Female Australian Football Research Articles

The Determinants of Maximal Speed Adaptation During Preseason in Subelite Female Australian Rules Footballers.

Maximal speed is an important physical-fitness attribute for female Australian footballers. The effects of sprint training, maximal strength, and technical training have been reported in laboratory studies. However, no study has determined the combined effect and relative contribution of these training modalities on maximal speed adaptation in situ. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the training factors affecting maximal speed adaptation during a preseason in subelite female Australian Rules footballers. Maximal speed during field training, predicted 1-repetition maximum (1RM) for box squat and hip thrust, and sprint biomechanics were assessed during early and late preseason (∼9wk apart) in 15 female subelite Australian Rules Football players (age 20 [3]y). On-field training volume and intensity (total distance, high-speed running, very-high-speed running, and maximal speed) were determined using a Global Positioning System. A multivariate regression model was used to determine the factors associated with changes in maximal speed across the preseason. The preseason training program had a small effect on maximal speed and large to very large effects on strength and sprint biomechanics. The multivariate regression with the greatest fit (P < .001, R2 = .939) included change in estimated 1RM box squat (β = -0.63), total distance per week (β = -0.55), and change in hip projection (β = 0.16) as factors. Multivariate regression of biomechanical factors (P = .044, R2 = .717) and maximal strength factors (P = .003, R2 = .676) were also significant. The development of maximal speed across a preseason is dependent on (1)total distance per week, (2)maximal strength adaptation, and (3)sprint technique adaptation in female subelite Australian rules football players.

Comparative Effects of Complex Contrast Training and Traditional Training Methods on Physical Performance Within Female, Semiprofessional Australian Rules Football Players.

Luders, J, Garrett, J, Gleadhill, S, Mathews, L, and Bennett, H. Comparative effects of complex contrast training and traditional training methods on physical performance within female, semiprofessional Australian Rules Football players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study aimed to explore whether complex contrast training (CCT) would elicit greater strength and power adaptations than traditional (TRAD) training methods using a volume- and intensity-matched design. Fourteen semiprofessional female Australian Football players completed the study. Both CCT and TRAD saw improvements in all performance outcomes: 1 repetition maximum (1RM) back squat (21.3 ± 8.2 and 16.7 ± 6.8 kg), 1RM bench press (5.3 ± 3.6 and 2.1 ± 4.0 kg), 1RM trap bar deadlift (5.0 ± 6.6 and 11.3 ± 2.5 kg), 5 m sprint (0.002 ± 0.09 and 0.02 ± 0.2 s), 10 m sprint (0.04 ± 0.17 and 0.02 ± 0.1 s), 15 m sprint (0.009 ± 0.15 and 0.08 ± 0.2 s), countermovement jump (CMJ) height (230 ± 150 and 340 ± 390 cm), CMJ absolute peak power (158.5 ± 69.6 and 235.6 ± 229.6 N), CMJ relative peak power (3.46 ± 4.1 and 2.68 ± 1.4 N·kg-1)), and plyometric push-up peak relative power (20.5 ± 13.4 and 15.2 ± 13.5 N). There were no between-group differences except for TRAD recording slightly greater improvements in 1RM Trap bar deadlift (Bayes factor [BF10] = 1.210). Complex contrast training completed sessions on average ∼7 minutes quicker than TRAD (BF10 = 5.722), while both groups reporting similar ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) with CCT (±SD) 58.4 ± 6.7 minutes and TRAD 65.5 ± 4.8. Based on the results, CCT training provides the same performance outcomes as traditional training methods across a period of 8 weeks, while taking less time to achieve these outcomes and with similar RPE.

Relationships between physical fitness characteristics, technical skill attributes, and sports injury in female Australian football players.

