School of Sport and Recreation - Te Kura Hākinakina

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https://hdl.handle.net/10292/1542

Research in the School of Sport and Recreation covers sport and activity-related areas, as well as performance, nutrition, coaching and human potential. AUT is the home of New Zealand's top sport and fitness facility, AUT Millennium, and the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) is New Zealand’s number one sports research institute.

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1RM Prediction and Load-velocity Relationship
(The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, 2012) Jidovtseff, B; Cronin, J; Crielaard, J; Villaret, J; Harris, NK
No abstract.
A Global Perspective on Collision and Non-collision Match Characteristics in Male Rugby Union: Comparisons by Age and Playing Standard
(Informa UK Limited, 2023-02-19) Till, K; Hendricks, S; Scantlebury, S; Dalton-Barron, N; Gill, N; den Hollander, S; Kemp, S; Kilding, AE; Lambert, M; Mackreth, P; O’Reilly, J; Owen, C; Spencer, K; Stokes, K; Tee, J; Tucker, R; Vaz, L; Weaving, D; Jones, B
This study quantified and compared the collision and non-collision match characteristics across age categories (i.e. U12, U14, U16, U18, Senior) for both amateur and elite playing standards from Tier 1 rugby union nations (i.e. England, South Africa, New Zealand). Two-hundred and one male matches (5911 min ball-in-play) were coded using computerised notational analysis, including 193,708 match characteristics (e.g. 83,688 collisions, 33,052 tackles, 13,299 rucks, 1006 mauls, 2681 scrums, 2923 lineouts, 44,879 passes, 5568 kicks). Generalised linear mixed models with post-hoc comparisons and cluster analysis compared the match characteristics by age category and playing standard. Overall significant differences (p < 0.001) between age category and playing standard were found for the frequency of match characteristics, and tackle and ruck activity. The frequency of characteristics increased with age category and playing standard except for scrums and tries that were the lowest at the senior level. For the tackle, the percentage of successful tackles, frequency of active shoulder, sequential and simultaneous tackles increased with age and playing standard. For ruck activity, the number of attackers and defenders were lower in U18 and senior than younger age categories. Cluster analysis demonstrated clear differences in all and collision match characteristics and activity by age category and playing standard. These findings provide the most comprehensive quantification and comparison of collision and non-collision activity in rugby union demonstrating increased frequency and type of collision activity with increasing age and playing standard. These findings have implications for policy to ensure the safe development of rugby union players throughout the world.
A Low-Carbohydrate Diet in Place of SGLT2i Therapy in a Patient with Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
(Bioscientifica, 2023-12-13) Kleissl-Muir, S; Rasmussen, B; Owen, A; Zinn, C; Driscoll, A
In patients with diabetes mellitus, the toxic milieu caused by abnormal glucose and free fatty acid handling can lead to heart failure (HF). Referred to as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DMCM), this syndrome often exists in the absence of conventional risk factors for HF such as history of myocardial infarction or hypertension. Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have recently been endorsed as an efficacious therapeutic dietary approach to prevent and reverse cardiometabolic disease including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). LCDs improve systemic insulin resistance (IR), reverses cardiac remodelling in a rodent model and downregulates the expression of sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) receptors in the kidney. It is therefore conceivable that a lifestyle approach such as adopting an LCD can be offered to patients with DMCM. The reported case is that of a 45-year-old man with a 15-year history of non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, T2DM and obesity. The patient volunteered to engage in a 16-week low-carbohydrate dietary intervention trial and then self-selected to remain on this diet for 1 year. The whole-food LCD was based on simple ‘traffic light’ style food lists and not designed to restrict calories, protein, fat or salt. After 1 year, the patient had lost 39 kg and his cardiometabolic markers had significantly improved. LCDs present a potentially beneficial approach for patients with DMCM and could be considered as a lifestyle intervention before SGLT2i therapy is commenced.
