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J11 The pre-season variation in physical performance of an elite level female cricket squad
No full textCricket is as an endurance sport comprising intermittent bursts of speed and power. The introduction of new formats of varying duration and intensity means the physical demands of cricket can vary. Regardless of format, it is agreed that the high-intensity efforts involved in elite level cricket require high levels of lower-body strength and power, and upper-body strength and rotational power (Herridge et al., 2020, J Strength Cond Res, 34, 2285-2293). Previous research has demonstrated that physical qualities can vary throughout seasonal periods (Herridge et al., 2020; Carr et al., 2017, Int J Sports Phys Perf, 12, 50-55) due to training effects. Based on this small body of research, physical performance in common performance tests seem to plateau or decrease across a season, whereas performance tends to increase in the off- and pre-season. This suggests that the off- and pre-season are key phases whereby practitioners can positively influence physical qualities of cricketers. However, despite the growth of the female format, the only studies to have explored the variations in physical qualities have been focused on male cricket. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the pre-seasonal variation in the physical performance of female cricket players. 10 elite level female cricketers (age = 23 ± 4 years, stature = 166 ± 7 cm, mass = 71 ± 7 kg) performed a testing battery at 3 points during the pre-season (October – Time point (TP) 1, December – TP 2, February – TP 3). Three trials of bilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ), unilateral CMJ (UCMJ), squat jump (SJ), 10/5 repeated jump test (RJT), Nordic hamstring test (NHT), and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Data were analysed via a repeated measure ANOVA with post-hoc analysis where appropriate. Improvements (P < 0.005) were evident in peak CMJ and mean jump height, right UCMJ peak jump height, and peak and mean force in the left and right leg in the NHT. Non-significant improvements were seen in several other metrics across time points. The ES for differences in physical tests between T1 and T2 ranged from ES = −0.09 to 0.61, T1 and T3 ranged from ES = −0.05 to 1.04, and T2 and T3 ranged from ES = −0.03 to 0.83. The results of this study showed select strength-power metrics in elite female cricketers significantly changed across time points during the pre-season, suggesting desirable adaptations to strength-based training phases
J22 Chronobiological approaches and habitual routine: effect on morning physical performance in male team sport players
No full textAchieving peak morning physical performance for team sport players is vital due to the vast degree of performances tend to take place in the morning. It has been well-documented that undertaking chronobiological approaches and having a habitual routine can have an impact on performance, however the combination of the two have not been clearly interpreted. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine how combined chronobiological approaches and habitual routine had an influence on morning physical performance. Using a double-blinded, randomized counterbalanced design, team sport male participants (n = 12) were recruited, with institutional ethics approval, and completed five sessions: (i) two familiarization sessions; (ii) one bright light (BL) morning exercise condition; (iii) two testing conditions either: habitual (the morning after BL), or No pill. The morning physical performance tests carried out were as followed: Intra-aural temperature and fingertip blood glucose and lactate, taken throughout: at rest, post warm-up and immediately after the RSP test, mood assessed using Perceived Onset Mood State (POMS) questionnaire, 3 right and 3 left hand grip strength measures, and a maximal repeated sprint performance (RSP) protocol (10 × 20 m, 30 s recovery period). Heart rate (HR), thermal comfort (TC), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were all recorded after each sprint. Data were analysed using a general-linear model
J32 ‘Hanging up the boots, picking up the whistle’: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the player-to-coach transition in elite football
No full textAthletes encounter a complex decision-making process when it comes to their athletic retirement. While some athletes step away from their sport entirely, others opt to pursue a coaching career within it. Recent pedagogical research has revealed the ubiquitous nature of this phenomenon within the elite academy setting. However, despite the prevalence of this coaching pathway, there remains a lack of literature concerning this unique career transition within sports psychology. By providing nuanced and textured accounts of the transition from athletic retirement to the elite coaching environment, this study sought to broaden our understanding of the lived-experience of the player-turned-coach in elite football. The subsequent study used semi-structured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to collect and analyse the first-hand accounts of elite academy coaches who were former professional footballers in the EPL and EFL. Interpretation of the coaches’ own sensemaking allowed us to derive meaning through hermeneutic methods based on Heideggerian philosophical traditions, while convergent and divergent themes were revealed by applying an idiographic approach. The phenomenological, hermeneutic, and idiographic aspects of this investigation serve to underpin the epistemological and ontological tenets of the methodology applied in this study. IPA was chosen as a means of better understanding the perspective of coaches who have experienced this unique journey and how they navigated the re-negotiation of their athletic identity whilst simultaneously developing their coaching philosophy. Phenomenological methods view the participant as the “expert”; therefore, no hypothesis is required. However, we hoped to ascertain: [1] how the athletic identity carries over into coaching philosophy; [2] whether this linear transition mitigates the sense of loss often associated with athletic retirement; [3] how returning to coach at the club in which they developed influences the independent formation of beliefs and practices; and [4] whether there is a risk of perpetuation of practice, as clubs favour their former players over outside candidates. This study sought to understand the lived experience of the player-to-coach transition and aimed to provide insight into this process to better facilitate the athletes and coaches on either side of this phenomenon
Evaluating the Academic Benefits of Clinical Legal Education: An Analysis of the Final Average Marks of Five Cohorts of LSBU LLB Graduating Students, 2011-2015
Full text linkThis article seeks to contribute to the ongoing pedagogic debate about the aims and benefits of clinical legal education and to do so using a quantitative methodology.
