Team Sport Athletes Research Articles

Acute effects of lower limb wearable resistance on horizontal deceleration and change of direction biomechanics.

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of lower limb wearable resistance on maximal horizontal deceleration biomechanics, across two different assessments. Twenty recreationally trained team sport athletes performed acceleration to deceleration assessments (ADA), and 5-0-5 change of direction (COD) tests across three load conditions (unloaded, 2% of BW, 4% of body weight (BW)), with load attached to the anterior and posterior thighs and shanks. Linear mixed effect models with participant ID as the random effect, and load condition as the fixed effect were used to study load-specific biomechanical differences in deceleration mechanics across both tests. Primary study findings indicate that for the ADA, in the 4% BW condition, participants exhibited significantly greater degrees of Avg Approach Momentum, as well as significant reductions in deceleration phase center of mass (COM) drop, and Avg Brake Step ground contact deceleration (GCD) in both the 2% BW, and 4% BW condition, compared to the unloaded condition. In the 5-0-5 tests, participants experienced significant reductions in Avg Approach Velocity, Avg deceleration (DEC), and Stopping Time in the 4% BW condition compared to the unloaded condition. Similar to the ADA test, participants also experienced significant reductions in Avg Brake Step GCD in both the 2% BW and 4% BW conditions, and significant increases in Avg Approach Momentum in the 4% BW condition, compared to the unloaded condition. Therefore, findings suggest that based on the test, and metric of interest, the addition of lower limb wearable resistance led to acute differences in maximal horizontal deceleration biomechanics. However, future investigations are warranted to further explore if the use of lower limb wearable resistance could present as an effective training tool in enhancing athlete's horizontal deceleration and change of direction performance.

Heart Rate Variability in Elite Team Sports: A Systematic Review

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is recognized as a crucial indicator of autonomic nervous system function and is valuable in sports science for monitoring athlete health and performance. This systematic review investigates the use of HRV in elite team sports to monitor training adaptations, athlete status, and overall health. The purpose is to consolidate recent findings and provide a comprehensive understanding of HRV's application in elite team sports. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023431208). A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering studies from January 2013 to November 2023. Studies included involved elite team-sport athletes, with HRV measured immediately after waking. Exclusion criteria were underage athletes, injured athletes, and studies using HRV for different purposes. The review process involved screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, with a final inclusion of 12 studies. Results: Out of 277 identified articles, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, involving sports such as water polo, rugby, football, basketball, volleyball, handball, futsal, hockey, and rowing. The studies highlighted HRV as a valuable tool for tracking training load adaptations, monitoring athlete readiness, recovery, and mental stress. Daily HRV measurements were commonly used, showing effectiveness in detecting overtraining and ensuring adequate recovery. Various HRV parameters and recording methods were discussed, emphasizing the need for individualized assessment. RMSSD and LnRMSSD were the most commonly used parameters, with variations in recording times and positions. Conclusions: HRV is an effective non-invasive marker for optimizing training regimens and improving athlete health, making it a significant tool in sports medicine. This review provides actionable insights for integrating HRV monitoring into daily training practices, ultimately enhancing athletic performance and preventing overtraining. Standardized protocols for HRV measurement are recommended to ensure consistency and reliability in data collection and interpretation. The findings highlight the need for further research to refine HRV applications and establish best practices in elite team sports

Athletic Identity Associations in Young Sports Medicine Patients.

Few studies have assessed athletic identity levels in young patients. This study examined athletic identity in adolescents and explored associations between athletic identity, patterns of sport participation, and coping skills. Patients aged 12 to 18 years who received sports medicine care completed a one-time, voluntary, anonymous survey. Surveys included demographics, sport participation information, Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), and Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI). Statistical analysis included Fisher exact test, Student t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson correlation. Three hundred thirty-four patients (mean ± SD age 15.0 ± 1.8 years, 64.7% girls) completed questionnaires. The mean AIMS and ACSI scores were 45.2 ± 11.5 and 50.2 ± 10.9, respectively. No notable differences were observed in AIMS scores between age groups or sexes. An increase in mean AIMS scores (higher athletic identity) was seen with greater weekly hours of sport participation (P < 0.001) and months per year of primary sport participation (P < 0.001). Multisport per season athletes had higher AIMS scores than single-sport athletes (48.2 ± 10.1 vs. 43.0 ± 11.9, P < 0.001). Team sport athletes reported higher athletic identities than individual sport athletes (47.0 ± 10.7, 41.4 ± 11.4, P < 0.001). Athletic Identity Measurement Scale scores positively correlated with ACSI scores (r = 0.31, P < 0.0001). Athletes with the highest athletic identity had markedly higher scores on ACSI subscales of Coachability, Concentration, Confidence and Achievement Motivation, Goal Setting and Mental Preparation, and Peaking Under Pressure than athletes with the least athletic identity. However, those with the highest athletic identities reported significantly lower scores on the ACSI Freedom From Worry subscale (P < 0.001). Athletic identity did not differ among adolescents by age or sex. Athletic identity was higher in team sport athletes and those with increased sport participation volumes. While high athletic identity was associated with higher scores on favorable coping skill dimensions, these athletes may also worry more, potentially placing them at greater psychological risk after injury.