A Novel Method to Assist Clinical Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury by Classifying Patient Subgroups Using Wearable Sensors and Exertion Testing: A Pilot Study
(MDPI AG, 2023-05-26) McGeown, Joshua P; Pedersen, Mangor; Hume, Patria A; Theadom, Alice; Kara, Stephen; Russell, Brian
Although injury mechanisms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) may be similar across patients, it is becoming increasingly clear that patients cannot be treated as one homogenous group. Several predominant symptom clusters (PSC) have been identified, each requiring specific and individualised treatment plans. However, objective methods to support these clinical decisions are lacking. This pilot study explored whether wearable sensor data collected during the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) combined with a deep learning approach could accurately classify mTBI patients with physiological PSC versus vestibulo-ocular PSC. A cross-sectional design evaluated a convolutional neural network model trained with electrocardiography (ECG) and accelerometry data. With a leave-one-out approach, this model classified 11 of 12 (92%) patients with physiological PSC and 3 of 5 (60%) patients with vestibulo-ocular PSC. The same classification accuracy was observed in a model only using accelerometry data. Our pilot results suggest that adding wearable sensors during clinical tests like the BCTT, combined with deep learning models, may have the utility to assist management decisions for mTBI patients in the future. We reiterate that more validation is needed to replicate the current results.
A Preliminary Investigation into the Frequency Dose Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training on Cardiometabolic Health
(Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 2023-12-01) Smith, LE; Van Guilder, GP; Dalleck, LC; Lewis, NR; Dages, AG; Harris, NK
The objective of this study was to explore the effects of three weekly frequency doses of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on an array of cardiometabolic markers in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Twenty-one men and women, randomized into one (HIFT1), two (HIFT2), or three (HIFT3) days per week of HIFT, completed 3-weeks of familiarization plus a 12-week progressive training program. Pre-and post-intervention, several cardiometabolic, body composition, oxygen con-sumption, metabolic syndrome severity, and perceptions of fitness measurements were assessed. Additionally, an exercise enjoyment survey was administered post-intervention. A Cohen’s d was used to demonstrate within-group change effect size. Alt-hough this study was not fully powered, a one-way and two-way ANOVA were used to compare the dose groups to provide provisional insights. No differences were found when frequency dose groups were compared. Many cardiometabolic, body composition, and fitness improvements were seen within each group, with clinically meaningful improvements in the metabolic syndrome severity score (MSSS) (HIFT1:-0.105, d = 0.28; HIFT2:-0.382, d = 1.20; HIFT3:-0.467, d = 1.07), waist circumference (HIFT1:-4.1cm, d = 3.33; HIFT2:-5.4cm, d = 0.89; HIFT3:-0.7cm, d = 0.20), and blood glucose (HIFT1:-9.5mg/dL, d = 0.98; HIFT2:-4.9mg/dL, d = 1.00; HIFT3:-1.7mg/dL, d = 0.23). All three groups similarly reported high exercise enjoyment and likeliness to continue after the intervention. In conclusion, HIFT performed once, twice, or thrice a week elicits improvements in MetS and is considered enjoyable. HIFT, even at a low weekly dose, therefore represents a potential strategy to reduce the global MetS burden.
A Quantitative Analysis of Factors Which Influence Supplement Use and Doping Among Adolescent Athletes in New Zealand
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2023-01-13) Clancy, Sian; Oldham, Anthony; Borotkanics, Robert; Millar, Sarah
Objectives. Doping is a maladaptive behaviour which poses numerous risks and potentially enhances athletic performance while supplement use poses threats of positive, yet inadvertent, doping control results. Investigation is required to understand factors that influence adolescent supplement use and doping in New Zealand (NZ). Design. A survey was completed by 660 athletes aged 13 to 18 years, of any gender, who competed at any level of any sport in NZ. Forty-three independent variables measured autonomy, confidence sources, motivational climate, social norms and age. Methods. Multivariate, ordinal, and binary logistic regression models measured associations between independent variables and five dependant variables: supplement use, doping, doping considerations and intent (soon and in the next year). Results. Confidence through mastery, internally perceived locus of control (IPLOC) and volition decreased the odds of doping while confidence through self-presentation, subjective and descriptive norms increased the odds of supplement use and doping. Conclusion. To decrease the odds of doping, adolescent autonomy should be increased in sport through opportunities for volitional decision making and exposure to mastery as a confidence source.
