Collegiate Women Research Articles

The Effect of Fermented Food Containing Aspergillus Oryzae (Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI) Consumption on Abdominal Symptoms Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome in Japanese Women

Background: Psychological and physical symptoms such as irritability, headache, abdominal pain, difficulty with bowel movements, and drowsiness that occur because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle refer to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study examined whether the intake of fermented food containing Aspergillus oryza (Amazake and Raw-SHIOKOJI), a traditional Japanese food, improved the abdominal symptoms associated with PMS. Method: Eleven healthy Japanese collegiate women in their 20s participated in this interventional study. The study period was set to 28 days per phase, and the participants were examined over three separate phases: before, during, and after the intake of Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI. The participants were instructed to maintain a daily record of their food intake, bowel movements and menstruation throughout the study period. Results: The intake of fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate among 11 participants were similar, with no significant difference between the two groups. Menstrual abdominal discomfort in women in their 20s was noted during the luteal and menstrual phases. Eight participants (72.7%) experienced abdominal discomfort during the luteal phase and all participants experienced abdominal discomfort during the menstrual phase. Consuming fermented food containing Aspergillus oryzae may reduce PMS abdominal symptoms by 72.7%. Conclusion: This study showed that consumption of food containing Aspergillus oryzae reduced abdominal discomfort associated with the luteal phase and may improve menstruating women's health and quality of life.

A Comparison of Match External Load Demands Across Women's Collegiate Field Sports.

Kuhlman, NM, Jagim, AR, Jones, MT, Feit, MK, and Fields, JB. A comparison of match external load demands across women's collegiate field sports. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Historically, soccer (SOC), lacrosse (LAX), and field hockey (FH) have been grouped together as "field sports" due to their intermittent nature of match play and similar physiological demands. However, questions have emerged regarding potential variations in demands between sports. The purpose of this study was to compare external match workloads between collegiate women's SOC, LAX, and FH, and examine within-sport positional differences. Athletes (SOC: n = 15; LAX: n = 15; FH: n = 14) wore a global positioning system device during all matches throughout a competitive season. External load metrics included in the analysis were total distance (TD), sprint distance (SD), accelerations (>3 m·s-2), sprint efforts (SE), player load (PL), PL per minute (PL/min), top speed (m·s-1), and distances covered in select speed zones. Soccer performed higher external load volumes (TD, PL) (p ≤ 0.025) but incurred lower intensities (SD, SE, accelerations) (p < 0.001) compared with LAX and FH. Within-sport positional differences were apparent in SOC (p < 0.001-0.018), LAX (p < 0.001-0.045), and FH (p < 0.001-0.004). However, FH exhibited more positional variance in external load metrics compared with SOC or LAX. Field hockey midfielders covered greater volumes (TD, PL) compared with attackers and defenders (p < 0.001), while attackers sustained greater intensities (SD, SE, top speed) compared with midfielders and defenders (p < 0.004). Results indicate that there are significant differences in external workload parameters between sports and across positions. Practitioners should tailor sport-specific and position-specific programs to match demands, and future research should explore the proposed categorizations of LAX as a "fast collision invasion sport," FH as a "fast contact invasion sport," and SOC as a "slow contact invasion sport."

Post-performance Recovery And Musculoskeletal Injury Risk In Collegiate Women’S Hockey Players

Post-performance Recovery And Musculoskeletal Injury Risk In Collegiate Women’S Hockey Players

Seasonal Changes in Match Demands and Workload Distribution in Collegiate Soccer Across Two Seasons.

