The acute effects of heavy loads on jump squat performance: An evaluation of the complex and contrast methods of power development
- Authors: Duthie, Grant , Young, Warren , Aitken, David
- Date: 2002
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 16, no. 4 (2002), p. 530-538
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this investigation was to examine power performance in jump squats when using the complex and contrast training methods. Eleven (n = 11) women participated in a familiarization session and in three randomly ordered testing sessions. One session involved completing sets of power exercises (jump squats) before sets of half squats (traditional method). The second session involved sets of half squats before sets of jump squats (complex method). A third session involved the alternation of sets of half squats and jump squats (contrast method). No significant difference in jump squat performance between each of the training methods was found. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the first set of each session, with the complex method having a significantly lower peak power. Further, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in performance changes between the higher and lower strength groups, with the higher strength group having a greater improvement in performance using the contrast training method compared with the traditional method. It was concluded that contrast training is advantageous for increasing power output but only for athletes with relatively high strength levels.
- Description: 2003000242
The limits of prevention - Sports injuries as an example
- Authors: Mahler, Per , Donaldson, Alex
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion Vol. 17, no. 1 (2010), p. 69-72
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
Should static stretching be used during a warm-up for strength and power activities?
- Authors: Young, Warren , Behm, David
- Date: 2002
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Strength and Conditioning Journal Vol. 24, no. 6 (2002), p. 33-37
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: 2003000236
Combining epidemiology and biomechanics in sports injury prevention research : A new approach for selecting suitable controls
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Ullah, Shahid , McIntosh, Andrew
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 41, no. 1 (2011), p. 59-72
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Several important methodological issues need to be considered when designing sports injury case-control studies. Major design goals for case-control studies include the accounting for prior injury risk exposure, and optimal definitions of both cases and suitable controls are needed to ensure this. This article reviews methodological aspects of published sports injury case-control studies, particularly with regard to the selection of controls. It argues for a new approach towards selecting controls for case-control studies that draws on an interface between epidemiological and biomechanical concepts. A review was conducted to identify sport injury case-control studies published in the peer-review literature during 1985-2008. Overall, 32 articles were identified, of which the majority related to upper or lower extremity injuries. Matching considerations were used for control selection in 16 studies. Specific mention of application of biomechanical principles in the selection of appropriate controls was absent from all studies, including those purporting to evaluate the benefits of personal protective equipment to protect against impact injury. This is a problem because it could lead to biased conclusions, as cases and controls are not fully comparable in terms of similar biomechanical impact profiles relating to the injury incident, such as site of the impact on the body. The strength of the conclusions drawn from case-control studies, and the extent to which results can be generalized, is directly influenced by the definition and recruitment of cases and appropriate controls. Future studies should consider the interface between epidemiological and biomechanical concepts when choosing appropriate controls to ensure that proper adjustment of prior exposure to injury risk is made. To provide necessary guidance for the optimal selection of controls in case-control studies of interventions to prevent sports-related impact injury, this review outlines a new case-control selection strategy that reflects the importance of biomechanical considerations, which ensures that controls are selected based on the presence of the same global injury mechanism as the cases. To summarize, the general biomechanical principles that should apply to the selection of controls in future case-control studies are as follows: (i) each control must have been exposed to the same global injury mechanism as the case, (e.g. head impact, fall onto outstretched arm); and (ii) intrinsic (individual) factors (e.g. age, sex, skill level) that might modify the person's response to the relevant biomechanical loads are adjusted when either selecting the controls or are in the analysis phase. The same considerations for control selection apply to other study designs such as matched cohort studies or case-crossover studies. © 2011 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.
