An integrated physiological and performance profile of professional tennis
- Authors: Hornery, Daniel , Farrow, Damian , Mujika, Inigo , Young, Warren
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 41, no. 8 (2007), p. 531-536
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To describe the physiological responses to tournament tennis in relation to prevailing environmental conditions, match notation, and skills that underpin performance. Design: 14 male professional tennis players (mean (SD) age, 21.4 (2.6) years; height, 183.0 (6.9) cm; body mass, 79.2 (6.4) kg) were studied while contesting international tennis tournaments. Environmental conditions, match notation, physiological (core temperature, hydration status, heart rate, blood variables), and performance indices (serve kinematics, serve velocity, error rates) were recorded. Results: Hard and clay court tournaments elicited similar peak core temperature (38.9 (0.3) v 38.5 (0.6)°C) and average heart rate (152 (15) v 146 (19) beats/min) but different body mass deficit (1.05 (0.49) v 0.32 (0.56)%, p<0.05). Average pre-match urine specific gravity was 1.022 (0.004). Time between points was longer during hard court matches (25.1 (4.3) v 17.2 (3.3) s, p<0.05). Qualitative analysis of first and second serves revealed inverse relations between the position of the tossing arm at ball release and the position of the ball toss and progressive match time (respectively, r= -0.74 and r= -0.73, p<0.05) and incurred body mass deficit (r=0.73 and r=0.73, p<0.05). Conclusions: Participants began matches in a poor state of hydration, and experienced moderate thermoregulatory strain and dehydration during competition. These adverse physiological conditions may compromise performance and influence notational analyses.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005645
Effects of running, static stretching and practice jumps on explosive force production and jumping performance
- Authors: Young, Warren , Behm, David
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness Vol. 43, no. 1 (2003), p. 21-27
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim. The interaction between running, stretching and practice jumps during warm-up for jumping tests has not been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of running, static stretching of the leg extensors and practice jumps on explosive force production and jumping performance. Methods. Sixteen volunteers (13 male and 3 female) participated in five different warm-ups in a randomised order prior to the performance of two jumping tests. The warm-ups were control, 4 min run, static stretch, run + stretch, and run + stretch + practice jumps. After a 2 min rest, a concentric jump and a drop jump were performed, which yielded 6 variables expressing fast force production and jumping performance of the leg extensor muscles (concentric jump height, peak force, rate of force developed, drop jump height, contact time and height/time). Results. Generally the stretching warm-up produced the lowest values and the run or run + stretch + jumps warm-ups produced the highest values of explosive force production. There were no significant differences (p<0.05) between the control and run + stretch warm-ups, whereas the run yielded significantly better scores than the run + stretch warm-up for drop jump height (3.2%), concentric jump height (3.4%) and peak concentric force (2.7%) and rate of force developed (15.4%). Conclusion. The results indicated that submaximum running and practice jumps had a positive effect whereas static stretching had a negative influence on explosive force and jumping performance. It was suggested that an alternative for static stretching should be considered in warm-ups prior to power activities.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000536
An evaluation of a new test of reactive agility and its relationship to sprint speed and change of direction speed
- Authors: Sheppard, Jeremy , Young, Warren , Doyle, Tim , Sheppard, T. A. , Newton, Robert
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 9, no. 4 (2006), p. 342-349
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- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a new test of agility, the reactive agility test (RAT), which included anticipation and decision-making components in response to the movements of a tester. Thirty-eight Australian football players took part in the study, categorized into either a higher performance group (HPG) (n = 24) or lower performance group (LPG) (n = 14) based on playing level from the previous season. All participants undertook testing of a 10 m straight sprint (10 mSS), a 8-9 m change of direction speed test (CODST), and the RAT. Test-retest and inter-tester reliability testing measures were conducted with the LPG. The intra-class correlation (ICC) of the RAT was 0.870, with no significant (p < 0.05) difference between the test results obtained on the first and second test sessions using a t-test. A dependent samples t-test revealed no significant (p < 0.05) difference between the test results of two different testers with the same population. The HPG were significantly (p = 0.001) superior to those of the LPG on the RAT, with no differences observed on any other variable. The RAT is an acceptably reliable test when considering both test-retest reliability, as well as inter-rater reliability. In addition, the test was valid in distinguishing between players of differing performance level in Australian football, while the 10 mSS and CODST were not. This result suggests that traditional closed skill sprint and sprint with direction change tests may not adequately distinguish between players of different levels of competition in Australian football. © 2006 Sports Medicine Australia.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002132
Physical performance and electromyographic responses to an acute bout of paired set strength training versus traditional strength training
- Authors: Robbins, Daniel , Young, Warren , Behm, David , Payne, Warren , Klimstra, Marc
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 25, no. 5 (2010), p. 1237-1245
