The effect of weapon handling during load carriage across a range of military-relevant walking speeds.

This study investigated the effects of weapon handling on the physiological responses and walking-gait kinematics during load carriage. Seventeen soldiers completed four twelve-minute bouts of treadmill walking at incremental speeds (3.5, 5.5, 6.5 km.h-1 and self-selected) carrying 23.2-kg of additional load, while either handling a weapon or not handling a weapon. Physiological, perceptual and biomechanical outcomes were measured throughout each trial. A weapon-by-speed interaction (p < .05) was observed for hip flexion-extension during loading response and mid-swing. Weapon handling elevated (p < .05) cardiorespiratory responses at 6.5 km.h-1. Main effects (p < .05) of weapon handling were observed for ventilation, oxygen pulse, effort perception, stride length and knee flexion-extension during toe-off. No main effects of weapon handling were observed for any other biomechanical measures. These findings demonstrate that physiological and biomechanical responses to weapon handling are likely walking-speed dependent.Practitioner summary: Weapon handling is an important part of many load-carriage tasks but is rarely investigated. Physiological and biomechanical responses were assessed at incremental speeds during load carriage. Despite similar biomechanics, there was greater physiological demands at faster walking speeds, suggesting an increased contribution from isometric muscle contractions for weapon stabilisation.

The Strength and Power Profile of Junior and Senior Female Rugby League Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Flannery, L, Secomb, JL, West, MA, Compton, HR, and Dascombe, BJ. The strength and power profile of junior and senior female rugby league athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The purpose of this study was to compare the lower-body strength and power profiles of the various female rugby league (RL) competition levels, thereby establishing normative data for these athletes. Seventy-nine female RL athletes from 3 different competition levels: junior-state (n = 45, age: 17.5 ± 0.6 years), senior-state (n = 15, age: 24.3 ± 3.7 years), and senior-national (n = 19, age: 25.4 ± 4.0 years) participated in this study. All testing was completed in a single session at the beginning of preseason, with the following assessments performed: countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and bilateral and unilateral isometric hip adduction and abduction strength. One-way analyses of variance with Bonferroni post hoc analyses, revealed that junior-state athletes exhibited significantly lower IMTP peak force (PF) and relative PF (rPF), and CMJ height compared with the senior-state and senior-national athletes. Importantly, senior-national athletes demonstrated significantly greater body mass (80.9 ± 14.6 kg) than senior-state athletes (70.9 ± 8.1 kg), but no significant differences were identified between these athletes for any IMTP or CMJ measure. Finally, the senior-national athletes possessed significantly lower unilateral hip adduction rPF (0.13 ± 0.04 N·BW-1) and adduction to abduction strength ratio (0.92 ± 0.14) than senior-state athletes (0.17 ± 0.03 N·BW-1 and 1.04 ± 0.13, respectively), which may have implications for noncontact lower-body injury risk. This study highlights the importance of practitioners prescribing training to increase the lower-body strength and power of junior-state RL athletes. Whereas, for senior-state athletes progressing to senior-national levels, the focus should on maintaining or improving relative strength and power, while increasing their body mass to enhance preparedness for the greater contact demands at that level.

The test-retest reliability of physiological and perceptual responses during treadmill load carriage.

