Sports Sciences Commons^™

Influence Of Isometric Hamstring Assessment Modality: Asymmetries Across Bilateral And Unilateral Testing Procedures, Adam E. Sundh, Nicholas J. Ripley, A. J. Lamb, Conor J. Cantwell, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether unilateral and bilateral assessments display comparable results during the isometric long-lever bridge and to examine the directionality of asymmetry fluctuations across testing occasions. Methods: Forty-four participants comprising of 30 men (age: 19.4 ± 1.3 years; height: 179.8 ± 6.3 cm; body mass: 80.4 ± 10.3 kg) and 14 women (age: 20.0 ± 1.3 years; height: 166.9 ± 7.2 cm; body mass: 64.4 ± 7.4 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. All participants completed two separate testing sessions consisting of two maximal bilateral and unilateral repetitions respectively of the isometric …

One Of These Things Is Not Like The Others: Disentangling The Concepts Of Range Of Motion Versus Flexibility, And Flexibility Training Versus Stretching, José Afonso, Anthony J. Blazevich, David George Behm, Markus Tilp, Konstantin Warneke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this Current Opinion, we revisit key terminological distinctions in sports sciences, emphasizing the implications of conflating related but distinct concepts, particularly range of motion (ROM) versus flexibility and flexibility training versus stretching. While often used interchangeably, these terms represent nuanced constructs with distinct physiological and practical implications. ROM encompasses both modifiable (e.g., soft tissue extensibility, neural control) and non-modifiable factors (e.g., bone structure), whereas flexibility is only one of several trainable components of ROM, largely referring to the extensibility of periarticular soft tissues. Misunderstanding these distinctions risks erroneous assessments and inappropriate exercise prescriptions. We also challenge the common practice …

Unifying To Advance Understanding: Collaborative, Community-Driven And ‘Open’ Approaches For Better Science In Sport, John Warmenhoven, Ian Shrier, Garrett S. Bullock, Alex O. Holcombe, Sophia Nimphius, Paolo Menaspà, Aaron J. Coutts, Franco M. Impellizzeri

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Historically, sport science and medicine researchers have had difficulty obtaining adequate sample sizes, limiting their ability to make accurate generalizations to populations of athletes. To move towards better and more generalizable research, sport could look to other fields of research, and draw upon collaborative approaches for performing science. These include concepts such as big teams approaches for conducting experimental research, developing data repositories centred on a holistic inter-disciplinary view of the athlete and exploring privacy preserving meta-analytic inspired concepts such as federated analyses or pooled synthetic data. These approaches have enormous potential but do come with their own difficulties and …

Methodological Considerations For Studies In Sport And Exercise Science With Women As Participants Part Ii: Guidance For Applied Studies In Elite Female Athletes, Kirsty J. Elliott-Sale, Richard J. Burden, Kathryn E. Ackerman, Louise M. Burke, Naama Constantini, Anthony C. Hackney, Rachel Harris, Franco M. Impellizzeri, Xanne A.K. Janse De Jonge, Constance M. Lebrun, Clare Minahan, Sophia Nimphius, Stuart M. Phillips, Sarianna Sipilä, Juliette A. Strauss, Paul Swinton, Craig Sale

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of this statement is to guide the design and conduct of high-quality sport and exercise science studies investigating the effects of varied ovarian hormone profiles on the health and athletic performance of elite female athletes. Beyond the menstrual cycle, these athletes present with a wide range of ovarian hormone profiles, including those associated with puberty and menarche, menstrual dysfunction, hormonal contraceptive use, pregnancy and postpartum, perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause. To effectively integrate knowledge of ovarian hormone profiles into high-performance sport and address the diverse needs of female athletes, future research and educational initiatives must encompass this broader spectrum …

