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The association between subjective sleep and stress in recreational athletes
Get PDFSubjective sleep and stress are strongly associated, at multiple levels, and the current body of evidence highlights a bi-directional association. Previous research has highlighted that issues with sleep can impact on several stress responses. On the other side of this relationship, research has shown that stress-inducing factors can significantly impact sleep. The present study examined this association in a sample of recreational athletes, a population that has received little to no research focus to date Recreational athletes are defined as individuals who exercise >4 hours per week for health, fitness, or unofficial competitions. Recreational athletes (n = 34) completed online measures of subjective sleep, subjective stress, subjective anxiety/depression and training load (PSQI, PSS, HADS and DALDA). Pearson correlations were carried out to examine associations between variables. There was a significant positive correlation between subjective sleep quality and subjective stress. There was a significant positive correlation between subjective stress and training load. There was a significant positive correlation between subjective sleep quality and training load. The positive associations between sleep, stress and training load are consistent with previous research, but the present study adds to the literature by highlighting the associations in recreational athletes. Recreational athletes should proactively manage their sleep and stress, as due to the bi-directional relationship, improving sleep may benefit stress, and improving stress may benefit sleep quality. This is also likely to benefit overall mood and reduce the likelihood of overtraining in recreational athletes
D01 The influence of menstrual cycle phase on isokinetic strength of the knee flexors and extensors
No full textThe increased incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in female football players has been associated with hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle (MC). The MC has potential to compromise the functional characteristics of thigh muscle with implications for strength, knee joint stability and ACL injury risk. The isokinetic dynamometer is the gold standard for assessing strength, but previous studies have considered only concentric knee flexor and extensor strength. This lacks functional relevance to the mechanism of ACL injury and negates the role of eccentric hamstring strength. Furthermore, isokinetic studies typically report peak torque as the objective measure of strength which limits analysis of the strength curve to a single, maxima. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the influence of MC phase on the strength profile of female football players, utilising a range of speeds to reflect the varying demands of football and adopting more contemporary metrics to quantify the strength curve. Eight, eumenorrheic, recreational football players completed eccentric knee flexor and concentric knee extensor trials at 60 and 240°·s−1 during the follicular (Day 2), ovulation (Day 14) and luteal (Day 21) phases of their MC. In a pre-experimental test, MC tracking app via mobile phone and ovulation strips were used to identify the phases of the MC. The experimental protocol has been previously approved by Edge Hill university ethics committee. Peak torque and corresponding angle of peak torque were maintained across all phases of the MC, irrespective of testing modality and speed. Strength ratios defined using peak torque were also not sensitive to MC phase. However, Functional Range in eccentric knee flexion was significantly lower during the follicular phase (16.36 ± 5.15°), compared to ovulation phase (21.15 ± 5.02°; P = 0.009) and luteal phase (20.69 ± 4.62°; P = 0.018), which were themselves not different (P = 0.797) at both testing speeds. This supports epidemiological observations but highlights the importance of analysing isokinetic data beyond the peak of the strength curve. The reduced Functional Range reflects a reduction in eccentric hamstring strength towards knee extension, where the ACL injurious mechanism is likely to occur. Interpretation of isokinetic data should therefore focus on points of ‘weakness’ as opposed to maximum strength, whilst (p)rehabilitative strategies should consider strength through range of motion, and at different speeds. Eccentric hamstring strength was observed to decrease significantly at the higher speed, contrary to observations in elite male players, and potentially reflecting a differential training adaptation
H01 Optimization of older adults’ home spaces to enhance their physical activity level and minimize sedentary behaviour: A qualitative study
No full textThere is a lack of studies focused explicitly on the impact of the home environment on older adults’ sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA). The present study aims to investigate older adults’ perception of their home environment and its impact on their PA and SB. A qualitative exploratory research design was employed to conduct 33 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and five focus group (FGs; n=16) with older adults (mean age 71.7 ± 5.2 years). Using reflexive thematic analysis as an inductive coding approach, four themes were generated from the data set and were interpreted using the socio-ecological model (SEM): (I) Home layout and PA, (II) Space designation within the home, (III) Electronic equipment, furniture and material within the home space, (IV) Changing infrastructure within the home space. The findings highlight the significance of person-environment interaction at different layers of the SEM. Older adults have a significant influence on the physical environment of the home and how it is organized in terms of