Accelerometer Data Reduction in Adolescents: Effects on Sample Retention and Bias
(BioMed Central, 2013) Toftager, M; Kristensen, PL; Oliver, M; Duncan, S; Christiansen, LB; Boyle, E; Brønd, JC; Troelsen, J
Background Accelerometry is increasingly being recognized as an accurate and reliable method to assess free-living physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents. However, accelerometer data reduction criteria remain inconsistent, and the consequences of excluding participants in for example intervention studies are not well described. In this study, we investigated how different data reduction criteria changed the composition of the adolescent population retained in accelerometer data analysis. Methods Accelerometer data (Actigraph GT3X), anthropometric measures and survey data were obtained from 1348 adolescents aged 11–14 years enrolled in the Danish SPACE for physical activity study. Accelerometer data were analysed using different settings for each of the three key data reduction criteria: (1) number of valid days; (2) daily wear time; and (3) non-wear time. The effects of the selected setting on sample retention and PA counts were investigated and compared. Ordinal logistic regression and multilevel mixed-effect linear regression models were used to analyse the impact of differing non-wear time definitions in different subgroups defined by body mass index, age, sex, and self-reported PA and sedentary levels. Results Increasing the minimum requirements for daily wear time and the number of valid days and applying shorter non-wear definitions, resulted in fewer adolescents retained in the dataset. Moreover, the different settings for non-wear time significantly influenced which participants would be retained in the accelerometer data analyses. Adolescents with a higher BMI (OR:0.93, CI:0.87-0.98, p=0.015) and older adolescents (OR:0.68, CI:0.49-0.95, p=0.025) were more likely to be excluded from analysis using 10 minutes of non-wear compared to longer non-wear time periods. Overweight and older adolescents accumulated more daily non-wear time if the non-wear time setting was short, and the relative difference between groups changed depending on the non-wear setting. Overweight and older adolescents did also accumulate more sedentary time, but this was not significant correlated to the non-wear setting used. Conclusions Even small differences in accelerometer data reduction criteria can have substantial impact on sample size and PA and sedentary outcomes. This study highlighted the risk of introducing bias with more overweight and older adolescents excluded from the analysis when using short non-wear time definitions.
Accelerometer Data Treatment for Adolescents: Fitting a Piece of the Puzzle
(Elsevier, 2017-03) Smith, M; Taylor, S; Iusitini, L; Stewart, T; Savila, F; Tautolo, ES; Plank, L; Jalili-Moghaddam, S; Paterson, J; Rush, E
This study aimed to assess the differences in participant retention and associations between physical activity and key variables when a range of accelerometer data inclusion criteria are employed. Data were drawn from 204 adolescents of Pacific Island heritage (survey, body composition, 7-day accelerometry) and their parents (date of birth, socioeconomic status) between October 2014 and February 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. Data wear time criteria for inclusion were as follows: A) > = 10 h/weekday or > = 8 h weekend day, > = 5 days (at least one weekend day); B) > = 10 h/weekday or > = 8 h weekend day, > = 4 days; C) > = 7 h/day, > = 3 days; D) > = 10 h/day, > = 1 day. Overall, 49%, 62%, 88%, and 96% of participants met the criteria, respectively. Adjusted odds of meeting each criterion were examined using a multivariable logistic regression model. Almost 50% of participants were excluded by the most stringent inclusion criteria. Increased body fat percentage and proportion of time in moderate-to-vigorous activity were associated with decreased odds of meeting Criterions A and B. This research contributes to a growing understanding of the impact of differing accelerometer reduction approaches to sample retention and bias in adolescent physical activity research.