It is the result of a collaborative project within the School of Law & Social Sciences at LSBU, researching whether placements in our Legal Advice Clinic have had any positive impact on Law students’ academic performance. We have analysed the academic results[1] of five cohorts of LLB full-time undergraduates, those graduating from 2011 to 2015,[2] to see whether students who volunteered in our Legal Advice Clinic achieved better grades than those who didn’t. Generally, they do. However, given the fact that places at the clinic are limited and recruitment is selective and to try and eliminate the possibility that the most academically successful students are the most likely to volunteer and be selected, we have controlled for first year average results. Even so, it appears that students who achieve similar grades in their first year are likely to get slightly better final grades, just under 2% better, if they volunteer in our Legal Advice Clinic in their second year.
[1] We would like to thank Dr Bond’s Post-graduate student, Joshua Freeman-Birch, who undertook the long hours of date entry to code the results of five cohorts of LLB law students results, to allow the research to be conducted.
[2] Unfortunately, writing up our research has taken longer than we hoped. Conducting the data analysis and the impact of COVID are the two main reasons
B01 The effect of sleep on swimming performance
No full textThere has been extensive research on sleep, including the stages, deprivation, and importance. The benefits of sleep have been known for a long period of time and the recommended 8h is widely accepted. There is limited research into the importance of sleep for athletes, especially swimmers. There is also very little research into university athletes. It is important to understand the effect on student-athletes as their lifestyle, diet and general day-to-day life differ from elite athletes. The aim of the study was to investigate if quality of sleep affects swimming performance in university level swimmers. Ethical approval was given by the Northumbria University Faculty of Health and Life Science Ethics Committee. 11 student-athletes from the Northumbria University swimming team were recruited for the study. The sample size was determined by the size of the swimming team and those who volunteered. Participants completed a 50 and 200 m freestyle timed swim in the morning and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. The times were compared between morning and evening, and between those deemed to have good quality sleep compared to poor quality sleep. The data was tested for normality and analysed using a paired t-test and Wilcoxon, depending on the normality of the data. For the 200 m swim, performance was quicker in the evening (P = 0.013). Eight out of the 11 swimmers (66%) were deemed to have poor quality sleep, one of those having a sleeping disorder. These results are in line with another study looking at the time of day on swimming performance (Nunes, et al. [2021]. Chronobiology International., 38, 1), where a significant difference was found in performance in a 400 m swim (between morning and evening), and no difference in a 50 m swim. As 66% of participants were found to have poor quality sleep, this highlights the importance of sleep and understanding the effects of sleep deprivation. The findings of the study reveal that the athletes performed better in the evening (18:00 hrs) compared to the morning (07:00 hrs). This is important when planning competitions and training programs. By understanding that athletes perform better in the evening when they’re more motivated and alert, coaches can plan more sessions in the evening than in the morning. This can also be considered for BUCS events, as the performance standard will be higher later in the day
B08 The effect of the goal kick rule change on the team’s performance in ball possession and goal scoring in elite male football
No full textGoalkeepers have always played an important role Defensively. Due to rule changes and tactical transitions, goalkeepers now also have an influence on attacking aspects of the game (Szwarc et al., 2023, Baltic J Health Phys Act). The most recent rule change allows attacking players in the box during goal kicks, which creates extra space for the attacking team at the time of the goal kick without direct pressure from the opponent. This is beneficial for teams in the build-up who try to increase space to create goal scoring opportunities in advantageous positions eventually high up the pitch (Goes et al., 2019, Big Data, 7, 57-70). This latest rule change gives the attacking team an extra 640 m2 of space to displace the