Sports Sciences Commons^™

Postinactivity Exercise Training Improves Sarcopenia Traits In 40–60-Year-Old Women Regardless Of Fortified Milk Supplementation, Joanne Trezise, Ricardo M. Lima, Sally D. Poppitt, Aaron C. Fanning, Amanda Devine, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The term sarcopenia was introduced to describe the age-related decline in muscle mass, but current definitions also include measures of muscle strength and function. Menopause increases sarcopenia risk and may exacerbate the adverse effects of physical inactivity. Exercise training is a potent stimulus to restore muscle health, and nutritional supplementation can further improve the outcomes. The purposes of this study were to examine the changes in a set of sarcopenia-related phenotypes induced by a 14-day step-reduction period followed by a 12-week exercise training programme, with or without fortified milk supplementation in healthy 40–60-year-old females, and to determine whether menopausal …

The Use Of Force Plate Technology To Measure Force Production Characteristics In Military Personnel: A Scoping Review Of Methodological Reporting Practices, Peter Ladlow, Kieran M. Lunt, Paul Comfort, Oliver O’Sullivan, Francisco J. Robles-Palazón, Nicholas J. Ripley, John J. Mcmahon, Natalie Masters, Robyn P. Cassidy, Marina De Vecchis, Vanessa Bell, Alexander N. Bennett, Russell J. Coppack

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Force plates have become one of the most frequently used assessment tools in the field of strength and conditioning research and applied practice. Their use for measuring force production characteristics among military personnel is growing. The aim of this scoping review is to: (1) Describe the current evidence base underpinning the use of force plates to assess maximal and rapid lower-limb force production in military in three priority areas; occupational task performance, injury risk profiling, and rehabilitation, (2) Identify potential trends and/or differences by participants’ sex, job role, and/or level of performance in tests, methodologies, and metrics selected, and …

Triggering Sarcomerogenesis: Examining Key Stimuli And The Role Attributed To Eccentric Training—Historical, Systematic, And Meta-Analytic Review, Anthony J. Blazevich, Walter Herzog, João Pedro Nunes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Serial sarcomere number (SSN) critically influences muscle function and is hypothesized to protect against injury. While most evidence for SSN addition comes from non-human animal studies, eccentric exercise is often proposed as a key stimulus due to its association with increased fascicle length in humans. However, the most efficient exercise stimuli and the effectiveness of eccentric training in increasing SSN remain unclear. The objective of this study was to provide a detailed historical overview of research exploring the mechanical factors regulating muscle/fiber length and its relationship with function, and to explore more recent evidence that eccentric muscle contractions might …

Echoes Of The Modern Training Periodization Concepts In Russia Before The October 1917 Revolution, Sandro Bartolomei, Gulnara Mammadova, Renato Manno, Gregory G. Haff, Jay R. Hoffman, Franco Merni

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Abstract – Bartolomei, S, Mammadova, G, Manno, R, Haff, GG, Hoffman, JR, and Merni, F. Echoes of the modern training periodization concepts in Russia before the October 1917 revolution. J Strength Cond Res 39(12): 1327–1330, 2025—The debate on the origins of the discipline of training periodization is still ongoing. The text “Olympic Sport, ” published by B. A. Kotov in 1916, was one of the first known books to focus on training methods and strategies for performance development. The book is also considered the first to deal with training organization and periodization. In addition, Kotov was the only author to …

Hamstring Strength And Architectural Properties Are Associated With Running Biomechanics, Nicholas Ripley, Christopher Bramah, Paul Comfort, John Mcmahon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Applied muscular strain and hamstring strain capacity have a joint interaction on hamstring strain injury (HSI) with modifiable risk factors frequently assessed. However, to date there is limited observations on the interaction between these factors. The purpose of the present study was to observe if spatiotemporal characteristics, running kinematics and muscle activation were related to modifiable risk factors of HSI. Twenty-two competitive team sport athletes (24.7 ± 4.3 years, 1.82 ± 0.07 m, 84.9 ± 8.5 kg) participated whereby the Bicep femoris long head (BFLH) fascicle length assessed via ultrasound and isokinetic eccentric hamstring strength was assessed. With running assessment …

