ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe and compare the characteristics of runs performed by a cohort of male and female runners, with and without a history of knee surgery. Data on frequency, distance, pace and cadence were collected from 227 runners (45% females, 48% knee surgery) using smartwatches over 4 years (n = 114,324 runs). Generalised mixed models compared running characteristics between sex and knee surgery strata. Runners typically performed 2–5 runs per week between 3.5–20 km in length, 4–7 min/km pace, at 160–180 steps/min cadence. Comparing group averages, males ran faster (0.78 fewer min/km, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.0), and further distances (13% longer, [4% to 22%]). Average run frequency and cadence did not differ between males and females. Surgical group ran less frequently on average (66% longer gaps, [14% to 142%]), shorter distances (10% shorter, [17% to 2% shorter]), at slower pace (0.29 more min/km, [0.06 to 0.52]), with lower cadence (4.32 fewer steps/min, [0.73 to 7.91 fewer]). Despite group-level differences, sex and surgical history had limited ability to explain variations in running behaviours, with the majority of variance attributed to participant-level effects (29–53%). Runners within sex and knee surgery sub-groups should not be considered homogenous cohorts.

ABSTRACT Longer heat acclimation (HA) protocols more effectively improve physical performance than shorter ones, but the effect of HA duration on cognitive performance remains unclear. Twelve participants performed a 45-min cycling heat stress test [(HST) 40%Wmax; 40°C; 50% RH] on the first (HST1), seventh (HST7), and thirteenth (HST13) day of testing with five consecutive days of isothermic HA (60-min; rectal temperature ~38.5°C) between each HST. Simple (five-choice reaction time [RT]) and complex (spatial working memory [SWM]) tests were completed before and after each HST. Reaction and Movement times were slower before HST13 than HST1. Fewer errors were made in the SWM test before HST13 in the 6- (0.0v2.7), 8- (1.8v7.6) and 12- (18v31) box tests and before HST7 in the 6- and 8-box tests (1.9v7.6) compared to HST1. Search strategy was improved before HST7 (4.5v6.8) and HST13 (4.3v6.8). Fewer errors were made in the 8-box test after HST7 (1.6v8.8) and HST13 (1.1v8.6). No other differences were observed (p > 0.05). HA improved performance in some of the more challenging tasks but had no effect on the most complex task (12-box) when physiological strain was highest. 10-days of HA was more effective than 5-days at improving some aspects of cognitive performance.

This study examines the impact of cognitive load (CL) on lower limb biomechanics during the take-off preparation phase of the platform serve in tennis players of varying skill levels. Fifteen elite and fifteen amateur tennis players performed platform serves before and after completing a 30-minute Stroop task designed to induce CL. Key biomechanical parameters, including joint range of motion (ROM), joint moments, centre of mass (COM) displacement, and ground reaction force (GRF), were assessed using both kinematic and kinetic analysis. After CL, the biomechanical performance of amateur athletes significantly decreased compared to elite athletes. Specifically, amateur athletes showed a 14.19° lower ankle joint range of motion in the sagittal plane (p < 0.001), a 0.04-meter lower COM displacement in the frontal plane (p = 0.017), and a 0.15 Nm/BW lower knee extension moment (p < 0.001). CL adversely affects the lower limb biomechanics of amateur players more than elite players, with elite players demonstrating greater stability. These findings suggest that elite players have developed more efficient motor control mechanisms through extensive training. Tailored training interventions that account for different skill levels could enhance performance stability and mitigate the risk of injury.

ABSTRACT This article explores the dynamics of social support in emerging professional athlete career transitions. Drawing on a pragmatic research paradigm and using qualitative, instrumental multi-case methodology, the article investigates how social support shapes athlete experiences. Through in-depth accounts and reflexive thematic analysis across four cases: Boxing, Rugby League, Basketball pathways, and an independent practitioner case, the article examines the realities faced by athletes, including those who migrate internationally. Central to the inquiry are questions about the attributes that facilitate or hinder dyadic support relationships, and how practical organisational and relational support can foster both personal and athletic development in and beyond sport. By integrating existential perspectives, particularly concepts of isolation, authenticity and meaning, the research findings highlight the tension athletes, parents, coaches, and practitioners experience when bending to institutional roles and external pressures. Findings reveal that the most impactful support relationships are found not in the fulfilment of transitory or functional roles, but in connection and authenticity through genuine care, trust, presence, mutual benefit, and recognition of each other’s needs. The article positions anxiety as an everyday concern in an athlete’s life. As such, the support-provider’s responsibility is to guide emerging athletes through struggles with truth and transparency, strengthening their autonomy, skills, and resilience to thrive in sport and life. This article proposes targeted recommendations relating to developmental support environments offering insights for sports personnel and athletes.

