Sport Science Literature Research Articles

Engaging athletes as research participants. A document analysis of published sport science literature.

Sport science practitioners utilise findings from peer reviewed research to inform practice. Fewer studies are conducted with high performance athletes, however, than those involving recreationally active participants. Noting that research findings from recreational athletes may not be generalisable to the elite, there is a need to engage the latter cohort in research with better potential to influence health and performance. This study identified methods used to engage and recruit highly trained, elite and world class athletes as research participants. A document analysis was conducted using a purposive sample of peer-reviewed sport science literature. All articles published in 2022 from 18 highly ranked sport science journals were screened for inclusion. Studies investigating athletes ranked as highly trained/national level or above were included. All details related to participant recruitment were extracted from included articles, with the content being coded and thematically analysed using an interpretivist approach. A total of 439 studies from the 2356 screened were included in the analysis. Five primary themes of recruitment strategies were identified, beneath an overarching strategy of purposeful, convenience sampling. Recruitment themes related to the use of a gatekeeper, the research environment providing convenient access to athletes, promoting the study electronically, utilising professional networks and recruiting at training or competition. Engaging athletes through a gatekeeper is a prominent strategy to involve elite athletes in research. It is suggested that researchers work collaboratively with team or organisation personnel to promote recruitment, creating co-designed approaches that address issues most relevant to athletes and staff.

The importance of paddling to surfing performance: Insights from elite athletes, coaches, and performance support practitioners

Although paddling has been widely studied, there remains a limited understanding of how a surfer's paddling ability directly influences their wave-riding performance. Using an ecological approach, this study examined the importance of paddling to surfing performance from the perspective of elite Australian athletes, coaches, and performance support practitioners. Ten elite Australian surfing coaches, ten elite Australian surfing athletes, and eight performance support practitioners completed semi-structured interviews. This approach underscores the significance of incorporating experiential knowledge from coaches, athletes, and performance support practitioners, particularly in surfing where the nature of high-performance sport requires a multi-disciplinary approach and highlights the potential value of qualitatively exploring expert perspectives. Findings showed that all participants agree that paddling is an integral aspect of surfing performance despite not being directly scored in competition. The ecological dynamics approach provided a framework for understanding the function of paddling as a tool that enables surfers to exploit the affordances of the environment and support positive performance outcomes under highly variable conditions. The findings highlight the complexities of the performer-environment relationship in surfing and draw attention to the potential for improvements in surfing performance that may be elicited by enhancing a surfer's paddling ability. This study contributes to a growing body of sports science literature investigating paddling performance in surfers and underscores the importance of paddling to surfing performance.

Mental fatigue impairs padel‐specific psychomotor performance in youth‐elite male players

AbstractWhile the interest and professionalization of padel around the world, and the importance of mental fatigue in sport science literature are both on the rise, not much is known about how mental fatigue impacts padel‐specific performance. Forty‐eight male elite youth players (18 ± 2 y) participated in this randomized counterbalanced crossover study. The players visited the laboratory on three separate occasions: familiarization, control (i.e., 30‐min documentary), and mental fatigue (i.e., 30‐min incongruent Stroop) condition. The participants' perceived mental fatigue, vigilance (i.e., Psychomotor Vigilance Test) and response inhibition (i.e., Stroop task) were assessed as markers of mental fatigue. The Padel accuracy was evaluated using a validated padel‐specific performance task that includes the usage of different strokes (i.e., drive, drive volley, bandeja, and drive attack after the use of the glass). All these variables were assessed pre‐ and post‐ both the control and mentally fatiguing task. A condition × time interaction was found for perceived mental fatigue, the Stroop performance and PVT reaction time (p < 0.001) and for padel‐specific accuracy on all strokes (p < 0.001). The perceived level of mental fatigue increased, while PVT reaction time and Stroop performance (i.e., amount of words) were impaired in time only in the mental fatigue condition. The accuracy of all padel strokes was significantly impaired from pre to post only in the mental fatigue condition (p < 0.050). In conclusion, mental fatigue impairs padel‐specific accuracy in young elite male padel players. Consequently, we recommend coaches to consider the level of mental fatigue during padel trainings and competitions.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS

This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of individualized physical training programs tailored for high-level athletes, aiming to bridge the gap in sports science literature regarding personalized training methodologies. The primary objective is to ascertain whether customized training regimens yield superior performance outcomes compared to generalized training approaches. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative data analysis from performance metrics with qualitative feedback from athletes and coaches across various disciplines.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN THE TRAINING AND COMPETITIVE PROCESS OF ELITE ATHLETES IN SPORTS GAMES

Introduction. The integration of modern technologies is crucial for enhancing elite athlete training, offering cutting-edge tools for performance optimization. The widespread use of technology in elite sports, including video assistant referees and wearable sensors, providing real-time biomechanical oversight, challenges related to ethics, data protection, and regulatory frameworks require resolution for widespread implementation. This study aims to conduct a thorough assessment of the integration of modern technologies, specifically examining their efficacy in optimizing the training performance and competitive outcomes of elite athletes in sports games. Material and Methods. Bibliometric techniques and expert evaluations were used to determine the modern trends in innovative technologies to improve the effectiveness of elite athletes` preparation. A thorough biomechanical analysis utilizing diverse methods was performed on 41 elite athletes in sports games. Results. The examination of sports science literature and expert assessments unveils predominant trends in the utilization of innovative technologies in elite sports, with a particular emphasis on the widespread adoption of wearable technology, biomechanics and motion analysis, and recovery and regeneration techniques. The outcomes from OpenCap biomechanical analysis show a high correlation (r=0.99, α = 0.05) between the symmetry of knee joint angles during barbell squats by elite athletes, confirming the efficacy of real-time monitoring exercise techniques. The Romberg coefficient of 194.5% ± 2.47 indicates a notable degree of stability among elite athletes. Conclusions. This study enhances the comprehension of innovative technologies, exemplified by OpenCap biomechanical analysis, and their effectiveness in optimizing the training performance and competitive outcomes of elite athletes in sports games. The findings provide valuable insights for coaches, sports scientists, and researchers aiming to optimize training methods and elevate athlete performance in sports games.

The Physiological Requirements of and Nutritional Recommendations for Equestrian Riders

Equestrian sport is under-researched within the sport science literature, creating a possible knowledge vacuum for athletes and support personnel wishing to train and perform in an evidence-based manner. This review aims to synthesise available evidence from equitation, sport, and veterinary sciences to describe the pertinent rider physiology of equestrian disciplines. Estimates of energy expenditure and the contribution of underpinning energy systems to equestrian performance are used to provide nutrition and hydration recommendations for competition and training in equestrian disciplines. Relative energy deficiency and disordered eating are also considered. The practical challenges of the equestrian environment, including competitive, personal, and professional factors, injury and concussion, and female participation, are discussed to better highlight novelty within equestrian disciplines compared to more commonly studied sports. The evidence and recommendations are supported by example scenarios, and future research directions are outlined.

Explosive is not a Term Defined in the International System of Units and Should not be Used to Describe Neuromuscular Performance

Despite not being recognized by the International System of Units, explosive is a term often applied in sports science and professional practice. While associated with force, strength, power, performance, exercise, movements, contraction, action, and training, readers may be misled to believe that there are further analyses beyond power output, peak force, contractile rate of force development, and impulse. This critical review discusses the misuse of the term explosive in sports science literature, proposes alternatives, and encourages correct definitions of terms, units, and nomenclature to describe exercise performance. The suggestions provided in this review can help to reduce the confusion and perpetuation of an erroneous understanding of mechanical work, energy, and power in sports science.

