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Full familiarisation is not required for the Self-Paced 1 km treadmill walk to predict peak oxygen uptake in phase IV cardiac patients
Get PDFExercise is a recommended part of phase IV cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR). The 1 km treadmill walk test (1-KTWT) is a submaximal continuous exercise test to predict cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with cardiovascular disease. We examined physiological, metabolic and subjective responses in patients with cardiovascular disease with self-selected, unchanging walking speed for two 1-KTWTs. Fifteen men (age: 65 ± 9 yr, height: 174 ± 5 cm, body mass: 86 ± 17 kg, BMI: 28.5 ± 5.5 kg·m−2, body fat%: 27.7 ± 7.5%, 10 on beta-blockers) were recruited from phase IV CR groups in the United Kingdom. Participants established a self-selected walking speed for the 1-KTWT and performed the 1-KTWT on separate days with recording of physiological responses to predict VO2peak with equations. For the two 1-KTWTs, no differences existed for walking speed, mean and maximal heart rates, oxygen uptake, predicted VO2peak (1st 1-KTWT (range: 41–78% VO2peak, 95%CI, 53–65; 2nd 1-KTWT range: 43–78% VO2peak, 95%CI, 52–65) and rating of perceived exertion. In phase IV cardiac patients, the 1-KTWT with self-selected, unchanging walking speed can be used for
VO2peak prediction without the need for a full familiarisation. The self-selected constant
walking speed for the first 1-KTWT can be used to support nonsupervised physical activity for phase IV CR patients
Aphantasia and autism: an investigation of mental imagery vividness
Get PDFObjective: The present study investigated whether autistic adults report different levels of mental imagery vividness than non-autistic adults, and, moreover, if autism is associated with aphantasia which is defined as a condition of reduced or absent voluntary imagery. Design and Methods: Clinically diagnosed and self-identifying autistic participants were compared with non-autistic participants in their mental imagery vividness (vision, sound, smell, taste, touch, bodily sensation and emotional feeling) and autistic traits using an online survey (N = 121). Results: The autistic group scored significantly lower than the non-autistic group on imagery vividness (d = -0.44), in addition to having a higher proportion of participants scoring at cut-off for aphantasia. Moreover, a similar difference was observed for the emotional feel (η2 = .11). Conclusion: The vividness of visual and emotional mental imagery was on average lower for autistic individuals, with a higher proportion presenting at cut-off to be considered an aphantasic
Investigating success in the transition to university: a systematic review of personal risk and protective factors influencing academic achievement
Get PDFThe transition to university is a time of great change and adjustment. The challenges of university life can lead to numerous negative consequences for the students. Despite the importance of successful transition for both the student and the university, the current body of literature comprises methodological inconsistencies and disparate analytical goals that make it difficult to identify the most salient and effective factors that help predict transition success. This paper presents a systematic review of research linking personal level risk and protective factors to the outcome of academic achievement among students making the transition to university. This is part of a larger review, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines, preregistered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42022330515), searching PsychInfo, Web of Science, and ERIC databases. Records were included if they studied ‘traditional’ first year students transitioning to university and were longitudinal in design and excluded if they looked at specific subgroups of students (e.g., international students). The search yielded 27 articles that were eligible, highlighting a broad range of salient factors ranging from personality traits to procrastination and perfectionism. The findings are discussed in relation to moving the research forward towards an intervention to enhance the probability of successful student transition to university
A comparison of role-related physical fitness between British Army trainees and trained soldiers
Get PDFBritish Army basic training (BT) and initial trade training (ITT) enable personnel to develop role-related physical capability to perform in-service job-roles. The study aimed to compare physical performance of trainees (completing ITT) and trained soldiers, on a series of gym-based fitness tests and representative military tasks. A total of 316 British Army personnel [68 trainees (63 men: 22±3 years, 71.6±8.4kg, 1.74±0.07m), 248 trained soldiers (225 men: 27±6 years, 78.7±12.7kg, 1.76±0.08m)] completed two sessions. Session 1; body mass, stature, age and gym-based tests (2-km run, broad jump, seated medicine ball throw, hex bar deadlift, 100m shuttle sprints, pull-ups, mid-thigh pull). Session 2; Representative Military Tasks (loaded carriage [Stage 1, 4-km, 35-40kg, 4.8km·h-1 fixed pace; Stage 2, 2-km, 20-25kg, individual best-effort speed], tactical movement, casualty drag, stretcher carry, vertical lift, repeated carry, incremental lift). Independent sample t-tests were employed to examine group differences. Compared to trainees, trained soldiers were older (p<0.001), heavier (p<0.001), and scored higher on broad jump (p=0.024), medicine ball throw (p=0.007), and mid-thigh pull (p=0.048) but were slower on 2-km run (p=0.047), loaded carriage (p<0.019), tactical movement (p<0.001), and casualty drag (p<0.001). Overall, trainees achieve higher scores on aerobic/anaerobic tests whereas trained soldiers outperform trainees in strength/power-based tests. Although a cross-sectional comparison does not provide strong evidence, the results may indicate that cardiovascular fitness is developed during BT, whereas muscle strength/power develops post BT/ITT. These findings would need confirming by a longitudinal study and could inform the development/management of role-related fitness during BT, ITT, and through career
Does weight loss through bariatric surgery reduce biomechanical risk factors of osteoarthritis?