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Physical performance and electromyographic responses to an acute bout of paired set strength training versus traditional strength training. J Strength Cond Res 24(5): 1237-1245, 2010-The objective of this study was to investigate the acute effects of performing paired set (PS) vs. traditional set (TS) training over 3 consecutive sets on volume load (VL) and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, latissimus dorsi, and trapezius muscles. Following a familiarization session 16 trained males performed 2 testing protocols using 4 repetition maximum loads: TS (3 sets of bench pull [Bpull] followed by 3 sets of bench press [Bpress] performed in approximately 20 minutes) or PS (3 sets of Bpull and 3 sets of Bpress performed in an alternating manner in approximately 10 minutes). Bpull and Bpress VL decreased significantly from set 1 to set 2 and from set 2 to set 3 under both conditions. There was no difference between VL per set, or over the sessions, between the 2 conditions. PS was determined to be more efficient (VL/time) as compared to TS. EMG activity of the 4 monitored muscles was not different for the 2 conditions or within each condition over the 3 sets. However, there was a significant within-set response in EMG activity in the Bpress exercise. The data suggest that a 4-minute rest interval between sets may not be adequate to maintain VL using either protocol. The data further suggest that PS training may be as effective as TS training in terms of VL maintenance and more effective in terms of efficiency. The comparison of EMG activity between the PS and TS protocols suggests that the level of neuromuscular fatigue does not differ under the 2 conditions. PS training would appear to be an effective method of exercise with respect to VL maintenance and efficiency.
The effect of a resistance training programme on the grab, track and swing starts in swimming
- Authors: Breed, Ray , Young, Warren
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Sciences Vol. 21, no. 3 (2003), p. 213-220
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The aim of this study was to establish the effectiveness of a resistance training programme, designed to improve vertical jumping ability, on the grab, swing and rear-weighted track starts in swimming. Twenty-three female non-competitive swimmers participated (age 19.9±2.4 years; mean±s). The diving techniques were practised weekly for 8 weeks. The participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 11) or a resistance-training group (n = 12), which trained three times a week for 9 weeks. The tests before and after the training programme involved performing each dive technique and six dry-land tests: two countermovement jumps (with and without arms), two isokinetic squats (bar speeds of 0.44 and 0.70 rad.s-1) and two overhead throws (with and without back extension). A repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to show that resistance training improved performance in the dry-land tests (P < 0.0001). No significant improvements due to training were found for any temporal, kinematic or kinetic variables within the grab or swing starts. Significant improvements (P < 0.05) were found for the track start for take-off velocity, take-off angle and horizontal impulse. The results suggest that the improved skill of vertical jumping was not transferred directly to the start, particularly in the grab technique. Non-significant trends towards improvement were observed within all starts for vertical force components, suggesting the need to practise the dives to retrain the changed neuromuscular properties.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000554
Supplementing regular training with short-duration sprint-agility training leads to a substantial increase in repeated sprint-agility performance with national level badminton players
- Authors: O'Brien, Brendan , Walklate, Benjamin , Young, Warren , Paton, Carl
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 23, no. 5 (2009), p. 1477–1481
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- Description: Walklate, BM, O’Brien, BJ, Paton, CD, and Young, W. Supplementing regular training with short-duration sprint-agility training leads to a substantial increase in repeated sprint-agility performance with national level badminton players. J Strength Cond Res. 23(5): 1477–1481, 2009—Repeated-agility sprint ability is an important performance characteristic of badminton players. However, it is unclear whether regular badminton training is sufficient to improve repeated-agility sprint ability or whether supplementary training is required. Therefore, our aim was to investigate whether supplementing regular group training with short sessions of badminton-specific agility-sprint training conferred any greater changes in performance than regular training alone. Twelve national level badminton players completed a set of performance tests in the week before and after a 4-week training period. Performance tests consisted of 10- and 20- meter sprints, a multistage fitness test, a 300-meter shuttle run, and a novel badminton sprint protocol. After pretesting, pairmatched participants were randomly assigned into regular or supplementary training groups. Both groups undertook regular national squad training consisting of 4 2-hour sessions per week. In addition, the supplementary group completed a highintensity sprint-training regime consisting of 7 to 15 repeats of badminton-specific sprints twice per week. Relative to control, the supplementary training group reported improvements (mean 6 90% confidence limits) in the 300-meter shuttle run (2.4% 6 2.7%) and badminton sprint protocol (3.6% 6 2.6%). However, there were no substantial difference in either the 10- meter (20.3% 6 2.1%) or 20-meter (20.6% 6 1.8%) sprint or the multistage fitness test (0.0% 6 2.7%). Supplementing regular training with sessions of short-duration sprint training appears to lead to worthwhile increases in repeated-agility sprint performance with national level badminton players.