Floersch, S, Vidden, C, Askow, AT, Jones, MT, Fields, JB, and Jagim, AR. Seasonal changes in match demands and workload distribution in collegiate soccer across two seasons. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1440-1446, 2024-The purpose of this study was to examine seasonal changes in match demands in a collegiate women's soccer team. Forty-eight NCAA Division III women soccer athletes (age: 19.5 ± 1.2 years; height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 64.8 ± 7.4 kg; fat-free mass: 50.0 ± 4.5 kg; body fat %: 22.6 ± 6.0) were equipped with wearable global positioning systems with inertial sensors and heart rate (HR) monitors during matches throughout the 2019 (n = 22) and 2021 seasons (n = 26). Players were classified by position: flank player (FP; n = 28), center midfielder (CM; n = 11), and center back fielder (CB; n = 9) and as starters (S, n = 17) or reserves (R, n = 31). Variables included HR, training load, total distance, high-speed distance, distance per minute, and weighted distance. Differences in match and practice session demands were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with season (2 levels; 2019 and 2021) as a fixed factor, with alpha set to p = 0.05. Data across all matches and training sessions were collapsed and presented as mean ± SD for descriptive purposes and then grouped by session type (i.e., match or training) and position. Athletes traveled more distance at high speeds during match play in the 2021 season compared with 2019 (mean difference, 95% confidence intervals [CI]) (200, 95% CI: 104, 304 km; p < 0.05) but had a lower training load in 2021 compared with 2019 (-50, 95% CI: -63, -36; p < 0.05) during match play. For training sessions, mean HR (4, 95% CI: 2, 5 bpm), total distance (0.5, 95% CI: 0.4, 0.7), distance per minute (5.6, 95% CI: 4.5, 6.7 m·min-1), high-speed distance (43, 95% CI: 43, 18, 67 m), high accelerations (8.6, 95% CI: 5.4, 11.8 n), and high accelerations per minute (0.1, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.1 n·min-1) were all higher in 2021 compared with 2019 (p < 0.05). As a team, several differences in measures of external workload were found between seasons in both session types (training and matches). Variations in positional demands of match play appear to fluctuate by year.

Workloads in Collegiate Women's Lacrosse Athletes During a Division II National Championship Season.

Sutton, PJ, Mumford, PW, and Sunderland, KL. Workloads in collegiate women's lacrosse athletes during a Division II national championship season. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1651-1657, 2024-A comprehensive examination of the external and internal workloads in collegiate women's lacrosse athletes has yet to be reported. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to determine the absolute and relative external and internal training and game workloads of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II women's lacrosse athletes throughout an entire season. Data from 19 Division II women's lacrosse athletes were analyzed, encompassing each training session and game across an entire competitive season (February-May). External workloads were assessed using a wearable global positioning system, whereas internal workloads were determined through heart rate (HR) variables and session rating of perceived exertion. Game days were associated with significantly ( p < 0.05) greater absolute external and internal workloads. However, when comparing workloads relative to session duration, relative workloads between training and games were no longer significant ( p > 0.05) for total distance, high-speed running (≥15 km·h -1 ), HR-derived training impulse, or caloric expenditure. Nonetheless, relative sprint distance (>19 km·h -1 ) was significantly lower during games, whereas high-intensity accelerations (>2 m·s -2 ) and decelerations (<-2 m·s -2 ) were significantly greater during training compared with games ( p < 0.05). Practical applications of these findings suggest that coaches can better prepare athletes for game day conditions by adjusting training plans to replicate the duration and intensity of games. Overall, this comprehensive examination of internal and external workloads provides valuable data for coaches and practitioners to support performance comparisons, rehabilitation protocols, and workload analyses in collegiate women's lacrosse athletes.

Tournament Recovery Profiles and Physical Demands in a Collegiate Women's Tennis Team.

Tendero-Ortiz, E, Johnson, MJ, Horsfall, CM, Vondrasek, JD, Grosicki, GJ, Riemann, BL, and Flatt, AA. Tournament recovery profiles and physical demands in a collegiate women's tennis team. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-We aimed to characterize recovery profiles and tournament physical demands in women's collegiate tennis players. A Division 1 team (n = 9) participated in the study. Markers of cardiac autonomic (resting heart rate [HR], HR variability), neuromuscular (isometric handgrip strength, seated single-arm shot-put test [SSAPT], hexagon agility, countermovement jump characteristics), and perceptual recovery were obtained before the tournament (baseline) and again 1 and 2 days posttournament. Cardiorespiratory (HR) and movement characteristics from matches were quantified with wearable devices. p values < 0.05 were statistically significant. No recovery markers differed from baseline (ps > 0.05), although small effect size reductions 1 day posttournament were noted for SSAPT, hexagon agility, and select countermovement jump characteristics. In addition, hexagon agility times and SSAPT were slower (p < 0.01) and shorter (p < 0.05), respectively, at 1 versus 2 days posttournament. Similarly, relative to 1 day posttournament, perceptual makers were improved 2 days posttournament (ps < 0.05). Mean and peak HR were higher for singles versus doubles matches (ps < 0.05). Except for average speed, movement parameters were greater during singles versus doubles matches (ps < 0.05). Markers of recovery were minimally affected 1 day posttournament relative to baseline, but perceptual and select neuromuscular markers were most improved 2 days posttournament. Thus, passive rest or limited intensity training 1 day posttournament seems advisable. Competition HR and movement profiles inform practitioners of the cardiorespiratory and locomotor demands of women's collegiate tennis, which may be useful in designing preparatory conditioning programs to ensure that players attain match-specific physical capacities in training before competition.

