Search

The aims of this study were to (i) estimate the intra- and inter-day reliability of mean concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) power at different inertial loads during a flywheel quarter-squat using a cluster set approach and (ii) to determine the acute effect of internal and external attentional focus on mean power when performing the flywheel quarter squat. Twelve collegiate field sport male athletes (age 22.4 ± 3.2 years, weight 81.4 ± 10.3 kg, height 1.81 ± 0.06 m) attended four cluster set testing sessions separated by 7 days. Sessions consisted of 4 sets of 15 repetitions using 4 inertial loads (0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg·m2). A cluster block consisted of 5 repetitions, including “momentum repetitions” (4 × 5 + 5 + 5). Mean power (MP), CON power, ECC power, and ECC overload were recorded for both internal and external attentional focus groups. The external instructional group attained familiarization after two flywheel sessions (ES = 0.03–0.15) with little volatility between performance measures (CV% = 3.39–9.22). The internal instructional group showed large differences in MP output from session 2 to session 3 for all loads (ES = 0.59–1.25). In conclusion, the flywheel cluster set approach is a reliable training modality for maintaining MP output during all repetitions.

Camogie is a native Irish female field sport game. This investigation aimed to establish elite camogie players' positional and temporal running demands across 5-min intervals during competitive match play.Thirty-one (Analysis revealed significant positional and temporal differences to exist (Positional and temporal differences are evident in elite camogie match play. Mid-fielders have the greatest total and sprint distance decrements, with defenders also exhibiting total and relative distance decreases. Coaches should focus on temporal differences with respect to position, to minimise performance decrements.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of four different inertial loads (0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg· m²) on concentric (CON) power, eccentric (ECC) power, and ECC overload in the flywheel Romanian deadlift (RDL). Fourteen recreationally trained males (27.9 ± 6.4 years, 90 ± 10.7 kg, 180.7 ± 5.5 cm) volunteered for the study. They had a minimum of two years of resistance training experience, although none had experience in flywheel inertia training (FIT). All participants performed the flywheel RDL on a flywheel device (kBox 3, Exxentric, AB TM, Bromma, Sweden). Each set was performed using different inertial loads, those being 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg·m². For CON, ECC power, and ECC overload, there was a significant difference (p0.001) between inertial loadings. In conclusion, results highlight that lower inertial load leads to higher peak CON and ECC power values, precisely 0.025 kg· m². Regarding ECC overload, medium to higher loads (0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg·m²) will lead to higher values.

Hamstring strain injury (HSI) is a very common lower-body injury in field sports, and eccentric (ECC) hamstring strength is a potential modifiable risk factor, therefore having reliable eccentric hamstring strength assessments is critical. The aim of this study was to access test–retest reliability of the hip extension lower (HEL) exercise as a measure of ECC hamstring strength and inter-limb asymmetries. Twelve male elite level soccer players (mean; age: 21.8 years; height: 180.4 cm; weight: 75.7 kg) volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were from the same soccer club, covered all playing positions, and had no current injury issues. Participants performed two familiarization sessions to acquaint themselves with the device and exercise protocol. During testing, each participant performed three repetitions with 60s intra-set recovery provided. Average and peak force (N) was recorded for both limbs. Testing sessions took place on the same day and time over a two-week pre-season period and followed a full recovery day. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Coefficient of Variation (CV%), Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) and Typical Error (TE) were used to assess reliability. The HEL showed excellent reliability for average force (N) in the left (ICC (95% CI) = 0.9 (0.7–0.97); TE = 14.1 N, CV% = 1.87; MDC = 39.06 N) and right (ICC (95% CI) = 0.91 (0.73–0.97); TE = 20.89 N, CV% = 3.26; MDC = 57.87 N) limb, and also excellent reliability for peak force in the left (ICC (95% CI) = 0.91 (0.71–0.97); TE = 13.55 N, CV% = 1.61; MDC = 57.87 N) and right (ICC (95% CI) = 0.9 (0.7–0.97); TE = 21.70 N, CV% = 3.31; MDC = 60.11 N) limb. This data suggests the HEL as a reliable measure of both ECC hamstring strength and inter-limb asymmetries. Practitioners should consider the HEL as a reliable choice for measuring and monitoring eccentric hamstring strength in their athletes.