opposition defence in deeper positions to create scoring opportunities. As of date, no research has looked at the goal kick rule change and its effect on the distribution tendencies and tactical approaches implemented, when attempting to progress the ball up the field from a goal kick. This research aims to analyse the distribution tendencies of Premier League teams in the 2022/2023 season and compare goal kick and build-up behaviour between teams, depending on their finishing position in the season. A secondary data analysis will be conducted on Premier League matches during the 2022/2023 season, including 2136 goal kick sequences cropped from 760 games. The location of the first pass of the goal kick, number of passes during the build-up, duration of the build-up phase, and the amount of goalkeeper touches after the initial goal kick will be analysed. Additionally, the outcome of successful goal kicks will be analysed considering the action and location of the action. All data analysis will be done using HUDL Sportscode (v12.29.0., Hudl, USA). Statistical analysis will evaluate the effect of team’s league table position on the start of the goal kick, build up phase, and the outcome of the goal kick
B12 Sex differences of 12 lead electrocardiographic findings of the rugby football league athlete
No full textCardiac electrical adaptations occur within athlete populations. Sex-related variations in the normal athlete electrocardiogram (ECG) have been observed, with males exhibiting increased QRS and PR intervals, while females have demonstrated increased QTc intervals in university-level athletes. Male athletes also maintain greater weekly training hours compared to female athletes, which is associated with increased ECG changes. The presence of these differences within Rugby Football League (RFL) athletes is unknown. This study aimed to investigate any sex-related variations in the 12-lead ECG in RFL athletes. Fifty nine RFL athletes (32 males [age = 25 ± 5 years] and 27 females [age = 24 ± 5 years]) were included in the study. One female was excluded with inferior T wave inversion and was referred for further investigation. The 12-lead ECG was collected as part of the athlete’s pre-season cardiac screening alongside completion of a health questionnaire, assessment of height and weight and brachial artery pressure. Continuous variables (i.e. heart rate, PR interval, QRS interval etc.), were analysed using an independent t-test or a Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. For assessment of nominal data (i.e. incidence of early repolarisation and junctional rhythm etc.) a chi-squared test or Fishers exact test were used. A Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to determine any association between training hours and ECG findings. Ethics approval was obtained from Liverpool John Moores University Ethics Committee. Height (183 ± 5 vs. 169 ± 5 cm, P <0.001), weight (95 ± 11 vs. 77 ± 11 kg, P <0.001) and weekly training hours (18 ± 5 vs. 12 ± 5 hrs, P = 0.001) were higher in male athletes. PR interval (156 ± 34 vs. 142 ± 19 ms, P = 0.002), QRS duration (98 ± 9 vs. 88 ± 7 ms, P <0.001) and incidence of early repolarisation (47% vs. 11%, P = 0.004) were greater in males. Heart rate (57 ± 9 vs. 63 ± 11 bpm P = 0.016) and QTc interval (391 ± 20 vs. 414 ± 17 ms, P <0.001) were greater in females. There was a significant negative correlation between weekly training hours and QTc interval (rs = −0.355, P = 0.009) only. In conclusion, there are significant sex-related ECG differences within RFL athletes that partially mirror previous research. These findings emphasise the importance of considering sex-related variations, during cardiac screening on RFL athletes and enhance our understanding of the normal RFL athlete ECG
C08 Physiological and cognitive responses to load carriage in the cold
No full textLoad carriage is a vital role related task for military, emergency service, and search and rescue personnel, through the transport of critical equipment. From an external validity perspective, a common oversight in previous research is the effect of multiple stressors during load carriage; for example, the inclusion of adverse environmental conditions and/or concurrent cognitive tasks. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify physiological and cognitive changes over time during military specific fast-paced lower-weight load carriage in a cold environment. With approval from the University of Chichester’s Ethics Committee, nine participants completed a load carriage task consisting of 20 min walking at 5.1 km∙h-1, 40 min walking at 6.5 km∙h-1, followed by 8 × 9 s shuttles running at 11 km∙h-1 in an environmental temperature of −10°C. Participants wore overalls whilst carrying 16 kg of external load (10 kg belt-webbing, 6 kg body armour). Throughout, measurements were taken of heart rate, core and skin temperatures, expired gas (VO2), and ratings of physical exertion and thermal comfort. Six military-specific auditory n-back tasks (MSANT) were completed across the trial. The rating scale of mental effort (RSME) quantified mental exertion during the load carriage task. Statistical differences within variables were evaluated using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA with post-hoc analysis employed to identify differences between timepoints. Heart rate and VO2 behaved as expected, with increases after the 5.1 to 6.5 km∙h-1 speed escalation (Pbonf< 0.001); heart rate also increased during the shuttles compared to the first 6.5 km∙h-1 collection (Pbonf = 0.003). A main effect rise for core temperature was evident (Pbonf < 0.001), increasing after 25 min at 6.5 km∙h-1 (Pbonf = 0.009). Skin temperature presented a main effect (Pbonf < 0.001) with an initial decrease and plateau occurring after 15 min. There was no main effect for MSANT or RSME at MSANT completion timepoints (P’s= 0.935 and 0.368 respectively). However, during non-MSANT completion timepoints, RSME was greater from 25 min onwards compared to 5 min (Pbonf < 0.05) signifying an increase in inter-task cognitive demand, oppose to a period of relative mental recovery. This reduced efficiency could be exacerbated during concurrent or extended physical and cognitive tasks. This study is the first to examine physiological and cognitive responses to fast-paced lower-weight load carriage in the cold, progressing understanding of occupational performance in representative environments. These performance data can inform training protocols and operation approaches by highlighting higher inter-task cognitive demand, potentially emphasising an avenue for mitigation strategies
J27 The effects of music on group motivation and team cohesion among novice to intermediate collegiate rowers
No full textWithin university level sport, the opportunity to form friendships, connect and create a sense of enjoyment is fundamental to the student experience. The use of music has been shown to have a positive motivational influence within individual and group physical activity settings when engaging in anaerobic activities. Furthermore, team cohesion can be positively influenced by group music self-selection. Within rowing, music with a high number of beats per minute (bpm) has shown to positively affect performance on an indoor rowing machine. Research within this area has primarily provided its focus towards exercisers or teams within an elite performance setting. Therefore, the aims of this study were to explore whether the introduction of music, through group self-selection and playback can have a positive effect upon the group motivation and team cohesion on novice to intermediate level university rowers when encountering a team anaerobic activity. Twenty novice and intermediate university-level rowers from the same participating university rowing club completed the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) and subsequently a team relay of 2000 m, rowing 500 m each in groups of four, with no music stimulus. Eleven music tracks were selected based upon favoured bands or genres of those rowers, and that they contained at least 152 bpm. Tracks were subsequently presented to the participants who were asked to rate the effectiveness of the audio in terms of motivation and cohesion using the Brunel Group Music Rating Inventory (BGMRI). These scores determined the order of the tracks played for the repeat of the team relay. Once completed, the GEQ was readministered. All measures were used in conjunction with institutional ethics approval (33249-A-Feb/2024- 50074-1). A repeated measures MANOVA analysis found a positive difference in one of the four subscales of the GEQ, Group Integration – Social (GI-S; P = 0.03) F1,19 = 5.54, P < 0.05, Hp2 = 0.27). Surprisingly, a supplementary t-test demonstrated a negative difference in the average number of strokes per minute (spm) during the relay t19 = 2.85, P = 0.01. Whilst the data does not replicate previously reported findings when introducing music to anaerobic indoor rowing training, the significant improvement in GI-S scores highlight some real-world implications. With an understanding of the importance of social cohesion in a university environment and the crucial impact sport can create, there is potential to develop a more robust intervention as a social tool first, before becoming a performance enhancement mechanism