To explore the relationships between physical fitness and i) technical skills and ii) time-loss from Australian football injury in female players across the talent and participation pathways. This study uses a subset of data from two cross-sectional and one prospective cohort studies. A total of 223 female Australian football players across five competition levels (elite/non-elite senior, high-level junior, and non-elite junior (14-17 years)/(10-13 years)) were included in this study. Comprehensive physical fitness assessments and modified Australian football kicking and handballing tests were conducted in the 2018/19 pre-seasons. During the respective competitive in-season, time-loss injuries were recorded by team personnel. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were performed to determine the relationship between physical fitness and kicking and handballing scores. Cox proportional regressions were conducted to identify physical fitness factors associated with injury. Increased running vertical jump height, greater hip abduction strength, and faster timed 6 m hop speed demonstrated a relationship with kicking accuracy when adjusted for years of Australian football playing experience (adjusted R2 = 0.522, p < 0.001). Faster agility time and increased lean mass were associated with better handballing accuracy (adjusted R2 = 0.221, p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression revealed an increased risk for sustaining a time-loss injury in less agile players (adjusted HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.23, 4.73, p = 0.010). However, this relationship no longer remained when adjusted for age and years of Australian football experience (adjusted HR 1.68, 95% CI 0.81, 3.50, p = 0.166). Physical fitness may be a significant factor contributing to development of Australian football technical skills in female players. However, its role is unclear in protecting against injury risk in this athlete population. Further research is needed to explore the multifactorial and complex phenomenon of talent development and injury risk reduction in female Australian football players.

Pre-season body composition has minimal influence on in-season match availability, and match performance in female Australian Football League (AFLW) players.

This study examined the relationship between pre-season body composition, in-season match performance, and match availability in female players competing in the Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) competition. With the outlawing of body composition assessments as part of pre-draft player evaluations in the AFLW, this study seeks to examine whether this is justified. Twenty-two (n = 22) players had body composition assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the beginning of the 2021 AFLW pre-season (whole-body and regional fat mass and lean soft-tissue mass [LSTM]). In-season match availability and match performance data (Coaches Score [CS], Champion Data Player Rank, average disposals, disposal and kicking efficiency) were collected throughout the 2021 competition. Pearson correlations were performed to assess if associations existed between body composition and in-season match performance and availability. A median split was performed to divide players into higher and lower performing groups for match performance variables. Two-sample independent t-tests were then used to assess differences between groups. No body composition characteristics could differentiate between in-season match availability groups (100% availability vs. <100% availability) or higher and lower performing groups for all match performance variables. Total leg LSTM asymmetry shared a moderate negative association with CS. Body composition may not be important for determining in-season match availability and performance in female AFLW players. Thus, the repercussions following the removal of pre-draft body composition assessments across the league may not be as significant as is currently perceived. Other physiological, biomechanical, or performance qualities are more variable and may mask the effect of body composition in these players. AFLW practitioners should prioritize the development of other important attributes, such as aerobic fitness, muscular strength and power, and technical skill.

Sub-acute Changes on MRI Measures of Cerebral Blood Flow and Venous Oxygen Saturation in Concussed Australian Rules Footballers

BackgroundSports-related concussion (SRC) is common in collision sport athletes. There is growing evidence that repetitive SRC can have serious neurological consequences, particularly when the repetitive injuries occur when the brain has yet to fully recover from the initial injury. Hence, there is a need to identify biomarkers that are capable of determining SRC recovery so that they can guide clinical decisions pertaining to return-to-play. Cerebral venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) can be measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and may provide insights into changing energy demands and recovery following SRC.ResultsIn this study we therefore investigated SvO2 and CBF in a cohort of concussed amateur Australian Football athletes (i.e., Australia’s most participated collision sport). Male and female Australian footballers (n = 13) underwent MRI after being cleared to return to play following a mandatory 13-day recovery period and were compared to a group of control Australian footballers (n = 16) with no recent history of SRC (i.e., > 3 months since last SRC). Despite the concussed Australian footballers being cleared to return to play at the time of MRI, we found evidence of significantly increased susceptibility in the global white matter (p = 0.020) and a trend (F5,21 = 2.404, p = 0.071) for reduced relative CBF (relCBF) compared to the control group. Further, there was evidence of an interaction between sex and injury in straight sinus susceptibility values (F1,25 = 3.858, p = 0.061) which were decreased in female SRC athletes (p = 0.053). Of note, there were significant negative correlations between straight sinus susceptibility and relCBF suggesting impaired metabolic function after SRC.ConclusionsThese findings support the use of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and relCBF as sensitive indicators of SRC, and raise further concerns related to SRC guidelines that allow for return-to-play in less than two weeks.

