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A study of John Clare in his historical and political context
No full textAs the title indicates, the basis of the thesis is to set John Clare’s life and work within the context of the social and political history of his time. It is a study that is long overdue. The manner in which topical and political matters were mediated to him and were reflected in his work are analysed. His introduction to the literary and social worlds of Stamford and London is evaluated, and the advantages and disadvantages of patronage assessed. The active and complex political culture of Stamford has been taken into account as this may have affected his later political statements and a growing awareness of his audience. His antagonism to enclosure and the social changes that it engendered are considered. Three major questions that arise from this are addressed. The two local newspapers that Clare is known to have read are used throughout. His correspondence with friends, colleagues and casual correspondents has provided valuable insights as have his poetry and prose writings. Research in the Northamptonshire Record Office has revealed important new information in the form of one book of Enclosure Commissioners’ Minutes dated 1809-14, the first five years of the enclosure of Helpstone, Clare’s native village
sj-pdf-1-ajs-10.1177_03635465211038332 – Supplemental material for Effects of Pubertal Maturation on ACL Forces During a Landing Task in Females
No full textSupplemental material, sj-pdf-1-ajs-10.1177_03635465211038332 for Effects of Pubertal Maturation on ACL Forces During a Landing Task in Females by Azadeh Nasseri, David G. Lloyd, Clare Minahan, Timothy A. Sayer, Kade Paterson, Christopher J. Vertullo, Adam L. Bryant and David J. Saxby in The American Journal of Sports Medicine</p
The life and works of Osbert of Clare
No full textOsbert of Clare was an English monastic writer, whose works extended from
the mid-1120s to the mid-1150s. His Latin hagiography reflects a deep admiration for
Anglo-Saxon saints and spirituality, while his letters provide a personal perspective
on his turbulent career. As prior of Westminster Abbey, Osbert of Clare worked to
strengthen the rights and prestige of his monastery. His production of forged or
altered charters makes him one of England's most prolific medieval forgers. At times
his passion for reform put him at odds with his abbots, and he was sent into exile
under both Abbot Herbert (1121-c.1136) and Abbot Gervase (1138-c.1157). Also
Osbert, as one of the first proponents of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, wrote
about the feast, worked to legitimize its celebration, and provided us with the only
significant narration of its introduction to England.
This thesis is divided into two sections. The first section is principally
historical and the second is principally literary. In the first section, I provide an
overview of Osbert of Clare's career and examine in greater detail two of his most
significant undertaking: his promotion of Westminster Abbey and his attempted
canonization of Edward the Confessor. In the second section, I give a philological
study of Osbert Latin style and examine themes that nm throughout his writings, such
as virginity, exile and kingship. Osbert's promotion of the feast of the Immaculate
Conception is included in the second section of the thesis because of its ties to the
themes of virginity and femininity within his writings. There are also two appendices:
the first is a survey of the extant manuscripts of Osbert's writings, and the second is
an edition of Osbert's unpublished Life of St Ethelbert from Gotha,
Forschungsbibliothek MS Memb. i. 8l
Paddling Performance in Recreational and Competitive Junior Surfers
No full textPurpose: The primary purpose of this thesis was to investigate surf-paddling performance, the surf popup manoeuvre (i.e., prone to standing position) and maximalleg power in junior male recreational and competitive surfers. Four independent studies were conducted with the aims to: i. Develop reliable testing methods of assessing maximal-paddling performance in surfers (Study 1), ii. Determine the aerobic power and paddling economy in junior male recreational surfers (SurfersREC) and junior male competitive surfers (SurfersCOMP) (Study 2), iii. Measure maximal-paddling performance and the accumulated O2 (AO2) deficit of a 30-s Wingate Anaerobic Test for paddling (WAnTPADDLING) in SurfersREC and SurfersCOMP (Study 3), and iv. Characterise the timing and magnitude of the vertical ground reaction forces produced during a surf popup manoeuvre in SurfersREC and