Countermovement jump variables not tensiomyography can distinguish between sprint and endurance focused track cyclists
- Lewis, Mitchell, Young, Warren, Knapstein, Luke, Lavender, Andrew, Talpey, Scott
- Authors: Lewis, Mitchell , Young, Warren , Knapstein, Luke , Lavender, Andrew , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Biology of Sport Vol. 39, no. 1 (2022), p. 67-72
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- Description: This study investigated the reliability and discriminative ability of tensiomyography and countermovement jump variables as measures of a muscles contractile properties in a cohort of elite endurance and sprint track cyclists. Tensiomyography was performed on the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles in sprint track cyclists (N = 8) and endurance track cyclists (N = 8). Additionally, the participants completed a countermovement jump on a force plate. Tensiomyography measurements obtained from the RF displayed greater reliability (ICC = 0.879–0.997) than VL (ICC = 0.746–0.970). Radial muscle belly displacement (Dm), contraction time (Tc) and delay time (Td) demonstrated the most reliable TMG measurements. Only two variables displayed acceptable coefficient of variation (RF Td = 8.89, VL Td = 6.88), other variables presented as unacceptable. The TMG variables were unable to discriminate between endurance and sprint track cyclists whilst the CMJ variables could. Due to the high variability in measurements and its inability to distinguish between sprint and endurance based track cyclists TMG should be used cautiously in this athlete population and if available the CMJ is a more appropriate assessment of leg muscle function. © 2022 Institute of Sport. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Lewis, Mitchell , Young, Warren , Knapstein, Luke , Lavender, Andrew , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Biology of Sport Vol. 39, no. 1 (2022), p. 67-72
- Full Text:
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- Description: This study investigated the reliability and discriminative ability of tensiomyography and countermovement jump variables as measures of a muscles contractile properties in a cohort of elite endurance and sprint track cyclists. Tensiomyography was performed on the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles in sprint track cyclists (N = 8) and endurance track cyclists (N = 8). Additionally, the participants completed a countermovement jump on a force plate. Tensiomyography measurements obtained from the RF displayed greater reliability (ICC = 0.879–0.997) than VL (ICC = 0.746–0.970). Radial muscle belly displacement (Dm), contraction time (Tc) and delay time (Td) demonstrated the most reliable TMG measurements. Only two variables displayed acceptable coefficient of variation (RF Td = 8.89, VL Td = 6.88), other variables presented as unacceptable. The TMG variables were unable to discriminate between endurance and sprint track cyclists whilst the CMJ variables could. Due to the high variability in measurements and its inability to distinguish between sprint and endurance based track cyclists TMG should be used cautiously in this athlete population and if available the CMJ is a more appropriate assessment of leg muscle function. © 2022 Institute of Sport. All rights reserved.
Does the warm-up effect subsequent post activation performance enhancement?
- O'Grady, Mathew, Young, Warren, Talpey, Scott, Behm, David
- Authors: O'Grady, Mathew , Young, Warren , Talpey, Scott , Behm, David
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science Vol. 5, no. 4 (SESN 2021), p.
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- Description: The purpose of the following study was first to identify an optimal warm-up to maximise countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and second to investigate whether a conditioning activity (CA) of half-squats could potentiate CMJ performance above that of the optimal warm-up. Sixteen resistance trained males were recruited for the study. Participants performed six different warm-up volumes over six sessions. Warm-ups consisted of submaximal running, dynamic stretching and practice CMJs. After the warmup, participants rested for four minutes before performing three CMJs on a force platform. The warm-up which resulted in the best CMJ relative peak power (RPP) was considered to be that individual’s optimal warm-up. Participants attended another testing session where they performed their optimum warm-up followed by a pre-CMJ test. Participants then performed a CA of four half-squats with a 5RM load followed by post-CMJ tests after fourand eight-minutes recovery. No CMJ variable displayed significant improvements at either four or eight minutes recovery after the CA when compared to the pre-test. However, when everyone’s optimum recovery period was considered, CMJ height significantly improved by 5.2% (p = 0.009) when compared with pre-CMJ performance. If the optimum recovery period is considered, a half-squat CA can further mprove CMJ height above that of a general warm-up alone
- Authors: O'Grady, Mathew , Young, Warren , Talpey, Scott , Behm, David
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science Vol. 5, no. 4 (SESN 2021), p.
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- Description: The purpose of the following study was first to identify an optimal warm-up to maximise countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and second to investigate whether a conditioning activity (CA) of half-squats could potentiate CMJ performance above that of the optimal warm-up. Sixteen resistance trained males were recruited for the study. Participants performed six different warm-up volumes over six sessions. Warm-ups consisted of submaximal running, dynamic stretching and practice CMJs. After the warmup, participants rested for four minutes before performing three CMJs on a force platform. The warm-up which resulted in the best CMJ relative peak power (RPP) was considered to be that individual’s optimal warm-up. Participants attended another testing session where they performed their optimum warm-up followed by a pre-CMJ test. Participants then performed a CA of four half-squats with a 5RM load followed by post-CMJ tests after fourand eight-minutes recovery. No CMJ variable displayed significant improvements at either four or eight minutes recovery after the CA when compared to the pre-test. However, when everyone’s optimum recovery period was considered, CMJ height significantly improved by 5.2% (p = 0.009) when compared with pre-CMJ performance. If the optimum recovery period is considered, a half-squat CA can further mprove CMJ height above that of a general warm-up alone
Sprinting and hamstring strain injury : beliefs and practices of professional physical performance coaches in Australian football
- Freeman, Brock, Talpey, Scott, James, Lachlan, Young, Warren
- Authors: Freeman, Brock , Talpey, Scott , James, Lachlan , Young, Warren
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Physical Therapy in Sport Vol. 48, no. (2021), p. 12-19
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- Description: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish beliefs and practices of physical performance coaches regarding sprinting and Hamstring Strain Injury (HSI) in Australian Rules football. Designs: Delphi-validated questionnaire. Setting: Online. Participants: Eighteen high-performance managers of the Australian Football League. Main outcome measures: Descriptive statistics were collected to establish experience; central themes were established for the analyses of the beliefs and practices. Results: Nine (50%) physical performance coaches responded to an invitation to complete the questionnaire. Participants held an undergraduate degree and had 9.2 ± 4.3 years of experience. Accelerations (n = 9), maximum speed sprints (n = 9) and running with hip flexion (n = 7) were the most common activities associated with HSI. Coaches believed sprinting, eccentric strength training and proper periodisation were effective strategies to reduce HSI risk. There's a disparity between beliefs and practices when using GPS to monitor sprinting, however, all coaches reported regular exposure to sprint training across both pre and in-season. Overstriding (n = 9) and pelvic instability (n = 6) were identified as key flaws in running mechanics. Conclusions: This information can be used to improve training strategies, whilst these findings indicate further investigations into sprint training and running mechanics for HSI risk reduction. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd
- Authors: Freeman, Brock , Talpey, Scott , James, Lachlan , Young, Warren
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Physical Therapy in Sport Vol. 48, no. (2021), p. 12-19
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- Description: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish beliefs and practices of physical performance coaches regarding sprinting and Hamstring Strain Injury (HSI) in Australian Rules football. Designs: Delphi-validated questionnaire. Setting: Online. Participants: Eighteen high-performance managers of the Australian Football League. Main outcome measures: Descriptive statistics were collected to establish experience; central themes were established for the analyses of the beliefs and practices. Results: Nine (50%) physical performance coaches responded to an invitation to complete the questionnaire. Participants held an undergraduate degree and had 9.2 ± 4.3 years of experience. Accelerations (n = 9), maximum speed sprints (n = 9) and running with hip flexion (n = 7) were the most common activities associated with HSI. Coaches believed sprinting, eccentric strength training and proper periodisation were effective strategies to reduce HSI risk. There's a disparity between beliefs and practices when using GPS to monitor sprinting, however, all coaches reported regular exposure to sprint training across both pre and in-season. Overstriding (n = 9) and pelvic instability (n = 6) were identified as key flaws in running mechanics. Conclusions: This information can be used to improve training strategies, whilst these findings indicate further investigations into sprint training and running mechanics for HSI risk reduction. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd
The occurrence of different vertical jump types in basketball competition and their relationship with lower-body speed-strength qualities
- Talpey, Scott, Smyth, Andrew, O'Grady, Mathew, Morrison, Matthew, Young, Warren
- Authors: Talpey, Scott , Smyth, Andrew , O'Grady, Mathew , Morrison, Matthew , Young, Warren
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Strength and Conditioning Vol. 1, no. 1 (2021), p.