Background The aim of the current investigation was to establish the positional physical characteristics of elite inter-county camogie players and compare them to current female field sport athlete norms. Methods Forty-five elite inter-county camogie players (age: 23.31 ± 3.47 years; height: 168.97 ± 5.60 cm; body mass: 68.37 ± 7.44 kg) completed pre-season physical performance testing. Physical characteristics including Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (IMTP) peak force, IMTP relative peak force, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, 10 to 5 repeated jump test Reactive Strength Index (RSI), 5-, 10- and 20 m sprint times and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) accumulated distance were assessed. All players were sub-divided into their playing positions (Defenders, Mid-Fielders, Forwards) by self-reported means, to investigate if any positional differences existed. Results A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis H tests revealed no significant positional difference for any physical tests (p>0.05). Moderate main effects for RSI between mid-fielders and forwards (ES= 0.64) and for 20m sprint time between defenders and mid-fielders (ES= 0.63) were noted. Trivial to small main positional effects were evident for all other tests (ES= 0.03-0.60). Conclusions The relative homogeneity of results across performance measures indicates no obvious position specific characteristics within this cohort. This data will provide normative values for coaches to better inform training and return to play practices in camogie.

Objective: This study aimed to quantify the internal and external training load profile of an international training camp and identify any differences between positional groups or starting status. Methods: 18 players were sampled using a global positioning system (GPS) and internal training load (TL) via session rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Results: Internal and external training load variation was present across all six individual training sessions. Results indicated match day −7 (MD-7), had significantly (P= 0.001) less training volume (3339.5 m) than all other training sessions. MD-5 and MD-2 were the most intense (387.5 and 201 m very high speed running (VHSR) and 187.5 and 49 m sprint distance (SPD) respectively in combination with large volume (5933.5 and 5151.5 m). Differences in playing position and starting status were observed in MD-2. Forwards (FW) covered significantly greater distances of VHSR (P= 0.008) and SPD (P= 0.008) in comparison to midfielders (MF) whilst starters reported significantly (P = 0.013) higher internal training loads (TL). Conclusion: This study provides the first report on training load in elite female footballers during an international training camp including a competitive fixture highlighting the undulation of training loads across the individual training sessions, playing positions and starting status. yes

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aerobic endurance and linear speed on repeat sprint ability performance in female international footballers. Twenty-five female international football players completed 10-m, 20-m, 30-m linear speed, repeat sprint ability (RSA) and yo-yo intermittent recovery, level 1 tests. Pearson's product correlation (r) was used to assess the relationship between 10-m, 20-m and 30-m sprint times (S10-m, S20-m, S30-m) sprint time on the first trial of the repeated sprint test (RST1) and yo – yo intermittent recovery test, level 1 (YYIR1) with total repeated sprint time (RSTT). Linear regressions were used to describe the relationship between the dependent variable (RSTT) and independent variables (S10-m, S20-m, S30-m, RST1 and YYIR1). Pearson's correlation analysis indicated a large negative correlation between RSTT and YYIR1 performance (r = -0.58, P = .002), a very large significant relationship was established between S10-m and S20-m whilst an almost perfect relationship was present for S30-m and RST1. The results of the linear regression proved the independent variable RST1 explained 85% (adjusted R2) of the variation in RSTT scores. S10-m, S20-m and S30-m performance accounted for 62 – 83% of the variation in RSTT scores whilst YYIR1 performance only accounted for 33.6%. The results of this study indicate that fast linear speed can positively impact on RSTT performance whilst reduced aerobic endurance capabilities may negatively influence RSTT performance in female international footballers.

Progressive renal decline is associated with increasing oxidative stress. However, the majority of studies have investigated endogenous antioxidants in predominantly advanced stages of kidney disease. Many traditional risk factors associated with renal dysfunction have been linked with cognitive decline as the kidneys and brain share comparable anatomic and haemodynamic characteristics that leave them susceptible to common pathogenic mechanisms. The objective of this study was to examine serum dietary antioxidants and their association with renal function characterised by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a cross-sectional analysis of 570 participants. High performance liquid chromatography quantified serum levels of retinol, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and six carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin) in participants. Multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate associations while adjusting for potential confounders. A sensitivity analysis was performed in cognitively-intact participants only. Serum levels of the xanthophyll carotenoid lutein were positively associated with eGFR in analyses adjusted for age (years), gender, smoking, APOE4 status and Alzheimer’s disease. Retinol was inversely associated with eGFR, although was no longer significant in the smaller sensitivity analysis. Our findings identify significant associations between the xanthophyll carotenoids and eGFR. Further investigations are required to confirm these findings.