SurfersCOMP; measure maximal-leg power in SurfersREC and SurfersCOMP; and measure the influence of paddling on the popup maneuver and maximal leg power in SurfersREC (Study 4). Methods: All subjects were junior male surfers aged 16-20 yr. SurfersCOMP were members of the Australian Junior National Team and had been competing nationally for a minimum of 2 yr in national age-group events. SurfersREC had been surfing for a minimum of 4 yr and participating in surfing at least 2 session/wk, but had not participated in competitive surfing events, other than their local board-riding events (< 6 event/yr). Participation numbers for each group included; i, Study 1: eleven SurfersCOMP (17 ± 1 yr, 61.9 ± 3.1 kg, 173 ± 2 cm), ii, Study 2: eight SurfersREC (18±2 yr; 66.8±13 kg, 175±10.3 cm) and eight male SurfersCOMP (18±1 yr; 68.0 ±11.7 kg, 172.9±9.6 cm), iii, Study 3: eight SurfersREC (18±2 yr, 66.7±6.3 kg, 169±10 cm) and eight SurfersCOMP (18±1 yr, 68.9±47 kg, 170±5 cm), iv, Study 4: ten SurfersREC (17±1 yr, 68.2±6.2 kg, 179±5 cm) and ten SurfersCOMP (17 ± 1 yr, 62.9±9.9 kg, 172±8cm) .All paddling tests were performed on a stationary swim-bench ergometer with pulmonary gas exchange measured breath-by-breath using a metabolic measurement system. Aerobic power was determined using an incremental-paddling test to exhaustion and paddling economy measured during paddling at four, 3-min constant-load work stages. Anaerobic power was measured from a 10-s maximal-paddle test and the 30-s WAnTPADDLING test. The AO2 deficit was determined during the WAnTPADDLING as a measure of the contribution of the anaerobic energy systems to the total energy demand of the test. The timing and magnitude of the vertical ground reaction forces produced during the popup were measured on an inground force plate. Maximal vertical jump height was measured on the force plate and used as a measure of leg power. Relationships between paddling, the popup, and leg power were investigated before and after 25 min of paddling on the swim-bench ergometer, designed to replicate a competitive surfing heat. Results: Study 1 established that peak power determined during a 10-s maximalpaddling test on a swim-bench ergometer is a reliable method both trial-to-trial (r = 0.995, p < 0.001) and day-to-day (r = 0.983, p < 0.001) to determine maximal-paddling power in surfers. Study 2 showed that there were no differences between SurfersREC and SurfersCOMP for peak O2 uptake (2.5 ± 0.5 L/min vs. 2.6 ± 0.4 L/min, respectively) and economy (21.8 ± 3.1 % vs. 23.8 ± 4.0 %, respectively). There were no significant correlations between aerobic power and economy with surfing experience (number of yr surfing) or frequency (session/wk). During submaximal constant-load paddling blood lactate was greater in SurfersREC (2.4 ± 0.9 mmol/L) compared to SurfersCOMP (1.6 ± 0.5 mmol/L). In Study 3 peak power (SurfersREC = 292 ± 56 W vs. SurfersCOMP = 404 ± 98 W, p = 0.014), mean power (SurfersREC = 236 ± 59 W vs. SurfersCOMP = 335 ± 74 W, p = 0.010), and the AO2 deficit (SurfersREC =1.14 ± 0.38 L vs. SurfersCOMP = 1.60 ± 0.31 L, p = 0.022) determined during the 30-s WAnTPADDLING were all greater in SurfersCOMP when compared to SurfersREC. No differences were observed between SurfersREC and SurfersCOMP for peak O2 uptake (2.5 ± 0.2 L/min vs. 2.7 ± 0.1 ± L/min, respectively) and paddling economy (19.6 ± 6.9 % vs. 21.1 ± 4.9 %). Significant correlations were observed between surfing experience and frequency with the WAnTPADDLING peak power and AO2 deficit. Consistent with study 2, from the incremental paddling test no correlations were observed between surfing experience and frequency and peak O2 uptake and paddling economy. Study 4 revealed no differences between SurfersREC and SurfersCOMP in the timing and magnitude of the vertical ground reaction forces produced during the popup manoeuvre. There were no differences in the leg power as a measure of jump height between SurfersREC (38.2 ± 4.7 cm) and SurfersCOMP (40.0 ± 9.2 cm). Following 25 min of intermittent surfboard paddling there was a decrease (t = 4.553, p = 0.001) in maximal vertical jump height in SurfersREC (post paddle = 34.0 ± 5.1 cm). Conclusions: No differences in aerobic power and paddling economy between SurfersCOMP and SurfersREC and a greater anaerobic power and accumulated O2 deficit in SurfersCOMP compared to SurfersREC suggests that the measures of anaerobic performance are more closely related to surfing ability than measures of aerobic performance. No correlations between aerobic power and paddling economy with surfing experience and participation frequency, but significant correlations between anaerobic power and the accumulated O2 deficit with surfing experience and participation frequency reveal that measures of anaerobic performance are more closely associated with surfing experience and participation frequency than measures of aerobic performance. A decrease in maximal
