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How should adult handgrip strength be normalized? Allometry reveals new insights and associated reference curves
Get PDFIntroduction: Handgrip strength (HGS) is an important indicator of health. Because HGS is strongly associated with body size, most investigators normalize HGS for some measure of body size as a more sensitive indicator of strength within a population. We aimed to (1) identify the optimal body size dimension to remove (normalize) HGS for differences in body size among adults, and (2) generate norm-referenced centiles for HGS using the identified body size dimension.
Methods: Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a representative sample of the U.S. non-institutionalized civilian population. Exclusions resulted in a final sample of 8690 adults aged 20 years and older. HGS was measured using handheld dynamometry. Body size dimensions included body mass, height, and waist circumference. The most appropriate dimension(s) associated with HGS were identified using allometry. We fitted centile curves for normalized HGS using the Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS).
Results: Findings suggest that neither body mass nor body mass index is appropriate to normalize HGS. Incorporating all three body size dimensions of body mass, height, and waist circumference, or the reduced sub-sets of body mass and height, or height alone, suggest that the most appropriate normalizing (body size) dimension associated with HGS should be a cross-sectional or surface area measure of an individual’s body size (i.e., L2, where L is a linear dimension of body size). Given that height was also identified as the signally best body size dimension associated with HGS, we recommend HGS be normalized by height2 (i.e., HGS/HT2). Centile curves for HGS/HT2 by age group and gender were therefore provided. Conclusion: Scaling HGS by height2 may help normalize strength for population-based research
The influence of recruitment age, anthropometric and physical characteristics on the development pathway of English Academy football players
Get PDFPurpose: This study aims firstly to investigate the influence of recruitment age on retention and release across the development pathway. Secondly, the study aims to explore the influence of anthropometric and physical characteristics on retention and release at different ages throughout the development pathway and the likelihood of obtaining a professional contract. Methods: Following ethics approval, a cross-sectional study tracking 4 cohorts of players over 5 years assessed 76 male youth football players (11-16 years) from an English football academy on three occasions annually in anthropometry, countermovement jump height, linear (30m and 15m) and multidirectional sprint time. Players were categorised based on their start and release date. Results: Starting early (i.e. before U12) in an academy was a key indicator of obtaining a professional contract, representing 87% of the players signed. Bayesian regression models suggest that the majority of differences in physical characteristics between players that were released and retained are trivial, small and / or uncertain. Players who attained a professional contract at 18 had slower 15m and 30m sprint times at U13-U15 (P>0=0.87–0.99), slower multidirectional sprint times at U14 (P>0=0.99) and a lower countermovement jump height at U13-U16 (P>0=0.88-0.99) compared with players who did not gain a contract. Conclusion: Players recruited early have an increased likelihood of gaining a professional contract. Physical assessments lack utility when used in isolation as a talent identification tool
A case study comparison of objective and subjective evaluation methods of physical qualities in youth soccer players
Get PDFSubjective and objective assessments may be used congruently when making decisions regarding player recruitment in soccer, yet there have been few attempts to examine the level of agreement between these methods. Therefore, we compare levels of agreement between subjective and objective assessments of physical qualities associated with youth soccer performance. In total, 80 male youth soccer players (13.2 ± 1.9 years), and 12 professional coaches volunteered to participate. Players were objectively assessed using five fitness measures: Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1; Countermovement vertical jump; Functional Movement Screen™; 5/20m sprint; alongside anthropometric measures. Additionally, coaches subjectively rated each player on the same five physical qualities using 5-point Likert scales. Inter-rater agreement between ratings from lead and assistant coaches were established for each age group. Moreover, Bayesian regression models were fitted to determine how well coach ratings were able to predict fitness test performance. Although inter-rater agreement between lead and assistant coaches was moderate-to-substantial (ω=0.48-0.68), relationships between coaches subjective rating’s and corresponding fitness test performance were only highly related for the highest and lowest performing players. We suggest that while ratings derived from objective and subjective assessment methods may be related when attempting to differentiate between distinct populations, concerns exist when evaluating homogeneous samples using these methods. Our data highlight the benefits of using both types of measures in the talent identification process
“Just give up the ball”: In search of a third space in relationships between male youth workers and young men involved in violence.
