Sports Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of The Menstrual Cycle Phase On Rpe, And Symptom Characteristics In Pre-Professional Female Soccer Players, Emily Potts

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Hormonal fluctuations across the distinct phases of the menstrual cycle have been shown to influence physiological and psychological responses to exercise, with some evidence suggesting phase-dependent changes in symptom presentation and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE); however, findings remain inconsistent, and few studies have examined these relationships across an entire competitive season in female soccer players. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in RPE and menstrual symptoms across cycle phases, as well as the relationships between RPE and symptom reporting in pre-professional female soccer players. A total of 22 female soccer players (age 22± 1.85) were recruited …

Validity Of The Polar Verity Sense Optical Armband And Iphone Accelerometer For Heart Rate Variability Assessment, Chinelo C. Chukwuma

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Polar Verity Sense optical armband and iPhone accelerometer (Kubois seismocardiography, SCG) against the Polar H10 across different body positions (for both devices) and measurement durations (for Verity Sense only) while accounting for skin pigmentation. Healthy young adults (n = 46) participated in simultaneous recordings in the supine, seated, and standing positions using the Kubios mobile application on separate devices. Verity Sense measurements were collected for both 1‑ and 5‑min durations, whereas accelerometer measures were 1 min. Skin pigmentation was quantified with the melanin index (M-index). For resting heart …

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% …

A Multidimensional Evaluation Of Various Isometric Posterior Chain Strength Assessments: Comparative Force Production Characteristics, Administrative Feasibility, And Athlete-Reported Experience, Adam E. Sundh, Nicholas J. Ripley, Aj J. Lamb, Devin S. Vervoort, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Isometric posterior chain strength assessments are increasingly employed in high-performance sports for benchmarking and fatigue monitoring, yet little is known about how practical implementation factors influence protocol selection. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility, practicality, participant perceptions, and reliability of four commonly used isometric posterior chain assessments, the long-lever bridge (LLB), standing 90:20, supine 90:90, and supine 30:30. Thirty-seven NCAA division II athletes (19 females: age = 20.1 ± 0.9 years, height = 166.7 ± 5.2 cm, body mass = 67.0 ± 12.1 kg; and 18 males: 19.7 ± 1.2 years, height = 178.9 ± 6.6 …

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 …

Negotiating Relationships With Food, The Body, And Physical Activity: Who Is The Healthiest Of Them All?, Valeria Varea, Victoria Evans, Dawn Penney, Eibhlish O'Hara

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Healthy eating and regular exercise are things that many people aspire to, mainly for health reasons. However, these practices can be complex given broader societal discourses. This paper aims to critically interrogate the social conditions and discursive formations that underpin everyday exercisers’ relationships with food, the body, and physical activity by using biopower and biopedagogies as a theoretical approach, and healthism as a set of discourses. Photo elicitation interviews with vignettes were conducted with nine participants who were regular exercisers. We constructed three different scenarios from the interview data and the theoretical approach: 1. Anna: A performance-driven, health compliant, private …

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 …

Within-Session Dose–Response And Between-Session Carry-Over Effects Of Eccentric Contractions Versus Static Stretches On Range Of Motion And Muscle–Tendon Mechanics, Anthony David Kay, Anthony William Baross, Brett Anthony Baxter, Anthony John Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Eccentric resistance training produces substantial increases in maximum joint range of motion (ROM), highlighting its potential as an alternative to static stretching. However, little is known about the short-term effects or associated mechanisms. Therefore, this study compared within-session responses and between-session carry-over effects of eccentric contractions and static stretching in 18 healthy human volunteers. Methods: Using a counterbalanced crossover design, participants completed four sessions across two conditions: Eccentric contractions (EC1, EC2) and static stretching (SS1, SS2), with 48–72 h between sessions. EC comprised 5 sets of 10 × 3-s isokinetic eccentric contractions while SS comprised 5 sets of 30-s …

Single Joint Posterior Chain Isometric Testing Using Force Plates: A Systematic Review Of The Methodologies And Reliability Of Testing Methods, Jack T. Fahey, Christopher Bramah, Richie Barber, James Williams, John J. Mcmahon, Paul Comfort, Nicholas J. Ripley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The posterior chain muscles (i.e. hamstring and gluteal) play an important role in performance and injury prevention. Posterior chain muscle injuries lead to time lost from training, competition and increased reinjury risk. Force plates enable valid and reliable assessment, current methods assessing isometric posterior chain (IPC) force production using force plates have yet to be reviewed. This review was designed to systematically review methods of single joint IPC force plate testing; establish existing reliability; and summarise descriptive data. A literature search was conducted using the following search terms: ‘force plat*’ AND ‘isometric’ AND (‘hamstring*’ OR ‘knee flex*’ OR ‘posterior chain’ …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Single Joint Assessment Of Isometric Plantarflexor Force Characteristics Using Portable Force Plates: A Systematic Review Of Methods And Reliability, James Williams, Paul Comfort, Nicholas J. Ripley, Jack T. Fahey, Ritchie Barber, Christopher Bramah

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The aim of this systematic review was to (1) identify differences in isometric force plate testing procedures for the ankle plantarflexors and (2) determine the reliability of existing methods to inform minimum reporting standards. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, MEDLINE and CINAHL was conducted from inception to 2025, for peer-reviewed studies using portable force plates to assess isometric plantarflexor force. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Two independent reviewers assessed methodological quality using the COSMIN Risk of Bias tool and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, with discrepancies resolved collaboratively. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, revealing methodological variations …

The Evolution Of Match-Play In Major League Soccer From 2018 To 2023, Callum J. Mccaskie, Christopher Wing

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Major League Soccer (MLS) has experienced significant growth since its establishment 30 years ago. However, no research has investigated the on-field performance trends. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the evolution of MLS match-play via technical and tactical key performance indicators, and investigate the differences between teams according to league finishing position. MLS on-field performance indicators were obtained across six seasons from open-source website FBref. Mean game values were collected from 21 match performance indicators for every MLS team over six seasons. Teams were also classified according to their league finishing position at the conclusion of each …

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 …

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 …