Live High-Train Low Induced Changes In Hemoglobin Mass And The Erythropoietin-Erythroferrone-Hepcidin Axis In Female Endurance Athletes, Titta Kuorelahti, Johanna K. Ihalainen, Vesa Linnamo, Claire Badenhorst, Oona Kettunen, Ritva Mikkonen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The effects of a 21-day live high-train low (LHTL) on hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and iron demand including the erythropoietin (EPO)-erythroferrone (ERFE)-hepcidin axis and routine iron markers were investigated. Fifteen female endurance athletes completed either 21-day LHTL in normobaric hypoxia (2500 m, ~18 h·day⁻¹) (INT, n = 8) or lived and trained in normoxia (CON, n = 7). Hbmass and resting blood were collected before and after the intervention. An additional blood sample was collected on Day 6 for INT. 21-day LHTL increased Hbmass 3.8% in INT (p < 0.001). EPO increased 35.6% from Day 0 to Day 6 in INT (p = 0.037) and then decreased 42.4% from Day 6 to Day 21 (p = 0.019). In INT, no changes were detected in ERFE or hepcidin, and from the routine iron markers only serum transferrin receptor increased from Day 0 to Day 21 (13.9%, p = 0.013). In CON, no changes were detected in Hbmass or iron markers. In INT, Hbmass and ferritin were positively associated (Day 0 to Day 6, p = 0.005). Thus, hepcidin and ERFE may not provide additional information regarding iron demand following 6- or 21-day LHTL compared to routine iron markers. The relationship between Hbmass and ferritin indicates that adequate ferritin levels are needed during hypoxia to support hematological adaptations.

The Influence Of The Marker Set On Inverse Kinematics Results To Inform Markerless Motion Capture Annotations, Marion Mundt, David Pagnon, Steffi Colyer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Markerless motion capture has the potential to enable biomechanical analyses without specialised, high-cost equipment. However, the comparability of many markerless motion capture frameworks with the most used marker-based method is limited. One reason for this is the lack of high-quality, biomechanically-informed datasets that are needed to train markerless models. This study aimed to inform the development of such a dataset by systematically analysing the agreement between a gold-standard marker set and a reduced number of markers to solve inverse kinematics (IK). We analysed the impact of different marker positions on the IK solution using an OpenSim lower body model with …

Promises And Perils Of Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Narrative Review Informing Its Ethical And Practical Applications In Clinical Exercise Physiology, Oscar Lederman, Alessandro Llana, James Murray, Robert Stanton, Ritesh Chugh, Darren Haywood, Amanda Burdett, Geoff Warman, Joanne Walker, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is transforming various sectors, including healthcare, offering both promising opportunities and notable risks. The infancy and rapid development of GenAI raises questions regarding its effective, safe, and ethical use by health professionals, including clinical exercise physiologists. This narrative review aims to explore existing interdisciplinary literature and summarise the ethical and practical considerations of integrating GenAI into clinical exercise physiology practice. Specifically, it examines the ‘promises’ of improved exercise programming and healthcare delivery, as well as the ‘perils’ related to data privacy, person-centred care, and equitable access. Recommendations for the responsible integration of GenAI in clinical exercise …

Practical Recommendations On Stretching Exercise: A Delphi Consensus Statement Of International Research Experts, Konstantin Warneke, Ewan Thomas, Anthony J. Blazevich, José Afonso, David G. Behm, Paulo H. Marchetti, Gabriel S. Trajano, Masatoshi Nakamura, Francisco Ayala, Stefano Longo, Nicolas Babault, Sandro R. Freitas, Pablo B. Costa, Andreas Konrad, Antoine Nordez, Arnold Nelson, Astrid Zech, Anthony D. Kay, Olyvia Donti, Jan Wilke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Stretching has wide appeal, but there seems to exist some mismatch between its purported applications and what the evidence shows. There is compelling evidence for some stretching applications, but for others, the evidence seems heterogeneous or unsupportive. The discrepancies even affect some systematic reviews, possibly due to heterogeneous eligibility criteria and search strategies. This consensus paper seeks to unify the divergent findings on stretching and its implications for both athletic performance and clinical practices by delivering evidence-based recommendations. Methods: A panel of 20 experts with a blend of practical experience and scholarly knowledge was assembled. The panel meticulously reviewed …