vertical jump height following surfboard paddling suggests that paddling may influence leg power possibly necessary for subsequent wave-riding performance. Collectively these findings suggest that recreational and competitive surfing results in significant changes in the anaerobic energy system, more so that the aerobic energy system and than a bout of paddling can reduce leg power.Thesis (PhD Doctorate)Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)School of Physiotherapy and Exercise ScienceGriffith HealthFull Tex
Relationships among Muscle Fibre Typology, the Force-Velocity-Power relationship, and the Force-velocity profile during the Squat Jump and Sprinting
No full textBackground: Sport Science researchers have validated a novel methodology to determine the force-velocity profile (SFv) which can be optimized in the vertical profile to maximise an athlete’s power production. This profile represents an extension upon the well-known force-velocity-power relationship (FVPr) which is based on the 1938 Hill model. Early muscle physiology researchers identified that different skeletal muscle fiber typology (MFT) exist and have categorized these fiber types according to contractile characteristics, enzyme activities, morphological, and metabolic properties. The physiological characteristics between MFT display differences in maximum shortening velocity and time to fatigue, which results in contrasting force-velocity-power (FVP) production capabilities during exercise. Human MFT is thought to be largely determined genetically, with little influence from external stimulus (i.e., exercise training), leading to a predisposition for sporting success along a sporting domain spectrum, from sprint to endurance sports. Within elite sport, athletes are tested for jumping and sprinting performance to determine; the suitability of an athlete to a given sport, identify the needs of an athlete, the responses to training, and preparedness of athletes for elite competition. Much research has investigated the FVPr variables and the SFv during jumping and sprinting. To date however, research is yet to investigate important relationships among MFT, the FVPr, and the SFv during jumping and sprinting. As such, further experimental research is required to determine such relationships, and provide important implications for performance professionals and researchers alike.
Objectives: The primary objective of the research study was to to investigate apparent relationships between MFT and the mechanical variables of the SFv and the FVPr during the squat jump and sprinting. A secondary aim was to consider how those relationships may influence exercise performance.
Methodology: Nineteen developing rugby league (RL) athletes were assessed for MFT, as well as the mechanical variables derived from the force- velocity-power (FVP) profiles during the squat jump and sprinting. The FVPr and SFv mechanical variables were acquired by using the computational method for both jumping and sprinting. For jumping, the participants were required to complete a series of un-loaded and loaded barbell squat jumps, whereby the highest jump from each trial was used to determine the jumping FVPr and SFv. For sprinting, two trials of 30 m sprints were completed, whereby split times were recorded at 5 m intervals. The fastest trial from each participant was used to determine the sprinting FVPr, SFv, and mechanical application of force variables. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was used to quantify carnosine concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle in order to estimate MFT. The carnosine concentration was compared to that of a control population of active, non-athlete males (n=40), whereby an individual carnosine Z-score was derived for the RL athletes. Carnosine Z-score MFT groups were formed using the known group difference technique, whereby all carnosine Z-scores above zero formed the positive carnosine MFT group (n=9), and below zero formed the negative carnosine MFT group (n=10). SPSS (v26) was used to perform t-tests and spearman’s correlations to determine significant differences and relationships between carnosine Z-score MFT groups and the mechanical variables, while Microsoft Office Excel (2016) was used to analyse group variables data (sample size, mean, and standard deviation) acquired by the t-tests, to calculate Cohen’s d effects size.