Discrepancies In Combat Sports Injury Reporting: A Comparison Of Athlete Self-Reports And Ringside Physician Data, Colin S. Doherty, Oliver R. Barley, Lauren V. Fortington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: The objective of this study is to describe and compare competition injuries in combat sports using two sources: (1) athletes' self-reported injury-related health problems (HPs) seven days after the competition, and (2) injury reports completed by ringside physicians immediately after each contest. Design: Cross-sectional study of 29 combat sport events in Western Australia between August 2022 and November 2023. Methods: Athletes reported injury-related HPs through an online questionnaire that included the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire on Health Problems 2 (OSTRC-H2). Ringside physicians-documented injuries/medical notes were provided by the Western Australia Combat Sports Commission. Results: Out of 250 …

Aspiring Athletes Managing Sport, Education, Social, And Family Life: A Scoping Review, Donna Howard, Ivan Jeftic, Paul Goods, Ben Jackson, Caitlin Fox-Harding, Michael Rosenberg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: This scoping review considers the experiences of aspiring high school-aged athletes as they navigate the complexities of managing sport, education, social, and family life. The review synthesises existing literature on the decisions, barriers, facilitators, and support systems that influence aspiring athletes' pathways. Design: Systematic scoping review. Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, four databases were searched (SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfo, CINAHL), and studies involving aspiring high school aged athletes were uploaded to Covidence. Results: Across the four databases 1781 studies were identified through abstract screening and 61 of these studies were used for the final review. Despite the significant commitment that …

Effects Of Recreational Football On Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Health, And Functional Performance In Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Yanzhao Lei, Yanmei Ding, Bo Wang, Hengzhi Deng, Mingyue Yin, Kai Xu, Hengxian Liu, Meiling Tao, Yanfeng Li, Yilin Zhang, Yuhang Liu, Fanhao Meng, Hansen Li, Xing Zhang, Bitai Wu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of recreational football on body composition, cardiometabolic health, and functional performance in children and adolescents. Additionally, it explored potential moderators through subgroup analyses. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in six databases in May 2025. A random-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis, and effect sizes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD, Hedges’ g). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine sources of heterogeneity. Results: A total of 20 studies (N = 2,906; age range: 8–17 years) were included. Of the participants, 1,524 (52.44%) were male, 1,174 …

Optimal Two-Point Loading Strategy For Accurate Leg Press Force–Velocity Assessment, Takuya Nishioka, Shota Yamaguchi, Ayumi Yoshikawa, Naoki Ikeda, Daiki Hajima, Naoko Yabuno, Yasuhiro Kunita, Yuta Hashimoto, Anna Aoki, Miina Takahashi, Kazunori Nosaka, Takayuki Inami

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Accurate assessment of an individual force–velocity (F–V) profile is essential for prescribing targeted resistance training; however, F–V outcomes depend strongly on the testing method used. This study examined the concurrent validity of the F–V relationship in a horizontal leg press exercise by comparing two-point methods, which use pairs of different loads relative to body weight, with a multiple-point method using a wider range of loads. Sixteen men (mean ± SD, age: 20.0 ± 1.4 years, height: 172.4 ± 6.3 cm, body mass: 69.2 ± 7.6 kg) performed maximal-effort horizontal dynamic leg press actions on a device equipped with pneumatic artificial …

Effect Of Blood Flow Restricted Walking On Cardiovascular Fitness, Muscular Development, And Functional Performance In Adults: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis, Michael Beere, James R. Mckee, Isaac Selva Raj, Kieran J. Marston, Kristen De Marco, Brook Galna, Jeremiah J. Peiffer, Belinda Brown, Keith D. Hill, Peter Edwards, Brendan R. Scott

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Increasing evidence from randomised controlled trials demonstrates blood flow restriction (BFR) improves walking intervention outcomes compared to walking without BFR. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of BFR walking interventions on cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and hypertrophy, and functional performance in adults, and moderators of age, health status, training volume and intensity. Six databases were systematically searched following PRISMA guidelines, up to April 2025. Studies were eligible if participants were ≥ 18 years, included randomised controlled trials with BFR walking interventions ≥ 12 sessions and ≥10 min/session, at least one measure of cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, muscular hypertrophy, …