Residual Effects of Same Day Lower Extremity Strength Training on Countermovement Jump Performance in Collegiate Women Athletes.

Balancing of strength programming intensity with sport demands is necessary to avoid excessive workloads that could inhibit performance. To expand previous jump height focused literature, this study evaluated whether countermovement jump (CMJ) movement strategies, including eccentric characteristics, might reveal CMJ execution strategy shifts to achieve similar afternoon CMJ height following a morning resistance training session (RTS). Fifteen collegiate women's soccer and volleyball athletes (18-24 years, 73.6 ± 8.4 kg, 1.74 ± 0.19 m) participating in an offseason RTS completed five CMJs during two afternoon sessions (48 h apart), one 4-6 h post morning RTS, and one on a rest day. The RTS consisted of 2 sets of 10 repetitions at 70-80% 1RM for the back squat, the front squat, and the forward lunge. Vertical ground reaction forces were recorded from which 13 outcome measures describing elements of the eccentric and concentric CMJ phases were computed. No significant differences in jump height (p = 0.427, d = 0.17) or outcome measures (p = 0.091-0.777, d = -0.07-0.21) between sessions with exception of a significant concentric phase time decrease (p = 0.026, d = 0.23) following the RTS were identified. Given the magnitude of the mean concentric phase time change (0.01 s), the result likely has limited practical meaning. As these results confirm previous CMJ height literature, practitioners have further evidence that a morning RTS does not interfere or enhance afternoon CMJ performance in athletic women.

Collegiate women's wrestling body fat percentage and minimum wrestling weight values: time for revisiting minimal body fat percent?

The estimation of body fat percentage (BF%) in wrestling is used to determine the minimum wrestling weight (MWW) and lowest allowable weight class (MWC) in which wrestlers are eligible to compete. A 12% minimum threshold is currently used for women wrestlers, yet a potential increase for safety has been discussed. Because of the novelty of collegiate women's wrestling, there is a paucity of literature available on the body composition norms of this population. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive summary of BF% and MWW values of female wrestlers and how MWW values would change with the use of different BF% thresholds. Data from the 2022-2023 collegiate season were retrospectively analyzed resulting in a sample of 1,683 collegiate women wrestlers from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA, n = 868) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA, n = 815). All wrestlers completed skinfold assessments for weight certification at the start of the competition season. The skinfold values were used to estimate BF% using the Slaughter skinfold prediction equation. Frequency statistics and descriptive analysis were performed to compute normative MWW and BF% profiles. BF% thresholds of 12% (12MWW) and the BF% value defined as the lowest 5th percentile, which would be considered unusually lean, were used to determine the resulting MWW and MWC for each method. The lowest recorded weight and weight class division throughout the season was also recorded for each wrestler. There was a positively skewed (0.94) and platykurtic (1.86) distribution of MWW values. The median ± interquartile range BF% for all wrestlers was 27.4 ± 10.22%, with 17% BF representing the 5th percentile. Only 354 out of 1,579 (22.4%) wrestlers competed in their lowest allowable weight class, based on the 12MWW. Of these 354 wrestlers, the mean BF% was 21.3 ± 5.2% at weight certification with only n = 17 being at or below 12% body fat and an average weight loss of 11.1 ± 8.8 lbs. from the time of weight certification. Throughout the season, wrestlers competed at weights that were, on average (mean ± SD), 19.4 ± 16.9 lbs. higher than their 12MWW (95% CI: 18.6, 20.2 lbs. p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.1), 13.4 ± 19.0 lbs. higher than the 17MWW (p < 0.001; ES = 0.70), and 8.7 ± 8.3 lbs. lower than their weight at the certification (95% CI: 8.3, 9.1 lbs. p < 0.001; ES = 1.1). Nearly all BF% values were well above the 12% threshold used to determine MWW. Increasing the minimum BF% threshold from 12% to 17% would affect a small percentage of wrestlers, likely reduce the need for excessive weight cutting, and minimize the deleterious health effects of an athlete at such a low BF%.