Get PDFThis paper critically examines the employment of male youth workers in the field of youth crime prevention. It focuses on how their relationships with young men involved in violence might (or might not) support young men and promote desistance. It does this via the presentation of a single psychosocial case study that examines the relationship between a black male youth worker and a young black man who becomes involved in violence and then falls victim to violence to other young men in his neighbourhood. It illuminates how some male workers’ resources of masculine and street capital may be advantageous in terms of reaching some young men, but may also create barriers to reaching others. The study focuses on how both men in the case struggle to “give up the ball” – a metaphor the paper adopts for the act of conceding masculine capital in the street field. I suggest that for the relationship to provide the support this young man needed it required the creation of a third space between him and his youth worker; that is, a vantage point from where they could both examine their masculinity and how this was related to their respective psychic vulnerabilities. I argue that the two men’s investments in different discourses of masculinity were more significant (in terms of the desistance promoting potential of their relationship) than the similarity in their racial or class backgrounds. The case highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of youth work relationships and for provision of adequate support and supervision for all male workers that incorporates the thorough consideration of their personal and professional identity formation, especially the most heavily gendered aspects
Tracking Children’s Physical Activity Patterns across the School Year: A Mixed-Methods Longitudinal Case Study
Get PDFDespite the breadth of health benefits associated with regular physical activity (PA),
many children in the UK are not su�ciently active enough to meet health guidelines, and tend
to become less active as they mature into and throughout adolescence. Research has indicated
that children’s school, home and neighbourhood environments can all significantly influence their
opportunities to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, less is known
about how children’sMVPApatterns within these key environments may change across the school year.
The current mixed-methods case study aims to explore this issue by tracking key stage 2 (KS2) and key
stage 3 (KS3) children’s MVPA patterns across the school year. Fifty-eight children (29 boys, 29 girls,
KS2 = 34, KS3 = 24) wore an integrated global positioning systems (GPS) and heart rate (HR) monitor
over four consecutive days in the first term of school (autumn), before these measurements were
repeated in the two remaining school terms (winter–summer). A subsample of children (n = 6–8 per
group) were invited to take part in one of six focus groups each term to further explore their PA
behaviours and identify the barriers and facilitators to PA. The children’s MVPA was significantly
lower (p = 0.046) in term 2 (winter/spring term) than during the warmer terms (autumn and summer).
All the locations showed reductions in MVPA in term 2, except indoor MVPA, which increased,
and MVPA on foot in the neighbourhood, which remained consistent. Focus groups revealed location,
friends, and the variety of options to be associated with MVPA, and poor weather, parental permission,
and time limitations to be barriers to MVPA. This mixed-methodological, repeated-measures design
study highlights di�erences in the activity patterns and perceptions of children over the school year.
Future studies should implement longitudinal, multi-method approaches to gain deeper insight into
how children’s PA behaviours di�er over time. Consequently, this can inform future health policies
promoting children’s PA throughout the year
Applied Theatre, Puppetry and Emotional skills in Healthcare: a cross-disciplinary pedagogical framework
Get PDFArtists such as actors and puppeteers in healthcare face emotional challenges in their work. This article investigates the interpersonal competencies and emotional skills of the artist, who uses puppets in their practice, in healthcare contexts and settings. We present initial findings from phase B of a wider longitudinal study. Phase A focused on actors in hospitals and drama trainees. Phase B uses qualitative research methods with actors, puppeteers and therapists as participants. Content analysis of data reveals that the main competencies the artist needs to deal with emotional incidents in healthcare are empathy, self and social awareness, self-care, self-reflection, emotional resilience and active listening. These skills are needed alongside acting and puppetry skills to develop competent and professional artists in healthcare. The study offers evidence to further develop strategies of receiving, processing and communicating emotions safely and effectively within the protection of the art form. Therefore, this study diverts our attention from traditional training courses that are mainly about learning artistic skills to a cross-disciplinary pedagogical framework that aims to enable artists to observe, reflect and process emotions before, during and after performance with patients as theatre ‘audience’-participants
The effect of bio-banding on physical and psychological indicators of talent identification in academy soccer players
