Northumbria Journals
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J04 An exploration of the deceptive effects of caffeine on morning performance
No full textTo compete in evening finals, athletes typically compete in competition heats or quarterfinals in the morning when their bodies are biologically weaker. Performance related qualities that are greater in the evening include force production, power output (~3-14% variation), time-trial performance, and repeated sprints which is ~3 and 5% greater (Drust et al., 2005, Acta Physiol Scand, 183, 181-190). The body clock, motivation and higher core and muscle temperatures in the evening are all related to this daily fluctuation in performance. The most effective nutritional ergogenic for performance is caffeine. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of deception, a placebo pill vs. No Pill on repeated sprint performance (RSP) and grip strength (GP). The experimental protocol was approved by the institution ethics board. Nine participants ingested 1 pill (maltodextrin) at 06:30 h, entered the laboratory at 07:00 h and had their ear temperature recorded. They then completed a Perceived Onset of Mood questionnaire followed by measures of right- and left-hand grip strength followed by a repeated sprints protocol (10 × 20m, 30 s rest periods). Blood lactate, glucose levels and ear temperature were recorded three times during the protocol – with heart rate, rating of perceived exertion and finishing times (Witty GATE, Microgate Srl, Bolzano, Italy) measured at the end of each sprint. The data was analysed by General Linear modelling with repeated measures
J17 Influence of head-mounted virtual reality (VR) on psychological and physiological responses in the heat
No full textEvidence suggests that vision may play a role in the perception of temperature in humans (Mayes et al., 2023, J Therm Bio, 112, 103488). Virtual reality (VR) has garnered attention for its potential applications in various domains, including sports training and rehabilitation. However, the psychophysiological effects of using VR in hot environments remain relatively unexplored. The present study tested the hypothesis that a ‘cold’ visual environment would decrease thermal perception when compared to a ‘hot’ visual environment during passive heat exposure. Twelve healthy participants (2 females) [mean ± SD, age: 24 ± 5 years; stature: 174 ± 9 cm; mass: 72 ± 8 kg] provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. Ethical approval was obtained from the Faculty of Science and Health’s Ethics Committee at The University of Portsmouth. In a within-participant, randomised, controlled crossover design participants completed a familiarisation visit followed by three experimental sessions in 40°C (50% r.h.). The three conditions were: no virtual reality (NoVR), virtual reality displaying an arid landscape (HotVR), and virtual reality displaying a snow-covered landscape (ColdVR). Thermal sensation, thermal comfort, skin wetness, heart rate, rectal temperature, and four-site skin temperature were recorded. Mean skin temperature and mean body temperature were subsequently calculated. Data were analysed using a 3 (Condition [NoVR, VRHot, VRCold]) × 7 (Time [Pre, 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-min post-VR exposure]) repeated measures ANOVA. The main effects of condition, time, and their interaction were explored, with statistical significance accepted at P < 0.05. The use of VR in the heat resulted in increased thermal sensation, skin wetness, mean skin temperature, mean body temperature, and heart rate over time (all P < 0.05). However, the manipulation of the visual environment did not alter perceptual or physiological variables (all P > 0.05). Significant interaction effects were observed for mean skin temperature and mean body temperature; however, these minimal differences were considered not meaningful. In conclusion, these novel data indicate that using VR to manipulate the virtual environment in the heat does not meaningfully alter perceptual or physiological responses. These findings also suggest that VR may be used within settings such as the military and elite-sport without any deleterious effects. Future work should look to examine the effects of using VR whilst exercising on perceptual and physiological measures
A01 Dietary intakes and nutritional status in adults with Muscular Dystrophy