ACE and UCP2 gene polymorphisms and their association with baseline and exercise-related changes in the functional performance of older adults
(PeerJ, 2015) Keogh, JW; Palmer, BR; Taylor, D; Kilding, AE
Maintaining high levels of physical function is an important aspect of successful ageing. While muscle mass and strength contribute to functional performance in older adults, little is known about the possible genetic basis for the heterogeneity of physical function in older adults and in how older adults respond to exercise. Two genes that have possible roles in determining levels of muscle mass, strength and function in young and older adults are angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). This study examined whether polymorphisms in these two individual genes were associated with baseline functional performance levels and/or the training-related changes following exercise in previously untrained older adults. Five-eight Caucasian older adults (mean age 69.8 years) with no recent history of resistance training enrolled in a 12 week program of resistance, balance and cardiovascular exercises aimed at improving functional performance. Performance in 6 functional tasks was recorded at baseline and after 12 weeks. Genomic DNA was assayed for the ACE intron 16 insertion/deletion (I/D) and the UCP2 G-866A polymorphism. Baseline differences among genotype groups were tested using analysis of variance. Genotype differences in absolute and relative changes in physical function among the exercisers were tested using a general linear model, adjusting for age and gender. The genotype frequencies for each of the studied polymorphisms conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The ACE I/D genotype was significantly associated with mean baseline measures of handgrip strength (II 30.9 ± 3.01 v. ID 31.7 ± 1.48 v. DD 29.3 ± 2.18 kg, p < 0.001), 8ft Up and Go time (II 6.45 ± 0.48 v. ID/DD 4.41 ± 0.19 s, p < 0.001) and 6 min walk distance (II 458 ± 28.7 v. ID/DD 546 ± 12.1m, p = 0.008). The UCP2 G-866A genotype was also associated with baseline 8ft Up and Go time (GG 5.45 ± 0.35 v. GA 4.47 ± 0.26 v. AA 3.89 ± 0.71 s, p = 0.045). After 12 weeks of training, a significant difference between UCP2 G-886A genotype groups for change in 8ft Up and Go time was detected (GG -0.68 ± 0.17 v. GA -0.10 ± 0.14 v. AA +0.05 ± 0.31 s, p = 0.023). While several interesting and possibly consistent associations with older adults' baseline functional performance were found for the ACE and UCP2 polymorphisms, we found no strong evidence of genetic associations with exercise responses in this study. The relative equivalence of some of these training-response findings to the literature may have reflected the current study's focus on physical function rather than just strength, the relatively high levels of baseline function for some genotype groups as well as the greater statistical power for detecting baseline differences than the training-related changes.
Active Transportation and Public Transportation Use to Achieve Physical Activity Recommendations? A Combined GPS, Accelerometer, and Mobility Survey Study
(BioMed Central, 2014) Chaix, B; Kestens, Y; Duncan, S; Merrien, C; Thierry, B; Pannier, B; Brondeel, R; Lewin, A; Karusisi, N; Perchoux, C; Thomas, F; Méline, J
Background: Accurate information is lacking on the extent of transportation as a source of physical activity, on the physical activity gains from public transportation use, and on the extent to which population shifts in the use of transportation modes could increase the percentage of people reaching official physical activity recommendations.Methods: In 2012-2013, 234 participants of the RECORD GPS Study (French Paris region, median age = 58) wore a portable GPS receiver and an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days and completed a 7-day GPS-based mobility survey (participation rate = 57.1%). Information on transportation modes and accelerometry data aggregated at the trip level [number of steps taken, energy expended, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary time] were available for 7,644 trips. Associations between transportation modes and accelerometer-derived physical activity were estimated at the trip level with multilevel linear models.Results: Participants spent a median of 1 h 58 min per day in transportation (8.2% of total time). Thirty-eight per-cent of steps taken, 31% of energy expended, and 33% of MVPA over 7 days were attributable to transportation. Walking and biking trips but also public transportation trips with all four transit modes examined were associated with greater steps, MVPA, and energy expenditure when compared to trips by personal motorized vehicle. Two simulated scenarios, implying a shift of approximately 14% and 33% of all motorized trips to public transportation or walking, were associated with a predicted 6 point and 13 point increase in the percentage of participants achieving the current physical activity recommendation.Conclusions: Collecting data with GPS receivers, accelerometers, and a GPS-based electronic mobility survey of activities and transportation modes allowed us to investigate relationships between transportation modes and physical activity at the trip level. Our findings suggest that an increase in active transportation participation and public transportation use may have substantial impacts on the percentage of people achieving physical activity recommendations.
