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B07 The Relative Age Effect presents an opportunity for Scottish football to be “better than FC Barcelona”
No full textAn overrepresentation of athletes born earlier in the year compared with those born later in the year is known as the relative age effect (RAE). A ten year analysis of professional players across ten of the top European leagues showed the existence of an RAE in the ten years from 2000 (29.3 vs 19.8%, p<0.01) to 2010 (31.9 vs 18.4%, p<0.01) with the RAE becoming more pronounced with time. A sample from the FC Barcelona Model (Doncaster et al., 2020. Front Sports Act Liv, 2, 91) showed a strong RAE within their male football academy in all youth groups becoming less prevalent with increasing age (Q1 Jan-Mar = 0.53 Q2 Apr-Jun = 0.27; Q3 Jul-Sep = 0.14; and Q4 Oct – Dec = 0.06 [χ_3^2= 53.6, p<0.001]). Despite solutions being proposed in the literature, this indicates these solutions are not being utilised effectively within Europe’s top clubs such as FC Barcelona. Our previous work (Craig and Swinton, 2020, Eur J Sports Sci, 21, 1101-1110) identified strong relative age bias in players awarded professional contracts between 2006 and 2016 in a Scottish academy (Q1 = 0.50; Q2 = 0.26; Q3 = 0.20; and Q4 = 0.05 [χ_3^2= 40.9, p<0.001]). Scottish clubs have limited resources in comparison with Barcelona meaning academy efficiency is paramount. The main study aim was therefore to assess any changes in the relative age effect over a ten-year period in an elite Scottish football academy within the academy player pool. A secondary aim was to establish if physical differences exist across each quarter to assess the impact of any potential RAE. Following ethical approval, a retrospective analysis of 512 academy players (from 2006 to 2016) from a Scottish Academy was assessed for anthropometric, physical performance and RAE impact. The range of players in each quarter was Q1 37.0-42.9% versus Q2 22.8-32.4%, Q3 11.9-26.0% and Q4 7.1-14.3%. Odds Ratio analysis indicate a greater chance of selection within the academy when assessing Q1 vs Q4 players quarter comparisons (ranging 3.2-5.2 time more likely to be part of the academy). There was no impact of time on the RAE over the ten years (p=0.3127). When controlling for age group multilevel modelling showed there were no significant differences across quarters in physical measures. Underrepresented Q4 players who transition through academy soccer can match physically their older peers. The finding that there is no improvement in the RAE with time underpins an efficiency that can be integrated. Using established interventions and corrective procedures can ensure no potential is being removed unnecessarily from the development pathway on the basis of RAE, addressing challenges in financially restricted environments such as Scottish football that resource rich environments such as FC Barcelona have not yet overcome
J10 Changes over a decade of fitness within a Scottish soccer academy and the impact of first team relegation on academy physical profiles
No full textIntroduction: academy soccer practitioners have a responsibility to prepare youth players for the demands of first team. The development of physical capabilities to sustain the high intensity locomotor activities that have been reported in elite soccer is essential. Challenges exist monitoring locomotor targets as resource limitations mean that often academies will not have locomotor data, instead relying on physiological testing to assess whether a player is ready for first team transition. Physiological testing results have a direct relationship with locomotor activity. Physical development has been shown over various longitudinal periods with established progression in speed, change of direction, lower body power and endurance in elite Austrian youths, increases in VO2max in an elite regional French academy and in the interval shuttle run test of over 50% in elite Dutch academy. The success of a club’s academy can lead to increased resource allocation however some organisational challenges such as relegation can have a severe financial impact. The initial aim of the present study was to establish whether previously observed changes in physical capacity were observed in a professional Scottish soccer academy over a ten-year period. A further aim was to assess the impact of first team relegation on academy physical profiles considering the resource implications of relegation. Methodology: a retrospective analysis was completed where Linear Mixed Effect (LME) Models were fitted to explain variation across each measure of physical capacity. Model selection was undertaken with Likelihood Ratio Tests where initial complex models were compared to simpler nested models to arrive at the final model by maximum likelihood. The impact of relegation was assessed by LME models to assess whether physical capacity measures changed post relegation. Ethical approval was granted. Results: 5 m best time reduced by 0.0055 s per year (t = −11.8, p < 0.001), 10 m best time reduced by 0.008 s per year (t = −9.2, p < 0.001), 20 m best time reduced by 0.011 s per year (t = −7.8, p < 0.001). CMJ increased each year depended on age group with the older cohorts showing greater improvement and the YYIR1 distance increased each year varying across age group. Performance of aforementioned physical capacity measures significantly reduced with relegation, except 20 m best time (t = −1.4, p = 0.16). Application: reference values within clubs that establish first team requirements will contribute to appropriate transition strategies. By conducting analyses related to uncontrollable challenges, practitioners can use these results to protect against criticism and withdrawal of resource when physical progression is negatively impacted. 