Strength and Biomechanical Risk Factors for Noncontact ACL Injury in Elite Female Footballers: A Prospective Study.

This study aimed to determine if a preseason field-based test battery was prospectively associated with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in elite female footballers. In total, 322 elite senior and junior female Australian Rules Football and soccer players had their isometric hip adductor and abductor strength, eccentric knee flexor strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) kinetics, and single-leg hop kinematics assessed during the 2019 preseason. Demographic and injury history details were also collected. Footballers were subsequently followed for 18 months for ACL injury. Fifteen noncontact ACL injuries occurred during the follow-up period. Prior ACL injury (odds ratio [OR], 9.68; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 2.67-31.46), a lower isometric hip adductor to abductor strength ratio (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.09-3.61), greater CMJ peak take-off force (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.09-3.61), and greater single-leg triple vertical hop average dynamic knee valgus (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.06-3.63) and ipsilateral trunk flexion (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.01-2.55) were independently associated with an increased risk of subsequent ACL injury. A multivariable prediction model consisting of CMJ peak take-off force, dynamic knee valgus, and ACL injury history that was internally validated classified ACL injured from uninjured footballers with 78% total accuracy. Between-leg asymmetry in lower limb strength and CMJ kinetics were not associated with subsequent ACL injury risk. Preseason field-based measures of lower limb muscle strength and biomechanics were associated with future noncontact ACL injury in elite female footballers. These risk factors can be used to guide ACL injury screening practices and inform the design of targeted injury prevention training in elite female footballers.

Contextual Factors Influencing Physical Activity and Technical Performance in Australian Football League Women's Competition Match-Play.

Leabeater, A, Clarke, A, and Sullivan, C. Contextual factors influencing physical activity and technical performance in AFLW competition match-play. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 194-199, 2023-The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of contextual factors on physical activity and technical match performance during Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) competition match-play. The study was of a retrospective longitudinal design and used physical activity and technical data collected from female Australian Football players (n = 49) from 1 team during 23 AFLW competition games over 3 seasons. A three-level linear mixed model was constructed to investigate the influence of different contextual factors (match-related variables) on relative total distance (TD), relative high-speed running (HSR) distance, and ranking points during AFLW match-play. The results showed that from season 1 to season 3, relative TD increased by 2.0 m·min-1 (ES: 0.06 [-0.04 to 0.16], p < 0.05) and relative HSR increased by 4.1 m·min-1 (ES: 0.22 [0.14-0.31], p < 0.001). Interstate matches were associated with a reduction of 5.1 m·min-1 per match in TD (ES: -0.21 [-0.30 to -0.12], p < 0.001) and 2.5 m·min-1 in HSR distance (ES: -0.22 [-0.31 to -0.13], p < 0.001). Total disposals were associated with a 0.23 m·minute-1 reduction in HSR for that player (ES: -0.13 [-0.22 to 0.04], p < 0.01). Match margin was the only contextual factor to influence ranking points/min (0.007 AU·min-1, ES: 0.30 [0.21-0.38], p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study shows that player physical activity may be reduced during interstate AFLW matches; the average HSR has increased since the start of the AFLW competition and may reflect increasing match activity profiles, and players have a greater rate of accumulation of ranking points when the score difference is greater.