Eccentric-Only Versus Concentric-Only Isokinetic Strength Training Effects On Maximal Voluntary Eccentric, Concentric And Isometric Contraction Strength: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Darjan Spudić, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Conflicting results have been reported regarding the effects of resistance exercise training with eccentric (lengthening muscle) versus concentric (shortening muscle) contractions on changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength assessed by different contraction modes. Objective: The main objective of this systematic review with meta-analyses was to compare the effectiveness of maximal isokinetic eccentric-only and concentric-only strength training for changes in maximal voluntary eccentric (MVCECC), concentric (MVCCON), and isometric contraction (MVCISO) strength in healthy adults. Methods: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar from February to March 2024 for studies that met the following criteria: (1) …

The Effect Of Muscle Warm-Up On Voluntary And Evoked Force-Time Parameters: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis With Meta-Regression, Cody J. Wilson, João Pedro Nunes, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: While muscle contractility increases with muscle temperature, there is no consensus on the best warm-up protocol to use before resistance training or sports exercise due to the range of possible warm-up and testing combinations available. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to determine the effects of different warm-up types (active, exercise-based vs. passive) on muscle function tested using different activation methods (voluntary vs. evoked) and performance test criteria (maximum force vs. rate-dependent contractile properties), with consideration of warm-up task specificity (specific vs. non-specific), temperature measurement method (muscle vs. skin), baseline temperatures, and subject-specific variables (training status and …

The Effects Of Acute And Chronic Exercise On Lipocalin-2 In Middle-Aged And Older Adults: A Randomized Control Trial, Carlie Bauer, Marc Sim, Cassandra Smith, Rhiannon Healy, Andrew Garnham, Navabeh Zare-Kookandeh, Elizabeth Byrnes, Mary N. Woessner, Joshua R. Lewis, Itamar Levinger

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective Chronically elevated circulating lipocalin-2 (LCN2) levels are implicated in poor energy regulation, increased cardio-metabolic disease risk, and poor physical function. Exercise is known to improve these factors, but whether LCN2 is modifiable by exercise is not clear. We examined the effect of acute and chronic exercise on LCN2 levels and whether this relates to glucose regulation, body composition, and physical function. Design and methods Thirty-three middle-aged and older adults (45–84 years, median body mass index 26.21 kg/m²) completed an acute high-intensity interval exercise session (HIIE). Participants were randomized to 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or …

Fear Avoidance After Concussion Tool (Fact): Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Development And Content Validation, Liam J. Sherwood, Gill Cowen, Mandy Vidovich, Jeanette Hasleby, Jon Patricios, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective No valid patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) exist to evaluate fear avoidance behaviour following concussion. This study developed a new PROM to evaluate fear avoidance behaviour following concussion and assessed the PROM content validity. Design PROM development was performed using a qualitative study, and content validation was performed using a mixed-methods approach. Methods The development phase consisted of compiling potentially relevant items (eg, questions) from other PROMs proposed to measure fear avoidance before proceeding to a series of one-on-one semistructured interviews with patient and professional participants. The content validity (relevance, comprehensibility and comprehensiveness) of the PROM was first assessed by …

Female Basketball Players’ Jump And Sprint Performance After Plyometric Jump Training Compared To Resistance Training, Yuhang Tian, Kai Xu, Wenxuan Fang, Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Plyometric training (PT) and resistance training (RT) can improve jumping and sprinting performance, although their comparative effectiveness in elite female basketball players remain unknown. Objectives: To compare the effects of PT and RT on jumping and sprinting performance in elite female basketball players. Methods: Thirty elite female basketball players were randomly assigned to PT (n = 10), RT (n = 10) or control groups (n = 10, standard basketball training). Performance assessments before and after the interventions (8 weeks, 16 training sessions) included countermovement jump (CMJ) height and peak power, drop jump (DJ) height and reactive strength index (RSI), …