Can Dual-Task High-Velocity Exercise Training Improve Cognitive Function In Older Adults? Secondary Analysis Of An 18-Month Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial, Jamie L. Tait, Rachel L. Duckham, Timo Rantalainen, Catherine M. Milte, Luana C. Main, Caryl A. Nowson, Kerrie M. Sanders, Dennis R. Taaffe, Keith D. Hill, Gavin Abbott, Robin M. Daly

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Identifying strategies to mitigate age-associated cognitive decline is crucial. High-velocity power training enhances physical function in older adults and cognitive training has mixed cognitive benefits, however the combined effects of these interventions remain uncertain. Objective This 18-month cluster randomized controlled trial investigated whether dual-task functional power training (DT-FPT) enhances cognition in older adults and assessed if responses differ by apolipoprotein-E and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms. Subjects and Methods Twenty-two independent-living retirement communities (300 residents, ≥65y at increased falls risk) were randomized to 12-months of group-based DT-FPT (6-months supervised +6-months maintenance, 45–60 minutes, 2/week) performed simultaneously with cognitive and/or …

What Is Resistance Exercise? A Review Of Current Uses And Potential Ways Forward, Lars H. Lohmann, José Afonso, David G. Behm, Stanislaw D. Siegel, Michael Keiner, Klaus Wirth, Anthony J. Blazevich, Eric R. Helms, Alyssa Joy Spence, Konstantin Warneke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The resistance exercise (RE) literature highlights the importance and impact of RE in sports performance, daily life, and clinical outcomes. While RE research dates back to the 19th century, current definitions of what constitutes RE are varied and give rise to questions about the requisites of RE. For example, some definitions refer to movements or muscle contractions against external resistance whereas others consider all repeated actions against one’s bodyweight. Taken to the limit, this could introduce confusion between RE and endurance exercise, for example. Without a clear definition, systematic reviews (with meta-analysis) discuss outcomes of studies examining the effects of …

Does Performing Partial Repetitions Beyond Momentary Failure Enhance Muscle Hypertrophy In Volume-Load-Equated Calf-Raise Resistance Training?, Amirali Goli, Parsa Attarieh, João Pedro Nunes, Saman Nehegadar, Saaed Khani, Mohmad Fashi, Sajjad Ahmadizad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The aim of this study was to determine whether extending traditional calf-raise resistance training sets with partial-range-of-motion (ROM) repetitions in the more dorsiflexed ROM enhances muscular hypertrophy. Sixteen untrained men (25.0±1.7y) completed 10 weeks of unilateral standing calf-raise training (2×/wk) in a within-subject design: one leg performed traditional 10-14RM sets to full-ROM momentary failure (MF; 4-6 sets/session) and the other leg performed half as many sets to full-ROM failure followed by partial-ROM repetitions to a second failure in the more dorsiflexed ROM (PBF; 2-3 sets/session). Total volume-load was equated between conditions; repetitions were counted the same way regardless of the …

Effects Of Eccentric Cycling Training On Aerobic And Functional Capacity In Patients With Heart Failure: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Lucy M. Stauborg, Andrew Haynes, Andrew J. Maiorana, Lawrence G. Dembo, David Lloyd, Kazunori Nosaka, Graham S. Hillis, Daniel J. Green, Louise H. Naylor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of eccentric and conventional concentric cycle training on aerobic and functional capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure. Design: Seventy participants (45 after attrition) with heart failure were randomised 1:1 to eccentric (n = 34) or concentric (n = 36) cycling and 45 completed the intervention (eccentric n = 25; concentric n = 20). Each intervention involved 2-weeks familiarisation and 12-weeks of training, performed at matched relative intensity (40–70% of heart rate reserve), twice weekly. Methods: The primary outcome was peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak); secondary outcomes included 6-minute walk distance, 30 …

