Sports Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Short-Term Training With Uncoupled Cranks In Trained Cyclists, Jack Burns, Jeremiah Peiffer, Chris Abbiss, Greig Watson, Angus Burnett, Paul Laursen

Research outputs 2012

Purpose: Manufacturers of uncoupled cycling cranks claim that their use will increase economy of motion and gross efficiency. Purportedly, this occurs by altering the muscle-recruitment patterns contributing to the resistive forces occurring during the recovery phase of the pedal stroke. Uncoupled cranks use an independentclutch design by which each leg cycles independently of the other (ie, the cranks are not fixed together). However, research examining the efficacy of training with uncoupled cranks is equivocal. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of short-term training with uncoupled cranks on the performance-related variables economy of motion, gross efficiency, maximal …

Two Maximal Isometric Contractions Attenuate The Magnitude Of Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage, Hsin-Lian Chen, Kazunori Nosaka, Alan Pearce, Trevor C Chen

Research outputs 2012

This study investigated whether maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC-ISO) would attenuate the magnitude of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. Young untrained men were placed into one of the two experimental groups or one control group (n = 13 per group). Subjects in the experimental groups performed either two or 10 MVC-ISO of the elbow flexors at a long muscle length (20° flexion) 2 days prior to 30 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors. Subjects in the control group performed the eccentric contractions without MVC-ISO. No significant changes in maximal voluntary concentric contraction peak torque, peak torque angle, range of …

Lower Extremity Kinematics And Kinetics When Landing From Unloaded And Loaded Jumps, Ina Janssen, Jeremy Sheppard, Andrew Dingley, Dale Chapman, Wayne Spratford

Research outputs 2012

Countermovement jumps loaded with a weighted vest are often used for the training of lower body power to improve jump performance. However, it is currently unknown how this added load affects the lower extremity kinematics and kinetics, in particular whether this results in an increased injury risk. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine how lower extremity kinematics and kinetics during landing are affected by loaded jumps as demonstrated in a volleyball block jump landing. Ten elite male volleyball players performed block jump landings in an unloaded and loaded (9.89 kg) condition. Kinematic and kinetic landing data from …

Changes In Upper Body Concentric Mean Power Output Resulting From Complex Training Emphasizing Concentric Muscle Actions, Daniel Baker

Research outputs 2012

Contrasting resistance complex (CRC) training is the alternating of sets of heavier and lighter resistances in an effort to evoke an acute increase in power output while lifting the lighter resistance. The effectiveness of CRC has been well established in elite athletes when researchers utilize an optimal manipulation of training variables but equivocal for other studies that have used a very heavy resistance to “stimulate” the neuro-muscular system. It was theorized that very heavy resistances could conceivably fatigue the processes associated with the stretch-shorten cycle (SSC). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of CRC when utilizing …

Anthropometric Characteristics, Upper-Body Strength, And Sprint Paddling Performance In Competitive Surfers, Jeremy Sheppard, Mark Osborne, Dale Chapman, Mark Andrews

Research outputs 2012

The present study examined the potential differences in anthropometric characteristics, upper-body strength, and sprint paddling performance between youth and senior competitive surfers. Twenty competitive male surfers (19.1±6.8 years, 168.2±11.3 cm, 61.7±13.6 kg) were assessed for stature, mass, arm-span, ∑ 7 site skinfold thickness, Lean-Mass Ratio (LMR, ∑ 7 site skinfold/kg body-mass), pronated pull-up 1 repetition maximum (1 RM) and sprint paddling performance from a stationary start to 15 m. Independent t-tests were used to compare potential differences between youth (n:10) and senior group (n:10) of competitive surfers, with Cohen’s Effect Size (d) applied to reflect the magnitude of any differences …

Acute Effects Of Three Different Stretching Protocols On The Wingate Test Performance, B L Franco, G R Signorelli, Gabriel Trajano, P B Costa, C G De Oliveira

Research outputs 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of different stretching exercises on the performance of the traditional Wingate test (WT). Fifteen male participants performed five WT; one for familiarization (FT), and the remaining four after no stretching (NS), static stretching (SS), dynamic stretching (DS), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Stretches were targeted for the hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles. Peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and the time to reach PP (TP) were calculated. The MP was significantly lower when comparing the DS (7.7 ± 0.9 W/kg) to the PNF (7.3 ± 0.9 W/kg) condition (p < 0.05). For PP, significant differences were observed between more comparisons, with PNF stretching providing the lowest result. A consistent increase of TP was observed after all stretching exercises when compared to NS. The results suggest the type of stretching, or no stretching, should be considered by those who seek higher performance and practice sports that use maximal anaerobic power.