- Description: 2003008105
Effects of agonist-antagonist complex resistance training on upper body strength and power development
- Authors: Robbins, Daniel , Young, Warren , Behm, David , Payne, Warren
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Sciences Vol. 27, no. 14 (2009), p. 1617-1625
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The objective of this study was to examine the chronic effects on strength and power of performing complex versus traditional set training over eight weeks. Fifteen trained males were assessed for throw height, peak velocity, and peak power in the bench press throw and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the bench press and bench pull exercises, before and after the eight-week programme. The traditional set group performed the pulling before the pushing exercise sets, whereas the complex set group alternated pulling and pushing sets. The complex set training sessions were completed in approximately half the time. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was monitored during both test sessions in an attempt to determine if it was affected as a result of the training programme. Although there were no differences in the dependent variables between the two conditions, bench pull and bench press 1-RM increased significantly under the complex set condition and peak power increased significantly under the traditional set condition. Effect size statistics suggested that the complex set was more time-efficient than the traditional set condition with respect to development of 1-RM bench pull and bench press, peak velocity and peak power. The EMG activity was not affected. Complex set training would appear to be an effective method of exercise with respect to efficiency and strength development.
- Description: 2003008194
The effect of an upper-body agonist-antagonist resistance training protocol on volume load and efficiency
- Authors: Robbins, Daniel , Young, Warren , Behm, David
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 24, no. 10 (2010), p. 2632-2640
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate the acute effects on volume load (VL) (load x repetitions) of performing paired set (PS) vs. traditional set (TS) training over 3 consecutive sets. After a familiarization session 16 trained men performed 2 testing protocols using 4 repetition maximum loads: TS (3 sets of bench pull followed by 3 sets of bench press performed in approximately 10 minutes) or PS (3 sets of bench pull and 3 sets of bench press performed in an alternating manner in approximately 10 minutes). Bench pull and bench press VL decreased significantly from set 1 to set 2 and from set 2 to set 3 under both the PS and TS conditions (p < 0.05). Bench pull and bench press VL per set were significantly less under TS as compared to PS over all sets, with the exception of the first set (bench pull set 1) (p < 0.05). Session totals for bench pull and bench press VL were significantly less under TS as compared to PS (p < 0.05). Paired set was determined to be more efficient (VL/time) as compared to TS. The data suggest that a 2-minute rest interval between sets (TS), or a 4-minute rest interval between similar sets (PS), may not be adequate to maintain VL. The data further suggest that PS training may be more effective than TS training in terms of VL maintenance and more efficient. Paired set training would appear to be an efficient method of exercise. Practitioners wishing to maximize work completed per unit of time may be well advised to consider PS training.