Sleep duration and quality are associated with nutrient intake in elite female athletes

ObjectivesSleep is important for athlete health and performance; however, the relationship between diet and sleep in elite female athletes is not well understood. This study examined associations between energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes, and sleep in elite female Australian footballers. DesignProspective cohort study. MethodsThirty-two players had their diet and sleep monitored for 10 consecutive days during pre-season. Sleep was monitored using activity monitors and sleep diaries. Sleep outcomes included sleep duration, sleep onset latency (SOL), wake time after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep efficiency (SE). Dietary intake was monitored using the smartphone applications Easy Diet Diary and FoodWorks. Relationships between nutrient intake and sleep were assessed using Generalised Estimating Equations. ResultsFor each 1-g·kg−1 increase in carbohydrate intake, WASO increased by 3.6 min (p = 0.007) and SE decreased by 0.6% (p = 0.007). For each 1-g increase in daily saturated fat intake, SOL decreased by 0.27 min (p = 0.030). For each 1-mg increase in iron intake, sleep duration increased by 0.55 min (p < 0.001). For each 1-mg increase in zinc intake, SE increased by 0.23% (p = 0.006). For each 1-μg increase in vitamin B12 intake, WASO decreased by 1.72 min (p < 0.02) and SE increased by 0.40% (p = 0.033). ConclusionsNutrient intake in elite female athletes is associated with sleep and may contribute to sleep problems. Research should explore causal relationships between nutrient intake and sleep, and the efficacy of dietary interventions for improving sleep in female athletes with nutrient deficiencies.

Impact of prior ACL, hamstring or groin injury on lower limb strength and jump kinetics in elite female footballers

Introduction: Prior injury is a risk factor for lower limb injury in female footballers. An improved understanding of the impact of the most common and severe injuries on lower limb strength and biomechanics may help to optimise rehabilitation strategies and decrease subsequent injury rates. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare lower limb strength and countermovement jump (CMJ) kinetics between elite female footballers with and without a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), hamstring strain, or hip/groin injury. Methods: 369 elite female Australian football, soccer and rugby league players aged 15–35 years underwent assessments of isometric hip adductor and abductor strength, eccentric knee flexor strength, and CMJ vertical ground reaction forces. Players reported their lifetime history of ACLR, and whether they had sustained a hamstring strain, or hip/groin injury in the previous 12-months. Strength and jump/landing kinetics, including between-leg asymmetry, were compared between players with and without prior injury. Logistic regression was used to determine the variables that best distinguished between players with and without prior injury. Results: Players with a unilateral history of ACLR (n=24) displayed asymmetry (injured<uninjured leg) in eccentric knee flexor strength (mean difference=-6.9%, 95%CI=-9.1 to -4.8%), isometric hip abductor strength (mean difference=-2.4%, 95%CI=-4.4 to -0.4%), and peak landing force (mean difference=-5.9%, 95%CI=-11.0 to -0.9%). Together, between-leg asymmetry in eccentric knee flexor strength, isometric hip abductor strength, and CMJ peak landing force distinguished between players with and without prior ACLR with 93% accuracy. No differences in strength or CMJ kinetics were observed between players with and without a history of hamstring or hip/groin injury. Discussion: Elite female footballers with a history of ACLR, but not hamstring or hip/groin injury, exhibit persistent between-leg asymmetries in lower limb strength and jump kinetics following a return to sport. To address the effects of prior injury, ACLR rehabilitation programs for elite female footballers should consider targeting between-leg asymmetries in eccentric knee flexor strength, isometric hip abductor strength, and CMJ kinetics. Conflict of interest statement: Funding for travel costs associated with data collection was provided by Vald Performance (Brisbane, Australia) and SMA Research Grant. My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest of relevance to the submission of this abstract.

