School of Sport, Exercise and Health - Te Kura Hākinakina
Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/1542
Research in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health 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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Item New Perspectives on Analyzing and Interpreting Base Running Efficiency: An IMU Foot Pod Methodological Case Approach(MDPI AG, 2026-06-04) Martínez-Rodríguez, José Antonio; Crotin, Ryan L; Neville, Jonathon; Cronin, John BThis article presents a practical framework for implementing, collecting, and interpreting inertial measurement unit (IMU) foot pod data to improve diagnostic understanding of baseball base running mechanics. Linear sprinting is used as a baseline, whereas the home-to-second-base sprint trial is used to examine how that capacity is expressed when athletes negotiate curvilinear running demands. The purpose is not to establish generalized performance outcomes, but to illustrate how IMU-derived spatiotemporal variables may be interpreted across successive base running segments in applied settings. Three competitive baseball players were selected from a larger dataset of n = 54 base runners tested using the same protocol with distinct home-to-second-base performance profiles as follows: the fastest case (Player X), an intermediate case (Player Y), and the slowest case (Player Z) were selected based on total home-to-second-base time. The cases were selected purposively to demonstrate the application of the IMU interpretation framework, including ground contact time (GCT), stride length (SL), push-off acceleration, and impact acceleration. Particular emphasis is placed on how curvilinear demands alter inside- and outside-foot function, and how segment-to-segment comparisons may help practitioners identify phases in which base runners maintain, reorganize, or lose mechanical efficiency. Compared with broader velocity-based approaches, the IMU framework provides complementary step-level information that may help practitioners generate hypotheses about how base runners organize movement across linear and curvilinear segments. These examples are intended to demonstrate a workflow for applied interpretation rather than to establish causal mechanisms. As a result, IMU foot pod analysis may offer practitioners a structured and portable method for interpreting curvilinear sprint mechanics, yet these case examples should be understood as descriptive rather than prescriptive.Item Stretch-Load Demands of Multiple Hops: Implications for Athletic Performance and Rehabilitation(MDPI AG, 2026-06-01) Sharp, Anthony; Neville, Jonathon; Nagahara, Ryu; Wada, Tomohito; Cronin, JohnBackground/Objectives: This study aimed to quantify the kinetic demands of multiple hops in series, movement tasks that are commonly used in strength and conditioning and physiotherapeutic practice. Focus was placed on comparing the demands of a quintuple hop (QH) task to a triple hop (TH) task, with particular focus on quantifying the eccentric braking stretch-load demands. Methods: Forty-four male university athletes (age 20.1 ± 1.4 years; body mass 71.2 ± 8.6 kg; stature 171.9 ± 5.1 cm) completed the hopping tasks across 54× track-embedded force platforms, where braking and propulsion kinetics were measured. Results: Significant (p < 0.001) averaged increases in maximal vertical (~32%) and horizontal braking impulses (~56%) for both TH and QH tasks were noted across hops. The last two hops of the QH task were found to have greater averaged vertical (~58%) and horizontal (~180%) stretch-load demands than the two initial hops (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This is the first study where an extensive summary of kinetic measures for both TH and QH has been reported. The findings highlight the biomechanical, stretch-load aspects of these exercises, which can help practitioners better prescribe and program hops for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement.Item Examining the Impact of Unified Management on Board Roles in Federated Governance Systems: A Study of Golf in Australia(Wiley, 2025-09-19) O'Boyle, Ian; Ferkins, Lesley; McLeod, Joshua; Shilbury, David; Heckel, LeilaThe exploration of ways to address the complexity of relationships, power dynamics and multiple perspectives within federated governance systems in sport has been an ongoing theme within sport governance scholarly and practice communities for several decades. A major area of concern for affiliated organisations where reforms have occurred has been the changing behaviours, roles and power dynamics of regional and national boards when new practices and structures are adopted within the federated system. Using collaborative sport governance concepts infused by systems thinking, this paper explores the impact that the adoption of a unified management approach can have on perceptions of board roles in the sport of golf. In an exploratory qualitative case study, participants from affiliated