Relationship between pre-season anthropometric and fitness measures and indicators of playing performance in elite junior Australian rules football
- Authors: Young, Warren , Pryor, Luke
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 10, no. 2 (2007), p. 110-118
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- Description: The purpose of this research was to determine the relationships between selected anthropometric and fitness measures with indicators of performance in elite junior Australian football players. During the pre-season, 485 players from the elite Victorian under-18 Australian Rules football competition were tested for height, body mass, hand span, arm length, standing reach, vertical jump, 5 and 20 m sprint times, agility, predicted over(V, ) O2 max and sit and reach flexibility. Performance indicators included being selected for the first game of the season and the number of possessions, marks, hitouts, and the number of games where votes were awarded in the first eight games of the season. The top and bottom four teams on the ladder were also compared after eight games. Players were divided into groups on the basis of the above indicators and the groups were compared statistically by analysis of variance (ANOVA). There were several significant differences between selected and non-selected players. Players acquiring the most possessions were significantly (p < 0.05) shorter (effect size: ES = 0.78), with less body mass (ES = 0.55) and possessed greater acceleration (ES = 0.44-0.56) and endurance (ES = 0.51). Body mass was significantly related to the number of marks and height was related to hitouts (p < 0.05). Acceleration was the only fitness quality to discriminate between higher and lower vote winners. The players from the top four teams had a significantly greater standing reach (p = 0.038, ES = 0.53), were heavier (p = 0.032, ES = 0.55) but not superior in any fitness measure. Generally hand span, agility and flexibility were not related to performance indicators. It was concluded that shorter and lighter players who possess high levels of speed and endurance are more likely to acquire possessions and be awarded votes, however these attributes do not guarantee team success. The small relationships between agility and flexibility to performance might be explained by the choice of tests used to assess these qualities. © 2006 Sports Medicine Australia.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005642
A review of agility : Practical applications for strength and conditioning
- Authors: Young, Warren , Farrow, Damian
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Strength and Conditioning Journal Vol. 28, no. 5 (2006), p. 24-29
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- Description: Agility is an important component of many sports but has not been extensively researched. The various components that contribute to agility performance are discussed and training guidelines are provided. There appears to be limited transfer to agility performance from straight sprint training as well as from general strength training. The principle of training specificity is emphasized to achieve maximum transfer to on-field performance.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002120
Fixed foot balance training increases rectus femoris activation during landing and jump height in recreationally active women
- Authors: Kean, Crystal , Behm, David , Young, Warren
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sports Science and Medicine Vol. 5, no. 1 (2006), p. 138-148
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- Description: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of fixed foot and functionally directed balance training on static balance time, muscle activation during landing, vertical jump height and sprint time. Twenty-four recreationally active females were tested pre- and post-training (fixed foot balance training, n= 11, functionally directed balance training, n = 7 and control group, n = 6). Experimental subjects completed either fixed foot or functionally directed balance exercises 4 times/week for 6 weeks. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to assess preparatory and reactive muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), and the soleus during one- and two-foot landings following a jump. Maximum vertical jump height, static balance and 20-meter sprint times were also examined. The fixed foot balance-training group showed a 33% improvement (p < 0.05) in static balance time and 9% improvement in jump height. Neither type of training improved sprint times. Further analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) overall (data collapsed over groups and legs) increases in reactive RF activity when landing. Independently, the fixed foot balance group showed a 33% increase in reactive RF activity (p < 0.01). Overall, there was also significantly less reactive co-activation following training (p < 0.05). It appears that fixed foot balance training for recreationally active women may provide greater RF activity when landing and increased countermovement jump height. ©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2006).
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002123
Trunk muscle electromyographic activity with unstable and unilateral exercises
- Authors: Behm, David , Leonard, Allison , Young, Warren , Bonsey, Andrew , MacKinnon, Scott N.