Nutritional habits of professional team sport athletes: An insight into the carbohydrate, fluid, and caffeine habits of English Premier League football players during match play

ABSTRACT To better understand the in-match fuelling practices of elite football players and compare against current guidelines, we quantified the carbohydrate, fluid, and caffeine intake of players from an English Premier League club (n = 22) during 90 min of competitive match-play. Mean carbohydrate intake across match-play was 17 ± 11 g.h−1 with players demonstrating a preference towards CHO-containing fluids (58%) when compared with semi-solids (38%) and solids (14%), respectively. CHO intake was significantly lower than reported by players (17 ± 11 vs 24.8 ± 11 g.h−1, p < 0.001) during initial consultation. Fluid was ingested at a rate of 0.45 ± 0.14 L.h−1, with 54, 40 and 6% of ingested fluid coming from water, carbohydrate, and electrolyte-only solutions, respectively. The majority of players (91%) met the UEFA guidelines for fluid consumption. Of the players who consumed caffeine across match-play (55%) the average dose was 233 ± 148 mg (2.8 ± 1.1 mg.kg−1 body mass [BM]), which meets the UEFA consensus guidelines for caffeine intake. Caffeine capsules (42%) and caffeine containing fluids (30%) were the preferred format prior to the warm-up whilst caffeine gum was exclusively used prior to kick-off and during the half-time period (100%). We conclude that 81% of the total playing squad failed to meet the current UEFA CHO intake recommendations of 30–60 g.h−1, which may be attributed to the preference towards fluid-based CHOs as the chosen format of delivery.

Are Adolescent Athletes Sleeping Enough? An Observational Study of Sleep Parameters during Schooldays and Holidays.

Background: Inconsistent sleep schedules, frequent awakening after sleep onset (WASO), and decreased sleep efficiency (SE) are common issues among adolescent team sports athletes. Moreover, research indicates that sleep problems are enhanced across schooldays. The aim of the present study was to assess sleep patterns of adolescent athletes and compare sleep parameters between schooldays and holidays. Methods: The chronotype and sleep quality of twelve adolescent basketball players (mean age: 15.58 ± 0.67 years) were assessed. Objective sleep parameters were then analyzed using actigraphy over a 12-day period, which included six days during the school period and six days during holidays. Results: Data showed that total sleep time (TST), SE, and WASO (382.48 min, 81.81%, and 66.70 min, respectively) did not meet international recommendations for sleep quantity and quality. During school weekdays, time in bed (TIB), TST, and SE significantly decreased compared to weekends (p < 0.001, d = -1.49; p < 0.001, d = -1.64; and p = 0.01, d = -0.89, respectively). On weekdays, TIB, TST, and WASO were significantly lower on schooldays compared to holidays (p < 0.001, d = -1.83; p < 0.01, d = -1.01; and p = 0.02, d = -0.77, respectively). While no significant difference was observed in social jetlag, the mid-point of sleep was significantly later on holiday weekdays compared to school weekdays (p < 0.05, d = 0.65). Conclusions: Adolescent athletes experience insufficient sleep, especially on school weekdays, which is partially improved during weekends and holidays. Although sleep duration was longer during holidays, our results suggest that adolescent athletes' sleep was more fragmented. Consequently, it remains crucial to implement strategies to enhance their sleep health (e.g., napping).

