reach) influence fight-ending punches. We analysed 264 Ultimate Fighting Championship contests that concluded with a KO/TKO from hooks, straights, uppercuts, or overhand punches. Three multinomial logistic regression analyses assessed the influence of (a) reach, (b) height and (c) combined difference on likelihood of punch type, with overhand punches as the reference category. Pairwise comparisons for punch type were conducted, and probability differences were compared across …

Effects Of Hiit In Cool And Hot On Temperate Performance And Physiological Response In Trained Cyclists, Jason R. Boynton, Jeremiah J. Peiffer, Chris R. Abbiss

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigated cardiopulmonary responses in hot and cool high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and the subsequent effects on time-trial (TT) performance and physiological responses in temperate conditions. Twenty trained cyclists were separated into 2 groups and completed a 4-week HIIT intervention (8 sessions, 5 × 4 minute) at an environmental temperature (TA) of either 13° C (HIIT13) or 35° C (HIIT35). Cardiorespiratory data (e.g., heart rate [HR] and time above 90% Vo2max [T > 90% Vo2max]) were assessed for the first and last interval sessions. Infjects completed 20 km TTs in temperate conditions (22° C) before (TT1) and after (TT2) HIIT …

Effects On Force, Velocity, Power, And Muscle Activation Of Resistances With Variable Inertia Generated By Programmable Electromechanical Motors During Explosive Chest Press Exercises, Luca Zoffoli, Silvano Zanuso, Andrea Biscarini

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Strength training machines incorporating advanced electro-mechanical technologies can produce hybrid resistances with variable inertia, such as a resistance that progressively changes from gravitational (inertial) to pneumatic (non-inertial) across the range of motion (ROM). To explore the biomechanical effects of these innovative resistances, a robotic chest press machine was programmed to offer three distinct inertial profiles: gravitational-type constant inertia throughout the ROM (IFULL); no inertia (IZERO); and linearly descending inertia across the ROM (IVAR). Ten healthy adults performed five maximal-effort, explosive chest press movements under each inertial profile at 30, 50 and 70% of their one-repetition maximum. During each trial, muscle …

Training Load Influences Gut Microbiome Of Highly Trained Rowing Athletes, B. Charlesson, J. Jones, C. Abbiss, P. Peeling, S. Watts, C. T. Christophersen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Despite the importance of the gut microbiome on physical performance and health, little is known on the impact of training on an athlete’s gut health. Objective: This study investigates the effect of training load on markers of gut health. Methods: Whole stool (24 h) samples were collected from 23 highly trained rowers (mean ± SD; age 19.2 ± 1.1 y; weight 80.1 ± 11.4 kg; height 1.83 ± 0.09 m) following periods of high (HT) and low training load (LT). The microbiome and short-chain fatty acid concentrations were characterized from the whole stool samples. Three-day weighted food records were …

Do Anxiety, Depression, Fear Of Movement And Fear Of Achilles Rupture Correlate With Achilles Tendinopathy Pain, Symptoms Or Physical Function?, George White, Fletcher Bright, Ebonie K. Rio, Ruth L. Chimenti, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To determine if psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, fear of movement and fear of rupture are associated with increased tendon-related disability, quantified by the Tendinopathy Severity Assessment-Achilles (TENDINS-A). Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Online Qualtrics survey. Participants: Sixty-eight participants (54% female) with Achilles tendinopathy and a mean (standard deviation) age of 40.1 (12.6) years. Main Outcome Measures: The TENDINS-A (including subscales of pain; symptoms such as stiffness; physical function), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and fear of tendon rupture. Associations were evaluated using generalised linear models (adjusting for age and sex), with significance accepted when …

Effects Of Multi-Ingredient Protein Supplementation Combined With Exercise Intervention On Body Composition And Muscle Fitness In Healthy Women: A Systematic Review With Multilevel Meta-Analysis, Chengyu Zhou, Muen Qiu, Zhuo Zeng, Qi Xie, Kai Xu, Henghao Yan, Bo Wang, Bopeng Qiu, Guoxin Shi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: This meta-analysis investigated whether multi-ingredient protein supplements (MIPS) combined with exercise improve body composition and muscle fitness in women. It also examined how participant characteristics, training protocols, and supplementation strategies might influence these outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of five electronic databases was conducted through February 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of MIPS combined with exercise training on body composition and muscle-related outcomes in women. A multilevel meta-analysis was performed to pool effect sizes, reported as standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g), with heterogeneity assessed through predefined subgroup analyses. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials involving 408 …