Protective Effect Of Lower Limb Strength On Lower Limb Injuries Within International Sixes Lacrosse Players: A Nine-Month Prospective Study, Nicholas Joel Ripley, Matthew Collier, Jack T. Fahey, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Abstract – Ripley, NJ, Collier, M, Fahey, JT, and Comfort, P. Protective effect of lower limb strength on lower limb injuries within international sixes lacrosse players: A nine-month prospective study. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—The aim of this study was to prospectively determine whether lower limb strength, assessed through the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), offers a protective effect to future lower limb injury in international men's sixes lacrosse players. Nineteen elite nonprofessional men's sixes lacrosse players from the British Men's Lacrosse team (25.4 ± 4.1 years, 1.8 ± 0.1 m, 88.9 ± 6.8 kg) performed 3 trials of …

Acute Effects Of Re-Warm-Up On Physical Performance, Muscle Temperature, And Perceived Exertion In Basketball Players: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis With Individual Participant Data, Yu Feng Yang, Enrique Flórez-Gil, Christos Koutsouridis, Yu Ming Zhong, Nuno Mateus, Eduardo Abade, Ching Feng Cheng, Mengde Lyu, Kai Xu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: (1) the acute effects of RWU on physical performance, body temperature (BT), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in basketball players; and (2) individual-level performance improvements across different RWU methods.

Methods: Three databases were searched for RWU studies in basketball players. An individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted using a two-stage approach with multilevel models, including adjustments for small sample sizes. Effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean changes (SMC) for within-group comparisons and standardized mean differences (SMD) for between-group comparisons.

Results: Seven studies (n = 82; 35 females, 47 males) were included, with individual raw data obtained from …

Hamstring Strength Assessment Methods In Sport: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Post-Activity Strength Decrements, Asymmetry Benchmarks, And Measurement Reliability, Adam E. Sundh, Nicholas J. Ripley, A. J. Lamb, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) represent one of the most prevalent and recurrent injuries in sport, making reliable strength assessment essential for neuromuscular monitoring in athletic populations. Despite the breadth of available testing modalities, no comprehensive synthesis of assessment methods, their reliability, post-activity strength responses, or normative asymmetry values has been undertaken. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the reliability of hamstring strength assessment methods, quantify the time-course of strength decrements following competition, establish normative inter-limb asymmetry benchmarks, and identify gaps to guide future assessment practices. PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to November …

Post Activation Performance Enhancement Effects On Countermovement Jumps In Men And Women, Gabriel Felipe Arantes Bertochi, Márcio Fernando Tasinafo Júnior, Leonardo Lima, Kazunori Nosaka, Enrico Fuini Puggina

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The present study investigated the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effects of six different conditioning activities on countermovement jump (CMJ) height and compared the PAPE effects between sexes. We recruited 18 male and 17 female participants (age: 24.6 ± 3.7 y, height: 1.71 ± 0.10 m, body mass: 75.7 ± 16.1 kg) with at least one year of resistance exercise experience. They performed a familiarization session in which the one-repetition maximum back squat (1-repetition maximum back squat: 134 ± 32 kg; 1- repetition maximum back squat/body mass: 1.8 ± 0.4) was assessed. This was followed by six visits for six different …

When Does The Peak Countermovement Jump Performance Occur? Mapping Peak-Trial Timing Across Six Clustered Repetitions, Karol Kruczek, Szymon Karpęcki, Tim Gabbett, Jason Lake, Michał Nowak

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Force-plate countermovement jump (CMJ) testing is widely used to assess neuromuscular status, yet monitoring interpretation often relies on best-trial values from abbreviated protocols, potentially biasing conclusions when the session maximum occurs beyond the sampled attempts. We mapped peak-trial timing across a six-trial clustered (3 + 3) CMJ protocol for seven outcome and strategy force–time metrics, and tested whether this peak-trial pattern was preserved between personal best (PB) and typical state (TS) monitoring sessions, both defined using modified reactive strength index (mRSI) as the primary selection variable. Retrospective dual-force-plate data (1000 Hz; August 2020–December 2025) were analysed from 314 athletes who …