Reproducibility of a laboratory-based 40-km cycle time-trial on a stationary wind-trainer in highly trained cyclists
- Authors: Laursen, Paul , Shing, Cecilia , Jenkins, David
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 24, no. 7 (2003), p. 481-485
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of the present study was to examine the reproducibility of laboratory-based 40-km cycle time-trial performance on a stationary wind-trainer. Each week, for three consecutive weeks, and on different days, forty-three highly trained male cyclists (x̄ ± SD; age = 25 ± 6 y; mass = 75 ± 7 kg; peak oxygen uptake [V̇O 2peak] = 64.8 ± 5.2 ml x kg-1 x min-1) performed: 1) a V̇O2peak test, and 2) a 40-km time-trial on their own racing bicycle mounted to a stationary wind-trainer (Cateye - Cyclosimulator). Data from all tests were compared using a one-way analysis of variance. Performance on the second and third 40-km time-trials were highly related (r=0.96; p < 0.001), not significantly different (57:21 ± 2: 57 vs. 57:12 ± 3:14 min:s), and displayed a low coefficient of variation (CV)=0.9 ± 0.7%. Although the first 40-km time-trial (58:43 ± 3: 17 min:s) was not significantly different from the second and third tests (p = 0.06), inclusion of the first test in the assessment of reliability increased within-subject CV to 3.0 ± 2.9%. 40-km time-trial speed (km x h -1) was significantly (p < 0.001) related to peak power output (W; r = 0.75), V̇O2peak (1 x min-1; r = 0.53), and the second ventilatory turnpoint (1 x min-1; r = 0.68) measured during the progressive exercise tests. These data demonstrate that the assessment of 40-km cycle time-trial performance in well-trained endurance cyclists on a stationary wind-trainer is reproducible, provided the athletes perform a familiarization trial.
- Description: C1
Acute effects of two massage techniques on ankle joint flexibility and power of the plantar flexors
- Authors: McKechnie, Grant , Young, Warren , Behm, David
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Science and Medicine Vol. 6, no. 4 (2007), p. 498-504
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if three minutes of petrissage and tapotement forms of massage would influence plantar flexors' flexibility, and muscle power. Nineteen participants were randomly subjected to three conditions (control and two massages) before performing two power tests. Prior to the intervention, subjects completed ankle joint flexibility assessments. The conditions were; (1) control, where subjects lay prone and had a therapist's hands resting, (2) vigorous petrissage, and (3) tapotement applied at a rate of 4Hz; all on the triceps surae. Following completion of the intervention, subjects immediately completed a post-ankle joint flexibility test, followed by a drop-jump and concentric calf raise. The power measures were; concentric peak force, rate of force development, and drop-jump height / contact time. The data showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in ankle joint angle on the right leg and a corresponding tendency on the left. No significant change was seen with the power measures. Results suggest that massage can increase plantar flexors' flexibility without a change in power and thus may be an alternative to static stretching during an athletic warm-up. ©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2007).
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005657
Evaluating SafeClub : Can risk management training improve the safety activities of community soccer clubs?
- Authors: Abbott, Kristy , Klarenaar, Paul , Donaldson, Alex , Sherker, Shauna
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 42, no. 6 (Jun 2008), p. 460-465
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To evaluate a sports safety-focused risk-management training programme. Design: Controlled before and after test. Setting: Four community soccer associations in Sydney, Australia. Participants: 76 clubs (32 intervention, 44 control) at baseline, and 67 clubs (27 intervention, 40 control) at post-season and 12-month follow-ups. Intervention: SafeClub, a sports safety-focused risk-management training programme (362 hour sessions) based on adult-learning principles and injury-prevention concepts and models. Main outcome measures: Changes in mean policy, infrastructure and overall safety scores as measured using a modified version of the Sports Safety Audit Tool. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean policy, infrastructure and overall safety scores of intervention and control clubs at baseline. Intervention clubs achieved higher post-season mean policy (11.9 intervention vs 7.5 controls), infrastructure (15.2 vs 10.3) and overall safety (27.0 vs 17.8) scores than did controls. These differences were greater at the 12-month follow-up: policy (16.4 vs 7.6); infrastructure (24.7 vs 10.7); and overall safety (41.1 vs 18.3). General linear modelling indicated that intervention clubs achieved statistically significantly higher policy (p, 0.001), infrastructure (p, 0.001) and overall safety (p, 0.001) scores compared with control clubs at the post-season and 12-month follow-ups. There was also a significant linear interaction of time and group for all three scores: policy (p, 0.001), infrastructure (p, 0.001) and overall safety (p, 0.001). Conclusions: SafeClub effectively assisted community soccer clubs to improve their sports safety activities, particularly the foundations and processes for good risk-management practice, in a sustainable way.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005630