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- Description: Jumps occur frequently in basketball and can be executed from a single-leg take-off following a run-up or bilaterally from a standing start. Understanding the type of jumps performed in competition and how different muscular qualities influence their performance, informs training prescription. Firstly, to quantify the occurrence of different jump types performed in competition an analysis of 15 semi-professional basketball games was undertaken. Secondly, to understand the influence of muscular qualities on performance of different jump types, Semi-professional male basketball players (N=17) performed jump tests standing vertical jump, running vertical jumps with a double leg take-off (RVJ2) and a single leg take-off (RVJ1) and tests of lower-body speed-strength reactive strength index (RSI) from a drop jump, counter movement jump (CMJ) and squat jump. A stationary approach was employed for 69%, a running approach for 26% and a one-step approach for 5%. RVJ1 displayed non-significant (P=0.07) moderate correlation with jump height attained from the CMJ (r=0.439) and a very large (r =.806) significant (P<0.01) correlation with RSI. Most jumps were executed from a stationary start with a bilateral take-off while a run-up occurred prior to a substantial proportion of jumps. Jumps with a single-leg take-off from a run-up strongly correlate with RSI.
- Authors: Talpey, Scott , Smyth, Andrew , O'Grady, Mathew , Morrison, Matthew , Young, Warren
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Strength and Conditioning Vol. 1, no. 1 (2021), p.
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- Description: Jumps occur frequently in basketball and can be executed from a single-leg take-off following a run-up or bilaterally from a standing start. Understanding the type of jumps performed in competition and how different muscular qualities influence their performance, informs training prescription. Firstly, to quantify the occurrence of different jump types performed in competition an analysis of 15 semi-professional basketball games was undertaken. Secondly, to understand the influence of muscular qualities on performance of different jump types, Semi-professional male basketball players (N=17) performed jump tests standing vertical jump, running vertical jumps with a double leg take-off (RVJ2) and a single leg take-off (RVJ1) and tests of lower-body speed-strength reactive strength index (RSI) from a drop jump, counter movement jump (CMJ) and squat jump. A stationary approach was employed for 69%, a running approach for 26% and a one-step approach for 5%. RVJ1 displayed non-significant (P=0.07) moderate correlation with jump height attained from the CMJ (r=0.439) and a very large (r =.806) significant (P<0.01) correlation with RSI. Most jumps were executed from a stationary start with a bilateral take-off while a run-up occurred prior to a substantial proportion of jumps. Jumps with a single-leg take-off from a run-up strongly correlate with RSI.
Association between preseason training and performance in elite Australian football
- McCaskie, Callum, Young, Warren, Fahrner, Brendan, Sim, Marc
- Authors: McCaskie, Callum , Young, Warren , Fahrner, Brendan , Sim, Marc
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 14, no. 1 (2019), p. 68-75
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- Description: Purpose: To examine the association between preseason training variables and subsequent in-season performance in an elite Australian football team. Methods: Data from 41 elite male Australian footballers (mean [SD] age = 23.4 [3.1] y, height =188.4 [7.1] cm, and mass = 86.7 [7.9] kg) were collected from 1 Australian Football League (AFL) club. Preseason training data (external load, internal load, fitness testing, and session participation) were collected across the 17-wk preseason phase (6 and 11 wk post-Christmas). Champion Data© Player Rank (CDPR), coaches’ ratings, and round 1 selection were used as in-season performance measures. CDPR and coaches’ ratings were examined over the entire season, first half of the season, and the first 4 games. Both Pearson and partial (controlling for AFL age) correlations were calculated to assess if any associations existed between preseason training variables and in-season performance measures. A median split was also employed to differentiate between higher- and lower-performing players for each performance measure. Results: Preseason training activities appeared to have almost no association with performance measured across the entire season and the first half of the season. However, many preseason training variables were significantly linked with performance measured across the first 4 games. Preseason training variables that were measured post-Christmas were the most strongly associated with in-season performance measures. Specifically, total on-field session rating of perceived exertion post-Christmas, a measurement of internal load, displayed the greatest association with performance. Conclusion: Late preseason training (especially on-field match-specific training) is associated with better performance in the early season.
- Authors: McCaskie, Callum , Young, Warren , Fahrner, Brendan , Sim, Marc
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 14, no. 1 (2019), p. 68-75
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- Description: Purpose: To examine the association between preseason training variables and subsequent in-season performance in an elite Australian football team. Methods: Data from 41 elite male Australian footballers (mean [SD] age = 23.4 [3.1] y, height =188.4 [7.1] cm, and mass = 86.7 [7.9] kg) were collected from 1 Australian Football League (AFL) club. Preseason training data (external load, internal load, fitness testing, and session participation) were collected across the 17-wk preseason phase (6 and 11 wk post-Christmas). Champion Data© Player Rank (CDPR), coaches’ ratings, and round 1 selection were used as in-season performance measures. CDPR and coaches’ ratings were examined over the entire season, first half of the season, and the first 4 games. Both Pearson and partial (controlling for AFL age) correlations were calculated to assess if any associations existed between preseason training variables and in-season performance measures. A median split was also employed to differentiate between higher- and lower-performing players for each performance measure. Results: Preseason training activities appeared to have almost no association with performance measured across the entire season and the first half of the season. However, many preseason training variables were significantly linked with performance measured across the first 4 games. Preseason training variables that were measured post-Christmas were the most strongly associated with in-season performance measures. Specifically, total on-field session rating of perceived exertion post-Christmas, a measurement of internal load, displayed the greatest association with performance. Conclusion: Late preseason training (especially on-field match-specific training) is associated with better performance in the early season.
Development of muscle mass : How much is optimum for performance?
- Young, Warren, Talpey, Scott, Bartlett, Rogan, Lewis, Mitchell, Mundy, Stephanie, Smyth, Andrew, Welsh, Tim
- Authors: Young, Warren , Talpey, Scott , Bartlett, Rogan , Lewis, Mitchell , Mundy, Stephanie , Smyth, Andrew , Welsh, Tim
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Strength and Conditioning Journal Vol. 41, no. 3 (2019), p. 47-50
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- Description: Training for muscle hypertrophy can be expected to induce some increase in total body mass, and this can have positive or negative consequences for athletic performance. Positive effects may be increased strength, increased resistance to being pushed aside, and greater momentum when running, whereas possible negative effects may be reduced capacity to accelerate, decelerate, change direction, and jump. These possible effects of gaining muscle and total body mass suggest that strength and conditioning coaches should give thoughtful consideration to the amount of hypertrophy training prescribed throughout an athletes's development and should be determined by the specific needs of the athlete.