Enhancing Physical Performance With Ischemic Preconditioning: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Moderators And Performance Outcomes, Yilin Zhang, Kai Xu, Hao Kong, Mingyue Yin, Chenghao Liu, Yun Xie, Liam Kilduff, Gustavo R. Mota, Olivier Girard

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examined the effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on physical performance, considering the influence of timing, warm-up (WU), participant characteristics, and IPC protocols structure. A total of 90 trials (1,439 participants) were retrieved from three databases and assessed using PICOS criteria. Multilevel meta-analyses with cluster-robust variance adjustments were conducted to calculate pooled effect sizes (Hedge’s g). Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the RoB 2 tool and GRADE framework. IPC produced a trivial but significant improvement in physical performance (g = 0.13, P < 0.01), which persisted after excluding SHAM effects (g = 0.10; P < 0.01). Significant improvements were observed for maximum repetitions, time to failure, and power output, but not for jump ability, strength, or oxygen uptake. Comparable benefits were found for anaerobic (g = 0.15) and aerobic (g = 0.10) exercise, with greater effects in males and less-trained participants. Performance was further enhanced when IPC was followed by WU (g = 0.16), with the optimal IPC-to-WU interval being ~42 minutes. Without WU, the effective IPC window narrowed to 6–7 minutes. In practice, IPC can enhance physical performance, independently of sham effects, moderated by sex, training level, and WU. For competition or testing, the most effective strategy appears to be 3 or 4 × 5-min IPC protocol, followed by a 42-min interval, standardized warm-up, and endurance testing. For mechanistic studies, WU should be excluded, and testing conducted 6-7 minutes post-IPC. Future research should target women, middle-aged individuals, and elite athletes.

An Exploratory Survey Of The Application Of Accentuated Eccentric Loading In Resistance Training, Jiahao Yang, Comfort, Kristina Kendall, G. Gregory Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The aim of this study was to investigate how accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) is currently utilised by strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches. The survey consisted of closed- and open-ended questions divided into 3 key areas of focus (1-Coach and Athlete Demographic, 2-Perceptions of AEL, and 3-Program Design) was administered to S&C coaches. Response frequencies for sections 1 and 2 were calculated as percentages of total respondents, whereas frequencies in Section 3 were calculated relative to respondents who selected each specific training purpose. A thematic analysis was conducted for the responses to an open-ended question. A total of 38 respondents met …

Neurophysiological And Neuromuscular Responses Associated With The Repeated Bout Effect Following Eccentric Exercise In Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Oliver Hayman, Abdulrahman T. Alsowail, Benjamin Griffiths, Stuart R. Gray, Glyn Howatson, Ken Nosaka, Stuart Goodall, Ashlyn K. Frazer, Dawson J. Kidgell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Muscle damage severity decreases after repeated eccentric exercise bouts (the repeated bout effect [RBE]), but whether accompanying neural and neuromuscular changes contribute to protection or arise secondary to reduced damage remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared neurophysiological and neuromuscular responses between initial and repeated eccentric bouts in healthy adults. Eight databases were searched from November 1990 to January 2025, and Hedges’ g was calculated where outcomes were comparable. Given the small number of contributing studies, all pooled analyses were considered exploratory. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Twitch/evoked force showed recovery-compatible point estimates at 24 h (g = …

Influence Of Chronotype On Cycling Performance In Simulated 20-Km Time Trials—A Pilot Study, Sabrina Forster, Sascha Schwindling, Chris Abbiss, Fabienne Döringer, Andreas Klütsch, Anne Hecksteden, Tim Meyer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The chronotype (CT) refers to an individual's diurnal preference towards morningness (M) or eveningness (E). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of chronotype on 20-km cycling performance throughout the day. Seventy-six competitive male cyclists and triathletes completed the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire to determine chronotype. Only participants categorised as ‘definite’ M- (n = 10) and E-types (n = 7) were included in the study. In a randomised order and separated by 2–7 days, participants performed four self-paced 20-km cycling time trials at four different times of the day (06:00 h, 12:00 h, 18:00 h, 22:00 h). Mental readiness …