Olympic team rowers and team swimmers show altered functional brain activation during working memory and action inhibition

BackgroundHigh-level expertise in team-sports is associated with superior performance on executive functions (EFs) such as working memory (WM) and action inhibition, and with altered activation of brain areas related to these EFs. In most such studies, athletes were sampled from the domain of dynamic (i.e., open-skill) team-sports (e.g., soccer players). Whether static (i.e., closed-skill) team-sports athletes (e.g., rowers and synchronized swimmers) also show superior EFs performance and differential EF-related functional brain activation remains unknown. MethodsWe recruited 14 elite closed-skill athletes, all national champions, and internationally competitive in various rowing disciplines, as well as 14 controls matched on gender, age, and education, and had them perform working memory and action inhibition (stop-signal) tasks during fMRI scanning. ResultsGroup differences in performance in either task failed to obtain statistical significance, although athletes showed a numerical trend toward higher WM capacity than controls. Importantly, task-related BOLD responses suggested that Olympic closed-skill team athletes show stronger recruitment of brain areas that emphasize relatively stable task demands and weaker engagement of brain areas that emphasize rapidly changing demands imposed by extraneous stimulation. ConclusionFunctional brain imaging data suggest elite closed-skill athletes may employ different cognitive strategies.

Longevity of Polish top-class athletes compared to other social elites and well-known people in the years 2001-2021.

The aim of this work is to initiate or revive a scientific discussion on the impact of professional life on the parameters of human lifespan. Presented analysis is based on 8578 Polish elite or well-known person who died in 2001-2021. The results of the conducted analysis indicate that in the case of men the highest values of the median age at death were characteristic of freelancers (median [Me] ± quartile deviation [QD] 85.5±8.5 years), followed by scientists and academic teachers of the biological and medical specialty (Me±QD 84.0±7.5 years) and officers of power structures (Me±QD 83.5±8.5 years). Subsequently, the highest value of the median age at death was recorded for social activists (Me±QD 83.0±9.5 years), clergy (Me±QD 82.0±7.5 years) and scientists and academic teachers of specialties other than biological and medical (Me±QD 82.0±8.0 years). Significantly, at the very end of this list are athletes (Me±QD 77.0±9.0 years). Nevertheless, the results of the analysis confirm that professional athletes are characterized by higher median age at death compared to the general population. Analysis made only within athletes group demonstrated that the parameters of lifespan of athletes of endurance disciplines (Me±QD 78.0±8.0 years) are the most favorable compared to athletes of other disciplines, in particular in compare to team sports athletes (Me±QD 75.0±10.0 years) or combat sports athletes (Me±QD 75.0±7.1 years). What is new and innovative in this paper is comparing the lifespan characteristics of athletes in comparison to widely represented group of other professions with higher socio-economic status. Unexpectedly, the lifespan of athletes occurred to be lower than for fast all other analyzed occupational groups, except mainly of entertainment musicians. Finally, the results presented in this paper emphasize the need to analyze the lifespan characteristics of athletes in a broader scope than only in relation to the general population. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2024;37(3):335-50.

Enhancing athletic performance with complex contrast training: A Delphi study of elite strength and conditioning coaches

This Delphi study identifies how elite strength and conditioning coaches prescribe complex contrast training to team sport athletes. Thirty-eight elite strength and conditioning coaches with experience working in high performance settings participated in a three-round survey. Round one was used to collect open-ended responses regarding the programming of complex contrast training. Responses were formulated into statements for rounds two and three, where participants rated their level of agreement using a 9-point Likert scale (agreement threshold ≥80%). In round one, 139 statements were formulated. Twenty-seven statements reached consensus in round two, and four more in round three. Based upon consensus, complex contrast training is best used during the season and dedicated power blocks. It was recommended that strength and power exercises within complex contrast training pairings be performed for 3–4 sets of 3–4 repetitions. Loading of 85–90% of one repetition maximum (1RM) was recommended for strength exercises, with ∼two repetitions in reserve, and BW–30% 1RM for power exercises, with three minutes of rest between contrast sets. Upper body pressing, upper body throwing, lower body squatting and hinging, and lower body jumping and bounding exercises were recommended. Coaches reported using complex contrast training to enhance power-focused training, and because it is more time efficient. Complex contrast training may be a time efficient method of improving athletic performance when training time is limited. Results from this study can guide the development of complex contrast training programs for team-sport athletes, and provides valuable insight into how elite coaches enhance performance.