- Description: TRAINING FOR MUSCLE HYPERTROPHY CAN BE EXPECTED TO INDUCE SOME INCREASE IN TOTAL BODY MASS, AND THIS CAN HAVE POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES FOR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE. POSITIVE EFFECTS MAY BE INCREASED STRENGTH, INCREASED RESISTANCE TO BEING PUSHED ASIDE, AND GREATER MOMENTUM WHEN RUNNING, WHEREAS POSSIBLE NEGATIVE EFFECTS MAY BE REDUCED CAPACITY TO ACCELERATE, DECELERATE, CHANGE DIRECTION, AND JUMP. THESE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF GAINING MUSCLE AND TOTAL BODY MASS SUGGEST THAT STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACHES SHOULD GIVE THOUGHTFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE AMOUNT OF HYPERTROPHY TRAINING PRESCRIBED THROUGHOUT AN ATHLETE'S DEVELOPMENT AND SHOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE ATHLETE.
- Authors: Young, Warren , Talpey, Scott , Bartlett, Rogan , Lewis, Mitchell , Mundy, Stephanie , Smyth, Andrew , Welsh, Tim
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Strength and Conditioning Journal Vol. 41, no. 3 (2019), p. 47-50
- Full Text:
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- Description: Training for muscle hypertrophy can be expected to induce some increase in total body mass, and this can have positive or negative consequences for athletic performance. Positive effects may be increased strength, increased resistance to being pushed aside, and greater momentum when running, whereas possible negative effects may be reduced capacity to accelerate, decelerate, change direction, and jump. These possible effects of gaining muscle and total body mass suggest that strength and conditioning coaches should give thoughtful consideration to the amount of hypertrophy training prescribed throughout an athletes's development and should be determined by the specific needs of the athlete.
- Description: TRAINING FOR MUSCLE HYPERTROPHY CAN BE EXPECTED TO INDUCE SOME INCREASE IN TOTAL BODY MASS, AND THIS CAN HAVE POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES FOR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE. POSITIVE EFFECTS MAY BE INCREASED STRENGTH, INCREASED RESISTANCE TO BEING PUSHED ASIDE, AND GREATER MOMENTUM WHEN RUNNING, WHEREAS POSSIBLE NEGATIVE EFFECTS MAY BE REDUCED CAPACITY TO ACCELERATE, DECELERATE, CHANGE DIRECTION, AND JUMP. THESE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF GAINING MUSCLE AND TOTAL BODY MASS SUGGEST THAT STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACHES SHOULD GIVE THOUGHTFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE AMOUNT OF HYPERTROPHY TRAINING PRESCRIBED THROUGHOUT AN ATHLETE'S DEVELOPMENT AND SHOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE ATHLETE.
The effects of sprint training and the Nordic hamstring exercise on eccentric hamstring strength and sprint performance in adolescent athletes
- Freeman, Brock, Young, Warren, Talpey, Scott, Smyth, Andrew, Pane, Calvin, Carlon, Todd
- Authors: Freeman, Brock , Young, Warren , Talpey, Scott , Smyth, Andrew , Pane, Calvin , Carlon, Todd
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness Vol. 59, no. 7 (2019), p. 1119-1125
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- Description: BACKGROUND. Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are among the most common injuries in field-based team sports with a high-speed running component. The implementation of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is a well-documented method of improving eccentric hamstring strength to mitigate the risk of HSI occurrence. Sprint training is specific to the injury mechanism and is thought to activate the hamstrings through maximal eccentric contractions. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sprint training and the NHE on eccentric hamstring strength and sprint performance. METHODS. Twenty-eight participants (mean +/- SD age=16.21 +/- 1.34 years; height=1.75m +/- 0.10m; body mass=68.5kg +/- 12.1kg) completed an eccentric hamstring strength assessment and 40m sprint to assess acceleration and maximum speed. Participants were randomly allocated to either a NHE training or sprint training group. Two sessions per week for four-weeks of training was performed with baseline testing procedures repeated in the week following the intervention. Perceptions of soreness were recorded following the warm-up in each training session. RESULTS. Both the NHE (effect size=0.39, P<0.05) and sprint training (effect size=0.29, P<0.05) groups displayed significant gains in eccentric hamstring strength. The NHE group reported trivial improvements in sprint performance, whilst the sprint training group experienced a moderate improvement, specifically in maximum speed (ES=0.83 Moderate). Sprint training also produced greater perceptions of soreness than the NHE following a four-week training intervention, specifically before the start of the last session (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS. These findings indicate that sprint training had a beneficial effect for both eccentric hamstring strength and sprint performance, whilst also producing greater soreness than the NHE following the final training session. It was concluded that a four-week block of maximum speed training may have both an injury prevention and performance enhancement benefit.
- Authors: Freeman, Brock , Young, Warren , Talpey, Scott , Smyth, Andrew , Pane, Calvin , Carlon, Todd
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness Vol. 59, no. 7 (2019), p. 1119-1125
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- Description: BACKGROUND. Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are among the most common injuries in field-based team sports with a high-speed running component. The implementation of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is a well-documented method of improving eccentric hamstring strength to mitigate the risk of HSI occurrence. Sprint training is specific to the injury mechanism and is thought to activate the hamstrings through maximal eccentric contractions. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sprint training and the NHE on eccentric hamstring strength and sprint performance. METHODS. Twenty-eight participants (mean +/- SD age=16.21 +/- 1.34 years; height=1.75m +/- 0.10m; body mass=68.5kg +/- 12.1kg) completed an eccentric hamstring strength assessment and 40m sprint to assess acceleration and maximum speed. Participants were randomly allocated to either a NHE training or sprint training group. Two sessions per week for four-weeks of training was performed with baseline testing procedures repeated in the week following the intervention. Perceptions of soreness were recorded following the warm-up in each training session. RESULTS. Both the NHE (effect size=0.39, P<0.05) and sprint training (effect size=0.29, P<0.05) groups displayed significant gains in eccentric hamstring strength. The NHE group reported trivial improvements in sprint performance, whilst the sprint training group experienced a moderate improvement, specifically in maximum speed (ES=0.83 Moderate). Sprint training also produced greater perceptions of soreness than the NHE following a four-week training intervention, specifically before the start of the last session (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS. These findings indicate that sprint training had a beneficial effect for both eccentric hamstring strength and sprint performance, whilst also producing greater soreness than the NHE following the final training session. It was concluded that a four-week block of maximum speed training may have both an injury prevention and performance enhancement benefit.
The reliability and sensitivity of performance measures in a novel pace-bowling test
- Feros, Simon, Young, Warren, O’Brien, Brendan
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , O’Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 13, no. 2 (2018), p. 151-155
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- Description: Objectives: To evaluate the reliability and sensitivity of performance measures in a novel pace-bowling test. Methods: Thirteen male amateur-club fast bowlers completed a novel pace-bowling test on 2 separate occasions, 4–7 d apart. Participants delivered 48 balls (8 overs) at 5 targets on a suspended sheet situated behind a live batter, who stood in a right-handed and left-handed stance for an equal number of deliveries. Delivery instruction was frequently changed, with all deliveries executed in a preplanned sequence. Data on ball-release speed were captured by radar gun. A high-speed camera captured the moment of ball impact on the target sheet for assessment of radial error and bivariate variable error. Delivery rating of perceived exertion (0–100%) was collected as a measure of intensity. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients and coefficients of variation revealed excellent reliability for peak and mean ball-release speed, acceptable reliability for delivery rating of perceived exertion, and poor reliability for mean radial error, bivariate variable error, and variability of ball-release speed. The smallest worthwhile change indicated high sensitivity with peak and mean ball-release speed and lower sensitivity with mean radial error and bivariate variable error. Conclusions: The novel pace-bowling test incorporates improvements in ecological validity compared with its predecessors and can be used to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of pace-bowling performance. Data on the smallest worthwhile change can improve interpretation of pace-bowling research findings and may therefore influence recommendations for applied practice. © 2018 Human Kinetics, Inc.
