Search

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether a high carbohydrate diet in the days before movement patterns simulating a squash match would increase carbohydrate oxidation during the match, and alter physical performance. Nine New Zealand level squash players were recruited to complete a simulated squash match on two occasions: 1) following a 48-hr high carbohydrate (11.1g·kg-1); and 2) following a calorie-matched low carbohydrate (2.1 g·kg-1) diet. The interventions were assigned in a randomized, single-blind, cross-over design. The match simulation was designed to mimic a five-game match lasting approximately 1 hr. Performance was measured as time to complete each game. Expired respiratory gases and heart rate were continuously collected throughout the trial using a portable gas analysis system. Capillary blood glucose and lactate samples were obtained during a 90 s rest period between each game. Rating of perceived exertion was also recorded after each set. Respiratory exchange ratio was significantly higher during exercise following the high CHO diet (0.80 vs. 0.76) p < .001) and this was associated with significantly faster time to complete the games (2340 ± 189 s vs. 2416 ± 128 s, p = .036). Blood glucose and lactate concentrations were also significantly higher in the high carbohydrate condition (p = .038 and p = .021 respectively). These results suggest that ingestion of a diet high in carbohydrate (>10 g/kg body weight) preceding simulated competitive squash produces increased rates of carbohydrate oxidation and maintains higher blood glucose concentrations. These metabolic effects were associated with improved physical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: While dietary sources of calcium are important for bone health, the intake of milk and milk products decreases as children get older. A free milk in schools program may mitigate this decrease in milk consumption. We evaluated the Fonterra Milk for schools program (a free milk initiative) by determining changes in children's milk consumption and anthropometric measures over a 2‐year period. METHODS: The evaluation was conducted in children aged 7‐9 years in a representative sample of primary schools participating in the free milk program, in Auckland, New Zealand. The primary outcome was the proportion of children meeting the New Zealand guidelines for dairy and milk product consumption over 7 days (≥2 servings per day). Changes in anthropometric measures were also assessed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Nine schools (N = 511 children) participated in the evaluation. The proportion of children meeting the New Zealand guidelines for milk and milk product consumption over 7 days increased significantly from baseline to 2 years' follow‐up (72% vs 94%; p < .001). Body mass index z scores did not change significantly between baseline and 2 years' follow‐up. CONCLUSIONS: The Fonterra Milk for Schools initiative appears to be an effective way of increasing milk/milk product consumption behaviors in school‐aged children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated risk factors in later life; however, little is known about their dietary intakes. The objective of this study was to assess dietary intakes in SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) at 3.5, 7, and 11 years. The Auckland Birthweight Collaborative Study is a longitudinal case-control study of children born at term ( n = 871). Children were assessed at 3.5 ( n = 550), 7 ( n = 591), and 11 ( n = 620) years of age. Diet was assessed using a 24-hr record-assisted recall. Reported dietary intakes were analyzed and compared with the Australian and New Zealand Nutrient Reference Values. Compared with AGA, median energy intakes were significantly lower in SGA at 3.5 years (4.2 MJ [IQR, 3.0 to 5.8] vs. 5.4 MJ [IQR, 3.9 to 6.5]; p < .0001) but not at 7 and 11 years. Inadequate dietary intakes of micronutrients were more prevalent among SGA at 3.5 years and 11 years of age. A large proportion of SGA and AGA children consumed more than the recommended amounts of saturated fats, sugars, and sodium. There was no association of dietary intake and socio-demographic factors. This study reveals that dietary intake in 3.5-year-old children born SGA is lower in energy and a variety of micronutrients compared with dietary intake in AGA. These intakes may however be appropriate given their BMI z-scores. High intakes of sodium, saturated fat, and sugars are a concern for all children in this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the effects of six warm-up modalities on peak power output (PPO) during the high-pull exercise. Nine resistance-trained males completed six trials using different warm-ups: highpull specific (HPS), cycle, whole body vibration (WBV), cycle+HPS, WBV+HPS and a control. Intramuscular temperature (Tm) was increased by 2°C using WBV or cycling. PPO, Tm and electromyography (EMG) were recorded during each trial. Two high-pulls were performed prior to and 3 min after participants completed the warm-up. The greatest increase in PPO occurred with HPS (232.8 ± 89.7 W, P < 0.001); however, this was not different to combined warm-ups (cycle+HPS 158.6 ± 121.1 W; WBV +HPS 177.3 ± 93.3 W, P = 1.00). These modalities increased PPO to a greater extent than those that did not involve HPS (all P < 0.05). HPS took the shortest time to complete, compared to the other conditions (P < 0.05). EMG did not differ from pre to post warm-up or between modalities in any of the muscles investigated. No change in Tm occurred in warm-ups that did not include cycling or WBV. These results suggest that a movement-specific warm-up improves performance more than temperature- related warm-ups. Therefore, mechanisms other than increased muscle temperature and