J14 The physical capabilities of national league female American Flag Football players
No full textFlag Football is the fastest growing format of American Football and is a recent addition to the 2028 Olympics. The Flag format is a non-contact version of American Football, where tackles are made by removing flags from players hips. Activity profiles in the NFL (Sanchez et al., 2013, App Sci, 13:9278; Wellman et al., 2016, J Strength Cond Res, 30, 11–19) have highlighted the need for high levels of strength, power, and speed. Given the similarities within Flag, these physical capabilities may be equally applicable to Flag players. However, a lack of literature on the Flag format, and the paucity of research in female football, irrespective of format, exists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the physical fitness capabilities of a national league Women’s Flag Football team. Fourteen participants (age 28 ± 5 years; stature 166 ± 8 cm; mass 79 ± 29 kg) from a national league Women’s Flag team took part in a physical fitness testing battery comprising; countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), broad jump (BJ), 20-yard sprint and shuttle, and the Isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Participants were familiarised with testing procedures and initially completed a standardised warm-up. Mean and SD results from the jump assessments were as follows; CMJ jump height 25.1 ± 5.9 cm, peak power 39.1 ± 7.1 w/kg; SJ jump height 24.6 ± 6.3 cm, peak power 39.3 ± 6.6 w/kg; broad jump 1.89 ± 0.28 m. Absolute and relative peak force in the IMTP was 2201 ± 422 N and 30.1 ± 4.1 N/kg respectively. The Dynamic Strength Index (DSI) calculated from CMJ and IMTP peak force was 0.76 ± 0.12. Lastly, 20-yard sprint and shuttle times were 3.43 ± 0.28 and 5.36 ± 0.38 s respectively. Significant correlations were found between mean CMJ jump height and mean sprint time (p 0.001; r = −0.780), between mean CMJ jump height and mean shuttle time (p <.001; r −0.857), between mean BJ distance and mean shuttle time (p <0.01; r = 0.870) and between mean BJ distance and CMJ jump height (p <.001; r = −0.911). This study is the first of its kind to report the physical capabilities of female flag football players. The findings of this study may help develop the understanding of a growing and soon to be Olympic sport
The Challenges of Human Rights Advocacy on Social Media in the Context of Legal Clinics
Full text linkThe consolidation of social media as a medium of information and social mobilisation reinforces the importance of using this resource to base advocacy strategies undertaken by legal clinics, especially those regarding human rights education aimed at elucidating concrete issues that are dear to democracy. This research intends to identify, describe, and discuss the main challenges related to communication on human rights by legal clinics, based on the experience developed at the Paraná’s Federal University Human Rights Clinic (CDH/UFPR). If, in theory, Instagram had proved to be the most pertinent tool for disseminating research — even considering the digital exclusion of a significant quantity of Brazilians — the experience revealed the first major challenge to be the incongruity between the parameters governing the algorithmics functioning in the app and the academic and scientific nature of the clinic’s content. By subverting and re-signifying a space governed by market interests — that impose themselves every day as a communication hub — we sought to promote the dissemination of evidence-based scientific knowledge to our channel's community of followers. In which we paid special attention to the adaptation of legal and technical language to a more accessible approach while still preserving the quality of the information being disseminated; the efforts to ensure knowledge transit and theoretical alignment in a team made up of researchers from different areas; the need to involve third parties in collaborating on the joint production of publications; and, finally, obstacles related to the scarcity of financial resources and project management.