PURPOSE: Understanding the test-retest reliability of physiological responses to load carriage influences the interpretation of those results. The aim of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of physiological measures during loaded treadmill walking at 5.5 km h-1 using the MetaMax 3B. METHODS: Fifteen Australian Army soldiers (9 male, 6 female) repeated two 12-min bouts of treadmill walking at 5.5 km h-1 in both a 7.2 kg Control condition (MetaMax 3B, replica rifle) and a 23.2 kg Patrol condition (Control condition plus vest) across three sessions, separated by one week. Expired respiratory gases and heart rate were continuously collected, with the final 3 min of data analysed. Ratings of Perceived Exertion and Omnibus-Resistance Exercise Scale were taken following each trial. Reliability was quantified by coefficient of variation (CV), intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and standard error of the measurement. RESULTS: Metabolic and cardiovascular variables were highly reliable (≤ 5% CV; excellent-moderate ICC), while the respiratory variables demonstrated moderate reliability (< 8% CV; good-moderate ICC) across both conditions. Perceptual ratings had poorer reliability during the Control condition (12-45% CV; poor ICC) than the Patrol condition (7-16% CV; good ICC). CONCLUSIONS: The test-retest reliability of metabolic and cardiovascular variables was high and relatively consistent during load carriage. Respiratory responses demonstrated moderate test-retest reliability; however, as the SWC differed with load carriage tasks, such data should be interpreted independently across loads. Perceptual measures demonstrated poor to moderate reliability during load carriage, and it is recommended that they only be employed as secondary measures.

Peak match acceleration demands differentiate between elite youth and professional football players.

Youth footballers need to be developed to meet the technical, tactical, and physical demands of professional level competition, ensuring that the transition between competition levels is successful. To quantify the physical demands, peak match intensities have been measured across football competition tiers, with team formations and tactical approaches shown to influence these physical demands. To date, no research has directly compared the physical demands of elite youth and professional footballers from a single club utilising common formations and tactical approaches. The current study quantified the total match and peak match running demands of youth and professional footballers from a single Australian A-League club. GPS data were collected across a single season from both a professional (n = 19; total observations = 199; mean ± SD; 26.7 ± 4.0 years) and elite youth (n = 21; total observations = 59; 17.9 ± 1.3 years) team. Total match demands and peak match running demands (1-10 min) were quantified for measures of total distance, high-speed distance [>19.8 km·h-1] and average acceleration. Linear mixed models and effect sizes identified differences between competition levels. No differences existed between competition levels for any total match physical performance metric. Peak total and high-speed distances demands were similar between competitions for all moving average durations. Interestingly, peak average acceleration demands were lower (SMD = 0.63-0.69) in the youth players across all moving average durations. The data suggest that the development of acceleration and repeat effort capacities is crucial in youth players for them to transition into professional competition.

Hip Strength Profiling of Ice Hockey Athletes Across Various Joint-Specific Angles: Monitoring and Injury Implications.

ABSTRACT: Secomb, JL, Kelly, M, and Dascombe, BJ. Hip strength profiling of ice hockey athletes across various joint-specific angles: monitoring and injury implications. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): e422-e429, 2023-The purpose of this research was to compare the hip adduction and abduction relative strength, adduction-to-abduction strength ratio (ADD:ABD), and interlimb asymmetries of ice hockey athletes between the typically used bilateral position and 3 unilateral positions in joint-specific angles (0°, 25°, and 50° of hip abduction) relevant to an ice hockey stride. A secondary purpose was to explore any relationships between these measures and hip and groin noncontact injuries, and self-reported pain and disability. Twenty-five semiprofessional male ice hockey athletes (26.7 ± 6.7 years) were assessed for hip abduction range of motion (ROM), hip adduction and abduction relative strength, and completed the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) questionnaire. Within-subjects repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a significant effect for the assessment position for adduction ( F1,24 = 52.4, p < 0.01) and abduction relative strength ( F1,24 = 152.1, p < 0.01), ADD:ABD ( F1,24 = 38.9, p < 0.01), and the interlimb asymmetries for each of these variables ( F1,24 = 9.8-12.3; p < 0.01), with large strength differences observed between the bilateral assessment and all unilateral assessment positions for adduction and abduction relative strength. In addition, 4 athletes experienced a noncontact hip or groin injury within 1 month after testing, and when compared with the rest of the cohort ( n = 21) with Welch's t -tests, demonstrated significantly reduced hip abduction ROM (mean difference [MD] = -8.4 ± 2.5°; p < 0.01), sport subscale score for the HAGOS questionnaire (MD = -33.9 ± 7.1; p < 0.01), and a decline in hip adduction relative strength in the unilateral position of 50° compared with the position of 25° hip abduction (MD = -13.4 ± 3.8; p = 0.04). These results suggest that practitioners working with ice hockey athletes may benefit from profiling hip strength in these unilateral joint-specific angle positions because they provide an evidence base to determine the hip strength needs of ice hockey athletes in positions associated with skating performance and noncontact hip and groin injury mechanisms (between 25° and 50° of hip abduction).