No full textMuscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of inherited conditions causing progressive muscle weakness and wasting, for which no widely implementable treatment currently exists, although resistance training (Bostock et al., 2019, Frontiers in Neurology, 10) and corticosteroid treatment (Angelini, 2007, Muscle & Nerve, 36, 424-435), have been shown to improve health-related quality of life (HQoL). Compared to physical activity, dietary manipulation may be more modifiable to improve dystrophic populations HQoL as disease outcomes often restrict physical capabilities. Data exploring the relationship between diet, disease and HQoL outcomes in adults with MD is insufficient. This study evaluated the habitual dietary intake of a sex-inclusive dystrophic population, to identify possible links between dietary intake, HQoL, and physical function. Participants included 5 women (age 65 ± 14 yrs, BMI 23.2 ± 2.7 kg/m2) and 10 men (age 55 ± 19 yrs, 31.6 ± 7.9 kg/m2) with different MDs (varied distribution and severity of muscle weakness). Participants' dietary intake data was collected using 3-day food records: analysed using Nutritics. Dominant hand maximal grip strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer; upper extremity function and pain were assessed using the upper extremity functional index-15 and visual analogue scale, respectively. QoL was assessed through three tools: SF-36V2, Barthel Index and EQ5D, previously used in dystrophic populations. We observed that 50% of men and 20% of women did not meet the recommended daily intake (RDI) for protein (0.8 g·kg−1), however women (1.13 ± 0.26 g·kg−1) had increased protein intake compared to men (0.82 ± 0.27 g·kg−1, p < 0.05). Of all participants 40% had a daily fat intake exceeding the RDI, with women having significantly higher relative average fat intakes (women = 1.03 ± 0.36 g·kg−1, men = 0.68 ± 0.29 g·kg−1, p < 0.05). RDI for calcium was met by 46% participants (1000 mg) whilst all failed to meet the vitamin D RDI (10 μg). Positive correlations between age and protein intake as a percentage of RDI (r2 = 0.82), protein (r2 = 0.82), carbohydrate intake (r2 = 0.55) relative to body mass, vitamin D intake (r2 = 0.54), and total caloric intake (r2 = 0.59, all p< 0.05) were observed. No other significant associations between dietary habits, physical function or HQoL outcomes were apparent. Despite these findings being observed in a small population it is apparent that many adults with muscular dystrophy may fail to meet RDI for protein, vitamin D, and calcium. This places this population at risk for nutritional deficiencies, incurring negative impacts on the musculoskeletal system. Further study of nutritional status in a larger population sample is needed to confirm these findings
B06 Musculoskeletal injury and medical discharge prevalence during Army basic training
No full textMusculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) pose the primary health and operational risk to the military trainee population particularly those within basic training, leading to several issues such as reduced training time, chronic morbidity, and inevitably increased medical discharge. The purpose of the study was to investigate the current incidence, prevalence, and nature of MSKIs across British Army basic training. In addition to identifying the prevalence of MSKI medical discharges concerning the type and nature of the injury. A retrospective analysis of the Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command MSKI and Medical Discharge database was undertaken. Injury data was collected from Primary Care Rehabilitation Facilities at British Army training units, using a standardised procedure. A multiple-choice questionnaire was used within the initial consultation with the clinician to determine the severity and progression of the injury, whilst consenting to a data privacy notice. Prevalence of MSKIs (% recruits) was articulated in relation to the total number of recruits starting each training year. Over the past decade MSKIs have declined from a peak of 47% in men and 58% in women in 2013/14, to 22% in men and 21% in women in the 2022/23 training year, with the prevalence of female MSKIs being lower than male counterparts for the first time in this population. Trauma and overuse injuries correspond for 48% and 52% of these MSKIs respectively in 2022/2023, whereas historically overuse injuries have been responsible for a greater proportion. These overuse and trauma injuries were most common in the early stages of training. Lower limb injuries were more prevalent throughout training, resembling 2021/22 data where lower limb injuries accounted for c.80% of total MSKIs among both sexes. The total number of MSKIs resulting in medical discharges was 70, constituting 1.1% of all recruits. Among these discharges, 54 were observed in men and 16 in women. The prevalence of MSKIs resulting in medical discharges was 4.5% in men and 12.4 % in women. The gap between MSKI prevalence between sexes has decreased with recent data showing prevalence being similar. Despite this, women had an increased risk of medical discharge, suggesting gender differences in the severity of MSKIs. To reduce MSKI prevalence, strategies should focus on lower limb injuries, with an emphasis on the early stages of training
C02 ‘Strength in Solitude? Investigating the potential effects of isolation on the performance and wellbeing of student athletes’