Practices And Perceptions In Hamstring Training For Injury Risk Mitigation: A Survey-Based Mixed-Methods Analysis, Steven Ross, Nicholas J. Ripley, John J. Mcmahon, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this study, the practices and perceptions of sport and exercise practitioners regarding hamstring training for injury risk mitigation were investigated. Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) remain a prevalent issue across sports, despite extensive research. An anonymous survey was conducted to assess how practitioners integrate evidence-based strategies, such as the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) and high-speed running (HSR), into their training programmes. The survey included both fixed-response and open-ended questions, enabling a mixed-methods analysis of training approaches. A total of 47 practitioners responded, revealing that most incorporate the NHE and HSR into both in-season and off-season training. However, there were notable …

The Effect Of Fatigue On Climbing Fluidity And Hand Movements, Andrew Walsh, L. Seifert, C. Button, S. Vial, J. Croft

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In rock climbing, climbers use their arms to regulate their posture on the wall, which can lead to localised muscle fatigue. Evidence shows fatigue is the primary cause of falls, but little is known about how fatigue specifically affects climbing rhythm and hand movements. The present study examined climbing fluidity and hand movements on an indoor climbing wall before and after a specific fatiguing protocol. Seventeen climbers completed three repetitions of a challenging climbing route (21 on Ewbank scale) with different levels of localised arm fatigue. Climbers’ movements were tracked using 3D motion capture, and their hand actions assessed using …

Perception-Based Methods And Beyond: A Current Opinion On How To Assess Static Stretching Intensity, Konstantin Warneke, Anthony J. Blazevich, Daniel Jochum, David G. Behm, Ewan Thomas, Masatoshi Nakamura, José Afonso

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Muscle stretching is widely used in clinical, athletic, and otherwise healthy populations, yet a consensual definition of stretch intensity—a key component of stretch load—does not exist. This is important because the effects of stretch intensity on range of motion and strength are controversial but suggested to affect clinical practice and scientific research. Most commonly, stretch intensity is defined in relation to an individual’s perceived level of discomfort or pain; however, these definitions are problematic for several reasons, including that consensual and objective quantifiable definitions of ‘pain’ and ‘discomfort’ do not exist, perceptions vary widely (and may not be sensed in …

Dissemination And Implementation Of Injury Prevention Interventions: A Scoping Review For The Female, Woman And Girl Athlete Injury Prevention (Fair) Consensus, Brooke E. Patterson, Carly D. Mckay, Meghan L. Critchley, Destiny Lutz, Sallie M. Cowan, Nicholas Kolesky, Vanda White, Allison M. Ezzat, Andrew G. Ross, William M. Adams, Eva Ageberg, Clare L. Ardern, Marelise Badenhorst, Molly Coventry, Marc Olivier Dubé, Stacey Emmonds, Libby J. Gracias, K. Alix Hayden, Hanna Lindblom, Merete Møller, Christine Holm Moseid, Nancy Harrington, Dai Sugimoto, Evert Verhagen, Kate K. Yung, Phathokuhle C. Zondi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To synthesise evidence related to the dissemination and implementation (D&I) of injury prevention interventions for female, woman and/or girl (female/woman/girl) athletes. Design Scoping review. Data sources MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Databases for Systematic Review, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials Registry, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ERIC, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Global. Eligibility Primary research including ≥25% female/woman/girl athletes of any age or people working with them (eg, coaches), participating in sports competition and/or performance, were eligible. Papers reporting D&I outcomes (eg, coach knowledge, adoption and maintenance) related to an injury prevention intervention and/or a factor (eg, coach beliefs) associated with …