golf organisations (regional and national boards) are interviewed (n = 21) to gain their insights into this phenomenon. Findings show perceptions of significant role ambiguity amongst board members, a perceived diminishing role for state boards, a sense of increased accountability for national boards and perceived negative impacts on board member succession. In making sense of our findings, we highlight the complexity involved, how board role changes in one context can impact other parts of the system and how collaborative governance theory and systems thinking remain an important lens for understanding and guiding effective governance practice within federated governance systems in sport.Item Serving the Collective: Understanding Pacific Athletes’ Cultural and Financial Responsibilities(Informa UK Limited, 2026-06-07) Keung, Sierra; Leilua, Moana; Enari, DionThis article examines the financial responsibilities of athletes through the lens of the service lifecycle model and the cultural practice of fa’alavelave. While professional sport provides many athletes with opportunities to uplift their families, communities, and churches, these opportunities often come with significant pressures to fulfill collective obligations. The dual expectations of service and elite sport performance create unique challenges in navigating financial decision-making within professional sport systems. Drawing on culturally grounded insights, this article explores how Pacific athletes balance these responsibilities and offers practical guidance for practitioners, sporting organizations, and financial advisors. This paper also offers broader implications for supporting minority athletes from collectivist cultures operating within individualized, market-driven sport environments.Item Investments That Work for Physical Activity and Climate Resilience: Insights from the ISBNPA 2025 Pre-Conference Workshop(ISBNPA, 2026-05-27) Hinckson, Erica; Favarão Leão, Ana Luiza; Reis, Rodrigo[From Executive Summary] The purpose of the ISBNPA 2025 pre-conference workshop was to explore how the “8 Investments that Work for Physical Activity” can be leveraged to address the intersecting challenges of physical inactivity and climate change. The workshop brought together 27 international and local researchers, practitioners, and facilitators from 10 countries. Using systems thinking and a participatory group model-building approach, the workshop generated rich insights into how key systems — healthcare, schools, and sport and recreation — can evolve to promote physical activity while contributing to climate action. This report synthesises the findings, focusing on three priority investment areas — healthcare, whole-of-school programmes, and sport and recreation for all — and identifies both cross-cutting insights and systemic barriers. It also outlines opportunities to align physical activity promotion with climate adaptation and mitigation agendas.Item Step-Level Characteristics of Pickup Acceleration Performance in Team-Sport Athletes(MDPI AG, 2026-06-01) Pryer, Mark E; Uthoff, Aaron; Korfist, Chris; Neville, Jonathon; Mascioli, Nick; Barger, Sean; Slocum, Chris; Cronin, JohnBackground/Objectives: Pickup acceleration refers to acceleration initiated from a non-static start and can be described as a function of Approach, Transition, and Pickup steps. Given the forward-leaning posture adopted during the Transition and Pickup steps, it was hypothesized that estimated step horizontal force (SFh) production would be a key determinant of pickup acceleration ability. Methods: Forty-eight male athletes performed four 30 m pickup sprints at LED-guided entry velocities of 1.5 m/s (walking) and 3.0 m/s (jogging), with spatiotemporal data collected via a horizontal linear position transducer. Athletes were grouped as “fast” or “slow” based on maximal acceleration (amax) and were compared at time points/steps using Bonferroni-adjusted independent t-tests. Results: Across both entries, faster athletes achieved significantly higher amax (~13–17%) and maximum velocity (vmax; ~7–8%). At 1.5 m/s, the faster group produced significantly greater SFh during the Transition and Pickup steps (~33–34%), resulting in longer step lengths (SL; ~12%), higher step acceleration (Sa; ~16–23%), and higher step velocities (Sv; ~4–9%). At 3.0 m/s, SFh and Sa remained greater (adjusted p ≤ 0.01) in the faster group (~23–41%; 25–32% respectively) but produced fewer significant kinematic differences. It would seem that “faster” pickup acceleration is likely associated with greater SFh across the transition and first pickup steps; this increase in force may influence kinematics during a walking entry, but its influence is less apparent during a jogging entry. It is possible that at higher entry velocities, other technical/mechanical factors may become more important, necessitating a more advanced technological approach to studying pickup acceleration than that used in this study.Item Media Coverage of Emergent Women’s Leagues Within