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Objective: This study investigates the concepts, knowledge, and guiding principles that inform the practice of professionals researching trauma or working directly with individuals who have lived and living experiences of trauma. These aspects are explored with the aim of identifying current practices and potential gaps which may contribute to more trauma-informed biomarker-based research approaches. Method: The perspectives of experts were explored through semi-structured interviews with seven participants; these individuals represented trauma research, clinical practice, and trauma-informed physical activity domains. Results: A thematic analysis of the collected data revealed three focal areas highlighted by participants from all disciplines: "If I want to know trauma in the body of a person I need to know the person's language" which related to experiences of discussing trauma with clients; "What all people need is a safe place" relayed the importance of safety for participants working with the trauma expert; and "the facilitator is not a bystander" framing trauma-related work as a collaborative process between participants and their care providers. Conclusion: Evidence of formal implementation of trauma-informed practices within research settings is lacking. This gap is identified within background literature, while the importance of implementing these practices is emphasized by the participants of this study. This presents an opportunity to apply the insights of the interviewed experts toward advancing trauma research methodologies. Adapting biomarker-based research methodologies to fit a trauma- and violence-informed model may have benefits for the quality of participant experiences, research data, and knowledge of effective interventions.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: The International Olympic Committee expert group on pregnancy has identified a paucity of information regarding training and performance in truly elite athletes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to quantify elite runners' training volume throughout pregnancy and postpartum competition performance outcomes. METHODS: Forty-two elite (>50% competed at the World Championships/Olympic) middle-/long-distance runners' training before, during, and after pregnancy (quality/quantity/type) data (retrospective questionnaire) and competition data (published online) were collected. RESULTS: Running volume decreased significantly ( P < 0.01) from the first trimester (63 ± 34 km·wk -1 ) to the third trimester (30 ± 30 km·wk -1 ). Participants returned to activity/exercise at ~6 wk postpartum and to 80% of prepregnancy training volumes by 3 months. Participants who intended to return to equivalent performance levels postpregnancy, there was no statistical decrease in performance in the 1 to 3 yr postpregnancy compared with prepregnancy, and ~56% improved performances postpregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: This study features the largest cohort of elite runners training and competition outcomes assessed throughout pregnancy, with training volumes being approximately two to four times greater than current guidelines. For the first time, performance was directly assessed (due to the quantifiable nature of elite running), and study participants who intended to return to high-level competition did so at a statistically similar level of performance in the 1- to 3-yr period postpregnancy. Taken together, this article provides much needed insights into current training practices and performance of elite pregnant runners, which should help to inform future training guidelines as well as sport policy and sponsor expectations around return to training timelines and performance.