The Effect of a Physically Active Academic Intervention on the Physical Fitness and Mathematical Performance of Grade 1 Learners in Cape Town, South Africa

AbstractCombining physical fitness (PF) and academic content can be a beneficial way to improve PF and mathematics performance of learners. The purpose of the current study was to establish whether a physically active academic intervention had an effect on the PF and mathematics performance of Grade 1 learners over 16 weeks. This intervention is based on an educational approach that combines physical activity into the academic environment. The goal is to enhance learning by learning through movement. Grade 1 learners [N = 119] from two schools in the southern suburbs of Cape Town, South Africa, volunteered to participate in this study. They were assigned randomly to an attentional control [n = 51] and an experimental group [n = 68]. Pre- and post-test data were collected with the Fitnessgram which measured their PF and the VASSI Mathematics Proficiency Test which measured their mathematical performance. The intervention included age-appropriate PF components that were incorporated into learners’ academic lessons. The results indicated that the experimental group performed significantly better (p < 0.01) in mathematics and upper body strength after the intervention. It could be assumed that these improvements can be attributed to the physically active academic intervention programme. These findings suggest that these types of interventions could encourage physical activity (PA) and enhance the PF and mathematical performance of young learners. The current study adds to South African Sport Science literature because it is one of few studies performed in this field that have produced significant results.

Ugly or Pretty: The Effects of Aesthetics and Exercise Involvement on Consumers’ Evaluations of Healthy Functional Foods

PURPOSE This study explores the impact of visual shape and exercise involvement on consumers' evaluation and happiness with healthy functional foods, specifically protein cookies.METHODS Using a one-factor design with two levels (pretty vs. ugly shape) and one measured variable (exercise involvement), we uncover interesting insights.RESULTS Consumers highly engaged in exercise show a greater purchase intention for ugly-shaped healthy functional foods compared to prettyshaped ones. Conversely, consumers with low exercise involvement express a higher purchase intention and happiness when it comes to pretty-shaped healthy functional foods compared to their ugly counterparts.CONCLUSIONS These findings contribute to the sports management and sports science literature by shedding light on how visual shape influences the evaluation of healthy functional foods by sport consumers. Furthermore, this research offers valuable practical implications for designing the shape of such foods to cater to the preferences of sports enthusiasts.

What place does elite sport have for women? A scoping review of constraints.

Despite increases in participation and raised attention for girls and women in sports, female sport is still based on male evidence that ignores gendered differences and experiences of unequal treatment and marginalization from grassroots to elite sport. This paper aimed to critically interrogate the place that women have in the male preserve of elite sport by conducting a two-part study. First, we provided a brief sociohistorical analysis of gender in sport as a means to move away from a decontextualized and universalized approach dominating in sport science literature. We then conducted a scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines to synthesize existing sport science literature that implemented Newell's constraints-led approach to examine elite performance. Ten studies were identified, none of which collected demographic data or centred on female athletes and the effects of sociocultural constraints on their performance. Instead, male-centred, masculine sports and physiological profiles dominated the identified studies. We discussed these results considering critical sport research and cultural sport psychology literature to offer an integrative, interdisciplinary approach to advocate for more culturally sensitive, context-specific interpretations of gender as a sociocultural constraint. We put forth a call to action for sport science researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to move away from implementing male evidence in female sport and attend to the unique needs of female athletes. Practical suggestions aimed to help stakeholders reimagine elite sport by celebrating these [potential] differences as strengths for promoting gender equity in sport.