Practicing Field Hockey Skills Along The Contextual Interference Continuum: A Comparison Of Five Practice Schedules, Jadeera Cheong, Brendan Lay, J. Robert Grove, Nikola Medic, Rizal Razman

Research outputs 2012

To overcome the weakness of the contextual interference (CI) effect within applied settings, Brady (2008) recommended that the amount of interference be manipulated. This study investigated the effect of five practice schedules on the learning of three field hockey skills. Fifty-five pre-university students performed a total of 90 trials for each skill under blocked, mixed or random practice orders. Results showed a significant time effect with all five practice conditions leading to improvements in acquisition and learning of the skills. No significant differences were found between the groups. The findings of the present study did not support the CI effect …

The Effects Of The Deflection Point And Shaft Mass On Swing And Launch Parameters In The Golf Swing, Christopher Joyce, Angus Burnett, Stephen Herbert

Research outputs 2012

This study determined whether a higher dynamic deflection point (DDP) was evident when using a driver fitted with a stiff shaft of greater mass and whether between-shaft differences were evident in swing and launch parameters. Twelve elite male golfers had three shots analysed for each of two drivers fitted with “stiff” shafts of different mass (56 g and 78 g). Six swing and launch parameters were measured by a real-time launch monitor and the (DDP) was measured using a motion analysis system. Between-shaft differences were evident for the DDP at maximum, but not at ball impact. Between-shaft differences in swing …

Swing And Launch Parameters In Approach-Iron Shots Hit With Varying Height And Trajectory In Golf, Samuel J. Robertson, Angus Burnett

Research outputs 2012

The first aim of this study was to determine whether relationships existed between variability of swing and launch parameters and variability in shot outcome for straight golf shots. The second aim was to determine whether differences existed for swing and launch parameters in shots intentionally played with varying height and trajectory. Elite (n=20) and high-level amateur (n=22) golfers hit; 1) five straight shots of normal height and 2) nine shots of differing height (low, normal, high) and trajectory (straight, draw, fade). Variability of club attack angle, face angle and ball spin axis was significantly associated (p

Effects Of Lowering Body Temperature Via Hyperhydration, With And Without Glycerol Ingestion And Practical Precooling On Cycling Time Trial Performance In Hot And Humid Conditions, Megan Ross, Nikki Jeacocke, Paul Laursen, David Martin, Christopher Abbiss, Louise Burke

Research outputs 2012

Background: Hypohydration and hyperthermia are factors that may contribute to fatigue and impairment of endurance performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of combining glycerol hyperhydration and an established precooling technique on cycling time trial performance in hot environmental conditions.Methods: Twelve well-trained male cyclists performed three 46.4-km laboratory-based cycling trials that included two climbs, under hot and humid environmental conditions (33.3 ± 1.1°C; 50 ± 6% r.h.). Subjects were required to hyperhydrate with 25 g.kg-1 body mass (BM) of a 4°C beverage containing 6% carbohydrate (CON) 2.5 h prior to the time trial. On two occasions, …

Reliability And Validity Of Unilateral And Bilateral Isometric Strength Measures Using A Customised, Portable Apparatus, Nicolas Hart, Sophia Nimphius, Jodie Wilkie, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2012

No abstract provided.

Motivation, Need Support And Need Satisfaction In Youth Soccer Players, Erica Lippitt

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Author's abstract: Physical activity levels and obesity rates vary greatly across ethnic groups in the United States (CDC, 2011). One popular way to increase physical activity levels in youth is through youth sport participation, which may be influenced by athlete motivation. Numerous studies have determined motivation levels in youth sport participants, but very little done in comparing levels across different ethnic groups. Identifying differences in motivation levels based on ethnicity can allow coaches and sport administrators to adjust practices and program setups to increase participation and meet needs of player competence. The purpose of the study was to determine if …

Service Learning In Higher Education Exercise Science Programs, Wendy Bjerke Ph.D.

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

Service Learning in Higher Education Exercise Science Programs

ABSTRACT

Research Category

INTRODUCTION: Service Learning (SL) describes teaching methods that incorporate student service activities with specific learning objectives. SL has been applied to allied health higher education programs.

PURPOSE: To determine the applicability of SL to exercise science courses. SL data associated with an undergraduate course in exercise physiology serving a local fire department is examined.