Asymptomatic sonographic abnormalities of the hindfoot region in Division I collegiate gymnasts.

The hindfoot region is commonly injured in gymnasts, and musculoskeletal ultrasound can be used to identify structural abnormalities in this region. Although prior studies have shown that sonographic abnormalities may not correlate with symptomatic pathology, the presence of asymptomatic sonographic abnormalities of the hindfoot in Division I collegiate gymnasts has not been evaluated. To identify and describe commonly seen asymptomatic sonographic abnormalities of the hindfoot region in Division I collegiate gymnasts. Cross-sectional study. Tertiary care academic medical center. 39 Division I NCAA men's and women's collegiate gymnasts without current hindfoot pain or history of hindfoot injury. Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound of the hindfoot region. Sonographic appearance of the hindfoot region, specifically the plantar fascia, plantar fad pad, and Achilles tendon. A total of 37 of 39 gymnasts included in the study were found to have at least one asymptomatic sonographic abnormality of the hindfoot region. A total of 28.2% of athletes were found to have sonographic abnormalities within the Achilles tendon, with Doppler flow being the most common finding, and 35.8% of athletes were found to have a Haglund's deformity. However, only 7% of athletes with a Haglund's deformity demonstrated abnormal sonographic findings within the tendon. Sonographic abnormalities of the plantar fascia and plantar fat pad were seen in 30.7% and 69.2% of athletes, respectively. Asymptomatic sonographic abnormalities of the hindfoot region are common in collegiate gymnasts. Clinicians should use clinical judgment when interpreting these findings as they may not represent symptomatic pathology.

Analysis of In-Season External Load and Sport Performance in Women's Collegiate Basketball.

Brown, FSA, Fields, JB, Jagim, AR, Baker, RE, and Jones, MT. Analysis of in-season external load and sport performance in women's collegiate basketball. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 318-324, 2024-Quantifying and monitoring athlete workload throughout a competitive season is a means to manage player readiness. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to quantify practice and game external loads and to assess the relationship between such loads and basketball-specific performance metrics across a women's collegiate basketball season. Thirteen National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women basketball athletes (age 20.08 ± 1.55 years) wore Global Positioning Systems sensors equipped with triaxial accelerometers for 29 games and 66 practices during the 2019-20 season. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to assess differences in external load between high- and low-minute players and across quarters within games ( p < 0.05). Bivariate Pearson correlation coefficients were run to determine relationships between external loads and metrics of basketball performance. Findings indicated that high- and low-minute athletes experienced different loads during games and practices ( p < 0.001). External loads differed by quarter, such that player load (PL) was highest in Q4 ( p = 0.007), PL·min -1 was highest in Q1 and lowest in Q4 ( p < 0.001), and explosive ratio (i.e., ratio of PL and explosive efforts) was lowest in Q3 ( p = 0.45). Relationships existed between PL·min -1 and field goals ( r = 0.41; p = 0.02) and between the explosive ratio and free throws ( r = 0.377 p = 0.04). These results can be used to inform design of training sessions with the intent to prepare athletes for the demands of the competitive season. It is recommended that future research continue to explore the relationship of sport-specific performance metrics and athlete external load.

Fat-Free Mass Index in a Large Sample of National Collegiate Athletic Association Men and Women Athletes From a Variety of Sports.