Results: MFT was not found to influence the SFv during jumping or sprinting, however, MFT was found to influence the FVPr, with differences for force, velocity, and power between MFT. Moderate associations were also found between carnosine Z-score and the mechanical variables (force-velocity-power). Maximal power output (PMAX) was significantly different between carnosine Z-score MFT groups during jumping (p= 0.041, d=1.01), and was moderately associated with MFT (r=0.598**). PMAX (W/kg) was thought to be most influenced by VO (m/s) (p=0.073, d=0.88) but not FO (N/kg) during the squat jump. FO (N/kg) was not significantly different between groups (p=0.920, d=0.05) and had a negligible association with MFT (r= -0.032). During sprinting the SFv was not significantly different between groups (p=0.224, d=0.58) and was not considered to be influenced by MFT (r= -0.053). PMAX (W/kg) during sprinting was found to have a significant difference between MFT groups (p=<0.001, d=2.12), and seemed to be most influenced by FO (N/kg) (r=0.858**). FO (N/kg) was also significantly different between groups (p=0.019, d=1.19), while VO was not (p=0.216, d=0.59), and VO had a low association to PMAX (r=0.030). PMAX was found to influence RFMAX with a very high correlation (r=0.993**) and RFMAX was found to be significantly different between MFT groups (p=0.001, d=1.97). Exercise performance was most associated with PMAX in both jump height (m) (r=0.801**) and 30-m sprint time (s) (r=-0.893**), and resulted in significant and highly significant differences between groups for the squat jump (p=0.038, d=1.03) and the 30-m sprint time (s) (p=<0.001, d=2.54).
Conclusion: Variation in MFT was not associated with variation in the SFv during the squat jump or sprinting, despite being associated with various mechanical variables derived from the FVPr. MFT was found to influence PMAX differently during the squat jump when compared to sprinting. This is thought to be due to the low velocity constraints of the Squat jump, compared to the high velocity motion of sprinting, which highlights the difference in force production capabilities at high velocities for type IIa/ IIx MFT (Aagaard & Andersen, 1998; Tihanyi, Apor, & Fekete, 1982). The magnitude of difference between PMAX (W/kg) in sprinting when compared to the squat jump supports this inference, and is thought (Aagaard & Andersen, 1998; Tihanyi et al., 1982) to have occurred due to the low velocity constraints during the squat jump. To confirm this finding, future studies investigating associations between MFT and the FVPr, should compare FVP mechanical variables between the squat jump and high velocity jumps, such as a counter movement jump or drop jump. Future research should also aim to determine PMAX (W/kg) thresholds as associated to carnosine Z-score to better advise practitioners in the field; during baseline testing, with exercise prescription, during athlete performance monitoring, and determining athlete suitability for elite sport. While this study has determined an association between MFT, the FVPr, and has demonstrated that MFT has likely influenced the associated exercise performance. It is possible other muscle morphology differences within these groups (pennation angle and cross-sectional area), may also contribute to performance differences found, and is a recommendation for future investigation.Thesis (Masters)Master of Medical Research (MMedRes)School of Medical ScienceGriffith HealthFull Tex
Muscle Fiber Typology is Associated with Determinants of Performance in Elite-Level Swimmers
No full textThe determinants of sporting performance are important when attempting to identify and influence world-class and elite sporting results. This is highly relevant in swimming, as the complexities the aquatic environment creates for swimmers could mean that the determining characteristics could be of greater influence to their overall performance. However, the physiological determinants of world-class and elite swimming performance are underexplored in scientific research because of the complexity the water creates. For example, a protocol to measure gas exchange during swimming has not been developed with the level of accuracy, which can be obtained from a running on a treadmill or cycling on an ergometer. Consequently, research in swimming has primarily focused on the determinants that can be measured or monitored on land, opposed to in the water. In light of the restrictions or undeveloped methodology in swimming, the aim of this thesis was to explore a potential physical characteristic that could be deterministic of swimming performance – muscle fiber typology.