Mainstream Sports: Exploring Intersecting Hegemonies(Informa UK Limited, 2025-10-25) Fujak, Hunter; McLeod, Joshua; Wymer, SarahThis study adopts agenda-setting theory to examine how emergent Australian women’s professional sports leagues have impacted the distribution of media coverage between genders and sports. In doing so, it assesses how these leagues have simultaneously challenged and reinforced hegemonic cultural structures that shape leisure choice. Quantitative newspaper content analysis from 2019 to 2023 produced 21,129 entries, equating to 8,690 pages of content. Logistic regression revealed a modest rise in overall women’s sport coverage, driven by high-profile international events. In contrast, domestic women’s leagues exhibited limited coverage growth. However, coverage is redistributing between women’s professional leagues, with those aligned to culturally dominant and historically male-oriented sports growing their visibility. This shift exhibits leisure implications, as media hierarchies shape societal perceptions of which sports are valued. The emergence of new women’s sport leagues thus presents a paradox: their growth has created opportunities for women but done so by marginalizing historically female-oriented sports.Item Managing Concussions in New Zealand Secondary Schools: Let's Take It Seriously(Informa UK Limited, 2026-06-06) Skilton, Debbie; Zoellner, Anja; Badenhorst, Marelise; Mossman, Kate; Salmon, Danielle; Keung, Sierra; Thompson, Kylie; Lucas, Patricia; Walters, Simon; Sole, GiselaINTRODUCTION: Concussion can cause lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges, impacting academic performance. New Zealand secondary schools lack sufficient knowledge and resources to support affected students. We co-designed and implemented the Framework for Management of Concussion in New Zealand Secondary Schools (FRANCS). AIM: To explore experiences and perceptions of school stakeholders during 2 years of FRANCS implementation. METHODS: Sixty-nine participants from 12 schools (students, parents, staff, and healthcare providers) took part in semi-structured interviews or focus groups. Data were analyzed using framework analysis to identify themes. RESULTS: Four themes were developed: (1) Flexibility of implementation - friend or foe; (2) Owning the process; (3) The process is too onerous; and (4) External context and confounders. CONCLUSION: FRANCS' flexibility enabled some schools to adapt and integrate it into existing communication pathways, supporting students' return-to-learn. Others faced challenges, resource limitations, and low engagement. Effective implementation requires initial external support to tailor FRANCS to school contexts, establish communication and monitoring systems, and embed return-to-learn processes.Item Low Carbohydrate Availability Reduces Power Output at the Moderate-to-Heavy Transition, Impairs Efficiency, and Increases Median Power Frequency During Cycling in Females(Springer, 2026-06-02) Main, Evana; Yoon, SangHoon; James, Samuel; Mellor, Kimberley; Brick, Matthew; Leigh, Warren; Maunder, EdPURPOSE: Carbohydrate availability is reduced during prolonged exercise, and this may contribute to the loss of power output at the intensity domain transitions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lowered carbohydrate availability on power output at intensity domain transitions, muscle activation, and gross cycling efficiency in endurance-trained female cyclists. METHODS: Nine well-trained female cyclists completed a randomised, counterbalanced crossover study consisting of two conditions. Participants completed an incremental cycling test and three-minute all-out test, preceded by glycogen-depleting exercise ~ 24 h beforehand and subsequent carbohydrate ingestion of either ≥ 9 g kg-1 (HIGH) or ≤ 1 g kg-1 (LOW). RESULTS: Power output at the first ventilatory threshold was reduced in LOW (133 ± 24 vs. 152 ± 28 W, ∆ - 19 ± 14 W, P = 0.011), with no between-trial difference in power output at the lactate threshold. Gross cycling efficiency during submaximal cycling was reduced in LOW (P = 0.003). Electromyographic median power frequency of the vastus lateralis (P = 0.025) and vastus medialis (P = 0.007) was higher in HIGH during submaximal cycling, with no between-trial differences in electromyographic amplitude. There was no between-trial difference in end-test power output during the three-minute all-out test. CONCLUSION: These data suggest lowered carbohydrate availability reduced power output at the moderate-to-heavy transition, possibly due to increased recruitment of higher-threshold motor units to compensate for glycogen-depleted fibres, impairing gross cycling efficiency. These data suggest that carbohydrate availability is likely important in 'durability' of the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition.Item Factors Influencing Equestrian Helmet Use, Purchase and Safety Perceptions: A Cross-sectional Study(Elsevier, 2025-11-27) Gosbee, H; Hume, PA; Theadom, AObjective