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25.01.2022 Great research review
25.01.2022 We're excited to announce the publication of the Journal of Fitness Research Issue 5.1 is now available free and Open access on our webpage. Articles and authors include: THE INCREASING ADOPTION OF CONSUMER GRADE WEARABLES: COMPARING THE APPLES... AND ORANGES OF SPORT SCIENCE Daniel James and James Lee THE EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING ON SPRINT AND ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE IN MASTERS ATHLETES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW Luke Delvecchio, Marko T. Korhonen and Peter Reaburn VALIDATION OF A SINGLE INERTIAL SENSOR FOR MEASURING RUNNING KINEMATICS OVERGROUND DURING A PROLONGED RUN Sara Winter, James Lee, Ray Leadbetter and Susan Gordon SAFETY ALERT FOR TREADMILLS IN HEALTH & FITNESS FACILITIES IN AUSTRALIA: RESULTS FROM A PILOT STUDY OF AN OBSERVATIONAL AUDIT TOOL Betul Sekendiz, Shannon E Gray, Kevin Norton, Patrick Keyzer, Joachim Dietrich, JoAnn M. Eickhoff-Shemek and Caroline Finch THE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF AN OBSERVATIONAL AUDIT TOOL FOR USE IN AUSTRALIAN FITNESS FACILITIES Shannon E Gray, Betul Sekendiz, Kevin Norton, Joachim Dietrich, Patrick Keyzer, Ian R Coyle, Caroline F Finch HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL CYCLING IMPROVES PHYSICAL FITNESS IN TRAINED ADULTS Bailey A. Petersen, Bryce Hastings and Jinger S. Gottschall BIOMECHANICAL ASPECTS OF AQUATIC THERAPY: A LITERATURE REVIEW ON APPLICATION AND METHODOLOGICAL CHALLENGES Anna C. Severin, Brendan J. Burkett, Mark R. McKean and Mark GL. Sayers
22.01.2022 The Basketball-20: Development of a Basketball-Specific Field-Based Work Protocol Abstract Introduction: Basketball is a popular sport that has been studied extensively to determine player position and game profiles and factors related to injury risk and performance. However, no research has developed or used a comprehensive field-based protocol, designed to simulate game-like effort using basketball specific drills, for the assessment of relevant physiological outputs. The o...bjective of this project, therefore, was to develop a repeatable basketball-specific field-based work protocol (Basketball-20) designed to simulate game-like effort and conditions for the assessment of physiological outputs in basketball athletes. Methods: Heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2 ), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were determined while 10 male participants performed steady state running and basketball specific drills during the Basketball-20 on 3 separate days. Results: Overall, the cohort performed the Basketball-20 at an average HR of 85% and average VO2 of 77% of maximum. There were no significant between-day differences in any physiological variables. Measurements for consistency (ICC R-values) and the Technical Error of Measurement (TEM) for physiological variables ranged from 0.66 to 0.98 and 1.4% to 3.6%, respectively. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the Basketball-20 is: (1) physiologically relevant to the game of basketball; (2) reliable and accurate for repeated between-day measures and; (3) appropriate for testing the effects of an intervention on basketball performance across different days. A larger implication is that, because this study has established that it is possible to create a game-like, relevant and reliable protocol for testing athlete performance in a complex team sport, it is reasonable to postulate that similar protocols could be developed in a range of sports. See more
20.01.2022 Journal of Fitness Research Issue 5.1 The Increasing Adoption of Consumer Grade Wearables: Comparing The Apples and Oranges of Sport Science
17.01.2022 Recent publication in Australian Fitness Network Magazine. 'Evidence Based Practice: Pilates and Yoga' by Dr Mark McKean.
15.01.2022 Higher protein intakes shown to be associated with better cardiometabolic health outcomes without having a negative effect on kidney function in those without renal disease. Sounds like a win/win to me! :)
14.01.2022 Journal of Fitness Research Issue 5.1 The Effects of Resistance Training on Sprint and Endurance Performance in Masters Athletes: A Narrative Review Abstract... Participation of masters athletes (>30 years) in sprint running (100-400 m) and sprint track cycling (200 m, teamsprint, 1-km) has increased significantly over recent decades. With aging, sprint and endurance performancegradually declines. The present review focuses upon the effects of resistance training on sprint and enduranceperformance and its physiological determinants in masters athletes. The available research demonstrates thatresistance training interventions in masters athletes lead to beneficial adaptations in both sprint and enduranceathletes. With inclusion of heavy strength training exercises in sprinters’ training regimen, increases musclemass, size of fast fibres and rapid neural activation capacity along with improvements in maximal, explosive andsprint force production have been observed. In endurance athletes, strength training has been shown to lead toincreased maximal and explosive muscle strength levels. The actual event-specific performance changes aretypically smaller, but significant (p<0.05), with a 2-4% reduction in sprint running times and 3-6% improvementin endurance cycling and running economy. Taken together, these limited data suggest that resistance trainingprograms produce positive effects on physiological determinants of sprint and endurance performance that resultin enhanced sport performance capacity in masters athletes. Further research on these issues is needed todesign and deliver optimal training programs to aging athletes.