Maximal strength is a key variable within youth rugby union and is therefore of merit when testing and monitoring youth rugby athletes (Darrall-Jones et al., 2015). The isometric mid-thigh pull peak force (IMTP PF) has been observed to be a reliable, valid, and safe means of assessing maximal strength in all previously researched cohorts (Brady et al., 2020, Drake et al., 2017). Although currently, there exists a distinct lack of literature with regards to the use of IMTP PF with non-elite youth athletes. The current study utilised self-selected body position with 84 non-elite schoolboy rugby union athletes (age, 14.7yr ±1.7yr; maturity offset, 0.9yr ±1.6yr; height, 170.6cm ±10.3cm; mass, 63.9kg ±14.8kg) The current study observed the IMTP PF to be a reliable measure of peak force both inter- and intra-day (Intra-day; CV% 3.3%; ICC 0.992; 95% CI 0.989 – 0.995; Inter-day; CV% = 5.1%; ICC 0.992; 95% CI 0.98 – 0.998). The IMTP PF is a safe and reliable measure of maximal strength in non-elite youth rugby athletes.

Vitamin E has been proposed as a potential clinical intervention for Alzheimer's disease (AD) given the plausibility of its various biological functions in influencing the neurodegenerative processes associated with the condition. The tocopherol and tocotrienol isoforms of vitamin E have multiple properties including potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, in addition to influences on immune function, cellular signalling and lowering cholesterol. Several of these roles offer a theoretical rationale for providing benefit for the treatment of AD-associated pathology. Diminished circulating concentrations of vitamin E have been demonstrated in individuals with AD. Reduced plasma levels have furthermore been associated with an increased risk of AD development while intake, particularly from dietary sources, may limit or reduce the rate of disease progression. This benefit may be linked to synergistic actions between vitamin E isoforms and other micronutrients. Nevertheless, randomised trials have found limited and inconsistent evidence of vitamin E supplementation as an effective clinical intervention. Thus, despite a strong rationale in support of a beneficial role for vitamin E for the treatment of AD, the evidence remains inconclusive. Several factors may partly explain this discrepancy and represent the difficulties of translating complex laboratory evidence and dietary interactions into clinical interventions. Methodological design limitations of existing randomised trials and restrictions to supplementation with a single vitamin E isoform may also limit the influence of effect. Moreover, several factors influence individual responsiveness to vitamin E intake and recent findings suggest variation in the underlying genetic architecture attenuates vitamin E biological availability and activity which likely contributes to the variation in clinical responsiveness and the failure of randomised trials to date. Importantly, the clinical safety of vitamin E remains controversial and warrants further investigation.

The aim of this present study was to compare the reactive strength index (RSI) characteristics and trial to trial reliability of U17, U19 and Senior female international soccer players. Fifty – seven elite female soccer player participated in the study, (age: 18.1 + 3.1 years; height: 167.5 + 6.3 cm; weight: 61.84 + 7.7 kg). Participants performed 3 maximal repetitions of the 10/5 repeated jump test (10/5RJT) following a specific warm-up and familiarisation protocol. Senior players possessed higher levels of RSI with large effect size present when compared with the U17 (P= 0.043, ES = .97) and U19 (ES = 0.85) age groups. Trivial differences (ES = 0.17) in RSI existed between the U17 and U19 age categories. Trial-to-trial analyses demonstrated 10/5 RJT RSI to possess adequate levels of reliability with a range of mean coefficients of variance (CV) of 3.1 – 7.3 % and intraclass correlation (ICC) between 0.95 – 0.98 present across all three age groups. However, large variations in the between – athlete CV for RSI were revealed ranging from 1 – 27 %, 0.4 – 10.3%, and 1 – 7 % for U17, U19 and senior age groups respectively. These results suggest that age group can distinguish reactive strength capabilities. In addition, female international footballers with higher levels of RSI appear to produce more reliable measures of RSI via the 10/5 RJT.