Viselhető technológia használat a Debreceni Egyetem hallgatói körében

Világszerte sürgető közegészségügyi probléma a fizikai aktivitás hiánya, az ülő életmód széleskörű elterjedése. A probléma jellemző a fiatal populációra is, kiemelten az egyetemistákra, akik idejük jelentős részét töltik üléssel. A technológiai fejlődés egyik katalizátora a mozgásszegény életmód térnyerésének, ugyanakkor ennek köszönhetően számos olyan eszköz jelent meg a piacon, mely éppen a fizikai aktivitás ösztönzésére is szolgálhat. Folyamatosan növekvő tendenciát mutat a fizikai aktivitást mérő viselhető technológiai eszközök – karóra, karpánt – elterjedése a lakosság körében, mellyel párhuzamosan növekszik a magunkról gyűjtött adatok (lépésszám, elégetett kalória, pulzus) mennyisége is. A szerzők témaválasztását az indokolja, hogy a hazai sporttudomány területén kevés olyan tanulmánnyal találkozhatunk, mely napjaink korszerű információtechnológia eszközeit helyezi a fókuszába a fizikai aktivitás dimenziójában. Jelen tanulmány célja, hogy az egyetemista populáció körében felmérje az aktivitást mérő viselhető eszközökkel kapcsolatos attitűdöket. Keresztmetszeti kutatásunk során online kvantitatív kérdőíves felmérést végeztünk a DE GTK hallgatói körében. A kérdőívet 340 fő töltötte ki megfelelően. A leíró statisztika mellett az összefüggések vizsgálatakor paraméteres és nem paraméteres próbákat alkalmaztunk (Pearson-féle khí négyszet próba, Fisher féle egzakt próba, t-próba). A statisztikai próbák eredményeit p<0,05 esetén tekintettük szignifikánsnak. Kolgomorov-Smirnov teszttel vizsgáltuk a változók eloszlását. A megkérdezettek többsége (55%) kipróbált már valamilyen viselhető, fizikai aktivitást mérő eszközt. Harmaduk (34%) jelenleg is használja az eszközét. Akik eddig nem próbálták ki ezeket az eszközöket az árat jelölték meg elsődleges visszatartó tényezőként. Harmaduk tervezi, hogy beruház egy ilyen eszközre a jövőben. Az eszközt használók 39%-a aktivitásmérő karkötőt, míg 61%-uk okosórát használ, vagy használt korábban. Nemek tekintetében nem találtunk eltérést az eszközök tulajdonlását tekintve. A megkérdezett aktivitást mérő eszközt viselő fiatalok 66,8%-nak a fizikai aktivitásának követése volt az elsődleges célja. A leggyakrabban használt funkció a lépésszám követése volt, a megkérdezettek 81%-a jelölte, ezt követte a pulzusszám mérése (67%). Legtöbben a lépésszámukkal kapcsolatban (69%) határoztak meg valamilyen célkitűzést. Minden harmadik hallgató szerint az eszköz hatására többet mozgott és sikerült fenntartania az emelt mozgás szintjét. A hallgatók 44%-a állította, hogy a fizikai aktivitása nem változott az eszköz használatának ellenére sem. A megkérdezettek inkább nem értenek egyet a felsorolt pozitív élettani hatásokkal az eszközök viselésével kapcsolatban. Kutatásunkban is érezhető, hogy a viselhető eszközök hatással vannak a fiatalokra, nyomonkövetik saját adataikat ugyanakkor megkérdőjelezhető, hogy az eszközök önmagukban elég ösztönző hatásúak-e a hallgatók számára az egészségesebb életmód kialakításában.

The Misuse of “Workload” in Sports Science and Possible Solutions

ABSTRACT Because of fundamental mechanical misconceptions, workload is a contested and nonsensical term that has been erroneously used in sports science literature. When the term workload is used, readers may interpret the term to mean: (a) load, referring to the weight force of an object, or an external or internal force, applied in a specified direction and, when using the International System of Units (SI), the outcome measure must be reported in newtons, or (b) the amount of work performed, which should be reported in joules. Solutions consistent with the SI and using proper scientific terminology are simple and would improve the advancement and use of knowledge in sports science. During an endurance training program, exercise duration, relative or absolute mean velocity, distance traveled, and power output are manipulated. Within strength and power training programs, variables to be considered are repetitions and sets, rest period durations, and the load lifted. In team sports, performance quantification includes displacement, distance traveled, velocity, and acceleration. These physical quantities should replace the vague and inaccurate term workload. The quantification of physical performance should be accomplished using the SI for clarity of communication and seamless use across all subdisciplines of sports science.