In study 1, peer-reviewed literature that described the age, height and body mass of Olympic level swimmers was reviewed to better understand whether these characteristics were deterministic to performance at the highest level of swimming competition, and whether these are still valuable to assess. In addition to this collation of literature, this study also assembled original data on the age, height and body mass of freestyle swimmers at the 1968, 1992 and 2016 Olympic Games. Data from all 4 swimming strokes was also collected form the 2016 Olympic Games in order to describe the current state of these characteristics in world-class swimmers. This assemblage of data highlighted that both female and male FR swimmers were taller at the 1992 (175.0 ± 6.1 cm and 189.0 ± 6.7 cm) Olympic Games compared to FR swimmers at the 1968 (168.2 ± 4.1 cm and 180.9 ± 5.8 cm) Olympic Games and there was no further significant changes in height from 1992 to 2016 (173.2 ± 6.5 cm and 189.0 ± 6.3 cm). Body mass followed the same trend with both females and males increasing from 1968 to 1992 (58.8 ± 0.8 kg to 63.6 ± 0.9 kg; 76.0 ± 0.8 kg to 80.5 ± 0.9 kg respectively) and then also plateauing from 1992 to 2016 (2016: 64.6 ± 0.7 kg and 80.5 ± 0.8 kg). However, the age of female and males differed; female swimmers continually increased in age from 1968 to 1992 to 2016 (16.7 ± 2.1, 19.7 ± 2.4 to 22.7 yr) whereas the male swimmers’ age followed a similar trend and plateau to height and body mass (20.1 ± 2.4, 21.8 ± 2.9 to 22.6 ± 2.8 yr). The plateau in age (males only), height and body mass, suggested that these characteristics may be exhausted in their ability to be deterministic of swimming performance at the world-class and elite level. Indeed, these characteristics could not differentiate between truly world-class swimmers and their elite counterparts. Therefore, it was concluded that new or alternative physical determinants of performance warranted exploration in order to provide new avenues for swimming coaches and applied sports scientists to progress the training and talent identification process of elite swimmers.
With new determinants of swimming performance needing to be explored, and a novel non-invasive method of determining muscle fiber typology recently developed, the consequent studies directed their focus on the influence muscle fiber typology has on the key performance determinants. The non-invasive estimation of muscle fiber typology is determined from the measurement of muscle carnosine which is a stable intramuscular metabolite that is two-fold higher in concentration in type II muscle fibers. Study two and three specifically investigated the influence muscle fiber typology has on race specific determinants of performance. Study 2 recruited 46 world-class swimmers, determined their muscle fiber typology using the non-invasive protocol and investigated the influence muscle fiber typology had on the start and turn segments of career best competitive performance. The results suggested that muscle fiber typology was not found to be influential in start time, turn time or turn out time when swimmers competing in all strokes and events were collectively analysed. However, when the start, turn and turn out time were found to be significantly faster in 100-m events compared to events greater than 200-m. It was then discovered that those swimmers who possessed a greater estimated proportion of type II muscle fibers had a quicker start time to 15 m (p = 0.02), whereas turn time and turn out time were not found to be significantly influenced by muscle fiber typology (p = 0.12 and 0.12 respectively). From a practical perspective this was highlighted in the 100-m freestyle, whereby swimmers with a greater estimated proportion of type II muscle fibers were 0.25 s (CI 90%, 0.17 s) faster to 15 m.
Study 3 investigated how the pacing strategy of 200-m freestyle swimmers was influenced by muscle fiber typology. After the recruitment of 25 world-class 200-m freestyle swimmers, they too had their muscle fiber typology estimated with the non-invasive methodology, and it was determined that swimmers with divergent muscle fiber typology did pace the 200-m freestyle differently. Swimmers with greater estimated proportions of type II muscle fibers spent a significantly larger percentage of overall race time on the third lap compared to those swimmers with greater estimated proportions of type I fibers (p = 0.02). It was highlight that this difference could be because of the energetic demands of this lap may be preferential for swimmers with greater proportions of type I muscle fibers given that this lap has the greatest contribution from aerobic energy metabolism. Interestingly, the overall performance times did not differ when swimmers with greater estimated proportions of type II fibers were compared to those with greater proportions of type I fibers. In contrast, there were substantial difference in the relative percentage of time spent on each lap. It was concluded that muscle fiber typology is influential in the pacing strategy of swimmers competing in the 200-m freestyle event, and consequently the relationship between pacing strategy of other events should be explored in relation to muscle fiber typology.