No full textFollowing the global COVID-19 pandemic, the topic of isolation has been a lot more prevalent in society (Jukic et al., 2020, 8). People have described being negatively affected both mentally and physically as a result of suffering from isolation during the pandemic (Fancourt, Steptoe, & Bu 2021, Lancet Psychiatry, 8, 141-149). However, isolation has been something that a lot of people have faced well before Covid emerged (West, Kellner, & Moore-West, 1986, Comp Psychiatry, 27, 351-363). Research shows that people who suffer from loneliness described feelings of isolation and were more likely to seek help from mental healthcare organisations (West, Kellner, & Moore-West 1986, Comp Psychiatry, 27, 351-363). The aim of this research project is to develop a greater understanding of isolation, the meaning of isolation to different individuals and what effects it may have on an athlete’s performance or wellbeing. Previous research highlighted how susceptible students can be to suffering from isolation (Lim & Vighnarajah, 2018, SHS web of conferences, 53). It was suggested that greater awareness should be provided for isolation and how best to manage it. Lim & Vighnarajah (2018, Per Acad Soc Psych Dev) also found that a student’s needs should consider a broad range of influences, as every aspect can be linked to enhancing a students’ success in their education. As this research was conducted solely on students, it would be of interest to investigate what influence sporting participation could have on education, and vice versa. The effects of isolation will also be compared in both educational and sporting settings as well as what setting is more likely to onset isolation. The student athletes will are provided with an opportunity to describe how they cope with isolation and maintain high levels of performance
E01 Short term step-reduction induces mitochondrial impairments which are not restored after reambulation, in habitually active adults
No full textInactivity causes physiological impairments to skeletal muscle mitochondria and disrupts metabolic homeostasis, which has predominantly been investigated through models of severe disuse. The impacts of less-restrictive inactivity through step-reduction (SR) suggests a decline in markers of mitochondrial content without a loss of function (Edwards et al. [2021]. J Appl Physiol, 131, 1653-1662). However, the impact of varying durations of SR and reambulation (RA) on skeletal muscle oxidative capacity are poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of 14 days of SR, followed by 14 days of RA on markers of mitochondrial content and function, and also explore correlations between these markers. A cohort of 12 habitually active adults were studied from previous research (Bowden Davies et al. [2018]. Diabetologica, 61, 1282-1294), for which ethical approval was obtained from NRES Committee North West – Liverpool Central (REC:14/NW/1147). Skeletal muscle biopsy samples from the vastus lateralis were obtained at baseline (BSL), after SR and following RA, which were analysed through immunoblotting/calorimetric assays for markers of mitochondrial content (citrate synthase (CS) activity) and function (OXPHOS, PDH and CPT1A). In vivo mitochondrial function tests using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) was conducted in a subset of 7 participants. Markers of mitochondrial content and function were significantly reduced following SR (15-34% lower; low to medium effect size 0.3-0.5; COX I (P = 0.009), COX III (P = 0.03), COX IV (P = 0.03), 31P-MRS (P = 0.04)). COX III (P = 0.01) and 31P-MRS (P = 0.03) were lower after RA when compared to BSL. Although not significant, other markers of mitochondrial content and enzymes involved in glucose and fatty acid oxidation were numerically lower after SR (CS activity 17% lower, PDH 23% lower, CPT1A 15% lower). The changes in several complexes of OXPHOS, PDH and CPT1A were positively correlated with CS activity (r2= 0.35 to 0.53, P < 0.05) and 31P-MRS (r2 = 0.46 to 0.76, P < 0.05). The results suggest that a short term reduction in physical activity causes impairments to both mitochondrial content and function which are not completely restored after RA, although further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that underpin these changes. The findings highlight the deleterious physiological consequences of just reducing physical activity, which manifests as metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in the long run. This prompts for the revision of physical activity guidelines to include the importance of minimising sedentary time
E05 Training load monitoring and wellness tracking of student athletes
No full textThe evolution of Strength and Conditioning (S&C) has been significant in enhancing athletic performance, especially with a more recent shift in considering holistic athlete wellness which encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. Understanding the multifaced nature of athlete wellness allows an insight into the holistic wellbeing of athletes. Despite this, student-athletes are an understudied population who face unique challenges due to academic pressures, financial challenges, and intense training schedules in contrast to the established professional athlete. This study aims to investigate the correlation between S&C training loads and various wellness metrics (sleep quality, muscle soreness, mood and educational stress) in student athletes. Understanding how student athlete wellness varies over the academic