Keywords: digital advocacy; legal clinics; human rights; social media
The association between insecure adult attachment and psychosomatic symptoms as mediated by emotion regulation
Full text linkAdult insecure attachment encompasses both anxious and avoidant attachment. Previous research links anxious attachment to maladaptive emotion up-regulation, and avoidant attachment to maladaptive emotion down-regulation. Research suggests that both insecure attachment and maladaptive emotion regulation contribute to psychosomatic symptoms. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether the increased susceptibility to psychosomatic symptoms in insecure individuals is mediated by maladaptive emotion regulation. A general population sample (n = 157) completed an online survey comprising measures of attachment, emotion regulation, psychosomatic symptoms and perceived stress. Perceived stress levels were controlled for due to their recognised impact on psychosomatic symptoms. Four simple mediations were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. The results revealed that emotion down-regulation negatively mediated the relation between attachment avoidance and psychosomatic symptoms while emotion up-regulation did not mediate the relation between attachment anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms. These findings suggest that emotion regulation emerges as a predictor for psychosomatic symptoms in avoidant but not anxious attachment. Future studies should explore the emotional influences of emotion regulation in insecure attachment across diverse contexts
Streetlaw at Sussex One Year On: Where did we come from, how far did we get and where are we going?
Full text linkAgainst the backdrop of the broader clinical legal education movement and the employability agenda in the context of a UK law degree, this article reflects on the experience of introducing a Street law (“StreetLaw”) programme into the curriculum at the University of Sussex. Drawing on the findings of a small-scale research study, this article explores the value of StreetLaw in community and educational settings from the perspectives of the undergraduate students participating, and the organisational partners. Themes include building community relationships; ‘giving back’; access to justice; professional skills development, and embedding learning in a real-world context. Alongside this, in step with the widespread recognition of the importance of reflective practice for students in clinical legal education, the author reflects on the challenges and opportunities of developing and leading the project
D02 Novel associations between within-day energy balance (WDEB) and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) in recreationally active women
No full textRelative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a syndrome whereby physiological process are downregulated to regain energy balance under conditions of low energy availability (LEA). There is a growing body of research investigating the diverse health and performance complications in relation to energy availability calculated over 24-h. However this may conceal energy deficient periods in the day, which could contribute to RED-S symptoms. There is a handful of research suggesting such periods of deficiency are associated with changes in body composition, and menstrual and endocrine dysfunction, however many RED-S symptoms are yet to be explored in this area. This study therefore aimed to explore within-day energy balance (WDEB) in relation to a variety of, yet to be investigated, RED-S consequences in recreationally active women. Following ethical approval from the Manchester Metropolitan University Ethics Committee, 16 women (age, 27 ± 6 years, stature, 1.67 ± 0.05 m, and mass, 63.5 ± 8.2 kg) engaging in 4-6-h per week moderate-vigorous physical activity were recruited via social media, word of mouth, and posters. Seven-day food and training diaries alongside accelerometery and heart rate were used to estimate 24-h energy availability and hourly WDEB. The largest within-day energy surplus and deficit, the number of hours spent in a surplus and deficit, and the maximum number of consecutive hours in each, were calculated daily and averaged across the 7-days. Quantitative ultrasound of bone, haematocrit, haemoglobin, total cholesterol, maximum voluntary contraction of the knee during flexion and extension, V̇O2peak and lactate profile were all assessed. Gastrointestinal health was