The effect of a combined cooling intervention on cognitive function in the heat during an intermittent running protocol.

Despite optimal cognitive function being essential for performance, there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of combined cooling interventions on team sport athlete's cognitive function when exercising in the heat. In a randomised, crossover design, 12 unacclimatised men (age: 22.3±3.0years, body mass: 73.4±5.1kg, height: 181.0±5.3cm and max: 51.2±9.5mL/kg/min) participated in a control (CON) and combined cooling trial (ice slurry and ice collar; COOL). A battery of cognitive tests were completed prior to, during (at half-time) and following a 90-min intermittent running protocol in the heat (33°C, 50% relative humidity (RH)). Perceptual and physiological measures were taken throughout the protocol. In CON, response times were quicker on the Stroop task complex level (p=0.002) and the visual search test complex level at full-time (p=0.014) compared to COOL. During COOL, response times were quicker at half-time on the Stroop task complex level (p=0.024) compared to CON. Lower rectal temperatures were seen during COOL (CON: 37.44±0.65°C and COOL: 37.28±0.68°C) as well as lower skin, neck and forehead temperatures (main effect of trial, all p<0.05). Lower ratings of thermal sensation and perceived exertion and enhanced thermal comfort were recorded during COOL (main effect of trial, all p<0.05). Whilst minimal differences in cognitive function were found when using the combined cooling intervention, the findings highlight a practical and effective strategy to improving many physiological and perceptual responses to intermittent exercise in the heat.

Blunted anticipatory stress responses on competition day in team sports athletes compared to individual sports athletes

Knowledge of anticipatory stress responses before sports competitions is limited, thus this study examined the relationship between anticipatory stress in terms of salivary cortisol secretion in athletes on the morning of a competition and a comparison baseline day. Thirty-seven athletes collected three saliva samples over a 45-min period post-awakening (0, 30 and 45 min). Anticipatory stress was expressed as Area Under the Curve compared to ground (AUCg; total cortisol secretion). There was no significant difference in AUCg between baseline and competition days. However, a mixed two-factor ANOVA with day and sport type (individual vs. team) revealed a significant main effect of sport type (p < 0.01) and a significant interaction (p = 0.001). Individual athletes demonstrated increased AUCg on competition day compared to baseline, while team athletes demonstrated decreased AUCg on competition day compared to baseline. This blunting response was also observed when analysing the raw cortisol secretion levels upon awakening. These findings suggest there may be substantive differences in anticipatory stress between individual and team sport athletes.

Higher Levels of Morning and Daytime Light Exposure Associated with Positive Sleep Indices in Professional Team Sport Athletes.

Light exposure techniques have been recommended to combat sleep issues caused by disruption to circadian regularity in the athletic population, although studies are lacking. A total of 17 professional male Australian Football athletes (age ± SD: 22 ± 3 years) wore a wrist actigraph to measure sleep parameters, and a wearable light sensor to measure melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (mEDI, in lux) for 14 days. Participants completed three sleep questionnaires at the end of the data collection period and completed well-being surveys 6 times. The Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) for each player was also calculated from actigraphy data. Light exposure data were organised into three different timeframes: morning (wake time + 2 hours), daytime (end of morning to 6 pm), and evening (2 hours leading up to bedtime) for analysis. Repeated measures correlation was conducted for objective sleep measures and mEDI values per timeframe. Pearson's correlation was conducted on subjective sleep measures and well-being measures against mEDI values per timeframe. Higher morning light was associated with significantly (p < 0.001) greater total sleep time (r = 0.31). Higher daytime light exposure was associated with higher subjective sleep quality (r = 0.48, p < 0.05). Higher evening light exposure was associated with higher Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) global scores (r = 0.52, p < 0.05). There were no other significant correlations between light exposure and sleep or well-being measures (p > 0.05). Higher morning and daylight exposure levels were associated with various positive objective and subjective sleep measures in professional team sport athletes, supporting the need for education on optimising light exposure to improve circadian function, sleep, and health.

Analysis of Sports Supplement Consumption of Elite Referees of the Spanish Professional Fotball League.