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , O’Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 13, no. 2 (2018), p. 151-155
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- Description: Objectives: To evaluate the reliability and sensitivity of performance measures in a novel pace-bowling test. Methods: Thirteen male amateur-club fast bowlers completed a novel pace-bowling test on 2 separate occasions, 4–7 d apart. Participants delivered 48 balls (8 overs) at 5 targets on a suspended sheet situated behind a live batter, who stood in a right-handed and left-handed stance for an equal number of deliveries. Delivery instruction was frequently changed, with all deliveries executed in a preplanned sequence. Data on ball-release speed were captured by radar gun. A high-speed camera captured the moment of ball impact on the target sheet for assessment of radial error and bivariate variable error. Delivery rating of perceived exertion (0–100%) was collected as a measure of intensity. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients and coefficients of variation revealed excellent reliability for peak and mean ball-release speed, acceptable reliability for delivery rating of perceived exertion, and poor reliability for mean radial error, bivariate variable error, and variability of ball-release speed. The smallest worthwhile change indicated high sensitivity with peak and mean ball-release speed and lower sensitivity with mean radial error and bivariate variable error. Conclusions: The novel pace-bowling test incorporates improvements in ecological validity compared with its predecessors and can be used to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of pace-bowling performance. Data on the smallest worthwhile change can improve interpretation of pace-bowling research findings and may therefore influence recommendations for applied practice. © 2018 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Success in national level junior tennis : Tactical perspectives
- Klaus, Anne, Bradshaw, Ryan, Young, Warren, O’Brien, Brendan, Zois, James
- Authors: Klaus, Anne , Bradshaw, Ryan , Young, Warren , O’Brien, Brendan , Zois, James
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching Vol. 12, no. 5 (2017), p. 618-622
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- Description: Purpose: Point duration in competitive tennis is becoming shorter, highlighting a greater emphasis on performance of the first strokes of each point, in particular, the performance of the server. Methods: Descriptive measures of the video-based analysis included stroke type, point outcome and stroke position of the first two strokes of the server (service and first shot) during 10 randomly selected sets of competition on hard court. All participants (male; n=8) were of the age group 14 years and below and competed in national level events. Results: The performance of the first serve is characterized by an “in-percentage” of 54.6% and an improved chance of winning the point (for the server) following a first serve (55.9%; P<0.001) compared to a second serve (42.9%). The majority of stroke positions for first-shot winners were located in the central zone of the court (52.1%; P<0.01). In comparison to the error rate of all examined strokes, we observed an increased error rate of the first shot (16.5% vs. 22.4%; P<0.01). Conclusion: Contrasting to professionals, juniors produce more first-serve errors and win fewer points directly via the serve. Success in junior tennis relies in minimizing errors within short rallies specifically on the first shot of the server. Coaches of national level junior tennis players should focus on strategies to optimize court position following the serve and service percentage to increase competitive success rate. To achieve this, the server should utilize the serve as a “set-up” tool, dictating the direction of the returner’s return of serve within the central zones of the court. © The Author(s) 2017.
- Authors: Klaus, Anne , Bradshaw, Ryan , Young, Warren , O’Brien, Brendan , Zois, James
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching Vol. 12, no. 5 (2017), p. 618-622
- Full Text:
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- Description: Purpose: Point duration in competitive tennis is becoming shorter, highlighting a greater emphasis on performance of the first strokes of each point, in particular, the performance of the server. Methods: Descriptive measures of the video-based analysis included stroke type, point outcome and stroke position of the first two strokes of the server (service and first shot) during 10 randomly selected sets of competition on hard court. All participants (male; n=8) were of the age group 14 years and below and competed in national level events. Results: The performance of the first serve is characterized by an “in-percentage” of 54.6% and an improved chance of winning the point (for the server) following a first serve (55.9%; P<0.001) compared to a second serve (42.9%). The majority of stroke positions for first-shot winners were located in the central zone of the court (52.1%; P<0.01). In comparison to the error rate of all examined strokes, we observed an increased error rate of the first shot (16.5% vs. 22.4%; P<0.01). Conclusion: Contrasting to professionals, juniors produce more first-serve errors and win fewer points directly via the serve. Success in junior tennis relies in minimizing errors within short rallies specifically on the first shot of the server. Coaches of national level junior tennis players should focus on strategies to optimize court position following the serve and service percentage to increase competitive success rate. To achieve this, the server should utilize the serve as a “set-up” tool, dictating the direction of the returner’s return of serve within the central zones of the court. © The Author(s) 2017.
The use and modification of injury prevention exercises by professional youth soccer teams
- O'Brien, James, Young, Warren, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: O'Brien, James , Young, Warren , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports Vol. 27, no. 11 (2017), p. 1337-1346
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text:
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- Description: The efficacy of injury prevention exercise programs (IPEPs) for amateur youth soccer has been established, but little is known about their adaptability to other soccer populations. This study aimed to assess the use of individual injury prevention exercises by professional youth soccer teams, against the industry-standard, FIFA 11+ program. Four teams' chosen IPEPs were observed across one season and documented on a standardized form. The use of each FIFA 11+ exercise was coded as “performed”, “performed modified” or “not performed”. The proportion of the 160 observed sessions containing each individual exercise was calculated. Staff provided reasons for their use and modification of FIFA 11+ exercises. On average, individual FIFA 11+ exercises were conducted in original form in 12% of the sessions (range 0–33%), and in modified form in 28% of sessions (range 2–62%). The five most frequently observed exercises, in either original or modified form, were “bench” (72%), “squats” (69%), “running straight” (68%), “single-leg stance” (66%), and “sideways bench” (64%). Staff modified exercises to add variation, progression, and individualization, and to align with specific training formats and goals. Professional youth soccer teams often use injury prevention exercises similar to those in the FIFA 11+, but tailor them considerably to fit their implementation context.
- Authors: O'Brien, James , Young, Warren , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports Vol. 27, no. 11 (2017), p. 1337-1346
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The efficacy of injury prevention exercise programs (IPEPs) for amateur youth soccer has been established, but little is known about their adaptability to other soccer populations. This study aimed to assess the use of individual injury prevention exercises by professional youth soccer teams, against the industry-standard, FIFA 11+ program. Four teams' chosen IPEPs were observed across one season and documented on a standardized form. The use of each FIFA 11+ exercise was coded as “performed”, “performed modified” or “not performed”. The proportion of the 160 observed sessions containing each individual exercise was calculated. Staff provided reasons for their use and modification of FIFA 11+ exercises. On average, individual FIFA 11+ exercises were conducted in original form in 12% of the sessions (range 0–33%), and in modified form in 28% of sessions (range 2–62%). The five most frequently observed exercises, in either original or modified form, were “bench” (72%), “squats” (69%), “running straight” (68%), “single-leg stance” (66%), and “sideways bench” (64%). Staff modified exercises to add variation, progression, and individualization, and to align with specific training formats and goals. Professional youth soccer teams often use injury prevention exercises similar to those in the FIFA 11+, but tailor them considerably to fit their implementation context.
Relationships between reactive agility movement time and unilateral vertical, horizontal, and lateral jumps
- Henry, Greg, Dawson, Brian, Lay, Brendan, Young, Warren
- Authors: Henry, Greg , Dawson, Brian , Lay, Brendan , Young, Warren
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 30, no. 9 (2016), p. 2514-2521
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- Description: Henry, GJ, Dawson, B, Lay, BS, and Young, WB. Relationships between reactive agility movement time and unilateral vertical, horizontal, and lateral jumps. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2514-2521, 2016 - This study compared reactive agility movement time and unilateral (vertical, horizontal, and lateral) jump performance and kinetics between dominant and nondominant legs in Australian rules footballers (n 31) to investigate the role of leg strength characteristics in reactive agility performance. Jumps involved jumping forward on 1 leg, then for maximum height or horizontal or lateral distance. Agility and movement time components of reactive agility were assessed using a video-based test. Correlations between each of the jumps were strong (r -0.62 to -0.77), but between the jumps and agility movement time the relationships were weak (r -0.25 to -0.33). Dominant leg performance was superior in reactive agility movement time (4.5%; p 0.04), lateral jump distance (3%; p 0.008), and lateral reactive strength index (4.4%; p 0.03) compared with the nondominant leg. However, when the subjects were divided into faster and slower performers (based on their agility movement times) the movement time was significantly quicker in the faster group (n 15; 12%; p < 0.001), but no differences in jump performance or kinetics were observed. Therefore, although the capacity for jumps to predict agility performance seems limited, factors involved in producing superior lateral jump performance in the dominant leg may also be associated with advantages in agility performance in that leg. However, because reactive strength as measured by unilateral jumps seems to play a limited role in reactive agility performance and other factors such as skill, balance, and coordination, and also cognitive and decision-making factors, are likely to be more important. © 2013 National Strength and Conditioning Association.