assessed via questionnaire. Correlational analysis between WDEB variables and RED-S symptoms was done accounting for 24-h energy availability. Of all 16 participants, 87.5% did not have adequate energy availability (<45 kcal∙kgFFM∙day-1); 12.5% had low energy availability (<30 kcal∙kgFFM∙day-1), and 75% had subclinical energy availability (30-45 kcal∙kgFFM∙day-1), typically associated with weight loss. Gastrointestinal dysfunction was negatively correlated with within-day energy surpluses (r13 = −0.479, P = 0.035) and positively correlated with within-day energy deficit variables (r13 = 0.499 to 0.534, P ≤ 0.029). These correlations were maintained after also accounting for anxiety. Haemoglobin levels were negatively correlated with within-day energy deficit variables (r13 = −0.477 to −0.490, P ≤ 0.036). Radius and tibia, T- and Z-scores were positively correlated with energy surplus values (r13 = 0.593 & 0.681, P = 0.004 & 0.013, respectively). To conclude, this was the first study to show WDEB to be associated with gastrointestinal, haematological, and bone health, illustrating that WDEB in relation to RED-S warrants further research as it may have health and performance implications that are overlooked when assessing LEA alone
I03 The cardiovascular implications for exercise intolerance and dyspnoea in electronic cigarette users
No full textBackground: Electronic cigarettes (EC) have been proposed as a safe alternative to tobacco smoking, however, several studies have shown adverse health effects of EC. The chronic implications of EC on cardiorespiratory response and exertional dyspnoea are unknown. Aim: To examine the chronic effects of electronic cigarettes (EC) and tobacco cigarettes (TC) on resting vascular function, inflammatory markers, cardiorespiratory responses during exercise and exertional dyspnoea. Methodology: Three groups of young adults (16 each) with normal spirometry (EC users, TC smokers, and never-smokers [NS]) consented to participate in this study following institutional ethics approval. Participants performed spirometry and an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) 20W/2mins on an electronically braked cycle ergometer with blood lactate (BLa) measurements. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD%) of the brachial artery was assessed using Doppler ultrasonography. Venous blood samples were collected to assess inflammatory biomarkers associated with vascular function. Results: EC and TC groups had a lower peak work rate compared to NS controls (184 ± 30; 185 ± 35 vs. 228 ± 44 W, respectively; P < 0.05). During submaximal exercise, EC and TC groups displayed higher ventilation (VE), higher ratings of dyspnoea and more intense leg fatigue compared to NS controls (e.g. 140 W, VE: 62 ± 10; 64 ± 12 vs. 54 ± 7 L/min, Dyspnoea: 5.0 ± 1.9; 6.1 ± 1.9 vs. 3.4 ± 1.7 Borg units, 6.1 ± 2.05; 7.0 ± 1.9 vs. 4.1 ± 2.1 Borg units, respectively; all P < 0.05). The TC group displayed lower ventilatory efficiency (higher V̇E/V̇CO2) and higher blood lactate compared to NS during submaximal exercise (e.g. 140 W, V̇E/V̇CO2: 31.8 ± 5.6 vs. 28.2 ± 2.41, Blood lactate: 6.5 ± 2.4 vs. 4.3 ± 2.5 mmol/L, respectively; P < 0.05 for both). Like the TC group, the EC group showed a trend for lower ventilatory efficiency and higher BLa during submaximal exercise, but they did not reach statistically significant differences compared to NS controls (P = 0.07 for both). FMD was significantly lower in EC and TC groups compared with NS controls (5.4 ± 2.4; 4.6 ± 2.9 vs. 7.9 ± 3.4%, respectively; P < 0.05) and that was associated with elevated Thrombospondin-1 levels. Conclusion: EC and TC impair vascular function and cardiorespiratory responses to exercise and exertional dyspnoea similarly. EC has a detrimental impact on vascular function and exercise capacity and should not be recommended as a ‘healthier’ alternative to TC
J02 Evaluation of pilocarpine iontophoresis vs. exercise-induced sweat sodium concentrations at different exercise intensities
