Team Sport Athletes Research Articles

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.

The role of self-esteem on motivational aspects of Greek blind athletes competing in individual and team sports

Physical activity and sports can be considered important sources of motivation for people with visual impairments; however limited attention has been given to blind peoples' involvement in sports and to the intra-personal variables such as self-esteem and motivation that affect their sport participation. The purpose of the present study was a) to explore the relationship between self-esteem and intrinsic motivation in blind athletes, and b) to assess the levels of self-esteem and intrinsic motivation and identify differences in intrinsic motivation and self-esteem as a function of gender and sport type (individual-team sports). Participants were 78 (27 females) Greek blind athletes (30.29 ± 1.18 years of age) competing in team (N = 44) and individual (N = 34) sports. Participants completed the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory questionnaire (IMI) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) questionnaire. The findings revealed that high values on self-esteem could predict blind athletes' perceived competence (p = .001) and strengthen their intrinsic motivation while enabling them to regulate pressure and tension (p < .05). However, female athletes appeared to be more pressured than males (p < .05), and interestingly, team sport athletes scored higher in intrinsic motivation than individual sports athletes (p < .05). The findings provide useful insights regarding the role of self-esteem in blind athletes' motivational profiles and draw attention to the role of perceived competence in blind athletes' sporting experiences, emphasizing that team sport context may serve as a fertile ground for enhancing intrinsic motivation.

Can caffeine improve early morning physical performance in team athletes?

Team-athletes often perform sub-optimally in early morning qualifiers and competitions (Drust et al., 2005, Chron Int, 22, 21-24). This study investigated whether caffeine could improve morning physical performance. Ten team-sport male athletes underwent four sessions [age (mean ± SD) 21 ± 1 years, stature 180 ± 5 cm, body mass 79 ± 9 kg]. These included two familiarisation sessions, one control (no pill) session and a caffeine pill (3 mg/kg body mass) session. Participants woke at 06:30h for all conditions (consuming the caffeine at 06:30 h) before arriving in the laboratory at 07:00 h. Temperature, lactate and glucose were recorded prior to mood states (POMS) and hand-grip strength. Thereafter, a warm -up (10 km/h for 5-mins on a treadmill), 10-mins of dynamic stretching and three build up 20m sprints of 50, 70, and 90% effort were undertaken. Temperature, lactate, and glucose were then measured. The repeated sprint performance (RSP) test was undertaken in 10 × 20 m RS on an indoor runway with 30 s recovery. Following each sprint; time was recorded via cameras and reflectors (Witty, UK); heart rate (HR) was recorded via a heart rate monitor on the upper arm connected to the POLAR app; thermal comfort and RPE were taken from participant verbal feedback. After the RSP, temperature, lactate and glucose were taken a final time. It was found that caffeine did not have an effect on sprint time (F1, 9 = 1.33, P = 0.278, ES = 0.129). However, sprint time for caffeine (3.16 m/s, s = 0.2) was quicker than that of no pill (3.18 m/s, s = 0.2). There was no difference (95% CI of the mean difference= −1.527 to 0.267) between caffeine and no pill on RPE. Handgrip strength for caffeine (45.65 kg, s = 9) was higher than that of no pill (44.48 kg, s = 10) and glucose levels for caffeine were higher and lactate levels lower than that of no pill, although not significantly. There was an effect of caffeine on ‘happy’ POMS score (P = 0.006). These results showed that caffeine did improve early morning physical performance for team-athletes, although not significantly. The effectiveness of caffeine as an ergogenic aid to improve early morning physical performance was challenged but needs to be investigated further, with a larger sample, to establish levels of significance.

Band Conditioning Contractions Result in Greater Acute Performance Enhancement When Utilising Contrast Training in Elite Same Day Concurrently Trained Team Sport Athletes

Band Conditioning Contractions Result in Greater Acute Performance Enhancement When Utilising Contrast Training in Elite Same Day Concurrently Trained Team Sport Athletes

Using inertial measurement units to estimate ground reaction force and knee angular velocity during decelerations

Despite undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, athletes continue to present altered ground reaction force (GRF) and knee angular velocities (AV) for 6-24 months as they return to highly demanding tasks such as rapid decelerations (Schmitt et al., 2015, Med Sci Sports Ex, 47, 1426). In-field identification of GRF and knee AV during such deceleration tasks is challenging due to the laboratory restrictions of force platforms and 3D motion capture. Therefore, the use of inertial measurement units (IMU) has been suggested as an appropriate alternative to estimate such variables in the field (Pratt &amp; Sigward, 2018. Sensors, 3460). The study aimed to establish whether IMU-derived measures can be used to estimate GRF and knee AV that are indicative of ACL injury risk during decelerations. Following ethical approval from the Cardiff Metropolitan Ethics Committee, ten male team-sport athletes performed five maximal decelerations at three approach speeds (100, 85, and 70% relative to maximal attainable speed), for a total of fifteen trials per athlete. GRF and kinematics were measured using four Kistler force platforms and Theia3D markerless motion capture. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between IMeasureU Blue Trident IMUs mounted at the thigh or shank and vertical GRF, horizontal GRF, and knee AV during the first step of deceleration. A measure was considered field-viable if a very large significant correlation (r ≥ 0.7; P ≤ 0.05) was observed. At approach speeds of 85 and 70%, shank AV had a very large significant correlation (r = 0.79, 0.76; P = 0.001, 0.01, respectively) to vertical GRF, a moderate to large significant correlation to horizontal GRF (r = 0.46, 0.51; P = 0.04, 0.02, respectively), and a moderate significant correlation to knee AV (r =0.46, 0.40; P = 0.004, 0.02, respectively). At 100% approach speeds, shank AV had no significant correlation to GRF (r &lt;0.3; P&gt;0.05) and a moderate correlation to knee AV (r = 0.40; P = 0.02). This study was the first to find a strong association between shank AV and vertical GRF for whole-body decelerations at 85 and 70% approach speeds. This supports the use of IMUs in sport-specific settings (e.g., football pitches) to better quantify vertical GRF deficits during decelerations. This can further enhance in-field monitoring of GRF deficits and better assess athletes' readiness to return to sport following ACL reconstruction. However, alternative methods are required to accurately estimate horizontal GRFs and knee AV in the field.