METHODS: Among 90 firefighters, resting heart rate, blood pressure, estimated relative VO2 max, body composition, lower extremity power, upper body strength, flexibility, and perceived stress was assessed pre and post an education and physical …

Effect Of Honey On Anaerobic Performance In Male Collegiate Soccer Players, Katelyn G. Woolfolk

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Author's abstract: Carbohydrate supplementation has been associated with increased performance in aerobic and anaerobic activity. Honey, specifically, has shown to increase performance in aerobic exercise as well as provide other health benefits. The purpose of this study was to see if honey, a natural substance, has a positive effect on anaerobic performance, rates of perceived exertion, and gastrointestinal distress. Subjects consisted of 18 healthy, Division 1 collegiate male soccer players (19.39 ± 0.85 yr, 75.39 ± 7.97 kg). All had no allergies and were cleared for participation by a certified athletic trainer. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three …

Heart Rate And Accelerometry During Singles Footbag Net Play, Christopher Michael Siebert

Dissertations and Theses

This investigation examined the heart rate responses and movement characteristics of experienced footbag net players during singles play. Footbag net is a net/court sport similar to volleyball, but it is played with a footbag (e.g., Hacky-Sack^TM) using only the feet. In singles footbag net, players are allowed either one or two kicks to propel the footbag over the net. Subjects were 15 males and 1 female, ranging in age from 18- 60 years, with a mean age of 33.6 years. Subjects played two games of singles footbag net using two different scoring systems: "sideout" scoring and "rally" scoring. …

Assessment And Training Of Muscular Force And Power Qualities Of The Lower Limb Using Traditional And Cluster Loading, Keir Hansen

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

It is widely accepted that lower body muscular force and power capabilities are of significant importance to many athletic tasks. Thus the assessment and training of these qualities are a key focus in both sports science and strength and conditioning practice. The purpose of this thesis was firstly to investigate previously discussed but poorly researched methods of assessing force and power characteristics of the lower limb particularly focusing on the analysis of the force-time and power-time curves during the rebound jump squat, and secondly, to investigate the effectiveness of cluster loading, an alternative resistance training paradigm, in training for lower …

Pain Relief In Older Adults Following Static Contractions Is Not Task-Dependent, Kathy J. Lemley, Breanna Drewek, Lauren Miller, Sandra K. Hunter, Marie K. Hoeger Bement

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Pain complaints increase with age. Exercise is frequently utilized for pain relief but the optimal exercise prescription to relieve pain is not clear. Following static contractions, young adults experience the greatest pain relief with low intensity, long duration contractions. The pain response to static contractions in older adults however is unknown.

PURPOSE : To compare pain reports in healthy older adults before and after static contractions of varying intensity and duration.

METHODS: Pain perception was assessed in 23 healthy older adults (11 men, 12 women; 72.0 ± 6.3 yrs) using a pressure pain device consisting of a 10 N force …

A Kinanthropometric Analysis Of Accurate And Inaccurate Kickers: Implications For Kicking Accuracy In Australian Football, Nicolas H. Hart

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

A paucity of research exists investigating the potential relationship between the technical and temporal strategy of accurate and inaccurate kickers in response to physical parameters modifiable by athletic conditioning. While recent studies have produced improvements in performance when kicking for distance following structured resistance training interventions, no studies have examined the influence of such interventions on the enhancement of kicking accuracy. It was therefore the purpose of this thesis to extend scientific understanding of those mechanisms which might underpin accurate kicking performances through examining kinanthropometric, strength and muscularity profiles of accurate and inaccurate kickers in Australian Football using a series …

Practical Precooling Strategies And Cycling Time Trial Performance, Megan L. Ross

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Whole-body precooling can improve endurance exercise performance, especially in the heat; however there are logistical considerations that restrict the use of various precooling strategies prior to actual competition. Precooling is proposed to collectively reduce deep skin and body temperature and in effect, increase the heat storage capacity of an athlete, thereby allowing a greater amount of work to be completed prior to attainment of a critical core temperature. While there is a sound theoretical basis for implementing precooling to improve cycling time trial performance in the heat, the practicalities of employing effective precooling strategies in the field warrant further investigation. …

Monitoring Neuromuscular Fatigue In High Performance Athletes, Kristie-Lee Taylor

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

With improving professionalism of sports around the world, the volume and frequency of training required for competitive performances at the elite level has increased concurrently. With this amplification in training load comes an increased need to closely monitor the associated fatigue responses, since maximising the adaptive response to training is also reliant on avoiding the negative consequences of excessive fatigue. The rationale for the experimental chapters in this thesis was established after considering survey responses regarding current best practice for monitoring fatigue in high performance sporting environments (Chapter 3). On the basis of the results, vertical jump assessments were selected …

Development Of An Ankle Function Model, Kelli R. Snyder

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) represent the most common orthopedic injury treated by athletic trainers, yet there is no consensus regarding the measurement of the effectiveness of care (e.g. outcomes). Further compounding this problem is the repetitive nature of LAS, often referred to as "functional" or "chronic" ankle instability (FAI, CAI, respectively). Although a common entity in practice and research, FAI is inconsistently defined and assessed. Essentially, athletic trainers are neglecting to address one of the most important issues identified in their profession (outcomes) for the most common injury for which they provide care (LAS). Therefore, the purpose of this research …