Sports supplements (SSs) are widely used among team sport athletes; however, evidence supporting the use of SSs among football referees at the elite level is scarce. The aim of the present study was to analyze the consumption of SSs among referees with respect to their level of competition and referee type (main referees (MRs) vs. assistant referees (ARs)). A total of 106 football referees participated in this study, with 46.2% from the First Spanish Division and 53.8% from the Second Spanish Division, representing 84.13% of the total number of referees. Each participant completed a validated questionnaire about SS consumption, with the SSs classified according to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) ABCD system: Group A has strong evidence for enhancing athlete health and performance, Group B shows potential benefits but needs more evidence, Group C has inconclusive evidence against use, and Group D includes prohibited substances. A total of 84.0% of the MRs and ARs reported the consumption of at least one SS. Differences were found only in the consumption of medical supplements between division (p = 0.016) and type of referee (p = 0.041), though no significant differences were found among the remaining AIS SS categories (p > 0.05). Sport performance (49.6%), Internet (41.0%), and dietitian-nutritionists (31.7%) were the primary reason for SS consumption, purchase location, and source of information, respectively. The most frequently consumed SS were whey protein (45.3%), followed by creatine (33.0%), sport bars and sports drinks (28.3%), and caffeine (19.8%). MRs and ARs reported a high prevalence of dietary supplement (SS) consumption, with significant differences between division and referee type observed only in medical supplement consumption.

Effects of coaches' autonomy support on athletes' aggressive behavior and athlete burnout: verification of the mediating effects of coach-athlete relationship and team efficacy.

This study investigated the relationships between perceived autonomy support, coach-athlete relationship, team efficacy, aggressive behavior, and athlete burnout among team sports athletes. It verified the mediating effects of the coach-athlete relationship and team efficacy on the relationship between autonomy support and athlete burnout. A questionnaire survey on autonomy support, coach-athlete relationships, aggressive behavior, and athlete burnout was administered to 336 team sports athletes (292 male athletes and 44 female athletes). A cross-sectional research design was used to collect the data. To analyze the collected data, frequency, reliability, descriptive statistical, and correlation analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0. In addition, confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity tests, and structural model analysis were conducted using AMOS version 24.0. Bootstrapping was used to examine the mediating effects. The fit of the measurement model was assessed by calculating the fit indices as follows: x 2 = 329.689, df = 124, p < 0.001, TLI = 0.945, CFI = 0.956, RMSEA = 0.070 (90% CI = 0.061-0.080), and SRMR = 0.060. Autonomy support positively affected the coach-athlete relationship (β = 0.841) and team efficacy (β = 0.338). The coach-athlete relationship positively affected team efficacy (β = 0.479). Furthermore, autonomy support did not significantly influence aggressive behavior (β = -0.053), and negatively affected athlete burnout (β = -0.305). The coach-athlete relationship also did not significantly affect aggressive behavior (β = 0.054), and negatively affected athlete burnout (β = -0.303). Team efficacy negatively affected aggressive behavior (β = -0.516) and athlete burnout (β = -0.201). Finally, autonomy support was found to affect athlete burnout through the coach-athlete relationship and team efficacy. Considering that autonomy support affects athlete burnout through coach-athlete relationship and team efficacy, coaches need to enhance the quality of the coach-athlete relationship and improve team efficacy to reduce athlete burnout. Above all, the study findings suggest that coaches need to provide autonomy-supportive behaviors.

Comparison of the effects of isokinetic and isotonic strength training in team sport athletes: A randomized controlled trial

Athletes may benefit from isokinetic training (IK) to improve strength and jump performance. Previous studies comparing IK methods to isotonic resistance training (IT) have utilized high-repetition protocols and a Dynamometer, which are usually reserved for laboratory or rehabilitation settings.This study compared effects of IK and IT using ≤ 6 repetitions on strength and jump performance in 50 male, team-sport athletes (ages 18–35) during COVID-19 lockdown using the commercially-available TechnoGym BioCircuit Dynamometer. This 4-group randomized parallel study assessed the effects of an 8-week isokinetic at 80°/s (IK80; n = 16) and 25°/s (IK25; n = 12) or isotonic training program (IT; n = 15) compared to a control group (CG; n = 7) on anthropometric measurements, peak torque at 80°/s (PT80) and 25°/s (PT25), one-repetition maximum (1-RM) leg extension, and countermovement (CMJ) and squat jump height (SJ).Anthropomorphic data showed minimal differences between groups post-intervention. Strength increased in IT, and IK25 compared to CG, with no difference between intervention groups. SJ increased in all groups compared to the control group, with differences between groups. Counter movement jump (CMJ) improved only in IT and IK80 with no between-group difference.These results do support the hypothesis that low-repetition IK and IT can be used to effectively improve strength and jump performance in athletic populations. However, the efficacy of IK on CMJ depends on training velocity and repetition range, with a higher velocity training protocol (80°/s) being more effective for jump performance and lower speeds potentially more useful for improving maximal strength (25°/s).