Active Travel in Rural New Zealand: A Study of Rural Adolescents’ Perceptions of Walking and Cycling to School
(University of Westminster Press, 2022-11-17) Hopkins, Debbie; Bengoechea, Enrique García; Coppell, Kirsten; Spence, John C; Mandic, Sandra; Calverley, Jessica; Spence, John C
Background: Walking and cycling to school have been extensively studied in urban settings, whereas data from rural areas remain sparse. This study examined perceptions of walking and cycling to school amongst adolescents living within 4.8 km of school in rural New Zealand. Methods: Adolescents (n=62; 53.2% females; 15.6±1.5 years; five schools) residing and attending a secondary school in a rural settings (population <1,000) completed an online survey about their perceptions of walking and cycling to school. Home-to-school distance was calculated using Geographic Information Systems shortest network path analysis. Results: Overall, 73% of adolescents walked and 11% cycled to school. Compared to cycling, adolescents reported a greater desire (57% vs 26%) and intention (74% vs 13%) to walk to school, and perceived more support from friends (37% vs 30%), parents (81% vs 40%), and schools (61% vs 34%) (all p<0.001). Adolescents also reported better physical infrastructure (presence/availability of footpaths vs cycle lanes) for walking versus cycling to school (86% vs 36%, p<0.001). Over 95% of adolescents perceived both walking and cycling to school as safe. Conclusions:Compared to cycling, walking to school was a more common and preferred transport mode, with greater social support and physical infrastructure, whereas both modes were perceived to be safe by rural adolescents living within 4.8 km of their school. The findings suggest that supportive social and built environments appear to encourage walking to school in rural areas. Mode-specific approaches may be required to encourage cycling to school for rural adolescents.
Activity Profiles of Elite Netball Umpires: A Review
(Universidad de Alicante Servicio de Publicaciones, ) Spencer, K; McErlain-Naylor, SA; Paget, N; Kilding, A
This review has outlined the existing literature relating to activity profiles in elite netball umpires. In particular, the physical (distance travelled), physiological (heart rate), and technical (movement classifications) characteristics have been described. The limited available literature report that on average elite netball umpires travel approximately 3850 m during a 60 min match. Up to approximately 50% of the match is spent standing, with only around 25% of the match in higher intensity movements such as jogging, sprinting, side stepping, or changing direction. Work:rest ratios are typically approximately 1:3 during match play, with additional recovery in the intervals between quarters. This includes an average of 140 sprints for a duration of 2.8 s. Elite umpires spend around 10% of the match at greater than 92% peak heart rate, with the majority (approximately 55%) between 75 and 92% peak heart rate. These characteristics may benefit umpires and strength and conditioning practitioners when designing training programmes. The literature also report a reduction in distance travelled by elite umpires as the match progresses. An accompanying decrease in heart rate suggests that this is not caused by physiological fatigue mechanisms but is a result of technical adjustments in the movement patterns utilised. Indeed, elite umpires tend to sidestep less and walk or stand more as the match progresses. Additionally, gaps in the existing literature have been highlighted, including the relationship between perceptual-cognitive processes and movement, and the application of fitness testing requirements to umpire activity profiles.