Effects Of Exercise On Inflammation In Female Survivors Of Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Francesco Bettariga, Dennis R. Taaffe, Anita Borsati, Alice Avancini, Sara Pilotto, Stefano G. Lazzarini, Pedro Lopez, Luca Maestroni, Umberto Crainich, John P. Campbell, Timothy D. Clay, Daniel A. Galvão, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Despite advances in breast cancer treatment, recurrence remains common and contributes to higher mortality risk. Among the potential mechanisms, inflammation plays a key role in recurrence by promoting tumor progression. Exercise provides a wide array of health benefits and may reduce inflammation, potentially reducing mortality risk. However, the effects of exercise, including mode (ie, resistance training [RT], aerobic training [AT], and combined RT and AT) and program duration, on inflammatory biomarkers in breast cancer survivors remain to be elucidated. Methods: A systematic search was undertaken in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and CENTRAL in August 2024. Randomized controlled trials examining …

A Systematic Review Using A Multi-Layered Criteria Framework For Assessing The Validity And Reliability Of Velocity Monitoring Devices In Resistance Training, Youssef J. Wannouch, Samuel R. Leahey, Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo, Harry G. Banyard, Harry S. Dorrell, Steven Stern, Gordon J. Ross, Jason C. Laffer, Kelvin Y.H. Chua, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Velocity-Based Training (VBT) is an emerging method in resistance training for objectively prescribing and monitoring training intensity and neuromuscular function. Given its growing popularity, assessing the validity and reliability of VBT devices is critical for strength and conditioning coaches. Objective The primary purpose of this review was twofold: (1) to identify and address methodological gaps in current assessments of VBT device validity and reliability, and (2) to propose and apply a novel, multi-layered, criterion-based framework—developed in collaboration with statisticians and domain experts—for evaluating these devices. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus following PRISMA guidelines, …

Comparisons Between Different Methods Of Calculating Dynamic Strength Index: Effect On Training Recommendations, Nicholas Joel Ripley, Jack Fahey, Stuart Guppy, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

An impulse-based dynamic strength index (iDSI) that constitutes time-dependent force expression in contrast to the common peak force-based DSI (fDSI) may be more insightful when considering training recommendations. However, a limitation of the iDSI is that any change in countermovement jump (CMJ) propulsion phase duration could affect longitudinal comparisons. A fixed duration (e.g., 250ms) iDSI however could overcome this limitation. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of different methods of calculating DSI (fDSI, iDSI matched, iDSI fixed) on the DSI value and resultant training prioritization. Thirty-seven team sport athletes (female=13, male=25, age=22.2±2.8 years, height=174.4±6.0cm, mass=74.9±11.9kg) performed …

Muscle Creatine Levels And Sprint Performance In Young Adult Vegans And Vegetarians After 7 Days Of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation, Thomas Christian Bonne, Valentina Arthemalle, Colin Stephen Doherty, Andreas Breenfeldt Andersen, Jacob Bejder, Thomas Ehlers, Henrik Holm-Sørensen, Nikolai Baastrup Nordsborg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Athletes use creatine monohydrate (CM) to enhance high-intensity exercise performance by increasing creatine phosphate availability. While CM supplementation is known to raise muscle creatine levels in vegans and vegetarians, its impact on exercise performance remains uncertain. We examined the effects of CM supplementation on muscle creatine content and exercise performance in vegans and vegetarians. In a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled design, 15 healthy vegans and vegetarians consumed CM (0.3 g/kg/day, n = 7) or placebo (PLA, 0.3 g maltodextrin/kg/day, n = 8) four times a day for 7 days. Before and after supplementation, repeated sprint capacity was determined. Body mass and …

Lower Limb Muscle Strength Matters: Effect Of Relative Isometric Strength On Countermovement And Rebound Jump Performance In Elite Youth Female Soccer Players, Jack Fahey, Paul Comfort, Nicholas Joel Ripley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Expression of maximal and rapid force in the hip, knee, and plantar flexors is important for athletic performance in female soccer. This study was designed to determine the effect of relative isometric strength in the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) on countermovement jump (CMJ) and rebound jump (CMJ-R) performance in female youth soccer players. Methods: Ninety-six female soccer players (age: 14.1 ± 2.3 years, height: 160.5 ± 9.7 cm, mass: 55.0 ± 10.3 kg) completed three trials of the IMTP, CMJ, and CMJ-R using force plates. Players were categorized as stronger (top quartile, n = 19) and weaker players (bottom …