activation may be important for improving short-term PPO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To derive novel emergency weight estimation tables for New Zealand children aged 5-10 years using ethnicity and sex to increase accuracy and precision. Methods Using an existing dataset (collected in five New Zealand primary schools during July 2013; n = 376), body mass index and current emergency weight estimates were calculated. Stepwise regression with Akanke Information produced two best-fit models for predicting weight, one based on age and the other on height. Potential explanatory variables included ethnicity, sex and body habitus. Results The length-based model included height, ethnicity and body habitus. Accuracy (weight estimates within 10% of actual weight) for the length-based lookup table (74.8%) was similar to that for the Broselow-Luten tape (73.4%). The age-based model included age, sex, ethnicity and body habitus. Accuracy (51.3%) for the age-based lookup table was better than for existing formulae including Shann (45.7%), Advanced Paediatric Life Support (39.1%) and Theron (28.7%). Conclusion The most accurate method for weight estimation in Auckland children aged 5-10 years is either the novel length-based lookup table or the existing Broselow-Luten tape. When length-based methods are not possible, the age-based lookup tables incorporating age, sex, ethnicity and body habitus are more accurate than existing methods of weight estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the muscle activity and onset time of hip extensors during a closed kinetic chain exercise (deadlift) at sub-maximal loads of 30%, 40%, 50%, and 75% of one repetition maximum (1RM). Twelve healthy males with at least three years of resistance training experience volunteered for the study. Biceps femoris (BF) and gluteus maximus (GM) muscle activity, onset time, peak and mean power were measured during the concentric phase of the deadlift. There was no main effect (p > 0.05) or no interaction effect for the onset time in BF and GM and for each load BF and GM had similar muscle activity. Increasing the external load during deadlift had no adverse effect on the relative onset time and it did not promote BF onset to occur before GM onset, thus both muscles were simultaneously activated, which should not compromise a delay in GM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to quantify the inter-session reliability of force–velocity–power profiling and estimated maximal strength in youth. Thirty-six males (11–15 years old) performed a ballistic supine leg press test at five randomized loads (80%, 100%, 120%, 140%, and 160% body mass) on three separate occasions. Peak and mean force, power, velocity, and peak displacement were collected with a linear position transducer attached to the weight stack. Mean values at each load were used to calculate different regression lines and estimate maximal strength, force, velocity, and power. All variables were found reliable (change in the mean [CIM] = − 1 to 14%; coefficient of variation [CV] = 3–18%; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.74–0.99), but were likely to benefit from a familiarization, apart from the unreliable maximal force/velocity ratio (CIM = 0–3%; CV = 23–25%; ICC = 0.35–0.54) and load at maximal power (CIM = − 1 to 2%; CV = 10–13%; ICC = 0.26–0.61). Isoinertial force–velocity–power profiling and maximal strength in youth can be assessed after a familiarization session. Such profiling may provide valuable insight into neuromuscular capabilities during growth and maturation and may be used to monitor specific training adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of either continuous moderate intensity exercise training (CMIET) alone vs. CMIET combined with a single weekly bout of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiorespiratory fitness. Twenty nine sedentary participants (36.3 ± 6.9 yrs) at moderate risk of cardiovascular disease were recruited for 12 weeks of exercise training on a treadmill and cycle ergometer. Participants were randomised into three groups: CMIET + HIIT (n = 7; 8-12 x 60 sec at 100% VO2max, 150 sec active recovery), CMIET (n = 6; 30 min at 45-60% oxygen consumption reserve (VO2R)) and a sedentary control group (n = 7). Participants in the CMIET + HIIT group performed a single weekly bout of HIIT and four weekly sessions of CMIET, whilst the CMIET group performed five weekly CMIET sessions. Probabilistic magnitude-based inferences were determined to assess the likelihood that the true value of the effect represents substantial change. Relative VO2max increased by 10.1% (benefit possible relative to control) in in the CMIET + HIIT group (32.7 ± 9.2 to 36.0 ± 11.5 mL•kg- 1•min-1) and 3.9% (benefit possible relative to control) in the CMIET group (33.2 ± 4.0 to 34.5 ± 6.1 mL•kg-1•min-1), whilst there was a 5.7% decrease in the control group (30.0 ± 4.6 to 28.3 ± 6.5 mL•kg-1•min-1). It was ‘unclear’ if a clinically significant difference existed between the effect of CMIET + HIIT and CMIET on the change in VO2max. Both exercising groups showed clinically meaningful improvements in VO2max. Nevertheless, it remains ‘unclear’ whether one type of exercise training regimen elicits a superior improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness relative to its counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate the effects of haltere/handheld loading on the kinematics of horizontal jumping and to investigate whether an optimum relative load (% body mass (BM) exists to maximize jump distance. Researchers evaluated 16 athletes. They found that haltere/handheld loading augments vertical and horizontal force and impulses and that the optimum relative load for enhancing jump distance was 9.2 +or- 3.4% of body mass.