ABSTRACT Young women 13–24-years-old have some of the lowest levels of physical activity (PA). This repeated cross-sectional study investigated the association and potential frequency association between technology-supported PA (interactive technology that encourages PA) and young women’s PA. Online self-report data was collected at: T1) May 2020, n = 900, T2) August 2020, n = 432, COVID-19 restrictions, T3) May 2021, n = 206, easing restrictions and T4) May 2022, n = 203 post-restrictions. Variables included use (yes/no) and frequency (sessions/week) of technology-supported PA and days meeting PA guidelines (≥60 minutes, <18-years) (≥30 minutes, ≥18-years). Adjusted Poisson models (whole sample, <18-years and ≥18-years) compared users and non-users. Users met PA guidelines on more days; T1 (IRR 1.36 [95%CI: 1.22–1.53]; p < 0.001), T2 (IRR 1.54 [95%CI: 1.28–1.85]; p < 0.001), T3 (IRR 1.26 [95%CI: 1.01–1.58]; p = 0.043), T4 (IRR 1.33 [95%CI: 1.00–1.77]; p = 0.048). Similar trends were reported for both subgroups at T1 and T2 but not T3 and T4. A potential frequency association was reported; T1 (IRR 1.07 [95%CI: 1.05–1.10]; p < 0.001), T2 (IRR 1.07 [95%CI: 1.05–1.10]; p < 0.001), T3 (IRR 1.09 [95%CI: 1.05–1.13]; p < 0.001), T4 (IRR 1.07 [95%CI: 1.01–1.14]; p = 0.027). Technology-supported PA was associated with greater PA guideline adherence during and post-COVID-19. Non-pandemic exploration could shape future research utilising technology-supported PA in interventions for young women.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 15-week recreational football intervention on insulin resistance and glycaemic control in inactive premenopausal women with mild hypertension. A total of 41 women, aged 35–50 years, were randomised into either a football training group or a control group. The football group participated in structured, small-sided games-based training sessions, three times per week, while the control group remained inactive. Key outcomes measured included insulin resistance, fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, as well as glucose and insulin responses after an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Despite the intervention, no significant differences were found between the football and control groups in fasting glucose, insulin levels, or insulin resistance measured by HOMA-IR. Additionally, the OGTT results showed no significant changes in glucose or insulin responses across the intervention period. This study also assessed plasma levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, key markers of vascular function, which showed no significant changes related to the intervention. These findings suggest that 15 weeks of recreational football may not be sufficient to produce significant improvements in glycaemic control in inactive premenopausal women with mild hypertension, although larger confirmatory studies are required to test this hypothesis.

ABSTRACT Accurately measuring training intensity in swimming remains a challenge due to the limited availability of scientifically validated monitoring devices. The measurement of heart rate (HR), for example, would enable the calculation of HR-based training loads. The FORM Smart Swim 2 goggles measure HR via a temple-mounted optical sensor and enable real-time HR feedback. However, the goggles’ HR measurement function has yet to be validated. Twenty-five experienced recreational swimmers simultaneously wore the goggles and a criterion chest-strap (Garmin HRM-Swim) during the completion of an assigned workout. Agreement was assessed at four levels of data aggregation: individual data points, intervals, main-sets, and whole-workouts. Respective mean HR (HRmean) from the goggles and criterion chest-strap were 136 ± 17 bpm and 135 ± 18 bpm (mean absolute percentage error = 1.0 ± 1.2%). For HRmean, concordance correlation was high (intervals: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.87 to 0.94; whole-workouts: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.99 to 1.0), and fixed bias was low (intervals: −0.23 bpm, 95%CI: −1.2 to 0.78 bpm; whole-workouts: −0.24 bpm; 95%CI: −0.94 to 0.46 bpm). Strong agreement was observed between the goggles and criterion chest-strap for HR measurements, particularly for HRmean. Since HRmean serves as the primary input for HR-based training load metrics, the goggles provide valid data for monitoring swim training.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 10-week start-to-run program using auditive instructions to increase duty factor (DF), defined as contact time divided by stride time. Forty novice runners were assigned to either an intervention or a control group and completed a 10-week start-to-run program. The intervention group received instructions to reduce vertical oscillation (‘go less up and down’), while the control group received a sham instruction. DF and maximal vertical ground reaction force (FzMax) were measured before, immediately after, and 16 weeks post-program while running overground at 2.36 m · s−1. To assess recall effects, instructions were repeated at the post- and retention testing sessions. Both groups showed a significant increase in DF after the program (intervention: +1.524%, p < 0.001; control: +1.025%, p = 0.041). However, there were no significant differences between groups, and gains were not retained after 16 weeks. After the instruction was reiterated, only the intervention group again showed a significant DF increase (post: +1.354%, p < 0.001; retention: +0.903%, p = 0.001) and a decrease in FzMax (post: −0.063 BW, p = 0.001; retention: −0.045 BW, p = 0.040). Overall, DF improved post-intervention, but without between-group differences or long-term retention.

ABSTRACT Enhancing athletic performance is a core objective in competitive sports. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), a set of neuromodulatory techniques, aims to modulate cortical excitability and thereby influence motor and cognitive functions. Despite its commercial appeal and growing application in sports contexts, the empirical evidence supporting its efficacy remains inconclusive. A three-level meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of NIBS on sport-specific performance and to identify potential moderating factors. The present study included 25 eligible studies and 64 independent effect sizes. Notably, all included studies employed transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The meta-analysis revealed a small but significant overall effect of tDCS on sport-specific performance (Hedges’ g = 0.35, p < .01), with considerable heterogeneity across studies (I² = 59.13%). tDCS appeared more effective for open-skill sports (g = 0.63, p < .01) and yielded benefits when targeting motor executive regions (g = 0.56, p < .01). The overall quality of evidence was rated as low. Therefore, while the findings suggest that tDCS may enhance certain aspects of sport-specific performance, the evidence base for NIBS as a whole remains preliminary and methodologically limited. Consequently, the purported performance benefits of NIBS should be interpreted with caution by both researchers and practitioners.