Positional and temporal differences in peak match running demands of elite football.

Temporal changes in the total running demands of professional football competition have been well documented, with absolute running demands decreasing in the second half. However, it is unclear whether the peak match running demands demonstrate a similar decline. A total of 508 GPS files were collected from 44 players, across 68 matches of the Australian A-League. GPS files were split into the 1st and 2nd half, with the peak running demands of each half quantified across 10 moving average durations (1-10 min) for three measures of running performance (total distance, high-speed distance [> 19.8 km · h-1] and average acceleration). Players were categorised based on positional groups: attacking midfielder (AM), central defender (CD), defensive midfielder (DM), striker (STR), wide defender (WD) and winger (WNG). Linear mixed models and effect sizes were used to identify differences between positional groups and halves. Peak running demands were lower in the second half for STR across all three reported metrics (ES = 0.60-0.84), with peak average acceleration lower in the second half for DM, WD and WNG (ES = 0.60-0.70). Irrespective of match half, AM covered greater peak total distances than CD, STR, WD and WIN (ES = 0.60-2.08). Peak high-speed distances were greater across both halves for WIN than CD, DM and STR (ES = 0.78-1.61). Finally, STR had lower peak average acceleration than all positional groups across both halves (ES = 0.60-1.12). These results may help evaluate implemented strategies that attempt to mitigate reductions in second half running performance and inform position specific training practices.

Temporal distribution of peak running demands relative to match minutes in elite football.

The peak match running demands of football (soccer) have been quantified across time durations of 1-10 min, however, little is known as to when the peak match running demands occur within match play. Data were collected from 44 elite footballers, across 68 fixtures (Files = 413, mean ± SD; 11 ± 8 observations per player, range; 1-33), with peak match running demands quantified for each playing half at ten incremental rolling average durations (1 min rolling averages, 2 min rolling averages, etc.). Data were assessed if players completed the full match. Three measures of running performance were assessed total distance (TD), high-speed distance (> 19.8 km · h-1) (HSD) and average acceleration (AveAcc)], with the in-game commencement time of the peak running demands recorded. Descriptive statistics and normality were calculated for each rolling average duration, with the self-containment of shorter rolling average epochs within longer epochs also assessed (e.g. Do the 1 min peak running demands occur within the 10 min peak running demands). Peak TD and AveAcc demands occurred early in each half (median time = 7-17 min and 6-16 min, respectively). Conversely, peak HSD covered was uniformly distributed (Skewness = 0-0.5, Kurtosis = 1.7-2.0). There were low-moderate levels of self-containment for each peak match running period (10-51%), dependent upon metric. Peak match running demands for TD and AveAcc occurred at similar stages of a match where TD and acceleration volumes are typically greatest, whereas peak HSD demands appeared more unpredictable. These timings may help inform training prescriptions in preparation of athletes for competition.

Between-match variation of peak match running intensities in elite football.