Comparison Of Decision-Making Skill In 360° Video To The Field Setting In Highly Skilled Rugby Union Players, Hannah J. Vawser, Khaya Morris-Binelli, Benjamin Piggott, Sean Müller, Paola Chivers, Evan Dekker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Little evidence exists of whether decision-making in immersive 360° video is representative of the field setting in sport. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether decision-making performance of a representative exemplar competition specific skill was similar between 360° video and a field task. Fifteen players from skilled junior rugby union pathways and professional rugby union teams in Australia were recruited to complete a 360° video decision-making choice response task involving four attackers and three defenders. Their decision-making was previously assessed in a similar field decision-making task that was representative of rugby game play. Decision-making was scored according to …

A Perspective Or Review Based Entirely On Low-Quality Evidence Is Simply An Opinion, Matthew S. Tenan, Sophia Nimphius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Molecular Landscape Of Sex- And Modality-Specific Exercise Adaptation In Human Skeletal Muscle Through Large-Scale Multi-Omics Integration, Macsue Jacques, Shanie Landen, Adam P. Sharples, Andrew Garnham, Ralf Schittenhelm, Joel Steele, Aino Heikkinen, Elina Sillanpää, Miina Ollikainen, James Broatch, Navabeh Zarekookandeh, Ola Hanson, Ola Ekström, Olof Asplund, Séverine Lamon, Sarah E. Alexander, Cassandra Smith, Carlie Bauer, Mary N. Woessner, Itamar Levinger, Andrew E. Teschendorff, Linn Gillberg, Ida Blom, Jørn Wulff Helge, Nicholas Harvey, Larisa M. Haupt

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We investigated the molecular mechanisms of exercise adaptations in human muscle by integrating genome, methylome, transcriptome, and proteome data from over 1,000 participants (2,340 muscle samples). We identified distinctive signatures associated with maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and multi-omics integration uncovered five key genes as robust exercise markers across layers, with transcription factors functioning as activators, synergizing with DNA methylation to regulate gene expression. Minimal sex differences were observed, while modality-specific analysis highlighted distinct pathways for aerobic and resistance exercise, contrasting with muscle disuse patterns. Finally, we created a webtool, OMAx, featuring our individual omics and integration analysis. These findings provide …

The Association Of Body Composition And Musculoskeletal Characteristics With Police Recruit Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study, Vanessa R. Sutton, Myles C. Murphy, Callum J. Mccaskie, Paola T. Chivers, Nicolas H. Hart, Jodie L. Cochrane Wilkie, Garth Allen, Jack Dalla Via

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: Exploring how body composition and musculoskeletal characteristics relate to physical performance may provide insights for optimising training outcomes. We explored if body composition and musculoskeletal characteristics were associated with tactical and cardiorespiratory performance.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of police recruits within the Western Australia Police Force was performed. Total and regional body composition was assessed using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry, with the tibial morphology and mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area assessed using peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography. Tactical performance was measured with a Physical Performance Evaluation, and cardiorespiratory fitness assessed using the Beep Test. Variables that were significant in univariate regressions progressed …

Effect Of Relative Isometric Strength On Countermovement Jump Performance In Professional And Semi-Professional Soccer Players, Nicholas Joel Ripley, Jack Fahey, Nabil Hassim, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

As powerful actions commonly proceed goal scoring opportunities within soccer, enhancing powerful actions could be essential to optimize performance. There is a large body of evidence supporting the positive associations between maximal isometric mid-thigh pull force-generating qualities and jump performance. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if relative maximal isometric force production can discriminate between higher- and lower-performing jumpers among professional and semi-professional soccer players. As such, it was hypothesized that stronger players would have a greater jump performance than weaker players. Methods: An observational cross-sectional research design was used to assess ballistic and isometric force production …

Performance In Multi-Joint Force-Plate Assessments In Male And Female Crossfit® Athletes, James R. Jowsey, G. Gregory Haff, Paul Comfort, Nicholas Joel Ripley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: CrossFit^® aims to be equitable between both males and female athletes, supporting equal representation and equal prize money at international events. However, to date, limited information is known on CrossFit^® athletes’ performance in the countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement rebound jump (CMR-J), and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) when assessed using force plates, and if there are any differences between sexes. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to observe whether any sex-based differences and relationships exist between performance within these assessments. Methods: A total of CrossFit athletes (43 male = 32.8 ± 9.0 years; height 1.78 ± …