This study aimed to compare the anthropometric physical performance characteristics of Irish female international footballers at U17, U19, and Senior age groups. Fifty-five (U17, n =24, U19, n =21, Senior, n = 10) female international football players participated in this study. The subjects underwent anthropometric measurements (height and body mass) and physical performance tests countermovement jump (CMJ), reactive strength index (RSI), 10-m, 20-m, 30-m linear sprint, and yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1). No significant differences were identified between any age groups for the anthropometric measures of height and body mass. Concerning the physical tests, senior players displayed greater CMJ scores in comparison with the U17 (P = 0.040). Senior players also possessed higher levels of reactive strength with large effect sizes present (ES = 0.83 - 0.92) in comparison to all age groups. No significant differences were identified between any of the age groups across the 10-m, 20-m, 30-m, and rolling 20-m linear speed assessments. Senior players covered the greatest distance in the YYIR1 (P = 0.0001) versus the U19 and U17. These results indicate there was no difference in the anthropometric profile of the age groups assessed. However, differences in physical performance characteristics were present between age groups, thus suggesting improvements in lower limb power and aerobic endurance are achievable in adulthood as players physically mature.

Purpose: Rugby union referee research has reported the game demands for whole game averages and comparisons between each half and 10 minute periods. No study has reported the movement game demands for the maximum ball in play time for referees. The purpose of this study was to quantify the maximum ball in play (Max BiP) demands termed “worst case scenario” (WCS) of sub-elite rugby union referees using 10Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) units. Method: Movement demands of ten (n = 10) sub-elite referees across 27 matches, played during the 2017/18 All Ireland League Division 1, was calculated using 10Hz GPS units. The total distance covered (m), relative distance (m.min-1), percentage time in 6 velocity zones, were reported across the whole match, 1st half, 2nd half, 10minute periods and the maximum ball in play time using paired sample t-tests. Cohen’s d effect sizes were reported. Results: The maximum ball in play time was reported to be 172 ± 71 sec. The relative distance during Max BiP (107.9 ± 22.54 m.min-1) was significantly higher (p < .005) than whole match (75.1 ± 8.6 m.min-1) and 1st half (75.4 ± 8.7 m.min-1) & 2nd half (74.8 ± 13.1 m.min-1). During the Max BiP, referees spend a significantly higher (p < .005) percentage of time above whole game averages for walking (.5 - 2.0 m.s-1), jogging (2.01 - 4.0 m.s-1), running (4.01 - 5.5 m.s-1) and lower for high speed running (5.51 - 7.00 m.s-1) and sprinting (> 7.01 m.s-1). Conclusion: The results of this study quantifies the Max BiP movement demands for a sub-elite rugby union referee which are higher than those reported in whole game averages, 1st & 2nd halves and some 10min periods. These results provide sports scientists with the worst case scenario demands and can allow for these demands to be replicated in training with those experienced in matches.

Byrne, DJ, Browne, DT, Byrne, PJ, and Richardson, N. Interday reliability of the reactive strength index and optimal drop height. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 721-726, 2017-The purpose of this study was to investigate the interday reliability of the reactive strength index (RSI) and optimal drop height (ODH) identification from multiple drop heights. Nineteen male trained hurling players (23.1 ± 2.9 years, 83.1 ± 15.5 kg, and 182.5 ± 4.89 cm) completed 2 maximal depth jumps from 4 incremental drop heights (30, 40, 50, and 60 cm), over 2 separate testing sessions 48 hours apart. The RSI and ODH were analyzed for reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV). The RSI and ODH both demonstrated good reliability with ICC ≥0.80 (0.87 and 0.81) and CV ≤10% (4.2 and 2.98), respectively. The results of this study support the use of an incremental depth jump protocol to find the RSI and ODH in trained hurlers. It is recommended that the incremental depth jump protocol be used when assessing an athlete's reactive strength, as it allows a reactive strength profile, maximum RSI, and an ODH to be determined, all of which can provide vital information when determining an athletes training intensity and load.