Hospital-treated Australian Football injury in women and girls, Victoria, 2010/11-2019/20

Introduction: Rates of participation for women and girls playing Australian Football at the school, club and professional level in recent years has increased significantly, from 95,000 participants nationally in 2011 to 586,422 in 2019. In 2010, there were 58 female club teams in Victoria, increasing almost 20-fold to 1092 teams in 2019. The dramatic increase in participation has also seen a sharp rise in serious injuries such as concussion, ruptured ACLs and fractured wrists. The study aims to describe the incidence of hospital-treated Australian Football injuries among women and girls aged 5 years and above in Victoria, Australia. Methods: Routinely collected Victorian emergency department and hospital admissions data from 2010/11 to 2019/20 will be extracted and analysed. Trends over a ten-year period will be examined, while in-depth analysis will focus on the three most recent years of available data. Records will be restricted to females aged 5 plus years with an ICD-10-AM external cause activity code indicating Australian Football (admissions data), while narrative texts and Australian Football sports code will be used for selection of ED presentation data. Results: Outcome measures include frequencies and rates per 100,000 participants for hospital-treated Australian Football injury. Preliminary results: 2509 hospitalisations for women and girls injured while playing Australian Football from 2010/11 to 2019/20; hospitalisations were 94 in 2010/11, increased to 584 in 2018/19 and dropped to 311 in 2019/20 (reflecting limited activity during COVID-19 lockdown). Thirty-four percent (n=859) recorded for females aged 15 to 19 years, followed by 10 to 14 year olds (19%, n=473). Most injuries were to the head (29%, n=727), wrist/hand (24%, n=610) and knee/lower leg (21%, n=521). Discussion: It’s anticipated that both the frequency and participation-adjusted rate of hospital-treated female Australian Football injury will have increased over the past 10 years, with the highest increases occurring in more recent years of data. This research pushes the boundaries through the capture of state-wide population-based hospital treated injury cases. The inclusion of descriptive text regarding the circumstances of injury events in the VEMD is a unique feature that can provide valuable information not adequately described by standard health coding systems. The demographic profile and injury description might also provide a basis for injury prevention to curb the injury trend. Conflict of interest statement: I acknowledge that I have no conflict of interest of relevance to the submission of this abstract.

Risk factors for ACL, hamstring strain, and hip/groin injuries in elite Australian female footballers: A prospective study.

Introduction: Female footballers are at high risk of sustaining lower limb injuries, with some of the most prevalent and severe injuries being hamstring strains, hip/groin pain, and knee ligament sprains. However, there is currently limited evidence to guide injury prevention strategies and injury risk assessment testing in female footballers. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for ACL, hamstring, and hip/groin injuries in elite female footballers. Methods: Data were collected from 321 elite female Australian Football, soccer, and Rugby League players during pre-season. Players underwent field-based assessments of isometric hip adductor and abductor strength (ForceFrame), eccentric knee flexor strength during the Nordic hamstring exercise (NordBord), countermovement jump (CMJ) on dual forceplates (ForceDecks), and a single-leg triple vertical hop (TVH) using a makerless motion capture system (HumanTrak). Players were subsequently followed for injuries for 18 months. Risk factors were identified prospectively using simple and multiple logistic regression and decision tree learning. Results: A total of 12 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures, 17 hamstring strains, and 12 hip/groin injuries were recorded. Risk factors for ACL injury included prior ACL injury (standardised odds ratio [OR]=12.3, P<.001), lower body weight normalised adductor torque (OR=2.1, P=.028), greater body weight normalised CMJ peak force (OR=1.9, P=.013), lower CMJ impulse (OR=2.0, P=.037), greater triple vertical hop knee frontal plane projection angle (OR=2.3, P=.014), and greater triple vertical hop lateral trunk flexion (OR=1.7, P=.038). Multiple logistic regression and decision tree models classified ACL injured players with high accuracy (sensitivity=67% and 75% respectively, and specificity=88% and 100% respectively). Risk factors for time-loss hamstring injury included smaller stature (OR=1.8, P=.030), greater between-leg asymmetry in CMJ peak force (OR=2.0, P=.011) and eccentric impulse (OR=1.9, P=.016). There were no statistically significant risk factors for hip/groin injury. Discussion: This is the first study to explore risk factors for lower limb injury in elite female Australian football codes. These results provide insight into the potential modifiable factors associated with subsequent injury in elite female footballers, which may inform player testing batteries and the design of targeted injury risk reduction strategies. Conflict of interest statement: Funding for travel was provided by Vald Performance (Brisbane, Australia) and SMA Research Foundation. My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest of relevance to the submission of this abstract.