- Authors: Henry, Greg , Dawson, Brian , Lay, Brendan , Young, Warren
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 30, no. 9 (2016), p. 2514-2521
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Henry, GJ, Dawson, B, Lay, BS, and Young, WB. Relationships between reactive agility movement time and unilateral vertical, horizontal, and lateral jumps. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2514-2521, 2016 - This study compared reactive agility movement time and unilateral (vertical, horizontal, and lateral) jump performance and kinetics between dominant and nondominant legs in Australian rules footballers (n 31) to investigate the role of leg strength characteristics in reactive agility performance. Jumps involved jumping forward on 1 leg, then for maximum height or horizontal or lateral distance. Agility and movement time components of reactive agility were assessed using a video-based test. Correlations between each of the jumps were strong (r -0.62 to -0.77), but between the jumps and agility movement time the relationships were weak (r -0.25 to -0.33). Dominant leg performance was superior in reactive agility movement time (4.5%; p 0.04), lateral jump distance (3%; p 0.008), and lateral reactive strength index (4.4%; p 0.03) compared with the nondominant leg. However, when the subjects were divided into faster and slower performers (based on their agility movement times) the movement time was significantly quicker in the faster group (n 15; 12%; p < 0.001), but no differences in jump performance or kinetics were observed. Therefore, although the capacity for jumps to predict agility performance seems limited, factors involved in producing superior lateral jump performance in the dominant leg may also be associated with advantages in agility performance in that leg. However, because reactive strength as measured by unilateral jumps seems to play a limited role in reactive agility performance and other factors such as skill, balance, and coordination, and also cognitive and decision-making factors, are likely to be more important. © 2013 National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Scientific evidence is just the starting point : A generalizable process for developing sports injury prevention interventions
- Donaldson, Alex, Lloyd, David, Gabbe, Belinda, Cook, Jill, Young, Warren, White, Peta, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Donaldson, Alex , Lloyd, David , Gabbe, Belinda , Cook, Jill , Young, Warren , White, Peta , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sport and Health Science Vol. 5, no. 3 (2016), p. 334-341
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565907
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- Description: Background: The 2 most cited sports injury prevention research frameworks incorporate intervention development, yet little guidance is available in the sports science literature on how to undertake this complex process. This paper presents a generalizable process for developing implementable sports injury prevention interventions, including a case study applying the process to develop a lower limb injury prevention exercise training program (FootyFirst) for community Australian football. Methods: The intervention development process is underpinned by 2 complementary premises: (1) that evidence-based practice integrates the best available scientific evidence with practitioner expertise and end user values and (2) that research evidence alone is insufficient to develop implementable interventions. Results: The generalizable 6-step intervention development process involves (1) compiling research evidence, clinical experience, and knowledge of the implementation context; (2) consulting with experts; (3) engaging with end users; (4) testing the intervention; (5) using theory; and (6) obtaining feedback from early implementers. Following each step, intervention content and presentation should be revised to ensure that the final intervention includes evidence-informed content that is likely to be adopted, properly implemented, and sustained over time by the targeted intervention deliverers. For FootyFirst, this process involved establishing a multidisciplinary intervention development group, conducting 2 targeted literature reviews, undertaking an online expert consensus process, conducting focus groups with program end users, testing the program multiple times in different contexts, and obtaining feedback from early implementers of the program. Conclusion: This systematic yet pragmatic and iterative intervention development process is potentially applicable to any injury prevention topic across all sports settings and levels. It will guide researchers wishing to undertake intervention development.
- Description: Background: The 2 most cited sports injury prevention research frameworks incorporate intervention development, yet little guidance is available in the sports science literature on how to undertake this complex process. This paper presents a generalizable process for developing implementable sports injury prevention interventions, including a case study applying the process to develop a lower limb injury prevention exercise training program (FootyFirst) for community Australian football. Methods: The intervention development process is underpinned by 2 complementary premises: (1) that evidence-based practice integrates the best available scientific evidence with practitioner expertise and end user values and (2) that research evidence alone is insufficient to develop implementable interventions. Results: The generalizable 6-step intervention development process involves (1) compiling research evidence, clinical experience, and knowledge of the implementation context; (2) consulting with experts; (3) engaging with end users; (4) testing the intervention; (5) using theory; and (6) obtaining feedback from early implementers. Following each step, intervention content and presentation should be revised to ensure that the final intervention includes evidence-informed content that is likely to be adopted, properly implemented, and sustained over time by the targeted intervention deliverers. For FootyFirst, this process involved establishing a multidisciplinary intervention development group, conducting 2 targeted literature reviews, undertaking an online expert consensus process, conducting focus groups with program end users, testing the program multiple times in different contexts, and obtaining feedback from early implementers of the program. Conclusion: This systematic yet pragmatic and iterative intervention development process is potentially applicable to any injury prevention topic across all sports settings and levels. It will guide researchers wishing to undertake intervention development. (C) 2016 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Shanghai University of Sport.
- Authors: Donaldson, Alex , Lloyd, David , Gabbe, Belinda , Cook, Jill , Young, Warren , White, Peta , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sport and Health Science Vol. 5, no. 3 (2016), p. 334-341
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565907
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The 2 most cited sports injury prevention research frameworks incorporate intervention development, yet little guidance is available in the sports science literature on how to undertake this complex process. This paper presents a generalizable process for developing implementable sports injury prevention interventions, including a case study applying the process to develop a lower limb injury prevention exercise training program (FootyFirst) for community Australian football. Methods: The intervention development process is underpinned by 2 complementary premises: (1) that evidence-based practice integrates the best available scientific evidence with practitioner expertise and end user values and (2) that research evidence alone is insufficient to develop implementable interventions. Results: The generalizable 6-step intervention development process involves (1) compiling research evidence, clinical experience, and knowledge of the implementation context; (2) consulting with experts; (3) engaging with end users; (4) testing the intervention; (5) using theory; and (6) obtaining feedback from early implementers. Following each step, intervention content and presentation should be revised to ensure that the final intervention includes evidence-informed content that is likely to be adopted, properly implemented, and sustained over time by the targeted intervention deliverers. For FootyFirst, this process involved establishing a multidisciplinary intervention development group, conducting 2 targeted literature reviews, undertaking an online expert consensus process, conducting focus groups with program end users, testing the program multiple times in different contexts, and obtaining feedback from early implementers of the program. Conclusion: This systematic yet pragmatic and iterative intervention development process is potentially applicable to any injury prevention topic across all sports settings and levels. It will guide researchers wishing to undertake intervention development.