Study 3 highlighted that the marked differences in pacing strategy could be due to the physiological characteristics of different muscle fibers. Therefore, it seemed warranted to explore how different physiological and performance determinants of overall swimming performance are influenced by training volume and whether the muscle fiber typology is a moderating factor in the responses to training volume. Since physiological tests in swimming are under established, the final study implemented a number of swimming performance tests to determine their relationship with muscle fiber typology. Study 4 recruited 10 elite swimmers for a 7 wk training intervention study that increased the training volume by ~ 30% for 3 wk. The key finding from this study was that 200-m time trial performance was significantly impaired following the period of increased volume training (p < 0.01), and the change in time trial performance from pre- to post high volume training was positively associated with muscle fiber typology (r = 0.697, p =0.025). That is, swimmers with a greater estimated proportion of type II muscle fibers had larger decrements in performance.
The findings of this thesis demonstrate that the muscle fiber typology of world-class and elite swimmers is deterministic of swimming performance. It was initially found that previously researched determinants of performance (i.e., age, height and body mass) had started to plateau and may be less relevant for predicting performance, and therefore the exploration of a new determinant of performance is warranted. In light of this, it was found that the novel non-invasive technique to determine muscle fiber typology with the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy is user friendly in the perception of world-class swimmers and coaches and therefore can be used to study such populations. The muscle fiber typology of swimmers influences determinants of race performance, including the start performance of swimmers in 100-m events and the pacing strategy of swimmers competing in the 200-m freestyle event. The results not only highlight the direct impact muscle fiber typology has on race performance, but also the necessity to individualise racing and training performance in relation to a swimmers muscle fiber typology. Muscle fiber typology has been deemed a moderating factor in how swimmers respond to training overload, with swimmers of greater proportions of type II muscle fiber having greater decrements in performance following high volume training, when compared to those swimmers who possess greater estimated proportions of type I fibers. Collectively, the findings from this group of studies show that muscle fiber typology is influential in the racing and performance determinants of swimming. This research is multi-faceted in that it adds to the knowledge of muscle fiber typology; it’s interaction with swimming performance, and also offers suggestions for how this research can be further explored in the swimming world. Furthermore, this body of work has determined that the non-invasive measurement of muscle fiber typology is embraced by world-class coaches and swimmers.Thesis (PhD Doctorate)Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)School Allied Health SciencesGriffith HealthFull Tex
Determining Optimal Gear Selection and Cadence in Elite Track Cyclists
No full textSelecting the most appropriate gear ratio in track cycling is integral for optimising performance, given the fixed gear ratio on track bicycles. For the flying 200-m time trial (i.e., f200-m track sprint), a gear ratio that facilitates the production of maximal power output (Pmax) is required. Similarly, during standing start events (i.e., pursuits, team sprint, Kilo), a balance between maximising the power production during the acceleration phase and maintenance phase is necessary. Currently, there is no systematic approach to identify and optimise gear ratios for individual athletes specific to their physiological characteristics, individual events, and environmental conditions. As such, within this thesis we will propose a methodological approach to personalise the optimisation of gear selection. This will be accomplished through the following objectives i) critically reviewing the relationship between muscle fibre typology (ratio of Type I and Type II fibres) and cycling efficiency, ii) investigating the impact of muscle fibre typology on cycling efficiency and track sprint cycling characteristics, iii) exploring the validity and agreement of field and laboratory-derived torque-cadence and power-cadence profiles, iv) investigating the effect of cadence on fatigue during maximal sprint cycling, and v) proposing a novel application of these findings to a physics-based model of track sprint cycling to identify individualised optimal gear ratios. [...]Thesis (PhD Doctorate)Doctor of PhilosophySchool of Health Sci & Soc WrkGriffith HealthFull Tex
The movement patterns of women's football: New insights and a focus on deceleration
No full textThe present thesis aimed to increase our understanding of women’s football to improve player preparation and on-field performances. The present thesis provided a comprehensive examination of the literature to update the current understanding of women’s football and identify the current gaps within the literature. Furthermore, the present thesis also aimed to further explore deceleration, an area that has been largely ignored when describing the movement patterns of football. The present thesis consists of three comprehensive reviews and two experimental investigations. The literature reviews focused on female football players and the contextual factors that are associated with the physical and physiological characteristics and the movement patterns of competition. Given the limited research surrounding deceleration, the final review investigated research based on football and team-sports in general to further enhance our understanding of deceleration. The two experimental investigations included the examination of acceleration, deceleration, and high-speed running profiles of players during international and domestic matches. The second experimental investigation examined a measure of deceleration ability that accounted for a players’ momentum (i.e. DECELindex) and determined if strength and anthropometric characteristics were associated with deceleration ability in female football players. Movement pattern data for the analysis of international and domestic matches was collected using 10 Hz GPS units. Fifteen players from an Australian domestic team and 18 players from the Australian women’s football team participated in the investigation. The investigation of DECELindex included 13 elite female football players who participated in anthropometry and physical performance testing.