allocating space and equipment. However, utilization of space, and its intentional use (for active or sedentary behaviour) is also crucial, emphasizing individuals’ autonomy, freedom and control within the home environment. Moreover, both interpersonal and intrapersonal factors act as facilitators or barriers regarding necessary modifications within the home space to promote a conducive environment for PA. The current findings provide insight into the interaction of personal, social, community, and physical environment factors to these older adults’ PA and SB in their homes. Moreover, motivating older adults to develop more intention to have positive control over their environment is important. Further, promoting the notion of ‘think small for large effects’ within the home space will enable older adults to map out small-scale activities (such as avoiding screens in the bedroom or moving PA equipment to a convenient place) instead of making large-scale, less realistic infrastructure changes
I01 Investigating the relationship between minute ventilation and metabolic contribution in long COVID: A retrospective cohort study utilizing cardiopulmonary exercise testing
No full textLong COVID (LC) presents as a complex and debilitating condition characterized by persistent, episodic symptoms that significantly impact individuals' quality of life and functional capabilities (Brown et al., 2021, BMJ Glob Health, 6). There are several hypotheses for the underlying pathophysiology and mechanisms of long COVIDs nature. This study aims to explore the association between minute ventilation and metabolic contribution in individuals experiencing long-term COVID-19 symptoms. Utilising cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), acknowledged as precise, non-invasive prognostic tools, to evaluate cardio-respiratory response to incremental exercise, aiding in the assessment of impaired cardio-respiratory function and perfusion. A cohort observation study was conducted, involving patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses and persistent symptoms three months post-infection, aged between 18 to 65 years. Patients undergo three visits at the university: a baseline assessment, followed by two sessions involving the CPET, spaced 24 hours apart. The baseline visit includes gathering anthropometric data, lung function tests (MIP/MEP), questionnaires, symptom profiling and functional capacity assessments (6MWT and TUG). Data from these assessments determine CPET starting loads based on three stratas: Strata I (6MWD < 350 m, starting load of 10 W), Strata II (6MWD 350-400 m, starting load of 20 W), and Strata III (6MWD > 400 m, starting load of 30 W). Subsequent sub-maximal CPET sessions are conducted to test integrated physiological responses to exercise while preventing PEM/PESE. Measurements include pulmonary gas exchange, ventilation, ventilatory thresholds, and blood profiling. Analysis at present is ongoing. No adverse events or serious adverse events occurred during data collection. Results from this investigation provide insights into the physiological mechanisms underlying long COVID and contribute to the development of tailored management strategies for affected individuals. CPET is the gold standard for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and is vital for understanding LC treatment (Faghy et al., 2024, Prog Card Disease). The use of 2-day CPET methods are increasingly used to identify aerobic deficits and physiological deficits in chronic diseases like ME/CFS and LC. Despite risks, CPET measurements offer insight into pulmonary-vascular function and CRF impairment post-COVID-19 infection (Faghy et al., 2020, Brit J Anaes, 125, 447-449)
Policing Men, Policing Women: Responsibility and Accountability for Violence Against Women and Girls, Including Domestic Abuse and Femicide
Get PDFExisting legal responses to violence against women and girls (VAWG) often focus on the behaviour of the victim as much as, or sometimes more than, that of the alleged perpetrator. The laws that are supposed to protect women and girls from abuse are used to ‘police’ the behaviour of women; access to remedies and redress can seem to be contingent on whether the victim has adhered to stereotypes of an ‘ideal/real’ or ‘deserving’ victim. Female victims of male violence, including femicide, are often judged for their own behaviour; what they ‘ought’ to have done to keep themselves safe. This ‘responsibilisation’ is evident in both the substantive law and in the implementation of the law in practice. This article will highlight some of the examples of victim blaming in existing legal responses to VAWG in England and Wales. It will consider the question: how can we focus less on victim behaviour and more on perpetrator responsibility and accountability? Jayne Cowie’s book After Dark offers a useful lens for examining this question. The article will explore the parallels between some of the existing preventative measures for domestic abuse in England and Wales and some of the fictional measures enacted in Cowie’s world, in particular cohabitation contracts and domestic violence disclosure schemes
B04 Seasonal variation of physical, perceptual, and cognitive function measures in professional academy soccer players