Peak match running intensities have recently been introduced to quantify the peak running demands of football competition, across incremental time intervals, to inform training practices. However, their between-match variation is yet to be comprehensively reported, limiting the ability to determine meaningful changes in peak match running intensities. The current study aimed to quantify the between-match variability in peak match running intensities across discrete moving average durations (1-10 min). GPS data were collected from 44 elite football players across 68 matches (mean ± SD; 13 ± 10 observations per player). For inclusion players must have completed 70mins of a match across a minimum of two matches. Performance metrics included total and high-speed (> 19.8 km · h-1) running distances and average acceleration (m · s-2), expressed relative to time. For each metric, the coefficient of variation and smallest worthwhile difference were calculated. The peak match running intensity data was similar to previously reported data from various football competitions. The between-match CV of relative total distance ranged between 6.8-7.3%, with the CV for average acceleration and relative high-speed running being 5.4-5.8% and 20.6-29.8%, respectively. The greater variability observed for relative high-speed running is likely reflective of the varying constraints and contextual factors that differ between matches. The reported between-match variability helps to provide context when interpreting match performance and prescribing training drills using peak match running intensity data.

Validity and between-unit agreement of commercially-available linear position transducer and inertial sensor devices during loaded countermovement jumps.

To assess the validity and between-unit agreement of velocity monitoring devices during incrementally-loaded countermovement jumps (CMJ), 16 males (24.0 ± 3.5 yr) completed 12 CMJs on a force plate (FP). Performance variables were collected through two linear position transducers (GymAware [GA]) and four accelerometer-based devices (two PUSH units, two Bar Sensei units). Pearson correlations (r) and coefficients of variation (CV) demonstrated strong to very-strong relationships (r = 0.60-0.88) and poor agreement (CV = 11.7-25.3%) between FP and GA, and moderate to very-strong relationships (r = 0.31-0.81) and poor agreement (CV = 10.1-24.2%) between FP and PUSH. Between-unit comparisons demonstrated moderate to very-strong relationships (r = 0.50-0.88) with poor agreement (CV = 10.8-26.6%) for GA, and very weak to very-strong relationships (r = 0.01-0.87) with moderate to poor agreement (CV = 9.1-24.1%) for PUSH. Bar Sensei units were excluded from analyses. Loaded CMJ data collected with either device displayed poor agreement with a FP. Velocity monitoring devices demonstrate poor validity across all loads; however, GA demonstrated strong between-unit agreement. A FP should be utilised to accurately assess CMJ performance at all times.

Grip position affects upper limb kinematic chain during tennis double-handed backhand topspin strokes: considerations for transitioning tennis grip position technique.

The purpose of this study was to compare the upper limb kinematic chain of tennis players using either an eastern or continental non-dominant grip position during the forward swing of the double-handed backhand stroke. Sixteen right-handed tennis players performed backhands using two non-dominant grip positions (eastern and continental), aiming for two cross-court zones (deep and short). Trajectory data were captured using sixty reflective markers attached to the upper limb and racket using a 12-camera Vicon motion capture system (250 Hz). Peak angular velocity was significantly greater for multiple joint rotations at the dominant shoulder and entire non-dominant limb in the eastern grip. Subsequently, greater peak racket head angular velocity and post-impact ball speed were generated by the eastern grip, while shot accuracy was similar between grip types. There was delayed dominant shoulder peak adduction angular velocity for the continental grip, possibly due to a lack of skill familiarity causing changes in coordinative patterns. Collectively, the non-dominant grip position appears to influence proximal and distal upper limb movement. Future research should explore upper limb segment coordination comparing preferred and non-preferred double-handed backhand techniques and complete inter-disciplinary investigations to understand what grip positions are most effective for individuals to learn double-handed backhands.

Load Centralization Does Not Affect the Kinetic and Kinematic Output of Countermovement Jumps.