The investigative reviews highlighted speed, power, and endurance as important characteristics for female football players. The ability to perform high-speed running and sprinting was associated with higher levels of competition and also specific playing positions. Specific characteristics advantageous to each playing position were demonstrated based on the requirements and movement patterns performed during a match. Results from the experimental investigations revealed that players competing in international matches covered significantly greater total distances, greater high-speed running distances and greater sprinting distances as well as spending a greater duration accelerating in band 4 compared to players in domestic competitions (p < 0.05). Lower-body strength displayed no significant correlation to absolute deceleration time or distance. DECELindex was inversely correlated to eccentric hamstring strength (r = -0.68, p ≤ 0.01). The findings of the present thesis demonstrated the importance of physical and physiological characteristics of female football players to be able to perform the movement patterns required during a football match. By developing fitter, faster, and stronger athletes these characteristics are deemed important and may allow for the team and individuals to play the way the coach desires.Thesis (PhD Doctorate)Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)School Allied Health SciencesGriffith HealthFull Tex
Muscle damage and metabolic responses to repeated-sprint running with and without deceleration
No full textMinahan, CL, Poke, DP, Morrison, J, and Bellinger, PM. Muscle damage and metabolic responses to repeated-sprint running with and without deceleration. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2017—This study aimed to determine whether repeated-sprint running with deceleration aggravates markers of muscle damage or delays the recovery of performance compared with repeated-sprint running without deceleration. Fourteen male team-sport athletes performed 2 randomly ordered testing sessions on a nonmotorized treadmill with one session requiring participants to decelerate (TMd) within 4 seconds before stopping or immediately step to the side of the treadmill belt at the completion of each sprint (TMa). Peak and mean velocities, speed decrement, blood lactate concentrations, and oxygen uptake were monitored during the repeated-sprint running protocols. Countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) performance, perceived muscle soreness, sit-and-reach flexibility, plasma creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and myoglobin (Mb) concentrations were quantified immediately before and after and 45 minutes, 24 and 48 hours after repeated-sprint running protocols. Although muscle damage was indicated by increases in CK, LDH, and Mb (p ≤ 0.05) in both groups, there was no significant effect of condition (TMa vs. TMd) on any of the measured performance or physiological variables (p > 0.05). The present study indicated that the removal of deceleration from repeated-sprint running on a nonmotorized treadmill has no effect on metabolism or performance during or after repeated-sprint running or markers of muscle damage.Griffith Health, School of Allied Health SciencesFull Tex
An ethnography of tourism and traditional Irish music in Doolin, Ireland
No full textThis thesis is an ethnographic study of the complex interplay between tourism and traditional Irish music based on fourteen months of fieldwork in Doolin, County Clare, Ireland between June 2002 and August 2003. The historical development of traditional Irish music and the localised tourist industry have become conjoined during the last three decades, and as a result the music and the idea of Doolin as a 'place' have become institutionalised and consolidated. This has further led to the development of a complex socioeconomic structure surrounding the music, its performance, and its commercialisation and consumption. The local social structure has also become complicated and internationalised. Specifically, the locale has seen a significant growth in the 'incomer' population, called 'blow-ins'. Blow-ins in this case have in fact become the inheritors and propagators of the local music scene, but this causes surprisingly little cognitive dissonance or tension between locals and incomers. This is despite the fact that the music is the raison d'etre of the local tourism industry. I propose that those incomers who successfully inherit and propagate the local music become assets to the cultural capital of the village, not a drain on it. Moreover, I suggest that the 'authenticity' of the music is not an ascribed quality but interdependently related to social status, seasonality, one’s relationship with the music, context, and phenomenologically inter subjective relations. By means of holistic anthropological research, this thesis attempts to refine our understanding of complex social relations in touristed destinations, the appropriation of musical 'traditions', and sharpen current anthropological theories surrounding the issues of 'authenticity' and globalisation
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