Exploring the relationship between caffeine metabolism-related CYP1A2 rs762551 polymorphism and team sport athlete status and training adaptations

BackgroundThis study aimed to achieve a dual objective: to compare the frequencies of CYP1A2 rs762551 genotypes between team sport athletes and a control group, and to determine the association between the rs762551 polymorphism and changes in physical performance after a six-week training program among elite basketball players.MethodsThe study encompassed an analysis of 504 individuals, comprising 320 athletes and 184 controls. For the Turkish cohort, DNA was isolated using the buccal swab method, and genotyping was conducted using the KASP technique. Performance assessments included the Yo-Yo IR2 and 30 m sprint tests. For Russian participants, DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood, a commercial kit was used for DNA extraction, and genotyping of the rs762551 polymorphism was conducted using DNA microarray.ResultNotably, a statistically significant linear decline in the prevalence of the CC genotype was observed with ascending levels of athletic achievement within team sports (sub-elite: 18.0%, elite: 8.2%, highly elite: 0%; p = 0.001). Additionally, the CA genotype was the most prevalent genotype in the highly elite group compared to controls (80.0% vs. 45.1%, p = 0.048). Furthermore, statistically significant improvements in Yo-Yo IR2 performance were noted exclusively among basketball players harboring the CA genotype (p = 0.048).ConclusionsThe study’s findings indicate that the rs762551 CC genotype is a disadvantage in elite team sports, whereas the CA genotype provides an advantage in basketball performance.

Acute inorganic nitrate ingestion does not impact oral microbial composition, cognitive function, or high-intensity exercise performance in female team-sport athletes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute nitrate (NO3-)-rich beetroot juice ingestion on explosive and high-intensity exercise performance, oral microbiota composition, and cognitive flexibility (i.e., function), before and after maximal intermittent running exercise. Fifteen women team-sport athletes were assigned in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design to consume concentrated NO3--depleted beetroot juice (PL; 0.1mmol NO3-) and NO3--rich beetroot juice (BR; 12.0mmol NO3-) 2.5h prior to performing a battery of exercise performance tasks and cognitive testing before and after the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YYIR1) running test. Resting plasma [NO3-] and plasma nitrite ([NO2-]) were elevated following BR (P < 0.001). BR did not impact global composition or relative abundance of taxa in the oral microbiome (P > 0.05) or cognitive flexibility before or after exercise (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in performance during 20-m (PRE, PL: 4.38 ± 0.27 vs. BR: 4.38 ± 0.32s; POST, PL: 4.45 ± 0.29 vs. BR: 4.43 ± 0.35s) and 10-m sprints (PRE, PL 2.78 ± 0.15 vs. BR 2.79 ± 0.18s; POST, PL: 2.82 ± 0.16 vs. BR: 2.81 ± 0.19s), isokinetic handgrip dynamometry, medicine ball throw, horizontal countermovement jump, or YYIR1 (PL: 355 ± 163m vs. BR: 368 ± 184m) between BR and PL (P > 0.05). These findings indicate that acute dietary NO3- may not influence the oral microbiome, explosive and high-intensity exercise performance, or cognitive function in women team-sport athletes.

The role of social support and social identification in challenge and threat, perceived stress, and life satisfaction

AbstractIndividualistic appraisals have dominated contemporary stress theory and have too often overlooked socially derived perceptions of group resources. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of social support and social identification on individuals' challenge and threat appraisal, perceived stress, and life satisfaction across a range of group contexts. An online survey was completed by 480 participants across four groups: students (n = 110), workplace employees (n = 126), team sport athletes (n = 116), and group exercisers (n = 128) on one occasion. We found a positive relationship between social support and social identification along with significant associations of these social factors being positively related with self‐efficacy, control, approach, and challenge, while negatively related with threat. Avoidance, along with challenge and threat was positively associated with perceived stress, while self‐efficacy was negatively associated with perceived stress. Further, control, self‐efficacy, social identification, and social support was positively associated with life satisfaction, while approach, threat, and perceived stress was negatively associated, with life satisfaction. Social identification also moderated the positive association between social support and life satisfaction. Overall, we found evidence for the resource appraisals outlined in contemporary theory being associated with both social support and social identification, along with perceived stress and life satisfaction across different group contexts. Therefore, when understanding individuals' stress responses and associated life satisfaction, research and practice should consider the combination of individual and social factors.