ABSTRACT: Tredrea, MSJ, Middleton, KJ, Bourne, MN, Carey, DL, Scanlan, AT, and Dascombe, BJ. Load centralization does not affect the kinetic and kinematic output of countermovement jumps. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1084-1089, 2022-This study aimed to compare the kinetics, kinematics, and performance of countermovement jumps (CMJs) when completed with 2 different loading conditions (centralized or peripheral) across increasing loads. Seventeen subjects (12 men and 5 women) randomly completed 2 series of CMJs with increasing loads separated by a 30-minute rest period between conditions. Subjects were loaded with either a weighted vest (centralized) or straight barbell (peripheral). A randomized, counterbalanced crossover design was used with incremental loads of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% of body mass added to the vest or barbell. Measures of peak force, acceleration, velocity, and power were calculated across each subphase of the CMJs. No significant differences were observed in kinetic or kinematic variables between loading conditions. Within each condition there were significant reductions (p < 0.05) in peak concentric velocity and acceleration, as well as significant increases (p < 0.05) in peak force when the external load increased. Furthermore, braking and propulsive phase duration significantly increased (p < 0.05) and jump height significantly decreased (p < 0.05) as the external load increased. Countermovement jump performance was similar in both central and peripheral loading, whereas increasing load significantly affected jump height, force, velocity, and acceleration variables irrespective of load position. The training stimulus from an external load placed centrally or peripherally is similar regardless of where it is positioned; however, from a practical perspective, a weighted vest may provide a more mobile and safer alternative than a barbell.

Development of a Twenty20 Field-Based Simulation for Cricket Fast Bowlers (FBS-T20).

ABSTRACT: Milne, EC, Vickery, WM, Dascombe, BJ, and Borges, NR. Development of a twenty20 field-based simulation for cricket fast bowlers (FBS-T20). J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2905-2911, 2022-This project assessed the validity and reliability of a novel Twenty20 cricket pace bowling simulation (FBS-T20) that could be used to facilitate match-specific testing and training outside of match play. Six recreational pace bowlers completed 3 identical sessions of the FBS-T20. The FBS-T20 consisted of 4 bowling and 16 fielding overs. During the bowling overs, a bowling accuracy test and bowling approach speed were measured, whereas during the fielding overs, 10-m sprint performance was assessed. Distance covered, heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also collected throughout the FBS-T20. Validity was determined through comparison with previously reported Twenty20 pace bowling match demands, and intersession reliabilities were assessed. Distances covered in speed zones were valid ( p > 0.05) with the exception of significantly lower jog values in the FBS-T20 (957-1,279 vs. 2,195 m; p = 0.04-<0.001). The maximal HR was found to be valid, but the mean HR was significantly higher than previously published data (147-151 bpm vs. 133 bpm; p = 0.014-0.003). Distances covered demonstrated high levels of reliability, with increasing reliability found after additional sessions (coefficient of variation [CV]% = 3.8-14.4). The HR (CV% = 4.8-6.3) and session RPE (CV% = 10.8) demonstrated moderate reliability, whereas approach speed, 10-m sprint, and bowling skills test results possessed low levels of reliability. The FBS-T20 is a practically viable testing and training tool that is valid and reliable for distances covered at high speeds. One full familiarization session is recommended for optimal reliability.

A kinematic analysis of the upper limb during the topspin double-handed backhand stroke in tennis.

The purpose of this study was to compare double-handed backhand kinematics of the non-dominant wrist of tennis players using either an eastern or continental grip position with the non-dominant hand. Trajectory data were captured using sixty reflective markers on sixteen sub-elite right-handed tennis players using a 12-camera VICON motion capture system (250 Hz). Participants executed double-handed backhands using two non-dominant grip positions (Eastern [E] and Continental [C]), aiming for two crosscourt zones (Deep [D] and Short [S]), totalling to four conditions (ED, CD, ES and CS). Three successful attempts from each condition were selected for analysis. The eastern grip demonstrated faster horizontal racket head velocity compared to the continental grip. However, no differences were observed in accuracy or spin rate between grips (p > 0.05). In the non-dominant upper limb, elbow flexion was smaller in the continental condition throughout the swing, whilst wrist extension and ulnar deviation was larger. Collectively, these data suggest that the continental grip may place the wrist in a position vulnerable to overuse injury. Future research into the kinetics of the double-handed backhand would help better understand the onset of ulnar-side wrist pain in tennis.