- Description: Background: The 2 most cited sports injury prevention research frameworks incorporate intervention development, yet little guidance is available in the sports science literature on how to undertake this complex process. This paper presents a generalizable process for developing implementable sports injury prevention interventions, including a case study applying the process to develop a lower limb injury prevention exercise training program (FootyFirst) for community Australian football. Methods: The intervention development process is underpinned by 2 complementary premises: (1) that evidence-based practice integrates the best available scientific evidence with practitioner expertise and end user values and (2) that research evidence alone is insufficient to develop implementable interventions. Results: The generalizable 6-step intervention development process involves (1) compiling research evidence, clinical experience, and knowledge of the implementation context; (2) consulting with experts; (3) engaging with end users; (4) testing the intervention; (5) using theory; and (6) obtaining feedback from early implementers. Following each step, intervention content and presentation should be revised to ensure that the final intervention includes evidence-informed content that is likely to be adopted, properly implemented, and sustained over time by the targeted intervention deliverers. For FootyFirst, this process involved establishing a multidisciplinary intervention development group, conducting 2 targeted literature reviews, undertaking an online expert consensus process, conducting focus groups with program end users, testing the program multiple times in different contexts, and obtaining feedback from early implementers of the program. Conclusion: This systematic yet pragmatic and iterative intervention development process is potentially applicable to any injury prevention topic across all sports settings and levels. It will guide researchers wishing to undertake intervention development. (C) 2016 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Shanghai University of Sport.
The effects of frontal- and sagittal-plane plyometrics on change-of-direction speed and power in adolescent female basketball players
- McCormick, Brian, Hannon, James, Newton, Maria, Shultz, Barry, Detling, Nicole, Young, Warren
- Authors: McCormick, Brian , Hannon, James , Newton, Maria , Shultz, Barry , Detling, Nicole , Young, Warren
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 11, no. 1 (2016), p. 102-107
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- Description: Plyometrics is a popular training modality for basketball players to improve power and change-of-direction speed. Most plyometric training has used sagittal-plane exercises, but improvements in change-of-direction speed have been greater in multi direction programs. Purpose: To determine the benefits of a 6-wk frontal-plane plyometric (FPP) training program compared with a 6-wk sagittal-plane plyometric (SPP) training program with regard to power and change-of-direction speed. Methods: Fourteen female varsity high school basketball players participated in the study. Multiple 2 x 2 repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to determine differences for the FPP and SPP groups from preintervention to postintervention on 4 tests of power and 2 tests of change-of-direction speed. Results: There was a group main effect for time in all 6 tests. There was a significant group x time interaction effect in 3 of the 6 tests. The SPP improved performance of the countermovement vertical jump more than the FPP, whereas the FPP improved performance of the lateral hop (left) and lateral-shuffle test (left) more than the SPP. The standing long jump, lateral hop (right), and lateral-shuffle test (right) did not show a significant interaction effect. Conclusions: These results suggest that basketball players should incorporate plyometric training in all planes to improve power and change-of-direction speed.
- Authors: McCormick, Brian , Hannon, James , Newton, Maria , Shultz, Barry , Detling, Nicole , Young, Warren
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 11, no. 1 (2016), p. 102-107
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Plyometrics is a popular training modality for basketball players to improve power and change-of-direction speed. Most plyometric training has used sagittal-plane exercises, but improvements in change-of-direction speed have been greater in multi direction programs. Purpose: To determine the benefits of a 6-wk frontal-plane plyometric (FPP) training program compared with a 6-wk sagittal-plane plyometric (SPP) training program with regard to power and change-of-direction speed. Methods: Fourteen female varsity high school basketball players participated in the study. Multiple 2 x 2 repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to determine differences for the FPP and SPP groups from preintervention to postintervention on 4 tests of power and 2 tests of change-of-direction speed. Results: There was a group main effect for time in all 6 tests. There was a significant group x time interaction effect in 3 of the 6 tests. The SPP improved performance of the countermovement vertical jump more than the FPP, whereas the FPP improved performance of the lateral hop (left) and lateral-shuffle test (left) more than the SPP. The standing long jump, lateral hop (right), and lateral-shuffle test (right) did not show a significant interaction effect. Conclusions: These results suggest that basketball players should incorporate plyometric training in all planes to improve power and change-of-direction speed.
The effects of plyometric training on change-of-direction ability : A meta-analysis
- Asadi, Abbas, Arazi, Hamid, Young, Warren, De Villarreal, Eduardo
- Authors: Asadi, Abbas , Arazi, Hamid , Young, Warren , De Villarreal, Eduardo
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 11, no. 5 (2016), p. 563-573
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- Description: Purpose: To show a clear picture about the possible variables of enhancements of change-of-direction (COD) ability using longitudinal plyometric-training (PT) studies and determine specific factors that influence the training effects. Methods: A computerized search was performed, and 24 articles with a total of 46 effect sizes (ESs) in an experimental group and 25 ESs in a control group were reviewed to analyze the role of various factors on the impact of PT on COD performance. Results: The results showed that participants with good ftness levels obtained greater improvements in COD performance (P <.05), and basketball players gained more benefits of PT than other athletes. Also, men obtained COD results similar to those of women after PT. In relation to the variables of PT design, it appears that 7 wk (with 2 sessions/wk) using moderate intensity and 100 jumps per training session with a 72-h rest interval tends to improve COD ability. Performing PT with a combination of different types of plyometric exercises such as drop jumps + vertical jumps + standing long jumps is better than 1 form of exercise. Conclusion: It is apparent that PT can be effective at improving COD ability. The loading parameters are essential for exercise professionals, coaches, and strength and conditioning professionals with regard to the most appropriate dose-response trends to optimize plyometric-induced COD-ability gains. © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
- Authors: Asadi, Abbas , Arazi, Hamid , Young, Warren , De Villarreal, Eduardo
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 11, no. 5 (2016), p. 563-573
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: To show a clear picture about the possible variables of enhancements of change-of-direction (COD) ability using longitudinal plyometric-training (PT) studies and determine specific factors that influence the training effects. Methods: A computerized search was performed, and 24 articles with a total of 46 effect sizes (ESs) in an experimental group and 25 ESs in a control group were reviewed to analyze the role of various factors on the impact of PT on COD performance. Results: The results showed that participants with good ftness levels obtained greater improvements in COD performance (P <.05), and basketball players gained more benefits of PT than other athletes. Also, men obtained COD results similar to those of women after PT. In relation to the variables of PT design, it appears that 7 wk (with 2 sessions/wk) using moderate intensity and 100 jumps per training session with a 72-h rest interval tends to improve COD ability. Performing PT with a combination of different types of plyometric exercises such as drop jumps + vertical jumps + standing long jumps is better than 1 form of exercise. Conclusion: It is apparent that PT can be effective at improving COD ability. The loading parameters are essential for exercise professionals, coaches, and strength and conditioning professionals with regard to the most appropriate dose-response trends to optimize plyometric-induced COD-ability gains. © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Agility and change-of-direction speed are independent skills: Implications for training for agility in invasion sports
- Young, Warren, Dawson, Brian, Henry, Greg
- Authors: Young, Warren , Dawson, Brian , Henry, Greg
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching Vol. 10, no. 1 (2015), p. 159-169
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- Description: This review explores the differences between agility in invasion sports (defined as including reactive decision-making) and change-of-direction speed (CODS), and highlights the implications for training. Correlations between agility tests and CODS tests indicate that they represent independent skills. Agility tests discriminate higher-from lower-standard athletes better than CODS tests, indicating that the cognitive element of agility is important to performance. Training studies have shown that the development of strength qualities can transfer to gains in CODS, but this has never been shown for agility. There is some evidence that the importance of physical qualities is greater for CODS than for agility. It was concluded that the reactive element should be included in agility training, testing and research. While there appears to be no research evidence for the benefits of strength and power training, there is some support for the use of small-sided games for improving agility.