Enhancing foot velocity in football kicking: The role of strength training
- Authors: Young, Warren , Rath, David
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of strength and conditioning research Vol. 25, no. 2 (2011), p. 561-566
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: In all codes of football, it is advantageous to be able to achieve a high ball speed or distance in a kick. An important determinant of ball speed and kick distance is the velocity of the foot at impact with the ball. Therefore, it is of interest to strength and conditioning practitioners to identify training programs that can increase foot velocity. The purpose of this review is to identify the factors influencing kicking performance and the research evidence relating to resistance training designed to enhance foot velocity in kicking. The review has been divided into 3 main sections. The first addresses the biomechanics of kicking to provide insights into the physical demands. The second section reviews the relationships between various measures of strength with performance indicators of maximum kicking, and the third part explores the research investigating the effects of resistance training on maximum kicking performance. Kicking can be described as a skill involving proximal-to-distal muscle activation. Foot velocity is determined by a complex sequencing of hip flexor and knee extensor concentric contractions and also involves hip extensor and knee flexor activation to assist with movement control. Research reporting correlations between strength and kicking performance support the importance of hip flexor and quadriceps strength. Although unclear, there is some evidence that adequate strength of the support leg, trunk muscles, hip adductors, and the muscles that control pelvic rotations are important. Strength training studies have shown that foot velocity and kicking performance can be enhanced by supplementary programs to regular football training, especially in nonelite athletes. Potentially valuable training includes plyometrics, exercises that simulate the whole kicking action, and kicking weighted balls. Exercises that isolate parts of the kicking action! are not recommended because these do not appear to transfer well to kicking performance. There are many unanswered questions that await future research.
Is muscle power related to running speed with changes of direction?
- Authors: Young, Warren , James, R. , Montgomery, Iain
- Date: 2002
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness Vol. 42, no. 3 (Sep 2002), p. 282-288
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships between leg muscle power and sprinting speed with changes of direction. Methods. Experimental design: the study was designed to describe relationships between physical qualities and a component of sports performance: Setting: testing was conducted in an indoor sports hall and a biomechanics laboratory. Participants: 15 male participants were required to be free of injury and have recent experience competing in sports involving sprints with changes of direction. Measures: subjects were timed in 8 m sprints in a straight line and with various changes of direction. They were also tested for bilateral and unilateral leg extensor muscle concentric power output by an isokinetic squat and reactive strength by a drop jump. Results. The correlations between concentric power and straight sprinting speed were non-significant whereas the relationships between reactive strength and straight speed were statistically significant. Correlations between muscle power and speed while changing direction were generally low and non-significant for concentric leg power with some moderate and significant (p<0.05) coefficients found for reactive strength. The participants who turned faster to one side tended to have a reactive strength dominance in the leg responsible for the push-off action. Conclusions. The relationships between leg muscle power and change-of-direction speed were not consistent. Reactive strength as measured by the drop jump appears to have some importance for lateral change-of-direction speed, possibly because of similar push-off actions. It was concluded that reactive strength of the leg extensor muscles has some importance in change-of-direction performance but the other technical and perceptual factors than influence agility performance should also be considered.