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 19, no. 1 (2005), p. 193-201
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- Description: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the effect of unstable and unilateral resistance exercises on trunk muscle activation. Eleven subjects (6 men and 5 women) between 20 and 45 years of age participated. Six trunk exercises, as well as unilateral and bilateral shoulder and chest presses against resistance, were performed on stable (bench) and unstable (Swiss ball) bases. Electromyographic activity of the upper lumbar, lumbosacral erector spinae, and lower-abdominal muscles were monitored. Instability generated greater activation of the lower-abdominal stabilizer musculature (27.9%) with the trunk exercises and all trunk stabilizers (37.7-54.3%) with the chest press. There was no effect of instability on the shoulder press. Unilateral shoulder press produced greater activation of the back stabilizers, and unilateral chest press resulted in higher activation of all trunk stabilizers, when compared with bilateral presses. Regardless of stability, the superman exercise was the most effective trunk-stabilizer exercise for back-stabilizer activation, whereas the side bridge was the optimal exercise for lower-abdominal muscle activation. Thus, the most effective means for trunk strengthening should involve back or abdominal exercises with unstable bases. Furthermore, trunk strengthening can also occur when performing resistance exercises for the limbs, if the exercises are performed unilaterally. © 2005 National Strength & Conditioning Association.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001184
Trunk muscle activation during dynamic weight-training exercises and isometric instability activities
- Authors: Hamlyn, Nicole , Behm, David , Young, Warren
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 21, no. 4 (2007), p. 1108-1112
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- Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the extent of activation in various trunk muscles during dynamic weight-training and isometric instability exercises. Sixteen subjects performed squats and deadlifts with 80% 1 repetition maximum (IRM), as well as with body weight as resistance and 2 unstable calisthenic-type exercises (superman and sidebridge). Electromyographic (EMG) activity was measured from the lower abdominals (LA), external obliques (EO), upper lumbar erector spinae (ULES), and lumbar-sacral erector spinae (LSES) muscle groups. Results indicated that the LSES EMG activity during the 80% IRM squat significantly exceeded 80% IRM deadlift LSES EMG activity by 34.5%. The LSES EMG activity of the 80% IRM squat also exceeded the body weight squat, deadlift, superman, and sidebridge by 56, 56.6, 65.5, and 53.1%, respectively. The 80% IRM deadlift ULES EMG activity significantly exceeded the 80% IRM squat exercise by 12.9%. In addition, the 80% IRM deadlift ULES EMG activity also exceeded the body weight squat, deadlift, superman, and sidebridge exercises by 66.7, 65.5, 69.3, and 68.6%, respectively. There were no significant changes in EO or LA activity. Therefore, the augmented activity of the LSES and ULES during 80% IRM squat and deadlift resistance exercises exceeded the activation levels achieved with the same exercises performed with body weight and selected instability exercises. Individuals performing upright, resisted, dynamic exercises can achieve high trunk muscle activation and thus may not need to add instability device exercises to augment core stability training. © 2007 National Strength & Conditioning Association.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005669
A deterministic model of the vertical jump : Implications for training
- Authors: Ham, Daniel , Knez, Wade , Young, Warren
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 21, no. 3 (2007), p. 967-972
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- Description: A deterministic model of the vertical jump: implications for training. J. Strength Cond. Res. 21(3):967-972. 2007. - Increasing vertical jump height is a critical component for performance enhancement in many sports. It takes on a number of different forms and conditions, including double and single legged jumps and stationary and run-up jumps. In an attempt to understand the factors that influence vertical jump performance, an extensive analysis was undertaken using the deterministic model. Once identified, practical training strategies enabling improvement in these factors were elucidated. Our analysis showed that a successful vertical jump performance was the result of a complex interplay of run-up speed, reactive strength, concentric action power of the take-off leg(s), hip flexors, shoulders, body position, body mass, and take-off time. Of special interest, our analysis showed that the concentric action power of the legs was the critical factor affecting stationary double leg vertical jumps, whereas reactive strength was the critical component for a single leg jump from a run-up. © 2007 National Strength & Conditioning Association.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005651
The effect of a complex agonist and antagonist resistance training protocol on volume load, power output, electromyographic responses, and efficiency
- Authors: Robbins, Daniel , Young, Warren , Behm, David , Payne, Warren
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 24, no. 7 (2010), p. 1782-1789