year allows S&C coaches to tailor training loads to better compliment wellness and improve psychological, physical wellbeing and ultimately athletic performance. With institutional ethics approval from University of Derby, a mixed methods approach was adopted using an online questionnaire which 50 student athletes filled out multiple times a day over the academic year. Sports included were men’s & women’s volleyball, badminton and men’s futsal. Data collected by the survey included sleep duration and quality, muscle soreness ratings, mood surveys, illness reports, training load measurements, stress and anxiety evaluations. This comprehensive data set enables a detailed analysis of trends over time. It is anticipated that the study will reveal significant relationships between training loads and various wellness indicators. Specific trends, such as the impact of academic stress on training effectiveness or the role of sleep quality in recovery and performance, are expected to emerge. These insights will provide valuable information for tailoring S&C programs to better support student athletes. Understanding the complex relationship of training loads and wellness in student athletes is crucial for optimising their performance and overall well-being. This study aims to contribute to a more intricate understanding of these relationships, informing the development of more effective, individualised training and wellness strategies. Ultimately, the research will provide an understanding for the importance of a holistic approach in athlete development, considering both physical and psychological aspects for optimal performance enhancement
The Place of Restorative Justice and Experiential Andragogy in the Curriculum
Full text linkThis paper is centred on three fundamental and overlapping points.
First and foremost, students in many disciplines, notably Law are, more often than not and regardless of jurisdiction, largely passive participants in their learning, frequently being the recipients of content-driven curricula delivered primarily through lectures and assessed at end of study periods through written and/or oral examinations.
Secondly, although based on a specific case study – the creation and delivery of a new course/module at a leading UK University – we believe that what has resulted from the innovation involved has significant lessons for (legal) education elsewhere and as such we are keen to share our own experience in the hope of informing and inspiring others.
Finally, and with specific reference to the subject matter concerned, most dispute resolution systems in general and criminal ‘justice’ processes in particular take little account of longer-term consequences of adjudications and outcomes for all concerned. This claim is explored as we discuss the course/module itself below.
The purpose of this paper it to describe and analyse how a more constructive approach to legal education can take place, exampled by this study of restorative justice (RJ) and forms of experiential and reflective learning and the impact of this
Empowering Ukraine’s First Legal Responders: Ukrainian-US Collaboration and Clinics
Full text linkAt the onset of the full-scale Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, U.S. law clinic professors worked alongside the leadership of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine. The mutual objective was to support Ukrainian law professors and facilitate the continued legal education of their students, particularly the acquisition of skills typically taught in law clinics. Ultimately, the online partnership that developed focused on skills training and included seven Ukrainian law schools, faculty from over six U.S. law schools and one private law firm, and USAID Justice for All Activity in Ukraine. The overall goals of this collaboration were to support the teaching and skills training for Ukrainian students as they pivoted their work to grapple with accessing an entirely new set of skills to navigate lawyering during the war
Law Reform Clinical Programmes Should be Promoted in Law Schools: An Explanation
Full text linkThis paper suggests that experiential education involving law reform is particularly suited to the academic stage of legal training. We review the current extent of clinics engaged in law reform, provide examples from our own practice, and then explain why law reform clinics are particularly beneficial. This is for several reasons. These include (i) the range of desirable graduate attributes and skills developed through involvement in law reform; (ii) the understanding that law reform is a career option; and (iii) the benefits to law schools and society generally from better laws, from legal academics using their skills to push for law reform, and from students being introduced to the civic obligation of the legal profession to be involved in seeking to improve the law. We also provide guidance from our own experience as to what can be done to establish a law reform clinic, whether as a dedicated course or as a way of running an existing course, and set out the steps that should produce good suggestions for reform