- Description: 2003000213
An acute bout of static stretching : Effects on force and jumping performance
- Authors: Power, Kevin , Behm, David , Cahill, Farrell , Carroll, Michael , Young, Warren
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise Vol. 36, no. 8 (2004), p. 1389-1396
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction/Purpose: The objectives of this study were to examine whether a static stretching (SS) routine decreased isometric force, muscle activation, and jump power while improving range of motion (ROM). Second, the study attempted to compare the duration of the dependent variable changes with the duration of the change in ROM. Methods: Twelve participants were tested pre- and post- (POST, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min) SS of the quadriceps and plantar flexors (PF) or a similar period of no stretch (control). Measurements during isometric contractions included maximal voluntary force (MVC), evoked contractile properties (peak twitch and tetanus), surface integrated electromyographic (iEMG) activity of the agonist and antagonistic muscle groups, and muscle inactivation as measured by the interpolated twitch technique (ITT). Vertical jump (VJ) measurements included unilateral concentric-only (no countermovement) jump height as well as drop jump height and contact time. ROM associated with seated hip flexion, prone hip extension, and plantar flexion-dorsiflexion was also recorded. Results: After SS, there were significant overall 9.5% and 5.4% decrements in the torque or force of the quadriceps for MVC and ITT, respectively. Force remained significantly decreased for 120 min (10.4%), paralleling significant percentage increases (6%) in sit and reach ROM (120 min). After SS, there were no significant changes in jump performance or PF measures. Conclusion: The parallel duration of changes in ROM and quadriceps isometric force might suggest an association between stretch-induced changes in muscle compliance and isometric force output.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001185
Do squash players accurately report use of appropriate protective eyewear?
- Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Finch, Caroline , Owen, Neville , McCarty, Catherine
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 8, no. 3 (2005), p. 352-356
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Self-report surveys are a common method of collecting data on protective equipment use in sport. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of self-reported use of appropriate protective eyewear by squash players. Surveys of squash players' appropriate protective eyewear behaviours were conducted over two consecutive years (2002 and 2003) at randomly-selected squash venues in Melbourne, Australia. Over the two years, 1219 adult players were surveyed (response rate of 92%). Trained observers also recorded the actual oncourt appropriate protective eyewear behaviours of all players during the survey sessions. Eyewear use rates calculated from both data sources were compared. The self-reported appropriate protective eyewear use rate (9.4%; 95% CI 7.8, 11.0) was significantly higher (1.6 times more) than the observed rate (5.9%; 95%CI 4.6, 7.2). This suggests that players may over-report their use of appropriate protective equipment, though some may have incorrectly classified their eyewear as being appropriate or suitably protective. Studies that rely only on self-report data on protective equipment use need to take into account that this could lead to biased estimates.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001110
Validity of double and single leg vertical jumps as tests of leg extensor muscle function
- Authors: Young, Warren , MacDonald, Chris J. , Flowers, Michelle
- Date: 2001
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 15, no. 1 (2001), p. 6-11
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this research was to determine if 5 weeks of resistance training for the shoulder and hip flexor muscles produces improvements in vertical jumping (VJ) performance. Twenty-eight men were assessed on tests of shoulder power, leg extensor muscle function, and VJ performance using jumps performed from a standing position, a 3-stride run-up, and double- and single-leg takeoffs. A shoulder and hip flexor training group (n = 14) improved significantly more than a nontraining control group (n = 12) in shoulder power and 2 VJ performance tests, but not in the tests of leg extensor muscle function. It was concluded that the arm swing and free-leg drive significantly influence VJ performance and, therefore, VJ tests are not valid for assessment of leg extensor muscle function.
- Description: 2003003764
Waterslide exit velocities, user behaviours and injury prevention
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , McElroy, G. Keith
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International journal of injury control and safety promotion Vol. 14, no. 1 (2007), p. 54-56
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: 2003005672
A comparison of different pre-performance routines as possible choking interventions
- Authors: Mesagno, Christopher , Mullane-Grant, Thomas
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Applied Sport Psychology Vol. 22, no. 3 (2010), p. 343-360
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of the current study was to ascertain which aspect of a pre-performance routine (PPR) is most beneficial to alleviate choking. Participants included 60 experienced Australian football players in Australia, who attempted 20 kicks at a scoring zone in low- and high-pressure phases. Participants were assigned to one of five groups, with four groups undertaking intervention training and the pressure control group receiving no training, prior to the high-pressure phase. Results indicated that state anxiety increased during the high-pressure phase. Intervention groups responded to the increased anxiety with improved performance, while the pressure control group decreased performance. Thus, results add support to existing literature that a non-automated PPR, with psychological and behavioral components, decreases the likelihood of choking. Applied implications for consulting with potential choking-susceptible athletes are discussed. © Association for Applied Sport Psychology.