The aim of the study was to validate the self-report Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents (MARCA) against accelerometry for the assessment of physical activity in New Zealand children. Participants (n = 716, 10–18 years) recalled 3–4 days of activity using the MARCA and underwent a partially overlapping 7-day accelerometry protocol during a national survey. Spearman correlation coefficients (ρ) assessed the association between accelerometer-derived counts per minute and MARCA-derived physical activity level and time in locomotion. Both data sources estimated time spent in light and moderate–vigorous physical activity. Association and agreement between methods for light physical activity and moderate–vigorous physical activity was assessed using correlations and Bland–Altman plots respectively, and pairedt-tests conducted. Accelerometer-derived activity counts were moderately correlated with both MARCA-derived physical activity level and locomotion (ρ = 0.38,P < 0.0001). The correlation between methods was –0.14 for light physical activity and 0.28 for moderate–vigorous physical activity (P < 0.0001). The MARCA overestimated moderate–vigorous physical activity compared with accelerometry (120 min,P < 0.0001), which increased as moderate–vigorous physical activity time increased. Some sex and ethnicity (Māori [indigenous] versus non-Māori) differences were observed. Overall, the MARCA indicated moderate validity for assessment of physical activity level, locomotion and moderate–vigorous physical activity and poor validity for assessment of light physical activity. This was comparable to other self-report tools. The MARCA has utility for future large-scale research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents research that investigated the physiological characteristics of international female soccer players aged 14-36 years and compared these characteristics for players who were selected for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association's starting line up with those who were not selected. The study found significant differences between starters and nonstarters in the under 17 age group in terms of isokinetic leg strength maximal aerobic velocity.

The article discusses a study of maximal upper-body power, focusing on the variation of loads and anthropometric measures while recommending individual assessment. Topics include the bench press strength, forearm length, peak power, upper-arm girth, and total arm length of the rugby players that were examined in the study.

Vibration exercise (VbX) has been a popular modality to enhancing physical performance, where various training methods and techniques have been employed to improve immediate and longterm sprint performance. However, the use of acute sidealternating VbX on sprint and agility performance remains unclear. Eight female athletes preformed side-alternating vibration exercise (VbX) and control (no VbX) in a cross over randomised design that was conducted one week apart. After performing a warm-up, the athletes undertook maximal 5m sprints and maximal reactive agility sprints (RAT), this was followed by sidealternating VbX (26 Hz, 6mm) or control (no VbX). Immediately following the intervention, post-sprint tests and RAT were performed. There was a significant treatment effect but there was no time effect (pre vs. post) or interaction effect for sprint and RAT; however, side-alternating VbX did not compromise sprint and agility performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which was conducted to investigate whether wearing compression garments during recovery improved subsequent repeated sprint and three kilometer run performance in rugby players. Researchers evaluated 22 players. They found that wearing compressive garments during recovery was likely to be worthwhile, and very unlikely to be harmful for well trained rugby players.