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The effect of a complex agonist and antagonist resistance training protocol on volume load and power output, electromyographic responses, and efficiency. J Strength Cond Res 24(7): 17821789, 2010-The objective of this study was to investigate the acute effects of performing traditional set (TS) vs. complex set (CS) agonist-antagonist training over 3 consecutive sets, on bench press throw (BPT) throw height (TH), peak velocity (PV), peak power (PP), bench pull volume load (VL), and electromyographic (EMG) activity. Eighteen trained men performed 2 testing protocols: TS comprising 3 sets of Bpull followed by 3 sets of BPT performed in approximately 20 minutes or CS comprising 3 sets of both Bpull and BPT performed in an alternating manner in approximately 10 minutes. Throw height, PV, PP, and EMG activity were not different within, or between, the 2 conditions. Bench pull VL decreased significantly from set 1 to sets 2 and 3, un! der both conditions. Decreases from set 1 to set 2 were 14.55 +/- 26.11 and 9.07 +/- 13.89% and from set 1 to set 3 were 16.87 +/- 29.90 and 14.17 +/- 18.37% under CS and TS, respectively. There was no difference in VL per set, or session, between the conditions. Although there was no augmentation of the power measures, CS was determined to have approximately twice the efficiency (ouput/time) as compared to TS. Efficiency calculations for VL, TH, PV, and PP are 103.47 kg.min(-1), 26.25 cm.min(-1), 1.98 m.s(-1).min(-1), 890.39 W.min(-1) under CS and 54.71 kg.min(-1), 13.02 cm.min(-1), 0.99 m.s(-1).min(-1), 459.28 W.min(-1) under TS. Comparison of EMG activity between the protocols suggests the level of neuromuscular fatigue did not differ under the 2 conditions. Complex set training would appear to be an effective method of exercise with respect to efficiency and the maintenance of TH, PV, PP, and VL.
Fatigue in tennis : Mechanisms of fatigue and effect on performance
- Authors: Hornery, Daniel , Farrow, Damian , Mujika, Inigo , Young, Warren
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 37, no. 3 (2007), p. 199-212
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article reviews research sourced through sport science and medical journal databases (SportDiscus® and PubMed) that has attempted to quantify the effects of fatigue on tennis performance. Specific physiological perturbations and their effects on common performance measures, such as stroke velocity and accuracy, are discussed. Current literature does not convincingly support anecdotal assertions of overt performance decrements during prolonged matches or matches played during unfavourable (e.g. hot and humid) environmental conditions. The constraints of field-based research have presented, and continue to present, a methological challenge to investigators within this domain. Limitations of previous investigations have included the following: (i) a restricted measurement approach to the mulifaceted skills that form the basis of match performance; (ii) a lack of sensitivity and large variability in skill or performance measures; (iii) usage of non tennis-specific methods to induce fatigue; and (iv) fatigue levels failing to reflect those recorded in match play. Hyperthermia, dehydration and hypoglycaemia have all been identified as common challenges to sustained performance proficiency in tennis, with emerging evidence suggesting central fatigue may also be a key stressor. Mixed results underpin attempts to mitigate physiological compromise and in situ performance deterioration through application of potential ergogenetic strategies (e.g. carbohydrate and caffeine supplementation, and hyperhydration). Methodological limitations are again a likely explanation, but positive findings from other skill-based sports should encourage further research in tennis. To date, tennis has largely relied on traditional methods to measure performance and has not yet realised the benefits of new sports science methods. Future research is encouraged to adopt methodological approaches that capture the multi-dimensional nature of tennis. This can be achieved through the incorporation of multifaceted performance assessment (i.e. perceptual-cognitive and biomechanical measurement approaches), the improvement of measurement sensitivity in the field setting and through the use of experimental settings that accurately simulate the energetic demands of match play. © 2007 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005663
Analysis of a reactive agility field test
- Authors: Young, Warren , Willey, Ben
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 13, no. 3 (2010), p. 376-378
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this research was to evaluate a reactive agility test by determining the relationships between the total time recorded for the test and various components. A tester used side-step movements to provide a stimulus for the athlete to change direction. By using electronic timing and high speed video analysis of the test, three times were recorded. These were the time taken for the tester to display the stimulus to change direction (tester time), the time taken by the participant to respond to the stimulus (decision time), and the time taken by the participant to change direction and sprint to the left or right (response movement time). Thirty-one semi-professional Australian Rules football players were assessed by analysing the mean of eight trials of the reactive agility test. The greatest correlation with total time was r = 0.77 for decision time (p = 0.00), with movement time and tester time producing coefficients of 0.59 (p = 0.00) and 0.37 (p = 0.04), respectively. The coefficient of variation for the mean tester time was 5.1%. It was concluded that perceptual skill as measured by decision time is an important component of the reactive agility test and the tester time should be controlled by using high speed video recordings to isolate its influence. © 2009 Sports Medicine Australia.