Ergen Sporcularda Spora Bağlılık İle İlişkili Bireysel ve Sosyal Faktörler: Sistematik Derleme

Spora katılım, devamlılık ve sporu bırakmayla ilişkili faktörlerin ortaya konmasında önemli bir yapı olan spora bağlılığın incelenmesi, ülkemizde bu kavramın daha kapsamlı bir şekilde anlaşılması, alan yazındaki boşlukları açığa çıkararak yeni araştırma soruları ortaya konmasını sağlaması açısından önemlidir. Spora bağlılığı daha iyi anlamak, fiziksel olarak daha aktif bir topluma sahip olmak için önemli bir fırsat sunabilir. Bu bağlamda bu çalışmanın amacı alan yazındaki spora bağlılık ile ilişkili psikososyal faktörleri sistematik derleme metodu ile ortaya koymaktır. Derleme PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) yönergelerine uygun olarak, PubMed, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscus ve Taylor-Francis Online veri tabanlarında, “sport commitment” anahtar kelimeleri kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Tarama sonucunda toplam 1132 çalışmaya ulaşılmıştır. Ön incelemeler sonrası spora bağlılık (Sport Commitment) modelini (Scanlan ve diğ., 1993) temel alan, hakemli dergide yayınlanan, örneklem grubunun yaş aralığı 10-18 yaş (erken ve orta ergenlik) arasında olan, spora bağlılık ile ilişkili faktörleri inceleyen çalışmalar gibi dâhil etme kriterleri, İngilizce dilinde yazılmama, nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanma gibi dışlama kriterleri göz önünde bulundurularak 20 çalışma sistematik derlemeye dâhil edilmiştir. Dâhil edilen çalışmalarda yanlılık riski ve çalışmaların kalitesini değerlendirmek için Karma Yöntem Değerlendirme Aracı (Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool) kullanılmıştır. Çalışmalar spora bağlılıkla ilişkili ‘‘bireysel’’ ve ‘‘sosyal’’ faktörler olarak iki başlık altında toplanmıştır. Bulgular, spora bağlılıkla ilişkili bireysel faktörler arasında güdülenme kavramının önemli bir faktör olarak ön plana çıktığını göstermiştir. Sosyal faktörlerde ise antrenörlerin oluşturduğu ortam/iklimin sporcuların spora bağlılığı için oldukça kritik bir rolü olduğu görülmüştür. Sonuç olarak ergen sporcuların spora katılım ve devamlılığına ilişkin stratejilerin geliştirilmesinde bu faktörlerin dikkate alınması önerilir.

Quali-Mat

While sports activity recognition is a well studied subject in mobile, wearable and ubiquitous computing, work to date mostly focuses on recognition and counting of specific exercise types. Quality assessment is a much more difficult problem with significantly less published results. In this work, we present Quali-Mat: a method for evaluating the quality of execution (QoE) in exercises using a smart sports mat that can measure the dynamic pressure profiles during full-body, body-weight exercises. As an example, our system not only recognizes that the user is doing push-ups, but also distinguishes 5 subtly different types of push-ups, each of which (according to sports science literature and professional trainers) has a different effect on different muscle groups. We have investigated various machine learning algorithms targeting the specific type of spatio-temporal data produced by the pressure mat system. We demonstrate that computationally efficient, yet effective Conv3D model outperforms more complex state-of-the-art options such as transfer learning from the image domain. The approach is validated through an experiment designed to cover 47 quantifiable variants of 9 basic exercises with 12 participants. Overall, the model can categorize 9 exercises with 98.6% accuracy / 98.6% F1 score, and 47 QoE variants with 67.3% accuracy / 68.1% F1 score. Through extensive discussions with both the experiment results and practical sports considerations, our approach can be used for not only precisely recognizing the type of exercises, but also quantifying the workout quality of execution on a fine time granularity. We also make the Quali-Mat data set available to the community to encourage further research in the area.