Effect Of Caffeine Ingestion On Cycling Performance: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Jinyan Wu, Kai Xu, Mingyue Yin, Xianming Ding, Tong Wang, Qiubo Zhang, Xiaowei Wu, Ningkun Xiao

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aimed to determine the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on cycling performance through a systematic review and meta-analysis, while also exploring the moderating roles of caffeine dosage, training status, and athlete age. A comprehensive search was conducted across five databases, yielding 20 eligible studies with a total of 226 participants. A three-level mixed-effects model was applied to pool main effects on cycling time trial performance, mean power output, mean heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to examine potential moderators. Caffeine intake significantly reduced cycling completion time (SMD = −0.36, 95% …

Functional Data Analysis Of Vertical Barbell Acceleration During The Pull Of The Power Clean, Tsuyoshi Nagatani, Shayne Vial, Kristina L. Kendall, Paul Comfort, G. Gregory Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between vertical barbell acceleration patterns and power clean performance. Thirty strength-power athletes performed a one repetition maximum (1RM) power clean test, recording vertical barbell acceleration data from their heaviest successful lifts. This data was then analysed using functional principal component (fPC) analysis methods. Three vertical barbell acceleration patterns were extracted, with each primarily reflecting variations in the magnitude of vertical barbell acceleration during the second pull (fPC1), the transition (fPC2), and the first pull (fPC3). Additionally, two fPCs were extracted from displacement fields, which explain timing variations in barbell acceleration …

Superior Effects Of High-Intensity Interval Eccentric Cycling Training On Neuromuscular Adaptations With Similar Aerobic Adaptations To Concentric Cycling, Marcin Lipski, Joanne Trezise, Chris R. Abbiss, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: We compared the effects of high-intensity interval eccentric (EC) versus concentric cycling (CC) training on aerobic capacity, muscle function and morphology. Methods: Healthy men (19–56 y) performed EC (n = 9) or CC (n = 8) training twice a week for 8 weeks. The training progressed from 5 × 2-min intervals with 1-min rest to 7 × 2-min intervals with 30-s rest. EC and CC were matched for perceived effort, and progressed from 30 to 36% of concentric peak power output (PPO10s) for CC and from 45 to 70% PPO10s for EC. Changes in peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), incremental …

Two Strategies To Improve Stability In A Precision-Based Task: Insights From The Badminton Short Serve, Yochi Iino, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Senshi Fukashiro, Shinsuke Yoshioka, Shayne Vial

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The badminton short serve is a highly precise task requiring accurate control of racquet face orientation, which directly influences shuttlecock trajectory and limits an opponent's ability to attack. Previous studies on motor redundancy have emphasized covariation among elemental variables as the primary mechanism for stabilizing performance. However, when the sensitivities of elemental variables differ, performance can also be stabilized by unevenly distributing individual variances without altering correlation — an approach that has received limited attention. This study investigated whether elite players use both the correlation strategy and the uneven variance strategy to stabilize racquet face angles during the short serve. …

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 …

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 …

High-Dose Beta-Alanine Supplementation For Two Weeks Did Not Enhance Intermittent Endurance Or Sprint Performance In Trained Futsal Players, Hossein Miraftabi, Erfan Berjisian, Marzieh Nouri Dizicheh, Alireza Naderi, Masoud Bodaghi, Majid S. Koozehchian, Fatemeh Shabkhiz, Alvaro Lopez-Samanes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a high-dose beta-alanine (BA) supplementation on physical performance, blood lactate concentration, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in trained futsal players. Methods: Sixteen trained futsal players participated in a randomized, parallel, double-blind experiment, completing a two-week supplementation period with either 12 g/day of BA (n = 8; age: 19 ± 2 years; height: 1.78 ± 0.03 m; body mass: 68.5 ± 5.4 kg) or a placebo (PLA) (n = 8; age: 18 ± 1 years; height: 1.74 ± 0.08 m; body mass: 65.6 ± 6.4 kg). Athletes completed the futsal intermittent …

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 …