Agility literature review : Classifications, training and testing
- Authors: Sheppard, Jeremy , Young, Warren
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Sciences Vol. 24, no. 9 (Sep 2006), p. 919-932
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: At present, no agreement on a precise definition of agility within the sports science community exists. The term is applied to a broad range of sport contexts, but with such great inconsistency, it further complicates our understanding of what trainable components may enhance agility. A new definition of agility is proposed: "a rapid whole-body movement with change of velocity or direction in response to a stimulus". Agility has relationships with trainable physical qualities such as strength, power and technique, as well as cognitive components such as visual-scanning techniques, visual-scanning speed and anticipation. Agility testing is generally confined to tests of physical components such as change of direction speed, or cognitive components such as anticipation and pattern recognition. New tests of agility that combine physical and cognitive measures are encouraged.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002129
Understanding perceptions of injury risk associated with playing junior cricket
- Authors: White, Peta , Finch, Caroline , Dennis, Rebecca , Siesmaa, Emma
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 14, no. 2 (2010 2010), p. 115-120
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Preventing sports injuries in children is important, but there is limited information about children's perceptions of injury risk or their injury beliefs and attitudes. This study investigated injury risk perceptions in a sample of junior sports participants across different age levels of play. Junior cricket players (n = 284, aged 8-16) completed a survey about their injury risk perceptions. Survey questions asked about players' perceived injury risk to themselves compared to cricketers in general, as well as their perceived injury risk across different playing position, ground condition, and protective equipment use scenarios. Chi-square analysis found that risk perceptions were significantly higher in U12 and U14 players for both batting and fielding compared to U16 players and that U16 players had a higher risk perception associated with bowling. Players tended to see themselves as less likely to be injured than cricketers in general and perceived there to be a high risk of injury when fielding close to the batter and a comparatively low risk of injury when fielding in the outfield. Junior players also perceived there to be a high injury risk associated with playing on hard and bumpy grounds. Despite their relatively accurate perceptions of risk and appreciation for the importance of protective equipment, junior players need continual reminding of the importance of safety strategies by coaches and others. Coaches need to inform players that fielding injuries can occur anywhere on the ground, and include skills practice accordingly. © 2010 Sports Medicine Australia.
Use of field-based tests to identify risk factors for injury to fast bowlers in cricket
- Authors: Dennis, Rebecca , Finch, Caroline , McIntosh, Andrew , Elliott, Bruce
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 42, no. 6 (Jun 2008), p. 477-482
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To identify risk factors for injury to cricket fast bowlers using field-based tests. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: High performance Australian cricket. Participants: Ninety-one male adolescent and adult fast bowlers (aged 12-33 years). Assessment of risk factors: A field-based pre-participation screening, consisting of musculoskeletal, fitness and anthropometric assessments and analysis of bowling technique was undertaken. Bowlers were prospectively monitored over the 2003-4 season and bowling workload and injuries were recorded. Logistic regression was used to identify injury risk factors. Main outcome measurement: Repetitive microtrauma injury to the trunk, back or lower limb associated with fast bowling. Results: Two variables were identified as independent predictors of injury in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Bowlers with hip internal rotation of <= 30 degrees on the leg ipsilateral to the bowling arm were at a significantly reduced risk of injury (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.73) compared with bowlers with >40 degrees of rotation. Bowlers with an ankle dorsiflexion lunge of 12.1-14.0 cm on the leg contralateral to the bowling arm were at a significantly increased risk (OR 4.03, 95% CI 1.07 to 15.21) than bowlers with a lunge of >14 cm. Bowlers with a lunge of (12 cm were also at an increased risk, but not significantly so (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.40 to 4.84). Conclusions: Biomechanical research is needed to investigate how these two intrinsic risk factors increase injury risk so that appropriate interventions can be developed.