- Authors: Young, Warren , Dawson, Brian , Henry, Greg
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching Vol. 10, no. 1 (2015), p. 159-169
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This review explores the differences between agility in invasion sports (defined as including reactive decision-making) and change-of-direction speed (CODS), and highlights the implications for training. Correlations between agility tests and CODS tests indicate that they represent independent skills. Agility tests discriminate higher-from lower-standard athletes better than CODS tests, indicating that the cognitive element of agility is important to performance. Training studies have shown that the development of strength qualities can transfer to gains in CODS, but this has never been shown for agility. There is some evidence that the importance of physical qualities is greater for CODS than for agility. It was concluded that the reactive element should be included in agility training, testing and research. While there appears to be no research evidence for the benefits of strength and power training, there is some support for the use of small-sided games for improving agility.
Physical qualities predict change-of-direction speed but not defensive agility in Australian rules football
- Young, Warren, Miller, Ian, Talpey, Scott
- Authors: Young, Warren , Miller, Ian , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 29, no. 1 (2015), p. 206-212
- Full Text:
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- Description:
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between selected physical qualities, change-ofdirection (COD) speed, and defensive agility performance in Australian Rules football players. Twenty-four male communitylevel players were assessed on sprint acceleration (10-m time), maximum strength (3 repetition-maximum half squat), leg power (countermovement jump), reactive strength (drop jump), and a single COD speed test and a defensive agility test. Change-of-direction speed was correlated with reactive strength (r = 20.645, p = 0.001) and sprint acceleration (r = 0.510, p = 0.011). Multiple regression indicated that the combined physical qualities explained 56.7% of the variance associated with COD speed (adjusted R
2 = 0.567, p ≤ 0.05). Participants were median split into faster and slower COD speed groups, and these were compared by independent t-tests. The faster group was significantly better (p ≤ 0.05) on the sprint acceleration and reactive strength tests (large effect size). The correlations between physical qualities and agility were trivial to small (r = -0.101 to 0.123, p > 0.05) and collectively explained only 14.2% of the variance associated with agility performance (adjusted R2 = -0.142, p > 0.05). When faster and slower agility groups were compared, there were trivial to moderate differences (p > 0.05) in all physical qualities. It was concluded that reactive strength and sprint acceleration are important for COD speed, but the physical qualities assessed are not associated with defensive agility performance. For agility tasks similar to those in this study, sprint and resistance training should not be emphasized, and training other factors, such as the development of sportspecific technique and cognitive skill, is recommended. © 2015 National Strength and Conditioning Association.
- Authors: Young, Warren , Miller, Ian , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 29, no. 1 (2015), p. 206-212
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description:
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between selected physical qualities, change-ofdirection (COD) speed, and defensive agility performance in Australian Rules football players. Twenty-four male communitylevel players were assessed on sprint acceleration (10-m time), maximum strength (3 repetition-maximum half squat), leg power (countermovement jump), reactive strength (drop jump), and a single COD speed test and a defensive agility test. Change-of-direction speed was correlated with reactive strength (r = 20.645, p = 0.001) and sprint acceleration (r = 0.510, p = 0.011). Multiple regression indicated that the combined physical qualities explained 56.7% of the variance associated with COD speed (adjusted R
2 = 0.567, p ≤ 0.05). Participants were median split into faster and slower COD speed groups, and these were compared by independent t-tests. The faster group was significantly better (p ≤ 0.05) on the sprint acceleration and reactive strength tests (large effect size). The correlations between physical qualities and agility were trivial to small (r = -0.101 to 0.123, p > 0.05) and collectively explained only 14.2% of the variance associated with agility performance (adjusted R2 = -0.142, p > 0.05). When faster and slower agility groups were compared, there were trivial to moderate differences (p > 0.05) in all physical qualities. It was concluded that reactive strength and sprint acceleration are important for COD speed, but the physical qualities assessed are not associated with defensive agility performance. For agility tasks similar to those in this study, sprint and resistance training should not be emphasized, and training other factors, such as the development of sportspecific technique and cognitive skill, is recommended. © 2015 National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Association between leg power and sprinting technique with 20-m sprint performance in elite junior australian football players
- Young, Warren, Grace, Steve, Talpey, Scott
- Authors: Young, Warren , Grace, Steve , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching Vol. 9, no. 5 (2014), p. 1153-1160
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- Description: The main purpose of this study was to determine the association between leg power and sprint technique with 20-m sprint performance. Seventy-seven elite junior Australian Rules football players were assessed on a 20-m sprint test, a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a two bound test, and on a new method of quantifying sprint technique from simple video recordings. Technique assessment involved rating 14 points on a scale from 1-5. Players were median-split into faster and slower groups based on their 20-m times, and they were compared for differences in leg power and technique. The faster group was significantly better (p<0.05) in the two-bound test (5.2%) and the technique score (8.2%), but not in the CMJ (p>0.05). A multiple regression indicated that the two-bound test and technique accounted for 37.7% of the variance associated with the 20-m sprint time (p<0.05). It was concluded that the technique assessment tool captured some important characteristics of 20-m sprint performance and could potentially be used to profile or monitor athletes. Further the two-bound test is a more relevant test for developing athletes because of its specificity to sprinting, compared to the CMJ.
- Authors: Young, Warren , Grace, Steve , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching Vol. 9, no. 5 (2014), p. 1153-1160
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The main purpose of this study was to determine the association between leg power and sprint technique with 20-m sprint performance. Seventy-seven elite junior Australian Rules football players were assessed on a 20-m sprint test, a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a two bound test, and on a new method of quantifying sprint technique from simple video recordings. Technique assessment involved rating 14 points on a scale from 1-5. Players were median-split into faster and slower groups based on their 20-m times, and they were compared for differences in leg power and technique. The faster group was significantly better (p<0.05) in the two-bound test (5.2%) and the technique score (8.2%), but not in the CMJ (p>0.05). A multiple regression indicated that the two-bound test and technique accounted for 37.7% of the variance associated with the 20-m sprint time (p<0.05). It was concluded that the technique assessment tool captured some important characteristics of 20-m sprint performance and could potentially be used to profile or monitor athletes. Further the two-bound test is a more relevant test for developing athletes because of its specificity to sprinting, compared to the CMJ.
The acute effects of conventional, complex, and contrast protocols on lower-body power
- Talpey, Scott, Young, Warren, Saunders, Natalie
- Authors: Talpey, Scott , Young, Warren , Saunders, Natalie
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 28, no. 2 (February 2014 2014), p. 361-366
- Full Text:
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- Description: Talpey, SW, Young, WB, and Saunders, N. The acute effects of conventional, complex, and contrast protocols on lowerbody power. J Strength Cond Res 28(2): 361-366, 2014- This study compared conventional, complex, and contrast protocols on peak power (PP) output. Static vs. dynamic contractions were also manipulated to determine the effect of these confounding variables. Eighteen recreationally trained men [age, 21.1 ± 3.3 years; body mass, 81.7 ± 15.9 kg; height, 182.8 ± 6.2 cm; 5 repetition maximum (5RM) half back squat, 119.2 ± 25.4 kg; 5RM/BW, 1.5 ± 0.2 kg] involved in sports including Australian Rules football, basketball, soccer, and rugby participated in this investigation. Five protocols were executed in a randomized order, a conventional protocol in which 3 sets of 4 countermovement jumps (CMJs) were performed 2 minutes apart. Contrast protocols using a heavy resistance conditioning action of either 4 repetitions with a 5RM load or a 5-second static back squat were alternated with sets of 4 CMJs. Complex conditions with 3 sets of 4 repetitions of a 5RM back squat or a 5-second static back squat were performed before the 3 sets of CMJs. In all conditions, 4 minutes of rest followed sets of heavy resistance exercises and 2 minutes of rest followed each set of CMJs. Individual set means and a total session mean were calculated from each CMJ performed during the session. Results showed that the conventional protocol produced significantly greater PP than all conditions except for the dynamic complex and the static contrast. Results suggest that the use of the complex and contrast protocols used in this investigation should not be used for acute increases in lower-body PP in recreationally trained individuals.