Impact of prior anterior cruciate ligament, hamstring or groin injury on lower limb strength and jump kinetics in elite female footballers

ObjectiveTo compare lower limb strength and countermovement jump (CMJ) kinetics between elite female footballers with and without a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), hamstring strain, or hip/groin injury. DesignCross-sectional. SettingField-based. Participants369 elite female Australian football, soccer and rugby league players aged 15–35. Main outcome measuresIsometric hip adductor and abductor strength, eccentric knee flexor strength, and CMJ vertical ground reaction forces, including between-leg asymmetry. Players reported their lifetime history of ACLR, and whether they had sustained a hamstring strain, or hip/groin injury in the previous 12-months. ResultsPlayers with a unilateral history of ACLR (n = 24) had significant between-leg asymmetry in eccentric knee flexor strength (mean = −6.3%, 95%CI = −8.7 to −3.9%, P < .001), isometric hip abductor strength (mean = −2.5%, 95%CI = −4.3 to −0.7%, P = .008), and CMJ peak landing force (mean = −5.5%, 95%CI = −10.9 to −0.1%, P = .046). Together, between-leg asymmetry in eccentric knee flexor strength, isometric hip abductor strength, and CMJ peak landing force distinguished between players with and without prior ACLR with 93% accuracy. ConclusionElite female footballers with a history of ACLR, but not hamstring or hip/groin injury, exhibit persistent between-leg asymmetries in lower limb strength and jump kinetics following a return to sport.

The Impact of Chronotype on the Sleep and Training Responses of Elite Female Australian Footballers.

The primary aims of the present study were to examine the impact of chronotype on sleep/wake behaviour, perceived exertion, and training load among professional footballers. Thirty-six elite female professional football player’s (mean ± SD: age, 25 ± 4 y; weight, 68 ± 7 kg) sleep and training behaviours were examined for 10 consecutive nights during a pre-season period using a self-report online player-management system and wrist activity monitors. All athletes completed the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) on the first day of data collection. Eleven participants were morning types, seventeen participants were intermediate types, and three participants were evening types. Separate linear mixed models were conducted to assess differences in sleep, perceived exertion, and training behaviours between chronotype groups. Morning types woke up earlier (wake time: 07:19 ± 01:16 vs. 07:53 ± 01:01, p = 0.04) and reported higher ratings of perceived exertion compared to intermediate types (6.7 ± 1.1 vs. 5.9 ± 1.2, p = 0.01). No differences were observed between chronotype groups for bedtime, time in bed, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, training duration, or training load. In circumstances where professional female football players are required to train at a time opposing their natural circadian preference (e.g., morning type training in the evening), their perceived exertion during training may be higher than that of players that are training at a time that aligns with their natural circadian preference (e.g., evening type training in the evening). It is important for practitioners to monitor individual trends in training variables (e.g., rating of perceived exertion, training load) with relation to athlete chronotype and training time. Future research should examine the relationship between chronotype, training time, and rating of perceived exertion across different training durations.