14.01.2022 The Transtheoretical Model and Strategies of European Fitness Professionals to Support Clients in Changing Health-Related Behaviour: a Survey Study Abstract Introduction: The transtheoretical model of behaviour change (TTM) is often used to understand and predict changes in health related behaviour, for example exercise behaviour and eating behaviour. Fitness professionals like personal trainers typically service and support clients in improving multiple types of health-relat...ed behaviour. Research on the population of European fitness professionals in general is lacking. And studies on strategies used by fitness professionals to support clients in changing health-related behaviour is even more scarce. The purpose of this paper is to present the first explorative European study on this subject. Methods: An online survey was performed using the European Register for Exercise Professionals (EREPS), counting 6,681 professionals (January 2015). Most professionals are personal trainers, with a total of 5,222. Additionally there are 1,620 level 3 fitness instructors and 39 at level 5 (exercise for health specialist). Professionals of five countries were surveyed in the first quarter of 2015. The survey was send out by email to 3,497 fitness professionals. Results: In total 178 fitness professionals participated. European fitness professionals use a mix of strategies to support behaviour change of health related behaviours. The most addressed type of behaviour was exercise, followed by nutrition. The support mainly focused on clients in the preparation and action stage of the TTM. Reaching the desired goal and too expensive were the main reasons for relapse with respectively 51.7% and 38.3%. Conclusion: European fitness professionals use a wide range of strategies to support clients in changing health-related behaviour. This study draws a first picture of the used strategies within the TTM framework. Future research should focus on other frameworks for behaviour change and other populations, for example fitness professionals on other parts of the world. Ultimately, research should test the effectiveness of strategies to increase the adoption and maintenance of health-related behaviour of clients, and client retention of professionals. Click on the link below to read the full article
13.01.2022 A very cool virtual conference.
11.01.2022 Comparing Performances of Fundamental Movement Skills and Basic Human Movements: a Pilot Study Abstract Introduction: Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are considered the most crucial element for lifelong habitual physical activity and sports competence. Fundamental Movement Skill assessment is prioritised in intervention strategies due to associations with lifelong habitual physical activity.... Methods: This pilot study assessed the relationship between Basic Human Movements (BHM) and Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) in 103 Australian school children in three different year levels. Relationships between BHM, age, gender and physical activity (PA) was also evaluated. BHM (squat, lunge, push, pull, hinge, brace and rotation), are movement patterns that have both similar and unique characteristics working together to allow a person to interact with the common environment and were assessed using a newly developed criteria. FMS was calculated using the NSW curriculum ‘Get Skilled: Get Active’ and PA levels were attained from a self-reported PA recall questionnaire. Results: Basic Human Movements related to all FMS except static balance and vertical jump. Girls outperformed boys in both movements and FMS, contradicting previous studies. Children who accumulated 60 minute’s physical activity per day scored better in exercise and skill assessments. Discussion: This study highlights the possibility that a movement based screening may detect movement deficiencies across a broad population of children which may inform physical education and sports assessment. Conclusions: Physical education teachers, sports coaches and strength and conditioning experts may use BHM as a reliable way to monitor and progress their athletes to more demanding exercises or downgrade to less challenging movements throughout maturity. Future validation of the BHM and refinement of FMS assessment criteria in is warranted. See more
10.01.2022 The latest issue Journal of Fitness Research Open access is now published and available for download. All research is available free of charge and is easily accessed.
08.01.2022 The Cardiovascular and Metabolic Responses to Ultimate Frisbee in Healthy Adults Abstract Introduction: Physical activity has been linked to a plethora of associated health outcomes; however, the majority of Americans are not engaging in enough activity to meet the minimum guidelines. Ultimate Frisbee may serve as an alternate to more traditional physical activity modalities. The purpose of this study was (a) to assess the cardiovascular and metabolic responses to Ultimate Fr...isbee and (b) to determine if Ultimate Frisbee meets current guidelines for improving and maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods: Sixteen men and women (mean SD: age, height, weight, body composition, and VO2max = 21.4 1.3 years, 175.3 8.6 cm, 66.0 8.6 kg, 8.8 5.3 %, and 57.1 7.3 mL/kg/min, respectively) completed both a maximal graded exercise test and 20-min simulated Ultimate Frisbee match on non-consecutive days. Cardiovascular and metabolic data were collected via a portable calorimetric measurement system. Results: Overall heart rate for the 20-min Ultimate Frisbee simulated match was 148.1 15.4 beats/min, which corresponded to 65.3 11.6% HRR. Exercise intensity in METs was 9.5 1.6, which equated to 61.2 11.6% VO2 R. Total energy expenditure for a simulated Ultimate Frisbee match was 1994.9 545.6 kJ/ match. Conclusions: Results indicate that Ultimate Frisbee is a feasible alternative to more traditional aerobic exercise modalities for healthy adults that fulfills guidelines for improving and maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness. See more
08.01.2022 A nice cohort study for FMS using good numbers in male soldiers. Authors conclude - "On the basis of these findings, the use of the FMS to screen for the injury risk is not recommended in this population because of the low predictive value and misclassification of the injury risk."