Treadmill load carriage overestimates energy expenditure of overground load carriage.

This study compared physiological and biomechanical responses between treadmill and overground load carriage. Thirty adults completed six 10-minute walking trials across three loads (0, 20, and 40% body mass) and two surfaces (treadmill and overground). Relative oxygen consumption was significantly greater on the treadmill for 20% (1.54 ± 0.20 mL⋅kg-1⋅min-1) and 40% loads (1.08 ± 0.20 mL⋅kg-1⋅min-1). All other physiological and perceptual responses were significantly higher in the treadmill condition and with increases in load. Stance time was longer (0%: 0.05 s; 20%: 0.02 s, 40%: 0.05 s, p < 0.001) and cadence was lower (0%: 1 step·min-1; 20%: 2 steps·min-1; 40%: 3 steps·min-1, p < 0.05) on the treadmill. Peak lower limb joint angles were similar between surfaces except for ankle plantar flexion, which was 8˚ greater on the treadmill. The physiological responses to treadmill-based load carriage are generally not transferable to overground load carriage and caution must be taken when conducting treadmill-based load carriage research to inform operational-based scenarios. Practitioner Summary: Literature is limited when comparing the physiological and biomechanical responses to treadmill and overground load carriage. Using a repeated measures design, it was shown that although walking kinematics are generally similar between surfaces, there was a greater physiological demand while carrying a load on a treadmill when compared with overground. Abbreviations: BM: body mass; e.g: for example; HR: heart rate; HRmax: heart rate maximum; Hz: hertz; kg: kilograms; km·h-1: kilometres per hour; L⋅min-1: litres per minute; m: metres; MD: mean difference; mL·kg-1·min-1: millilitres per kilogram per minute; mL⋅min-1: millilitres per minute; η2p: partial-eta squared; OG: overground; RPE: rating of perceived exertion; s: seconds; SD: standard deviation; SE: standard error; steps·min-1: steps per minute; TM: treadmill; V̇CO2: volume of carbon dioxide; V̇E: ventilation; V̇O2: volume of oxygen; V̇O2max: maximum volume of oxygen; y: years.

No physiological or biomechanical sex-by-load interactions during treadmill-based load carriage.

This study investigated whether physiological demand or gait mechanics differ between sexes during treadmill load carriage. Female (n = 15) and male (n = 15) military recruit-type participants with no load carriage experience completed three 10-minute walking trials at a self-selected speed with increasing relative body-borne loads (0%, 20%, and 40% body weight). A range of cardiorespiratory, perceptual and biomechanical variables were measured. Self-selected walking speed was similar between sexes (4.6-4.8 km·h-1, p > .05) and there were no significant sex-by-load interactions for any variables. Absolute VO2 and VCO2 were greater in males (difference 175-178 mL·min-1, p < .001), however, when relative to body mass, VO2 was similar between sexes (p > .05). Across all loads, cadence was 7 ± 2 steps·min-1 faster (p = .004) and stance time was 0.06 ± 0.02 s shorter (p = .013) in females. Increasing load resulted in greater physiological demand, cadence, % stance time, and step length (p < .05). Practitioner summary: Literature comparing physiological and biomechanical variables between sexes during load carriage is scarce. Physiological and biomechanical sex differences were limited to relative measures associated with physical size (height and mass). Future research may pool male and female participants when conducting trials up to ten minutes in length. Abbreviations: BW: body weight; COM: centre of mass; HR: heart rate; HRmax: maximum heart rate; RER: respiratory exchange ratio; RPE: rating of perceived exertion; VCO2: volume of carbon dioxide; VE: ventilation; VO2: volume of oxygen; VO2max: maximum volume of oxygen.

Acute Effects of Interset Rest Duration on Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Resistance Exercise in Hypoxia.