Physical fitness profiles of female Australian football players across five competition levels

ABSTRACT Objectives To examine physical fitness profiles of female Australian football players and investigate differences according to competition level. Methods A testing battery of 28 physical fitness assessments was undertaken with 240 players across five competition levels: elite senior (≥18 years), non-elite senior (≥18 years), high-level junior (<18 years), non-elite junior (14–17 years), and non-elite junior (10–13 years). Physical fitness profiles were examined and competition level differences were investigated using multivariate analyses of variance. Results Significant differences (p<0.001) were observed between competition levels in body composition (η2 p=0.225), flexibility (η2 p=0.071), muscular strength and endurance (η2 p=0.238), balance (η2 p=0.093), reaction time (η2 p=0.103), and whole-body locomotor performance (η2 p=0.200). Elite seniors and high-level juniors were stronger (p<0.001–0.043), faster (p=0.001–0.022), more responsive (p<0.001–0.048), and had better cardiorespiratory fitness (p<0.001) compared to the non-elite groups. Additionally, body composition and muscular strength and endurance differences were common between the senior and non-elite junior groups. Conclusions This is the first study to comprehensively profile physical characteristics of female Australian footballers across a broader development pathway. These preliminary findings may assist sport practitioners to better understand athlete development, provide insight on talent identification and development programs, and injury management in this population.

Prevalence of mental health symptoms among male and female Australian professional footballers

ObjectiveDetermining the prevalence of mental health symptoms (MHS) among Australian professional footballers compared with former players. A secondary aim was to assess whether MHS were associated with recent injury and...

Visible Signs of Concussion and Cognitive Screening in Community Sports.

Video surveillance and detection of players with visible signs of concussion by experienced medical staff facilitates rapid on-field screening of suspected concussion in professional sports. This method, however has not been validated in community sports where video footage is unavailable. This study aimed to explore the utility of visible signs of concussion to identify players with decrements in performance on concussion screening measures. In this observational prospective cohort study, personnel with basic training observed live matches across a season (60 matches) of community male and female Australian football for signs of concussion outlined in the community-based Head Injury Assessment form (HIAf). Players identified to have positive signs of concussion (CoSign+) following an impact were compared with players without signs (CoSign-). Outcome measures, the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT3) and Cogstate, were administered at baseline and post-match. CoSign+ (n = 22) and CoSign- (n = 61) groups were similar with respect to age, sex, education, baseline mood, and medical history. CoSign+ players exhibited worse orientation, concentration, and recall, and slower reaction time in attention and working memory tasks. Comparing individual change from baseline to post-match assessment revealed 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84-100%) of CoSign+ players demonstrated clinically significant deficits on SCAT3 or Cogstate tasks, compared with 59% (95% CI: 46-71%) of CoSign- players. All CoSign+ players observed to have a blank/vacant look demonstrated clinically significant decline on the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC). Detection of visible signs of concussion represents a rapid, real-time method for screening players suspected of concussion in community sports where video technology and medical personnel are rarely present. Consistent with community guidelines, it is recommended that all CoSign+ players be immediately removed from play for further concussion screening.

Profiling the kicking and handballing accuracy of female Australian football players across five competition levels

ABSTRACT Objectives To profile the kicking and handballing accuracy of female Australian football (AF) players and investigate potential differences across five competition levels. Methods Female AF players were classified into five competition levels: elite senior (≥18 years) (n=35), non-elite senior (≥18 years) (n=58), high-level junior (<18 years) (n=32), non-elite junior (14–17 years) (n=38), and non-elite junior (10–13 years) (n=42). Modified AF kicking and handballing tests examined accuracy outcomes. Competition level differences in accuracy were modelled using multivariate analysis of variance. Results A large, significant difference between the competition levels was noted (F=11.508, p<0.001, Wilk’s Λ=0.462, η2 p=0.227), with significant differences (p<0.001) observed in the modified AF kicking (ω2=0.514) and handballing (η2 p=0.150-0.250) tests. Elite seniors and high-level juniors performed the modified AF kicking test more accurately than all non-elite competition levels (p≤0.001). Elite seniors were also more accurate in the modified AF handballing test (dominant hand) compared to all non-elite competition levels (p≤0.001). Conclusions This study is the first to report technical skill characteristics in female AF across a broader participation pathway. These exploratory findings could be used as reference data for player development and inform training designs, namely by incorporating non-dominant handballing competitive play situations to develop this skill in female AF players.