07.01.2022 Reliability of the Turning Point Core Trainer as a Measure of Rotational Angles and Velocities Abstract Introduction: The x-factor is considered an important measure in rotational sports such as golf and is typically assessed using three-dimensional motion capture analysis. Due to equipment costs and lengthy time periods to analyse measurements it is not practical for coaches. Although three-dimensional motion capture analysis is recognised as the gold standard, a cheaper and... quicker tool is needed to evaluate such measurements. The Turning Point Core Trainer (TP) is a device designed to measure the x-factor and angular velocities of the upper torso and hips; however, data regarding reliability of the TP is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine between session reliability of the TP as a measure of the x-factor and angular velocity of the upper torso (SAV) and hips (HAV). Methods: Sixty two college adults volunteered for this study (male = 35, female = 27, age 24.85 4.54 years, height 1.72 0.09 m, weight 71.09 12.81 kg, BMI 23.78 2.89 kg/m2 ). Participants completed three 30 second trials on two separate testing days using the TP with zero resistance in the upright position with no forward incline. A one minute rest period separated each trial. Participants were asked to return to the lab 3 to 14 days following the initial testing. The TP measured SAV and HAV about the body’s y-axis and was recorded in (/s). Intraclass correlations (ICC) were used to examine reliability between testing sessions. Paired t-tests were used to examine differences between testing sessions. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. All data was analysed using PASW Statistical software 18.0 (IBM Inc., Chicago, IL). Results: ICC’s were very strong for both the right and left directions for x-factor (0.86 vs. 0.80), SAV (0.96 vs. 0.95),and HAV (0.91 vs. 0.91), respectively. Only HAVR reached statistical significance between testing days (72.8529.22/s vs. 76.8226.06/s, p=0.04). Discussion and Conclusion: These results suggest excellent test-retest reliability using the TP and support its use for assessing the x-factor, SAV, and HAV. See more
07.01.2022 Journal of Fitness Research Issue 5.1 Safety Alert for Treadmills in Health & Fitness Facilities in Australia: Results From a Pilot Study of an Observational Audit Tool Abstract... Introduction: Design of a health/fitness facility is a crucial element in managing risks to its operators, users and others. Improper location of treadmills not compliant with industry recommendations can increase the risk of injuries, adverse events and subsequent legal liability for health/fitness facility operators. The aim of our study was to analyse the location (spacing and placement) of treadmills in health/fitness facilities in Australia. Methods: An on-site observational audit was conducted at regional and metropolitan health/fitness facilities (n = 11) in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland. The spacing surrounding the treadmills was measured in centimetres (cm). Placement was assessed by the objects within two metres behind the treadmills. Results: In all health/fitness facilities the distances surrounding the treadmills on the sides, and behind were less than the recommended minimum distances (0.5 - 1m on the sides, 2m behind) by the manufacturers. In most of the health/fitness facilities there was other equipment (60%, n = 6) within two metres behind the treadmills. Discussion: The findings suggest that most of the health/fitness facilities audited in this study do not comply with industry minimum recommendations on location of treadmills necessary for safe operation. Conclusion: Health/fitness facility operators in Australia should be trained to increase their awareness about the risks associated with improper location of treadmills to take appropriate preventive measures.
06.01.2022 Validation of an Exercise Intensity Grading Tool to Categorise the Exercise Intensity of Community-Based Physical Activity Programs Abstract Introduction: We assessed the validity and reliability of an exercise intensity grading tool (Exercise Grading Tool (EGT)) designed to grade the exercise intensity of community-based physical activity classes as one currently doesn’t exist.... Methods: Twelve classes participated in the study. Class providers completed the EGT twice for each class over two weeks. Class participants rated their exercise intensity using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE) at class completion. A session-RPE (sRPE) score was calculated by multiplying RPE by the class time. The average session percentage heart rate reserve (%HRR) was also collected from five participants in each class wearing rs400 polar heart rate monitors. Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficients were used to assess validity, and interclass correlation coefficients for reliability. Results: Significant positive moderate relationships were found between the EGT and %HRR, sRPE and RPE. Discussion: These relationships varied in strength across sub-population groups, including age categories, gender, self-reported total physical activity levels, length of time attending classes, and class type. Relationships were also found within class EGT exercise intensity categorisations one week apart. Conclusions: The EGT appeared to be a valid measure of class exercise intensity. Overall, the two-category rating system, ‘low-moderate’ and ‘moderate-high’, may represent participants’ exercise intensity in classes. The tool could be used to assess the intensity levels of community-based classes enabling health professionals and community members to make informed choices about the classes they attend. See more
03.01.2022 Latest article for the Australian Fitness network magazine now available on Evidence Based Practice and CrossFit. http://www.fitnessnetwork.com.au//evidence-based-practice-
02.01.2022 Researchers from University of Sydney are looking for Male Body-builders to complete a brief online survey (20-30 min) as part of their project to describe the training and nutrition habits of body-builders. If you are eligible and interested click on the link below. for more information contact the research supervisor - Lachlan Mitchell on [email protected]