Magee, MK, Fields, JB, Jagim, AR, and Jones, MT. Fat-free mass index in a large sample of National Collegiate Athletic Association men and women athletes from a variety of sports. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 311-317, 2024-Fat-free mass index (FFMI) can be used to categorize fat-free mass (FFM) relative to height. Normative values have been established in a variety of sports, as has suggested lower and upper thresholds of FFMI. However, FFMI has not been reported in a large sample of athletes, representing both sexes and multiple sport types. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in FFMI and establish normative values across a large sample of collegiate sports. A total of 1,961 athletes (men: n = 596, 10 sports; women: n = 1,365, 8 sports) participated. Height and mass were measured using a stadiometer and calibrated digital scale, respectively. Fat-free mass was assessed with air displacement plethysmography and used to calculate FFMI. Kruskal-Wallis test and one-way analysis of variance evaluated differences in FFMI in women's and men's sports, respectively. When collapsed across sport type and stratified by sex, men had a higher FFMI (21.5 ± 1.9 kg·m -2 vs. 17.9 ± 1.8 kg·m -2 ; p < 0.001). Differences occurred in FFMI across sport. In women, basketball athletes had the highest FFMI (18.9 kg·m -2 ) and highest 99th percentile for FFMI, whereas rowers had the lowest (16.9 kg·m -2 ). In men, throwers had the highest FFMI (25.7 kg·m -2 ) and highest 99th percentile, whereas volleyball athletes had the lowest (19.9 kg·m -2 ). Differences in FFMI may be attributable to dietary habits and physiological demands of respective sports. These results can provide information relative to differences in FFMI values across sports. In addition, sport-specific normative values can be used as benchmarks and targets for training, nutrition, and goal setting.

Sexual assault characteristics and posttraumatic stress symptoms among collegiate women: The role of posttraumatic cognitions.

Although it is well-established that sexual assault is a risk factor for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and other negative mental health outcomes, research is needed to help identify which individuals are most likely to experience ongoing distress following sexual assault. Negative cognitions following trauma may be influenced by sexual assault characteristics and have been shown to be associated with PTSS. The present study examined whether sexual assault characteristics were associated with PTSS by way of posttraumatic cognitions in a sample of 475 female college students who had experienced a sexual assault since the age of 14 years. Participants completed an online survey that included questions about sexual assault characteristics (i.e., whether the perpetrator used force, whether they experienced a freeze response), posttraumatic cognitions, and PTSS. Path analysis revealed that survivors who indicated they froze during the assault reported higher levels of PTSS, total effect = .28, p < .001, direct effect = .19, p < .001; posttraumatic cognitions regarding others, indirect effect = .02, p = .047, and other-safety, indirect effect = .05, p = .003, partially accounted for this association. Only the direct effect of perpetrator use of force on PTSS was statistically significant, total effect = .23, p = .090, direct effect = .16, p = .009; none of the indirect effects were statistically significant, ps = .063-.669. The results support that assault characteristics are associated with postassault outcomes and are consistent with the cognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Wellness Responses During Different Length Match Microcycles in Collegiate Women’s Lacrosse

Wellness Responses During Different Length Match Microcycles in Collegiate Women’s Lacrosse

Analysis of Accumulated Workloads and Performance Testing Across a Collegiate Women's Lacrosse Season.

Fields, JB, Kuhlman, NM, Jagim, AR, Dulak-Sigler, C, and Jones, MT. Analysis of accumulated workloads and performance testing across a collegiate women's lacrosse season. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2213-2221, 2023-Monitoring accumulated workloads, acute:chronic workload ratios (ACWR), and training monotony (TM) are practical methods for monitoring athlete physical stress. Performance testing provides useful information about the changing nature of physical abilities. Therefore, the purpose was to examine differences in accumulated workloads based on session type, explore seasonal trends in ACWR and TM, and assess changes in performance assessments in collegiate women's lacrosse athletes. Athletes, who were identified as starters ( n = 12), wore positional monitoring technology during training sessions ( n = 61) and games ( n = 17) and completed preseason and postseason assessments of speed, agility, power (jump tests), strength, aerobic capacity, and body composition. Separate 1-way analyses of variance were used to determine differences in accumulated workloads for session type and differences in performance assessments from preseason to postseason ( p < 0.05). When compared with games, practice sessions elicited greater ( p < 0.001) accumulated total distance, player load, repeated high-intensity efforts, accelerations, change of direction, explosive efforts, high-speed efforts ( p = 0.002), and high-speed distance ( p = 0.002). Throughout the season, ACWR and TM ranged from 0.16 to 1.40 AU and 0.68-1.69 AU, respectively. The 40-yd sprint ( p < 0.001) and pro-agility ( p < 0.001) improved from preseason to postseason, whereas no changes in aerobic capacity, lower-body power, or strength were observed ( p > 0.05). The monitoring of accumulated loads, ACWR and TM, and performance tests revealed novel information about the seasonal demands of collegiate women's lacrosse. Women lacrosse players are able to improve speed and agility throughout the season, while maintaining strength, power, and endurance, with minimal reductions in fat-free mass.