The Acute Effects Of Caffeine, Creatine, And Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Combined With Conditioning Activity On Subsequent Sports Performance: A Systematic Review And Bayesian Meta-Analysis, Yanfeng Li, Bopeng Qiu, Hongyan Kuai, Kongyun Huang, Hengxian Liu, Mingyang Zhang, Mingyue Yin, Yilin Zhang, Hengzhi Deng, Yuming Zhong, Hao Kong, Jun Chen, Kai Xu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) refers to the acute improvement in sports performance following a conditioning activity (CA), commonly used in warm-up protocols and complex training. While CA alone has demonstrated performance benefits, the effects of combining CA-induced PAPE with supplements (e.g., caffeine, creatine, or carbohydrate mouth rinse) remain unclear. Objectives: This study was to (i) assess the effects of PAPE combined with supplements on sports performance and fatigue resistance compared to PAPE + placebo, warm-up + supplements, or warm-up alone, and (ii) synthesize direct and indirect evidence on performance outcomes using network meta-analysis. Methods: Searches were conducted across three …

The Use Of K-Means Clustering For The Organisation Of Training Groups In Australian Football, Christopher Wing, Nicolas H. Hart, Shih Ching Fu, Kazunori Nosaka, Fadi Ma’Ayah

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigated the potential use of k-means clustering for organising training groups in Australian Football (AF) based upon match performance data. Global positioning system (e.g., distance per minute) and technical action (e.g., kicks) data were collected on 38 AF players from 22 matches during the 2021 season. Each player was assigned their season average for all metrics, as well as their primary playing position (the position they occupied the most during the season). Following the application of the elbow method, the data was grouped into four clusters; cluster one could be defined as the low technical action players, cluster …

Train Less And Still Similarly Improve? Maturational Growth Is More Influential Than Training Engagement On Performance Indices Development In Volleyball, Stephen Cobley, Marie Javet, Shaun Abbott, Caitlin Fox-Harding, Stephen Bested, Daniel Hackett, Michael Romann

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Identifying factors which more or less account for performance improvement during developmental stages is essential for sports science knowledge and coaching practice. Accordingly, this study examined the longitudinal, changing, influences of Volleyball-specific Training Engagement (VTE) and Maturity Status on physical test performance development. Participants were N = 139 Swiss female competitive volleyball players, aged 10–14 years at baseline (M = 12.93, SD = 1.15 years). Annually for 3 years, participants completed the 9-3-6-3-9 Agility Sprint; Standing Long Jump [SLJ] and Jump & Reach test. Linear Mixed Models (LMMs) examined longitudinal independent and interactive relationships between VTE (hours/week) and Maturity Status …

Cocreating A Programme To Prevent Injuries And Improve Performance In Australian Police Force Recruits: A Study Protocol, Myles C. Murphy, Andrea B. Mosler, Jonathan Hodgson, Sophia Nimphius, Evert Verhagen, Joanne Kemp, Alex Donaldson, Debra Langridge, Vanessa R. Sutton, Kay M. Crossley, Clare L. Ardern, Carolyn A. Emery, Mary A. Kennedy, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Martin Hägglund, Brady Green, G. Gregory Haff, Garth Allen, Andrea Bruder

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A healthy police force is a key component of a well-functioning society, yet 1 in 20 law enforcement recruits drop out of the recruit training programme due to injury. This drop-out rate has substantial economic and workforce ramifications. In the Western Australia Police Force, one in five recruits suffers a musculoskeletal injury during the recruit training programme, causing time-loss from work. We will now identify the critical elements of an injury prevention intervention and investigate the needs, experiences and suggested solutions to address potential implementation challenges. Our objective is to co-create an intervention with content and context experts, specifically for …

Individual Differences Provide A Nuanced Understanding Of The Contributions Of Age, Experience, And Level Played To Superior Perceptual-Cognitive-Motor Skill, Khaya Morris-Binelli, Minerva A. Westbrook, Benjamin Piggott, Sean Müller, Paola Chivers

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Theories of expertise either predict superior performance is due to monotonic and progressive exposure to a domain task or due to non-linear exposure to a domain. The aim of this study was to explore the predictions of these theories by use of an individual differences approach to investigate how age, experience, and level played within a sample of athletes with high expertise contributes to superior perceptual-cognitive-motor skill. Twenty-seven players sampled from junior rugby union high-performance pathways and professional rugby union teams in Australia completed an in-situ perceptual-cognitive-motor test involving four attackers and three defenders. Participants were presented with scenarios representative …