Helmets play a critical role in preventing and reducing the severity of head injuries in high-risk sports. Understanding the factors influencing equestrian helmet use and safety perceptions is needed to optimise injury prevention strategies. Methods In this cross-sectional study of 596 equestrian participants aged ≥12 years, we assessed helmet use, factors influencing helmet purchase decisions, and perceptions of helmet safety. Chi square tests and regression models examined differences by age, professional status, jumping versus non-jumping disciplines and concussion history. Results Helmet use whilst riding was high (96 % participants). A high proportion of helmets used for competition (97 %) met at least one safety standard, however this was lower for recreational use (65 %). Younger equestrians (aged 12-44 years) and those who had not experienced a concussion were more likely to rank price as the most important factor for helmet purchase decision making. There were no differences by jumping or non-jumping equestrian disciplines or professional status. Older age and being female were independently linked with higher perceptions of helmet safety in the regression model (p = 0.01). Conclusion Safety messages need to focus on improving understanding of helmet standards and the reasoning behind safety recommendations to help reduce the injury risk in equestrian sports, particularly targeting adolescents/young adults.Item Validity and Within-Device Reliability of the Metric Application for Assessing Barbell Velocity and Displacement(SAGE Publications, 2025-11-24) Puppyn, NFT; Hofmeyr, S; Brughelli, M; Amdi, CHThis study evaluated the validity and within-device reliability of the Metric smartphone application compared to a linear position transducer (LPT). Twenty-five resistance-trained participants (19 male, 6 female) completed incremental loading one-repetition maximum (1RM) assessments in the back squat, bench press, and deadlift. Mean concentric velocity (MCV) and displacement (CD) were measured simultaneously by two Metric devices and one GymAware LPT. The Metric application detected 94.3% of repetitions (F1-score: 0.971) compared to GymAware's 99.5% (F1-score: 0.997). Within-device reliability of Metric varied by exercise: highest in squat (MCV: ICC = 0.994, CV = 3.83%, SDC = 0.05 m/s [4.27% of 1RM]; CD: ICC = 0.991, CV = 1.53%, SDC = 0.02 m), then bench press (MCV: ICC = 0.981, CV = 7.57%, SDC = 0.08 m/s [6.38% of 1RM]; CD: ICC = 0.974, CV = 3.53%, SDC = 0.02 m), and lowest in deadlift (MCV: ICC = 0.941, CV = 13.29%, SDC = 0.13 m/s [14.05% of 1RM]; CD: ICC = 0.753, CV = 27.16%, SDC = 0.10 m). However, Metric did not meet our predetermined reliability criteria for velocity trackers (ICC ≥ 0.997, CV ≤ 3.5%). Substantial-to-perfect agreement between Metric and GymAware was found for squat MCV (CCC = 0.981–0.993), but only poor-to-moderate agreement for bench press and deadlift MCV (CCC = 0.866–0.946), and poor agreement across all exercises for CD (CCC < 0.768). While Metric offers a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative to LPTs, it cannot currently be recommended for research or practice where high precision is required.Item Biological Sex Minimally Affects the Free-Weight Back Squat Load-Velocity Profile When Accounting for Relative Strength: An Exploratory Study(SAGE Publications, 2025-09-08) Amdi, CH; Cleather, DJ; Tallent, JResearch suggests that biological sex and strength level influence the load-velocity profile. However, existing research have not appropriately statistically accounted for the interdependencies between sex and relative strength. This exploratory study investigated load-velocity profiles of 24 resistance-trained participants (14 males, 10 females; back squat 1.69 × and 1.28 × body mass, respectively) using mixed-effects modelling to account for relative strength and individual variability. Participants completed 2–3 incremental back squat loading tests (20 kg to one-repetition maximum [1RM]). 1RM assessments showed excellent reliability, while mean concentric velocity (MCV) at 0–40% of 1RM demonstrated good-to-excellent reliability, with reliability systematically declining at higher relative loads. Small effects of biological sex on load-velocity profiles was found at 0–40% of 1RM (0.07–0.13 m/s, BF = 10.702–47.682, pd = 91–98%), while the effects of relative strength were more pronounced at 0–70% of 1RM (0.18–0.44 m/s, BF = 26.972–2399.000, pd = 96–100%), both with diminishing differences as relative load increased. These findings challenge assumptions about sex as a major load-velocity profile moderator when accounting for relative strength and individual variability. While exploratory and requiring replication, the study recommends future research employ more nuanced statistical methods, recruit homogeneously trained samples, and minimise measurement noise to avoid potential type-I errors.Item Committed to Climate Action? Opportunities for Scientific Societies to Lead the Change We Need in the World(BMC, 