Comparison of Match External Loads across a Men's and Women's Lacrosse Season.

The purpose of this study was to compare external workloads between collegiate men's (MLAX) and women's lacrosse (WLAX) matches and examine positional differences across the season. Athletes (MLAX: n = 10; WLAX: n = 13) wore a global positional system device during all matches. External load metrics included in the analysis were total distance (TD), sprint distance (SD), accelerations (>3 m/s2), sprint efforts, player load per minute (PL/min), top speed, and distances spent in various speed zones. WLAX had higher TD (p = 0.001), SD (p < 0.001), distances in SZs 2-5 (p < 0.001), PL (p < 0.001), and sprint efforts (p < 0.001) compared to MLAX. However, MLAX performed more acceleration (p < 0.001) and deceleration (p < 0.001) efforts. WLAX midfielders (M) and defenders (D) reached higher top speeds and performed more accelerations than attackers (p < 0.001). Midfielders covered the greatest distance at high speeds (p = 0.011) and the smallest distance at low speeds (<0.001) for WLAX. For MLAX, midfielders performed the highest SDs, top speeds, accelerations, decelerations, and distances in higher speed zones (p < 0.001) compared to attackers and defenders. Results indicate that there are significant gender and positional differences in external workload demands during match play, specifically for volume- and intensity-derived workload parameters, between men's and women's lacrosse. Therefore, sports performance coaches should create gender- and position-specific conditioning programs to prepare athletes for match demands.

Comparisons Of Weekly Training Volumes Across A Season In Collegiate Female Lacrosse Athletes

The purpose of this study was to describe the in-season variations of acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) of distance, high intensity distance (HID), sprints, accelerations, and decelerations between player positions of a Division I collegiate women’s lacrosse team. Data were collected via wearable microtechnology across a total of 17 games and 64 training sessions on a total of 15 participants (attackers n=5, midfielders n=5, defenders n=5). ACWRs were calculated weekly by dividing the workload from the past seven days by the workload from the past 28 days for each metric. Two repeated measures analyses of variance (RM-ANOVA) were used to compare positional differences and weekly changes in all five metrics for 1) ACWR and 2) weekly training totals. There were several differences in weekly totals and ACWRs across all five metrics evaluated (p&lt;.05), but no positional differences were noted. Apart from the early training weeks, ACWR primarily stayed within the optimal window of 0.8-1.5 to maximize performance and reduce injury risk. These data indicate that there is variation in weekly totals for the main five metrics studied that cause “spikes” and “valleys” in workload. However, the athletes had built enough of a base in their chronic workload that it did not affect their ACWR to move outside of the optimal window. Using this information, coaches and team physicians can more effectively program training not only to optimize performance, but also to limit injuries, fatigue, and lack of fitness.

Sex Differences in Resting Metabolic Rate among Athletes and Association with Body Composition Parameters: A Follow-Up Investigation.