Resilience in sports: a multidisciplinary, dynamic, and personalized perspective

ABSTRACT Athletes are exposed to various psychological and physiological stressors, such as losing matches and high training loads. Understanding and improving the resilience of athletes is therefore crucial to prevent performance decrements and psychological or physical problems. In this review, resilience is conceptualized as a dynamic process of bouncing back to normal functioning following stressors. This process has been of wide interest in psychology, but also in the physiology and sports science literature (e.g. load and recovery). To improve our understanding of the process of resilience, we argue for a collaborative synthesis of knowledge from the domains of psychology, physiology, sports science, and data science. Accordingly, we propose a multidisciplinary, dynamic, and personalized research agenda on resilience. We explain how new technologies and data science applications are important future trends (1) to detect warning signals for resilience losses in (combinations of) psychological and physiological changes, and (2) to provide athletes and their coaches with personalized feedback about athletes’ resilience.

An extended challenge-based framework for practice design in sports coaching

ABSTRACT The challenge-point framework as a model for thinking about motor learning was first proposed in 2004. Although it has been well-cited, surprisingly this framework has not made its way into much of the applied sport science literature. One of the reasons for this omission is that the original framework had not been encapsulated into a paper accessible for sports practitioners. The framework had mostly a theoretical focus, providing a mechanistic summary of motor learning research. Our aims in this paper were to explain and elaborate on the challenge point framework to present an applied framework guiding practice design. We connect the framework to other theories that involve predictive coding, where information is attended when it disconfirms current predictions, providing a strong signal for learning. We also consider how two new dimensions (learners’ motivation and practice specificity) need to be considered when designing practice settings. By moving around the different dimensions of functional difficulty, motivation, and specificity, coaches can optimize practice to achieve different learning goals. Specifically, we present three general “types” of practice: practice to learn, to transfer to competition, and to maintain current skills. Practical examples are given to illustrate how this framework can inform coach practice.

Effect of protocol on peak power output in continuous incremental cycle exercise tests.

Peak power output ([Formula: see text]peak) in an incremental exercise test (EXT) is considered an important predictor of performance for cyclists. However, [Formula: see text]peak is protocol dependent. The purpose of this study was to model the effect of EXT design on [Formula: see text]peak. An adapted version of a previously developed mathematical model was used. For the purpose of validity testing, we compared predicted [Formula: see text]peak differences (predicted Δ[Formula: see text]peak) with actual Δ[Formula: see text]peak found in sports science literature. The model quantified Δ[Formula: see text]peak between 36 EXT designs with stage durations in the range 1-5min and increments in the range 10-50W. Predicted Δ[Formula: see text]peak and actual Δ[Formula: see text]peak across a wide range of performance levels of cyclists were in good agreement. Depending on the specific combination of increment and stage duration, [Formula: see text]peak may be widely different or equivalent. A minimum difference in increment (5W) or in stage duration (1min) already results in significantly different [Formula: see text]peak. In EXTs having the same ratio between increment and stage duration, [Formula: see text]peak in the EXT with the shortest stage duration or the greatest increment is significantly higher. Tests combining 15W, 25W or 40W increments with 2, 3 and 4min stage durations, respectively, are 'special' in that their [Formula: see text]peak approximates the power output associated with maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]). The modeling results allow comparison of [Formula: see text]peak between widely different EXT designs. Absolute performance level does not affect Δ[Formula: see text]peak. [Formula: see text]peak15/2, [Formula: see text]peak25/3 and [Formula: see text]peak40/4 constitute a practical physiologic reference for performance diagnostics and exercise intensity prescription.