2026-03-30) Dogra, Shilpa; Reis, Rodrigo; Hinckson, Erica; Ferguson, Ty; Cerin, Ester; Wolfson, Julia A; Chastin, Sebastien; Van Dyck, Delfien; Chillón, Palma; Abu-Omar, Karim; Palmeira, António L; ISBNPA Climate Action CommitteeThe climate crisis is undoubtedly compromising human and planetary health. As behaviour change scientists, we must reflect on the behaviours we are promoting, as well as the research and professional practices we engage in, to ensure we are prioritizing human and planetary health. This commentary focuses on issues within the scope of scientific/academic societies by sharing our journey as the Climate Action Committee for the International Society for Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity. First, we provide details on the structure and function of our committee, then we provide insights into the GHG emissions associated with running our society, and finally, we report on our journey thus far, sharing the strategies we have identified that align with current evidence on climate change. We also address the tensions associated with climate action within scientific societies, and hope to begin a dialogue with others to come up with creative solutions that continue to support research and researchers, while addressing the urgency of our climate crisis. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12966-026-01895-z.Item Coaching Insights Into Pickup Acceleration(International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association, 2026-04-10) Pryer, Mark; Cronin, John; Neville, Jono; Korfist, Chris; Uthoff, AaronIn team sports, sprint acceleration from a moving start, or, in coaching terminology, “pickup acceleration”—is a critical, yet different, skill that occurs more frequently than acceleration from a static start. Despite its importance, pickup acceleration remains underexplored compared to traditional sprint mechanics, which primarily focus on stationary starts. Given the paucity of research, a practice-based evidence approach was employed in this study, gathering insights from expert coaches (N = 13, coaching collegiate, professional, Olympic, or elite high school athletes) to identify the essential physical and technical attributes for enhancing pickup acceleration performance. The surveyed coaches identified lower body force and power production (54%), lower body elasticity and stiffness (38%), hip and ankle range of motion (15%), coordination (38%), and core rotational strength and stability (31%) as essential physical qualities for pickup acceleration proficiency. From a technical perspective, the change in center of mass height (31%) and center of mass angle (46%), anterior touchdown distance, and shin angle (23%), hip separation angle (23%), and optimization of step kinematics (step length and step frequency; 31%) were thought crucial to maximizing acceleration and efficiency. Additionally, distinctions were noted between acceleration from walking versus jogging starts, with each entry type requiring specific adjustments in force application and body alignment. Understanding the determinants and how to assess pickup acceleration can help delineate between track speed and sports speed, enabling coaches to tailor pickup acceleration training for improved performance in terms of sport specificity.Item The Validity and Reliability of Commercially Available Smartphone-based Velocity-based Training Applications: A Systematic Review With Guidance for Research and Practice(SAGE Publications, 2026-05-05) Puppyn, N; Brughelli, MVelocity-based training (VBT) has gained widespread adoption in resistance training for real-time assessment of barbell kinematics. Smartphone-based VBT applications have emerged as low-cost alternatives to gold-standard devices, offering portability, minimal setup, and accessible interfaces. Despite increasing adoption, there remains no synthesis of measurement performance. This systematic review assessed the reliability and validity of six commercially available smartphone-based VBT applications for measuring barbell velocity and displacement. Following PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of PubMed, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus identified 194 articles, with 18 meeting inclusion criteria. Four applications (iLoad, Metric, My Jump Lab, WL Analysis) demonstrated acceptable validity (r ≥ 0.70; CV ≤ 10%; ES ≤ 0.60). Two applications (Metric, My Jump Lab) demonstrated acceptable reliability (ICC ≥0.900; CV ≤ 10%; ES ≤ 0.60), though performance fell below research-level thresholds (ICC: ≥0.997; CV: ≤3.5%). Measurement performance varied across applications, exercises, and loading conditions, with smartphone applications demonstrating lower validity and reliability than established VBT devices. Current smartphone-based VBT applications appear suitable for recreational and field-based applied settings, though not high-precision research contexts. Practitioners should evaluate measurement performance specific to their training