Lockhart, C, Scott, BR, Thoseby, B, and Dascombe, BJ. Acute effects of interset rest duration on physiological and perceptual responses to resistance exercise in hypoxia. J Strength Cond Res 34(8): 2241-2249, 2020-This study aimed to determine whether manipulating interset rest periods during resistance training in hypoxia impacts on physiological and perceptual responses to exercise. Twelve healthy males completed 1 repetition maximum (1RM) testing for the bilateral leg extension, before completing 4 separate randomized trials comprising 5 × 10 repetitions of leg extensions at 70% 1RM. Experimental trials were completed in both moderate hypoxia (FIO2 = 15%) and normoxia (FIO2 = 21%), using interset rest periods of both 60 and 180 seconds for each environmental condition. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to quantify muscle oxygenation of vastus lateralis , and surface electromyography assessed the activation of vastus lateralis and medialis. Blood lactate concentration ([BLa]) and midthigh circumference were assessed before and immediately after each trial. Heart rate (HR) responses, blood oxygen saturation, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also assessed after each set and the whole session RPE (sRPE). Perceived quadriceps soreness was reported before, immediately after, and at 24 and 48 hours after each trial. Muscle activation (sets 4-5), RPE (sets 3-5), and sRPE were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the 60-second trials of the resistance exercise protocol. Significant increases (p < 0.01) were observed for [BLa] and midthigh circumference across sets within each condition. No significant main effect was observed for interset rest duration or environmental condition for muscle oxygenation, HR, or perceived quadriceps soreness. These findings indicate that performing resistance exercise in hypoxia or normoxia with shortened interset rest periods increases muscle activation and perceived exertion, without exacerbating muscle soreness.

Developing Athlete Monitoring Systems in Team Sports: Data Analysis and Visualization.

In professional team sports, the collection and analysis of athlete-monitoring data are common practice, with the aim of assessing fatigue and subsequent adaptation responses, examining performance potential, and minimizing the risk of injury and/or illness. Athlete-monitoring systems should be underpinned by appropriate data analysis and interpretation, to enable the rapid reporting of simple and scientifically valid feedback. Using the correct scientific and statistical approaches can improve the confidence of decisions made from athlete-monitoring data. However, little research has discussed and proposed an outline of the process involved in the planning, development, analysis, and interpretation of athlete-monitoring systems. This review discusses a range of methods often employed to analyze athlete-monitoring data to facilitate and inform decision-making processes. There is a wide range of analytical methods and tools that practitioners may employ in athlete-monitoring systems, as well as several factors that should be considered when collecting these data, methods of determining meaningful changes, and various data-visualization approaches. Underpinning a successful athlete-monitoring system is the ability of practitioners to communicate and present important information to coaches, ultimately resulting in enhanced athletic performance.

Power Profiles of Competitive and Noncompetitive Mountain Bikers.

Novak, AR, Bennett, KJM, Pluss, MA, Fransen, J, Watsford, ML, and Dascombe, BJ. Power profiles of competitive and noncompetitive mountain bikers. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 538-543, 2019-The performance of Olympic distance cross-country mountain bikers (XCO-MTB) is affected by constraints such as erosion of track surfaces and mass start congestion which can affect race results. Standardized laboratory assessments quantify interseasonal and intraseasonal cycling potential through the assessment of multiple physiological capacities. Therefore, this study examined whether the power profile assessment (PPA) could discriminate between competitive XCO-MTB and noncompetitive mountain bikers (NC-MTB). Second, it aimed to report normative power profile data for competitive XCO-MTB cyclists. Twenty-nine male participants were recruited across groups of XCO-MTB (n = 14) and NC-MTB (n = 15) mountain bikers. Each cyclist completed a PPA that consisted of increasing duration maximal efforts (6, 15, 30, 60, 240, and 600 seconds) that were interspersed by longer rest periods (174, 225, 330, 480, and 600 seconds) between efforts. Normative power outputs were established for XCO-MTB cyclists ranging between 13.8 ± 1.5 W·kg (5-second effort) and 4.1 ± 0.6 W·kg (600-second effort). No differences in absolute peak power or cadence were identified between groups across any effort length (p > 0.05). However, the XCO-MTB cyclists produced greater mean power outputs relative to body mass than the NC-MTB during the 60-second (6.9 ± 0.8 vs 6.4 ± 0.6 W·kg; p = 0.002), 240-second (4.7 ± 0.7 vs. 3.8 ± 0.4 W·kg; p < 0.001), and 600-second (4.1 ± 0.6 vs. 3.4 ± 0.3 W·kg; p < 0.001) efforts. The PPA is a useful discriminative assessment tool for XCO-MTB and highlights the importance of aerobic power for XCO-MTB performance.