Between-rater reliability for using radar technology to quantify maximal horizontal deceleration performance in NCAA division 1 American football and female lacrosse athletes.

With recent increases in the popularity of studying the physical construct of horizontal deceleration performance in team-sport athletes, the aim of the present study was to assess the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of processing and quantifying horizontal deceleration ability using radar technology. Data from 92 NCAA Division 1 athletes from two different athletic teams (American football and Lacrosse) were used for the present investigation. All athletes performed two trials of the modified acceleration to deceleration assessment (ADA), which consisted of a maximal 10 m sprint acceleration, followed by a rapid deceleration. Four individual raters manually processed raw, radar-derived instantaneous velocity data for the ADA, and an automated script was used to calculate metrics of interest. Primary study findings suggest moderate to excellent levels of agreement (ICC = 0.56-0.91) for maximal horizontal deceleration metrics between the four individual raters. The intra-rater analyses revealed poor to excellent consistency (ICC = 0.31-0.94) between ADA trials, with CV%'s ranging from 3.1% to 13.2%, depending on the respective metric and rater. Our data suggests that if a foundational understanding and agreement of manual data processing procedures for radar-derived data is given between raters, metrics may be interpreted with moderate to excellent levels of confidence. However, when possible, and when using the Stalker ATS radar technology, authors recommend that practitioners use one trained individual to manually process raw data. Ideally, this process should become fully automated, based on selected filters or algorithms, rather than the subjectivity of the rater.

Reliability of lower limb strength assessment in female team sport athletes

BackgroundLower limb injury rates have increased dramatically in line with increased female sport participation levels. Muscle strength is a modifiable lower limb injury risk factor, guiding performance monitoring and rehabilitation. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of isokinetic and isometric lower limb peak torque to body mass of muscles acting on the hip, knee, and ankle in female team sport athletes. It was hypothesised the test-retest reliability would be good (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ≥ 0.75). MethodsThirty-eight female athletes (Australian Rules Football = 18, netball = 12, soccer = 8) aged 16–35 years participated in this study. Participants performed isokinetic (60°/s and 120°/s) and isometric testing on a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer on three separate days. ResultsPoor to good reliability was demonstrated for all joint movements (ICC = 0.38–0.88) with small to moderate effect sizes (0.00–0.43) and typical errors (5.65–24.49). ConclusionDifferences in peak torque to body mass were observed between sessions one and two and/or one and three, demonstrating a learning effect. Therefore, three testing sessions, and/or the inclusion of a familiarisation session, is recommended for future assessments in populations unfamiliar with dynamometry.

Investigating the impact of coach behaviours and coach-athlete relationships on psychological safety

ABSTRACT The aims of the present study were two-fold: (a) to examine the links between two sets of perceived coach behaviours (supportive and controlling) and psychological safety, as well as (b) to explore whether the quality of the coach-athlete relationship explains the link between the two sets of coach behaviours and psychological safety. A total of 295 Turkish athletes (42% female and 58% male) in team sports with a mean age of 21.69 (±4.71) completed a multi-section questionnaire that measured the three main variables of the study, namely, coach behaviours, coach-athlete relationship quality, and psychological safety. Structural equation modelling revealed that both perceived coach behaviours (supportive and thwarting/controlling) and coach-athlete relationship quality predicted athletes’ psychological safety in their team. Moreover, the quality of the coach-athlete relationship explained the association between athletes’ perceptions of coach behaviours and psychological safety within the team context. The findings of this study contribute to growing research that examines the processes by which psychological safety can be nurtured in sports. While evidence thus far suggests that a coach orchestrates the environment, the findings of this study would seem to suggest that athletes, through good-quality relationships with their coaches, can stimulate the creation of a psychologically safe environment. The findings are discussed with a particular emphasis on future research directions and practical applications.