No full textDifferences between passive versus active sweat sodium concentration ([Na+]) may alter sodium replacement strategies. The primary purpose of this pilot trial was to compare pharmacologically induced sweat [Na+] (passive) with exercise-induced sweat [Na+] (active) at three different exercise intensities. Methods: This was an internal validation trial, reviewed by Wayne State University’s IRB (IRB 23-02-5555). WSU’s IRB determined that this retrospective, observational, data collection did not fall within the scope of human research regulations. As such, fifteen endurance cyclists participated in four cycling trials (different days, separated by a week) at three exercise intensities (50, 75, and 100% of functional threshold power/FTP) for 20 minutes. Sweat was collected prior to each trial via pilocarpine iontophoresis (passively induced sweat). Then, a macroduct™ (Wescor Inc, Logan, UT) sweat collector was affixed to the same forearm (at a different location than the passively induced sweat collection) and the athlete cycled at the given intensity to collect exercise-induced sweat. Sweat samples were analysed for sweat [Na+] immediately (Sweat Chek Conductivity Analyzer, Wescor Inc, Logan UT), which was the main outcome variable. One-way ANOVA was utilised to detect differences in passive and active sweat [Na+] levels across different exercise intensities. Statistical significance was set a priori at P < 0.05. Results: Fifteen highly trained cyclists between 19-45 years (10 male, 5 female, weight 69 ± 9 kg, FTP 4.16 ± 0.56 W/kg, passive sweat [Na+] 55.6 ± 18.5 mmol/L [range 30-89 mmol/L]) completed this trial. No statistically significant differences were noted between pre (passive) to post (active) sweat [Na+] levels during the 50% FTP, 75% FTP, or 100% FTP conditions. However, when assessing exercise-induced sweat [Na+] minus passive-induced sweat [Na+], significant differences were noted between the 50% (−12.4 ± 7.6mmol/L), 75% (1.3 ± 6.2mmol/L) and 100% FTP (7.5 ± 6.8 mmol/L) exercise intensity conditions (P < 0.001; R2 = 0.61). Although sweat rate was different between the 50% (0.62 ± 0.21 L/h), 75% (1.26 ± 0.34 L/h), and 100% FTP (1.89 ± 0.50 L/h) conditions; P < 0.001; R2 = 0.68, there were no significant associations between sweat rate versus sweat [Na+] change except for the 100% FTP condition (R2 = 0.29; P = 0.04). Conclusions: Exercise-induced sweat approximates pharmacologically induced sweat at cycling intensities around 75% FTP, with lower sweat [Na+] readings at lower (50% FTP) intensities and higher sweat [Na+] readings at higher (100% FTP) cycling intensities
J03 Comparing IMU outputs between 1st team and U18 female soccer players throughout preseason
No full textWith growth in professionalism, popularity and revenue in women’s soccer, greater investment is being made throughout academy environments to ensure young players can reach the physical, physiological, and technical demands of the sport. However, limited evidence exists to support the transition at club level between youth academy and senior players, and there is ambiguity in determining differences in physical loading. Thus, this study aimed to compare physical inertial measurement units (IMU) outputs between female U18 academy players and professional soccer players throughout pre-season. Participants were recruited from the same Scottish women’s soccer team U18 squad (n = 19, mean ± SD age = 16.5 ± 0.6 years) and 1st Team (n= 23, mean ± SD age = 25.1 ± 5.6 years) during the 2023/24 season. Top speed (m/s), distance covered (m), sprint count (n), and count of acceleration and deceleration actions (n) from IMU output were analysed (Playermaker). Descriptive statistics summarised key findings, with inferential methods utilised to determine variances between squads. Multivariate tests reported statistical significance at P < 0.05 between squads for physical metrics measured from 66 training sessions and 10 games. Results found mean weekly distance was significantly higher for U18 players in comparison to 1st team (6,252 ± 1,480 vs. 5,076 ± 2,064 m, P < 0.01). Mean weekly top speed was significantly higher in 1st team in comparison to U18 squad (6.33 ± 0.34 vs. 6.03 ± 0.34 m·s−1, P < 0.01). Mean weekly sprint count was significantly higher in 1st team versus U18 (11 ± 10 vs. 5 ± 5, P < 0.01). No significant differences were highlighted for count of acceleration and deceleration actions between squads (P > 0.05). These findings show that although U18s are exposed to a greater volume, this is performed at lower intensities within the pre-season window, and therefore potentially not replicating the high intensity intermittent nature of the game. These findings suggest the introduction of individualised speed thresholds appropriate for developmental state. Furthermore, formatting future training to incorporate more anaerobic physiological adaptations to help prepare academy players for the physical demands of professional soccer