Normative Data And Objective Benchmarks For Selected Force Plate Tests For Professional And Youth Soccer Players In The English Football League, Andrew J. Badby, Paul Comfort, Nicholas J. Ripley, Peter D. Mundy, Marcos A. Soriano, Francisco J. Robles-Palazón, Jack Fahey, Paul Sindall, Bramah, John J. Mcmahon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The aim of this study was to establish objective benchmarks for countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement rebound jump (CMRJ), and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) metrics in male professional and youth soccer players. Professional (N = 139; age: 24 ± 5 years; height: 184 ± 7 cm; mass: 81 ± 9 kg) and youth (N = 137; age: 17 ± 1 years; height: 178 ± 17 cm; mass: 72 ± 8 kg) soccer players were recruited from 7 separate clubs. Many CMJ (25/32), CMRJ (24/30), and (2/2) IMTP metrics discriminated between age groups. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were identified in CMJ outcome (4/4), propulsive kinetic (6/6), and relative propulsive kinetic (4/4) metrics, but trivial non-significant (p > 0.05) differences were identified in strategy (4/4) …

How Strong Is Strong Enough? Assessing When Physical Performance Tests Cease To Be Predictive Of Sprint Performance In Trained Football Players, Shayne Vial, Mark Scanlan, Philipp Beranek, Daniel Kadlec, Oliver R. Barley, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Vial, S, Scanlan, M, Beranek, P, Kadlec, D, Barley, OR, and Cochrane Wilkie, J. How strong is strong enough? Assessing when physical performance tests cease to be predictive of sprint performance in trained football players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025 - Quantifying underlying capacities of sprint performance are useful for monitoring training and guiding interventions. Traditional statistical techniques, such as correlation and regression analyses, have been widely used to model relationships between physical capacity and sprint performance. However, these methods often assume linearity, potentially oversimplifying complex, nonlinear interactions, and generalizing group-level data that may misrepresent individual trends. For …

Exercise And Sports Science Australia Updated Position Statement On Exercise For Preventing Falls In Older People Living In The Community, Anne Tiedemann, Daina L. Sturnieks, Elissa Burton, Jeannette M. Thom, Stephen R. Lord, Stacey Scott, Catherine Sherrington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Backgrounds: Falls affect a significant number of older Australians and present a major challenge to health care providers and health systems with over 380 older Australians hospitalised for a fall each day.

Objectives: This statement seeks to inform and guide exercise practitioners and health professionals in safe and effective prescription of exercise to prevent falls amongst community-dwelling older people.

Exercise prescription to prevent falls: Exercise is crucial for preventing falls in older age. Research evidence has identified that programmes which include functional balance and muscle strength training are the most effective in preventing falls. It is also important for exercise …

Neuromuscular Characteristics Of Eccentric, Concentric And Isometric Contractions Of The Knee Extensors, Cassio V. Ruas, Janet L. Taylor, Christopher Latella, G. Gregory Haff, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: We compared voluntary drive and corticospinal responses during eccentric (ECC), isometric (ISOM) and concentric (CON) muscle contractions to shed light on neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning the lower voluntary drive in a greater force production in ECC than other contractions.

Methods: Sixteen participants (20–33 years) performed ISOM and isokinetic (30°/s) CON and ECC knee extensor contractions (110°–40° knee flexion) in which electromyographic activity (EMG) was recorded from vastus lateralis. Voluntary activation (VA) was measured during ISOM, CON and ECC maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). Transcranial magnetic stimulation elicited motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and corticospinal silent periods (CSP) during MVCs and submaximal (30%) contractions, …

Intervention Accuracy And Perception Of Fatigue In State-Level Australian Football Umpires, Corey Wilson, Mark Scanlan, Duncan G. Bradbury, Oliver R. Barley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This investigation examined intervention accuracy and perception of fatigue associated with umpiring state-level Australian Rules football (AF). 39 field umpires (Age: 25.2 ± 6.8 y, Body Mass: 74.6 ± 7.9 kg, Height: 178.9 ± 7.4 cm) employed by the Western Australian Football Commission, were recruited. Intervention accuracy (whether given free kicks were correct) was analysed post-event by the lead investigator using footage of the matches, with two umpire coaches being used for reliability. Perception of fatigue was assessed pre- and post-match using a questionnaire. Data was collected in 22 Western Australian Football League matches in the 2023 season. 384 free …

Is There A Relationship Between Rapid Weight Changes And Self-Reported Injury In Combat Sports Athletes? A 14-Month Study Of 24 Combat Sports Events, Colin S. Doherty, Oliver R. Barley, Lauren V. Fortington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To explore the potential association between rapid weight changes and self-reported injury status (presence or absence of injury) 7 days following competitive events among male and female combat sports competitors.