context and account for inherent measurement error. Future research should assess continued application updates across different training contexts and hardware/software configurations.Item The Acute Effects of Interrupting Prolonged Sitting With Regular Activity Breaks on Postprandial Glucose and Insulin in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis(Wiley, 2026-05-03) Gale, Jennifer; Martin, Hannah; Haszard, Jillian; Peddie, MeredithBackground Regular activity breaks improve postprandial glycemia, but the effects across different population groups and modes of breaks remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of activity breaks on postprandial glucose and insulin response in adult populations. Methods Studies were identified from five databases until October 9, 2024. Eligible studies were acute (< 24-h duration) laboratory-based randomized crossover trials comparing postprandial glucose and/or insulin response between prolonged sitting and activity breaks (< 10 min, ≥ 3 breaks over 3 h). Risk of bias was assessed using the Downs and Black quality assessment tool. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted including subgroup analyses by activity mode, frequency, and participant health/weight status. Results Overall 53 studies met the eligibility criteria; 39 were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with prolonged sitting, activity breaks lowered postprandial glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC) (SMD −0.30, 95% CI −0.43 to −0.13) and insulin iAUC (SMD −0.30, 95% CI −0.46 to −0.14). Walking breaks had the greatest effect on glucose iAUC (SMD −0.33, 95% CI −0.48 to −0.17) and insulin iAUC (SMD −0.44, 95% CI −0.62 to −0.27), compared with other modes. Interrupting sitting every 15–20 min produced the largest reductions in glucose (SMD −0.51, 95% CI −0.83 to −0.19) and insulin iAUC (SMD −0.41, 95% CI −0.77 to −0.06). The largest reduction in glucose iAUC was observed in those living with obesity (SMD −0.52, 95% CI −1.07 to 0.03). Conclusion Frequent short walking breaks, performed every 20 min, provide the most improvement in postprandial glucose and insulin response in adults.Item Post-Competition Recovery in Natural Physique Athletes: Body Composition, Metabolic Adaptation, and Refeeding Responses(Informa UK Limited, 2026-05-23) Buechel, Claire; Pumpa, Kate; Etxebarria, Naroa; Helms, Eric R; Ashton, Luke; Mitchell, Lachlan; Minehan, MichelleBACKGROUND: Post-competition refeeding in physique athletes is poorly understood. We aimed to characterize physiological and psychological changes in natural physique athletes across contest preparation and a 12-week recovery period, and to explore the influence of post-competition refeeding strategies. METHODS: Nineteen natural physique athletes (8 male, 11 female) were assessed at baseline (~21 weeks pre-competition; T0), 1-2 weeks pre-final competition (Tpre), and 2, 6, and 12 weeks post-competition (T2, T3, T4). Measures included body composition (DXA), resting metabolic rate (RMR), thyroid hormones (FSH, FT3, FT4), absolute strength (IMTP peak force), and psychometric questionnaires (POMS, ASSQ, EDE-QS). RESULTS: Body weight decreased from T0 to Tpre (-7.1 kg [-8.3, -5.9]), driven primarily by FM loss (-5.8 [-6.8, -4.8]), with modest FFM loss (-1.7 [-2.6, -0.9]). Both FM and FFM rebounded predominantly within the first 6 weeks post-competition (Tpre→T3: +3.4 [2.3, 4.4] and +2.7 [1.8, 3.6], respectively). By T4, FM was not clearly different from T0 (-0.8 [-1.8, 0.3], while FFM exceeded T0 (+1.6 [0.7, 2.5]). RMR·FFM-1 showed a small, uncertain reduction from T0 to Tpre (-0.9 kcal·kgFFM-1·day-1 [-2.7, 0.9]), followed by increases from Tpre to T4 (+2.4 [0.7, 4.1]). Thyroid hormones decreased from T0 to Tpre (FT3: -1.4 [-1.8, -0.9], FT4: -1.4 [-2.6, -0.2]) and returned within reference ranges by T4. Strength was broadly maintained, while mood and sleep worsened from T0 to Tpre, and improved by T4. Eating-disorder symptom severity was highest during preparation and declined across the recovery period. In exploratory Bayesian modelling, larger post-competition increases in energy intake were associated with greater recovery of adjusted RMR. CONCLUSIONS: Contest preparation was accompanied by fat loss, thyroid hormone suppression, and modest reductions in RMR, with recovery characterized by early increases in RMR and tissue restoration following competition. Larger post-competition increases in energy intake were associated with faster recovery of adjusted RMR, although FM regain occurred concurrently. Post-competition recovery should be treated as an active, structured phase, with refeeding individualized to athlete goals and psychological readiness and guided by multi-system monitoring rather than RMR alone. Athletes and coaches should plan ahead for this phase, with structured increases in food intake, realistic expectations around fat gain, and avoidance of unnecessarily prolonged restriction that may delay physiological recovery.Item Stereotypes: Older Adult Representation in Australian Newspaper Advertising(SAGE Publications, 2025-09-04) Butson, Michael; Wright, RichardNewspapers feature advertising that can shape public perceptions, sometimes reproducing harmful beliefs based on ageing stereotypes. Ageism is one of the most normalised and accepted forms of prejudice in Australia. As visual imagery often attracts more attention than language alone, this study explores the representation of older adults in Australian newspaper advertising. The study identified 5124 advertising images over a 16-week period and included 14 Australian newspapers representing local, state and national levels. Our results suggest, when you consider Australia's older adult demographic proportion, there is adequate visibility of older adults in newspaper advertisements. Nevertheless, we also identified concerning aspects of stereotyping, including representations of older adults in poor health and being incapable. Findings highlight the need for advertising professionals to be more mindful of their choice of imagery. Recommendations include the use of a multiplicity of images and involving older adults at each stage of advertisement design.Item If In Doubt, Sit Them Out? - Exploring the Influence of the ‘Recognise and Remove’ Process on Management Decisions and Player Disclosure in Community Rugby Union(Elsevier BV, 2026-02-23) Badenhorst, Marelise; Salmon, Danielle; Rasmussen, Karen; Sole, Gisela; Walters, Simon; Romanchuk, JanelleObjectives: World Rugby's ‘Recognise and Remove’ process facilitates immediate removal of players with suspected concussion from community-level games to enhance player safety. The aim of this study was to explore community stakeholders' perceptions of the ‘Recognise and Remove’ process, and its influence on concussion management decisions. Design: Pragmatic, qualitative descriptive study. Methods: This study utilised semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 62 community rugby stakeholders from New Zealand schools and clubs. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Four main themes were developed: i) If in doubt, sit them out; ii) hypervigilance and a pendulum that has swung too far; iii) decisions have consequences: the influence of uncertainty and pressure; and iv) the mandatory stand-down period can be counter-productive. Most participants emphasised the importance of the process, placing player welfare above all else. However, several participants believed that improved concussion awareness had created hypervigilance which in their opinion is detrimental to the game. Immediate decision-making to remove a player was becoming increasingly challenging under pressure. Finally, the mandatory stand-down period was a primary driver for player non-disclosure, and feelings of stress experienced by team leads/physiotherapists when uncertainty surrounded the suspected concussion. Conclusions: Most participants emphasised the importance of the ‘Recognise and Remove’ process. Yet, a concerning subset of participants expressed dissatisfaction with the process, leading to hesitancy when deciding to remove a player from the field. Collaborative strategies to improve stakeholders' acceptance of the process are critical to avoid unintended consequences.Item What is Resistance Exercise? A Review of Current Uses and Potential Ways Forward(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-02-17) Lohmann, LH; Afonso, J; Behm, DG; Siegel, SD; Keiner, M; Wirth, K; Blazevich, AJ; Helms, ER; Spence, AJ; Warneke, KThe resistance exercise (RE) literature highlights the importance and impact of RE in sports performance, daily life, and clinical outcomes. While RE research dates back to the 19th century, current definitions of what constitutes RE are varied and give rise to questions about the requisites of RE. For example, some definitions refer to movements or muscle contractions against external resistance whereas others consider all repeated actions against one’s bodyweight. Taken to the limit, this could introduce confusion between RE and endurance exercise, for example. Without a clear definition, systematic reviews (with meta-analysis) discuss outcomes of studies examining the effects of RE in different settings, using heterogenous inclusion criteria (e.g., plyometrics may be included in some reviews but not in others). This may affect the direction and magnitude of effects, whereby it will be unclear if heterogeneous findings result from natural variation in response to RE or from different definitions of what constitutes RE. This challenges comparative analyses and may impair cohesive RE recommendations. Taken collectively, this obscures our understanding of RE effects. In an attempt to advance this understanding, the present review starts by mapping different types of definitions and illustrates their consequences. Secondly, this review provides a working definition of RE while discussing persisting challenges that require clarification before a consensus can be reached.