Acute effect of exercise on kicking accuracy in elite Australian football players
- Authors: Young, Warren , Gulli, Rachael , Rath, David , Russell, Andrew , O'Brien, Brendan , Harvey, Jack
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 13, no. 1 (2010), p. 85-89
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Kicking accuracy (KA) is an important skill in Australian football but the potential influence of exercise on this skill has not been previously investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine if a 2× 2 min time trial running protocol influenced short KA in elite Australian football. Another aim was to identify if endurance, playing experience and position were related to any exercise-induced KA changes. Twenty-seven professional footballers performed a KA test by kicking at a bullseye on a target projected onto a screen. The mean error from the centre of the target was the KA score. The players were assessed on the KA test, and then performed a 2× 2 min time trial with a 3-min recovery between runs. The total distance covered was used as a measure of endurance fitness, and the test also served as an exercise bout designed to impose some physiological stress. Immediately following this test, the players walked into the laboratory and performed the KA test again. A paired t-test revealed that the whole group achieved a non-significant 2.7% improvement in KA. Players were divided into two distinct groups based on endurance (2× 2 min results), playing experience and position (midfielders and forwards/backs). Analysis of covariance showed that after the exercise bout, the fitter group had significantly better KA (p = 0.010) than the less fit group, and the more experienced players were 16% more accurate than the less experienced group (p = 0.055). The midfielders were 8.2% better than the forwards/backs in KA (p = 0.32). It was suggested that greater endurance and playing experience may facilitate KA under moderate physiological stress. © 2008 Sports Medicine Australia.
- Description: 2003008125
The use of static stretching in warm-up for training and competition
- Authors: Young, Warren
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International journal of sports physiology and performance Vol. 2, no. 2 (2007), p. 212-216
- Full Text: false
- Description: Static stretching (SS) is widely used in warm-ups before training and competition. A growing amount of research, however, has demonstrated that SS can impair muscle performance, leading to a reevaluation of optimal warm-up protocols. This commentary discusses many of the methodological issues that can influence conclusions about the acute effects of SS on performance. One difficulty in interpreting the literature is the lack of control or communication about the volume and intensity of the various stretching treatments used. Another major issue is the failure of many researchers to evaluate SS as it is used in practice, particularly the interaction with the other general and sport-specific components of the warm-up. Acute warm-up effects on performance should be considered in conjunction with potential effects on injury prevention. Future directions in research include optimizing general and sport-specific warm-ups, time course of physiological and performance effects, and individualization of warm-ups according to fitness and skill level.
- Description: 2003005660
Physiological and anthropometric characteristics of starters and non-starters and playing positions in elite Australian Rules football : A case study
- Authors: Young, Warren , Newton, Robert , Doyle, Tim , Chapman, Dale , Cormack, Stuart , Stewart, Glenn , Dawson, Brian
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 8, no. 3 (Sep 2005), p. 333-345
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A purpose of this study was to determine if pre-season anthropometric and physiological measures were significantly different for the players from one Australian Football League (AFL) club selected to play in the first game of the season compared to the players not selected. Another purpose was to compare fitness test results for defenders, forwards and mid-fielders in the same AFL club. Thirty-four players were tested for isolated quadriceps and hamstrings strength, leg extensor muscle strength and power, upper body strength, sprinting speed, vertical jump (VJ), endurance, skinfolds and hamstring flexibility. The starters who were selected to play the first game were a significantly older and more experienced playing group, and were significantly better (p < 0.05) in measures of leg power, sprinting speed and the distance covered in the Yo Yo intermittent recovery test compared to the non-starters. Although there were trends for the superiority of the starters, the differences in lower and upper body strength, VJ and predicted VO(2)max were nonsignificant. The forwards generally produced the worst fitness scores of the playing positions with the midfielders having significantly lower skinfolds and the defenders possessing better hamstring strength and VJ compared to the forwards. It was concluded that some fitness qualities can differentiate between starters and non-starters, at least in one AFL club. Comparisons of playing positions and the development of fitness norms for AFL players require further research.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001187