Circus-Specific Extension Of The 6th International Consensus Statement On Concussion In Sport, David Munro, Stephanie Greenspan, Joanna Nicholas, Melanie I. Stuckey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

While sport-related concussion (SRC) is a known risk in circus arts, no published guidelines exist to guide post-concussion return to circus, contributing to inadequate management in this population. The Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) published the 6th international consensus statement in 2023, providing updated guidance and assessment tools for the management of SRC. Sport and dance organisations have adapted these recommendations for their specific settings. The aim of this extension statement was to extend the CISG guideline to the circus arts training and performance context. Development included a review of literature, creation of the initial drafts by the working group, …

Comparison Of Physical Characteristics Among English Professional And Semi-Professional Soccer Players Across Different Leagues, Nicholas Joel Ripley, Jack Fahey, Paul Jones, Jake Batsford, Paul Sindall, Christopher Bramah, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of the present study was to investigate if differences exist in neuromuscular qualities between different leagues in English male soccer. Twenty soccer players (age: 23.3±5.2 years, stature: 180.3±7.0cm, mass: 82.5±7.7kg) from English football league two (EFL2). 34 soccer players (age: 25.8±4.3 years, stature: 180.9±5.6cm, mass: 81.4±8.6kg) from National league (NL) and 23 soccer players (age: 27.5±4.3 years, stature: 182.1±5.5cm, mass: 84.1±8.0kg) from National league North (NLN). Each player completed three to five repetitions of the countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement rebound jump (CMJRJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Trivial to small differences were observed in CMJ jump height, CMJ …

The Victorian Institute Of Sport Assessment – Achilles Is Fundamentally Flawed And Unfit For Clinical Practice Or Research: A Rasch Measurement Theory Analysis Using Cosmin Recommendations, Nigel Travers, Myles C. Murphy, Benedict M. Wand, Paul Kirwan, Mervyn Travers, James Debenham, William Gibson, Dana Hince

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Evaluate structural validity, hypothesis testing and measurement invariance of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) using Rasch analysis to determine if it can be recommended to measure Achilles tendinopathy severity. Methods: We performed an evaluation of the VISA-A measurement properties using Rasch Measurement Theory by pooling individual participant data from previously conducted studies (n = 217). Structural validity was assessed via threshold/category mean order; adequate item fit; unidimensionality; local dependence; internal consistency. Hypothesis testing was assessed via divergent validity. Measurement invariance assessed via differential item functioning. Results: The VISA-A has inadequate construct validity. This is evident from issues …

Scoping Review Of Methods Of Monitoring Acute Changes In Lower Body Neuromuscular Function Via Force Plates, Andrew J. Badby, Nicholas J. Ripley, John J. Mcmahon, Peter D. Mundy, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Force plates are amongst the most utilised technological apparatus for monitoring acute changes in neuromuscular function in sports. Practitioners apply monitoring strategies to manage neuromuscular fatigue and physical preparedness with valid, reliable, and sensitive measures. The aim of this scoping review was to identify, map, and describe the variety of monitoring procedures which have been previously applied in research (e.g., test and metric selection, data collection, study design, and data analysis procedures). Searches were completed by 24th June 2024. One thousand, nine hundred, and seventy-eight studies were identified across four databases (PubMed, EBSCO, Clarivate web of science, and Ovid). After …

Effect Of Relative Age On Gross Motor Coordination Development, Considering Biological Maturity And Sex, Xiaoyu Zhang, Gaël Ennequin, Anthony J. Blazevich, Sébastien Ratel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of relative age on gross motor coordination (GMC) development, taking into account biological maturity and sex. Methods: 729 participants aged 10 to 16 years completed three GMC tests newly designed to minimize the potentially confounding effects of physical fitness. The tests included a Hand-Foot coordination test, Dribbling-Targeting test (DT test), and a T balance and agility test (T test). Relative age was determined using birth quartiles: BQ1 (January–March); BQ2 (April–June); BQ3 (July–September); and BQ4 (October–December). Regarding biological maturity, the participants were categorized according to their estimated peak height velocity (pre- and post-PHV). …