Acute Metabolic Changes With Thigh-positioned Wearable Resistances During Submaximal Running in Endurance-trained Runners
(MDPI, 2019) Field, AP; Gill, N; Macadam, P; Plews, D
The aim of this study was to determine the acute metabolic effects of different magnitudes of wearable resistance (WR) attached to the thigh during submaximal running. Twenty endurance-trained runners (40.8 ± 8.2 years, 1.77 ± 0.7 m, 75.4 ± 9.2 kg) completed six submaximal eight-minute running trials unloaded and with WRs of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% body mass (BM), in a random order. The use of a WR resulted in a 1.6 ± 0.6% increase in oxygen consumption (VO2) for every 1% BM of additional load. Inferential based analysis found that the loading of ≥3% BM was needed to elicit any substantial responses in VO2, with an increase that was likely to be moderate in scale (effect size (ES) ± 90% confidential interval (CI): 0.24 ± 0.07). Using heart rate data, a training load score was extrapolated to quantify the amount of internal stress. For every 1% BM of WR, there is an extra 0.17 ± 0.06 estimated increase in training load. A WR ≥3% of BM was needed to elicit substantial responses in lactate production, with an increase which was very likely to be large in scale (ES ± 90% CI: 0.41 ± 0.18). A thigh-positioned WR provides a running-specific overload with loads ≥3% BM, resulting in substantial changes in metabolic responses.
The Acute Physiological Responses to Strongman Training Compared to Traditional Strength Training
(Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2015) Harris, N; Woulfe, C; Wood, M; Dulson, D; Gluchowski, A; Keogh, J
Harris, NK, Woulfe, CJ, Wood, MR, Dulson, DK, Gluchowski, AK, and Keogh, JB. Acute physiological responses to strongman training compared to traditional strength training. J Strength Cond Res 30(5): 1397–1408, 2016—Strongman training (ST) has become an increasingly popular modality, but data on physiological responses are limited. This study sought to determine physiological responses to an ST session compared to a traditional strength exercise training (RST) session. Ten healthy men (23.6 6 27.5 years, 85.8 6 10.3 kg) volunteered in a crossover design, where all participants performed an ST session, an RST session, and a resting session within 7 days apart. The ST consisted of sled drag, farmer’s walk, 1 arm dumbbell clean and press, and tire flip at loads eliciting approximately 30 seconds of near maximal effort per set. The RST consisted of squat, deadlift, bench press, and power clean, progressing to 75% of 1 repetition maximum. Sessions were equated for approximate total set duration. Blood lactate and salivary testosterone were recorded immediately before and after training sessions. Heart rate, caloric expenditure, and substrate utilization were measured throughout the resting session, both training protocols and for 80 minutes after training sessions. Analyses were conducted to determine differences in physiological responses within and between protocols. No significant changes in testosterone occurred at any time point for either session. Lactate increased significantly immediately after both sessions. Heart rate, caloric expenditure, and substrate utilization were all elevated significantly during ST and RST. Heart rate and fat expenditure were significantly elevated compared to resting in both sessions’ recovery periods; calorie and carbohydrate expenditures were not. Compared to RST, ST represents an equivalent physiological stimulus on key parameters indicative of potential training-induced adaptive responses. Such adaptations could conceivably include cardiovascular conditioning.