No full textIntroduction:
Weight is a modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Despite the emphasis on weight loss, data quantifying the changes seen in joint biomechanics are limited. Bariatric surgery patients experience rapid weight loss. This provides a suitable population to study changes in joint forces and function as weight changes.Method10 female patients undergoing gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy completed 3D walking gait analysis at a self-selected pace, pre- and 6 months post-surgery. Lower limb and torso kinematic data for 10 walking trials were collected using a Vicon motion capture system and kinetics using a Kistler force plate. An inverse kinematic model in Visual 3D allowed for no translation of the hip joint centre. 6 degrees of freedom were allowed at other joints. Data were analysed using JASP with a paired samples t-test.
Result:
On average participants lost 28.8±7.60kg. No significant changes were observed in standing knee and hip joint angles. Walking velocity increased from 1.10±0.11 ms-1 to 1.23±0.17 ms-1 (t(9)=-3.060, p = 0.014) with no change in step time but a mean increase in stride length of 0.12m (SE: 0.026m; t(9)=-4.476, p = 0.002). A significant decrease of 21.5±4.2% in peak vertical ground reaction forces was observed (t(9)=12.863, p <0.001). Stride width significantly decreased by 0.04m (SE: 0.010m; t(9)=4.316, p = 0.002) along with a decrease in lateral impulse of 21.2Ns (SE: 6.977Ns; t(7), p = 0.019), but no significant difference in knee joint angles were observed. Double limb support time also significantly reduced by 0.02s (SE: 0.006s; t(9) = 3.639, p=0.005).
Conclusion:
The reduction in stance width and lateral impulse suggests a more sagittal compass-gait walk is being achieved. This would reduce valgus moments on the knee reducing loading in the medial compartment. The reduction in peak ground reaction force would reduce knee contact forces and again potentially slow OA progression
Stressors and coping strategies in amateur esports players: an interview study
Get PDFWhile previous research has examined stress in professional esports players, the experiences of amateur esports players have received less attention. Therefore, this interview study, guided by the philosophical framework of critical realism, aimed to explore the stressors and coping strategies of amateur esports players. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 amateur esports players, selected purposefully through contacting esports clubs and social media, to capture diverse perspectives. The data analysis followed the principles of reflective thematic analysis, focusing on identifying stressors and coping strategies based on Leis et al. (2024). We identified a range of stressors, including team stressors (e.g., communication issues, criticism), performance stressors (e.g., performance pressure, fear of mistakes), social stressors (e.g., toxic in-game communication), organizational stressors (e.g., technical issues, travel demands), and personal stressors (e.g., balancing life, exam uncertainty). Coping strategies employed by amateur esports players encompass mastery coping (e.g., concentrating, optimizing surroundings), internal regulation (e.g., breathing, meditation), and goal withdrawal strategies (e.g., behavioral disengagement). The study further reports potential avenues for interventions, such as fostering positive team environments, promoting effective communication, and offering training in coping techniques tailored to the unique demands of esports. While the present study focuses on amateur esports players, our findings may contribute to a deeper understanding of stress and coping in esports and offer practical implications for enhancing well-being and performance in this competitive domain
Insights into breast health issues in women's rugby
Get PDFWorld RugbyTM supports dedicated women's welfare, injury surveillance and medical/technical interventions, yet breast health has received limited attention. This article aims to provide insights into breast health issues in rugby, including breast impacts and injuries. We discuss how breast anatomy and position may be problematic in rugby. Breast volume relates to body size, which may be increasing in women's rugby, suggesting increased breast surface area and mass, potentially increasing injury risk. Breast health issues in rugby have been reported previously, with 58% of contact footballers (including rugby) experiencing breast injuries. There are damaging effects related to these breast health issues, with breast impacts often causing pain and swelling. Breast impacts may lead to haematomas, cysts and fat necrosis which can calcify over time making them difficult to distinguish from breast carcinoma, causing further investigation and anxiety. In sport, poor bra fit and insufficient support are associated with pain, skin strain and performance decrements. This article reports the potential implications of these breast health issues on performance in rugby. Recent breast‐related projects supported by rugby communities may address recommendations identified in the literature for robust breast injury classifications, updated injury surveillance systems and prospective data collection on breast injury prevalence, severity and impact in rugby. These data should inform breast injury care pathways and intervention research, including evidence‐based bra design. Understanding the implications of breast impacts on tissue properties, health and wellbeing is vital. Finally, data should inform rugby‐specific breast education, raising awareness of this aspect of athlete health