The article reports on research conducted to investigate the anaerobic and aerobic profiles of competitive surfers. Researchers evaluated the peak oxygen uptake (Vo2peak) of 20 surfers using an incremental ramp test and anaerobic power during a 10-second maximal paddling burst using a surf paddle-specific modified kayak ergometer with a surfboard and hand paddles. They found a significant relationship between anaerobic power and season rank and no relationship between Vo2peak and season rank.

The article presents the results of a study which investigated effectiveness of plyometric training regimens on sprint performance. An overview of related previous research is provided, detailing inconsistent reports regarding benefits of plyometric intervention. Details of the experiment protocol are also presented, including cross-analysis of multiple studies exploring the potential benefits of plyometrics upon sprinting performance.

Background: Reduced time dedicated to physical education and free play in recent decades emphasizes the need to promote opportunities for sport participation in adolescents in order to increase physical activity levels. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of sociodemographic and biological characteristics, behavioural patterns, and school-related and sport-specific variables with time spent participating in sport. Methods: A total of 1837 secondary school students (age: 14.6 ± 1.2 years; 50.9 % boys) from 19 of 23 schools in the Otago Region (New Zealand) completed an online sport survey and Youth Physical Activity Questionnaire in 2009. Using multilevel modeling, we examined the association of individual-, school- and sport-related variables on sport participation and the amount of time spent in sports. Results: Higher rates of sport participation were associated with lower neighbourhood deprivation scores (OR (95% CI): 0.75 (0.49-1.14), 0.57 (0.38-0.86), 0.48 (0.28-0.81)), higher quintiles of physical activity (2.89 (2.10-3.96), 2.81 (1.68- 4.70), 3.54 (2.24-5.57), 3.97 (1.99-7.95)), highest quintiles of screen time (1.58 (0.94-2.65), 1.99 (1.42-2.80), 2.17 (1.43- 3.30), 1.88 (1.37-2.57)) and boys only school status (2.21 (1.57-3.10)). Greater amount of time spent in sports was associated with male gender (0.56 (0.43-0.74), lower neighbourhood deprivation scores (0.72 (0.59-0.93), 0.78 (0.58- 1.04), 0.62 (0.39-1.00)), higher quintiles of physical activity (3.18 (2.29-4.41), 4.25 (2.91-6.20), 8.33 (5.58-12.44), 6.58 (4.07-10.64)), highest quintile of screen time (1.83 (1.31-2.56), greater availability of sports outside school (1.68 (1.22- 2.32)), better sport management (2.57 (1.63-4.07)) and provision of sport courts at school (0.57 (0.40-0.81)). Conversely, obesity was associated with less time spent participating in sport (0.50 (0.31-0.80)). Conclusion: Results support the use of sport participation as an effective strategy to increase physical activity levels and identify target groups and areas for interventions, program design and policy development. Interventions should focus on improving accessibility to sport programs for all adolescents, providing adequate sport grounds at school, and promoting good sport management practices. Programs and policies encouraging sport participation should address in particular the needs of adolescents living in deprived neighborhoods, those attending coeducational and girls-only schools, and those who are obese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Active muscle stiffness might protect the unstable shoulder from recurrent dislocation. Objective: To compare strength and active stiffness in participants with unilateral anterior shoulder instability and to examine the relationship between active stiffness and functional ability. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: University research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Participants included 16 males (age range, 16-40 years; height=179.4±6.1 cm; mass = 79.1 ±6.8 kg) with 2 or more episodes of unilateral traumatic anterior shoulder instability. Main Outcome Measure(s): Active stiffness and maximal voluntary strength were measured bilaterally in participants. In addition, quality of life, function, and perceived instability were measured using the Western Ontario Stability Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, and Single Alpha Numeric Evaluation, respectively. Results: We found less horizontal adduction strength (t15 = -4.092, P=.001) and less stiffness at 30% (14 = -3.796, P = .002) and 50% (12 =-2.341, P=.04) maximal voluntary strength in the unstable than stable shoulder. Active stiffness was not correlated with quality of life, function, or perceived instability (r range, 0.0-0.25; P>.05). Conclusions: The observed reduction in stiffness in the unstable shoulder warrants inclusion of exercises in the rehabilitation program to protect the joint from perturbations that might lead to dislocation. The lack of association between active stiffness and quality of life, function, or perceived instability might indicate that stiffness plays a less direct role in shoulder stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. An Internet-based weight-loss programme has the potential to reach larger numbers of people than traditional face-to-face programmes. A growing body of evidence supports the use of low glycaemic load (GL) diets for weight loss. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an Internet-based weight-loss programme that included foods with a low GL. One hundred and three volunteers, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg m, enrolled into an Internet weight-loss programme. A dietitian counselled participants over the Internet via weekly interactive chat rooms and monthly e-mails. Participants self-recorded body weight and food intake directly on to the Internet site. Weight, BMI and waist circumference were measured, and dietary data collected, at baseline and 6 months. Seventy participants completed the 6-month weight-loss programme. Among these, mean weight, BMI and waist circumference significantly decreased by 3.5 kg (95% CI = 2.3-4.7), 1.2 kg m (95% CI = 0.8-1.7) and 4.8 cm (95% CI = 2.8-6.8), of baseline values respectively ( P < 0.001). Twenty-five (36%) of the 70 participants lost a clinically significant amount of weight (>5% of initial body weight). This descriptive study has shown that an Internet-based weight-loss programme with low GL principles can promote weight loss. This type of intervention and approach could be used to enhance other weight-loss strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research measuring whole-body protein turnover (WBPT) after both exercise and nutrition has generally focused on resistance exercise; however, there is a paucity of data regarding the effect of postaerobic exercise nutrition, especially in older adults. It is not known if postexercise protein feeding has a beneficial effect on protein turnover after low- to moderate-intensity exercise. We investigated whether consuming protein plus carbohydrate (PRO) immediately after an acute bout of aerobic exercise has an additive effect over carbohydrate alone (CHO) on WBPT in older individuals. Twelve healthy older adults (age, 59 ± 4 years) were studied on 2 separate occasions after 1 h of exercise at approximately 50% of maximal rate of oxygen uptake, followed by 4 h of recovery. Immediately following exercise, subjects ingested a CHO (60 g) or an isocaloric PRO beverage (40 g carbohydrate, 20 g whey protein). Whole-body protein metabolism was determined using [1-13C]leucine infusion (60 mg prime; 75 mg·h-1 continuous), and sampling blood and expired breath. Rates of whole-body leucine appearance and oxidation, and nonoxidative leucine disposal during the third and fourth hours of postexercise recovery were higher in the PRO group (2.51 ± 0.55, 0.78 ± 0.37, and 1.71 ± 0.44 µmol·kg-1·min-1, respectively) than in the CHO group (1.81 ± 0.27, 0.33 ± 0.14, and 1.47 ± 0.25 µmol·kg-1·min-1, respectively; p = 0.001). Our results indicate that consumption of a PRO beverage after aerobic exercise increased WBPT to a greater extent than a CHO beverage. Les études s'intéressant à la mesure du renouvellement global des protéines dans l'organisme (WBPT) à la suite d'un exercice physique et d'un apport alimentaire traitent généralement du rôle des exercices de force; néanmoins, il y a peu d'études sur les effets d'un apport alimentaire à la suite d'un exercice aérobie particulièrement chez les personnes âgées. On ne sait pas si un apport protéique après un exercice suscite un effet bénéfique sur le renouvellement protéique consécutif à un exercice d'intensité légère à modérée. Cette étude se propose de vérifier si, comparativement à un apport de sucres seulement (CHO), un apport protéique combiné à des sucres (PRO) immédiatement après un bref effort aérobie apporte des effets additionnels concernant le WBPT chez des personnes âgées. On invite en deux occasions douze adultes en bonne santé et âgés de 59 ± 4 ans à participer à une séance d'exercice d'une durée de 60 min et d'intensité suscitant 50 % du consommation d'oxygene maximale suivie d'une récupération d'une durée de 4 h. Immédiatement après la fin de l'exercice, les sujets consomment soit une boisson contenant des sucres (CHO; 60 g) soit une boisson contenant des sucres et des protéines (PRO; 40 g de sucres et 20 g de protéines lactosériques) totalisant la même quantité d'énergie. On évalue le métabolisme protéique de l'organisme en entier par l'administration de [1-13C] leucine (infusion immédiate de 60 mg suivie d'une perfusion à raison de 75 mg·h-1) et l'analyse des échantillons de sang et des gaz expirés. Les taux corporels d'apparition de la leucine, de son oxydation et de l'élimination de la fraction non oxydée au cours de la 3e et de la 4e heure de la période de récupération postexercice sont plus importants dans la condition PRO (2,51 ± 0,55, 0,78 ± 0,37 et 1,71 ± 0,44 μmol·kg-1·min-1 respectivement) que dans la condition CHO (1,81 ± 0,27, 0,33 ± 0,14 et 1,47 ± 0,25 μmol·kg-1·min-1 respectivement) (p = 0,001). Nos observations révèlent qu'un apport de protéines à la suite d'un exercice aérobie suscite une plus grande augmentation du WBPT que ne le fait un apport de sucres. Un apport protéique à la suite d'un exercice semble favorable à l'amélioration de la qualité des protéines contenues dans l'organisme en entier et pourrait apporter des gains en matière de capacité physique chez les personnes âgées. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the bone health and associated risk factors of a group of South Asian women living in New Zealand. Studies on the Indian subcontinent suggest a high incidence of low bone mineral density in women with poor vitamin D status and low dietary calcium intake. Methods: Subjects were women of South Asian origin (n = 91) living in Auckland, New Zealand. Subjects were stratified by menopausal status. They completed a 4-day food diary, and provided a fasting blood sample. Bone mineral density was measured in the lumbar spine and proximal femur using dual X-ray densitometry. Results: Mean age of premenopausal (n = 71) and postmenopausal (n = 20) women was 39.8 ± 7.8 and 55.3 ± 5.4 years, respectively. Osteoporosis ( T-score ≤−2.5) was present in 32% of postmenopausal and 3% of premenopausal subjects, but only in the lumbar spine. Adequate 25(OH)D levels (>50 nmol/L) were found in only 22% of premenopausal, and 26% of postmenopausal women. A body mass index in the overweight or obese category was found in 61% of premenopausal and 75% of postmenopausal women. Conclusion: The high incidence of osteoporosis in the postmenopausal group could be associated with the early age of oophorectomy or menopause together with low vitamin D status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinematic studies have shown that fast bowlers have run-up velocities, based on centre of mass velocity calculations, which are comparable to elite javelin throwers. In this study, 34 fast bowlers (22.3 ± 3.7 years) of premier grade level and above were tested using a three-dimensional (3-D) motion analysis system (240 Hz). Bowlers were divided into four speed groups: slow-medium, medium, medium-fast, and fast. The mean centre of mass velocity at back foot contact (run-up speed) was 5.3 ± 0.6 m/s. Centre of mass velocity at back foot contact was significantly faster in the fastest two bowling groups compared to the slow-medium bowling group. In addition, stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the centre of mass deceleration over the delivery stride phase was the strongest predictor of ball speed in the faster bowling groups. In conclusion, centre of mass kinematics are an important determinant of ball speed generation in fast bowlers. In particular, bowlers able to coordinate their bowling action with periods of centre of mass deceleration may be more likely to generate high ball speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: There is a relationship between childhood obesity and area‐level deprivation. While the New Zealand Index of Deprivation (NZDep) has been used widely in research for the past 20 years, the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) was released in 2017. This study aims to investigate the association between deprivation and childhood obesity in New Zealand and compare measures of deprivation. Methods: Data from 316 794 4‐year‐olds in New Zealand undertaking the B4 School Check in 2010 to 2016, a national health and development screen, were analysed. Multilevel logistic regression models assessed the relationship between area‐level deprivation and individual‐level child obesity. Models were adjusted for age, sex, immigration status, ethnicity, and year. Deprivation was measured using the census‐based NZDep2013 (deciles) and the administrative data‐based IMD (deciles). The seven domains of the IMD were also considered. Results: The relationship between deprivation and obesity was very similar for the IMD and NZDep2013, point estimates were near identical, and confidence intervals overlapped substantially. Higher levels of deprivation were associated with a higher prevalence of child obesity. The relationship between deprivation and child obesity varied considerably across IMD domains. The education domain had the strongest association with child obesity and had an association with child obesity independent of the other domains of deprivation. Conclusion: Overall, there was little difference between the NZDep and IMD. However, the IMD's domains and IMD‐1 approach reveal more nuanced understandings of the deprivation‐obesity gradient, including the importance of area‐level education deprivation for predicting child obesity rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]