- Authors: Talpey, Scott , Young, Warren , Saunders, Natalie
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 28, no. 2 (February 2014 2014), p. 361-366
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Talpey, SW, Young, WB, and Saunders, N. The acute effects of conventional, complex, and contrast protocols on lowerbody power. J Strength Cond Res 28(2): 361-366, 2014- This study compared conventional, complex, and contrast protocols on peak power (PP) output. Static vs. dynamic contractions were also manipulated to determine the effect of these confounding variables. Eighteen recreationally trained men [age, 21.1 ± 3.3 years; body mass, 81.7 ± 15.9 kg; height, 182.8 ± 6.2 cm; 5 repetition maximum (5RM) half back squat, 119.2 ± 25.4 kg; 5RM/BW, 1.5 ± 0.2 kg] involved in sports including Australian Rules football, basketball, soccer, and rugby participated in this investigation. Five protocols were executed in a randomized order, a conventional protocol in which 3 sets of 4 countermovement jumps (CMJs) were performed 2 minutes apart. Contrast protocols using a heavy resistance conditioning action of either 4 repetitions with a 5RM load or a 5-second static back squat were alternated with sets of 4 CMJs. Complex conditions with 3 sets of 4 repetitions of a 5RM back squat or a 5-second static back squat were performed before the 3 sets of CMJs. In all conditions, 4 minutes of rest followed sets of heavy resistance exercises and 2 minutes of rest followed each set of CMJs. Individual set means and a total session mean were calculated from each CMJ performed during the session. Results showed that the conventional protocol produced significantly greater PP than all conditions except for the dynamic complex and the static contrast. Results suggest that the use of the complex and contrast protocols used in this investigation should not be used for acute increases in lower-body PP in recreationally trained individuals.
What do community football players think about different exercise-training programmes? Implications for the delivery of lower limb injury prevention programmes
- Finch, Caroline, Doyle, Tim, Dempsey, Alasdair, Elliott, Bruce, Twomey, Dara, White, Peta, Diamantopoulou, Kathy, Young, Warren, Lloyd, David
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Doyle, Tim , Dempsey, Alasdair , Elliott, Bruce , Twomey, Dara , White, Peta , Diamantopoulou, Kathy , Young, Warren , Lloyd, David
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 48, no. 8 (2014), p.702-707
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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- Description: Background: Players are the targeted end-users and beneficiaries of exercise-training programmes implemented during coach-led training sessions, and the success of programmes depends upon their active participation. Two variants of an exercise-training programme were incorporated into the regular training schedules of 40 community Australian Football teams, over two seasons. One variant replicated common training practices, while the second was an evidence-based programme to alter biomechanical and neuromuscular factors related to risk of knee injuries. This paper describes the structure of the implemented programmes and compares players’ end-of-season views about the programme variants. Methods: This study was nested within a larger group-clustered randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of two exercise-training programmes (control and neuromuscular control (NMC)) for preventing knee injuries. A post-season self-report survey, derived from Health Belief Model constructs, included questions to obtain players’ views about the benefits and physical challenges of the programme in which they participated. Results: Compared with control players, those who participated in the NMC programme found it to be less physically challenging but more enjoyable and potentially of more benefit. Suggestions from players about potential improvements to the training programme and its future implementation included reducing duration, increasing range of drills/exercises and promoting its injury prevention and other benefits to players. Conclusions: Players provide valuable feedback about the content and focus of implemented exercise-training programmes, that will directly inform the delivery of similar, or more successful, programmes in the future.
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Doyle, Tim , Dempsey, Alasdair , Elliott, Bruce , Twomey, Dara , White, Peta , Diamantopoulou, Kathy , Young, Warren , Lloyd, David
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 48, no. 8 (2014), p.702-707
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Players are the targeted end-users and beneficiaries of exercise-training programmes implemented during coach-led training sessions, and the success of programmes depends upon their active participation. Two variants of an exercise-training programme were incorporated into the regular training schedules of 40 community Australian Football teams, over two seasons. One variant replicated common training practices, while the second was an evidence-based programme to alter biomechanical and neuromuscular factors related to risk of knee injuries. This paper describes the structure of the implemented programmes and compares players’ end-of-season views about the programme variants. Methods: This study was nested within a larger group-clustered randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of two exercise-training programmes (control and neuromuscular control (NMC)) for preventing knee injuries. A post-season self-report survey, derived from Health Belief Model constructs, included questions to obtain players’ views about the benefits and physical challenges of the programme in which they participated. Results: Compared with control players, those who participated in the NMC programme found it to be less physically challenging but more enjoyable and potentially of more benefit. Suggestions from players about potential improvements to the training programme and its future implementation included reducing duration, increasing range of drills/exercises and promoting its injury prevention and other benefits to players. Conclusions: Players provide valuable feedback about the content and focus of implemented exercise-training programmes, that will directly inform the delivery of similar, or more successful, programmes in the future.
When 'just doing it' is not enough: Assessing the fidelity of player performance of an injury prevention exercise program
- Fortington, Lauren, Donaldson, Alex, Lathlean, Tim, Young, Warren, Gabbe, Belinda, Lloyd, David, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Fortington, Lauren , Donaldson, Alex , Lathlean, Tim , Young, Warren , Gabbe, Belinda , Lloyd, David , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 18, no. 3 (May 2014 2014), p.272-277
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565907
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: To obtain benefits from sports injury prevention programs, players are instructed to perform the exercises as prescribed. We developed an observational checklist to measure the quality of exercise performance by players participating in FootyFirst, a coach-led, exercise-based, lower-limb injury prevention program in community Australian Football (AF). Design: Observational. Methods: The essential performance criteria for each FootyFirst exercise were described in terms of the technique, volume and intensity required to perform each exercise. An observational checklist was developed to evaluate each criterion through direct visual observation of players at training. The checklist was trialled by two independent raters who observed the same 70 players completing the exercises at eight clubs. Agreement between observers was assessed by Kappa-statistics. Exercise fidelity was defined as the proportion of observed players who performed all aspects of their exercises correctly. Results: The raters agreed on 61/70 observations (87%) (Kappa = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55; 0.89). Of the observations with agreed ratings, 41 (67%) players were judged as performing the exercises as prescribed. Conclusions: The observational checklist demonstrated high inter-rater reliability. Many players observed did not perform the exercises as prescribed, raising concern as to whether they would be receiving anticipated program benefits. Where quality of exercise performance is important, evaluation and reporting of program fidelity should include direct observations of participants.
- Authors: Fortington, Lauren , Donaldson, Alex , Lathlean, Tim , Young, Warren , Gabbe, Belinda , Lloyd, David , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 18, no. 3 (May 2014 2014), p.272-277
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565907
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: To obtain benefits from sports injury prevention programs, players are instructed to perform the exercises as prescribed. We developed an observational checklist to measure the quality of exercise performance by players participating in FootyFirst, a coach-led, exercise-based, lower-limb injury prevention program in community Australian Football (AF). Design: Observational. Methods: The essential performance criteria for each FootyFirst exercise were described in terms of the technique, volume and intensity required to perform each exercise. An observational checklist was developed to evaluate each criterion through direct visual observation of players at training. The checklist was trialled by two independent raters who observed the same 70 players completing the exercises at eight clubs. Agreement between observers was assessed by Kappa-statistics. Exercise fidelity was defined as the proportion of observed players who performed all aspects of their exercises correctly. Results: The raters agreed on 61/70 observations (87%) (Kappa = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55; 0.89). Of the observations with agreed ratings, 41 (67%) players were judged as performing the exercises as prescribed. Conclusions: The observational checklist demonstrated high inter-rater reliability. Many players observed did not perform the exercises as prescribed, raising concern as to whether they would be receiving anticipated program benefits. Where quality of exercise performance is important, evaluation and reporting of program fidelity should include direct observations of participants.