Perceptions of performance determinants and evidence-based practice in track cycling: a survey of coaches, athletes, and practitioners

Introduction: Track cyclists, at an elite level, must have highly developed physical, mental, tactical, and technical qualities to enable competitive performance. There is limited existing literature specifically within track cycling to understand and improve performance. So, how track cyclists, their coaches, and the various practitioners they work with develop each of those components of performance is of great interest. A major limitation of sport science literature is that published research does not always fit the needs or resources of those translating it to practice. It is imperative researchers clarify what areas of performance those within the sport value most (or least), and what issues are currently existing that prevent research findings being implemented in practice. The purpose of this research was to understand how those within track cycling: acquire and develop knowledge and training practices; value various areas of performance; and, implement research in practice. Methods: An online survey of track cycling coaches, athletes, and practitioners was conducted using REDCap. The survey included questions across five topics: demographics, research area importance, knowledge acquisition and application, research relevance, and research direction. A sample of 257 respondents was sought to achieve a 5% error rate with 90% CI. Results: Preliminary findings (n = 150; 48 coaches, 60 athletes) show the majority of respondents developed methods by ‘observing the sport or others competing/working in it’ (86%), and ‘own participation’ (80%). The primary reason for using a practice was prior experience (84%), while individuals were least likely to use a practice if it resulted in small/marginal gains with potentially negative outcomes (27%). Areas of greatest perceived importance were Aerodynamics, Nutrition, and Tactics (98% agreed or strongly agreed). Tactics (40%) and Mental Skills (36%) were areas where evidence was perceived to be lacking, while aerodynamics (80%) was the area most new ideas are contributed. Primary barriers to implementing research into practice were athlete buy-in (78%), cost (72%), and time (70%). Discussion: Preliminary data show a large reliance on non-scientific dimensions of the evidence-based practice model. Furthermore, the vast majority of respondents reported multiple barriers that have affected implementation of research in practice. These data provide direction for researchers on specific areas of performance to focus on, as well as a number of practicality issues that must be addressed to allow easier implementation. Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest with relevance to the submitted abstract.

Dilution Method of Menthol Solutions Affects Subsequent Perceptual Thermal Responses during Passive Heat Exposure in Non-Heat Acclimated Participants

Due to its volatility, the qualitative experience of menthol may be modulated by its preparation and combination with other compounds. One such method of preparation is dilution, with two dilution methods existing within the sport and exercise science literature, where menthol is used to impart feelings of oral cooling and improve thermal comfort and sensation during heat exposure. This study compared these two dilution methods; one using a solvent the other using temperature, via a randomized counterbalanced repeated measures design (n = 12; Height: 174.0 ± 8.5 cm Mass: 73.4 ± 13.3 kg Age: 28.7 ± 8.4 y; two exposures to each solution) to assess the effect of solution and heat exposure, upon thermal comfort, thermal sensation and associated physiological parameters in non-heat acclimated participants. Thermal comfort was significantly affected by solution (p = 0.041; η2 = 0.017) and time (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.228), whereas thermal sensation was significantly affected by time only (p = 0.012; η2 = 0.133), as was tympanic temperature (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.277). Small to moderate clear differences between solutions at matched time points were also observed. These trends and effects suggest that, depending upon the dilution method employed, the resultant perceptual effects are likely impacted; this also likely depends upon the timing of menthol administration within a heat exposure session.

\u201cLearning by Design\u201d: What Sports Coaches can Learn from Video Game Designs

There have been multiple calls made in the sport science literature for the promotion of interdisciplinarity to progress some of sports’ most prevailing challenges. Designing practice environments that support learning represents one such challenge, particularly given contemporary perspectives of skill acquisition and motor learning calls for coaches to realign their role—progressing toward the designers of practice tasks that promote athlete-environment interactions. In doing so, performers learn through exploration, deepening a relationship with their performance environment as they solve problems based on changing and interacting constraints. This paper illustrates an interdisciplinary approach to the area of learning through sport practice by adapting established principles embedded in video game designs. Specifically, 13 principles common to good video game designs are described, with practical examples of each provided across different sports. Fundamentally, this paper aims to offer sports practitioners with an overview and application of key principles that could support learning by design. Beyond this, the ideas presented here should further illustrate the value of interdisciplinarity in sports research and practice.