Cycling Power Profile Characteristics of National-Level Junior Triathletes.

Stevens, CJ, Bennett, KJM, Novak, AR, Kittel, AB, and Dascombe, BJ. Cycling power profile characteristics of national-level junior triathletes. J Strength Cond Res 33(1): 197-202, 2019-With the draft-legal rule recently introduced to junior triathlon competition, it has become difficult to assess cycling performance through race results. Therefore, this study assessed the cycling power profile characteristics of national-level junior triathletes to assist with physical assessment and program design. Thirteen male (17.0 ± 1.0 years) and 11 female (17.2 ± 1.3 years) national-level junior triathletes completed a cycling power profile that consisted of maximal intervals that lasted 6, 15, 30, 60, 240, and 600 seconds in duration. Each power profile was completed on a LeMond ergometer using the subject's own bicycle, with power output and cadence recorded for all intervals. Mean power output values for males (783 ± 134, 768 ± 118, 609 ± 101, 470 ± 65, 323 ± 38, and 287 ± 34 W) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than those for females (554 ± 92, 510 ± 89, 437 ± 75, 349 ± 56, 248 ± 39, and 214 ± 37 W) across all intervals, respectively. Peak power output values for males across the 6- and 15-second intervals (1,011 ± 178 and 962 ± 170 W) were also significantly higher than those for females (674 ± 116 and 624 ± 114 W), respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Developing junior triathletes should aim to increase their capacity across the power profile above the mean values listed. Athletes should further aim to have power outputs equal to that of the best performers and beyond to ensure that they can meet the demands of any competition situation.

Physical demands and technical performance in Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) competition match-play.

OBJECTIVES: To compare positional differences in the physical and technical demands of Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) match-play. A secondary aim was to examine the time course changes in activity profiles during AFLW match-play. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study. METHODS: Global positioning system data were collected from 26 players (6 positional groups) from the same club during seven AFLW matches. Absolute and relative physical performance data were categorised into total distance, high-speed running (>14.4kmh-1, HSR), very high-speed running (>18.0kmh-1, VHSR), and sprinting distance (>20.0kmh-1, Sprint). Technical performance data was obtained from a commercial statistics provider. A mixed model analysis was used to examine differences between positional groups and playing quarters. RESULTS: Absolute measures of running performance did not differ between position groups. Relative total distance was moderately greater (ES=∼0.80, p<0.05) for midfielders, small backs and small forwards (125-128mmin-1) than tall backs and tall forwards (102-107mmin-1). Relative HSR distance was greater (ES=∼0.73) for midfielders and small backs (∼28mmin-1) than tall backs (17mmin-1). Analysis of technical performance indicators showed: midfielders and small forwards had the most inside 50s; tall backs had the highest number of rebound 50s; tall forwards scored more goals; while midfielders made more tackles (p<0.05). All relative running performance measures were reduced in the fourth quarter when compared to the first and second quarters (ES=0.32-0.77). CONCLUSIONS: These data can be used as benchmarks for temporal analysis of AFLW match demands and assist in developing specific training strategies.