Acute responses to resistance and high-intensity interval training in adolescents
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2017) Harris, N; Dulson, D; Logan, G; Warbrick, I; Merien, F; Lubans, D
The purpose of this study was to compare the acute physiological responses within and between resistance training (RT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) matched for time and with comparable effort, in a school setting. Seventeen early adolescents (12.9 ± 0.3 y) performed both RT (2-5 repetitions perceived short of failure at the end of each set) and HIIT (90% of age predicted maximum heart rate), equated for total work set and recovery period durations comprising of 12 'sets' of 30 s work followed by 30 s recovery (total session time 12 min). Variables of interest included oxygen consumption, set and session heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and change in salivary cortisol (SC), salivary alpha amylase (SαA), and blood lactate (BL) from pre- to post-session. Analyses were conducted to determine responses within and between the two different protocols. For both RT and HIIT there were very large increases pre- to post-trial for SC and BL, and only BL increased greater in HIIT (9.1 ± 2.6 mmol·L) than RT (6.8 ± 3.3 mmol·L). Mean set HR for both RT (170 ± 9.1 bpm) and HIIT (179 ± 5.6 bpm) was at least 85% of HR maximum. VO2 over all 12 sets was greater for HIIT (33.8 ± 5.21 mL·kg·min) than RT (24.9 ± 3.23 mL·kg·min). Brief, repetitive, intermittent forays into high, but not supra-maximal intensity exercise utilising either RT or HIIT appeared to be a potent physiological stimulus in adolescents.
Adding a Cultural Lens to Active Transport Initiatives: Māori and Pacific Adolescents’ Perceptions of Transport to School
(University of Westminster Press, 2024-10-09) Rolleston, Anna; Korohina, Erina; King, Kimberley; Kentala, Kaisa; Mandic, Sandra
In Aotearoa/New Zealand, there is government directive and community support to focus on health equity in research and health promotion. Culturally responsive policies and services are expected. The purpose of this research is to describe Māori and Pacific adolescents’ perceptions of different modes of transport to school (walking, cycling, busing and being driven/driving) rather than to compare perceptions between different ethnic groups through a deficit lens which is commonplace. Reporting findings in this way is so that equitable approaches to policy, and initiatives for active transportation to school can be considered. This study analysed data from adolescents (age 13 to 18 years) (n = 3608) who completed an online survey at school as part of the BEATS Research Programme in the city of Dunedin, New Zealand. In addition, four focus groups were conducted with Māori and Pacific adolescents. Overwhelmingly, adolescents across all ethnic groups had similar perceptions of walking, cycling, being driven/driving and busing to school. This similarity means that a whole of population approach to policy would be sufficient when combined with good quality overarching cultural responsiveness imbedded to support equity for Māori and Pacific adolescents. Findings specific to Māori and to Pacific adolescents are reported which will enable policy makers to consider additional cultural nuances in the active transport space.
Adolescents' Perceptions of Food Outlets in the School Neighbourhood and Their Unhealthy Snacking Behaviour on the Way to and from School
(Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2024-10-07) Situmorang, ML; Mandic, S; Keall, M; Smith, M; Donnellan, N; Coppell, KJ
Objective: To understand the relationship between adolescents' unhealthy snacking behaviour during their school journey and their perceived and objective measures of food outlet availability in the school neighbourhood. Design: A cross-sectional survey enquired about socio-demographic information, school transport modes, perceived presence of food outlets in the school neighbourhood and unhealthy food purchase and consumption on the school journey. A geographical information system analysis of the food outlets within 500 m and 1000 m school buffers was undertaken. Data were analysed using generalised linear mixed modelling. Setting: All twelve secondary schools in Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand, March 2020-June 2022. Participants: Adolescents aged 13-18 years (n 725) who reported being familiar with their school neighbourhood. Results: Perceived availability of food outlets in the school neighbourhood was inversely correlated with distance to the closest food outlet from school and positively correlated with food outlet density within 500 m and 1000 m school buffers. Adolescents' purchase and consumption of unhealthy snacks and drinks during the school journey were associated with perceived availability of food outlets and with shorter distance to the closest food outlet from school. Mixed transport users, girls and those living in high-deprivation neighbourhoods had higher odds of purchasing and consuming unhealthy snacks and drinks during the school journey than active transport users, boys and those living in low-deprivation neighbourhoods, respectively. Conclusions: Adolescents perceptions of the food environment and close access to food outlets in the school neighbourhood may influence adolescents' food purchase and consumption behaviours during the school journey.