A framework for the design and development of physical employment tests and standards
- Authors: Payne, Warren , Harvey, Jack
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Ergonomics Vol. 53, no. 7 (2010), p. 858-871
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Because operational tasks in the uniformed services (military, police, fire and emergency services) are physically demanding and incur the risk of injury, employment policy in these services is usually competency based and predicated on objective physical employment standards (PESs) based on physical employment tests (PETs). In this paper, a comprehensive framework for the design of PETs and PESs is presented. Three broad approaches to physical employment testing are described and compared: generic predictive testing; task-related predictive testing; task simulation testing. Techniques for the selection of a set of tests with good coverage of job requirements, including job task analysis, physical demands analysis and correlation analysis, are discussed. Regarding individual PETs, theoretical considerations including measurability, discriminating power, reliability and validity, and practical considerations, including development of protocols, resource requirements, administrative issues and safety, are considered. With regard to the setting of PESs, criterion referencing and norm referencing are discussed. Statement of Relevance: This paper presents an integrated and coherent framework for the development of PESs and hence provides a much needed theoretically based but practically oriented guide for organisations seeking to establish valid and defensible PESs. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.
The descriptive epidemiology of sports/leisure-related heat illness hospitalisations in New South Wales, Australia
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Boufous, Soufiane
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 11, no. 1 (2008), p. 48-51
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Sport-related heat illness has not been commonly studied from an epidemiological perspective. This study presents the descriptive epidemiology of sports/leisure-related heat illness hospitalisations in New South Wales, Australia. All in-patient separations from all acute hospitals in NSW during 2001-2004, with an International Classification of Diseases external cause of injury code indicating "exposure to excessive natural heat (X30)" or any ICD-10 diagnosis code in the range: "effects of heat and light (T67.0-T67.9)", were analysed. The sport/leisure relatedness of cases was defined by ICD-10-AM activity codes indicating involvement in sport/leisure activities. Cases of exposure to heat while engaged in sport/leisure were described by gender, year, age, principal diagnosis, type of activity/sport and length of stay. There were 109 hospital separations for exposure to heat while engaging in sport/leisure activity, with the majority occurring during the hottest months. The number of male cases significantly increased over the 4-year period and 45+-year olds had the largest number of cases. Heat exhaustion was the leading cause of hospital separation (40% of cases). Marathon running, cricket and golf were the activities most commonly associated with heat-related hospitalisation. Ongoing development and refinement of expert position statements regarding heat illnesses need to draw on both epidemiological and physiological evidence to ensure their relevance to all levels of risk from the real world sport training and competition contexts. © 2007.
- Description: C1
The development of a test of reactive agility for netball : A new methodology
- Authors: Farrow, Damian , Young, Warren , Bruce, Lyndell
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 8, no. 1 (2005), p. 52-60
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this study was to present a new methodology for the measurement of agility for netball that is considered more ecologically valid than previous agility tests. Specifically, the agility performance of highly-skilled (n=12), moderately-skilled (n=12) and lesser-skilled players (n=8) when responding to a life-size, interactive video display of a netball player initiating a pass was compared to a traditional, pre-planned agility movement where no external stimulus was present. The total movement times and decision times of the players were the primary dependent measures of interest. A second purpose of the research was to determine the test-retest reliability of the testing approach. Results revealed significant differences existed between the 2 test conditions demonstrating that they were measuring different types of agility. The highly-skilled group was significantly faster in both the reactive and planned test conditions relative to the lesser-skilled group, while the moderately-skilled group was significantly faster than the lesser-skilled group in the reactive test condition. The decision time component within the reactive test condition revealed that the highly-skilled players made significantly faster decisions than the lesser-skilled players. It is reasoned that it is this decision-making component of reactive agility that contributes to the significant differences between the two test conditions. The testing approach was shown to have good test-retest reliability with an intra-class correlation of r= .83.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001188