The purpose of this study was to examine sex differences in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and associations between measured RMR and body composition parameters in athletes. One-hundred and ninety collegiate men (n = 98; age: 20.1 ± 1.6 yr.; body mass: 92.7 ± 17.5 kg; height: 181.6 ± 6.2 cm, body mass index: 28.0 ± 4.7 kg/m2) and women (n = 92; age: 19.4 ± 1.1 yr.; body mass: 65.2 ± 11.0 kg; height: 168.0 ± 6.6 cm, body mass index: 23.0 ± 3.6 kg/m2) athletes volunteered to participate in this study. Athletes completed a body composition assessment using air displacement plethysmography and RMR using indirect calorimetry. Assessments were completed in a fasted state and after refraining from intense physical activity > 24 h prior to testing. Data were collected during the 2016-2019 seasons. Men had a higher RMR compared to women (2595 ± 433 vs. 1709 ± 308 kcals; p < 0.001); however, when adjusted for body mass (p = 0.064) and fat-free mass (p = 0.084), the observed differences were not significant. Height, body mass, body mass index, fat-free mass, and fat mass were positively associated with RMR in both men and women athletes (r = 0.4-0.8; p < 0.001). Body mass (men: β = 0.784; women: β = 0.832)) was the strongest predictor of RMR. Men athletes have a higher absolute RMR compared to their women counterparts, which is influenced by greater body mass and fat-free mass. Body mass is the strongest predictor of RMR in both men and women athletes.

Seasonal Change in Countermovement Jump Performance in NCAA Women’s Golfers

Background of Study: The countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) task has been reported to have positive associations with golf-specific performance variables. Additionally, the CMJ is commonly used to assess neuromuscular fatigue in athletic populations. Objective: Thus, this investigation sought to examine the changes in CMJ performance throughout a competitive season in NCAA collegiate women’s golfers. Methods: Using a longitudinal study design, six collegiate women golfers completed three sessions (pre, mid, and post) of CMJ testing during the spring competition period. During each testing session, two successful jump trials were collected using a portable force platform sampling at 1000 Hz. During each trial, an arm swing was restricted by the use of a dowel placed across the upper back. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine if differences were present between testing sessions. Results: Propulsive net impulse significantly increased from pre to mid (p 0.05) and pre to post (p 0.05). No other variables showed a statistically significant change over the duration of the study, though moderate effect size increases were in countermovement depth from pre to mid-testing (0.73) and jump height from pre to post-testing (0.72). Conclusions: These findings support previous findings of an increase in vertical jump performance over the course of a season in collegiate golfers, though strategies for maximal performance may shift.

Embodied regulation: the case of women collegiate athletes

In the U.S. collegiate sport system, women athletes are subjected to various kinds of stress. Within this system, the coach-athlete relationship serves as a mechanism for regulating the body and causing gendered ideals to become embodied. While the literature reveals theoretical and empirical research on the body and sport, the influence of the coach-­athlete relationship on embodiment among collegiate women athletes needs further research. Utilizing interpretive and Black feminist theories, this article examines the stress women collegiate athletes experience in this institutionalized system. Findings reveal that the organizational structure of U.S. college sport reproduces white heteronormative femininity that is harmful to women athletes. Moreover, coaches act as body regulators on behalf of the U.S. collegiate sport system to create a gendered feminine ideal body, causing stress for women collegiate athletes. This article concludes with the implications of stress and body regulation for collegiate coaches and the NCAA.

Accumulated Workload Differences in Collegiate Women's Soccer: Starters versus Substitutes.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the workloads accumulated by collegiate female soccer players during a competitive season and to compare the workloads of starters and substitutes. Data from 19 college soccer players (height: 1.58 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 61.57 ± 6.88 kg) were extracted from global positioning system (GPS)/heart rate (HR) monitoring sensors to quantify workload throughout the 2019 competitive season. Total distance, distance covered in four speed zones, accelerations, and time spent in five HR zones were examined as accumulated values for training sessions, matches, and the entire season. Repeated-measures ANOVA and Student's t tests were used to determine the level of differences between starter and substitute workloads. Seasonal accumulated total distance (p < 0.001), sprints (≥19.00 km/h; p < 0.001), and high-speed distance (≥15.00 km/h; p = 0.005) were significantly greater for starters than substitutes. Accumulated training load (p = 0.08) and training load per minute played in matches (p = 0.08) did not differ between starters and substitutes. Substitutes had similar accumulated workload profiles during training sessions but differed in matches from starters. Coaches and practitioners should pursue strategies to monitor the differences in workload between starters and substitutes.