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of bio-banding on indicators of talent identification in academy soccer players. Seventy-two 11 to 14-year-old soccer players were bio-banded using percentage of estimated adult stature attainment (week 1), maturity-offset (week 2) or a mixed-maturity method (week 3). Players contested five maturity (mis)matched small-sided games with physical and psychological determinants measured. Data were analysed using a series of Bayesian hierarchical models, fitted with different response distributions and different random and fixed effect structures. Few between-maturity differences existed for physical measures. Pre-peak height velocity (PHV) and post-PHV players differed in PlayerLoadTM (anterior-posterior and medial-lateral) having effect sizes above our criterion value. Estimated adult stature attainment explained more of the variance in eight of the physical variables and showed the greatest individual differences between maturity groups across all psychological variables. Pre-PHV and post-PHV players differed in positive attitude, confidence, competitiveness, total psychological score (effect sizes = 0.43-0.69), and session rating of perceived exertion. The maturity-offset method outperformed the estimated adult stature attainment method in all psychological variables. Maturity-matched bio-banding had limited effect on physical variables across all players while enhancing a number of psychological variables considered key for talent identification in pre-PHV players
What claims are made about clients and therapists’ experiences of psychotherapy environments in empirical research? A systematic mixed‐studies review and narrative synthesis
Get PDFAims: To synthesise and evaluate evidence about experiences of psychotherapy environments. Methods: Studies were identified from systematic literature searches of Psycinfo, Assia and Web of Science. Selected studies were published in English between 2002 and 2016. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. A quality appraisal process indicated that the quality of evidence was ‘moderate’ across included papers. Findings: In the narrative synthesis we use the concept ‘mereology’ to underscore the mutually-constitutive relationship between person, world and practice. In this context, themes of relating, containment and process each highlight the integral and nuanced influences of the environment on the therapeutic endeavour. Conclusions: In therapeutic training it would be beneficial to utilise the concept of a ‘mereological system’ (reflecting how a person and their environment shape each other and constitute a whole) to show how environmental features may affect clinical practice. Designers may also benefit from using this concept for the purpose of improving therapeutic environments. Further research which explores features of the therapy as part of a mereological system may pinpoint other aspects which facilitate beneficial therapy outcomes
Custom fitted compression garments enhance recovery from muscle damage in rugby players
Get PDFPURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of custom fitted compression garments (CG) on recovery from muscle damage in rugby players. METHODS: Forty-five players were tested for lower body strength, power, and indices of muscle-damage before completing a damaging protocol (20 x 20 m sprints with 5 m deceleration, 100 drop-jumps). Players were randomly assigned to wear either custom fitted (CF, n = 13), or standard sized CG (SSG, n = 16), or to received sham ultrasound therapy (CON, n = 16) immediately post-exercise. Players were re-tested immediately, then after 24 h and 48 h. RESULTS: Strength recovery was significantly different between groups (F = 2.7, p = 0.02), with only CF recovering to baseline values by 48 h (p = 0.973). Time x condition effects were also apparent for creatine kinase activity (χ = 30.4, p < 0.001) and mid-thigh girth (F = 3.7, p = 0.005), with faster recovery apparent in CF compared to both CON and SSG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Custom fitted CG improved strength recovery and indices of muscle damage in rugby players, compared to controls and standard sized garments. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Athletes and coaches would be advised to use appropriately fitted CG to enhance strength recovery following damaging exercise
Being more human: rooting learning analytics through resistance and reconnection with the values of higher education
Get PDFUniversities are now compelled to attend to metrics that (re)shape our conceptualisation of the student experience. New technologies such as learning analytics (LA) promise the ability to target personalised support to profiled ‘at risk’ students through mapping large-scale historic student engagement data such as attendance, library use, and virtual learning environment activity as well as demographic information and typical student outcomes. Yet serious ethical and implementation issues remain. Data-driven labelling of students as ‘high risk’, ‘hard to reach’ or ‘vulnerable’ creates conflict between promoting personal growth and human flourishing and treating people merely as data points. This article argues that universities must resist the assumption that numbers and algorithms alone can solve the ‘problem’ of student retention and performance; rather, LA work must be underpinned by a reconnection with the agreed values relating to the purpose of higher education, including democratic engagement, recognition of diverse and individual experience, and processes of becoming. Such a reconnection, this article contends, is possible when LA work is designed and implemented in genuine collaboration and partnership with students