Adolescents’ Active Transport to School and Parental Perspectives in a School Choice Policy Environment
(University of Westminster Press, 2024-07-03) Sandretto, Susan; García Bengoechea, Enrique; Wilson, Gordon; Kidd, Gavin; Mandic, Sandra
Internationally many adolescents do not meet the recommended level of regular physical activity. Although active transport to school (ATS) is promoted to increase physical activity in adolescents, relying solely on ATS is not feasible for those who live beyond walkable or cyclable distance to school. School choice education policies complicate the potential of ATS when adolescents do not enrol in the closest school. This research contributes to sparse New Zealand and growing international literature to examine parental perspectives on school choice, travel to school decisions and modes of travel to school in adolescents enrolled in the closest versus non-closest school. .
Agreement Between Force and Deceleration Measures During Backward Somersault Landings
(Taylor & Francis, 2020) Bradshaw, EJ; Grech, K; Joseph, CWJ; Calton, M; Hume, PA
This study examined the agreement between force platform and inertial measurement unit (IMU) measures of backward somersault landings. Seven female gymnasts performed three trials, taking off from a 90 cm vaulting box and using competition landing technique. Two force platforms (1000 Hz) covered with a 6.4 cm thick carpeted landing surface measured the ground reaction forces. One inertial measurement unit (500 Hz) fixed on the second thoracic vertebra measured peak resultant deceleration of the gymnast. Measurement agreement between vertical and resultant peak force measures, and resultant peak force and peak deceleration was assessed using mean differences, Pearson’s correlation, and Cohen’s effect size (ES) statistics. There was perfect measurement agreement between vertical and resultant peak forces (R = 1.0, p < 0.001; ES = 0.005), but only moderate measurement agreement between resultant peak force and peak resultant deceleration (Mean Difference = −2.16%, R = 0.4, p = ns; ES = 0.121). Backward somersault landings can be assessed using either uni-axial or tri-axial force platforms to measure ground impact load/force, as the landing movements are almost purely vertical. However, force measures are not the same as peak resultant decelerations from IMUs which give an indication of impact shock. Landing load/shock measures are potentially important for injury prevention.
Alterations in Measures of Body Composition, Neuromuscular Performance, Hormonal Levels, Physiological Adaptations, and Psychometric Outcomes During Preparation for Physique Competition: A Systematic Review of Case Studies.
(MDPI AG, 2023-05-08) Schoenfeld, Brad J; Androulakis-Korakakis, Patroklos; Piñero, Alec; Burke, Ryan; Coleman, Max; Mohan, Adam E; Escalante, Guillermo; Rukstela, Alexa; Campbell, Bill; Helms, Eric
The present paper aimed to systematically review case studies on physique athletes to evaluate longitudinal changes in measures of body composition, neuromuscular performance, chronic hormonal levels, physiological adaptations, and psychometric outcomes during pre-contest preparation. We included studies that (1) were classified as case studies involving physique athletes during the pre-contest phase of their competitive cycle; (2) involved adults (18+ years of age) as participants; (3) were published in an English-language peer-reviewed journal; (4) had a pre-contest duration of at least 3 months; (5) reported changes across contest preparation relating to measures of body composition (fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral density), neuromuscular performance (strength and power), chronic hormonal levels (testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, leptin, and ghrelin), physiological adaptations (maximal aerobic capacity, resting energy expenditure, heart rate, blood pressure, menstrual function, and sleep quality), and/or psychometric outcomes (mood states and food desire). Our review ultimately included 11 case studies comprising 15 ostensibly drug-free athletes (male = 8, female = 7) who competed in various physique-oriented divisions including bodybuilding, figure, and bikini. The results indicated marked alterations across the array of analyzed outcomes, sometimes with high inter-individual variability and divergent sex-specific responses. The complexities and implications of these findings are discussed herein.

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