Exercise addiction in team sports: A systematic literature review.

While regular exercise should be part of the contemporary lifestyle, many people overindulge in it to the point of losing control over their behavior. This condition is known as exercise addiction (EA). Although addiction is an individual phenomenon, and most of the over 1,000 published studies on EA look at individual exercisers, there are studies on team sports athletes, too. Theoretically, these athletes should not manifest exercise addiction, but some studies are projecting the contrary. Therefore, in this literature review, we analyze EA in team athletes. Based on four databases (PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar), we located 22 articles conforming to inclusion criteria. These studies suggest a high risk of exercise addiction among team sports participants. While the figures are lower than for individual exercisers, they are in discord with the concept of addiction as a dysfunction, and the lack of a single case of exercise addiction reported (to date) in team sports athletes in the academic literature. In agreement with a recent position paper, we conclude that there are substantial conceptual and measurement errors in exercise addiction research.

A “Think Coach, Think Male” Phenomenon: Women Coaches’ Experiences of Development, Progression, and Retention in Coaching Within the United Kingdom

Women coaches have remained underrepresented within sports coaching at all levels. Thus, the purpose of this paper was to describe the factors surrounding the development, progression, and retention of women coaches within the United Kingdom. The study involved semistructured interviews with 15 women coaches who were coaching female athletes in team sports. Content analysis of the qualitative data identified barriers and enablers at individual, interpersonal, organisational, and sociocultural levels. Results indicated that women coaches face several barriers because of their gender, which their men counterparts do not often encounter. Practically, individuals and organisations can both take action to reduce damaging stereotypical ideologies that produce challenging predicaments for women within the coaching landscape.

USE OF POST-EXERCISE RECOVERY STRATEGIES IN TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL SPORTS

INTRODUCTION The study aims to identify perceptions of recovery and actual post-exercise recovery utilized by team and individual athletes in Far North Queensland. METHODS The recovery techniques used by team and individual sport athletes of different competition levels was investigated by survey. Specifically, this study investigated if, when, why and how the following recovery strategies were used: active land-based recovery (ALB), active water-based recovery (AWB), stretching (STR), cold water immersion (CWI) and contrast water therapy (CWT). RESULTS Seventy-eight athletes (47 male: 31 female) mean age 25.59 ±8.48 yrs completed survey. Local competition was most represented (44%), followed by state (37%), regional (13%), national (5%) and international (1%). Rugby league/ruby union were the most represented team sport (42%), followed by soccer (16%), AFL (6%), netball (6%) and remaining team sports (8%). Individual sports (24%) included swimming, running, and ultra-marathon. A total of 84% of participants self-reported performing a recovery strategy following either competition, after pre-season training or after in-season training. Most popular recovery methods, stretch (28%), ice bath (26%), massage (14%) and sleep (10%). Stretching was the most effective recovery strategy, with 38% ‘always’ performing stretching after a game, 36% during pre-season training and 40% in season training. Self-report by athletes was suggestive of the more physiological being the most important, stating that the strategies helped speed up recovery, increase blood flow, decrease inflammation, swelling and soreness. CONCLUSION To date the survey data suggests athletes reporting why they believe recovery strategies are effective/ineffective are more aware of the physiological recovery aspects, and less so on psychological aspects. This suggests potential targeted education on psychological aspects of recovery and recovery related to heat and humidity aspects to assist in developing best practice guidelines and education for athletes and coaches.

Injury risk potential and flexibility level: An analysis of amateur team sport athletes

Background Problems: Sports injuries are a severe problem that can affect an athlete's career, including those active in team sports such as basketball, volleyball, and futsal. Research Objectives: This study aims to analyse the potential risk of injury and the level of flexibility of amateur athletes at Universitas Negeri Semarang. Methods: This research is a quantitative descriptive study using the sampling technique, namely purposive sampling, to obtain a total sample of 90 athletes. Instruments to measure the potential risk of injury use the functional movement screen (FMS) and the level of flexibility using the sit-and-reach test. The data analysis techniques use descriptive statistical analysis. Findings and Results: The results of the FMS analysis showed that most male and female amateur athletes had a low level of injury risk. Flexibility measurements show that most male and female amateur athletes have good flexibility. This study contributes to understanding the potential risk of injury and the level of flexibility in amateur team sport athletes. Conclusion: The findings can assist coaches and teams in designing more effective training programmes to improve athletes' physical health and performance. Further research is recommended to analyse other physical condition component variables, as well as research subjects from different age groups. In addition, it is also recommended that more research samples from various levels of athletes be examined.