No full textSoccer match play and training have been documented to significantly impair players' physical function and affect their perceptual wellness, indicating the necessity of evaluating the response to mixed-content training across a soccer season (Deely et al., 2022, Front Physiol, 13, 911009; Brownstein et al., 2017, Front Physiol, 8, 831; Thomas et al., 2017, Med Sci Sports Exer, 49, 955-964). This study aimed to assess seasonal variation in physical, perceptual, and cognitive functions in response to training among professional academy soccer players, to identify whether players develop increased physical robustness or encounter greater physiological and psychological impairments due to the demanding training and match schedule. Ethical approval was granted for sixteen academy players (age: 18 ± 1 years) to undergo a range of tests at three seasonal points - early, mid, and late - at baseline, immediately post-strenuous training, and at 24, 48, and 72 h. The testing regime encompassed physical performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], ten-to-five repeated jump test [10/5 RJT]), cognitive function (Stroop task, Four-Choice Reaction Time [FCRT] test, Corsi Block Test), and perceptual responses via an adapted Short Questionnaire of Fatigue (SQF). Linear mixed modelling (LMM) was employed to analyse the impact of season phase and testing time-points on training response, incorporating testing measures as dependent variables. Jump performance varied across time-points, with performance maintained immediately post-training, although displaying decrements at 24 h (P < 0.001), 48 h (P < 0.01), and remained unresolved at 72 h (P < 0.05). Season phase exerted a fixed effect on physical function, with vertical jumps decreasing from both early- (P = 0.033, CMJ; P < 0.001, 10/5 RJT) and mid-season (P < 0.001, CMJ; P < 0.001, 10/5 RJT) to late-season. Perceptual measures—soreness, fatigue, and readiness to train—varied across the week, with immediate post-session impairments recovering by 48 and 72 hours. Cognitive function remained relatively stable across the training week, with only a decline in Corsi Block performance noted immediately post-session. An improvement in FCRT from early to mid-season was observed, though accuracy decreased from early to late-season. No interaction between season phase and training week time-points was found across any variable, indicating a consistent training response throughout the season, despite substantial impairments in physical function and declines in perceptual wellness observed post-training. The decrease in physical function during the late-season phase underscores the need for enhanced recovery focus and training load monitoring as the season progresses
Vol 1 Issue 1 – Welcome to the issue: Editorial by Professor Mark Moss (Head of Department, Department of Psychology)
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Welcome to this, the inaugural edition of the Northumbria Psychology Bulletin where we showcase some of the outstanding research conducted by our undergraduate and postgraduate students, both campus based and distance learning. Our goal is to provide a platform for innovative research that might help launch the careers of the next generation of professional and academic psychologists. I have always been impressed by the diversity and quality of research that our students carry out in the completion of their programmes of study under the exceptional supervision of our academic team. The continuing approach adopted by the department of psychology to support and facilitate the research ideas generated by the students is something that delivers an excellent opportunity for their development of research skills and steps towards independence. The continued student engagement with the process of writing for publication and the ongoing guidance of their supervisors is particularly impressive given that it extends beyond the completion of their degree programmes and is purely voluntary. I think it demonstrates the commitment of both parties to success beyond the classroom as well as the potential contribution our graduates can make to academic research. This issue features articles reporting applied experimental research in the area of healthcare and a qualitative investigation of the impact of Covid on the experience of higher education. I invite readers to engage with these thought-provoking studies and look forward to the future success of this journal
B02 Does upper body static stretching in warm up effect repeated sprint ability in boxers?
No full textBoxing is a high intensity intermittent sport consisting of multiple 2 or 3 minute rounds. For a boxer to win, they must perform a higher quantity of strikes on their opponent. The mechanics of a punch draws power from the feet and lower body via rotation and ground force generation, however, the action still utilises the upper body predominantly (Beattie & Ruddock. 2022, J Strength Cond Res, 36, 2957-2969). The ability to perform repeated bouts of maximal effort with limited recovery may be indicative of success. Static ‘developmental’ stretches are suggested by England Boxing for use in post-exercise cool-down, although without detailed justification (England Boxing. 2023, Level 1 coaching handbook). Static stretching in warm-up has also been explored in other practices with mixed results (Haddad et al; 2014, J Strength Cond Res, 28, 140-146) and is yet to be researched for boxing. Arm-cranking has previously been used as a sport-specific measurement for upper body power output in amateur boxers. (Venckunas et al; 2022, J Strength Cond Res, 36, 717-722). The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of static stretching in warm-up on upper-body repeated maximal effort arm crank ability in boxers. It is hypothesised that a static stretching intervention in warm-up will improve boxers' repeated maximal effort ability. For this repeated-measures design, a sample of male “development” level boxers (England Boxing. 2023, England Boxing Development Championship) will be recruited. Following institutional ethical approval, participants will partake in 2 sessions where they will perform 7 repetitions of 6s arm-crank maximal-effort sprints separated by 13 s recovery. This time duration simulates the activity:recovery ratio and intensity of a boxing bout (Davis et al., 2017, J Strength Cond Res). Peak power (W) will be measured in each sprint, with fatigue index (FI%) and decrement score calculated to assess participant fatigue over the 7 maximal efforts. There will be a light 1-minute sport-specific warm-up (Shadowboxing) before the first session, then a week later the participants repeat the warm up but with an additional stretching intervention. The static stretches include 2 repetitions of 30 s upper-body focussed static stretches until mild discomfort (upper limbs and shoulders, back and chest) (Liguori et al., 2021, ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription). Peak power, FI% and decrement score will be compared Pre-Post stretching intervention using paired samples t-test and Cohen’s d effect size using SPSS