Design: A 14-month study of 24 events.

Methods: A weight management questionnaire was completed 1-day post-competition, and an injury questionnaire was completed 7 days post-competition. These online questionnaires provided data on body mass and injury status. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to analyse the odds ratios of rapid weight change variables and their impact on athletes' self-reporting as injured or non-injured.

Results: There were 172 responses (155 …

Return To On-Snow Performance In Ski Racing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Nathaniel Morris, Ricardo Da Silva Torres, Mark Heard, Patricia Doyle Baker, Walter Herzog, Matthew J. Jordan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The individual variation in on-snow performance outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) in elite alpine ski racers has not been reported and may be influenced by specific injury characteristics. Purpose: To report the performance statistics of elite ski racers before and after ACLR and to identify surgical and athlete-specific factors that may be associated with performance recovery. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) points, FIS ranking, average placing, and average percentage behind the winning time in each race were calculated for 30 national and provincial team ski racers at 1 year …

Effects Of A Daily, Home-Based, 5-Minute Eccentric Exercise Program On Physical Fitness, Body Composition, And Health In Sedentary Individuals, Benjamin J.C. Kirk, Georgios Mavropalias, Anthony J. Blazevich, Jodie L. Cochrane-Wilkie, Aus Molan, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a 4-week home-based bodyweight eccentric exercise program, requiring just 5 min daily, on physical fitness, body composition, and both physical and mental health in sedentary individuals.

Methods: Twenty-two sedentary but healthy individuals (4 men, 18 women; 32–69 years) completed a two-week control period followed by a 4-week intervention. The intervention involved daily exercises consisting of 10 repetitions each of chair squats, chair reclines, wall push-ups, and heel drops, including progressions if necessary. Assessments included isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), handgrip (HG) strength, push-up and sit-up endurance, sit-and-reach (S&R) flexibility, 3-min step test (3ST), squat …

Investigating The Internal And External Load Associated With Umpiring Semi-Professional Australian Rules Football, Corey Wilson, Mark Scanlan, Colin S. Doherty, Oliver R. Barley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: This investigation examined internal and external load associated with umpiring semi-professional Australian Rules football, an area of limited research. Objective: This exploratory quantitative study recruited 39 field umpires (Age: 25.2 ± 6.8 y, Body Mass: 74.6 ± 7.9 kg, Height: 178.9 ± 7.4 cm) from the Western Australian Football League (WAFL). Each participant was assessed in one match only. Methodology: External measures (total distance [TD], floating distance [FSD], high-intensity running distance [HSD]) and internal measures (blood lactate [BLa], heart rate [HR], rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) were collected during 22 matches, of the 2023 WAFL season. Data collection was …

Rapid Weight Loss Across Combat Sports And The Relationships Between Methods And Magnitude, Oliver R. Barley, Craig A. Harms

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examined rapid weight loss (RWL) habits across combat sports (CS) and how common usage of different methods was related to the magnitude of RWL. Competitors (N = 256) from CS including boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay thai/kickboxing (MT/KB), wrestling, mixed martial arts (MMA), judo, taekwondo, and karate participated in the study. Athletes completed an online survey which included questions on their regular weight loss habits, including magnitudes of weight loss over different time periods and types of methods utilised. Athletes typically started losing weight in their early 20s and engaged in RWL on average three times a year. Magnitudes …

Sports Metaresearch: An Emerging Discipline Of Sport Science And Medicine, John Warmenhoven, Paolo Menaspà, David N. Borg, Simine Vazire, Nicole White, Kristin Sainani, Sophia Nimphius, Aaron J. Coutts, Franco M. Impellizzeri

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Inadequacies in the conduct and quality of research are well established across many research domains, including sport science and medicine. Metaresearch—the practice of performing research on research—is presented as a practical vehicle for improving research quality through evaluating the research processes. This article introduces the concept of metaresearch to sport as a new sub-field of sport science. The broad types of metaresearch are introduced, with a mapping of current sports metaresearch activity across these areas. Interdisciplinary centres aimed at improving scientific quality across other fields are also introduced to sport, and specific considerations for beginning metaresearch are provided for sport. …