Feasibility of Injury Reporting Via Text Messaging in Club Sport Settings: A Prospective Cohort Study

A novel technique of short message service (SMS), or text message, has examined injuries in elite handball and female football and community Australian football with a response rate of over 75%. The purpose of this study was to determine if text message is a feasible method of prospectively collecting injury density data in club sports teams in the United States. Participants received a weekly text message with four questions asking about pain and participation in the past week. If the participant indicated pain in the past week, a follow-up phone interview was conducted to determine the nature of the pain/injury. The overall text message response rate was 89.8%; there were 281 responses out of 313 participant contacts over the 12-week study period. Semi-structured follow-up phone interviews were completed for 37 of the 55 reports of pain that were indicated through text message response, resulting in further injury information for 65.5% of injuries. Incidence density of reporting pain over the 12-week study was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.68–1.15) per 1,000 min of activity. In this sample, text message response rates were similar to previous studies; however, we did lose nine (25.7%) participants to follow-up.

Set distance time trials for predicting maximal aerobic speed in female Australian Rules Footballers

ObjectivesMaximal aerobic speed (MAS) may be predicted from 2.0km time trial (TT) running speed in male Australian Rules football (AF) players. Given the between-sex differences in physiological variables precursory to endurance performance, and the impact of this on MAS distance limit, this study determined running speed across various TT distances best approximating MAS in female AF players. Method33 female AF players completed assessments of MAS and TT performance separated by at least 48h. In a randomised order, half of the athletes completed TT distances of 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0km, and the other half completed distances of 1.4, 1.8 and 2.2km. Bias, limits of agreement (LOA) and linear mixed modelling determined agreement between TT-derived running speed and MAS. ResultsAverage speed for all TT distances were different to MAS (bias≥0.59±0.45km·h−1; p≤0.015) with the exception of the 1.4km TT (bias=−0.12±0.26km·h−1; p=0.34). LOA was narrowest for the 1.4km TT (±0.76km·h−1; ±6.1%) compared to other TT distances (±0.82–1.67km·h−1; ±6.7–12.9%). A significant linear association between bias and TT distance (r=−0.73; p<0.001) indicated TT speed would be equal to MAS when a 1.4–1.5km TT was completed, and that MAS may be predicted from any distance between 1.2 and 2.2km. ConclusionsMAS was best approximated by a 1.4–1.5km TT in female AF players, but may be predicted from TT speed for any distance between 1.2 and 2.2km. TT-derived MAS provides a time and resource efficient method for the quantification of aerobic fitness and prescription of future training intensities.

Assessing the nutrition knowledge of professional female Australian football (AFLW) athletes

ABSTRACT Nutrition education in professional sport may improve athletes’ nutrition knowledge (NK), self-efficacy and food choices. Understanding athletes’ NK can inform development of tailored nutrition education programs. To enhance health and performance, athletes’ dietary intakes must meet their energy and nutritional needs and NK has been identified as a modifiable determinant of dietary intake. This study aimed to assess the NK of Australian football league women’s (AFLW) athletes to provide recommendations for possible dietetic intervention. AFLW athletes (n = 26) were recruited from one Victorian football club. NK was assessed using the validated online Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire. AFLW athletes scored ‘average’ overall NK (score: 45.1 ± 12.5, mean accuracy: 50.6 ± 14%). Athletes demonstrated better knowledge in alcohol (5.6 ± 1.9, mean accuracy: 70 ± 23%), macronutrients (18.2 ± 5.0, mean accuracy: 60 ± 17%) and weight management subsections (7.3 ± 2.2, mean accuracy: 57 ± 17%). Athletes performed poorly in the supplements subsection (3.2 ± 2.0, mean accuracy: 23 ± 14%). This study assessed the NK of AFLW athletes and found athletes had average NK, with room for improvement particularly regarding supplement knowledge. Future research should assess the efficacy of online and group education to improve athletes’ NK and dietary intake.