B05 Exploring the impact of sleep on physical performance among junior soldiers in Army basic training
No full textGood quality sleep is essential for optimal cognitive and physical performance during basic training (BT), reducing risk of injury and preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Research shows junior soldiers (JS) still experience inadequate sleep duration and poor sleep quality throughout BT. Traditional military culture often normalises sleep restriction, being perceived as a method to ‘harden’ recruits during BT. However, evidence highlights poor sleep's negative consequences on recovery, wellbeing and performance, emphasising the need to prioritise sleep health in military training. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between sleep duration and physical performance among JS in BT. This was achieved by investigating the effects of extended morning wake-times on JS behaviour and performance during their 40-week course. A two-arm clustered, parallel trial with baseline data (recorded from week 1 - 10 of training) was employed to quantify the effects of extended-morning wake times of JS performance. Approved by the Ministry of Defence Research Ethics Committee, data was collected from JS from the Army Foundation College, Harrogate (AFC(H)). Morning wake time was extended by ~90 min (07:00) in the intervention group (EXP; n 221, age: 16.9 ± 0.5 years) from week 11. The control group (CON; n 255, age: 17.1 ± 0.2 years) followed typical wake-times (05:30). Pseudo-objective sleep-wake indices were collected using wrist-worn actigraphy (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) each night. Online surveys captured perceptions of sleep quality, stress and daytime sleepiness during BT, which were descriptively analysed. Actigraphy sleep characteristic data was extracted using ActiLife software, processed using Excel and analysed in SPSS (v2.9). This was a preliminary analysis covering the first cohort. AFC (H) provided discipline reports and physical performance data from role fitness tests at entry (RFT(E)) and the end of BT (RFT (BT)). There were no significant differences in total sleep time (TST) or perceptual outcomes between groups at baseline (average TST EXP: 06:40 ± 0.38 mins; CON: 06:32 ± 0.36mins). Sleep duration was inadequate, and when grouped, 85% and 95% reported “poor” sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness, respectively. We hypothesise that extending-morning wake times will positively impact sleep duration, associated perceptual outcomes of stress and sleepiness; and result in better disciplinary and physical performance outcomes of EXP compared to CON. The baseline data supports recent literature that JS experience insufficient, poor quality sleep during training. Regarding the intervention, it is expected that extended wake-times will improve RFT performance, stress, sleep quality and daytime sleepiness
F01 A study into the feasibility of replicating and improving the mechanical properties of the Wavecel helmet liner using additively manufactured auxetic structures
No full textIn the event of a cycling accident, there is evidence supporting the bicycle helmet’s role in reducing the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite this, there is ambiguity surrounding the effectiveness and integrity of specific helmet liner technologies which claim to reduce concussion risk, such as Wavecel. This research project seeks to explore the feasibility of replicating the mechanical properties of the Wavecel metamaterial using an additively manufactured (AM) honeycomb structure. Wavecel, introduced in 2019 by Trek Bicycle Co. as part of the Bontrager sub-brand, is a helmet liner technology. Consisting of a collapsible cellular metamaterial, it functions through a network of interconnected shock absorbers that link the user’s head to the helmet shell. Upon its announcement, Wavecel claimed that its cellular lattice structure helmet liner is up to 48× more effective at preventing concussion than a standard helmet, reducing the likelihood of concussion to 1.2% during a laboratory simulated head impact (Bliven et al., 2019, Acc Analysis Prev, 124, 58-65). As one of the most commercially successful metamaterial helmet liners available on the consumer market, Wavecel is a clear demonstration that a metamaterial protection system can be mass-produced, well received by consumers and profitable for a business. To conduct this research, the properties of the Wavecel liner will be defined through impact testing. Computer-aided design (CAD) will then be used to produce several prototypes of a honeycomb structure. These prototypes will then undergo identical impact tests, aiming to replicate the mechanical properties of the Wavecel helmet liner. Comparisons will include elastic stiffness, column buckling, and response to off-axis impact. The collected data will serve as evidence for evaluating the performance and mechanical attributes of these structures, contributing to the advancement of next-generation helmet liners and sports personal protective equipment (PPE). The findings will also benefit businesses looking to develop helmets incorporating metamaterials in their liner technology