The crisis of the present moment and the crisis of contemporary theory
Get PDFContemporary theory is experiencing a crisis in grasping the present moment. Various orientations of theory remain divided between positing a fundamental rift or moment of negativity in the past and positing the need to invent or imagine a utopian future. In both cases these gestures are aimed at addressing a present that is regarded as destitute or otherwise lacking. The matrix for this division between past rift and inventive future leaving a destitute present is traced through the influence of Heidegger and, especially, Nietzsche. As a result, contemporary theory inherits a reactionary model of crisis that disables its understanding of the present. Instead, the current moment of crisis and stagnation needs to be critically understood as a result of historical trends and with pathways beyond crisis to an equitable future. This current crisis is characterized by drawing, critically, on the work of Mario Tronti, which suggests the scattered nature of struggles in the present disperses critical knowledge. The result is not only capitalist crisis, but also a crisis of temporality and historical sense that is reflected in the impasses of contemporary theory
Bucking mid-life inactivity: how social identity processes facilitate Zwift participation for mid-life adults
Get PDFWhile physical activity generally declines in middle-aged adults, group exercise participation among 40-64-year-olds is increasing. This rise may be due to the accessibility of online group exercise formats and their ability to reflect members' identities. This research explores how social identification processes facilitate participation in Zwift, an online group exercise platform. Seventeen Zwift participants aged 40-64 were recruited for three data collection stages: (1) an initial semi-structured interview on exercise history and Zwift usage; (2) a two-week post-exercise diary capturing social identification experiences; and (3) a follow-up interview to discuss topics from the first two stages. Data were analysed using abductive thematic analysis. Zwift supports three levels of social identity abstraction: (1) Identity Continuity, maintaining a cyclist identity through online cycling; (2) A Compatible New Identity as a Zwifter, formed through group interaction and social support; and (3) New Group Membership, developed through in-team belonging, recognition, and social status. Mid-life is a period of transition and identity change. Findings in this study suggest four ways that online platforms could facilitate social identification within online exercise platforms, namely (a) empower selection via perceived life-stage similarity and age, (b) enable ‘digital proximity’ via text chat and participant on-screen avatars, (c) enable the common fate of shared real-time exercise experiences, and (d) facilitate interaction and belonging via a pre and post-exercise ‘digital clubhouse’ via a social media page
Talent identification and development strategies in elite women’s soccer: a pan-European perspective
Get PDFThe question of how best to identify and develop youth soccer players has received considerable attention from the scientific community. Existing literature has, however, largely focused on male players, with comparatively little exploration of the specific approaches employed within women’s soccer. Accordingly, we sought to investigate the key factors deemed important by elite women’s soccer clubs concerning the: 1) identification of potential talent; 2) development of players within the player pathway; and 3) selection of players for the next age group or senior team. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews with 11 key representatives from seven elite women’s soccer clubs. Clubs were purposefully sampled to include the highest performing teams (38 domestic titles and 10 UEFA Women’s Champions League titles) from five European nations (Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, and Italy). Data were analysed using thematic content analysis, resulting in six higher-order themes: 1) prioritising local talent; 2) recruitment from mixed grassroots leagues; 3) creating challenging developmental environments; 4) ensuring player wellbeing; 5) patience in decision-making; and 6) facilitating the youth-to-senior transition through a top-down approach. A total of 17 lower-order themes were subsequently identified. The present study offers novel insights of key strategies deemed important by some of the most successful women’s clubs in top-performing European nations. Future research examining the efficacy of such approaches could help inform the development of evidence-based practices for nurturing the next generation of elite female players